Brian has begun repeating words that he hears me say. His first imitation was "go, go, go." We standing by the front door, where we were on our way out; I wanted everyone out so I cried, "Let's go, go, go!" and I heard Brian repeat, "go, go, go"!
His next repetition (if memory serves me right) was at the Panera, where we had stopped after a long day of searching for a car out of town. We ordered some macaroni and cheese for Brian and I was telling him to eat his food. I said "cheese" and I was surprised again to hear him repeat what I had said. I tried, of course, to get him to repeat the words but he didn't do it.
He next surprised me when we were laying in bed. He was watching Thomas and Friends and on the screen a train was coming down the tracks when Brian responded with "Choo"!
He hadn't been prompted, so it was exciting to hear him say that in response to the train on the screen. Now, he had already begun saying "Shoohh" when he lifted a small toy in the air. I make that sound when I raise his small wooden plane in the air while playing and Brian had begun doing the same with the plane of his own accord.
This week, the evening of his birthday, also marked repetition of a new word. Brian was seated on my lap on the rocking chair and I lifted my foot in the air and said "shoe" a few times referring to my slipper and Brian repeated it!
On Thursday night, we were all in the family room. The TV was on and the Sleep Train commercial was running when we heard Brian say "choo" in response to the train on the TV. To our delight, the commercial ran several times and each time that Brian watched it he said "choo" and he's been repeating "choo" since then.
While it's exciting to get to hear Brian's first words and hear him get closer to speaking, it's also bittersweet because just like his first steps, it's a concrete reminder that my baby is growing up.
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Happy birthday!
S.D. Conference, Independence Day and Brian's Birthday
The last week of June we were preparing to leave for San Diego, to attend Jeff's conference. A doctor's appointment the Friday before we left was heart-breaking for me as that is when I learned that my pregnancy wasn't progressing normally - it would end in miscarriage.
I didn't care to go Southern California but I didn't want Brian to miss the trip because we don't get the opportunity to go on trips often.
So it was that we made the long drive to S.D. in the last week of June. Brian enjoyed his first visit. We had a nice room in a hotel on Shelter Island. While Jeff was at conference, Brian and I were on foot, usually in search of food. While it was nice to be in S.D. it was uncomfortable for me because I had to walk everywhere I went, pushing my son in his stroller and it was hot there that week. None the less, I was glad that my baby had a good time. Brian was able to go to Sea Port Village and Old Town S.D.
After conference we went to visit my sister and her family. Once again, Brian's cousins were ill with HFMD. I considered skipping the visit altogether but we see them so rarely that I thought we'd have to risk the exposure and hope Brian didn't get too sick.
Luckily, Brian had a great time with his cousin. And, although he contracted HFMD, he wasn't very sick from it.
On July 2nd was Brian's birthday photo session. He didn't tolerate very much before he became fussy and uncooperative. Again.
July 4th weekend we were at Ethan's house. It was there that Daddy pulled the sparklers out for the boys. The boys and their Daddies went to the backyard to light their sparklers. While they were playing with the sparklers, Brian started crying abruptly. It was later, while I was helping him get a drink that I realized that he had been burned. He was injured on his hand, in between his thumb and index finger. Daddy said that it must have happened when Brian reached to grab the sparkler.
On Monday, July 4th, my sister was going to join friends at the local park for the firework show. Before my sister left for the park, we shared a small birthday cake in honor of Brian's upcoming birthday. My sister left for the park afterwards and I chose to wait because it was a very hot day. We joined them in the late afternoon, however, where they had a party set up. We were given hotdogs to eat. Uncle Vic bought the boys light sabers and we waited in the cool evening for the fireworks display. The park was crammed full of visitors, a band played music and everyone seemed to be having a good time. The fireworks were great to watch and Brian was able to watch most of the display before losing interest.
We packed to leave for home on Tuesday, July 5th but I was sick that day and we had to return to my sister's house. We left for home on July 6th.
Brian's birthday was on Wednesday this year. It was a terribly hot week here at home. Jeff left for work and Brian and I were left alone to get some errands done before Jeff returned. We made the long drive to the Sprouts shopping center. I spotted a teacher's store so Brian and I went in there first. He was happy to have found a set of train tables to play with. He didn't want to leave the store but I told him that we could return for a visit at a different time.
We picked up a small cake at the grocery store and then made our way to the party supplies store where I bought him a balloon bouquet. They were out of the Thomas the Train foil balloon in standard size so I had to buy a jumbo balloon and it was a challenge to secure it in the car, in a way that would allow me to drive safely.
My poor son had not had anything to eat save for a snack before we had left for the day, but it was late by the time we made it back home so I gave him another snack while we waited for Daddy to return from work. Once he arrived he suggested we take Brian to John's Incredible Pizza. We drove to the shopping center where Daddy bought Brian a used Tonka police squad from the second-hand children's store. We then made our way to John's where we had dinner from their buffet and then helped Brian play a few of the games.
At home, we shared Brian's birthday cake and helped him open his presents. His Grandma Parsons and his Grandma Karen had each mailed him a birthday card that week and Ethan had also handed Brian a birthday gift at his house, while the boys were together in his home.
Despite the relentless heat, July was a good month for Brian. One filled with fun. And I feel incredibly blessed to have this precious boy in my life.
The last week of June we were preparing to leave for San Diego, to attend Jeff's conference. A doctor's appointment the Friday before we left was heart-breaking for me as that is when I learned that my pregnancy wasn't progressing normally - it would end in miscarriage.
I didn't care to go Southern California but I didn't want Brian to miss the trip because we don't get the opportunity to go on trips often.
So it was that we made the long drive to S.D. in the last week of June. Brian enjoyed his first visit. We had a nice room in a hotel on Shelter Island. While Jeff was at conference, Brian and I were on foot, usually in search of food. While it was nice to be in S.D. it was uncomfortable for me because I had to walk everywhere I went, pushing my son in his stroller and it was hot there that week. None the less, I was glad that my baby had a good time. Brian was able to go to Sea Port Village and Old Town S.D.
After conference we went to visit my sister and her family. Once again, Brian's cousins were ill with HFMD. I considered skipping the visit altogether but we see them so rarely that I thought we'd have to risk the exposure and hope Brian didn't get too sick.
Luckily, Brian had a great time with his cousin. And, although he contracted HFMD, he wasn't very sick from it.
On July 2nd was Brian's birthday photo session. He didn't tolerate very much before he became fussy and uncooperative. Again.
July 4th weekend we were at Ethan's house. It was there that Daddy pulled the sparklers out for the boys. The boys and their Daddies went to the backyard to light their sparklers. While they were playing with the sparklers, Brian started crying abruptly. It was later, while I was helping him get a drink that I realized that he had been burned. He was injured on his hand, in between his thumb and index finger. Daddy said that it must have happened when Brian reached to grab the sparkler.
On Monday, July 4th, my sister was going to join friends at the local park for the firework show. Before my sister left for the park, we shared a small birthday cake in honor of Brian's upcoming birthday. My sister left for the park afterwards and I chose to wait because it was a very hot day. We joined them in the late afternoon, however, where they had a party set up. We were given hotdogs to eat. Uncle Vic bought the boys light sabers and we waited in the cool evening for the fireworks display. The park was crammed full of visitors, a band played music and everyone seemed to be having a good time. The fireworks were great to watch and Brian was able to watch most of the display before losing interest.
We packed to leave for home on Tuesday, July 5th but I was sick that day and we had to return to my sister's house. We left for home on July 6th.
Brian's birthday was on Wednesday this year. It was a terribly hot week here at home. Jeff left for work and Brian and I were left alone to get some errands done before Jeff returned. We made the long drive to the Sprouts shopping center. I spotted a teacher's store so Brian and I went in there first. He was happy to have found a set of train tables to play with. He didn't want to leave the store but I told him that we could return for a visit at a different time.
We picked up a small cake at the grocery store and then made our way to the party supplies store where I bought him a balloon bouquet. They were out of the Thomas the Train foil balloon in standard size so I had to buy a jumbo balloon and it was a challenge to secure it in the car, in a way that would allow me to drive safely.
My poor son had not had anything to eat save for a snack before we had left for the day, but it was late by the time we made it back home so I gave him another snack while we waited for Daddy to return from work. Once he arrived he suggested we take Brian to John's Incredible Pizza. We drove to the shopping center where Daddy bought Brian a used Tonka police squad from the second-hand children's store. We then made our way to John's where we had dinner from their buffet and then helped Brian play a few of the games.
At home, we shared Brian's birthday cake and helped him open his presents. His Grandma Parsons and his Grandma Karen had each mailed him a birthday card that week and Ethan had also handed Brian a birthday gift at his house, while the boys were together in his home.
Despite the relentless heat, July was a good month for Brian. One filled with fun. And I feel incredibly blessed to have this precious boy in my life.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Last week was a particularly exhausting week for me. Baby was schedule for music class, my visiting teaching companion had arranged appointments to meet with our "sisters," Baby had his home evaluation and we were expecting Jeff's parents. On top of that, it was Valentine's Day weekend.
For weeks my mom had been telling me that she was going to visit. In fact, we were expecting to see her well before Jeff's parents arrived, but that didn't happen. Jeff's parents were here first. Mother had told me that she wanted to visit us before going on her trip to Mexico to visit family in February and so she told me that she was going to visit us on the 18th or 19th.
On Wednesday, February 17th, I took Baby to his music class, where we finally were able to attend to meet with our "class" for the first time. Baby met Owen, a 2-year-old boy and his other classmates were all girls, including a set of ginger twins. After music class, on our way home, I picked up Panera for lunch to go. Baby and I ate at home and then waited for the tree-cutters to arrive. It was over cast and windy, it looked like it might rain so we weren't sure if the tree-cutters would re-schedule, but they arrived and got to work immediately. Baby was tired because I had waken him early to get him to music class, but it would be impossible for me to lay him down for his nap. So long as the tree-cutters were working in the back yard and by the curb, the dogs would continue to bark. I had to wait until they were finished to put Baby down.
He was tired, however, and so he clung to me. He was so exhausted that I had to carry him in my arms or strap him to his high chair in order to go to the bathroom. I was carrying him in my arms when I walked by our kitchen and noticed a face pressed again our kitchen window. It was Mother! I wasn't expecting them on Wednesday, so their visit was a surprise.
I let them in and Mother greeted my tired Baby excitedly and made him cry. We chatted until the work crew was finished and then Baby and I fell asleep exhausted.
It was the dogs barking who woke us up when Jeff arrived from work. Baby was so tired he went back to sleep. Jeff and I woke him up at 6:30 PM and then we all went out to dinner. Mother had brought Baby's Christmas presents to him. We were unable to meet with my sister because we were sick Christmas week, so Mom had Christmas presents for Baby from my sister and my aunt in Fresno. On her phone, we recorded Baby opening his presents. Of course, the two toys were his favorites. He received a zoo playset from the Frausto family and eco baby care and a toy truck from the Ayala family.
For weeks my mom had been telling me that she was going to visit. In fact, we were expecting to see her well before Jeff's parents arrived, but that didn't happen. Jeff's parents were here first. Mother had told me that she wanted to visit us before going on her trip to Mexico to visit family in February and so she told me that she was going to visit us on the 18th or 19th.
On Wednesday, February 17th, I took Baby to his music class, where we finally were able to attend to meet with our "class" for the first time. Baby met Owen, a 2-year-old boy and his other classmates were all girls, including a set of ginger twins. After music class, on our way home, I picked up Panera for lunch to go. Baby and I ate at home and then waited for the tree-cutters to arrive. It was over cast and windy, it looked like it might rain so we weren't sure if the tree-cutters would re-schedule, but they arrived and got to work immediately. Baby was tired because I had waken him early to get him to music class, but it would be impossible for me to lay him down for his nap. So long as the tree-cutters were working in the back yard and by the curb, the dogs would continue to bark. I had to wait until they were finished to put Baby down.
He was tired, however, and so he clung to me. He was so exhausted that I had to carry him in my arms or strap him to his high chair in order to go to the bathroom. I was carrying him in my arms when I walked by our kitchen and noticed a face pressed again our kitchen window. It was Mother! I wasn't expecting them on Wednesday, so their visit was a surprise.
I let them in and Mother greeted my tired Baby excitedly and made him cry. We chatted until the work crew was finished and then Baby and I fell asleep exhausted.
It was the dogs barking who woke us up when Jeff arrived from work. Baby was so tired he went back to sleep. Jeff and I woke him up at 6:30 PM and then we all went out to dinner. Mother had brought Baby's Christmas presents to him. We were unable to meet with my sister because we were sick Christmas week, so Mom had Christmas presents for Baby from my sister and my aunt in Fresno. On her phone, we recorded Baby opening his presents. Of course, the two toys were his favorites. He received a zoo playset from the Frausto family and eco baby care and a toy truck from the Ayala family.
I didn't take Baby to music class on the evening of February 9th. He had his home evaluation on Wednesday, February 10th. The coordinator, a teacher and a speech therapist came to our house to evaluate Baby and to discuss whether he would be a good candidate for at-home instruction. As I had suspected, in all areas he was doing well with the exception of speech, therefore, I was told that he would qualify for home services.
On Friday, February 12th we were expecting Jeff's parents to visit and to bring Pip back home. They had taken Pip with them last October and he was coming home again. Jeff and his parents said that we should consider finding another home for Pip, and although I can no longer care for them and give them the attention I used to give them before I can't bring myself to hand them over to a complete stranger. Since having Baby, having our dogs at home has been a nightmare. I could not have imagined how much stress I would be subjected to because of the situation. If we knew a family who could lovingly care for them as we had done before our son was born I would consider sending them to their new family. I wish that my mom could be in the position to be able to care for them but she can't-- no one in my family can. We have asked Jeff's parents if they would be willing to give Pip a home and they have said no.
And so Jeff's parents, Bob and Pip arrived on Friday. Pip, of course, knew us but we were concerned about the way he would behave during his re-adjustment. Baby was wary of Pip because he no longer remembered him but it didn't take long before he felt at ease again with four-legged companion.
I didn't buy a gift for Jeff, but I decided to try to help Baby "make" a gift for him instead. On Friday, before Jeff was home from work, I helped Baby dip his bare feet in red paint and then we "stamped" his feet onto sheets of paper in the shape of a heart. I tried to form the shape with Baby's hands and with his feet. We made three attempts and I wrote "I love you, Daddy, with all my heart" on the sheet and helped Baby sign it. It was my sister who gave me the idea when she informed me that her son had come home from pre-school with red-stained feet.
Baby also had a card and a set of balloons for his Daddy and we had that ready for him when he arrived on Friday after work.
On Saturday, February 13th we dressed Baby in his Valentine's Day "casual" and took him to the park where I took some photos again. Jeff's parents made Baby laugh at the park and Karen helped him climb up the slides. Unfortunately, we left his red wooden train at the park!
In the early evening, Jeff and I went to the movies while Jeff's parents cared for Baby. We hadn't been to the movies in about three years and would you believe Jeff whined about the cost of our snacks?! I told him that it was absurd to be fixated on having spent $30 on snacks because we only go to movies every three years, and if you break it down, that's $10/year. Enjoy it, Jeff!
Valentine's Day was on Sunday this year. I didn't wake when my alarm went off, so I wasn't able to get in the shower before Jeff. Then his parents were awake and also got in the shower. We only have one shower in the house so I was not able to go with them to church. Baby stayed with me at home, too. Baby was taking a bath when Jeff and his parents returned. They had enjoyed the "talks" at church and were eager to tell me about them. Karen and Brian then started getting ready to leave and were gone shortly afterwards. They are going to return next month, in late March with the family from Eastern Europe for which they will be tour-guiding.
Baby went to park.
On Friday, February 12th we were expecting Jeff's parents to visit and to bring Pip back home. They had taken Pip with them last October and he was coming home again. Jeff and his parents said that we should consider finding another home for Pip, and although I can no longer care for them and give them the attention I used to give them before I can't bring myself to hand them over to a complete stranger. Since having Baby, having our dogs at home has been a nightmare. I could not have imagined how much stress I would be subjected to because of the situation. If we knew a family who could lovingly care for them as we had done before our son was born I would consider sending them to their new family. I wish that my mom could be in the position to be able to care for them but she can't-- no one in my family can. We have asked Jeff's parents if they would be willing to give Pip a home and they have said no.
And so Jeff's parents, Bob and Pip arrived on Friday. Pip, of course, knew us but we were concerned about the way he would behave during his re-adjustment. Baby was wary of Pip because he no longer remembered him but it didn't take long before he felt at ease again with four-legged companion.
I didn't buy a gift for Jeff, but I decided to try to help Baby "make" a gift for him instead. On Friday, before Jeff was home from work, I helped Baby dip his bare feet in red paint and then we "stamped" his feet onto sheets of paper in the shape of a heart. I tried to form the shape with Baby's hands and with his feet. We made three attempts and I wrote "I love you, Daddy, with all my heart" on the sheet and helped Baby sign it. It was my sister who gave me the idea when she informed me that her son had come home from pre-school with red-stained feet.
Baby also had a card and a set of balloons for his Daddy and we had that ready for him when he arrived on Friday after work.
On Saturday, February 13th we dressed Baby in his Valentine's Day "casual" and took him to the park where I took some photos again. Jeff's parents made Baby laugh at the park and Karen helped him climb up the slides. Unfortunately, we left his red wooden train at the park!
In the early evening, Jeff and I went to the movies while Jeff's parents cared for Baby. We hadn't been to the movies in about three years and would you believe Jeff whined about the cost of our snacks?! I told him that it was absurd to be fixated on having spent $30 on snacks because we only go to movies every three years, and if you break it down, that's $10/year. Enjoy it, Jeff!
Valentine's Day was on Sunday this year. I didn't wake when my alarm went off, so I wasn't able to get in the shower before Jeff. Then his parents were awake and also got in the shower. We only have one shower in the house so I was not able to go with them to church. Baby stayed with me at home, too. Baby was taking a bath when Jeff and his parents returned. They had enjoyed the "talks" at church and were eager to tell me about them. Karen and Brian then started getting ready to leave and were gone shortly afterwards. They are going to return next month, in late March with the family from Eastern Europe for which they will be tour-guiding.
Baby went to park.
I made the motion to have Baby's development evaluated. I have been concerned about his delayed speech. Baby's new music session started in February and Baby and I were able to attend the evening session the first week on 2nd of February. The first part of Baby's evaluation was on Wednesday morning at home.
That week also marked the beginning of Baby beginning to hand Tink her daily "candy" treats.
On Saturday, February 6th, Jeff and I took Baby to the zoo in Lodi. It wasn't a big zoo and Jeff was disappointed that they didn't have large animals. We allowed Baby to roam on his own a little in the zoo and I took photos and recorded him on camera.
We then made our way to the Japanese Gardens. Baby enjoyed being outside in the fresh air, free to roam and happy to take in the scenery. For his part, Jeff enjoys Japanese Gardens. He likes Koi and bonsai.
From Lodi we made our way to Sacramento where we spend the rest of the evening at IKEA. Before Baby was born we had been there once before. Sacramento is far so we don't go often, but it was nice to be there together as a family.
For the 1st time we had lunch at IKEA. Jeff, of course, was disappointed with the cost and I was disappointed with the serving portions, but otherwise, I liked it.
That week also marked the beginning of Baby beginning to hand Tink her daily "candy" treats.
On Saturday, February 6th, Jeff and I took Baby to the zoo in Lodi. It wasn't a big zoo and Jeff was disappointed that they didn't have large animals. We allowed Baby to roam on his own a little in the zoo and I took photos and recorded him on camera.
We then made our way to the Japanese Gardens. Baby enjoyed being outside in the fresh air, free to roam and happy to take in the scenery. For his part, Jeff enjoys Japanese Gardens. He likes Koi and bonsai.
From Lodi we made our way to Sacramento where we spend the rest of the evening at IKEA. Before Baby was born we had been there once before. Sacramento is far so we don't go often, but it was nice to be there together as a family.
For the 1st time we had lunch at IKEA. Jeff, of course, was disappointed with the cost and I was disappointed with the serving portions, but otherwise, I liked it.
Nursery
Brian turned 18-months-old on January 27! Not only are we half way to his 2nd birthday but being 18-months-old also makes old enough to begin Nursery at church, so we took him on January 31st. Because he doesn't get to interact with strangers and children much, I was concerned about leaving him alone. Jeff and I led him to Nursery where we found Sis. Carol, who used to serve in Primary when I was a Sunbeam teacher. She didn't recognize me, but she was my favorite "teacher" during Sharing-Time at Primary. I was surprised to find Nursery a small room, more so because toddlers need space to roll or push some of their toys.
Sis. Carol told Jeff and I that there are only a handful of children who attend Nursery, and it's rare for all the children to attend together. She mentioned the children who were there, and I was surprised that she hadn't mentioned Sis. Smith's daughter who is Baby's age. I would learn later that she moved back to her home state.
A father brought his son Jonah to Nursery, and he was the only other child there aside from Baby. Unfortunately, he cried most of that first hour. I felt terrible for him as he needed comfort and I even considered going to find one of his parents but I was afraid to leave Baby alone so I didn't volunteer to do that. For his part, Baby occupied himself playing with the assortment of toys they had there.
I learned from Sis. Carol that it was also 5th Sunday on this day. The adults would meet in the chapel again for the last hour of church and substitute "teachers" would arrive to replace Sis. Carol and our other Nursery teacher.
Jeff then appeared to find out how we were doing. He and Sis. Carol encouraged me to go with Jeff to 5th Sunday meeting and to leave Baby with his teen "substitute" teachers. Jonah's father had also come in to see how he was doing and when he learned that his son had had a rough time he took him with him.
At Nursery, too, Sis. Edgren stopped for a quick visit just before I left with Jeff. We told our substitute teachers not to hesitate to come to get us if Baby had a rough time. It was the first time he'd be left alone with complete strangers, without his parents and not in the care of a relative. Also, Jonah was no longer in the room with him.
We sat near near the door closest to Nursery. During the meeting Jeff went to check on Baby twice. He said he heard no crying. I also went a third time and was surprised to find that there was no crying. 5th Sunday meeting ended and we went to find our wee one. His teachers said that he was fine. They told us that he was "funny" because he had stumbled and fallen and he just lay there instead of getting back up.
We thanked our teen teachers and headed back to the chapel where we were able to see Heidi who had been visiting from Oregon.
Sis. Carol told Jeff and I that there are only a handful of children who attend Nursery, and it's rare for all the children to attend together. She mentioned the children who were there, and I was surprised that she hadn't mentioned Sis. Smith's daughter who is Baby's age. I would learn later that she moved back to her home state.
A father brought his son Jonah to Nursery, and he was the only other child there aside from Baby. Unfortunately, he cried most of that first hour. I felt terrible for him as he needed comfort and I even considered going to find one of his parents but I was afraid to leave Baby alone so I didn't volunteer to do that. For his part, Baby occupied himself playing with the assortment of toys they had there.
I learned from Sis. Carol that it was also 5th Sunday on this day. The adults would meet in the chapel again for the last hour of church and substitute "teachers" would arrive to replace Sis. Carol and our other Nursery teacher.
Jeff then appeared to find out how we were doing. He and Sis. Carol encouraged me to go with Jeff to 5th Sunday meeting and to leave Baby with his teen "substitute" teachers. Jonah's father had also come in to see how he was doing and when he learned that his son had had a rough time he took him with him.
At Nursery, too, Sis. Edgren stopped for a quick visit just before I left with Jeff. We told our substitute teachers not to hesitate to come to get us if Baby had a rough time. It was the first time he'd be left alone with complete strangers, without his parents and not in the care of a relative. Also, Jonah was no longer in the room with him.
We sat near near the door closest to Nursery. During the meeting Jeff went to check on Baby twice. He said he heard no crying. I also went a third time and was surprised to find that there was no crying. 5th Sunday meeting ended and we went to find our wee one. His teachers said that he was fine. They told us that he was "funny" because he had stumbled and fallen and he just lay there instead of getting back up.
We thanked our teen teachers and headed back to the chapel where we were able to see Heidi who had been visiting from Oregon.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Pancake Breakfast for Little B
Little B has been cooped up at home on account of the winter weather. He wants so badly to get out for fun, but it's so cold outside that I can't help but want to protect him from the elements. This past weekend Jeff took him to the park and he had a good time.
Also, this weekend Jeff did something he's never done before in all the years that I've known him. He asked if I wanted to go to Denny's for breakfast. Unfortunately, Jeff isn't well acquainted with breakfast. He claims that his family didn't eat breakfast in their home. He says his breakfast was usually a bowl of cereal.
Well, I for one, not only enjoy eating, but I've always looked forward to a delicious and filling breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day. The best part of waking up... is eating breakfast! In all the years I've known Jeff, it's been disappointing to be married to someone who doesn't share the value in starting the day with a good breakfast. When Jeff has offered to take me out for breakfast it sounds like this, "You want to go get a donut?"
No. No, I don't.
I would prefer a meal to a donut, thank you.
And so I nearly tripped and fell running into the bathroom to get ready to go out for breakfast before Jeff had the opportunity to change his mind.
It was also a Sunday morning, which makes the proposition a greater rarity. But, nonetheless, out for breakfast we all went. We ordered a meal for Little B., too, and we'd never seen him eat the way he did that morning at Denny's. He grabbed pieces of sausage and egg and happily put them into his mouth, but he loved his pancakes. He grabbed big chunks of pancake and shoved hem into his mouth. I snapped a few photos of him enjoying himself with Jeff's phone camera.
Music Class
Little B. and I had missed two months of music class. Because we've been confined at home and his program will end soon, I decided to take him on Tuesday. The car still hasn't been repaired so I was worried about taking him all the way to Modesto in our clunky car, and to be honest, it make nerve-wracking noises while I drove. Thankfully, we made it safely and Little B. had a good time. His teacher gave him the Christmas photo magnet she gives each child every holiday season. B enjoyed the segment in which the teacher handed the children chime balls that they rolled and tossed on the floor. He was disappointed in having to put his chime ball away when the teacher collected them. This also marked the first time that B was in class and walking on his own!
He curiously walked around the mothers that were seated on the floor and observed their faces as if he was looking at a treasure in a museum for the first time.
After music class we made the drive home. I was concerned for our safety in the vehicle so I hugged the far-right lane and drove slowly until we were back safely in Gordita. I bought B his favorite lunch at Panera and home we went. I was glad that he had had a good time and that we were able to travel in safety.
Also, this weekend Jeff did something he's never done before in all the years that I've known him. He asked if I wanted to go to Denny's for breakfast. Unfortunately, Jeff isn't well acquainted with breakfast. He claims that his family didn't eat breakfast in their home. He says his breakfast was usually a bowl of cereal.
Well, I for one, not only enjoy eating, but I've always looked forward to a delicious and filling breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day. The best part of waking up... is eating breakfast! In all the years I've known Jeff, it's been disappointing to be married to someone who doesn't share the value in starting the day with a good breakfast. When Jeff has offered to take me out for breakfast it sounds like this, "You want to go get a donut?"
No. No, I don't.
I would prefer a meal to a donut, thank you.
And so I nearly tripped and fell running into the bathroom to get ready to go out for breakfast before Jeff had the opportunity to change his mind.
It was also a Sunday morning, which makes the proposition a greater rarity. But, nonetheless, out for breakfast we all went. We ordered a meal for Little B., too, and we'd never seen him eat the way he did that morning at Denny's. He grabbed pieces of sausage and egg and happily put them into his mouth, but he loved his pancakes. He grabbed big chunks of pancake and shoved hem into his mouth. I snapped a few photos of him enjoying himself with Jeff's phone camera.
Music Class
Little B. and I had missed two months of music class. Because we've been confined at home and his program will end soon, I decided to take him on Tuesday. The car still hasn't been repaired so I was worried about taking him all the way to Modesto in our clunky car, and to be honest, it make nerve-wracking noises while I drove. Thankfully, we made it safely and Little B. had a good time. His teacher gave him the Christmas photo magnet she gives each child every holiday season. B enjoyed the segment in which the teacher handed the children chime balls that they rolled and tossed on the floor. He was disappointed in having to put his chime ball away when the teacher collected them. This also marked the first time that B was in class and walking on his own!
He curiously walked around the mothers that were seated on the floor and observed their faces as if he was looking at a treasure in a museum for the first time.
After music class we made the drive home. I was concerned for our safety in the vehicle so I hugged the far-right lane and drove slowly until we were back safely in Gordita. I bought B his favorite lunch at Panera and home we went. I was glad that he had had a good time and that we were able to travel in safety.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Christmas 2015
Photo Folly-la-la-lah
After Thanksgiving Day, on 11/28, we were photographed for our family Christmas/End-of-year photos by the same photographer who shot Tot's newborn photos. I informed Heather that we were running late and she agreed to fit us in her line-up by rearranging her schedule.
Tot, again, was not cooperative. He was uncomfortable, fussy and we had a difficult time getting him to smile. After all the planning and the money it cost us to secure the photographer, I wasn't sure we'd manage to get any decent pictures, but we were fortunate to have been able to get a small number of good pictures that we could share with family and friends.
Baby's First Christmas Tree
As much as I had wanted to celebrate Little B's first Christmas with family portraits and a Christmas tree, I was too tired, too sick and without money. This year, however, I was not going to let Christmas go by without a tree, and so we took Tot on 11/11 to our local Christmas tree lot and allowed him to "pick" his own tree. And pick a beautiful tree, he did!
We were not able to put up the tree the very same day, but it wasn't too long before it was displayed proudly by our large front windows. Jeff wrapped some twinkling lights around it and I placed a few ornaments that I was hoping would not be broken easily by Tot. I placed the two resin ornaments that I selected especially for him on the tree and he broke one. He decapitated my 2015 Jake ornament, unfortunately.
Birthday Blues and a Busted Car
Jeff was fighting a stubborn cold before we brought our Christmas tree home. And after Jeff got sick, Little B got sick, too. He was feverish a couple of days, and we assumed it might have been related to his teething. On the day of my birthday I took Little B with me to Denny's for my birthday pancake breakfast. The year before he was very young, so I awoke very early to go to Denny's while he slept in order to get back before Jeff had to leave for work. This time I took him with me and I was anxious about how that would go as I had never dined with him by myself.
He did well. I had to stop him from clanging his silverware on his plate like he likes to do, and he made a mess with the food on the table, and at one point a piece of sausage flew past me and landed a few feet away from me on the floor. But, otherwise, he did pretty good. He sure liked his orange juice and pancakes.
And so it was that I believed Brian was feeling better, but that evening he was inconsolable. I had wanted to go to dinner for my birthday, but I suspected that something might not be quite right with our car. When Jeff came home that evening he gave the car a try and also agreed that it seemed to have a problem, so we didn't go anywhere on the night of my birthday. And, not only were we unable to go out, but Little B had a rough evening. He cried and cried and cried. I wanted to give him pain reliever, but Jeff discouraged me because we had been giving him a lot of pain-reliever to combat his fevers and to relieve him of the discomfort associated with teething.
By morning, however, it was evident that Little B was sick, too. Like Jeff, he had a cold.
Well, it was only days before I felt like I ,too, was fighting a virus. On 12/23 I insisted that Jeff take Little B to see Santa at Bass Pro. Our car still wasn't well, but I figured they'd be OK as Santa wasn't too far from home. I was sick and didn't want to go to Bass Pro with Jeff and Little B to get others sick, but I also hated the idea of missing Little B's visit to Santa's. Although I had wanted to go, I awoke tired and only helped Jeff get Little B ready to go meet Santa.
Jeff returned a couple hours later with a portrait of a terrified toddler screaming on Santa's lap.
On Christmas Eve. I was still sick, so it was Jeff who cooked our Christmas dinner. He heated the pre-cooked ham we buy every holiday, and he made mashed potatoes, green beans, and an apple and cranberry crisp. Our meal was delicious. He refused to make the sweet potato casserole I requested, however, as he felt he had prepared enough food. Otherwise, his Christmas dinner was delicious.
On Christmas morning we led Little B to our Christmas tree where we helped him open his Christmas presents. He received an assortment of toys. Santa brought him a mini shopping cart. I gave him a xylophone and a shape sorter, Jeff gave him a copy of the Minions' short films. His grandpa Brian and grandma Karen gave him an assortment of goodies that included wooden toys, DVDs and clothes.
New Year's Eve.
We had considered going to Grandma Parson's for Christmas, but we were informed that Jeff's brother and his family would go for Christmas, too. We missed my sister's and Ethan's visit for Christmas because I was sick. Because we were unable to go visit Jeff's grandma for Christmas, Jeff considered the idea of going to his grandmother's for New Year's Eve. While we had all recovered from our colds, it is the our car that still hadn't been functioning well. On the 26th and 27th, Jeff took the car to two different shop that were unable to identify the problem with our car, so we didn't go to the ranch to spend New Year's Day with Jeff's grandmother.
Once again we were home for New Year's. Jeff and Little B were asleep when the clock struck 12 AM. I like to be awake to ring in the new year, however. I went and kissed my sleeping prince to wish him a happy new year and informed a half-asleep Jeff that it was the new year. I'm sure the barrage of fireworks, or gunshots, informed him as well.
May we all be blessed with a very healthy and very happy new year!
After Thanksgiving Day, on 11/28, we were photographed for our family Christmas/End-of-year photos by the same photographer who shot Tot's newborn photos. I informed Heather that we were running late and she agreed to fit us in her line-up by rearranging her schedule.
Tot, again, was not cooperative. He was uncomfortable, fussy and we had a difficult time getting him to smile. After all the planning and the money it cost us to secure the photographer, I wasn't sure we'd manage to get any decent pictures, but we were fortunate to have been able to get a small number of good pictures that we could share with family and friends.
Baby's First Christmas Tree
As much as I had wanted to celebrate Little B's first Christmas with family portraits and a Christmas tree, I was too tired, too sick and without money. This year, however, I was not going to let Christmas go by without a tree, and so we took Tot on 11/11 to our local Christmas tree lot and allowed him to "pick" his own tree. And pick a beautiful tree, he did!
We were not able to put up the tree the very same day, but it wasn't too long before it was displayed proudly by our large front windows. Jeff wrapped some twinkling lights around it and I placed a few ornaments that I was hoping would not be broken easily by Tot. I placed the two resin ornaments that I selected especially for him on the tree and he broke one. He decapitated my 2015 Jake ornament, unfortunately.
Birthday Blues and a Busted Car
Jeff was fighting a stubborn cold before we brought our Christmas tree home. And after Jeff got sick, Little B got sick, too. He was feverish a couple of days, and we assumed it might have been related to his teething. On the day of my birthday I took Little B with me to Denny's for my birthday pancake breakfast. The year before he was very young, so I awoke very early to go to Denny's while he slept in order to get back before Jeff had to leave for work. This time I took him with me and I was anxious about how that would go as I had never dined with him by myself.
He did well. I had to stop him from clanging his silverware on his plate like he likes to do, and he made a mess with the food on the table, and at one point a piece of sausage flew past me and landed a few feet away from me on the floor. But, otherwise, he did pretty good. He sure liked his orange juice and pancakes.
And so it was that I believed Brian was feeling better, but that evening he was inconsolable. I had wanted to go to dinner for my birthday, but I suspected that something might not be quite right with our car. When Jeff came home that evening he gave the car a try and also agreed that it seemed to have a problem, so we didn't go anywhere on the night of my birthday. And, not only were we unable to go out, but Little B had a rough evening. He cried and cried and cried. I wanted to give him pain reliever, but Jeff discouraged me because we had been giving him a lot of pain-reliever to combat his fevers and to relieve him of the discomfort associated with teething.
By morning, however, it was evident that Little B was sick, too. Like Jeff, he had a cold.
Well, it was only days before I felt like I ,too, was fighting a virus. On 12/23 I insisted that Jeff take Little B to see Santa at Bass Pro. Our car still wasn't well, but I figured they'd be OK as Santa wasn't too far from home. I was sick and didn't want to go to Bass Pro with Jeff and Little B to get others sick, but I also hated the idea of missing Little B's visit to Santa's. Although I had wanted to go, I awoke tired and only helped Jeff get Little B ready to go meet Santa.
Jeff returned a couple hours later with a portrait of a terrified toddler screaming on Santa's lap.
On Christmas Eve. I was still sick, so it was Jeff who cooked our Christmas dinner. He heated the pre-cooked ham we buy every holiday, and he made mashed potatoes, green beans, and an apple and cranberry crisp. Our meal was delicious. He refused to make the sweet potato casserole I requested, however, as he felt he had prepared enough food. Otherwise, his Christmas dinner was delicious.
On Christmas morning we led Little B to our Christmas tree where we helped him open his Christmas presents. He received an assortment of toys. Santa brought him a mini shopping cart. I gave him a xylophone and a shape sorter, Jeff gave him a copy of the Minions' short films. His grandpa Brian and grandma Karen gave him an assortment of goodies that included wooden toys, DVDs and clothes.
New Year's Eve.
We had considered going to Grandma Parson's for Christmas, but we were informed that Jeff's brother and his family would go for Christmas, too. We missed my sister's and Ethan's visit for Christmas because I was sick. Because we were unable to go visit Jeff's grandma for Christmas, Jeff considered the idea of going to his grandmother's for New Year's Eve. While we had all recovered from our colds, it is the our car that still hadn't been functioning well. On the 26th and 27th, Jeff took the car to two different shop that were unable to identify the problem with our car, so we didn't go to the ranch to spend New Year's Day with Jeff's grandmother.
Once again we were home for New Year's. Jeff and Little B were asleep when the clock struck 12 AM. I like to be awake to ring in the new year, however. I went and kissed my sleeping prince to wish him a happy new year and informed a half-asleep Jeff that it was the new year. I'm sure the barrage of fireworks, or gunshots, informed him as well.
May we all be blessed with a very healthy and very happy new year!
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