Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Mailbox: Take Two
Remember this post ? We came home from the grocery store tonight and our mailbox was all over the road again. At least this time the culprit left his name and number on our front door. Ryan called to make sure the guy was okay and to let him know that he needn't worry about our mailbox. Apparently the guy was trying to miss some deer crossing the road and ran right into the mailbox. I wonder how we can get people to stay away from our big magnet mailbox.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Catching Up
I know I have been neglectful with my blog when last night Ryan mentioned that I haven't actually written anything lately. It seems I was caught up with trying to get everything done before Christmas. There were too many cards to send out, cookies to bake, presents to wrap and mail. Sadly, I didn't even get all of that done in time. I still have some presents to get and mail out. Thankfully those people are very understanding!
Christmas was good. Ryan and I both had Christmas Eve off. Growing up our families both celebrated on Christmas Eve and we decided long ago to keep that tradition in place. We actually ate our Christmas lasagne (a tradition we started last year) around 3 (not a tradition, but we skipped lunch and both of us were starving). We then opened gifts early. Aric was wide awake and ready toeat paper open gifts. True to typical 6-1/2 month old fashion, he was overwhelmed by everything and satisfied to sit by mommy and eat the shiny wrapping paper that Nana and Poppa used to wrap his brand new counting books. That wrapping paper was sopping wet when we finally took it away. Hopefully it was non-toxic too. I guess we'll find out someday.
We bought Aric a sports car walker. That was a scary trip to the nearest Toys R Us (40+ miles away) in the first snow of the season. I guess I shouldn't have waited so close to Christmas to make the time to get his gift. The walker was a little more than we had planned to spend, but my only other choice was a boring $35 piece of junk. His walker is actually a 3-in-1 toy. It can be stationary for jumping, a baby walker and later the seat can be pushed in for a walk-behind toddler walker. It has lights, noises and a snack tray under the hood. Aric hasn't quite figured out how to move around yet and frequently ends up going backwards, Usually right into the Christmas tree to play with the decorations. I'm sure he'll figure out how to operate the walker soon enough.
Ryan hasbeen pent up inside with a baby enjoyed a 5 day holiday weekend. I have been at work as normal. Yesterday I was fortunate enough to leave work 2 hours early and spend that extra time with Ryan and Aric. This coming week Ryan's parents will be here to see Aric. My head is already spinning from the amount I need to do to get the house ready for company. Yikes!
The only other thing going on is that I reinjured my knee. Four years ago this coming April I had surgery to remove shredded cartilage. My knee was fixed and I haven't had any problems with it until a month ago when Ryan smacked his knee cap into mine. Two weeks ago I smashed my knee into our wrought iron staircase and I'm back to where I was four years ago. After the holidays I'll have to start the process of getting my knee fixed again. Hopefully it won't take six months to get it fixed like it took last time!
Christmas was good. Ryan and I both had Christmas Eve off. Growing up our families both celebrated on Christmas Eve and we decided long ago to keep that tradition in place. We actually ate our Christmas lasagne (a tradition we started last year) around 3 (not a tradition, but we skipped lunch and both of us were starving). We then opened gifts early. Aric was wide awake and ready to
We bought Aric a sports car walker. That was a scary trip to the nearest Toys R Us (40+ miles away) in the first snow of the season. I guess I shouldn't have waited so close to Christmas to make the time to get his gift. The walker was a little more than we had planned to spend, but my only other choice was a boring $35 piece of junk. His walker is actually a 3-in-1 toy. It can be stationary for jumping, a baby walker and later the seat can be pushed in for a walk-behind toddler walker. It has lights, noises and a snack tray under the hood. Aric hasn't quite figured out how to move around yet and frequently ends up going backwards, Usually right into the Christmas tree to play with the decorations. I'm sure he'll figure out how to operate the walker soon enough.
Ryan has
The only other thing going on is that I reinjured my knee. Four years ago this coming April I had surgery to remove shredded cartilage. My knee was fixed and I haven't had any problems with it until a month ago when Ryan smacked his knee cap into mine. Two weeks ago I smashed my knee into our wrought iron staircase and I'm back to where I was four years ago. After the holidays I'll have to start the process of getting my knee fixed again. Hopefully it won't take six months to get it fixed like it took last time!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Chicken
Even though he prefers veggies to fruit and pears above all else, Aric has been an incredibly un-picky eater. Until...
...we tried to eat chicken tonight. This was the first food that he actually gagged and spit it all back out. Not just once, but twice. I finally pulled out a jar of green beans and mixed the chicken in with it before he would even attempt to eat and swallow it. That may be the only way to get him to eat it for awhile!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Playing on the Kitchen Floor
I thought I would try out my new camera. The only subject I had around was this guy eating Tupperware on the kitchen floor.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Play Time
I wish I would've known I could've saved money by letting him play with the cat toys. He pulled it out from under a table where it was last left by the cats.
That is some intense concentration. Bowling for penguins is serious stuff!
That is some intense concentration. Bowling for penguins is serious stuff!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Happy Six Months, Aric Levi!
"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him."
1 Samuel 1:27
I'd Kill for a Cheeseburger
The last two days have been so busy. Busy but good.
On Tuesday, Aric and I took the dog to the groomers since he is spending more time indoors. (On a side note, when Ryan picked the dog up they gave him a report card and the dog managed to get an A+. Neither Ryan nor I believe that. Or dog is not an A+ kind of dog in the behavioral department. More like a B- or C+.) After we dropped the dog off, Aric and I went to meet Tina, a possible daycare provider.
When we first arrived she mentioned trying to decide between watching Aric part-time or watching a newborn full-time. This was news to me. She was really nice and even though the children she watches are much older than Aric (they are 3 and 4) I think Aric will be safe and happy there. He was so fascinated watching the other children play. He just hasn't had the opportunity to be around other kids. Normally he's just around adults. It will be good for him to realize there are other children and babies in the world. By the time we left Tina's house, she said she would watch him. I just have to finish up some paperwork for her, such as Aric's health assessment. I'm so happy to have found day care for Aric in January. It really relieves a lot of stress.
Yesterday Aric and I ran errands. Exciting ones like finishing up Christmas shopping, buying stamps for the large stack of Christmas cards that are sitting on my table and dropping his health assessment off at the pediatricians. The rest of the day we played and did house work. I do enjoy mundane days.
Ryan found out that he was hired on permanently at work. We're praying for a smooth transition between his temporary position and the permanent one. His temporary job ends January 11th. We have no idea when they will process the paperwork and allow him to start working in the new position.
Ryan also found out that he will be going on a short deployment in early February for about six weeks. Thankfully, this time, we have enough notice and Aric's normal sitter, Laura, will be able to cover all of the days that Ryan normally cares for Aric. With her and and the new sitter, I shouldn't have any issues with day care. I am so thankful for that!
I'm thinking about taking Aric to visit my parents over my birthday. I had already taken the time off in February because we were going to take a family vacation. Now with the deployment, I really don't want to be alone on my 30th birthday and I'd love for Aric to spend time with my parents and brother. It's not set in stone, but I'm kind of excited about the possibility.
And now on to why I would kill for a cheeseburger... I've been on a clear liquid diet since yesterday morning. Chicken broth and jell-o aren't cutting it. This afternoon I am getting a colonoscopy. I'm thrilled if you couldn't tell. I'm about two years overdue for this with good reason. Hopefully everything will be just fine and I won't have to deal with it for another five years. You can bet that after I wake up from anesthesia, I'm making Ryan take me out for a cheeseburger!
On Tuesday, Aric and I took the dog to the groomers since he is spending more time indoors. (On a side note, when Ryan picked the dog up they gave him a report card and the dog managed to get an A+. Neither Ryan nor I believe that. Or dog is not an A+ kind of dog in the behavioral department. More like a B- or C+.) After we dropped the dog off, Aric and I went to meet Tina, a possible daycare provider.
When we first arrived she mentioned trying to decide between watching Aric part-time or watching a newborn full-time. This was news to me. She was really nice and even though the children she watches are much older than Aric (they are 3 and 4) I think Aric will be safe and happy there. He was so fascinated watching the other children play. He just hasn't had the opportunity to be around other kids. Normally he's just around adults. It will be good for him to realize there are other children and babies in the world. By the time we left Tina's house, she said she would watch him. I just have to finish up some paperwork for her, such as Aric's health assessment. I'm so happy to have found day care for Aric in January. It really relieves a lot of stress.
Yesterday Aric and I ran errands. Exciting ones like finishing up Christmas shopping, buying stamps for the large stack of Christmas cards that are sitting on my table and dropping his health assessment off at the pediatricians. The rest of the day we played and did house work. I do enjoy mundane days.
Ryan found out that he was hired on permanently at work. We're praying for a smooth transition between his temporary position and the permanent one. His temporary job ends January 11th. We have no idea when they will process the paperwork and allow him to start working in the new position.
Ryan also found out that he will be going on a short deployment in early February for about six weeks. Thankfully, this time, we have enough notice and Aric's normal sitter, Laura, will be able to cover all of the days that Ryan normally cares for Aric. With her and and the new sitter, I shouldn't have any issues with day care. I am so thankful for that!
I'm thinking about taking Aric to visit my parents over my birthday. I had already taken the time off in February because we were going to take a family vacation. Now with the deployment, I really don't want to be alone on my 30th birthday and I'd love for Aric to spend time with my parents and brother. It's not set in stone, but I'm kind of excited about the possibility.
And now on to why I would kill for a cheeseburger... I've been on a clear liquid diet since yesterday morning. Chicken broth and jell-o aren't cutting it. This afternoon I am getting a colonoscopy. I'm thrilled if you couldn't tell. I'm about two years overdue for this with good reason. Hopefully everything will be just fine and I won't have to deal with it for another five years. You can bet that after I wake up from anesthesia, I'm making Ryan take me out for a cheeseburger!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Strip Baby
Aric usually shuts down for the night around 7pm. Shortly after 7, we start our routine of a bath, another feeding and then sleep. Most nights Aric is usually sound asleep by 8pm. Some nights Aric starts fussing before 7 and we have found a few tricks that work.
Yes, we start stripping him down and let him play. (And we even let him play with our blinds.)
First, the socks go. He’s usually satisfied for awhile discovering he has toes. When that no longer works, the pants go. After awhile he loses his shirt. Aric enjoys being unclothed. Actually every night he cries after his bath when I dress him again.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Six Random Things
I was tagged by Carmen to tell you six random things about myself. Here goes:
1. My left big toe is slightly bigger than my right big toe. The summer before third grade I broke my left big toe by opening a heavy glass door over the top of it. The doctor told us it might be affected in some way since I broke the growth plate. It grew slightly bigger as a result.
2. I refuse to check strands of Christmas lights for that one burnt out bulb. I would rather throw them away and buy a new strand. Don't get me wrong. If I can easily tell which bulb is burnt out or replace the fuse I will do that. If the strand doesn't work or only half of it works I have no problems tossing it out. During college I worked in the Special Events department of a university that would decorate their entire campus in strands of twinkle lights as a gift to the community. I spent a long, hot summer sitting outside checking strands of twinkle lights, trying to figure out which bulb was burnt out. I am NOT doing that ever again.
3. I am deeply affected by scary, horror movies. Even seeing the preview of a horror movie on TV will cause problems for me. When my husband and I were dating he took me to see Event Horizon. I made him mad because I spent the entire movie watching the floor of the theater except for the one long bathroom break I took when I read every single movie poster that was hanging on the theater walls. Just hearing the movie made me avoid the basement like the plague for two weeks, and it was my job to do the laundry in the basement.
4. I like leopard print even when animal print is not in style. I have a custom-made leopard print dress in my closet. I haven't worn it in years, but I won't get rid of it. I also have a leopard print shower curtain packed away somewhere. Not to worry, though, my husband let me get a leopard print seatbelt bag this past fall. I'm still able to let my inner wild child show.
5. In college I used to eat two cheesy hotdogs with mustard, Ruffles the Works potato chips and a can of cherry Coke almost every day for lunch. I still love that meal, but I'm a little sad that Ruffles doesn't make the Works anymore. To this day I won't buy any other type of hot dog except Oscar Meyer cheesy hotdogs.
6. I do not like anything touching my neck- hands, chokers, turtlenecks, etc... This stems from typical sibling issues from childhood. If you ever see me wearing a turtle neck, it is only because the turtle neck is so loose it doesn't actually touch my neck. My test for this is if I can stick my chin down into the neck without actually having to do anything but dip my head down. This is so troublesome, though; that I have to really like the turtle neck and be pretty sure that it won't be bothersome to even try it on. Currently, I don't own any turtle necks.
Now it's your turn. I TAG anyone who would like to share six things about themselves.
1. My left big toe is slightly bigger than my right big toe. The summer before third grade I broke my left big toe by opening a heavy glass door over the top of it. The doctor told us it might be affected in some way since I broke the growth plate. It grew slightly bigger as a result.
2. I refuse to check strands of Christmas lights for that one burnt out bulb. I would rather throw them away and buy a new strand. Don't get me wrong. If I can easily tell which bulb is burnt out or replace the fuse I will do that. If the strand doesn't work or only half of it works I have no problems tossing it out. During college I worked in the Special Events department of a university that would decorate their entire campus in strands of twinkle lights as a gift to the community. I spent a long, hot summer sitting outside checking strands of twinkle lights, trying to figure out which bulb was burnt out. I am NOT doing that ever again.
3. I am deeply affected by scary, horror movies. Even seeing the preview of a horror movie on TV will cause problems for me. When my husband and I were dating he took me to see Event Horizon. I made him mad because I spent the entire movie watching the floor of the theater except for the one long bathroom break I took when I read every single movie poster that was hanging on the theater walls. Just hearing the movie made me avoid the basement like the plague for two weeks, and it was my job to do the laundry in the basement.
4. I like leopard print even when animal print is not in style. I have a custom-made leopard print dress in my closet. I haven't worn it in years, but I won't get rid of it. I also have a leopard print shower curtain packed away somewhere. Not to worry, though, my husband let me get a leopard print seatbelt bag this past fall. I'm still able to let my inner wild child show.
5. In college I used to eat two cheesy hotdogs with mustard, Ruffles the Works potato chips and a can of cherry Coke almost every day for lunch. I still love that meal, but I'm a little sad that Ruffles doesn't make the Works anymore. To this day I won't buy any other type of hot dog except Oscar Meyer cheesy hotdogs.
6. I do not like anything touching my neck- hands, chokers, turtlenecks, etc... This stems from typical sibling issues from childhood. If you ever see me wearing a turtle neck, it is only because the turtle neck is so loose it doesn't actually touch my neck. My test for this is if I can stick my chin down into the neck without actually having to do anything but dip my head down. This is so troublesome, though; that I have to really like the turtle neck and be pretty sure that it won't be bothersome to even try it on. Currently, I don't own any turtle necks.
Now it's your turn. I TAG anyone who would like to share six things about themselves.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Ready for my next set of days off!
I found the light bulb in stock for the TV today. It was $312. (Merry Christmas to us!) I sure wish I would’ve known about that before we bought that TV. I think we would’ve looked for a TV with cheaper maintenance- or no maintenance at all. I haven’t even installed the light bulb, so I don’t know if it works. I’m waiting for Ryan to get home and do the honors.
Today I checked into a local childcare center to see if we were eligible. We are eligible; however, they are a little stringent on the times that they take part-time children, so it really won’t work for us. (Their drop-off time is 30 minutes after I have to be at work.) They did provide me with a list of names of possible part-time in-home day care providers. I called several names and actually have an appointment for next week to meet with one of them. This whole thing just makes me nervous. I want Aric to get good care and I really don’t want to have to worry about him. If we had a “safer” house and lived in an area more conducive to it, I think I would check into just doing daycare myself and then I wouldn’t have to worry about it!
After all that happened in the past two days I’m really ready for my days off. Oh, wait- those were my days off. Back to work, I guess.
Today I checked into a local childcare center to see if we were eligible. We are eligible; however, they are a little stringent on the times that they take part-time children, so it really won’t work for us. (Their drop-off time is 30 minutes after I have to be at work.) They did provide me with a list of names of possible part-time in-home day care providers. I called several names and actually have an appointment for next week to meet with one of them. This whole thing just makes me nervous. I want Aric to get good care and I really don’t want to have to worry about him. If we had a “safer” house and lived in an area more conducive to it, I think I would check into just doing daycare myself and then I wouldn’t have to worry about it!
After all that happened in the past two days I’m really ready for my days off. Oh, wait- those were my days off. Back to work, I guess.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Credit Card Fraud and Outrageously Expensive Light Bulbs
I haven’t had a bad day today, but enough bad things have happened to make it seem terrible.
It started with me discovering a fraudulent charge on our credit card. I viewed the credit card account to see how much money I needed to pay for some Christmas purchases. While viewing the statement I discovered a pending purchase of $205 to the Armani Exchange. Anyone who knows Ryan and me would know that we aren’t Armani Exchange kind of people. When Ryan came home, I asked him about the purchase just to make sure that he hadn’t decided to shop there on a wild hair. (Okay, I’m guessing they sell clothes, but I really have no idea.) He called the credit card company, who has since cancelled the card and will be investigating the charge. I think we’ll both be looking at that statement a little more regularly!
If that isn’t bad enough the light bulb on our big screen TV went out. That right there put Ryan in a really bad mood. He bought that TV as a gift to himself after an 18 month deployment. The cost to replace the light bulb- $275 and that’s if we buy the light bulb and replace it ourselves.
It started with me discovering a fraudulent charge on our credit card. I viewed the credit card account to see how much money I needed to pay for some Christmas purchases. While viewing the statement I discovered a pending purchase of $205 to the Armani Exchange. Anyone who knows Ryan and me would know that we aren’t Armani Exchange kind of people. When Ryan came home, I asked him about the purchase just to make sure that he hadn’t decided to shop there on a wild hair. (Okay, I’m guessing they sell clothes, but I really have no idea.) He called the credit card company, who has since cancelled the card and will be investigating the charge. I think we’ll both be looking at that statement a little more regularly!
If that isn’t bad enough the light bulb on our big screen TV went out. That right there put Ryan in a really bad mood. He bought that TV as a gift to himself after an 18 month deployment. The cost to replace the light bulb- $275 and that’s if we buy the light bulb and replace it ourselves.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Applesauce
He liked applesauce, but not quite as much as pears. What can I say- the boy LOVES pears!
Not Me! Monday
It’s time for Not Me! Monday and more confessions of silly things that did not happen to me this past week.
I did not prewrite this in order to have it ready in time for Monday. That would just be silly. In fact, I do not prewrite the majority of my blog entries, then proofread them multiple times before posting them, and then edit them if I notice something wrong after posting them. That would just be really silly.
I did not allow my son to co-sleep with us pretty much every night this past week because he was sick. I am not now wondering how to get the co-sleeper back into his own bed and back to sleeping all night long now that he is feeling better. My husband did not upon returning home from a night out of watching football with a friend say "no" in response to me asking him to put Aric back in his crib and then walk away claiming later that he had not heard me. My husband always hears everything I say.
I have not started referring to new changes at work as the "witch hunt". That might be considered juvenile even if others might deem those changes really stupid and the name completely accurate.
I did not tell my husband, while he was taking this photo, that Aric's hairdo made him look like Syndrome from the Incredibles. Mommies are always supposed to have nice things to say about their children.
I did not go to the grocery store three times last week because we couldn't decide if we wanted turkey for Thanksgiving. We do not have a whole chicken in our deep freeze from one of those shopping trips. We did not eat leftover turkey sandwiches before we actually ate the main meal. That would be too weird and hard to fathom.
I did not prewrite this in order to have it ready in time for Monday. That would just be silly. In fact, I do not prewrite the majority of my blog entries, then proofread them multiple times before posting them, and then edit them if I notice something wrong after posting them. That would just be really silly.
I did not allow my son to co-sleep with us pretty much every night this past week because he was sick. I am not now wondering how to get the co-sleeper back into his own bed and back to sleeping all night long now that he is feeling better. My husband did not upon returning home from a night out of watching football with a friend say "no" in response to me asking him to put Aric back in his crib and then walk away claiming later that he had not heard me. My husband always hears everything I say.
I have not started referring to new changes at work as the "witch hunt". That might be considered juvenile even if others might deem those changes really stupid and the name completely accurate.
I did not tell my husband, while he was taking this photo, that Aric's hairdo made him look like Syndrome from the Incredibles. Mommies are always supposed to have nice things to say about their children.
I did not go to the grocery store three times last week because we couldn't decide if we wanted turkey for Thanksgiving. We do not have a whole chicken in our deep freeze from one of those shopping trips. We did not eat leftover turkey sandwiches before we actually ate the main meal. That would be too weird and hard to fathom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)