I can't believe summer is almost over for me. When I got my job I felt as though it would never really begin, but I have spent most of the last three weeks in my room, trying desperately to get it to resemble a first grade classroom and not a giant pile of rubble. I don't get paid to work until the 25th, but such is the life of a teacher.
We are taking a mini vacation today, just B, Ace and me. It is to make up for all of the time we spent with B's family, which we have recognized to have been a big mistake. We are going to work on really limiting the amount of time we spend with them from now on and work on asserting ourselves more when around them. Although, I do try to assert myself around them and find that I am often ignored or simply placated and they go ahead and do what they want anyway.
We are also planning our next summer vacation, which will be a week in Cape Cod. I mentioned it to some friends and it seems as if they are interested in joining us. It could either be a lot of fun or a giant head ache, but I am willing to give it a shot. I invited my brother and B's sister first, but neither can make it.
Ace is doing well these days, except that he is acting a little nutsy today. I keep thinking that he must be teething again, but I am not sure. We got a note from his daycare, where he is now attending three days a week full time, that he has been squeezing other children who get in his way. I know what they are talking about because he does this to me and yesterday I had a terrible parenting moment where I squeezed back. I felt terrible, but I tried to make up for it with apologies and kisses. He is starting to understand the concept of a time out, so I now have that weapon at least!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Sick Again!
Aargh!!! We just got back from the Dr yesterday where Ace was given a clean bill of health and then last night Ace woke up crying and upset and refused to be comforted and then when we finally decided to let him cry himself back to sleep he cried for so long that we knew something was not right. B took him outside and finally got him calmed down and back to sleep, but it was an ordeal. Today Ace woke up with a runny nose and coughing. I am beside myself. When will his immune system finally kick in? The Dr. told me that it will be fine and that Ace is just building up immunity and that kids who don't go through this in day care end up going through it in preschool or kindergarten, but it makes me worried. My sister in law ended up pulling her kids from day care because they got sick so often.
I just feel so bad for Ace. He clearly has a sore throat and is not happy. I just want him to feel well for longer than a week. He is such an amazing little person when he is feeling well. Plus, we head off on vacation with B's family this Sunday. I don't think they have seen Ace in good health since he was a tiny baby.
So frustrating!
I just feel so bad for Ace. He clearly has a sore throat and is not happy. I just want him to feel well for longer than a week. He is such an amazing little person when he is feeling well. Plus, we head off on vacation with B's family this Sunday. I don't think they have seen Ace in good health since he was a tiny baby.
So frustrating!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Hand Foot Mouth Surprise!
We were recently introduced to the most atrocious childhood viruses that we have encountered so far: Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. I love that it is called a disease, as if it will never go away, instead of the virus that it is. It totally looks and acts like a disease. A disease that will eat your poor little toddler up entirely.
Here is what it entails. My son had little bumps on the soles of this feet and a few on his legs and pubic area (or groin, not crotch - the only word I could think of at the time when I was on the phone with the pediatric nurse - "yeah, he's got bumps on his crotch" I felt very sophisticated after that!). I thought they were bug bites, so I gave the cat his anti flea and tick medication, washed all the sheets and went about my business. Then a large blister showed up on his heel and I thought, "Huh, that's odd. Who knew babies got blisters? I did put his shoes on the wrong feet the other day." Then day care pointed out that he had these little bumps on the palms of his hands, but they did not tell me what they must have already known. I just worried all day and when my husband got home from work, I asked him what he thought about these bumps, and the fact that Ace now had a fever. We decided to call the pediatrician in the morning. We are very smart, see?
My husband jumped on Google and we had a few guesses, including Hand Foot and Mouth, but Ace didn't have any bumps on his mouth. "No, you won't see them," the pediatric nurse tells me, "They are on the inside of his mouth and it is like having a mouth full of canker sores." Oh, so that would explain why my son has been so incredibly unpleasant the last few days. I thought it was because we weaned him from the pacifier. Wait, we weaned him from the pacifier while he was going through this most uncomfortable ordeal, not just uncomfortable, but very painful? Oh, the guilt!
I'm over the guilt now. I realize that there was no way that I could have known that Ace was crying out in pain and not in frustration. Now that he is back to his awesome self and sleeping through the night once again, I know that he doesn't permanently hate me because of my lack of parental knowledge on that one. I'll know for the future.
I can't believe that there is the possibility that he will get this virus again. Day care, how I love, yet deeply despise you.
On the bright side, Ace is weaned from the pacifier. I used the technique where you cut the nipple on the pacifier down a little each night. By the third night, Ace was annoyed with it and threw it aside. There were tears but whether they were from the lack of pacifier or onset of painful mouth sores, I do not know.
Here is what it entails. My son had little bumps on the soles of this feet and a few on his legs and pubic area (or groin, not crotch - the only word I could think of at the time when I was on the phone with the pediatric nurse - "yeah, he's got bumps on his crotch" I felt very sophisticated after that!). I thought they were bug bites, so I gave the cat his anti flea and tick medication, washed all the sheets and went about my business. Then a large blister showed up on his heel and I thought, "Huh, that's odd. Who knew babies got blisters? I did put his shoes on the wrong feet the other day." Then day care pointed out that he had these little bumps on the palms of his hands, but they did not tell me what they must have already known. I just worried all day and when my husband got home from work, I asked him what he thought about these bumps, and the fact that Ace now had a fever. We decided to call the pediatrician in the morning. We are very smart, see?
My husband jumped on Google and we had a few guesses, including Hand Foot and Mouth, but Ace didn't have any bumps on his mouth. "No, you won't see them," the pediatric nurse tells me, "They are on the inside of his mouth and it is like having a mouth full of canker sores." Oh, so that would explain why my son has been so incredibly unpleasant the last few days. I thought it was because we weaned him from the pacifier. Wait, we weaned him from the pacifier while he was going through this most uncomfortable ordeal, not just uncomfortable, but very painful? Oh, the guilt!
I'm over the guilt now. I realize that there was no way that I could have known that Ace was crying out in pain and not in frustration. Now that he is back to his awesome self and sleeping through the night once again, I know that he doesn't permanently hate me because of my lack of parental knowledge on that one. I'll know for the future.
I can't believe that there is the possibility that he will get this virus again. Day care, how I love, yet deeply despise you.
On the bright side, Ace is weaned from the pacifier. I used the technique where you cut the nipple on the pacifier down a little each night. By the third night, Ace was annoyed with it and threw it aside. There were tears but whether they were from the lack of pacifier or onset of painful mouth sores, I do not know.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
A Few Things
We went to B's parents' home a few weeks ago and I was very nervous about flying with a sixteen-month-old. Turns out it was not too bad. I brought brand new books, new snack food, a few new toys - including a small wind up toy - and random things like stickers and tape. I also bought two Sesame Street DVDs in case of emergency. We only ended up watching about five mintutes of one DVD. Ace was really very good. Considering that we flew during his first real illness - a virus with an ear infection that was diagnosed two days before we left, and that he had a fever of about 103 and was taking Motrin and antibiotics - he did really well. At some point during the flight I noticed that Ace was breaking out in a rash, so after talking to the doctor we added Benadryl to his mix of medications.
Ace survived and got over his illness. He is still taking antibiotics, but I think we are down to our last dose tonight.
I flew back alone with Ace and he was great. He got over tired and wouldn't fall asleep, but then he bumped his head and leaned into me to cry about it and within seconds he was sound asleep. We had an open seat next to us, so I laid him down with his head on my lap. That worked well for a glorious hour or so, until the toddler behind us kicked the seat and knocked down the arm rest, which hit Ace in the head. I was livid. I glared at that two-year-old like a crazy lady. Then I felt bad about it, but my baby was hurt, just a little.
Man, it is hard to travel alone with a toddler! I had the stroller and just two bags, but it required a lot of figuring. I managed to eat and not lose it, but Ace was none too happy about being stuck in his stroller and off of his schedule.
The fact that we can not get a direct flight into B's parents' city is not a good thing, either.
Speaking of not good things, our trip included being yelled at and we may not be going back to B's parents' again. We are going on a family vacation with them in a few weeks, so we will see how that goes. Some things that are wrong but still ok when you don't have kids suddenly become totally wrong and not okay when you have your child there with you.
Another disturbing thing that happened while out of town involved Ace and his love of water. He LOVES it. He had no fear, just wants to get in the water. We really need to get him swimming lessons or water survival lessons. Here is why: we went to the baby pool at B's sister's country club and Ace was in heaven. The pool is a big round pool that is never deeper than 1.5 feet, so he can stand and play and was trilled. Then he tried to walk across the pool. The first time he was successful. The second time he did it he was chasing a ball and when he leaned forward for the ball he lost his balance and fell face first into the water. And then he stayed like that for a while. I thought for sure he would struggle and kick or something, but no, he just laid there and I jumped in and got him. He wasn't even upset about it really. I couldn't stop thinking that what he looked like floating there was probably what poor parents see when they don't realize until too late that their child has fallen in to the water. I had trouble sleeping later that night. I kept flashing on the image of Ace floating there.
Now we are back home and summer is racing by. I have been weaning Ace from the pacifier and that has led to some tearful days. Today being one of them. Instead of napping he cried for one hour. So I went and got him out and now he is asleep. I guess our afternoon plans can wait for another day.
Ace survived and got over his illness. He is still taking antibiotics, but I think we are down to our last dose tonight.
I flew back alone with Ace and he was great. He got over tired and wouldn't fall asleep, but then he bumped his head and leaned into me to cry about it and within seconds he was sound asleep. We had an open seat next to us, so I laid him down with his head on my lap. That worked well for a glorious hour or so, until the toddler behind us kicked the seat and knocked down the arm rest, which hit Ace in the head. I was livid. I glared at that two-year-old like a crazy lady. Then I felt bad about it, but my baby was hurt, just a little.
Man, it is hard to travel alone with a toddler! I had the stroller and just two bags, but it required a lot of figuring. I managed to eat and not lose it, but Ace was none too happy about being stuck in his stroller and off of his schedule.
The fact that we can not get a direct flight into B's parents' city is not a good thing, either.
Speaking of not good things, our trip included being yelled at and we may not be going back to B's parents' again. We are going on a family vacation with them in a few weeks, so we will see how that goes. Some things that are wrong but still ok when you don't have kids suddenly become totally wrong and not okay when you have your child there with you.
Another disturbing thing that happened while out of town involved Ace and his love of water. He LOVES it. He had no fear, just wants to get in the water. We really need to get him swimming lessons or water survival lessons. Here is why: we went to the baby pool at B's sister's country club and Ace was in heaven. The pool is a big round pool that is never deeper than 1.5 feet, so he can stand and play and was trilled. Then he tried to walk across the pool. The first time he was successful. The second time he did it he was chasing a ball and when he leaned forward for the ball he lost his balance and fell face first into the water. And then he stayed like that for a while. I thought for sure he would struggle and kick or something, but no, he just laid there and I jumped in and got him. He wasn't even upset about it really. I couldn't stop thinking that what he looked like floating there was probably what poor parents see when they don't realize until too late that their child has fallen in to the water. I had trouble sleeping later that night. I kept flashing on the image of Ace floating there.
Now we are back home and summer is racing by. I have been weaning Ace from the pacifier and that has led to some tearful days. Today being one of them. Instead of napping he cried for one hour. So I went and got him out and now he is asleep. I guess our afternoon plans can wait for another day.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
First Major Face Plant
Ace fell down today and about an hour later there were several angry red marks on his face. He kind of looks like he got in a fight. I didn't see the actual fall - I am a very bad parent and I left him to walk a few steps on his own while I carried his new car seat down the stairs and turned around to run back up and grab him. I looked up and he was happily making his way toward the stairs, I briefly looked down to head up the stairs and next thing I know, Ace is rolling on the ground crying. I heard a noise that I thought was his head hitting the metal banister, but I couldn't figure out how that happened. He stopped crying pretty quickly after I picked him up and I didn't notice any marks until later when we were leaving Costco. Poor little guy. This is normal, right? Toddlers like to practice walking and that means they will fall down a lot, right? I was not too terrible to leave him to himself for two seconds!
In other news, Ace has this adorable new thing he does. He grabs a book and puts in on the ottoman of the leather chair in the living room. Then he climbs up into the chair and settles himself, then he picks up his book, sighs a sigh of pleasure and begins reading to himself. I love it!
I think he is finally over teething and the horrible part of whatever cold he has had for three weeks. There is still snot, but he is sleeping so much better and is in such a great mood - except for when I lock him in the car with me while I install his new convertible car seat. Holy angry toddler.
But! He loves his new seat. He can see so much more. I don't think anyone can fit in my car besides me anymore, but whatever.
In other news, Ace has this adorable new thing he does. He grabs a book and puts in on the ottoman of the leather chair in the living room. Then he climbs up into the chair and settles himself, then he picks up his book, sighs a sigh of pleasure and begins reading to himself. I love it!
I think he is finally over teething and the horrible part of whatever cold he has had for three weeks. There is still snot, but he is sleeping so much better and is in such a great mood - except for when I lock him in the car with me while I install his new convertible car seat. Holy angry toddler.
But! He loves his new seat. He can see so much more. I don't think anyone can fit in my car besides me anymore, but whatever.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Long Weekend Recovery
We went away with friends for the Memorial Day weekend. It was fun, but exhausting. We shared a house and I don't think that is my favorite way to vacation. It may be a bit too much togetherness. Plus, people just wanted to lay by the pool all the time and I am not that kind of a vacationer. I wanted to get out and walk around a bit or do something besides sunbathe. It was also hard to relax with Ace there. He loved the pool and was really easy but since I wasn't used to the surroundings and worried about him and the water, it was just not relaxing. I think next time, if we do it again, I will look into hiring a babysitter for one afternoon.
Ace is doing great. He is teething so his behavior has been all over the place, but he is making a lot of developmental leaps. His sleeping is a bit off but we have been planning on buckling down this week and trying to get him back on the 12 hours a night plan. When he laughs you can see all the new giant teeth taking residence in his sweet little mouth. Besides woof, he now says ball, bubble, fish (kind of) and moo. He loves buses and freaks out whenever he sees one. He likes anything with wheels, and the bigger the better. He is also really into balls. He even likes watching sports on tv. He points and repeats, "ball, ball..." He can recognize an athlete from what he or she is wearing. Even Venus Williams in her visor - I think he is aware that some ball players wear hats and recognized her hat. He definitely knows that baseball players wear hats and that his baseball hat is a ball hat.
Friday we go in for a doctor's appointment. I'm curious to see how big he is. We might be in the market for a new car seat soon.
Ace is doing great. He is teething so his behavior has been all over the place, but he is making a lot of developmental leaps. His sleeping is a bit off but we have been planning on buckling down this week and trying to get him back on the 12 hours a night plan. When he laughs you can see all the new giant teeth taking residence in his sweet little mouth. Besides woof, he now says ball, bubble, fish (kind of) and moo. He loves buses and freaks out whenever he sees one. He likes anything with wheels, and the bigger the better. He is also really into balls. He even likes watching sports on tv. He points and repeats, "ball, ball..." He can recognize an athlete from what he or she is wearing. Even Venus Williams in her visor - I think he is aware that some ball players wear hats and recognized her hat. He definitely knows that baseball players wear hats and that his baseball hat is a ball hat.
Friday we go in for a doctor's appointment. I'm curious to see how big he is. We might be in the market for a new car seat soon.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Surviving Day Care
Ace went to day care for the first time this week. He was a champ about it the first day and wandered off from me happily, while I put his food in the fridge and signed him in. I waved goodbye, but he could have cared less. I drove to Target feeling kind of numb and, right when I was pulling into the parking lot, a Springsteen song came on. It wasn't even one of his sappier ones, but I felt myself starting to cry. Instead, I started to laugh at myself and then spent the next hour or so shopping for random things and feeling giddy with freedom. When I arrived to pick him up, after three and a half blissful hours of alone time, he was wandering around happily. I put him in the car and he fell asleep before we got home.
Today, as I had been warned, Ace knew what was going to happen and started getting a little nervous the moment we entered the day care. This time while I was putting his food away, he started to cry. The "teacher" picked him up and said, "ok, say goodbye to Mommy," in a kind way, but I wanted to hold him, so she handed him over. I realized that he was not going to stop crying, so I gave him a hug and put him down. Another teacher picked him up and I waved goodbye and left. I felt a little sad about it, but I knew he would be fine.
When it was time to pick him up, the teacher said that he had needed a little extra attention, but he soon was playing happily on his own. I think I may have a sensitive little guy, since he's an only child and has been with me for almost fifteen moths. I think the day care setting will be good for him and his development.
Now that he has survived his first week, I am going to look into using the time off from him to work out. I have to check out the pool schedule and a few exercise classes that look interesting.
Today, as I had been warned, Ace knew what was going to happen and started getting a little nervous the moment we entered the day care. This time while I was putting his food away, he started to cry. The "teacher" picked him up and said, "ok, say goodbye to Mommy," in a kind way, but I wanted to hold him, so she handed him over. I realized that he was not going to stop crying, so I gave him a hug and put him down. Another teacher picked him up and I waved goodbye and left. I felt a little sad about it, but I knew he would be fine.
When it was time to pick him up, the teacher said that he had needed a little extra attention, but he soon was playing happily on his own. I think I may have a sensitive little guy, since he's an only child and has been with me for almost fifteen moths. I think the day care setting will be good for him and his development.
Now that he has survived his first week, I am going to look into using the time off from him to work out. I have to check out the pool schedule and a few exercise classes that look interesting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)