Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Chatty Boy...drinking a big gulp (it was empty)
Yes, the ice falls and smushes his face. He starts crying but didn't get hurt.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hot Summer Day
Today it got up to 94 degrees. Thank goodness we got our air conditioning fixed last week. Otherwise it would not be fun. The annoying thing about this new house we are in is that you can't let the air blow through the house when you open the windows. We have to put the deck on so we can keep the deck door open. I am not risking being the next news story of a toddler (or cat) pushing through the screen deck door and falling 2 stories down.
We spent the day inside to stay cool. We did our daily Diet Coke run at Super America and Branon's curls on the back of his head curled really tight. He was hot and sweaty from a 2 mile trip. We finished dinner early and filled up a pool for Punky to play in. He had some trouble getting in but once in the pool he loved it. I (mom) got in with him so he would feel more comfortable. Together Brandon and I soaked dad!
After the pool party we went back to the cool air inside and got our jammies on early. We played with some new toys- and moms camera, dads Blackberry, and moms lap top. Those are some expensive new toys.
After a tantrum (we don't let him tip his water glass all over him) it was time for bed. Even though we stayed inside for the day he still played hard and went to sleep a bit early. He has been sleeping in really late these past few days too.
Oh- it is also officialy: Toofers 7 and 8 have arrived, unpacked and made themselves at home. They did this rather quickly. When I peeked today they were half way up to his other 2 teeth that are almost toally in. 7 and 8 are a bit pushy aren't they.
We spent the day inside to stay cool. We did our daily Diet Coke run at Super America and Branon's curls on the back of his head curled really tight. He was hot and sweaty from a 2 mile trip. We finished dinner early and filled up a pool for Punky to play in. He had some trouble getting in but once in the pool he loved it. I (mom) got in with him so he would feel more comfortable. Together Brandon and I soaked dad!
After the pool party we went back to the cool air inside and got our jammies on early. We played with some new toys- and moms camera, dads Blackberry, and moms lap top. Those are some expensive new toys.
After a tantrum (we don't let him tip his water glass all over him) it was time for bed. Even though we stayed inside for the day he still played hard and went to sleep a bit early. He has been sleeping in really late these past few days too.
Oh- it is also officialy: Toofers 7 and 8 have arrived, unpacked and made themselves at home. They did this rather quickly. When I peeked today they were half way up to his other 2 teeth that are almost toally in. 7 and 8 are a bit pushy aren't they.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Gooser on Father's Day
First of all- Happy Father's Day!
Rob is celebrating his second Father's Day! Now, I have to be upfront and honest...Rob may not be the best husband all the time (nor am I anywhere NEAR being the best wife all the time) BUT...I do think he is one kick a$% dad- all the time. I can honestly say he is madly in love with his son and his son is madly in love with him! They both light up when they see each other and love spending time together.
They watch baseball together.
They both love the movie The Golden Compass
They both laugh when chasing each other.
They love to cuddle with kitties.
They are picky eaters
They can both work a video game controller better than I ever could. Brandon has no idea what is going on but he can still work that controller.
They both screech when going down slides at the park.
They are also messy eaters.
AND...they both give the best hugs in the world!
So- Happy Father's Day Rob! You are a great dad!
Tonight for Father's Day Brandon and I (mom) headed to Grandma and Grandpa's. Rob was not feeling too well after mowing the lawn in total heat and had a pounding headache. (Sorry about the headache honey). We enjoyed a very delicious dinner of poppyseed salad, steak, ribs, kbobs, corn on the cob, watermelon, veggies....oh I could go on and on! It was a fun evening....always is until someone gets hurt.
As Brandon was making a bolt for the stairs and I started to run after him he noticed me quickly approaching. Laughing hard he turned and ran from me and hit a pair of shoes in the front entry way and tripped right over them. He didn't even have a chance to land head first into the ground because his head hit the corner of the wooden steps. Yes-corner! Yes-corner meets head!
Immediately Brandon started screaming and immediately one huge egg began forming on his head. One big GOOSER of an egg formed on his head.
He cried for only 3 minutes top. It was time for dinner so he became distracted with his chicken and dinner roll. As he continued to eat he didn't notice Grandpa Tim putting his new invention of a old dish towel with ice cube in it wrapped around his forhead. I am so bummed my camera was dead. He looked like Rambo or Karate Kid with this killer band around his head. He kept it on for over half an hour. The ice did take some of the swelling down but he still has one big bump on his forhead. After the few minutes of crying nothing phased him and he was just fine.
Happy Father's Day Gooser!
Rob is celebrating his second Father's Day! Now, I have to be upfront and honest...Rob may not be the best husband all the time (nor am I anywhere NEAR being the best wife all the time) BUT...I do think he is one kick a$% dad- all the time. I can honestly say he is madly in love with his son and his son is madly in love with him! They both light up when they see each other and love spending time together.
They watch baseball together.
They both love the movie The Golden Compass
They both laugh when chasing each other.
They love to cuddle with kitties.
They are picky eaters
They can both work a video game controller better than I ever could. Brandon has no idea what is going on but he can still work that controller.
They both screech when going down slides at the park.
They are also messy eaters.
AND...they both give the best hugs in the world!
So- Happy Father's Day Rob! You are a great dad!
Tonight for Father's Day Brandon and I (mom) headed to Grandma and Grandpa's. Rob was not feeling too well after mowing the lawn in total heat and had a pounding headache. (Sorry about the headache honey). We enjoyed a very delicious dinner of poppyseed salad, steak, ribs, kbobs, corn on the cob, watermelon, veggies....oh I could go on and on! It was a fun evening....always is until someone gets hurt.
As Brandon was making a bolt for the stairs and I started to run after him he noticed me quickly approaching. Laughing hard he turned and ran from me and hit a pair of shoes in the front entry way and tripped right over them. He didn't even have a chance to land head first into the ground because his head hit the corner of the wooden steps. Yes-corner! Yes-corner meets head!
Immediately Brandon started screaming and immediately one huge egg began forming on his head. One big GOOSER of an egg formed on his head.
He cried for only 3 minutes top. It was time for dinner so he became distracted with his chicken and dinner roll. As he continued to eat he didn't notice Grandpa Tim putting his new invention of a old dish towel with ice cube in it wrapped around his forhead. I am so bummed my camera was dead. He looked like Rambo or Karate Kid with this killer band around his head. He kept it on for over half an hour. The ice did take some of the swelling down but he still has one big bump on his forhead. After the few minutes of crying nothing phased him and he was just fine.
Happy Father's Day Gooser!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The Shack
I have just finished reading The Shack. It was a tough book to read. I know some folks won't read it because it doesn't portray God in the 'correct' way. In my opinion-you look right past that and focus on the message it is trying to send. The part that hit me hard was when they were talking to Mack about forgiving the guy that took and killed his daughter, Missy many years before. I am horrible at forgiveness. There are many people in my life that have hurt me or my loved ones and I have still not forgiven them months to years later. After reading this book I know now it is something I need to make a priority especially with having a little boy who will soon be talking back to me and will someday say, "Mom, You're mean. I hate you." What kid hasn't said that to their parent. I need to prepare myself for that moment and being prepared for that moment means being able to forgive him for saying it.
"Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver, to release you from something that will eat you alive, that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly. Do you think this man cares about the pain and torment you have gone through? If anything, he feeds on that knowledge. Don't you want to cut that off? And in doing so you will release him from a burden that he carries whether he knows it or not- acknowledges it or not. When you choose to forgive another, you love him well."
Mack continues to ask about forgiveness and brings up his anger and asks God if it is okay to be angry at this man who has killed his daughter asking, "Is it alright if I am still angry?"
God answers, "Absolutely! What he did was terrible. He caused incredible pain to many. It was wrong, and anger is the right response to something that is so wrong. But don't let the anger and pain and loss you feel preent you from forgiving him and removing your hands from around his neck."
I think I confuse anger and forgiveness. I think I have issues with both- but need to start forgiving and realize it is okay to be angry. I want to focus on this so when Brandon needs to forgive or I need to forgive him we can both be able to do that.
It all starts from example- which will be from me.
"Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver, to release you from something that will eat you alive, that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly. Do you think this man cares about the pain and torment you have gone through? If anything, he feeds on that knowledge. Don't you want to cut that off? And in doing so you will release him from a burden that he carries whether he knows it or not- acknowledges it or not. When you choose to forgive another, you love him well."
Mack continues to ask about forgiveness and brings up his anger and asks God if it is okay to be angry at this man who has killed his daughter asking, "Is it alright if I am still angry?"
God answers, "Absolutely! What he did was terrible. He caused incredible pain to many. It was wrong, and anger is the right response to something that is so wrong. But don't let the anger and pain and loss you feel preent you from forgiving him and removing your hands from around his neck."
I think I confuse anger and forgiveness. I think I have issues with both- but need to start forgiving and realize it is okay to be angry. I want to focus on this so when Brandon needs to forgive or I need to forgive him we can both be able to do that.
It all starts from example- which will be from me.
Birthday Parties
After a sleepless night and a quiet day it was time to whoop-it-up. Brandon's friend, Connor turned 3 and it was time to celebrate. Connor is the son of a good friend of Rob's who was also his best man in our wedding. Since they live 30 minutes from us or so we don't see them as much as we would like but they are wonderful friends and have a cute little boy who has his daddy's muscles and is proud of it (or so the t-shirt says). We packed up a sleepy bear and headed to Central Square Park in Waconia. The Thomas Celebration has begun and knowing Connor's love for the little blue train we jumped on board. Punky was even wearing his Thomas outfit fit for the celebration. There were lots of people- adults and children. Grilling out, pinata, park, swings, presents and one colorful cake made for a special evening and the rain knew it was special. Thankfully it obeyed and stayed far away. Despite the severe pain in my back today (a karma thing I think since I was supposed to have my back surgery today) I enjoyed watching Punky run around the green grass, fall down, push himself up, then wipe his hands and run away. I taught him the wipe his hands process.
During the evening, flashbacks of Brandon's first birthday surfaced. Sadly, some of the guests we were expecting were not able to attend due to a severe accident (including hospitalization) in the family and other grandparents on a vacation. Even though I was a bit disappointed I was fully aware family members needed to be where they needed to be and supported it 100%. When I found out I was pregnant one of the first things I thought abou was the babys first birthday and what it would be like. I just wanted it to be a special day for him/her. I think we accomplished that well. Watching Connor with other friends-of all ages-made me think of future birthdays for Brandon. I am excited to see him grow up and learn more and more about birthday parties. I am ready for a big party with kids, adults, cake, treats, party hats, favors, goody bags, games, heck maybe even a clown! The hamster wheel in my mind was racing....where can we do his next party? Pool, playground, zoo, community center, maze....Oh the possibilities! What character? Elmo, Thomas, Cookie Monster, Bob the Builder- just NO Barney. Oh the possibilities are endless!
I am most excited that as the candles on the cake grow so will Brandon's ability to remember the events.
Happy Birthday Connor!
During the evening, flashbacks of Brandon's first birthday surfaced. Sadly, some of the guests we were expecting were not able to attend due to a severe accident (including hospitalization) in the family and other grandparents on a vacation. Even though I was a bit disappointed I was fully aware family members needed to be where they needed to be and supported it 100%. When I found out I was pregnant one of the first things I thought abou was the babys first birthday and what it would be like. I just wanted it to be a special day for him/her. I think we accomplished that well. Watching Connor with other friends-of all ages-made me think of future birthdays for Brandon. I am excited to see him grow up and learn more and more about birthday parties. I am ready for a big party with kids, adults, cake, treats, party hats, favors, goody bags, games, heck maybe even a clown! The hamster wheel in my mind was racing....where can we do his next party? Pool, playground, zoo, community center, maze....Oh the possibilities! What character? Elmo, Thomas, Cookie Monster, Bob the Builder- just NO Barney. Oh the possibilities are endless!
I am most excited that as the candles on the cake grow so will Brandon's ability to remember the events.
Happy Birthday Connor!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Welcome to the family....number 7 and 8!
The last few days or so Punky has been crabbier than usual. Going though the checklist of "What's Wrong?" possibilities we found the answer; pure whiteness on his bottom gum next to his first 2 teeth. Knowing number 7 and 8 are popping in we (mom and dad) became a bit more sympathetic and sad for him. We cuddled him up a bit more than we normally do. We let him have his way a little more. We let him have an extra bottle instead of forcing him to eat since it hurt him.
HOWEVER, 2 new teeth does not mean he can keep us up all night long playing. Sleep is sleep- hands down and we all need it to function somewhat normally.
It was one tough night! Punky and his new teeth didn't want to sleep. He slept from 9pm to 11:30pm. Dad rocked him from 11:30pm to almost 1am (ridiculous). Finally we put him in his crib to finish crying it out. 2 hours later he was still at it. Finally at 3:30am I turned on the monitor to hear silence and relief on my part. We all were finally asleep...but not for long. Brandon's 2 new friends decided to cause some more pain at 4:30am for another hour. I was shocked that Brandon wasn't conking out from exhaustion with all his screaming and crying he was deeply involved in.
A quick bottle later he was back to sleep (by 5am) until 8am this morning.
One night of little and totally broken sleep has us all a little on edge and crabbie today. Understandably so!
Welcome to the family toofers 7 and 8!
HOWEVER, 2 new teeth does not mean he can keep us up all night long playing. Sleep is sleep- hands down and we all need it to function somewhat normally.
It was one tough night! Punky and his new teeth didn't want to sleep. He slept from 9pm to 11:30pm. Dad rocked him from 11:30pm to almost 1am (ridiculous). Finally we put him in his crib to finish crying it out. 2 hours later he was still at it. Finally at 3:30am I turned on the monitor to hear silence and relief on my part. We all were finally asleep...but not for long. Brandon's 2 new friends decided to cause some more pain at 4:30am for another hour. I was shocked that Brandon wasn't conking out from exhaustion with all his screaming and crying he was deeply involved in.
A quick bottle later he was back to sleep (by 5am) until 8am this morning.
One night of little and totally broken sleep has us all a little on edge and crabbie today. Understandably so!
Welcome to the family toofers 7 and 8!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Horse Races
Tonight Brandon and I joined Auntie Key, Becky and Beth at the track. It was Brandon's first time. I mohawked him up and put on a funky "Ladies Man" T-shirt. He was the talk of the track. He liked to watch the horses when they ran by and even giggled at them the first time. He then just wanted to run and run and run. There were many other children doing the same thing. One being a young girl around Brandon's age. Her dad pointed at Brandon and said to her, "You have to stay away from him. He is going to be trouble when he gets older." Of course auntie and I thought it was cute since everyone thought he was definetly a ladies man. He was just a ham and got lots of great laughs. 
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Welcome, you've entered the TODDLER years
It hit me hard today driving home from Eden Prairie Center (EPC). Brandon (with a new nickname-Punky) and I went to EPC to eat some lunch in a nummy food court and play in their child's indoor play area. Punky was such a grown man today! He ate all his chicken nuggest and fries and milk. He sat nicely and didn't screecc or throw his food during lunch. When he wanted milk he signed milk (he just learned it 2 days ago but he loves using sign language for milk). After lunch time we headed down to the lower level to play. Concern was growing in my blood as I realized school is officially out and all I heard was children. Sometimes the play area is packed tight with all sizes of kids but mostly those who are a bit too tall to be in the area. Being in no rush I decided to let Brandon walk instead of cruise in the Graco. I put him down and away he went. He is a boy after my own heart as he ran and screeched his way right into Zales jewelry store. I was in shock! He passed the shoes sitting outside the lease line of Journey (he loves shoes) and bolted for some very beautiful rings. He must have wanted to pick something out for mommy. Bending down to ask which one he wants to get for mommy he pointed to the perfect turqoise and diamond ring- the one I eyed when I was following Punky into the store. The store gal was very friendly and we swamped stories as her son is turning one tomorrow! He was so bashful with her and she was so complimentary. Drooling mouths and many fingerprinted glass cases later we continued on our way. Punky loved to walk/run his way to the elevator. He listened to every direction I gave him. I think it helps if you don't hound kids over and over on the same things. We had plenty of time so why rush to the elevators? He actually had more fun watching them go up and down and seeing the people inside. We let the big, glass elevator go up and down many times before we took our turn. Successfully making it to the play area we needed to find 'our spot'. We normally have dad with us but today we really wouldn't have a 'spot' as I would be dilly-dallying around a toddler! It was as packed as a sardine can with all ages of children and their parents/nannies sitting on the sidelines waiting and yelling. I was glad to see one dad playing with his son who was about the same age as Brandon. Since Brandon is home all day with mom and dad we always wonder how he will do amongst a group of children. Before my purse was down he was off and running. And not just to play but to meet a new friend. He met many today and he has a preference for little girls- his age and up to 5 years old or so. One girl taught him how to climb one of the pieces.
Brandon has been here many times before. He has ventured off, stayed in one area, stayed only on the benches with us, stayed on a flower the entire time. He knows this area and has played at his abilities that he could at the time. It has been about a month or so since our last visit and today was a new adventure for him at our ever favorite tot lot. Besides immediately meeting new friends and venturing off he strived in doing so much for himself. As a mom you want to do everything for your kids and I make a very conscious effort to stay away. I showed him a tunnel to crawl through once and a flower to climb. After that he climbed that flower and many ladybugs by himself. He would go in and out and in and out and in and out of that tunnel over and over. The other moms were quite amused. He found the fish to climb on and the jet ski and he knew how to climb onto it by himself and ride it. He even made the noise. After a slip and fall from the jet ski he was off (with no tears-and I didn't go running to him) to a new venture. One that was out of my sight. I sneakily followed to find him climbing the stairs to the large 'jungle' piece where there are many slides coming from. Once at the top he laid on his belly and pushed himself backwards until he hit a wall then he would turn a bit and keep pushing until he quickly found a slide and down he went. He got up thinking he could climb the slide to fall right back down. That was one fast learning moment when something clicked in his brain that he had to go up the stairs again. Not even noticing mommy near by (I kept away and quiet to see how he would do.) he rushed to the stairs and did the belly pushing slide move again to another, bigger slide. Out of my sight again I waited. I knew he was safe and I wanted to see if he knew mommy was out of sight and see what his next move was. He came running around the corner to do the stairs again. He didn't need my help anymore climbing, sliding, running, etc.
I was so proud of him for learning so quickly about how things work and how to do things and being so brave to conquer the environment and new things on his own.
When it was time to go I held up his shoes and socks and he caming running over and knew what we had to do. Grabbing the stroller Punky learned of a new device that goes up and down and people ride it. He was curious and interested. So be it....we are breaking the 'No Strollers on the Escalators' rule. I slowly showed him what we were going to do and explained everything (even if he doesn't understand it all- you should always explain it). I pushed the stoller ahead of us and together we stepped on to the escalator. Brandon did it perfectly one step at a time. I was so proud of him for holding my hand the entire time and stepping quickly on and off the escalator. I know my dad is probably rolling his eyes at me right now and saying something like, "Melissa, he is a kid. Whoop-de-do" but when you realize your little 8 pound baby that you delivered now understands how to walk, talk, run, figure things out, learn new things, climb new things, and so on...it really hits you how proud of him you are. It hit me today! I can't call him my 'baby' anymore. I can't do anything 'baby' with him...heck, he does showers and sits at the table now with mom and dad-at 13 months that isn't bad. It has gone too fast.
Driving home from EPC I kept thinking of how yesterday he was so frusterated that he couldn't work a toy or figure out a book but today he could figure out how to get on and off an escalator. It is amazing how every day there is something new from him and to see how he is learning and processing everything so quickly and in his own unique way.
I think we have officially entered the toddler years! I feel very welcomed! And Punky does too!
Brandon has been here many times before. He has ventured off, stayed in one area, stayed only on the benches with us, stayed on a flower the entire time. He knows this area and has played at his abilities that he could at the time. It has been about a month or so since our last visit and today was a new adventure for him at our ever favorite tot lot. Besides immediately meeting new friends and venturing off he strived in doing so much for himself. As a mom you want to do everything for your kids and I make a very conscious effort to stay away. I showed him a tunnel to crawl through once and a flower to climb. After that he climbed that flower and many ladybugs by himself. He would go in and out and in and out and in and out of that tunnel over and over. The other moms were quite amused. He found the fish to climb on and the jet ski and he knew how to climb onto it by himself and ride it. He even made the noise. After a slip and fall from the jet ski he was off (with no tears-and I didn't go running to him) to a new venture. One that was out of my sight. I sneakily followed to find him climbing the stairs to the large 'jungle' piece where there are many slides coming from. Once at the top he laid on his belly and pushed himself backwards until he hit a wall then he would turn a bit and keep pushing until he quickly found a slide and down he went. He got up thinking he could climb the slide to fall right back down. That was one fast learning moment when something clicked in his brain that he had to go up the stairs again. Not even noticing mommy near by (I kept away and quiet to see how he would do.) he rushed to the stairs and did the belly pushing slide move again to another, bigger slide. Out of my sight again I waited. I knew he was safe and I wanted to see if he knew mommy was out of sight and see what his next move was. He came running around the corner to do the stairs again. He didn't need my help anymore climbing, sliding, running, etc.
I was so proud of him for learning so quickly about how things work and how to do things and being so brave to conquer the environment and new things on his own.
When it was time to go I held up his shoes and socks and he caming running over and knew what we had to do. Grabbing the stroller Punky learned of a new device that goes up and down and people ride it. He was curious and interested. So be it....we are breaking the 'No Strollers on the Escalators' rule. I slowly showed him what we were going to do and explained everything (even if he doesn't understand it all- you should always explain it). I pushed the stoller ahead of us and together we stepped on to the escalator. Brandon did it perfectly one step at a time. I was so proud of him for holding my hand the entire time and stepping quickly on and off the escalator. I know my dad is probably rolling his eyes at me right now and saying something like, "Melissa, he is a kid. Whoop-de-do" but when you realize your little 8 pound baby that you delivered now understands how to walk, talk, run, figure things out, learn new things, climb new things, and so on...it really hits you how proud of him you are. It hit me today! I can't call him my 'baby' anymore. I can't do anything 'baby' with him...heck, he does showers and sits at the table now with mom and dad-at 13 months that isn't bad. It has gone too fast.
Driving home from EPC I kept thinking of how yesterday he was so frusterated that he couldn't work a toy or figure out a book but today he could figure out how to get on and off an escalator. It is amazing how every day there is something new from him and to see how he is learning and processing everything so quickly and in his own unique way.
I think we have officially entered the toddler years! I feel very welcomed! And Punky does too!
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