Becoming a Swan

I'm BACK!!!!!

2012-01-07T10:57:00.001-06:00

After a 6+ month hiatus I'm back!!! Thanks to my new phone and a blogger app I can now do post from my phone!!

This way I can get back to posting/sharing all the make a mommy smile (or go gray) stories of our everyday life.

Stay tuned... More excitement is just around the corner (after our nap of course)

Lincoln Park Zoo... In January!?!?

2012-01-07T10:42:00.001-06:00

And we spent most of it outside!!! We are taking advantage of the beyond nice weather. Loving the 56 degree temperature. Enjoying it while it last!!

Happy Birthday Ethan!!!

2011-07-26T12:25:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe our little Mr. Magoo has gone from this...

To this:My how he has grown!!! He is such a little boy now, yet still my baby!!!!

We had a very nice party at the park with our friends and family... too lazy to add pictures, maybe later.

Damn you Facebook!!

2011-06-20T10:45:00.004-05:00

I blame facebook for my lack of blogs... Most of my "updates" and photos go there...

That and a grumpy little boy that INSISTS on being held all.the.time!!! We are slowly getting past it but how can you not look at this cute little face and not pick him up?!?!

Add to that, the little fingers that like to bang on the keyboard while typing....

Currently working on a few post.... Easter, Our Charleston visit, missed Ethan updates, an upcoming ent visit for Ethan and other summer fun!!!

Well the grumpy monster is at it again...

First Haircut

2011-03-28T21:01:00.004-05:00

It only took 2 1/2 years to grow it... but the time has come to get a trim...

Look at that long hair!

She sat so well for Anastasia

She even got a cute little braid!

Wasn't so sure about the hairdryer

So pretty!

Crawling, sitting, standing.... OH MY!!!

2011-03-28T13:19:00.007-05:00

The little man is now 8 months and not so little any more.... Not sure on the latest weight/height stats but on the home bathroom scale he is over 16lbs!!!

A few things he is up too!!
~Crawling

~Getting into sitting position

~Pulling to stand

~Walking along furniture (just started this)
~Mini waves (not always with a "HI!!")
~Working on "So BIG!"
~Loves to eat "real" food, favorites include: blueberries, strawberries, mango, honeydew, yogurt, cheese, green beans, peas, carrots, peaches, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes, pancakes... I could keep going...

I got some Greek yogurt to try... gave Ethan a taste...

he ended up eating the whole thing!

He still only has 2 teeth but the top ones are so close to popping thru... its painful to look at them I can't imagine how he feels!

Donna and Great Grandma Betty came up for a visit... we had a great weekend (mommy & daddy even got in a date night!)

My little ballerina

2011-03-24T20:06:00.002-05:00

Ramey is definitely a girly girl....

For weeks she has been wearing her pink tutu...EVERYWHERE!!! Then I got her a pink "shine" (aka crown) after a visit to Bloomington where she wore one of her cousins and then talked about it for days....

Well my little twinkle toes, twirling and whirling to any music that would come on was always asking to dance... So we decided to sign her up for ballet... and to say she LOVES "dancing school" would be an understatement.... I quit counting how many times a day she asks about "dancing school"

Now she wears her tutu, shine and slip-ries (ballet shoes) everyday! She would wear the whole get up if she could get it on by herself... I have to hide it otherwise she constantly begs to wear it... As I speak she is in bed/sleeping... wearing jammies with her shine, tutu and slip-ries.... Love that girl!!!

Ms. Jenny is her teacher and there are only about 4 lil' girls in the class... I was without my phone for the first class so will try to get a few pics/video at the next one.

Kiss Me, I'm Irish

2011-03-18T20:54:00.002-05:00

Our mini photo shoot was only mildly successful... Ramey didn't want to sit still and when I finally got her to calm down, Ethan was no longer happy... I decided to go with the happy blurry kids pictures! Enjoy!

Seven Months!!!

2011-02-28T20:51:00.007-06:00

Seriously.... Already?!?!? Seven Months... Such a big boy!!

Ethan's got some skills!!!
~Scooting backwards
~Up on his knees rocking back and forth.... getting close!!!

~Does a mean down-ward dog
~Sitting tall! Does not need any support and catches himself

~Gets into crawling position from sitting
~Eating better, still not a huge fan but will tolerate some foods....

~Must sleep... miss a nap or push bedtime and you have a grumpy baby on your hands!! Prefers to sleep in the swing but we are working on breaking that habit!

~Still only has 2 teeth

We went back to the dr for his follow up a week or so ago... up to 15 lbs 6 oz!!! He gained enough and is doing a little better with solids so no need for another check!!! (oh... ears all clear too!!!)

They are starting to play together more and more... I can't wait to say "Ramey, go play with your brother"

Little Loves!!

2011-02-14T20:36:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Be Mine

Kisses

Love

Happiness

MSI CHICAGO

2011-02-12T20:59:00.003-06:00

Took a quick trip to the Museum of Science and Industry...

Checking out the trains

Where's your shadow?!?

Hatching chicks

Baby chicks

Playing with the water

Ramey had a blast!!!

Six Months!!!

2011-01-26T11:16:00.005-06:00

Hard to believe six months have passed!!! I have been having the time of my life with my little man (and his big sister!!)
What Ethan's up to:
~Sitting (with a little support)
~Rolling both ways
~Has 2 teeth (on the bottom) & 2 more on the way (top)
~LOVES the jump jump (jumperoo)
~Sleeping fairly well at night (still up 1-2 times to eat but goes right back to sleep)
~Plays with his toes (chews on them too...eww)
~Hates solid food (screams and gags whenever I give them to him)
~Laughs at/with his sister
~Pass objects from one hand to the other
~Screams (loves the sound of his voice)

We went in for his 6 month wbv on monday...

weight 14lbs 9oz (5-10%)
height 26 1/4" (50%)

He dropped in weight percentage... but hoping he rebounds once he starts eating solids... which he hates and bottles he uses as a chew toy. We go back in a few weeks to check his weight again as well as his ears.... that's right: ear infection!!! Just like his sister!! (at least it wasn't a double like hers) Unlike his solids, he really enjoys his medicine... which is a change from his sister, was lucky to get 1/4 of what she was supposed to get...

Teeth!!

2011-01-22T14:37:00.001-06:00

We have teeth!!! 5 months 3 weeks (ok fine, 6 months)

About a month ago I "thought" I saw a tooth but the next day it was gone

SLACKER!!!!

2011-01-05T20:02:00.003-06:00

I have been a total slacker when it comes to updating the blog... SORRY!! It doesn't help that Ramey likes to close the lap top on my hands the moment I open it. Add to that tag team naps and I barely have time for lunch OR a shower. We are getting a slightly more predictable nap schedule for Ethan so hopefully that will help.

Ethan is getting bigger every day and Ramey is as entertaining as ever!

I plan on going back and updating the past few months (ouch!); just not sure when that will happen... hopefully before Ethan's 6 month app!!

Look for posts on a B-town visit, Thanksgiving and Ethan's 4 month appt, plus the holidays, Ramey's big girl room, a peek-a-boo tooth and possibly more!!! (wow I have a lot to do!)

Till then a few random photos 'cuz that's all we every really care about!

Screaming 2 year old or would do more...

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T21:50:00.005-05:00

We had a very busy Halloween week...

The neighborhood park hosted a Halloween party and parade. Ramey fought taking her nap and didn't fall asleep till late so we had to wake her up in order to make it to the party...

She wasn't too excited at first

BUT then the candy came out...

Enough of these pictures...

I want more candy!

Lucky shot...

Our playgroup had a Halloween party with a puppet show and story time

Mommy read all Ramey's favorite Halloween stories to all our friends

Ramey spent most of the time running away from me

Or refusing to looking at me

It's a good thing she was a bit more cooperative when I took a few festive shots at home

For Halloween night, we met up with the Ciaccio's and hit the jackpot on one street! Were talking full size Snickers bars, cotton candy, balloons and lots of other goodies. The street started to get a bit crazy so we headed back to their house for a little party and some pizza (or candy for dinner if your 2!!)

3 Month

2010-10-28T20:58:00.004-05:00

I'm HOW old?!?!

Its hard to believe that 3 months have already passed by... I really wish I could freeze time and just hold onto my baby for awhile longer, he is growing up way too fast!!
Ethan's skills:

~ Smiling & laughing

~ Opening his hands & holding a few select toys

~ "Talking" (aaahh's, oooh & goo's)

~ Holds head up high durning tummy time, which he still hates

~ Briefly stands/bears weight on legs

~ Enjoys the playmat & bouncy seat

~ Sits well in the bumbo chair

~ Loves taking a bath and getting his diaper changed (such a boy!)

~ Sleep... don't get me started... some nights are better than others... some days naps are better than others, think we are just beginning the three month growth spurt so hopefully it will all even out in the next week or so. In a technical sense, he is sleeping thru the night (5+ hours) just wish the 5 hours started when I went to sleep instead of at 730

I just can't get enough of my little man... He is my "Mister" (when Ramey says it, it sounds like "Monster", which might be more accurate) "E-man" and my favorite "Mr. Magoo"

Whenever he wakes up, be it first thing in the morning or after a nap, I love to hear Ramey say "Good morning Ethan!!" She loves her baby brother so much and can't wait till she can really play with him and share her snacks with him

but not her gummy vitamin...

She is already showing him who's the boss:

she felt he needed to kiss a bo-bo on her foot (LOL)

She really does love him

Goebberts Pumpkin Farm

2010-10-19T16:08:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful weekend at the pumpkin farm

Feeding the Llama

and goats

Bella and Ramey had a blast running around in the hay maze

She couldn't get enough of the pumpkin eating [dino]saure

But the jumping pillow was the BEST

She was so busy she wouldn't even look at me to take her picture with the pumpkins

Boo at Brookfield Zoo

2010-10-18T16:08:00.002-05:00

We met up with the Mecum girls at Brookfield Zoo on a beautiful afternoon...

Riding the carousal with Olivia & Natalie

Running with Olivia

Checking out the tiger

Watching the big cats sleep

The seals are ready to eat

It was a great afternoon but exhausting...

And one of Ethan...

he was there but was asleep for most of it

(I just love how blue his eyes look in this shot)

9 Weeks & 2 Years

2010-10-06T21:48:00.005-05:00

Both kids needed to go for well baby visits, so I scheduled the appointments together... will NOT be doing that again.

Made the mistake of having Ethan checked out first as when he started crying then Ramey wasn't going to let that lady anywhere near her!!! It took awhile but overall two healthy kids

Ethan

weight ~ 11lbs 6oz (50th %)

height ~ 23 in (50th %)

He did well with his first round of shots... was a little extra clingy and sleepy but was back to his cute lil' self the next morning

~ Has great head control

~ Hands starting to open

~ Occasionally sucks on a random finger, still prefers the paci

~ Rolls over from tummy to back

~ Cooing, Ooing, Ahhing, Gooing... talking up a storm

~ Typically has one long 5-6 hr stretch at night

~ Naps still irregular, could be do to all the running about we do

~ Not a huge fan of tummy time

Ramey

weight ~ 24lbs 5oz (10-25th %)

height ~ 34 in (50th %) we think, she wasn't very cooperative standing or laying

She got her flu shot and hep A shot... she recovered quickly and really liked the "stickers" the nurse put on her leg (band-aids)

~ Very verbal... see previous post on 2 word phrases. My personal favorites "luv you" "see soon" "bess you"

~ Echo counts, colors, abc & shapes

~ Loves to color, sing and dance

~ Plays well with others, needs work on sharing

~ Is my little wander-er...

~ Starting to fight nap time... but still needs it

~ Picky eater... loves carbs, fruits and a few veggies

~ Loves her baby brother

~ Takes care of her baby and stuffed animals; gives them bottles, rocks & shh's them to sleep & changes their diapers

~ Likes Mickey Mouse, Elmo & Yo Gabba Gabba

Pumpkin Painting

2010-10-03T20:56:00.001-05:00

Dadda and Ramey painted pumpkins this weekend

Cousin

2010-09-25T21:51:00.001-05:00

Two months vs Four months:

Ethan and his cousin Braden are about 2 months apart... This was the first of many playdates/photo sessions

Happy 2nd Birthday Ramey!!

2010-09-25T20:13:00.001-05:00

Wow... 2 years old!!!

Ramey had a great birthday week...

Monday ~ Tot time at the library

Tuesday ~ Playgroup at the park followed by a play date with Mia, Molly, Whistler, Sadie & Olivia

Wednesday ~ Special dinner of homemade mac-n-cheese followed by cupcakes and practice candles (Ron thought he might have to work late on Thur so we did an early b-day dinner)

Thursday ~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Great start to the day with pancakes then Playgroup at the park and then my 2 year old thought she was too old to take a nap... finally fell asleep around 245. After a short nap it was back to the park for Story time and Kathryn & Kiley brought her cupcakes. Ron surprised us and came home for dinner... her first birthday dinner at a bar!!! Highdive! Then more cupcakes at home.

Friday ~ Relaxing morning at home before Aunt Donna & Grandma Betty arrived.

Saturday ~ Party day

We had a small party at the house with a small group of friends and family. The kids all had a great time running about laughing and giggling

Sunday ~ Nana & Papa stayed and we went to church then out to brunch...

It was a great week!!! All the while working on potty training... which is improving

Peas, Yank You & Saw-ee

2010-09-21T19:00:00.003-05:00

I am very proud of my polite little girl!!! She has been saying please for a while and sorry has been around for a few weeks, last week something that sounds like your welcome was overheard... This weekend thank you emerged. Most of the time they are used without much prompting too!! Momma is so proud!!

I just hope she continues to use them...

A few more frequently heard phrases:

~ I want ______ (cheese, fruit, apple, melon, etc)

~Les go

~ Yeah, ok!?!

~ Lefty stay (she now makes the dog stay in her room when she goes to sleep)

~ Sit down (sounds like "see dow")

~ Baby s-eeping & baby eatin' (She is finally able to say "Ethan"* but still calls him baby)

~Dadda work/Dadda bus

~Momma/Dadda talk (phones)

~All done & No more

~ Momma cooken

~Wha do-ing? (over and over again)

~Waz dat?

~I jumping

Yesterday I even heard an "I need help"

*The progression to Ethan... E T (which ironically are his initials), Eh-ta, Eeeten and finally Ethan

I just love hearing her little voice... I wish I could box it up and save it forever. (although the whiney I could live with out, my have to get the whiney box from my parents LOL) We are working on using our words... somedays are better than others

Ethan is also starting to become more vocal... his little ooh's & ahh's just melt my heart and make me smile... enjoying every minute with the little bug

Nature Museum

2010-09-20T20:58:00.001-05:00

In memory of Grandma Cheryl, we took a trip to the Nature Museum

She loved nature and being outside so we felt a trip to the butterfly garden would be a great way to remember her.

Ramey and Ethan had a great time

Cooken'

2010-09-19T20:49:00.005-05:00

Ramey loves to "help" in the kitchen.

Whenever I cook, she is right there ready to help...

She likes to help pour and stir...

We made peach muffins:

and she did a great job helping make pancakes this weekend!

And while I was cooking the pancake, Ramey "played" with Lefty

I have since learned that once you have a toddler help you in the kitchen, they will always want to help... on the plus side she likes to "help" unload the dishwasher!!

Potty Training

2010-09-18T16:13:00.003-05:00

I feel like we've been in a potty training holding pattern for a long time...

The last month or so of my pregnancy, Ramey really started to show some interest in potty training, but given my state, it wasn't something I was ready to tackle but got the potty chair, the big girl panties, m&m's and pull-ups... Every now and then she would sit but we never had much success, we had 1 or 2 instances when we "caught" it and timed it right.

Well I'm feeling back to normal and am able to bend over so I'm ready to put a little more attention into potty training, I just hope Ramey doesn't fight me too much and still has some interest in doing it... I also would like to get it somewhat underway sooner than later, as next week we start some classes.

I was starting to worry that we had missed the window and we were going to really struggle... The m&m's have taken that worry away!

Day 1 - Monday
I decided to give potty training more attention... Got Ramey to sit on the potty chair but only for a few seconds, she then wanted a pull-up... No biggie will just set the timer and have her sit every 15-20 mins and keep her water cup full. She stayed dry all morning but no success on the potty chair... After nap she went diaper free.. a few accidents but a success too!!

Day 2 -Tuesday
"pee pee on the potty... pee pee on the potty" Success, first thing in the morning!! A few more hits (and misses) thru out the day.

Day 3- Wednesday
Just like Tuesday... She is wanting to sit more...that and she knows she'll get a chocolate when she sits, looks like it might be time to up the ante

Day 4 - Thursday
More of the same... when home she is diaper free and is getting closer... we are having more hits than misses, even caught a poo!!! Not sure if I'm ready to tackle the outside world... at least the park has a bathroom, which we did visit this week...

Day 5 - Friday
We are on the right track!!! Definitely getting closer... Still taking her to sit every hour, but she is starting to head there on her own, sometimes right after she has already gone... but that's a start!

First thing Saturday morning she asked for the potty and went!!! Mornings are better than afternoons, but we are getting there!

Next week is the first week of a bunch of classes/play groups so may stick to pull ups while we are out but visit the potty before, during and after... very excited to be cutting down on our diaper purchase...

Potty training with an infant in the house has presented its own set of difficulties... it never fails that she has to go (and/or goes) while I'm with Ethan, even if she just sat (or it could be a ply for more attention... hmmm) I do see the light at the end of the tunnel

4-6 Weeks

2010-09-11T07:33:00.007-05:00

Once again, time is going by WAY too fast!

Hard to believe my little man is six weeks old!!!

He is getting so big (4 week stats)
Weight: 9lbs 2.5oz (25-50%)
Height: 21 1/2" (50-75%)

His neck is getting stronger everyday... He is really starting to hold it up high, so high that he has rolled over a few times!! (Will work on getting video of it)

AND we've gotten a few baby smiles and giggles!! (really need to get the video camera out)

A little grin

I really didn't want any more baby paraphernalia in my living room but at the end of one extra fussy day, I decided to get out the swing... So glad I did!! He LOVES it!! (so does Ramey!!) Naps have improved since starting to use it! (as long as Ramey doesn't help "push" it) Night time sleep is going well... up 2-3 times to eat but he's right back to sleep most times. Every couple of days I get a 5-6 hour stretch (unfortunately typically starting at 7 or 8)

We are getting out of the house a little more, mainly to the park... We got the wheel board for the stroller so going for walks have gotten much easier. Running errands is still a challenge, but a baby carrier will solve that!

A quick shot of Ramey getting her baby ready to run some errands

She makes a great big sister and mommy's little helper!

Bath time

2010-08-22T19:50:00.006-05:00

Just shy of 3 weeks, Ethan's bellybutton fell off... however when this happened the bellybutton didn't look completely healed, so we opted to wait a few more days to do bath time...

The time finally came... Sorry little man, but you get to use your sisters old bathtub for a few months... (I like it 'cause it fits nicely on the sink) Please don't hold it against us!

Ramey helped too

He did very well and really enjoyed his first bath! Hope the trend continues (will load video later)

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As I mentioned in a previous post, we had a potential leak in the tub in our bathroom, so we stopped using it for a while... well Ramey still need to be cleaned...

Luckily the handheld shower head in the guest bathroom is the perfect height!!!

To say that she LOVES to take a shower is an understatement! She is always asking to take a "shaw-oh"

All clean!

She even will use the squeegy to clean the glass

Nighty Night

2010-08-12T20:13:00.003-05:00

We have a fairly well established night time routine...

-bath (or now shower ~ see end note)

-jammies

-gathering of the bedtime necessities... blankie, baby, water... oh and the dog

That's right, Lefty is required to attend story time... she is such a good sport, she even knows when its time and will head towards the bedroom with us, we don't even need to call her! It's almost like Lefty has an internal clock that tells her when bedtime is and will automatically head to Ramey's room before we say anything about bedtime.

Once we have everything, it's story time...

If you've had the pleasure of putting Ramey to bed, you know that story time is not short nor easy... She has a collection of books which she wants read in a certain order... she will request books but not by the title, so you must be a little skilled at Ramey-ease.

After "boosh" time, we sing a few songs... "Tinkle, tinkle" would be a favorite; followed closely by "Bus" (wheels on the bus)

~ We had an issue/leak with the tub a few weeks ago so we had to use the guest bathroom which is only a shower... a rainshower head and a hand held shower head, which is mounted at the perfect height for Ramey... She now LOVES taking showers!!!

2 & 3 weeks

2010-08-09T12:51:00.006-05:00

Two Weeks

I love how he crosses his feet!

Our first week home alone(ish)... so far so good!

All our "help" has headed home, so it's just the four of us now!!! It was wonderful having the help but it's nice to start working on/getting back into a routine.

Ethan and Lefty just hanging out

We went for Ethan's 2 week WBV Sunday.
weight 7-14
height 21
head 14
(The Dr didn't give us his percentiles)

Although he is gaining, the ped wants us back again next week for another weight check since he didn't make it back to his birthweight. We went thru this with Ramey, so am familiar with the drill... I guess I grow big-ish babies but make tall skinny kids. I'd be more worried if he didn't grow in length as well... but he is up an inch and half from birth.

As for me, I'm doing well and healing nicely...only need my meds occasionally (usually when I've over done it) but Ron has been great at entertaining Ramey in an attempt to keep me from over doing it. He even took her to see her first movie this week!!! (Toy Story 3) Jealous I wasn't there but glad they got in some daddy/daughter bonding time.

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Started this with the intent to post it durning week 2, but here I sit at 3 1/2 weeks without it posted... oops!

WEEK 3

We went in for our weight check on Sunday and Ethan was up to 8lbs 8oz!! I knew he would be fine with his weight gain but wasn't about to argue with the ped (it is neat to watch them gain and know how much they weigh) His jaundice is pretty much gone, even his eyes are almost back to normal. We go back on the 26th for his 4 week WBV... wow, 1 month... where does the time go!

He isn't a huge fan of tummy time, but it's a must! His neck is getting stronger and he is getting better at holding his head up! Overall he has been sleeping very well... every now and then I get a 5+ hour stretch at night, will be nice when it's a consistent thing...

Ramey "helping" with tummy time

This week was my first week home alone with 2 kids!!! We even made it out of the house, once... will shoot for twice next week! My daily goal of a shower, make-up and making the bed was met completely most days... It's amazing how much better I feel when I am able to accomplish these simple things, now I just need to try to have them all done before noon! (may be a challenge giving that the shower tends to take place while Ramey is napping, although once this week, she got to go swimming* while I showered (*play in the tub thanks to separate tub/shower)

Ramey does very well with Ethan... she asks to hold him and loves to give him kisses... and tell him "shh" to help him get to sleep. She even tries to get him to take his pacifier! (If only I could get her to help with diaper changes LOL)

Enough, mama... Time to go play!

Ramey initially refused to let Ethan use the bouncer... whenever we tried it was a massive screaming fit... Luckily things have changed:

Enjoying an afternoon on the deck:

Week 1

2010-08-06T16:28:00.003-05:00

Well it's more like day 11, but close enough...

We all are doing well... eating well, sleeping well and pooping well (the jaundice is clearing up nicely)

A few pics:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0QbN2blmzbsX0g

Camera fun... edits:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0QbN2blmzbsX4Q

Donna and Grandma Betty have been her all week helping me and taking care of/entertaining Ramey

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

2010-08-01T20:51:00.009-05:00

Thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you...thank you... thank you...thank you...thank you

THANK YOU!!

We have so many people to thank and are so very grateful for all the help we've been given since Ethan's arrival.

The girls sent us some beautiful flowers that brightened the room and my spirits!

Nana's help while I was in the hospital was above and beyond anything I ever expected! Thank you so much Nana!! Words can not express how grateful we are for all that she did!

Ramey with her blanket made by Nana and Ethan with his

Cindi and the girls stopped by and entertained Ramey plus did a little house work!! Apparently they love cleaning!! (especially other people's stuff)

Aunt Donna and Grandma Betty flew up to meet Ethan and to help me out while I recovered!! Grandma did a great job helping change Ethan, even though she got a shower or two in the process... boys will be boys!!

Donna was fabulous at entertaining Ramey! She took her for numerous walks and on countless trips to the park. They even sat and made pictures together.

I was able to get out of the house for a Target and Kohl's run with Donna, although it was great to get out of the house, I over did it and was a little extra tender the next day. We also spent a day cooking some meals to freeze, which will be nice for the next few weeks.

It is such a blessing to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

I can't say it enough:

Thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you...thank you... thank you...thank you...thank you

THANK YOU!!

Jaundice

2010-08-01T13:57:00.007-05:00

We have been battling a little jaundice since leaving the hospital.

The ped order the bili lights for us to do at home... double lights (one for the front, one for the back) So home we headed...

The lights arrive and the guys show us how to use them... pretty easy... oh wait, how long and often do we use them for?!? Minor detail we didn't get (or remember) from when we were in the hospital. So it's 7:30 pm (right around shift change) and not sure if my discharge nurse would still be in... after a few tears (damn hormones) we got everything sorted out... for as long and often as possible.

So we got our little glow worm all set up

Nana was wonderful and slept on the couch so I could sleep in my bed and she would keep an eye on him plus give him a bottle if needed.

Off to the ped Friday morning for Ethan's 4 day check up and bili test... skin test showed a dramatic drop!!! We hadn't made it to the lab for the blood test, but given the drop she said not to worry about it, just to come back the next day as with the lights there can be a rebound effect.

Well not sure if it was the reader or what but the next day the skin test was much higher than anticipated and he was "tan" again... The readers at the office showed higher numbers with almost a 2 point difference between the readers so we opted to get the blood test, which was down from when we were in the hospital but still elevated... she suggested feeding every 2 hours (if/when possible) and giving bottles in between if/when possible plus keep on eye on poopy diapers and recheck Sunday.

The blood test Sunday showed that his level dropped (not a ton) but enough that she isn't worried... so we are to continue what we were doing. He is looking better, not as orange... still tan but given his level not surprising.

The Big Day!!!

2010-08-01T08:08:00.007-05:00

We were not able to get a time slot for the 23rd, so we had to wait till the 26th to meet our little man!

We had a nice last weekend as a family of 3, nothing too exciting, just hung out together.

Nana and Papa came up Sunday night with the intention of staying with Ramey while we had the c/s... well I decided I wanted them at the hospital. We were lucky enough to have great friends willing to watch her that morning, so Nana and Papa dropped her off at their house then headed to the hospital to wait...

One last baby belly shot

Time to get ready...

And at 9:01 am on July 26, 2010 Ethan Thomas made his entrance into the world. (Apgar scores of 8 & 9, which when I hear thought was his weight...) He weighed 8lbs even and was 19 1/2 inches long, a bit smaller than Ramey, but looks exactly like she did, minus all the crazy hair.
It took a while to get things "closed up" as I had some scare tissue from when Ramey was born and the OB did stitches, rather than staples. (It's this last part of the c/s that I do not like... they did give something extra to help as well as something for the wave of nausea I felt, overall the drug guys took great care of me)

I did have a case of the Papa's... my heart rate kept dropping below 50, which the machine did not like so it kept setting off alarms, never got as low as Papa's but enough that the nurse kept a close eye on me. Guess I naturally have a low heart rate and blood pressure. I must have been doing well enough as she let me have ice chips before heading up to my postpartum room.

A room with a view doesn't do justice for my room. I remember doing the tour of the hospital before Ramey's arrival and thought how great it would be to have such a view... then Ramey wasn't even born at Prentice... well we ended up getting our view after all!!!

As I was being wheeled into the room I caught a glimpse of the lake between buildings and thought, nice we can see the lake! Little did I know that next to that building was a park which gave us an almost panoramic view! Well worth the wait.

The view from my bed... I could get used to this!

After Ramey's nap time (or what was supposed to be nap time) Nana brought her to meet her little brother! She was more interested in the buses (& boats) down below but eventually fell in love with him!!!
Before 24 hrs had passed... I was sitting up, eating and even walking!!! (I was determined to loose all cords/tubes attached to me as quickly as possible) I kept my feet elevated as much as possible and drank a lot of water to keep the swelling under control... it worked! The OB was impressed with my minimal/non-existent swelling!

Ron and Nana brought Ramey to visit each day, so I got my daily hugs and kisses from her! They took turns taking her to the park or for a long walk in hopes of a nap (only worked once) She loves her little brother and wants to give him kisses all day long. (have video of meeting, will have to upload later)

The hospital has a new hearing screening machine which a large portion of babies fail... Ethan was one of them... took 3 tries, but he finally passed!!

Ethan did have to come home with some bili lights for jaundice... more to come on that...

Blue Cross and my OB said I could stay till Fri, but choose to go home Thur afternoon... still undecided if that was a good idea or not... Was great to be able to sit on the couch and sleep in my own bed.

Overall, good experience and we couldn't be happier or more in love!!

NICE!!!

2010-07-23T09:39:00.006-05:00

Since we have a mini tape recorder named Ramey, who repeats everything, I try to control my potty mouth... GD/D it are popular ones for me. I've managed to replace it most times with "NICE"

I would have to say I've been successful in keeping Ramey from saying "GD" but when something falls/spills/drops she says "NICE" and in that sarcastic way too. This morning some milk dribbled onto her leg and she promptly said "NICE"

Guess it's better than the alternative!!

Another new favorite word is "stuck" If she falls or somehow gets into a weird position, she'll start saying "stuck, stuck..." or if a ball roles under a chair/couch and she can't reach it, she'll say "stuck"

Everyday she surprises me with new words and how's she is starting to make 2-3 word sentences. She still generalized a lot of things... any fruit/veg that is red and round is an apple... pancakes are waffles... shorts, skirts and pants are pants (or her version of the word)

I'm really bad at calling Ron "dadda" when I need him or his attention... thus Ramey has learned dadda's name "Ronna" Which she likes to yell (wonder where she learned that) and has a certain attitude about it.

I love how she has renamed objects.... a camera is now a "cheese"... a phone is now a "hey yo" (hello in Ramey speak)

She makes me laugh everyday!!

37 Weeks... Full Term!!!

2010-07-15T14:25:00.003-05:00

Let the count down begin!! We have 2 dates... July 23rd we are on a wait list, hoping we get a time slot but if not we are all set for July 26th at 830am... either way we are under the 2 week mark.

I know I'm ready to be done being pg but not exactly ready for 2 under 2!!

Little Mommy

2010-07-12T08:40:00.003-05:00

I know Ramey is going to make a great big sister!! She has been taking excellent care of her baby doll.

For the past week or so Ramey has become attached to her baby. She found some of her old shes which she insisted on where, but because they are too small we had to put them on the baby, now it's baby socks... The other day I caught her trying to feed baby, she was sharing her snack with her.

Have video of her putting the babies to sleep (still need to download it). She laid them down covered them with blankets and started to pat their backs (just like they did at school)

Since we've started getting some of the baby gear out, Ramey either sits in it herself or puts her baby in it... Hopefully she'll share everything with the little guy when he arrives.

Potty Training... the beginning

2010-07-12T08:16:00.004-05:00

We haven't completely/officially begun the process, but someone is starting to show some sings of readiness...

I know I'm not ready (mainly because I can't bend over to clean up the messes LOL!) If I could bend over, now would be a great time to potty train, being that I have to pee every 20 mins!! Plus would be nice to have only one in diapers

A while back I got Ramey her own potty chair... she wouldn't even sit on it!!! Over time we worked on that, first with clothes still on then just diaper... I only let her play with stickers while on the potty, so that was/is a big motivator for her, by the end of the day the dog and I have our fair share of stickers on us

We are at a point where she asks for the potty and takes her pants off (just started taking the diaper off too! I'm in trouble now!) She has the process down: pants off, diaper off, sit, ask for toilet paper, wipe and wash hands... Now we just need to catch the pee! We have been going thru a lot of diapers because once she takes it off, she says "yucky" and throws it in the trash... So basically if she asks, we go sit... when I go, she tends to follow and wants to sit too... We've only hit the mark once (pure luck) I'm just following her lead for now.

She won't put her Elmo underwear on yet, but we're working on it. She does only want to wear the pampers with Elmo on them. (Luckily she hasn't caught on to my switcher-oo.) Once I can get her to wear the underwear, I would like to go diaper free (except nap & night) but that depends on how I'm doing. I have a feeling I may have a newborn and be potty training a toddler at the same time (Or may be Nana and Aunt Donna will be here to help!!)

Cute story:
A few weeks ago we were in the bathroom, she stood up and peed, looked at me and goes "juice!"

33 weeks

2010-06-16T09:23:00.002-05:00

At my last apt the OB said she wasn't able to get an accurate measurement on the little guy since he was sideways and having a history of big babies, she wanted me to get a growth u/s.

I stressed and worried a bit, thinking he was too small... boy was I wrong, he came in at 5-12!!! He is growing just fine and getting bigger each week (and I have 7 more to go!!) No pictures as he had turn head down and she couldn't get any good profile shots.

Overall great appt, did talk about setting a c/s date of July 23!! (another possible member of the 23 club) They currently don't have any open slots, so crossing our fingers someone goes early or they open a super early slot. Will have to ask what the alternative plan is...

Road Trip!!!

2010-05-31T21:15:00.003-05:00

One thing about having a baby at the end of July it makes taking a summer vacation a bit tricky... We decided that if we were to make it to the lake Ozarks, we would have to do it in May or early June or wait till early fall (and I wasn't keen on traveling with a 2 year old and new born) so we went with the May time frame... Plus we would be in St. Louis celebrating Great Grandma Betty's 90th birthday so we were already halfway there!!

We left Chicago on Saturday and spend the day in Bloomington and got to spend some time with the family and my mom for mother's day, sadly we needed to be on the road before the BBQ at Cindi's started. The drive to St. Louis wasn't too bad and Ramey was taking a good nap, that was until I needed a bathroom break... from that point on she wasn't to thrilled about being stuck in her carseat. Once in St. Louis, we picked up Grandma Betty and continued on our way (after letting Ramey run about for awhile) Grandma did a great job entertaining Ramey the whole way to the lake.

It was so nice to get away and relax, just wish the weather would have cooperated a bit... We had a number of rainy cool days. Donna and Bruce came out on Tuesday and took Grandma back with them on Wednesday. The rest of the week Ron and I tag teamed "walking" with Ramey. She would have spend every minute of every hour outside if we would have let her... Good thing the porch is covered and easy to close off.

Saturday was Grandma's 90th Birtday party back in St. Louis. She had a great turn out of friends and family.

Hope to add pictures one of these days...

Four pillows and a throw

2010-05-29T21:04:00.004-05:00

When I was pg with Ramey I had to sleep with so many pillows that I took over the whole bed and Ron was banished to the guest bedroom...

Thankfully we got a new bed, moments before we found out about pg #2. This time we went with a king (tempurpedic... LOVE IT) So far I've slept great but things are definitely starting to change... I counted the other night and I had 4 standard pillow and a throw/decorative pillow (2 for my head, one on each side and a throw between my knees) Good thing the new bed has limited movement to it as I'm constantly switching from one side to the other. Better enjoy my sleep now as I'm sure pretty soon I'll be up all night peeing!

One year eight months and five days

2010-05-29T20:50:00.005-05:00

That's how long it took to get our first "MINE"

The ceiling fan in our room has a remote... Ramey likes to gather various items and place them in Ron's side table. Well she got a hold of the remote and kept turning the light on while we were still trying to rest. Ron went to take it away and she very loud and clearly said "MINE"

Terrible two's here we come!!

When we went to leave for breakfast this morning, Ramey told me "No... down" (as in no, you stay here and sit down, I'm going outside with Dadda) She's getting a bit bossy too!! She tells us "NO NO NO NO" quite often with a little head shake

Her vocabulary has really started to grow over the past few weeks, so much so that it's hard to keep up with her new words. She does still use the same word for a number of objects: cracker applies to any cracker shaped object, including cookies and waffle is either a pancake or waffle. She repeats everything and understands so much more... we have entered the world of spelling words (outside and juice are at the top of the list)

Monkey see... monkey do

2010-05-05T12:19:00.003-05:00

Ramey has started copying anything she sees and a lot of what she hears.

While walking the other day I took my foot to move a stick out of the way... a few steps later my monkey started moving sticks with her feet too...

While at Millennium Park, she saw some big girls leaning against the bean... look over at Ramey and she is putting her arms up on the bean and leaning in...

We have to start watching what we say as she is repeating EVERYTHING!!! and is understanding a lot... I know longer say a variety of words, they are only spelled. My replacement "bad" word has been NICE, needless to say I've been hearing a lot of "nice" from Ramey

Happy Birthday Dadda!!!

2010-05-03T20:57:00.007-05:00

This weekend was Ron's birthday weekend.... Happy Birthday Honey!!!

We had a very full and busy weekend with great weather!
(warning... picture heavy)

Ramey and I let Ron sleep in a bit and walked to the store to pick up a few things, including coffee. He was up when we got back, so we then walked to our usually breakfast joint and sat outside, enjoying the beautiful morning.

After breakfast we made a quick stop at home, took care of some business at Ohio and then it was off to enjoy the day.

Ramey had a day full of first...

We started out with her first CTA train ride... Dadda felt it was important to protect her delicate ears... She wasn't too crazy about the idea to start but soon appreciated his concern

Here comes our train

she was into watching all the people, just like her Dadda... I wasn't too surprised when I caught her sitting on her hands so she wouldn't touch anything.

Next up was a visit to Millennium Park Faces...

Ramey wasn't too sure what to think at first

I couldn't get my phone out fast enough for this shot... she was holding her feet up, like there is no way you are going to set me down in that water... luckily a screaming fit did not follow:It took only a second for her to realize how much she loves playing in waterI have a video as to why she ended up dress as she is, have to figure out how to download it from my phone... She had a blast running and jumping
Dadda's turn to run/play too

Off to "the bean"Monkey see, Monkey do:

Ramey has entered a stage of copying actions... notice the girls to the right "holding/leaning" into the bean. Ramey was fascinated by them and started "copying" everything they did

We then spent some time just walking around before Ramey started to enter melt down mode, we then opted to walk somewhere for lunch and the little monkey crashed on the way.
We walked back up to Chicago Ave (about 1 mile north) where Ron and I were able to enjoy a nice lunch while Ramey took a cat nap...

Then it was time for the bus!! We got luck with an empty bus when we boarded, so we headed to the back where Ramey had fun people watching and looking out the windows.

Whenever the bus would stop or go (which happens A LOT) Ramey would say "WEEEEEE!!!" I'd say she really enjoyed the bus ride.

That night Uncle Brendan came over to stay with Ramey while we went out for Indian for Ron's birthday dinner with friends (plus got some gelatto for dessert.) It was great to get out but I may have over done it a bit as I started to get some Braxton Hicks cx that evening and was pretty useless Sunday as would get uncomfortable/crampy whenever I did much of anything (much better today!)

Overall, I think Ron had a great birthday weekend (no red velvet cake this year but did pick up a slice carrot cake for him, chocolate for me ;-P )

NORMAL!!!

2010-04-27T20:18:00.002-05:00

What a great word!!!

My glucose test came back within normal range. YAY!!! Wasn't too worried but nice to have it behind me... although did get a bit of a shock when they called as typically my OB goes with the no news is good news philosophy most of the time, so was stunned when her number came up on my phone...

Next appointment I'll be in the third trimester!!! WOW! I have less than 100 days till we met the little man (still no name...) Was hoping to get an idea when she'll set the c/s but she was out sick and next month she will be out having a baby!!! (She'll be back to work fairly quickly so will see her at my 32 week apt)

The little man is a mover and a shaker!!! He moves so much, unlike Ramey ever did. With Ramey, any time I would have Ron try to feel her move, she would stop, almost instantly... So a few nights ago the little man was going crazy so I turn to Ron and ask him if he wants to feel the baby... sure he'd love too!!! (pg brain won't allow me to come up with the proper word to describe my motive, but it wasn't for him to feel the baby) I thought for sure he would stop but he got a chance to feel the alien in my stomach that doesn't stop! (Guessing the current non-stop movement could be attributed to the ice cream I just had, LOL)

With all the movement he does, it makes me wonder how different he will be than Ramey. She was a relatively calm fetus and a fairly calm baby... Really hoping its just a coincidence, as not sure how I'll handle an active toddler and an active newborn!

More NORMAL results...

Papa's has given us a bit of a scare recently... he had a minor procedure which lead to more tests and more test, which Grandma said is "normal" since they are old and reminded me of when I had chest pains, which each test seemed to lead to another test (granted we never did come to a conclusive dx, but guessing it was gas...) Anyway, the long and short... chest x-ray lead to CT scan which lead to PT scan...

The waiting for the PT scan results was tough but like Grandma said... when you start to worry, say a little prayer and God will take the worry away (it worked, thanks Grandma!!) Well the results are in... NORMAL!!! They will do a follow up CT scan in 6 months... what a relief! Now he just has to get released to do the stress test.

Not Nice...

2010-04-16T21:47:00.003-05:00

One of Ramey's new sayings:

Not Nice

I try hard to avoid over using "no" and try to tell Ramey what I want her to do rather than say "no hitting" "no biting" "no throwing" etc. (when you say "no _____" those with short attention spans only hear the _______ part so they may continue to ____ therefore I try to focus on what she should do; be nice, gentle, walking walking, quiet voices) Some instances there isn't a good alternative so I'll say "not nice" (I do this at school too; more so to help the kids develop language skills rather than being physical: hitting/biting and to say I don't like that, stop, that's not nice)

Back to Ramey, since she is at school with me, she hears this there too (the other teachers have started saying it too) The other day one of her teachers told me she had started to say this and I had a little laugh...

This morning while we were snuggling in bed, Ron went to rub/pat Ramey's back and she turns to him and says "not nice" Guess she wasn't in a snugglely mood after all.

Another cute story:
Ron got tickets to the Blackhawks playoff game tonight and while we were waiting for his ride we waited outside with him. Ramey was not happy to see him go and began having a fit. She started crying for Dada and I swear she was saying "why" in between her whaling and cries for Dada... I couldn't get the video camera fast enough

Not from tonight but still cute

24 weeks (6 months)

2010-04-16T21:20:00.003-05:00

Wow.... where did the time go!!! I'm 24 weeks (25 this weekend) Getting close to the third trimester, seriously where did the time go?!?!

I think I missed my second trimester burst of energy window with illness. The first trimester was a blur and full of morning/evening sickness and exhaustion. Second trimester came and I do recall a few days of feeling good and having enough energy to be a good mom and wife but not for long. Between a stomach bug and sinus infection and now ear congestion, I think I missed my window of the second trimester burst of energy.

Had my 24 week appt today... weight gain is good and blood pressure was good!! Heartbeat sounded great and measuring on track. Drank the orange drink (thankfully it was cold) and had my blood draw, result should be in on Mon or Tues... Little man really liked the drink and moved about like crazy! I handled it well... how well is yet to be seen

Little man is moving about (all the time!) and Ron got to feel him move the other night... I really wanted him to stop and I thought if Ron put his hand on my stomach he would stop, always happened with Ramey, it didn't work :-(

Sometime in the next month we'll need to get all the baby stuff out of storage and let the take over begin (again) Plus we need to get serious deciding on a name...

Had a meeting the other day in a building that required name tags:

you may have to enlarge to see the name tag...
probably should have do a side shot too but wasn't thinking, sorry
(and yes my boobs look huge)

Little Cub Fan

2010-04-14T21:45:00.000-05:00

Go CUBS Go!!!

Let the baseball games begin!

Sinus Infection Continues

2010-04-11T14:22:00.004-05:00

I've been dealing with continual sinus issues this whole pregnancy... they finally turned on me and I now have a nasty sinus infection with fluid in my ears... ugh... Woke up Tuesday with the bruised face feeling and "colorful" discharge. Called OB and decided to continue what I had been doing for a few more days then if by thurs I wasn't feeling better, we'd try an antibiotic.

Was feeling a tiny bit better so decided to wait another day before calling and had the brilliant idea of doing a nasal wash... BAD idea, cleared my sinuses, but flooded my ears! Woke up Friday with the pain still there and more congestion... Called OB back and they called in a Zpack for me, really hope this works... I can handle the nasal congestion but the ears are driving me batty!! I have a new found sympathy for Ron and all his ear issues

water, water and more water... hopefully it helps!

18 Months

2010-03-23T14:35:00.004-05:00

My big girl and her big personality!!!

My mirror is no longer ever clean

What she is up to now:

~walking, running, jumping, twirling, dancing... and climbing everything
~talking up a storm, only understand about half of it but she has A LOT to say!
~plays well with other children
~gives hugs and kisses, waves by-by while saying "see ya!"
~has mastered the art of a "death stare" as we call it
~matches shoes and the tops to her sippy cups
~assists in dressing herself
~ uses a spoon and fork (makes a bit of a mess but does very well) drinking pretty well from a big girl cup
~throws a small ball (sometimes it goes behind her)
~feeds the dog breakfast and dinner and gives her treats
~scribbles (loves markers!!! Thank god for washable markers!!)
~shares toys (and food!)
~loves to clean (takes baby wipes/tissues/paper towels and wipes every surface she can reach)
~sleep down between 730-8 and up 630-7. Taking one nap a day for about 1-1.5 hours (every now and then we get 2 hours)
~weight: 22 lbs 3 oz (10-25%) height: 34 1/2 (>95%) She is still my tall skinny girl!!

I think my little girl is a little OCD. She is very set in her ways. I've tried introducing a new spring jacket, which results in world war 3 with a huge crying fit till she get the heavy weight jacket she's been wearing for awhile (may have to hide it but we still have some cooler mornings) She knows that the mega blocks go in a certain contain and if you try to put other toys in with them she has a fit and empties the box (same thing with the balls) She knows our moring routine and if I try to change it (go laydown in our room for a few minutes before milk/waffle/cereal) she fusses (loudly) I guess its these little things that make her her!! And why we love her so much!!

20 Weeks

2010-03-20T14:15:00.000-05:00

Had another u/s today... the BIG scan (although we already knew) just had to verify all the right parts are in place. He was VERY active and didn't stay still very well but the tech was able to get all the images she needed

Ron and Ramey went with. Ramey did very well... she was enthralled with the motion senor water faucet and could careless about the baby on the screen, at lease she was behaving, all wet but quiet.

The rest of the appointment was uneventful, next month the glucose test, hard to believe we are at that point already... time to start thinking of a name and get all the baby stuff out of storage

A few shots of the little man:

NO!!

2010-03-11T14:00:00.004-06:00

I got my first "NO" from Ramey after dinner the other day....

She wasn't eating very well and I tried offering her more food and she clearly said "NO" and pushed the food away. I was in shock (not really, I knew this day would come) and said to Ron, "she just told me NO" His response was "won't be the last time" Boy how right he was!! I wouldn't say she says it a lot but it is heard throughout the day.

We were walking back from breakfast and Ron was carrying her and giving her a little tickle, she got tired of the game and started telling him "no" when he would go in for a tickle.

Other new words:
help (elp, teachers at school first thought she was making a dog noise)
please
see ya (along with a wave)
more (mo)
juice
shoe (which she will bring you and insist they are put on, oh and always it is a matching pair)
sock
waffle
go
ball
roll (ro, to the the dog, as in roll over)

A well household

2010-03-06T12:47:00.002-06:00

For the past two weeks, we've been fighting various illnesses...

The girls took me out to high tea for my birthday so it was a daddy-daughter day (with some time with Uncle Brendan too!!) Thought things were going great as hadn't heard anything, that was till I got the text that said: "Ramey just threw up on me"

And then it began... we stayed home from school that Monday and we were sent home on Wednesday... not because of Ramey but because now mommy was sick... not even keeping down water :-( It's not easy being sick and taking care of a 17 month old, did lose 4lbs!!! (don't worry, it's all back now!) It took some time but we slowly started feeling better... Then Saturday morning, Ramey woke with a cough which I wasn't sure if it was in her chest or not and Friday night she had a low grade fever, so... good thing our ped has Saturday hours!! So off to the ped we go... Luckily not in her chest, just your run of the mill URI... no meds, just lots of fluids and run a humidifier...

She seemed better the rest of the weekend and the cough is slowly going away!!!

Then Thursday came... Ron woke up with what he thought was food poisoning... but we had the same thing and I felt fine... I think it was the stomach bug... either way he is feeling better and I now have clean sheets and a clean bathroom (thanks honey!!!) as I refused to be in the same room as him till he was better and the room cleaned!!

Hoping we stay healthy this weekend!! (Especially since the sun is finally shining and it's not below freezing, may have to head to the park after nap!)

Mega Blocks!!

2010-03-05T21:11:00.000-06:00

Ramey LOVES her Mega Blocks:
She likes to stack the single blocks but is starting to build more unique structures...

Oh and she still has an obsession with shoes

BOY... oh... BOY

2010-02-09T21:39:00.005-06:00

Ramey is pleased to announce she is having a baby BROTHER in July...

Doesn't she look excited?!?!

(official due date is Aug 1st, but will be a schedule c/s, most likely the last week of July)

Anyway... we were very surprised to learn that we were expecting again and we have recently learned its a BOY!!!

8 weeks

11 weeks

looks like he's a thumb sucker!!!

I am finished with my first trimester (15 weeks as of sunday)... which was rough!!! And am starting to get some energy back, still nauseous every once in awhile but overall feeling good!!! (other than the mild cold/sinus thing I have... ugh) Haven't gained much weight (must be all the running around I do chasing a 16 month old!!) but only time will tell on that one but am starting to "show" although most of my pants still fit (think I may carry higher this time around?!?) Starting to feel teeny tiny flutters (either that or it's gas bubbles...hee hee hee) thus making it more real every day. Will have to take a belly pic soon and upload my u/s.

The little man will have a cousin close in age (only 2 months older), good/bad thing... it's a boy, guess we won't be getting those hand-me-downs, but I'm sure they will be great buddies growing up!

Loving my temperpedic bed though!!! Maybe this time around Ron will be able to sleep in our room the entire pregnancy!!! (unlike with Ramey, where the pillows took up the whole bed and he got kicked out!!) Sleeping great at night, yet still tired... making a life takes a lot out of you!!!

Ok, so it took my another 2 weeks to finially post this... alright almost 2 as tomorrow I'm 18 weeks... opps!!! (oh and still having sinus issues, ugh!)

Why our neighbor must hate us

2010-01-31T19:44:00.005-06:00

This was Ramey all weekend... yesterday it was the popper... back and forth; back and forth; back and forth

Today it was the walker/car

Pitstop... time to RUN up and down the hallway

Switched to action mode on camera as she was going to fast for standard mode

Wait, let me close the door... promise I won't slam it... This time...

And we're off again...

She has already master the art of aerodynamics for increased speed

16 month old evil laugh

Everywhere she went this weekend she had the car with her... no wonder our neighbor is talking about moving!!

We really need warmer weather so we can go outside and do this...

My Monkey... literally

2010-01-23T08:21:00.001-06:00

Ramey is our monkey... now literally.

She has really started to climb on anything and everything. She can easily get on the couch and the ottoman...

And the kitchen counter!!! (with a little help from her kitchen table)

I guess she thought the counter needed to be cleaned!

She started by climbing on the chairs, then the table then onto the kitchen counter... Took the chairs away, made her mad but didn't stop her... she was able to climb up from just the table!!!

The table and chairs have since been relocated!! (sorry monkey!)

Oh so cute...

2010-01-16T08:08:00.002-06:00

That's my girl!!!

I had fun doing her hair!!! Piggie Tails!!!

A few just for fun shots!

Toy central at our house... aka our living room

Who doesn't loves "see food"?!?!

LOVE YOU!!!

Shoes

2010-01-09T07:50:00.001-06:00

We have a new obsession:

SHOES!!!

Over the weekend, Ramey kept bringing us shoes... her shoes, my shoes, Ron's shoes...

She even decided she needed to wear daddy's!!Don't mind the hair... not sure what we are going to do with it but do know we are in desperate need of a hair cut! Thank goodness for barrettes, bows and ponytail (or pig tails... see next post!!)

Happy Holidays!!!

2010-01-03T11:31:00.006-06:00

Better late than never...

We had a very nice Christmas and New's Years.

Grandma Betty flew up on Christmas Eve and we had a nice dinner at home with her and Uncle Brendan. Ramey had a blast opening the presents... she didn't really care what was inside, she just enjoyed tearing the paper.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Say "cheese" and Garrett pinches his cheeks:

Ramey is out of here

down to busisness

Carli and Mason gave Ramey this chicken thing that makes a loud noise and bounces around; it really freaked Ramey out

(she loves it now... especially throwing it on the floor to make it "dance & sing")

The rest of the weekend was very nice. Aunt Donna came up on Saturday. We all had a great time. Due to the weather and snow we stuck close to home but it was nice to have visitors

New Year's was very low key at the Swan household. Uncle Brendan came over so mom and dad were able to go to a movie (Sherlock Holmes) and dinner. No need for a clock to tell you when the stroke of midnight is in Chicago... The screaming and fireworks awoke me from my slumper... Happy New Year
and back to sleep

Blabber Mouth

2010-01-03T11:19:00.003-06:00

Since Ramey got her tubes, she has been babbling a ton!!! I really wish I could understand what she is saying!

I swear I've heard her say "thank you" (and at appropriate times!!) and "hi guys" and "adios" (along with waving)

She really likes to say "uh-oh" even when she throws the cup across the room... I have to reminder her "Uh-oh" is when something happens on accident not when you purposely drop/throw something... oh well... we'll keep working on it.

Plus most 4 legged animals are being called doggie. She loves to look out the window and point at the doggies that walk by. Speaking of doggies... she is lovin' her Lefty and lovin' climbing on her. Every now and then I find her sitting on the dogs back... It's a good thing we "tortured" her when she was a puppy

The nerdery

2009-12-28T20:07:00.004-06:00

Years ago when Ron was living in the "frat" house on paulina, he and a few of the other guys would sit on their lap tops working (or whatever) and it got nick named "the nerdery"

Well the nerdery has made its way over to winchester:

Ramey got not only one but TWO baby laptops for Christmas...

Tubes

2009-12-28T19:59:00.003-06:00

ARE IN!!!!!

Everything went very well... she went off with the anesthesiologist and 20 minutes later she was finished. A little groggy and cranky but once she came out of her fog she was back at being her cute little self!!

We go back in a few weeks for a follow up and a follow up hearing test in 2 months. She is already "talking" more

ENT update

2009-12-17T09:41:00.002-06:00

Today was the day we were supposed to get tubes... someone decided she didn't want them and got a 6th ear infection, thinking that would stop it... ha on her... it was the fever and vomiting that postponed the procedure.

Over the weekend she had a cough and runny nose, which turned into a fever. Headed to the ped on Tuesday as she was going on day 3 of a fever... turns out its another ear infection, surprise surprise. (not really since the ent saw fluid 2 weeks ago) Ped thought we should be able to go ahead with the procedure as long as the fever went away...

Fever went away but the vomiting and diarrhea started. Ron and I decided it would be best to wait till she was feeling better to put her under anesthesia. So the tubes will be placed De 28th

She is feeling a little better today, enjoying some Little Bear and The Wiggles!! (and licking the peanut butter off the bagel, then leaving peanut butter prints throughout my house which Lefty is so generously cleaning up for me) (ped said it was ok to give peanut butter to help with weight gain and since we do not have food allergies in our families we could)

My Little Indian

2009-12-14T20:19:00.003-06:00

Ok, so it's not pc...

A while back Uncle Bruce taught Ramey a new trick:

She has also learned how to do the same thing with her finger

New Friends

2009-12-09T19:46:00.003-06:00

Ramey loves making new friends, even if its with herself

don't worry the mirror has been secured

thanks to Rebekah for the link to the snow effects!! (too lazy to find a holiday background, so the snow will have to do)

ENT update

2009-12-07T19:51:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we had our follow up appointment with the ent about Rameys ears and adenoids.

At Ramey's last ped appointment, she was all clear... no fluid no infection... Well on saturday, he saw fluid, I wasn't all that surprised as she had a cold early in the week and anytime she gets a cold, she gets an ear infection (so will be watching her closely) Dr R suggested we get a hearing test to see if the fluid is affecting her hearing... The results (on the only test she would allow) showed her hearing is being affected, she was able to verify that she does in fact have fluid... Knowing that we are just entering cold season and the hearing results, we opted to go ahead a schedule for her to get tubes (Dec 17th) All those that I've talked to said the procedure was quick with a fast recovery... hope that is our case as well.

As for the adenoids... we are to continue to watch her while she is sleeping looking for mouth breathing and snoring... plus she is a restless sleeper (all over the crib) Knowing that she has a 50% blockage, she is on the cusp as to have them removed or not... again we'll watch and report then may do a sleep study if things do not improve or change.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-30T20:00:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful day with family.

We started out the day with Uncle Brendan and went to breakfast. A quick drive down south and the rest of the day was spent at Mary and Tim's with the rest of the Feit clan.

I didn't see much of Ramey as she became very efficient at approaching people, extending her arms and achieving her goal... getting picked up! She was passed around and loved every minute of it!!

I was able to accomplish some black friday shopping with Cindi and got the majority of my Christmas shopping completed. (Aunt Kristin got Ramey a winter coat for $15!!! what a deal, granted it's for next year but $15, hard to beat that!! Then it was back to Grandma and Papa's to watch the Lexington Minutemen in the state football game and see cousin Anthony play!!! (He did great!!! Unfortunately the lost) Grandma Betty and Aunt Donna drove up.... so we got to see them too!!

It was then back to Chicago so we could await the arrival of our new bed!!! King, so everyone fits now!!!

BATH TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-22T20:14:00.001-06:00

After dinner is bath time.... when this is said Ramey will stop what she is doing and head to the bathroom!!! It is by far her favorite time of day

Lately one of us will do kitchen duty and the other does bath time (I give Ron the choice and you can guess which one he usually picks)

Bath time with Mom:Not super exciting... a few toys and just a few inches of water
granted this was at 8 months... her first big tub experience

Bath time with Dad:
A tub full of water and bubbles, plus lots of toys that the jets shot across the tub.
No wonder bath time is so much fun!!
I'm pretty sure I didn't have my first Jacuzzi till I was much, much older... Lucky girl!

She has visitors too!

ok so neither one really enjoyed this but Lefty is always trying to get in so we put her in... both were very unhappy about it. I have a shot of Ramey trying to climb out of the tub (not appropriate for general viewing)

Sitting... Standing... and Climbing

2009-11-21T20:53:00.004-06:00

The pictures say it all:

Sitting nicely in her rocking chair watching "The Wiggles"

No longer sitting nicely...

What?!?!?

What belongs on a book shelf:

What does NOT belong on a book shelf

"hi!"

One busy little girl

2009-11-21T20:38:00.003-06:00

One of Ramey's favorite activities is to push things around the house...

This started before she could even walk with an empty diaper box, then it was the high chair (which she still pushes). Lately she has been pushing her little lawn chair around and gets made when it gets stuck on something... she has figured out that its light enough for her to pick up and just move it where she wants it

Last weekend she had fun pushing the bar stools from one side of the room and back again:

All Clear.... ALL CLEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-19T23:01:00.004-06:00

whoohoo!!!! All clear!!! Ramey had her follow-up ear appt this week and her ears look GREAT!!!!!!!

NO infection!!!! NO FLUID!!!! This is awesome for a child who has had an ear infection every month since August!!! I was so excited to hear this that I didn't care that the appt was to soon for her to get her booster H1N1 shot (which I just learned that she has 70% coverage for with the original shot) Unfortunately we now have to try to get her in during one of their "flu clinics" which are schedule the day of/night before but we will try... at least she was able to get both regular flu shots in

Me, on the other hand, is just now feeling better... slowly recovering from my cold which began about...oh 3 weeks ago!!! Still have a slight cough (but nothing like before) and a sore throat (mainly from sinus drainage)

Back to the monkey, which is what you all really want to hear about... she is doing well with the exception of starting to develop some separation anxiety... we had a rough night time routine the other night (she would cry and cry and cry any time I left but Ron went in and before I knew it she was out, go figure) plus leaving her with her teachers has gotten harder... she was doing SO well too! I was starting to enjoy the fact that I could spend some time with her during the day without it making it too hard on her... no longer the case.... she cries (ok screams) when ever she sees me :-( Hope this doesn't last too long as I will be the one doing all the tours soon!!

Kohl's Children's Museum

2009-11-07T20:04:00.008-06:00

Aunt Donna came up for a visit and Ramey stayed home from school on Friday and they spent the day together... she got her to nap for almost 2 1/2 hours!!! (Donna must visit more often!!!) Then Friday night mommy and daddy got a date night... although we were home by 10:00 it was great to go to an adult only dinner and enjoy a "beverage" or two and not have to chase a little one around. Ramey had a great time at home with Aunt Donna and Uncle Brendan who let her take an extra long bath... she was busy showing off her splashing skills!!

Saturday was a beautiful morning... a sunny day without a cloud in the sky. We had a quick breakfast then drove up to Kohl's Children Museum... next time will try to plan ahead and check out passes from the library.

A tea party with Daddy and Uncle BD

Fun in the doll house

Love this pic

Our little train engineer

How many gallons does Ramey weigh?

Building a city

Not much of a gymnast...

The water works room was a big hit

A splishing and a splashing

Making music ~ we may have a future drummer on our hands

Ramey and Uncle Brendan hiding in the maze

Catch us if you can

After we finished playing in the maze, Ramey decided she wasn't finished and ran back towards the maze. Donna walked around the outside and I entered it thinking we'd catch her quickly. It became apparent that wasn't the case as we were getting close to meeting up and still no Ramey. She had entered one of the entrances and sat down... almost hiding from us.

They had a great little playground area where Ramey and Daddy enjoyed the twisty seats...

He got her nice and dizzy then let her go for a "walk" ... not nice but funny. The best part was when another child walked up to play with the twisty seats, Ramey ran over and was like... I don't think so, that's my twisty seat!!

We all had a great time and hope to visit again

Boo.... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2009-11-01T09:22:00.004-06:00

Happy Halloween Little Monkey!!!

(Our dancing Monkey)

We headed out to Oak Park for their Halloween Parade and an afternoon with the Zajac's. Later we went to the Tauber's for a Mini-Monster Mash. It was too cold to join in the trick-or-treating and since she doesn't know what she is missing... we skipped it plus we don't nee the extra candy in the house.

A few pics from the day:

I WANT MORE CANDY!!!!

I'm not ready to go home

Practicing

"'Yesterday was fun... Let's do it again"

Taking a break from "Swiffering"

Ear Infection #5....

2009-10-28T09:03:00.001-05:00

I think, I've lost count... sad that she has now had so many ear infections that i can't keep track. I'm pretty sure it's five. We are revisiting one of the previous meds... (not the one she was just on as it gave her a nasty diaper rash... :-( )

Fluid is still in the left ear and an infection in the right. At least it wasn't both this time. Which surprised me as she had been rubbing at her ears. We meet with the ENT next month to discuss a plan of action.

While there she got her second flu shot and her first H1N1... We (and be we, I mean Ron) did a lot of research and quizzed the Ped on the shot and in the end decided it best to get it, especially after hearing of the 22 deaths this month... so very sad and our hearts go out to those families.

My Monkey

2009-10-25T21:48:00.005-05:00

We spent the afternoon with Angela and she got some great shots even though Ramey woke up from her nap in a sour mood. Think her ear is bothering her again :-(

Sorry... it was hard to pic just a few...

This one looks great in black & white (see shutterfly)

Will be photo-shopping into black & white with flowers in color

We had fun in the monkey suit!!

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0QbN2blmzbsXpQ

Goebberts Pumpkin Farm

2009-10-18T17:18:00.005-05:00

Knowing that today could possibly be one of the last nice weekends we have (and are free) we made the trip out to Goebberts Pumpkin Farm... In the land of cornfields and massive houses!!

Ramey enjoyed the animals in animal land and a quick hay-rack ride.

Which Pumpkin should I choose?!?!

No Daddy... That ones too small

One of these will be perfect!!!

Don't let the pumpkin eating dinosaur get you!!

Try not to get lost in the stray maze

Oh I give up....

There you are Mommy... wait for me!

A hay-rack ride... What fun!!

Fancy Footwork

2009-10-17T11:05:00.003-05:00

Don't mind all the toys and laundry... or the butt shot LOL

I finally got the stamping her feet on video... not sure where she learned this but I think it is hysterical...

ENT

2009-10-14T21:16:00.004-05:00

Our appointment with the ENT went well. It was great to sit down with him and go over all our options. Ramey is on the borderline as to whether or not to get tubes and has a 50% blockage by her adenoids... The mouth breathing while sleeping is a sign of this:He just wants us to watch and check her at night to see if it happens a lot or just when she isn't feeling well...

We have a follow up appointment in 2 months and will see how things are going... she has had an ear infection in the past 3 months... clearly the fluid isn't draining but hopefully everything will resolve its self... it does happen and I really hope that is our case.

Would love it for them to stop but not only does she look like her daddy it appears she got his ears too!!

Ramey's Skills

2009-10-11T15:34:00.007-05:00

I look at my baby and can not believe how big she's gotten (and how active).

Ramey is now
~ Walking and running
~ Walking backwards
~ Climbing on and off the lion, the dog (Lefty), the couch, our bed... pretty much everything
~ Climbing up and down stairs
~ Give kisses and hugs
~ Waves bye-bye
~ Stomps her foot... still trying to get this on video
~ Loves to dance
~ Constantly laughs (wish she would tell us what is so funny)
~ Cleans Up (in her own little girl way)
~ Opens and closes mommy and daddy's laptops

We ordered her big girl car seat this weekend, which I have mixed feelings about... it will be nice to have but since she isn't napping well at school she has been falling asleep on the way home... it's nice to just pop out the infant carrier and bring her in the house then leave her in her room but on the other hand she'll be higher up and will be able to see out the windows and such, either way it'll be here on Tuesday!!

Pump... it up!

2009-10-11T15:31:00.004-05:00

We went to a birthday party at Pump It Up and Ramey had a blast!!!

Oh and she ate the cupcakes, unlike her own birthday party

She was a little apprehensive at first but Ron took her down the big slide and she was hooked!!! We took turns taking her down the slides and playing in the jumper

Got Milk?!?

2009-10-11T15:19:00.005-05:00

Ramey does!!!
I was very worried about transitioning Ramey to whole milk as she would spit it out the moment she took a sip. I started offering it to her every few days about 2 months ago and she was not having it. Needless to say we wasted a lot of milk but I'm happy to report we will no longer be wasting milk!!!

They have been offering milk to her at school regularly and she'll have a few ounces here and there but not enough to make me feel comfortable about stopping breast feeding. We've been down to just morning and night for a while but being at in the 5-10 percentile range I felt it best to keep breast feeding to make sure she was getting the calories.So this weekend I decided to give it a try again... and she took 2 oz!!! Did it again later and another 2 oz!!! This continued all day and again on Sunday!! She's done so well that we ran out of milk (good thing Dominicks is only 400 steps away)

Side story:

I went to put her down for a nap and she found the water and Cheerio container and threw a fit when I tried to take them away as in the past when I left them all she did was eat and drink... no napping. But she just held on to them and laid her head on my shoulder. After a few minutes I laid her down in her crib... I thought for sure I'd be back to take away the containers but found this instead
By the time I got the camera she had let go of the water

12 Month Check Up

2009-10-07T20:52:00.002-05:00

Ramey had her 12 month well baby visit today....

The doctor was very impressed with all of her skills!! (and her teeth!)

She is still a little peanut and dropped to between the 5th-10th percentiles, weighing in at 18lbs 1oz. The doctor told us to fatten her up give her lots of (healthy) fats... avocado, eggs, olive oil, butter on everything and since we do not have any family food allergies we can give peanut butter a try.

Height isn't a concern in the 60th percentile at 29 1/2". Looks like we need to go get her new car seat this weekend. Luckily we still have a few inches to go... the infant seat is 30lbs and 32"

Everything was great till we got to her ears... not only was this a well baby visit but also a follow up from the high fever/virus/ear infection/rupture from last month. The rupture as healed and is looking better BUT their is an infection... in BOTH ears! So here goes another round of antibiotics. We got the name of an ENT, so we will be scheduling an appointment soon. She's had 4 infections in 6 months so we think it's time to meet with a specialist... don't want this to cause a problem with her hearing or speech development.

No shots today... I hate to do that to her when she isn't feeling well and the Dr was ok with that (same thing happened at the 6 month WBV)... she did get the finger stick for lead and iron levels... both in normal range!!

We go back at the end of the month to check the ears again...

Update: ENT appt on monday...

Starved Rock

2009-10-04T20:15:00.004-05:00

We met up with the Feit family for the annual trip to Starved Rock.

The weather was a little cool and rainy but the company was warm and inviting. Uncle Brendan joined us too. We did a little hiking and a lot of eating and sharing. It is always great catching up and spending time with family around a nice warm fire Ramey had a blast running around with all her cousins... Her brown butt at the end of the day was proof. I made the mistake of dressing her in pink pants on a rainy day... thank goodness for Oxy clean

Feit Family Food Fight

Looking forward to next year!!!

A few new tricks

2009-09-26T21:21:00.001-05:00

Ramey has discovered a new *game* she likes to play... picking things up and dropping them into containers... including the garbage can.

I discovered Ramey putting anything and everything into the garbage can... empty water bottles, shoes, my shoes!!, her shoes, her toys and Lefty's toys!! She also likes to put them into the container that holds the firewood, over the deck railing into the rocks, on the table, in daddy's hands...

We caught her picking up the leaves and putting them in a pile on the rocking chair:

Ramey has started to walk backward, not always successfully but she is trying...

Another new trick is going down the stairs... since the condo does not have any stairs, she doesn't get much practice on the stairs (the common stairs are too icky to practice on) so we've been having a lot of fun going up and down the stairs at the lake house... she was getting pretty good!

PAUSE BUTTON..... please please... we need a pause button
She is growing up so fast but I just love watching her discover new things and show us new *tricks*

An 8 hour drive in....

2009-09-26T21:01:00.000-05:00

Twelve... that's right it took us 12 hours to do an 8 hour drive...

Last Sunday morning we ate breakfast at our house with Grandma Patty, Papa, Aunt Donna, Uncle Bruce, Uncle Brendan and Grandma Betty... After they headed to the airport, Grandma Patty and Papa entertained Ramey while we finished getting ready to leave for the lake. We didn't get on the road as promptly as I hoped but none the less, we were on way!!!

Ramey was asleep before we even got close to the expressway!!! Luckily she slept most of the way to Bloomington... where we made our first pit stop... lunch and some wiggle time for Ramey. My hope was to wear her out a bit so she would sleep most of the way to our next pit stop... St. Louis.

Well, we made it to St. Louis with a few tears shed but overall in good shape!! We had dinner at Grandma Betty's; grabbed her things, repacked the car and headed out!!! Once again on the road a little later than anticipated but on the road for our final leg. It was a late night but Ramey slept the entire way from St. Louis to the lake... 12 hours later we were safely at our destination!!! Lake of the Ozarks!

Although late at night (or because of) we saw a number of creatures of the night... a possum, a fox plus a few deer!!!

Overall the trip was great... cool weather but in the end very relaxing.

Proof of the six point deer we saw next to the Hermes'

Lefty waiting to pounce

Lefty loved the freedom of the lake... we *lost* her a few times as she was in heaven chasing after any sound or anything that moved (including leaves). Yesterday she was close to getting a squirel (Ron says it's the other way around)

Ramey in her tutu and Crocs

Check out Lefty's tongue and ears... LOL

3 deer in the lot across the cove

may have to click photo to see all three

My futures so bright...

I gotta wear shades (if the sun ever came out)

We decided to head for home on Friday so we could break the drive up a little. Ramey slept most of the way back to Grandma Betty's... we had a quick lunch then met a few of Grandma's friends. We then drove on to Bloomington where we met up with Brian and the boys for dinner. After dinner, Carli came over and played with Ramey (and put her to bed!!) so Ron and I could take in a movie... a mini date night... what a nice way to end a nice vacation.

Looking forward to going again next summer... hopefully the weather will cooperate a little better and we can get some boat time in

Happy FIRST Birthday Ramey!!!

2009-09-24T21:11:00.007-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTH-DAY TO RAMEY!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TOOOO YOUUUUUUU!!!

We took Ramey out for a first birthday breakfast and she had:

(drum rolll please!!!)

Pancakes!!!
(I know big surprise for any of those that have gone to breakfast with her)

She ate them all... didn't leave any to share and very few of the piece ended up on the floor

It was a bit chilly so no birthday boat ride, but we did have a nice day around the house.

For dinner we had steaks with homemade mac-m-cheese... Ramey wasn't a fan of the steak BUT loved the mac-n-cheese (just like her mama!!!)

We tried cake again... pretty much the same response as before... loved the cake but hated the icing

Happy FIRST Birthday Party

2009-09-20T20:46:00.000-05:00

Saturday was Ramey's First Birthday Party at the park... the weather was beautiful... not a cloud in the sky. We rented the room in the field house and all the little ones had a great time running around (inside and out) Ramey even showed us a dance or two!!! She loved having "Happy Birthday" sung to her and being the center of attention.

The birthday girl in her tu-tu

The cake... Ramey had her own little cake...
was supposed to be a cupcake but they messed up the order, oh well

well let's just say she LOVES cake but HATES the icing... She got a hand full of icing and wouldn't stop screaming till it was wiped off !! She didn't even like the taste of it. We finally got her to eat just the cake... The funny part was she kept walking up to people like she wanted some cake and many would offer then she would throw it on the ground!

The after party continued at our house were we opened gifts, drank a few beers and ate more food. Thank you for all the wonderful gifts!!! Ramey is already enjoying many of them.
A few more pics of the special day:

Hmm, this cake isn't too bad... I may actually like it!!

Yeah... this stuff is yummy

No first birthday party would be complete without:

A screaming birthday girl
"NOOOOOOOO, I don't like the icing"

Sick Baby Update

2009-09-15T20:15:00.002-05:00

Monday night things got worse... She did great all afternoon but as the night went on her temperature kept going up... It's scary to see 103.5 on the thermometer. It did go down with Motrin which was great but she woke up at 4 am again with it back at 103.

Ron stayed home with her this morning and I was with her this afternoon... Her temperature was down into normal range all afternoon!!! She was acting great, talkative and playful... I *almost* canceled the dr appt I made.

So very glad I didn't... her fever was back :-(

I explained everything to the dr and she thought that it was most likely a virus and would need to run its course...

Then she checked her ears... surprise...surprise

Ear infection AND a small rupture!!! (no wonder she was so clingy/cranky/pissy)

She is taking an antibiotic as well as ear drops. Still not sure about a virus. We are going to stay home again tomorrow just to be on the safe side... if she has/had a virus I don't want to continue to spread it

Let's hope she feels better before Saturday for her big birthday bash!!! Then it's off to the Ozarks

Sick Baby (again...)

2009-09-14T19:49:00.002-05:00

Sunday morning Ramey woke with a fever. Her whole body was burning up... I took her jammies off, so she was a diaper baby all morning... every time I tried to dress her she would scream her head off, so the diaper it was. She was super lethargic ALL day. She took a nap on my chest in the morning and snuggled with Daddy in the afternoon.

My poor sick baby

The pictures don't do justice to how pathetic she looked

Not exactly sure what the problem was (is)... could be teething (she is getting her forth molar and incisors)... could be her ears (we had a follow up a few weeks ago, no infection but still had some fluid)... could be a virus. Who knows...

The fever does go down with Tylenol/Motrin. I was ready for a rough night but she only got up once (around 4, gave her some meds and she went right back to sleep) I stayed home with her this morning and she slept for 2 hours on my chest... Loved *almost* every minute of it (the drool drippin onto my chest, not so much LOL) I then went to work so Ron spent the afternoon with her and she slept for about an hour for him. (my no napper slept for 3 hours during the day!!) She still feels a little warm but is more active. Will take temp again in the morning and if still elevated will see about going to the Dr.

It still fits

2009-09-11T20:02:00.001-05:00

So I'm in the middle of backing up some of Ramey's "baby" clothes, the 6-9 month stuff, and came upon the snowsuit from Uncle Brendan... So OF-COURSE I put it on her to see how it fit:

No non-slip on the feet so walking was a bit of a challenge

Isn't she just too cute?!?!

Clapping and Waving

2009-09-10T19:52:00.001-05:00

I have been working (for months) to get Ramey to clap and wave... She sends just a few days at school and she is already doing both... Plus they are also working with the babies on baby sign language... and I swear she is already signing "more"
Over Labor Day weekend, Ramey had her first taste of chocolate chip cookies... at first she didn't know what to think and gasp... threw it on the floor!!! (oh no!!) But I tried again and once she got a taste... their was no turning back!!! It will be interesting to see how she does with her first taste of birthday cake (which I can't believe it's time for and that I have to order this weekend)

Ron was out of town so Uncle Brendan came over and took us to lunch but first Ramey had to show him how to clap:

First day of school...

2009-09-09T19:42:00.004-05:00

Last week Ramey and I started school...

I'm back teaching in a toddler classroom. The best part is that Ramey gets to go to school with me everyday!! (and I can get in a few snuggles whenever I want/need them!!) It's been an adjustment (for both of us) and a few extra tears have been shed (for both of us) but each day it gets better and easier.

She seems to enjoy her new friends and her teachers (although she doesn't nap or eat very well for them, yet) BUT they have been successful at getting her to drink some milk!!! (whenever I try she spits it right out) She really likes to hang out in mommy classroom and playing with the big kids. They love it when she visits too!

Today she made her first art piece!!

Ron is helping more... he made dinner a few times last week and took us out for dinner too. He has been getting up with Ramey in the morning while I get ready. Now if only I can get him to clean the bathroom!?!

Family Day

2009-08-29T19:57:00.003-05:00

Today we had a great family day!!! We were up early and out to the farmers market on a beautiful fall morning (if it were October and not August) We picked up some great peaches, blueberries and raspberries (hope to make some fruity pancakes and/or muffins tomorrow) plus some zucchini, corn & green beans. We tried some bubblegum plums... crazy but they really did taste like bubblegum...

Ramey had fun dancing and running around in the grass.

It was then off to breakfast and home for a nap. After naps we walked up to the Bucktown Art fest (Lefty too!!!) Ramey was doing her own performances on the walkway and was a real hit! Cooked up the zucchini for dinner (Ramey is not a fan but loved the blueberries, big surprise)

Both babies are sleeping... Ramey in her crib and Lefty on my lap (LOL)

Off to put my feet up and drink a Peroni

Dancing Queen

2009-08-29T13:23:00.000-05:00

So I've just discovered the Toddler music station on Comcast and Ramey LOVES it. I was starting to notice that anytime a commercial with music (or any music for that matter) came on Ramey would start to do this little dance...

My favorite is when she starts to do the shoulder shake... LOL!!

Happy Birthday Grandma Cheryl

2009-08-27T13:25:00.001-05:00

WE MISS YOU!!!!!!

Sunday was Grandma Cheryl's Birthday. We met up with Uncle Brendan, Aunt Donna, Uncle Bruce and Grandma Betty for lunch and cherry pie. We went out to one of her favorite places for lunch and were pleasantly surprised to see that they had cherry pie (her favorite) as their special for that day... It was meant to be.

Before lunch we all met up at Grandma Patty's (Thanks!!) and had an impromptu gather with my siblings and their little ones. Grandma Patty told me how she was having her morning coffee out on the back deck when she saw a butterfly fluttering by... Later that day while taking flowers to the cemetery, I saw not one, not two but 4!!! butterflies while we were there. I knew that Grandma Cheryl was there with us that afternoon...

11 Months

2009-08-26T20:31:00.001-05:00

Not sure where we left off but Ramey hit a BIG milestone:

SHE WALKING!!!

A few more action shots:

My big girl!

The first of her three molars that have come thru

She now has 11 teeth, working on the forth molar plus all the incisors... and she's is generally a happy baby still

The Monkey Walk

2009-08-17T22:03:00.002-05:00

One of my new favorites...

Ramey walking the monkey walk (arms up in the air for balance :-D )

Give her something to hold onto (cracker, toothbrush, burp cloth, toy, book) and she'll walk all day. She spent more time walking than crawling today. I'd say we have a new trend

Trouble with a capital R

2009-08-12T10:24:00.004-05:00

Ramey... our little trouble maker

The other day I bought a box of diapers... Ramey LOVES to use anything and everything as a walker, so I took out the packages of diapers and gave her the box... She had a great time pushing it down the hall... that is until it got stuck, so she crawled back to the living room where she found the packages of diapers.

She then started to push them around... Before I know it I hear keys jingling, sunglasses dropping... uh oh, now what...

Well my little monkey pushed the diapers up to the table, crawled on top of them, stood up and began reaching for anything and everything off the table... I of course grabbed the camera!!

Oh and she has discovered the cabinets... she loves to open and close the doors and attempt to pull everything out (I say attempt as I close the door before that happens)

Time for some cabinet locks... although she gets a little pissy when she tries to open them and they are "stuck"

It's a double

2009-08-12T10:13:00.004-05:00

Double ear infection that is...

I've learned that when ever Ramey gets a cold, I'll have to get her ears checked. She had a cold a few weeks back and has been running a low grade fever since then. I attributed it to teething as her bottom molars are still fighting their way thru. But the last few days I've noticed her rubbing/tugging on both ears. So thought better safe than sorry and got her checked out, especially since Ron had many ear infections while growing up... Onto our first round of anitbactics... hopefully this time it doesn't take two rounds. She took the meds pretty well last night but this morning it had to be mixed in with her oatmeal, which she still didn't eat very well and tried spittng out. I hope she doesn't have to get tubes, but I have a feeling they may be in our future.

Overall, you would never know she isn't feeling well. She is still active and happy. She is really getting a hang of walking, going 3-4 feet, she still prefers crawling but will "walk" to an object/person if close enough