I'm feeling bugged at the moment by a few comments that someone recently made to me, and I feel it is high time to share my #1 parenting-related pet peeve: People who constantly compare kids! I'm sure I have been guilty of this once or twice, but it's become one of those things that other people do and it really gets on my nerves. (And no, it's not anyone who reads this blog... So don't think that it's you!)
It all starts with the "Is Nikos doing (x, y, z) yet?" comments. The questions are usually harmless conversation starters, but they quickly lead to comparisons. For example, walking. Nikos is just now taking his first steps at 14 months. As I've mentioned before, Gus didn't walk until 15 months-- and he is certainly no dummy. But for months and months now, I have been barraged with "Is he walking yet?" only to be followed with something like, "Oh, I just thought he'd be walking by now, my kid walked at 6 months-- he's always been such a quick learner" or something crazy like that. It drives me insane! My son will walk when he's ready, and just because he is doing it later than some is not a sign that he is mentally slower than they are. Sheesh! Frankly, if you look at the world from Nikos' perspective, what incentive does he really have to walk, anyway? He is surrounded by people who love him and want to carry him everywhere. Plus, he's a very efficient little crawling machine. Why mess with a good thing, you know?
The thing that really set me off recently, though, was a comment that an acquaintance made to me. Without going into too much detail, she basically said that her daughter (same age as Nikos) was so curious and inquisitive and into breaking everything at their house-- and she implied that Nikos was sort of a wimp for not being that way. Gotta love those gender stereotypes. Nikos is definitely a curious, but gentle, kid. This is the little boy who very carefully inspected every ornament on our Christmas tree-- and only broke one (a complete accident-- he bumped it out of my hand as I was putting it back on the tree after Charlie messed it up). This same kid will very gently pet Charlie as he sleeps on the couch. I think he is a wonderfully sweet little boy, and I'm glad he's not as wild as some other kids. But to insinuate that he's a wimp, just because he's different from your own kid? Nice.
I guess it just boils down to the fact that yes, every child really is different. And there is such a huge range of "normal" for all those developmental milestones, that it doesn't even make sense to compare (or to draw conclusions from those comparisons). It is such a wasted effort, and just makes people upset/worried. I think everyone should just focus on loving and nurturing their own kids, instead of looking around at what everyone else is doing, you know?
Vent over.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
First Steps!
That's right, folks... Our non-walker (up 'til now) took his first steps on Christmas Eve!! He let go of the coffee table and took about 4 steps over to where I was sitting on the floor! And then, on Christmas Day, he was on a roll, regularly taking 4-5 steps to walk between Grandma and Grandpa. And then, of course, he did it again yesterday afternoon, taking just a few steps toward Pappou's outstretched arms. Gus walked at 15 months (Nikos is 14 months), so we figured he'd be doing it pretty soon... but it looks like it may be even sooner than we thought! Full mobility, here we come! :)
All in all, Christmas was fabulous (click here to see a million pictures!)... We spent Christmas Eve and morning at our own house, then drove to my parents' house for the afternoon and evening. Christmas night, we bundled up our sleeping baby and drove to Gus' parents' house, where we spent the 26th. Nikos made out like a bandit, of course, and was the center of attention. He wasn't really into opening the presents, but he did like to examine the bows and then play with the toys. His favorite gift that we bought him was the Little People school bus, which he instantly wanted to play with (ignoring all the other presents waiting to be opened). I will never fully understand his obsession with all things Little People, but he really does love them. Silly guy!
In other news... I am now the proud owner of that crib sheet I've been going on and on about! I met the woman at Starbucks this morning, and we made the trade. She was really friendly, and we talked for a bit (she has to be right around my age, and has two little girls that are 21 months apart). Thanks you, CraigsList! I also got the crib skirt in the mail, so we're well on our way! This little girl even has clothes already, thanks to my parents and my grandma (and myself, hehe!)! I've even got her "coming-home-from-the-hospital" outfit all picked out and ordered (see picture). I'm so excited to have a baby girl!
P.S. Nikos would like to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE GRANT!" hehe!
All in all, Christmas was fabulous (click here to see a million pictures!)... We spent Christmas Eve and morning at our own house, then drove to my parents' house for the afternoon and evening. Christmas night, we bundled up our sleeping baby and drove to Gus' parents' house, where we spent the 26th. Nikos made out like a bandit, of course, and was the center of attention. He wasn't really into opening the presents, but he did like to examine the bows and then play with the toys. His favorite gift that we bought him was the Little People school bus, which he instantly wanted to play with (ignoring all the other presents waiting to be opened). I will never fully understand his obsession with all things Little People, but he really does love them. Silly guy!
In other news... I am now the proud owner of that crib sheet I've been going on and on about! I met the woman at Starbucks this morning, and we made the trade. She was really friendly, and we talked for a bit (she has to be right around my age, and has two little girls that are 21 months apart). Thanks you, CraigsList! I also got the crib skirt in the mail, so we're well on our way! This little girl even has clothes already, thanks to my parents and my grandma (and myself, hehe!)! I've even got her "coming-home-from-the-hospital" outfit all picked out and ordered (see picture). I'm so excited to have a baby girl!
P.S. Nikos would like to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE GRANT!" hehe!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
But wait-- it gets better!
Yes, I am still focused on the crib sheet, but oh well! :) The lady wrote back to me today and told me she bought the sheet on sale for $13, but would sell it to me for $10 since she used it for a week. I still can't believe my good luck! As it turns out, she also has a few other gently used items that I might be interested in (a pink chamois changing table cover and matching Boppy pillow slipcover... they retail for $44 together). Anyway, I'm meeting her at a local coffee shop on Saturday morning. I am so excited! CraigsList actually works!
In other news... Our little Romeo is discovering the art of giving lip kisses, and it is beyond cute! Yesterday afternoon, I was lying on my side on the living room floor while Nikos played. Next thing I knew, he crawled over and planted one right on my lips! A few minutes later, he did it again! He thought it was very funny. Today, he thinks it's funny to kiss his toys, and then make me kiss them, too (his little Corduroy teddy bear has gotten lots of love). Such a little loverboy! I'm just going to enjoy this time where he doesn't find the idea of kissing his mommy to be completely repulsive (I know that'll come soon enough). I love this kid!!
Oh, and P.S.-- he's also discovered bellybuttons. Ladies and gentlemen, hang on to your shirts! Because he likes to lift them up and examine bellies, hahaha!!
In other news... Our little Romeo is discovering the art of giving lip kisses, and it is beyond cute! Yesterday afternoon, I was lying on my side on the living room floor while Nikos played. Next thing I knew, he crawled over and planted one right on my lips! A few minutes later, he did it again! He thought it was very funny. Today, he thinks it's funny to kiss his toys, and then make me kiss them, too (his little Corduroy teddy bear has gotten lots of love). Such a little loverboy! I'm just going to enjoy this time where he doesn't find the idea of kissing his mommy to be completely repulsive (I know that'll come soon enough). I love this kid!!
Oh, and P.S.-- he's also discovered bellybuttons. Ladies and gentlemen, hang on to your shirts! Because he likes to lift them up and examine bellies, hahaha!!
The Elusive Crib Sheet
So now that the big furniture is gone from the new baby's room and I've begun the process of cleaning it out, I've started thinking a lot more about the fun part: decorating! Previously, I mentioned that we (okay, I) had chosen bedding for her room. Honestly, I have had that bedding chosen for ages-- since I found out I was pregnant with Nikos (obviously I didn't know he was a boy at the time). I really just love that bedding! And I've searched high and low, but nothing else really does it for me. I can visualize that particular bedding set in our baby girl's little yellow room-- and nothing else!
But as it turns out, it's not as easy as just ordering the bedding and being done with it. It turns out that several parts of the set have been discontinued. Actually, it's really odd. In the picture of the bedding, the dust ruffle and the sheet are actually called "Garden Party," while the quilt, bumper, and valance are called "Daisy Garden." The Daisy Garden stuff is still readily available, but the Garden Party stuff is not. How dumb is that?!? I was able to still get the dust ruffle online, but the sheet is completely sold out everywhere! I called the store, and they said that there was not a single Garden Party sheet left in any of their retail stores or outlets. Nooooo!!!
Naturally, my next course of action was to scour online auction sites and classifieds. No luck... although I did find one auction that had ended already-- and the $16 sheet had sold for $60!!!! No thanks! On a whim, I decided to post in the "items wanted" section of CraigsList. I mean, what are the odds that a) anyone will even read that, and b) that they will have the sheet I want.
I logged onto my junk email account tonight-- the one I use for mailing lists, etc.-- and I had this email waiting for me:
Hi,
I was just in craigslist and saw you wanted this crib sheet. I wanted to let you know I have 1 crib sheet. It's very gently used. I bought it with the Olivia butterfly collection and ended up using the chamois sheet. So literally I opened it, washed it, and set up the, my baby slept on it for 1 week and then I bought the chamois sheets that I love.
She goes on to mention that she lives in our town, a whopping five minutes away. Is this too good to be true????? What are the odds??? I emailed her back right away, telling her I would gladly pay her whatever she paid (retail), assuming it's the correct sheet (I did post a picture of it, so she could compare). I am beyond psyched right now. Yes, I know-- it's a SHEET, for heaven's sake. But it's THE sheet I have been hunting for! Hooray!!!!! :)
But as it turns out, it's not as easy as just ordering the bedding and being done with it. It turns out that several parts of the set have been discontinued. Actually, it's really odd. In the picture of the bedding, the dust ruffle and the sheet are actually called "Garden Party," while the quilt, bumper, and valance are called "Daisy Garden." The Daisy Garden stuff is still readily available, but the Garden Party stuff is not. How dumb is that?!? I was able to still get the dust ruffle online, but the sheet is completely sold out everywhere! I called the store, and they said that there was not a single Garden Party sheet left in any of their retail stores or outlets. Nooooo!!!
Naturally, my next course of action was to scour online auction sites and classifieds. No luck... although I did find one auction that had ended already-- and the $16 sheet had sold for $60!!!! No thanks! On a whim, I decided to post in the "items wanted" section of CraigsList. I mean, what are the odds that a) anyone will even read that, and b) that they will have the sheet I want.
I logged onto my junk email account tonight-- the one I use for mailing lists, etc.-- and I had this email waiting for me:
Hi,
I was just in craigslist and saw you wanted this crib sheet. I wanted to let you know I have 1 crib sheet. It's very gently used. I bought it with the Olivia butterfly collection and ended up using the chamois sheet. So literally I opened it, washed it, and set up the, my baby slept on it for 1 week and then I bought the chamois sheets that I love.
She goes on to mention that she lives in our town, a whopping five minutes away. Is this too good to be true????? What are the odds??? I emailed her back right away, telling her I would gladly pay her whatever she paid (retail), assuming it's the correct sheet (I did post a picture of it, so she could compare). I am beyond psyched right now. Yes, I know-- it's a SHEET, for heaven's sake. But it's THE sheet I have been hunting for! Hooray!!!!! :)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Halfway There!
Twenty weeks!?!? I feel like I just found out I was pregnant yesterday, and here I am, halfway through. Actually, MORE than halfway through, since I will most likely have a scheduled C-section the week before my due date. Can you believe it? I think that when I was pregnant with Nikos, I was so constantly focused on my pregnancy that the time went by really slowly. But here I am, completely distracted by teaching my fifth-graders and being mom to an active toddler (my two full-time jobs). The time has FLOWN by! And I have a feeling May will be here before we know it... Yikes!
In honor of the occasion, I have decided to take my first belly shot of this pregnancy. I have been meaning to take them all along, like I did with Nikos, but I simply haven't had the time. Anyway, here I am with our half-cooked baby girl (who is currently kicking up a storm in there-- she's definitely awake!)! :)
(and if you feel like comparing, links to all my belly pics with Nikos are over there in the right-hand column)
And, spurred on by the sudden realization that the weeks are slipping by faster than I thought, I made good progress in emptying out her room this weekend! I moved my computer, Gus' laptop, and one computer desk out to our dining room and set it all up. It's actually pretty unobtrusive-looking, though this is not the ultimate plan. We're going to give the other computer desk to Florian, who basically has nothing to furnish his new apartment with. And once we get Gus' music files off of his old desktop computer, we'll yank the hard drive out and donate the rest. I also began the tedious process of emptying out the closet which, despite its small size, is overflowing with various things (file cabinet, tons of office supplies/paper, gift wrapping materials, ironing board, and lots of miscellaneous stuff that just doesn't have a home). It's been sort of our catch-all closet, and now we're losing it. It's slow-going because it requires so much reorganization of OTHER parts of the house in order to provide new homes for the various things. But it's progress nonetheless! I am thinking that the room will be totally emptied out by the end of the week. Fingers crossed!!
In honor of the occasion, I have decided to take my first belly shot of this pregnancy. I have been meaning to take them all along, like I did with Nikos, but I simply haven't had the time. Anyway, here I am with our half-cooked baby girl (who is currently kicking up a storm in there-- she's definitely awake!)! :)
And, spurred on by the sudden realization that the weeks are slipping by faster than I thought, I made good progress in emptying out her room this weekend! I moved my computer, Gus' laptop, and one computer desk out to our dining room and set it all up. It's actually pretty unobtrusive-looking, though this is not the ultimate plan. We're going to give the other computer desk to Florian, who basically has nothing to furnish his new apartment with. And once we get Gus' music files off of his old desktop computer, we'll yank the hard drive out and donate the rest. I also began the tedious process of emptying out the closet which, despite its small size, is overflowing with various things (file cabinet, tons of office supplies/paper, gift wrapping materials, ironing board, and lots of miscellaneous stuff that just doesn't have a home). It's been sort of our catch-all closet, and now we're losing it. It's slow-going because it requires so much reorganization of OTHER parts of the house in order to provide new homes for the various things. But it's progress nonetheless! I am thinking that the room will be totally emptied out by the end of the week. Fingers crossed!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
What little girls are made of
Well, if you ask me, the whole "sugar and spice and everything nice" thing is pretty accurate, given the number of frosted sugar cookies and chocolates that I have consumed in the past 24 hours! This kiddo is going to be made out of sugar! It doesn't help, either, that more than half of the gifts my students gave me yesterday were edible (sadly, they know I am a certifiable chocoholic). sigh. I am fairly certain that I am doomed to gain more weight with this pregnancy than I did with Nikos. Of course, I am a lot more active (chasing Nikos around), so maybe it
will all balance out in the end???
Anyway... I still can't believe our good luck: a baby girl! I've been daydreaming about it all week, since we found out. She pretty much has a name already, but don't bother asking-- we're not telling! :) Since Nikos' name was pretty much a done deal from the moment we knew he was a boy, and everyone knew it, we think it would be more fun to keep this one a surprise. So that's the plan, at least for now!
In the meantime, I've already picked out bedding for her room, and preparations are underway to start whipping it into shape! Her room is currently our office/guestroom, home to two desks, two desktop computers, and a twin bed. The twin bed will be going to its new home on Monday, so that'll be out of the way! Florian, the French guy who lived with us before Nikos was born, was finally able to get his own apartment, so he'll gladly take the bed he already slept on for several months. The computers are going to be a far trickier matter. I'm thinking that laptops are probably the way to go, with wireless networking. We already have one laptop, which we hardly use (it needs more RAM), but I'm thinking that it could become Gus' "at home" computer. As for myself, I would need something much more powerful to do all the stuff I do (photo/video editing, etc.). My brother told me last week that he happens to have a spare wireless router sitting around, which he said he'd give to us. So really, we'd just need a new laptop for me. I'd still keep one monitor, mouse, and keyboard to hook the laptop up to when editing pictures, but I think that makes a lot more sense than trying to find a new home in our already-crowded house for the two bulky desktops.
Once the computer situation is resolved and the bed is gone, the room should be pretty easy! We won't need to paint, aside from a few touch-ups, because we like the color (buttery yellow) that's in there already. And the crown moulding pieces are already cut to length and just sitting in the garage, waiting to be painted and installed. Furniture will be easy... Nikos' crib and changing table will move into his sister's room (in a few months) and he will get a toddler bed and some low bookcases. The hardest part will be fixing up her closet, which isn't much more than a coat closet right now (yes, it's that small). Gus is going to make a custom closet, with drawers down below, hanging space in the middle, and lots of shelves up above. I'll take down the yucky vertical blinds in the room and replace them with a blackout shade and some cute curtains. And the rest is just decoration! That's the fun part! :)
Anyway... here is the bedding we'll be getting for our baby girl. I think it will look great with the yellow walls and white furniture we already have. Hooray!! :) :)
In other news: We are all sick!! :( I am so plugged up that I can't hear out of my left ear (and this is day #3 of that loveliness), Nikos is cutting two molars, has a cold, AND has an ear infection, and Gus is still hanging on to a cold that has nagged him for a few weeks now. What a pathetic sight we must be!
will all balance out in the end???
Anyway... I still can't believe our good luck: a baby girl! I've been daydreaming about it all week, since we found out. She pretty much has a name already, but don't bother asking-- we're not telling! :) Since Nikos' name was pretty much a done deal from the moment we knew he was a boy, and everyone knew it, we think it would be more fun to keep this one a surprise. So that's the plan, at least for now!
In the meantime, I've already picked out bedding for her room, and preparations are underway to start whipping it into shape! Her room is currently our office/guestroom, home to two desks, two desktop computers, and a twin bed. The twin bed will be going to its new home on Monday, so that'll be out of the way! Florian, the French guy who lived with us before Nikos was born, was finally able to get his own apartment, so he'll gladly take the bed he already slept on for several months. The computers are going to be a far trickier matter. I'm thinking that laptops are probably the way to go, with wireless networking. We already have one laptop, which we hardly use (it needs more RAM), but I'm thinking that it could become Gus' "at home" computer. As for myself, I would need something much more powerful to do all the stuff I do (photo/video editing, etc.). My brother told me last week that he happens to have a spare wireless router sitting around, which he said he'd give to us. So really, we'd just need a new laptop for me. I'd still keep one monitor, mouse, and keyboard to hook the laptop up to when editing pictures, but I think that makes a lot more sense than trying to find a new home in our already-crowded house for the two bulky desktops.
Once the computer situation is resolved and the bed is gone, the room should be pretty easy! We won't need to paint, aside from a few touch-ups, because we like the color (buttery yellow) that's in there already. And the crown moulding pieces are already cut to length and just sitting in the garage, waiting to be painted and installed. Furniture will be easy... Nikos' crib and changing table will move into his sister's room (in a few months) and he will get a toddler bed and some low bookcases. The hardest part will be fixing up her closet, which isn't much more than a coat closet right now (yes, it's that small). Gus is going to make a custom closet, with drawers down below, hanging space in the middle, and lots of shelves up above. I'll take down the yucky vertical blinds in the room and replace them with a blackout shade and some cute curtains. And the rest is just decoration! That's the fun part! :)
Anyway... here is the bedding we'll be getting for our baby girl. I think it will look great with the yellow walls and white furniture we already have. Hooray!! :) :)
In other news: We are all sick!! :( I am so plugged up that I can't hear out of my left ear (and this is day #3 of that loveliness), Nikos is cutting two molars, has a cold, AND has an ear infection, and Gus is still hanging on to a cold that has nagged him for a few weeks now. What a pathetic sight we must be!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Drumroll Please!
Well we had our big ultrasound appointment today, and it went smoothly! This baby was VERY wiggly, very fast, and didn't want to cooperate... but after 45 minutes of looking, the techs were able to see and get pictures of everything they needed. And we very definitely know the sex (which I'll get to in a sec!). In the meantime, look at this little cutie!
Such a cute baby GIRL, don't you think????? :) :) :) She is very definitely a girl, and we are over-the-moon happy right now. It just seems so perfect! A little girl! Nikos is going to have a little sister! I really don't think I could ask for anything more. Life Is Good.
Such a cute baby GIRL, don't you think????? :) :) :) She is very definitely a girl, and we are over-the-moon happy right now. It just seems so perfect! A little girl! Nikos is going to have a little sister! I really don't think I could ask for anything more. Life Is Good.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Rainbow at Night
Well, I am definitely pregnant! Not that I ever doubted it, but I have been feeling the baby move so much more lately. It hardly ever happens during the day-- it's just at night, when I can feel it moving around a bit and pressing outward. I'm starting to really comprehend that it's a different baby in there this time, not Nikos! The movement I'm feeling is very different from last time. Nikos would kick and punch and make sudden, jerky movements... so far, this baby writhes around in a much more fluid fashion. But little "Rainbow" is definitely making his or her presence known now! Without fail, he or she begins wriggling around at about 2am every night. And despite the fact that it wakes me up (I'm a light sleeper), I enjoy having this little solo time with baby #2 when the rest of the world is sleeping. :)
But, to be honest, I am getting very tired of referring to this baby as "he or she" or "it." So how about we start calling it a little boy or a little girl already?? One more day to go... We should find out the sex tomorrow at my big ultrasound appointment. I can't WAIT!!!!
P.S. According to my weekly emails, the baby is currently about 6 inches long from head to rump, and weighs just over half a pound.
But, to be honest, I am getting very tired of referring to this baby as "he or she" or "it." So how about we start calling it a little boy or a little girl already?? One more day to go... We should find out the sex tomorrow at my big ultrasound appointment. I can't WAIT!!!!
P.S. According to my weekly emails, the baby is currently about 6 inches long from head to rump, and weighs just over half a pound.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Generalizing
I don't think I will ever understand the inner workings of the human mind, especially that which belongs to Nikos. He constantly amazes me-- and lately has been no exception!
For instance... I can understand seeing a dog, being told that this thing is called a "dog," and learning it. But then how is it that he can recognize different things as dogs??? I started to think about this as we were leaving daycare the other day, when he pointed to Bonnie's cast-iron Scottish Terrier doorstop and said "doggy!" Now I know he's seen dogs before, but never a Scottie-- how did he know to call it a dog? Then we passed a black lab, and again he said "doggy!" He points to the picture of a cartoon dog on his pajamas and knows that that's a dog, too! Same with a stuffed bulldog, the picture of a Sharpei on his highchair, and, of course, his stuffed Golden Retriever toy. Somehow, he has created a definition in his mind of what a dog is, and it must be a good one. Because he's always right about dogs (that's the crazy part!!).
Then, this afternoon, we were playing on the floor in his bedroom. Mostly he was handing me his books and scattering them all over the place. I started reading one of the books aloud to him. We came to a picture of a Myna bird, which he pointed at and said "cack-cack?" in a questioning tone. "Cack-cack" is what he calls ducks! He saw the picture of the bird, with its semi-large, slightly duck-like beak, and wasn't sure if it was a duck or not! I could seriously see the wheels spinning in his head as I told him it was a bird, not a duck (even if a duck IS a bird). I'm sure he was taking in that information and refining his definition of "duck," right there on the spot. And that is incredible, if you ask me!
On a totally different note... Here's a picture I took this afternoon! Now that he's standing on his own for longer and longer periods (sometimes a minute or two), I wanted to attempt a Christmas tree photo. So here is Nikos with the "chee":
For instance... I can understand seeing a dog, being told that this thing is called a "dog," and learning it. But then how is it that he can recognize different things as dogs??? I started to think about this as we were leaving daycare the other day, when he pointed to Bonnie's cast-iron Scottish Terrier doorstop and said "doggy!" Now I know he's seen dogs before, but never a Scottie-- how did he know to call it a dog? Then we passed a black lab, and again he said "doggy!" He points to the picture of a cartoon dog on his pajamas and knows that that's a dog, too! Same with a stuffed bulldog, the picture of a Sharpei on his highchair, and, of course, his stuffed Golden Retriever toy. Somehow, he has created a definition in his mind of what a dog is, and it must be a good one. Because he's always right about dogs (that's the crazy part!!).
Then, this afternoon, we were playing on the floor in his bedroom. Mostly he was handing me his books and scattering them all over the place. I started reading one of the books aloud to him. We came to a picture of a Myna bird, which he pointed at and said "cack-cack?" in a questioning tone. "Cack-cack" is what he calls ducks! He saw the picture of the bird, with its semi-large, slightly duck-like beak, and wasn't sure if it was a duck or not! I could seriously see the wheels spinning in his head as I told him it was a bird, not a duck (even if a duck IS a bird). I'm sure he was taking in that information and refining his definition of "duck," right there on the spot. And that is incredible, if you ask me!
On a totally different note... Here's a picture I took this afternoon! Now that he's standing on his own for longer and longer periods (sometimes a minute or two), I wanted to attempt a Christmas tree photo. So here is Nikos with the "chee":
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
"Ook, dey Dardee!"
Maybe I am reading more into this than I should, but my child is a genius! haha! :) A few times lately, he has surprised me by stringing several words together! It started a few days ago, when he was noticeably upset about something, and I had no idea what it was. I knew his diaper was probably wet, so I picked him up to go change him. That clearly wasn't what he wanted, because he got even MORE agitated. Finally, he looked right at me, pointed at the Christmas tree, and said, "Mama, CHEE!!!!" I took him over to see the tree (which is in an area he can't get to) and, lo and behold, he was a happy little camper again!
Then, last night, he was standing by the tree (all by himself, I might add). Charlie happened to be under the tree on the opposite side. Nikos suddenly noticed him, crouched down, pointed at him, and said something that sounded an awful lot like "Look, there's Charlie!" ("Ook, dey Dardee!") I couldn't believe it! He's also started saying "Ah duh" ("All done") when he's done eating or drinking something (he used to just say "duh!"). He says it with such force, too, and he pushes everything away! I just can't get over the fact that he is really starting to communicate with us!!
One other thing I've noticed is that he is getting better at copying what we say. If I point to the Santa Claus on our entry hall table and say "Santa," he'll almost instantly say, "da-ta." It is so cool! I am shocked at how much this little sponge is soaking up!
Then, last night, he was standing by the tree (all by himself, I might add). Charlie happened to be under the tree on the opposite side. Nikos suddenly noticed him, crouched down, pointed at him, and said something that sounded an awful lot like "Look, there's Charlie!" ("Ook, dey Dardee!") I couldn't believe it! He's also started saying "Ah duh" ("All done") when he's done eating or drinking something (he used to just say "duh!"). He says it with such force, too, and he pushes everything away! I just can't get over the fact that he is really starting to communicate with us!!
One other thing I've noticed is that he is getting better at copying what we say. If I point to the Santa Claus on our entry hall table and say "Santa," he'll almost instantly say, "da-ta." It is so cool! I am shocked at how much this little sponge is soaking up!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Guilt
This is going to seem a little strange, but I feel guilty for not writing about baby #2 as often as I write about Nikos. In fact, I sometimes even forget that I am pregnant, despite my ever-increasing belly! Gus and I are both first-borns, but I think I've started to understand some of the issues that younger siblings have. And I don't want to be "that parent" who plays favorites, or who never buys anything new for the younger child because baby #1 already has everything. You know? I am definitely rambling here, but it's something that bothers me lately.
In a way, this is sort of a testament to how easy my pregnancy has been so far (*knock on wood!*). I certainly wouldn't be able to forget about it if I were having difficulties! Instead, it's been smooth sailing. I had very, very mild "afternoon sickness" for only a short while, and it hardly affected my appetite at all. I haven't had any instances of spotting or cramping-- nothing that would make me panic and call the doctor (unlike last time). In fact, I just have a gut feeling that this baby is very strong and resilient... both excellent qualities! So instead of focusing on what's happening in my belly, I've been kept distracted by the constant changes Nikos has been going through, right before my eyes. It doesn't mean that I care about baby #2 any less... it just means that I have less to worry about than last time, and more to worry about with Nikos (who gets into EVERYTHING). I trust that he or she is cooking along in there, right on schedule, and I just go about my daily life!
That being said, though, I cannot WAIT to see his or her little face in 10 more days. I think that will help make things more "real." And I can't wait to decorate the other bedroom. I hope these next 10 days pass quickly!
In a way, this is sort of a testament to how easy my pregnancy has been so far (*knock on wood!*). I certainly wouldn't be able to forget about it if I were having difficulties! Instead, it's been smooth sailing. I had very, very mild "afternoon sickness" for only a short while, and it hardly affected my appetite at all. I haven't had any instances of spotting or cramping-- nothing that would make me panic and call the doctor (unlike last time). In fact, I just have a gut feeling that this baby is very strong and resilient... both excellent qualities! So instead of focusing on what's happening in my belly, I've been kept distracted by the constant changes Nikos has been going through, right before my eyes. It doesn't mean that I care about baby #2 any less... it just means that I have less to worry about than last time, and more to worry about with Nikos (who gets into EVERYTHING). I trust that he or she is cooking along in there, right on schedule, and I just go about my daily life!
That being said, though, I cannot WAIT to see his or her little face in 10 more days. I think that will help make things more "real." And I can't wait to decorate the other bedroom. I hope these next 10 days pass quickly!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Chee!!!
Nikos has added a new word to his vocabulary: "Chee!" (tree!) That's right, he has become obsessed with the Christmas tree! Whenever he catches sight of it, he points directly at it and says "chee" repeatedly until he gets to see it up close. He is endlessly fascinated by the ornaments, the lights, and, well, just about everything involving the "chee." Last night, I was holding his hands as he stood on the floor in front of it, examining the ornaments on the lower branches. He felt pretty stable, so I let go... and he stood there, completely on his own, for about 30 seconds! He was so absorbed that he forgot to freak out, haha! (normally, he sort of panics when he realizes that he's not holding on to anything-- which causes him to collapse). He did it over and over again in front of the tree. This tree may be the thing that gets him to start thinking about walking... hooray! :)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Ch-ch-ch-changes!
It seems like Nikos has really hit a developmental spurt in the past few weeks! There are probably too many new "tricks" to describe, and I will surely forget some of them, but here is my attempt! For one, he finally started clapping not long ago. He claps for a few seconds, then throws his hands high in the air (think: "touchdown!"). He thinks it's hilarious to watch every adult in sight copy him (I don't blame him... what power he has over the big people!). He's also started tickling peoples' feet. He'll crawl over to where I'm sitting, look right in my eyes (while trying to contain giggles), and then ever-so-gently touch my foot. When I kick my foot and laugh, he thinks it is absolutely hysterical! And the sometimes, while he's playing on the floor, he'll put his head down and pretend to go to sleep for a minute... only to burst into giggles. His sense of humor cracks me up! He also knows that his Little People belong in their cars, and he will usually put them in there (properly!) before pushing the cars around on the floor (and making accompanying noises). He is beyond adorable!
And then there's the talking. Many of his words are still difficult to understand, but we are realizing that he DOES have more words than we previously thought. His clearest ones are still "mama," "daddy," and "uh-oh," but we think he's got a bunch more. He definitely says "doggy" (his obsession), "baba" (bottle), "duh" (done), "no" (complete with shaking his head), "kaka" (cracker), and he has a funny little fake phone conversation that includes two words that sound sort of like "hi" and "bye-bye." He also says something whenever he sees Charlie, but I'm not quite sure if it's his version of saying "Charlie" or "kitty." In addition to all that, he understands quite a bit! If you ask him what a duck says, he will sometimes say "cack, cack, cack." And, according to him, a doggy says "ar, ar, ar!" And if you ask him about doggies while he's eating a meal, he'll turn and point to the little picture of a dog that's printed on his headrest! I just can't believe how much is going on inside that little head of his! He learns something new every single day!
As for the physical stuff, he is taking his sweet time. He can stand alone for a second or two, tops, but could go a lot longer if he wasn't so wiggly (he is SUPER wiggly and energetic). Pulling up and cruising is second nature to him, though, so I'm sure that walking can't be too far down the line. Gus told me that he didn't start walking until he was 15 months, so maybe Nikos takes after his daddy! It's fine, anyway... Everyone keeps telling us to enjoy this time, because once he starts walking, he'll learn to RUN... and then we'll be running, too! :)
And then, of course, there is sweet baby #2 cooking away in my belly. There have been a few times at night recently when I have really been able to feel him/her. I know that the baby is still pretty small, and maybe it's due to where he/she is positioned in there, but I swore I could feel a little arm or leg last night. It was poking out, and it was tiny, but it was definitely not a normal part of my belly. And then it moved. I haven't been able to show Gus yet, but it's so cool! This is a lot earlier than I ever felt Nikos move. I also had a dream last night that this baby was a boy, which was sort of odd. Everyone thinks it's a girl this time, including me, so we will see who's right (me vs. my subconscious). We should know in 17 more days!! :) I can't wait-- either way!!!
P.S. Last night, Nikos turned on the stereo, switched it over to CD mode, and hit play-- all by himself! Gus was watching him when it happened, and couldn't believe it. He turned on the Christmas music for us, hehe!!!
And then there's the talking. Many of his words are still difficult to understand, but we are realizing that he DOES have more words than we previously thought. His clearest ones are still "mama," "daddy," and "uh-oh," but we think he's got a bunch more. He definitely says "doggy" (his obsession), "baba" (bottle), "duh" (done), "no" (complete with shaking his head), "kaka" (cracker), and he has a funny little fake phone conversation that includes two words that sound sort of like "hi" and "bye-bye." He also says something whenever he sees Charlie, but I'm not quite sure if it's his version of saying "Charlie" or "kitty." In addition to all that, he understands quite a bit! If you ask him what a duck says, he will sometimes say "cack, cack, cack." And, according to him, a doggy says "ar, ar, ar!" And if you ask him about doggies while he's eating a meal, he'll turn and point to the little picture of a dog that's printed on his headrest! I just can't believe how much is going on inside that little head of his! He learns something new every single day!
As for the physical stuff, he is taking his sweet time. He can stand alone for a second or two, tops, but could go a lot longer if he wasn't so wiggly (he is SUPER wiggly and energetic). Pulling up and cruising is second nature to him, though, so I'm sure that walking can't be too far down the line. Gus told me that he didn't start walking until he was 15 months, so maybe Nikos takes after his daddy! It's fine, anyway... Everyone keeps telling us to enjoy this time, because once he starts walking, he'll learn to RUN... and then we'll be running, too! :)
And then, of course, there is sweet baby #2 cooking away in my belly. There have been a few times at night recently when I have really been able to feel him/her. I know that the baby is still pretty small, and maybe it's due to where he/she is positioned in there, but I swore I could feel a little arm or leg last night. It was poking out, and it was tiny, but it was definitely not a normal part of my belly. And then it moved. I haven't been able to show Gus yet, but it's so cool! This is a lot earlier than I ever felt Nikos move. I also had a dream last night that this baby was a boy, which was sort of odd. Everyone thinks it's a girl this time, including me, so we will see who's right (me vs. my subconscious). We should know in 17 more days!! :) I can't wait-- either way!!!
P.S. Last night, Nikos turned on the stereo, switched it over to CD mode, and hit play-- all by himself! Gus was watching him when it happened, and couldn't believe it. He turned on the Christmas music for us, hehe!!!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Turkey Day
We are home! After driving to/from Napa earlier this week, and then driving to/from North Hollywood yesterday, I'd say I'm pretty much sick of being in the car. Now it's time to stay home, get out the Christmas decorations, and help Gus with his various home improvement projects (he's got quite the To Do list for the weekend). Hooray for being home!!
We did have a lovely Thanksgiving, though. We spent the afternoon at the home of Nikos' godparents (our wedding sponsors) up in North Hollywood. So it was their family, Gus' family, two other families, a few "Thanksgiving orphans" and us-- seventeen people in all. Last time we had Thanksgiving with them, the drive took us somewhere between four and five hours (it should be about two hours). So we were prepared this time, and decided to make the drive in two chunks: from San Diego to Orange County (Gus' parents' house) during Nikos' morning nap, and from Orange County to North Hollywood during the afternoon nap. Shockingly, we ran into very little traffic, and the overall drive time was about two-and-a-half hours! What's the deal with that??
As a result, Nikos' afternoon nap ended up being shortened quite a bit, and he was in a semi-cranky mood for a bit (the big crowd didn't help). Eventually, he warmed up, though, and was highly entertaining! He showed everyone how he can say "doggy," and made some funny sounds with his lips (cracking himself up). He also ate a TON of food... Turkey, mashed potatoes (a lot!), ham, tiropitas (cheese turnovers), apple pie, ice cream... you name it! He was quite a little piglet! When bedtime came, we put him down in the pack-n-play in one of the bedrooms, and he conked out right away. We socialized for a bit, then transferred him to the car and made the long drive home. We ended up getting home around 11pm, and I think I fell asleep as soon as I hit the sheets!
Anyway, it was a nice day, but I am glad the driving is done. It sure is a big change from last year, when Nikos was just a little one-month-old blob! :)
We did have a lovely Thanksgiving, though. We spent the afternoon at the home of Nikos' godparents (our wedding sponsors) up in North Hollywood. So it was their family, Gus' family, two other families, a few "Thanksgiving orphans" and us-- seventeen people in all. Last time we had Thanksgiving with them, the drive took us somewhere between four and five hours (it should be about two hours). So we were prepared this time, and decided to make the drive in two chunks: from San Diego to Orange County (Gus' parents' house) during Nikos' morning nap, and from Orange County to North Hollywood during the afternoon nap. Shockingly, we ran into very little traffic, and the overall drive time was about two-and-a-half hours! What's the deal with that??
As a result, Nikos' afternoon nap ended up being shortened quite a bit, and he was in a semi-cranky mood for a bit (the big crowd didn't help). Eventually, he warmed up, though, and was highly entertaining! He showed everyone how he can say "doggy," and made some funny sounds with his lips (cracking himself up). He also ate a TON of food... Turkey, mashed potatoes (a lot!), ham, tiropitas (cheese turnovers), apple pie, ice cream... you name it! He was quite a little piglet! When bedtime came, we put him down in the pack-n-play in one of the bedrooms, and he conked out right away. We socialized for a bit, then transferred him to the car and made the long drive home. We ended up getting home around 11pm, and I think I fell asleep as soon as I hit the sheets!
Anyway, it was a nice day, but I am glad the driving is done. It sure is a big change from last year, when Nikos was just a little one-month-old blob! :)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Fun Day...
First, I just want to say that I will no longer be writing monthly letters to Nikos... He's 13 months today, but I figured I'll just write them whenever I feel like it, as opposed to keeping a schedule. Now that he's over a year old, I think I can do that!
That being said, our little guy spent his 13-month "birthday" doing something different: he visited Santa Claus at the mall!!! I would LOVE to post the picture here, but alas, I cannot. And that is because it is going to be our Christmas card this year, and I wouldn't want to ruin it for you! :) Let's just say that he didn't exactly find Santa all that appealing. The picture is HILARIOUS!!! Oh well, maybe next year he'll be a little more interested, hehe!
This afternoon, I had a quick doctor's appointment to check on "Rainbow." The nurse practitioner found the heartbeat quickly, and it was nice and strong! Such a great sound to finally hear! She also told me the results of all my bloodwork from my first appointment, and everything looked fantastic. After we were done, I walked down to the lab to get more blood drawn for the AFP test. Yes, that's right, the AFP test. You might remember the last time that happened?? I got a positive result, which ended up leading to having an amniocentesis done to see whether or not Nikos had Down Syndrome. Fortunately, he was completely healthy and perfect. I am dreading the results of this test, but at least I know what to expect this time around. I won't be as frightened if I get another positive result. But still... here's hoping for a "negative" in a few weeks!!!
And so that was our day... Interesting, to say the least! The plan for tomorrow is to attempt to bake an apple pie to bring to Thanksgiving on Thursday. I might even put up the tree and/or bake cookies! Wish me luck! :)
That being said, our little guy spent his 13-month "birthday" doing something different: he visited Santa Claus at the mall!!! I would LOVE to post the picture here, but alas, I cannot. And that is because it is going to be our Christmas card this year, and I wouldn't want to ruin it for you! :) Let's just say that he didn't exactly find Santa all that appealing. The picture is HILARIOUS!!! Oh well, maybe next year he'll be a little more interested, hehe!
This afternoon, I had a quick doctor's appointment to check on "Rainbow." The nurse practitioner found the heartbeat quickly, and it was nice and strong! Such a great sound to finally hear! She also told me the results of all my bloodwork from my first appointment, and everything looked fantastic. After we were done, I walked down to the lab to get more blood drawn for the AFP test. Yes, that's right, the AFP test. You might remember the last time that happened?? I got a positive result, which ended up leading to having an amniocentesis done to see whether or not Nikos had Down Syndrome. Fortunately, he was completely healthy and perfect. I am dreading the results of this test, but at least I know what to expect this time around. I won't be as frightened if I get another positive result. But still... here's hoping for a "negative" in a few weeks!!!
And so that was our day... Interesting, to say the least! The plan for tomorrow is to attempt to bake an apple pie to bring to Thanksgiving on Thursday. I might even put up the tree and/or bake cookies! Wish me luck! :)
Wedding Weekend!
So as it turns out, this past Saturday was a popular one for weddings! Not only did my high school friend Ikuyo get married in Japan, but two of our very best college friends, Mike and Steph, got hitched up in Napa! Gus and I were both in the bridal party for Mike and Steph's wedding, so that's the one we attended, but I can't wait to see pictures from Ikuyo's wedding, too! Hooray for weddings!!!
Anyway, we had a fantastic time. It was so much fun to see Mike and Steph again, and to meet their other friends John and Jelena. The six of us were all staying at the same hotel, so we were actually able to hang out despite all the wedding activities, which was really nice. Nikos stayed with my parents this time, and was in a great mood the entire time we were gone (of course!). We left early Friday morning, and then returned home last night after a stayover in Pismo Beach on our way down the coast. All in all, it was really a fun weekend-- one of the best times we've had in a while! Here are a few (okay, a LOT of) pictures from this weekend's festivities (taken with my cheap, crummy camera because it was smaller and fit into Gus' pocket)...
And a few from our day/night in Pismo Beach... cold, but very pretty!
Anyway, we had a fantastic time. It was so much fun to see Mike and Steph again, and to meet their other friends John and Jelena. The six of us were all staying at the same hotel, so we were actually able to hang out despite all the wedding activities, which was really nice. Nikos stayed with my parents this time, and was in a great mood the entire time we were gone (of course!). We left early Friday morning, and then returned home last night after a stayover in Pismo Beach on our way down the coast. All in all, it was really a fun weekend-- one of the best times we've had in a while! Here are a few (okay, a LOT of) pictures from this weekend's festivities (taken with my cheap, crummy camera because it was smaller and fit into Gus' pocket)...
And a few from our day/night in Pismo Beach... cold, but very pretty!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Clapping, Cuddles, and Communication
Our little guy seems to be going through a developmental "growth spurt" lately, and it's been so much fun! For one, he finally started clapping. He'd been pointing and waving for months, but would never clap (even if I put his hands together and showed him). All of a sudden, he started doing it! He thinks it's HILARIOUS, too, and gets the biggest smile and giggles while he's doing it. I've been trying to get a video, but no luck so far. I think I might just die from the cuteness!
In the past few weeks, Nikos has also started giving "hugs"-- or his version of them, anyway. I'll be sitting on the floor in the living room, watching him play, and he'll come crawling over to me at full speed, pull up on me, spread his arms out wide and rest his head on my belly or wherever. And before you know it, he's off playing again. It's like he just needs to check in with me and give me some love before he goes to play some more. It is just the sweetest thing!
Finally, I'm realizing that he understands much more than I thought. Last night, he drank about half of his bottle and then abandoned it for some toys. I said, "Hey, drink your bottle!" He turned around, crawled back over to his bottle, and chugged it. Is he a good boy or what??? :) We won't mention the spectacular tantrum he threw about an hour later. Oh no, we won't mention that at all. But while we're on the topic... Gus and I are attempting to ignore the tantrum and redirect him to his toys, and it seems to work most of the time. The tantrums are getting shorter and less frequent... Let's hope the trend continues before I lose my mind!
And, lest my second child reads this in the future and thinks I have forgotten about them... I think I am feeling the baby move!! A couple of times now, in the evening, I have felt those familiar movements in my belly. It should become more obvious in the next month or so, but it's so cool! I don't think it ever gets any less amazing... I can't believe that there's another little person in there!!
In the past few weeks, Nikos has also started giving "hugs"-- or his version of them, anyway. I'll be sitting on the floor in the living room, watching him play, and he'll come crawling over to me at full speed, pull up on me, spread his arms out wide and rest his head on my belly or wherever. And before you know it, he's off playing again. It's like he just needs to check in with me and give me some love before he goes to play some more. It is just the sweetest thing!
Finally, I'm realizing that he understands much more than I thought. Last night, he drank about half of his bottle and then abandoned it for some toys. I said, "Hey, drink your bottle!" He turned around, crawled back over to his bottle, and chugged it. Is he a good boy or what??? :) We won't mention the spectacular tantrum he threw about an hour later. Oh no, we won't mention that at all. But while we're on the topic... Gus and I are attempting to ignore the tantrum and redirect him to his toys, and it seems to work most of the time. The tantrums are getting shorter and less frequent... Let's hope the trend continues before I lose my mind!
And, lest my second child reads this in the future and thinks I have forgotten about them... I think I am feeling the baby move!! A couple of times now, in the evening, I have felt those familiar movements in my belly. It should become more obvious in the next month or so, but it's so cool! I don't think it ever gets any less amazing... I can't believe that there's another little person in there!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ups and Downs
First, a picture of very-happy Nikos, upon discovering Charlie's napping spot (Charlie was not so thrilled):
I may be biased, but doesn't he have the BEST smile??? I need that right now!
So today started off on a low note, which was a bummer. I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for 8:30am, according to the little reminder card they gave me last time. Gus and I got to the office and, lo and behold, they couldn't find my appointment in the computer! The receptionist must not have actually entered it into the system! I was so sad, because this was supposed to be the appointment where we got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Anyhow, they were going to try to fit me in, anyway, but then the lead nurse took a look at my chart. She asked me if I was planning on doing the AFP test (the test that lead to all the drama last time around... yet we've decided that the pros outweigh the cons). When I said yes, she told me that I wasn't far enough along in my pregnancy to do that yet, and that I'd need to come back in two weeks, anyway. So... They made me an appointment for the 25th. No appointment today, no happy heartbeat. I very nearly cried, because I was so disappointed. I just hope the next two weeks fly by!
On a happier note, though, Gus has been Mr. Handyman this weekend! With some help from my dad (the home improvement guru), he tore out all the old kitchen tile, replaced it with new tile, and installed our new kitchen sink and faucet! It looks incredible! Here is an "in-progress" picture... Once everything is cleaned up in there, I'll post the finished product. It really does look great!
I may be biased, but doesn't he have the BEST smile??? I need that right now!
So today started off on a low note, which was a bummer. I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for 8:30am, according to the little reminder card they gave me last time. Gus and I got to the office and, lo and behold, they couldn't find my appointment in the computer! The receptionist must not have actually entered it into the system! I was so sad, because this was supposed to be the appointment where we got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Anyhow, they were going to try to fit me in, anyway, but then the lead nurse took a look at my chart. She asked me if I was planning on doing the AFP test (the test that lead to all the drama last time around... yet we've decided that the pros outweigh the cons). When I said yes, she told me that I wasn't far enough along in my pregnancy to do that yet, and that I'd need to come back in two weeks, anyway. So... They made me an appointment for the 25th. No appointment today, no happy heartbeat. I very nearly cried, because I was so disappointed. I just hope the next two weeks fly by!
On a happier note, though, Gus has been Mr. Handyman this weekend! With some help from my dad (the home improvement guru), he tore out all the old kitchen tile, replaced it with new tile, and installed our new kitchen sink and faucet! It looks incredible! Here is an "in-progress" picture... Once everything is cleaned up in there, I'll post the finished product. It really does look great!
Friday, November 7, 2008
"Rainbow"
I can't believe that I forgot to post about this! Yikes! Pregnancy brain strikes again!
Anyway... Last week, I made the big announcement at work! In the lounge, I posted the picture of Nikos wearing his "Big Brother" shirt and wrote the news on the white board. Knowing that this sort of news spreads like wildfire around my small school, I knew I'd need to tell my students pretty much first thing in the morning. After they got unpacked and settled, I told them that I had a Picture of the Day to share. This is pretty common for me-- I almost always show them cute Nikos pictures. So when his picture popped up on the screen, I got the usual "awwwww"s from the kids. I didn't say anything. After a short pause, I could hear a few students reading his shirt out loud ("big... brother...??"). Next thing I knew, one little boy said, "Wait-- are you PREGNANT?!?!?!" The way he said it, with an accusatory tone, was hilarious (his mom just had baby #4 six weeks ago)! Once I confirmed that yes, I was indeed pregnant, they just went bonkers. Screaming, yelling, ticker-tape parade insane. It was a pretty great reaction, actually. They are so excited! (oh, and this was last Wednesday... it was a short day and the day that we celebrated Halloween at our school... So they were pretty hyper to begin with)
Anyhow... fast forward to this week. The same kiddo who figured out that I was pregnant asked me what I was going to name this baby. I said something to the effect of, "I don't know. Whatever I feel like!" He responded, "So... you could, like, name your baby something like Rainbow? Or Tree?" I told him that yes, I was planning to name my child Rainbow. Well, wouldn't you know that it stuck! All week long, my students have been calling my baby "Rainbow." In all seriousness! They'll start questions with phrases like "When Rainbow gets here..." It cracks me up! It's so much more fun than saying "it" or "the baby." Little Rainbow! :)
Anyway... Last week, I made the big announcement at work! In the lounge, I posted the picture of Nikos wearing his "Big Brother" shirt and wrote the news on the white board. Knowing that this sort of news spreads like wildfire around my small school, I knew I'd need to tell my students pretty much first thing in the morning. After they got unpacked and settled, I told them that I had a Picture of the Day to share. This is pretty common for me-- I almost always show them cute Nikos pictures. So when his picture popped up on the screen, I got the usual "awwwww"s from the kids. I didn't say anything. After a short pause, I could hear a few students reading his shirt out loud ("big... brother...??"). Next thing I knew, one little boy said, "Wait-- are you PREGNANT?!?!?!" The way he said it, with an accusatory tone, was hilarious (his mom just had baby #4 six weeks ago)! Once I confirmed that yes, I was indeed pregnant, they just went bonkers. Screaming, yelling, ticker-tape parade insane. It was a pretty great reaction, actually. They are so excited! (oh, and this was last Wednesday... it was a short day and the day that we celebrated Halloween at our school... So they were pretty hyper to begin with)
Anyhow... fast forward to this week. The same kiddo who figured out that I was pregnant asked me what I was going to name this baby. I said something to the effect of, "I don't know. Whatever I feel like!" He responded, "So... you could, like, name your baby something like Rainbow? Or Tree?" I told him that yes, I was planning to name my child Rainbow. Well, wouldn't you know that it stuck! All week long, my students have been calling my baby "Rainbow." In all seriousness! They'll start questions with phrases like "When Rainbow gets here..." It cracks me up! It's so much more fun than saying "it" or "the baby." Little Rainbow! :)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
First Weekend Away...
Well, Gus and I just got back from our first-ever weekend away from Nikos. Gus' buddy from college got married up in Monterey, so of course we had to go! Nikos stayed with his yia-yia and pappou, and had a great time. They even took him trick-or-treating with his girlfriend, Simone (who was a ladybug)! Simone's daddy, Mike, supposedly took quite a few pictures of them, so we'll hopefully get to see them soon. And in the meantime, we can eat all the candy that our son collected for us (mwahahaha!!!). :)
Anyhow, we had a great weekend. The drive was incredibly long, seeing as how Monterey is way out on a peninsula and away from the bigger highways. It took us just over an hour and a half to get to Gus' parents' house in Orange County on Friday morning, and then another six-and-a-half hours to get from there to Monterey. It was a little faster driving home today (less traffic), but still looooooong.
Other than the drive, though, the weekend was great! The weather was drizzly and gray, but that seems pretty fitting for the area. The rehearsal dinner was on Halloween, and basically everyone who was invited to the wedding was there (biggest rehearsal dinner EVER! It was basically a pre-wedding wedding.). Gus got to touch base with a lot of his college buddies. The next day, we had time to kill, so we went and walked around Cannery Row. We met up with three of his friends, walked around a bit, and then had lunch together. We saw several sea otters, and even an escaped sea lion (who was supposed to be in a fenced-off area... he was a rebel!). After going back to the hotel and getting ready, we made our way to Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula Country Club. It was off of the scenic 17 Mile Drive, so just imagine how fancy-pants it was! The wedding was beautiful, and the food was great. All of the UCLA people were pretty much seated at the same table, so it was fun! The scariest part of the evening was attempting to find our way home, when the 17-Mile Drive was just about pitch black and covered with dense fog. There were some hairy moments, but we eventually found our way to the gate!
Anyhow... Here are some pictures from this weekend! I might come back and label them later, but for now I'll just say "Congrats, Scott and Robyn!" :)
Anyhow, we had a great weekend. The drive was incredibly long, seeing as how Monterey is way out on a peninsula and away from the bigger highways. It took us just over an hour and a half to get to Gus' parents' house in Orange County on Friday morning, and then another six-and-a-half hours to get from there to Monterey. It was a little faster driving home today (less traffic), but still looooooong.
Other than the drive, though, the weekend was great! The weather was drizzly and gray, but that seems pretty fitting for the area. The rehearsal dinner was on Halloween, and basically everyone who was invited to the wedding was there (biggest rehearsal dinner EVER! It was basically a pre-wedding wedding.). Gus got to touch base with a lot of his college buddies. The next day, we had time to kill, so we went and walked around Cannery Row. We met up with three of his friends, walked around a bit, and then had lunch together. We saw several sea otters, and even an escaped sea lion (who was supposed to be in a fenced-off area... he was a rebel!). After going back to the hotel and getting ready, we made our way to Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula Country Club. It was off of the scenic 17 Mile Drive, so just imagine how fancy-pants it was! The wedding was beautiful, and the food was great. All of the UCLA people were pretty much seated at the same table, so it was fun! The scariest part of the evening was attempting to find our way home, when the 17-Mile Drive was just about pitch black and covered with dense fog. There were some hairy moments, but we eventually found our way to the gate!
Anyhow... Here are some pictures from this weekend! I might come back and label them later, but for now I'll just say "Congrats, Scott and Robyn!" :)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
One Year Appointment
Gus took Nikos to his one year well-baby appointment today, and it went great! I can't really afford to take the time off of work right now, since I am already really low on sick days (which I'll need for maternity leave). So Daddy flew solo, and had no problems! Nikos weighed in at 22 lbs, 2 oz (just under the 50th percentile) and measured 30.25 inches long (65th percentile). He's starting to stretch out!! He's nearly 11 inches taller than he was when he was born-- it's so hard to believe that he was ever that tiny! Anyhow, he had four shots, and took them like a real trooper. He's been his normal happy self all afternoon-- no reactions whatsoever, which is excellent news! :)
In other excellent (but otherwise completely unrelated) news... The Phillies won the World Series tonight! Not like we are big Phillies fans or anything (or even baseball fans, for that matter), but this is special because their star pitcher's mother has been my classroom aide for the past three years. My students have all been following the series with great enthusiasm because they feel like the "know" a celebrity. So it's really great that they were able to win their first title in decades. Go Phillies! :)
In other excellent (but otherwise completely unrelated) news... The Phillies won the World Series tonight! Not like we are big Phillies fans or anything (or even baseball fans, for that matter), but this is special because their star pitcher's mother has been my classroom aide for the past three years. My students have all been following the series with great enthusiasm because they feel like the "know" a celebrity. So it's really great that they were able to win their first title in decades. Go Phillies! :)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A New Trick
So... Mr. Nikos has learned to be defiant!! haha! He's learned how to vigorously shake his head "no," and sometimes even accompanies the head shaking with something that sounds like "no-no-no-no-no!" Of course, he thinks it's HILARIOUS (and we tend to agree). Here is our conversation from breakfast this morning (at 6am... which is why it's so dark!). I love it!!!
On a marginally-related note... He has started handing things to me lately (toys, remote controls, etc.), and I always say "THANK you!!" in an exaggerated voice. Now when he hands me things, he says something that sounds like "DAG da," which I swear is his attempt at copying me. It's so cute!
On a marginally-related note... He has started handing things to me lately (toys, remote controls, etc.), and I always say "THANK you!!" in an exaggerated voice. Now when he hands me things, he says something that sounds like "DAG da," which I swear is his attempt at copying me. It's so cute!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
READ THE SHIRT
So, there's no real way to hide it any longer: I'm pregnant!!!! We found out on Friday, August 29th, the day before Nikos' baptism, and couldn't be happier. My due date is May 11th (though I'll likely have a scheduled c-section on May 7th or 8th), and things have been going really well so far. We are so excited about the new Littlest P., and we think that Nikos is going to be the sweetest, most wonderful older brother. We've been blessed with one wonderful little person already, and are certain that #2 will be just as great!And in case you were wondering... I have been blogging about all of this in secret! Of course! As of right now, all of those blog posts are being made public, so you can go back and look for them. The subjects are all marked with an asterisk (*), or you can click here to see them all on one page. We've already seen the little peanut on ultrasound one time, and will hopefully find out the sex on December 17th. Hooray! :)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Birthday Party Photo Extravaganza!
Alright, so this kid has enough toys to last until he's 30 (assuming he likes toddler toys until then). Holy moly! The party was great, and the guest of honor was in a good mood all day (hooray!). Here are some pictures from his big day! :)
12 Month Letter
Dear Nikos,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, little man!! It is completely unreal to think that you are a year old today. The past twelve months have been such a rollercoaster. Sometimes the hours and days have marched by at a snail's pace; mostly, though, time has passed shockingly quickly. And while this day is a celebration of your first year of life, it also marks a milestone for Mommy and Daddy: we survived!!! :)
Just a year ago, at this time in the morning, I was in the hospital wondering when you would decide to make your entrance. I had no idea that the next few hours would see me suddenly start throwing up and your heart rate dropping unexpectedly. Or that I would be wheeled into the operating room for an emergency C-section. But at 12:08pm, right at lunchtime, you entered our world and changed it forever. Right from the start, we couldn't believe what a miracle you were. And to this day, we still look at you and wonder how we could have created this amazing little human being, full of his own unique personality.
This year has been filled with too many changes to enumerate here, but to summarize: you've gone from being a wrinkled pink crying machine to being a curious, strong-willed, giggling machine (with curly hair!). You are on the verge of walking independently. You eat just about anything, though you love lunch meat and chunks of cheddar cheese. You're drinking regular old milk now-- as in, the kind from a cow! You have such an amazing smile that can get you out of just about any situation. And that smile is made up of not one, not two, but SIX teeth! That's right! You cut four teeth in just the past month. You have been a busy guy!
As of late, you say pretty much three words: "dada," "mama," and "uh-oh." I'm 99% sure that you actually mean "uh-oh," as you tend to use it when you fall down or do something you aren't supposed to (like throw your food off the highchair). You say quite a few other "words," too, and like to respond in a conversational tone. Unfortunately for us, we have no idea what these words mean! Soon enough, though, they are bound to become clearer. And we can't wait to hear what you've been trying to tell us all this time!
Nikos, being your parents this past year has not been an easy job. We've lost a lot of sleep, and given up so much of ourselves to see to your happiness. And you know what? It's been worth every second. I wish that I could bottle up the joy that you have brought to us this past year, and give it back to you when you're older. Even if you experience just a fraction of the happiness you've filled our life with, you'll understand why it was worth it. And why we love you more than life itself. You are our #1 boy, and we will love you forever. Happy Birthday, sweet baby boy.
All Our Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
*Shortness of Breath
I had a realization today... For no obvious reason, I found myself very short of breath while trying to deliver a science lesson this afternoon. I instantly thought back to when I was pregnant with Nikos, and that happened a LOT. And believe me, I am used to talking quite a bit, and don't usually have this problem! I actually had to stop talking to just catch my breath for a minute, and the kids laughed (I did it in an exaggerated way and told them that I talked too much-- so true!). Anyway, isn't that weird? The baby is the size of a fig-- not exactly pressing on my lungs yet. I think that I must just have a higher oxygen requirement, now that my body is pumping so much more blood. It was like I'd run a few laps, when I am quite sure I did not.
Ah, the joys of pregnancy! :P
Ah, the joys of pregnancy! :P
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Cuteness!
Three posts in one day-- things have been busy! :) Anyway, this was too cute not to share. He's been pushing his walker on his own for the past couple of days, so we had to document it for posterity. :)
Ok, I can't stop-- one more! I liked the funny things he was doing with his lips! :)
Ok, I can't stop-- one more! I liked the funny things he was doing with his lips! :)
I'm not a doctor, but...
I don't think Nikos has a sinus infection, despite the doctor's prognosis. Of course, I'll still give him the antibiotics, but I am CONVINCED that it's Roseola instead. And a textbook case, at that! He's had a minor cold for about a week now, and then suddenly developed a high fever that lasted for 2.5 days. The fever broke, and now he is covered with tiny red spots (see pics--zoom in!). They aren't bumpy, don't seem to bother him at all, and he's in a great mood.
Now with that in mind, read this definition of Roseola. Sound about right? And check out this photo, too-- that could be Nikos' belly, if I didn't know better! So I am positive it's Roseola. The doctor just couldn't make the diagnosis without the visible rash, so she had to assume that the fever was due to some sort of infection. And since Nikos had a cold all week, and his ears looked fine, she figured it must be in his sinuses. Like I said, he'll still get the antibiotics... But I am feeling vindicated, since I told Gus I thought it might be Roseola last night!
Oh, and the icing on the cake... Bonnie (our daycare lady) came out to talk to us as we were leaving for the doctor's office last night, and told us there was some sort of a virus going around where the kids ended up with rashes. Sounds like Roseola to me!
Now with that in mind, read this definition of Roseola. Sound about right? And check out this photo, too-- that could be Nikos' belly, if I didn't know better! So I am positive it's Roseola. The doctor just couldn't make the diagnosis without the visible rash, so she had to assume that the fever was due to some sort of infection. And since Nikos had a cold all week, and his ears looked fine, she figured it must be in his sinuses. Like I said, he'll still get the antibiotics... But I am feeling vindicated, since I told Gus I thought it might be Roseola last night!
Oh, and the icing on the cake... Bonnie (our daycare lady) came out to talk to us as we were leaving for the doctor's office last night, and told us there was some sort of a virus going around where the kids ended up with rashes. Sounds like Roseola to me!
Little Sickie
Well, last night was... eventful, to say the least!
On Friday afternoon, when I picked Nikos up from daycare, he was running a fever of 102.7-- his highest ever. After giving him some acetaminophen, it had dropped to 101 by bedtime. He was fine overnight, and his temperature hovered near 100 when he woke up. Throughout the day, though, it began to creep back up-- even with periodic doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. When we woke from his afternoon nap, it was higher than ever-- 102.9-- so I called the nurse advice line. The nurse I spoke with was great, and she scheduled an after-hours pediatric appointment for us. At 8:45 last night! It was such an odd time to have an appointment, but we were relieved to get some answers. I began to notice some tiny red spots appearing on his back and belly, which just added to the worry. We put him down for the night as normal, then gently transferred him to the car when it was time to go. He slept the entire way there.
We got in to see the doctor really quickly, and she determined that he probably has a sinus infection. She prescribed antibiotics, which we are starting this morning. He definitely didn't have an ear infection, and she said that the spots were a fever rash (common with a high fever). We drove back home, and he quickly conked out in his crib again. It all went pretty smoothly, we thought!
Until 11:30, that is. He woke up SCREAMING! Not just whimpering, but full-on screaming! Gus and I both rushed into his room. He was SO hot-- like a little furnace-- and he would NOT calm down. Not even long enough for me to give him some medicine. We held him down so I could take him temperature, and were shocked to see that it had climbed to 103.5!! He was burning up! He was shivering as I held him, and tears were streaming down his face. It was SO scary, but we managed to get through it. Eventually, he calmed down enough so I could give him his medicine. We also gave him a sippy cup of water, and turned on his cool mist humidifier (which cools down the room a little bit). After much rocking and pacing and snuggling, I laid him back down in his crib, and he drifted off to sleep. We didn't hear a peep from him after that.
Anyway... that was our night! The good news is that he feels nice and cool this morning, and he slept in for an hour and a half past his normal wake time. We'll start the antibiotics today, which should help a lot. I just hope our little guy is back to 100% in time for his birthday next weekend! Think healthy thoughts!
On Friday afternoon, when I picked Nikos up from daycare, he was running a fever of 102.7-- his highest ever. After giving him some acetaminophen, it had dropped to 101 by bedtime. He was fine overnight, and his temperature hovered near 100 when he woke up. Throughout the day, though, it began to creep back up-- even with periodic doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. When we woke from his afternoon nap, it was higher than ever-- 102.9-- so I called the nurse advice line. The nurse I spoke with was great, and she scheduled an after-hours pediatric appointment for us. At 8:45 last night! It was such an odd time to have an appointment, but we were relieved to get some answers. I began to notice some tiny red spots appearing on his back and belly, which just added to the worry. We put him down for the night as normal, then gently transferred him to the car when it was time to go. He slept the entire way there.
We got in to see the doctor really quickly, and she determined that he probably has a sinus infection. She prescribed antibiotics, which we are starting this morning. He definitely didn't have an ear infection, and she said that the spots were a fever rash (common with a high fever). We drove back home, and he quickly conked out in his crib again. It all went pretty smoothly, we thought!
Until 11:30, that is. He woke up SCREAMING! Not just whimpering, but full-on screaming! Gus and I both rushed into his room. He was SO hot-- like a little furnace-- and he would NOT calm down. Not even long enough for me to give him some medicine. We held him down so I could take him temperature, and were shocked to see that it had climbed to 103.5!! He was burning up! He was shivering as I held him, and tears were streaming down his face. It was SO scary, but we managed to get through it. Eventually, he calmed down enough so I could give him his medicine. We also gave him a sippy cup of water, and turned on his cool mist humidifier (which cools down the room a little bit). After much rocking and pacing and snuggling, I laid him back down in his crib, and he drifted off to sleep. We didn't hear a peep from him after that.
Anyway... that was our night! The good news is that he feels nice and cool this morning, and he slept in for an hour and a half past his normal wake time. We'll start the antibiotics today, which should help a lot. I just hope our little guy is back to 100% in time for his birthday next weekend! Think healthy thoughts!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
First Haircut!
We got Nikos' hair cut for the first time today... and he hated every second of it! He started screaming as soon as we put him into the cute little car-shaped seats they have for kids, so Gus ended up having to sit down in a regular chair and hold him in his lap. He was just NOT having it. He did, however, manage to get a pretty good cut (amazing, considering how much movement there was!). That lady knew what she was doing! Anyway, here are some pictures from the event...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
One Year Ago Today...
...was my due date! I thought that he would be born within a few days, for sure! In retrospect, I find this laughable. I don't know that Nikos would have EVER decided to come out on his own-- I could still be pregnant today! It matches with his personality, too-- he is the type of kiddo who will not do something unless it's on his own terms (hmm, who does he get that from??). He had no plans to come out until he was good and ready!
Anyway, with his birthday only 9 days away, it's amazing to think about how much he's changed in only a short time. A year ago, he was kicking and spinning around in my belly. Now, he wiggles and bounces while he holds on to various toys (his version of dancing). That little baby who I was so eager to meet is now a real little person with likes and dislikes and definite personality traits. It's totally mind-boggling that all this could happen in one short year.
sigh... I'm starting to get sappy about this whole birthday thing. I'll just stop now.
Anyway, with his birthday only 9 days away, it's amazing to think about how much he's changed in only a short time. A year ago, he was kicking and spinning around in my belly. Now, he wiggles and bounces while he holds on to various toys (his version of dancing). That little baby who I was so eager to meet is now a real little person with likes and dislikes and definite personality traits. It's totally mind-boggling that all this could happen in one short year.
sigh... I'm starting to get sappy about this whole birthday thing. I'll just stop now.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Flashback
I had the worst feeling last night.
I could hear the wind, rattling the awning over our back porch and knocking things over. It was warmer than it has been (as it always is when we have these Santa Anas). I knew that at least one fire was already burning at Camp Pendleton. And it literally made my stomach turn to think that this could be another month of wildfires for us, two years in a row.
Luckily (for us), there aren't any fires anywhere near us at the moment. But I hope that all our friends and family members in Southern California are okay, and that nobody has had to evacuate. Honestly, having to evacuate last October while 41 weeks pregnant was one of the scariest and most emotional moments of my entire life. Not only did we have to pack our lives into the backs of our cars, but we had to try and anticipate what we would need to take care of a newborn (and being first-time parents, that was no easy task). The thought of losing the nursery, which was all decorated and ready for Nikos' arrival, was too much to bear. I am just so thankful that we were safe, our home was unscathed, and that we had a healthy baby boy a few days later (literally-- we evacuated on Monday, returned home Tuesday, I went to the hospital on Wednesday, and he was born on Thursday).
Still, I could do without the high winds and dry weather. A fire-free October would be great, wouldn't it?
I could hear the wind, rattling the awning over our back porch and knocking things over. It was warmer than it has been (as it always is when we have these Santa Anas). I knew that at least one fire was already burning at Camp Pendleton. And it literally made my stomach turn to think that this could be another month of wildfires for us, two years in a row.
Luckily (for us), there aren't any fires anywhere near us at the moment. But I hope that all our friends and family members in Southern California are okay, and that nobody has had to evacuate. Honestly, having to evacuate last October while 41 weeks pregnant was one of the scariest and most emotional moments of my entire life. Not only did we have to pack our lives into the backs of our cars, but we had to try and anticipate what we would need to take care of a newborn (and being first-time parents, that was no easy task). The thought of losing the nursery, which was all decorated and ready for Nikos' arrival, was too much to bear. I am just so thankful that we were safe, our home was unscathed, and that we had a healthy baby boy a few days later (literally-- we evacuated on Monday, returned home Tuesday, I went to the hospital on Wednesday, and he was born on Thursday).
Still, I could do without the high winds and dry weather. A fire-free October would be great, wouldn't it?
Monday, October 13, 2008
*Meet the Peanut!
I had my first doctor's appointment today, and was surprised to get an ultrasound! If you'll remember back to my first appointment with Nikos, I was sorely disappointed to NOT get one. The letter that the office sends out clearly states that there is an ultrasound at the first visit (to date the pregnancy), but the Nurse Practitioner I saw that day assured me that I was incorrect and made me feel like a huge idiot. She was actually a substitute for my REAL N.P., who had just broken her arm and was out of commission for a while. In talking with her (the real Nurse Practitioner) today, she told me that her substitute had been unfamiliar with the old ultrasound machine that they use, and had avoided doing the ultrasounds for the first three or four days when she was substituting. And of course, with my luck, my appointment fell during those first few days. I ended up getting an ultrasound at the second appointment, but was still baffled (and irritated) by the letter I had gotten from the office. It just didn't make sense!
Anyway... I went to the appointment today thinking that it would be no big deal-- we'd go over my medical history and I'd pee in a cup, just like last time. Gus had today off from work (Columbus Day), and my parents had come down to help him work on various projects around the house. Since we didn't expect any excitement at the appointment, Gus stayed home with my dad and kept working, while my mom decided to tag along with me to the appointment. And then I was floored when the N.P. told me I'd be having an ultrasound. Before I knew it, I was staring at this little gummy bear on the screen, flapping its nubby little arms and legs and twisting around!
It was so awesome, seeing this little peanut and knowing that it's real!! The nurse said my due date is definitely May 11th, and that I'm measuring about 10 weeks and 3 days. We saw the heartbeat flickering and everything. After that, I got sent down the hall to do my bloodwork (they had to draw 6 vials' worth, yuck!), and then we headed on home. All in all, a great day, I must say! :)
Anyway... I went to the appointment today thinking that it would be no big deal-- we'd go over my medical history and I'd pee in a cup, just like last time. Gus had today off from work (Columbus Day), and my parents had come down to help him work on various projects around the house. Since we didn't expect any excitement at the appointment, Gus stayed home with my dad and kept working, while my mom decided to tag along with me to the appointment. And then I was floored when the N.P. told me I'd be having an ultrasound. Before I knew it, I was staring at this little gummy bear on the screen, flapping its nubby little arms and legs and twisting around!
It was so awesome, seeing this little peanut and knowing that it's real!! The nurse said my due date is definitely May 11th, and that I'm measuring about 10 weeks and 3 days. We saw the heartbeat flickering and everything. After that, I got sent down the hall to do my bloodwork (they had to draw 6 vials' worth, yuck!), and then we headed on home. All in all, a great day, I must say! :)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Pumpkin Patch Pic Extravaganza
We're back! The pumpkin patch we went to was really neat! It was really chilly when we arrived, and Nikos was very uncertain about the entire thing. But as it warmed up and got more crowded, he seemed to enjoy himself more. Then, as we were eating our lunch in the picnic area, we discovered that we were sitting less than 15 feet right behind Kori, Ryan, and Owen! Small world, especially considering this pumpkin patch is about a 45 minute drive from our neck of the woods! Anyway, we had fun, and I got some good pictures of my almost-one-year-old (*sniff!*). Enjoy! :)
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