Well, the house smells like pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie, and roasted pumpkin seeds.
The boys have been on a sugar high for 2 days now, and we haven't even started trick-or-treating.
I've had 5 cookies and a slice of pizza for breakfast.
My house is a disaster, but pumpkins are carved and costumes are made (almost done!) and the babies are asleep. I've had a second cup of coffee and caught up on 30 Rock and The Office.
*sigh*
Happy Halloween to all. Pictures to come later :)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Ianism/Ian Time and More Training Day 14
Ian's not awake yet, but I just heard him yell from his bedroom, "Whoa! A Tyranasaurus Rex!!!" What that boy's dreams must be like...
Anyway. Yesterday I did make it to the gym for a swim. I did 20, yes, count them, 20 complete laps, in 30 minutes. I did the first 500 yds freestyle 75% of the time, and finished those in 13 minutes! Woot! Then for the rest of the time I alternated freestyle and resting strokes. It was a good swim day.
I took Ian swimming after I was done, and we played around for another 1/2 hour without Chase. I kind of felt bad, leaving Chase all by his lonesome in the daycare, but I think Ian really enjoyed 'just Mommy' time. Especially because I watch Will full time now, too, he must think that the babies are always more important than he is. He just needs a lot of attention right now (Mom! Watch this! Watch me! Look at this! Look at me!) and a lot of times I have to say, "In a minute...I'm changing a diaper...I'm up to my elbows in pooh...I'm feeding a baby...I'm covered in spit-up...etc, etc." So, it was fun, just splashing around and letting him totally take the lead.
Anyway. Yesterday I did make it to the gym for a swim. I did 20, yes, count them, 20 complete laps, in 30 minutes. I did the first 500 yds freestyle 75% of the time, and finished those in 13 minutes! Woot! Then for the rest of the time I alternated freestyle and resting strokes. It was a good swim day.
I took Ian swimming after I was done, and we played around for another 1/2 hour without Chase. I kind of felt bad, leaving Chase all by his lonesome in the daycare, but I think Ian really enjoyed 'just Mommy' time. Especially because I watch Will full time now, too, he must think that the babies are always more important than he is. He just needs a lot of attention right now (Mom! Watch this! Watch me! Look at this! Look at me!) and a lot of times I have to say, "In a minute...I'm changing a diaper...I'm up to my elbows in pooh...I'm feeding a baby...I'm covered in spit-up...etc, etc." So, it was fun, just splashing around and letting him totally take the lead.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Training Day 14 and a little more 13
Yesterday before dinner, I put the boys in the bike trailer and rode for a mile and a half. So, by my calculations, taking into account the 100 extra pounds I was pulling, and the bouncing factor (Ian thinks its funny when he jumps around enough inside the trailer to make it move), I did around 175 miles. In 25 minutes.
I also stopped to talk to my next next door neighbors about the tri. So that was mental training. 10 minutes. Check.
Today I didn't get on the treadmill, opting for a shower instead. And a second cup of coffee, assuring myself that I will make it to the gym this afternoon to swim again.
No more cupcakes today. Yet.
I also stopped to talk to my next next door neighbors about the tri. So that was mental training. 10 minutes. Check.
Today I didn't get on the treadmill, opting for a shower instead. And a second cup of coffee, assuring myself that I will make it to the gym this afternoon to swim again.
No more cupcakes today. Yet.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Training Day 13
First, yesterday Bryan went with me to the gym to swim. And...he's going to do the tri with me!! Yay! More motivation! Of course, I can't even beat him at Gin Rummy, so what makes me think that I will have a better time than he does...?
I swam 550yds, more than 1/2 freestyle. I can now do 75 yds of freestyle without taking a break. Most excellent. Breathing bilaterally is much easier now than it was before. It took 18 minutes to do the 500, but I stopped pretty often to chat with B.
Today I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, finishing 2 miles in 27 minutes. I promised myself a cupcake if I ran the last 3 minutes. It worked.
...off to make some cupcakes!!
I swam 550yds, more than 1/2 freestyle. I can now do 75 yds of freestyle without taking a break. Most excellent. Breathing bilaterally is much easier now than it was before. It took 18 minutes to do the 500, but I stopped pretty often to chat with B.
Today I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, finishing 2 miles in 27 minutes. I promised myself a cupcake if I ran the last 3 minutes. It worked.
...off to make some cupcakes!!
The Rules
Ian is driving me nuts. And it makes me scared.
We just sat for close to an hour doing a patterning activity. I'm trying to really make time every day to do "educational" things with him. But he is sooo not into it. He's just not like me. I like solving puzzles, doing things right. Following rules. Doing things one way because that's just how you do it.
He would rather play games, putting the obviously wrong choice in the empty box, just because it's funny. He'd rather put the pattern pieces on top of the guide instead of in the empty boxes beneath the guide. But that's just not how you DO it! ACK!
I like to think of myself as relatively balanced. I'm kind of artsy. I like to sew without a pattern. I like to paint without numbers. I like to create pottery from nothing. I like to write without paying attention to grammar. But I also like to play games by the rules. And I like to cook using a recipe. I did all my homework in school because someone told me to. I like to get things accomplished in a minimal amount of time.
But damn! he's driving me to absolute lunacy with his 'make your own rules' antics. I hate being frustrated with him. And I want to nurture his sense of humor, his free-spirited-ness. But what's a rule-follower to do...?! Deep breath.
It also makes me afraid of what I'm going to do when Chase doesn't get things right off the bat. I mean, when I was in the classroom, I didn't really have a problem with my more 'difficult' kids...in fact, I think I loved working with them more. But then why do I have such an issue with Ian and his weirdness? Is it just because he's my kid? If that's it, then Chasey is doomed.
We just sat for close to an hour doing a patterning activity. I'm trying to really make time every day to do "educational" things with him. But he is sooo not into it. He's just not like me. I like solving puzzles, doing things right. Following rules. Doing things one way because that's just how you do it.
He would rather play games, putting the obviously wrong choice in the empty box, just because it's funny. He'd rather put the pattern pieces on top of the guide instead of in the empty boxes beneath the guide. But that's just not how you DO it! ACK!
I like to think of myself as relatively balanced. I'm kind of artsy. I like to sew without a pattern. I like to paint without numbers. I like to create pottery from nothing. I like to write without paying attention to grammar. But I also like to play games by the rules. And I like to cook using a recipe. I did all my homework in school because someone told me to. I like to get things accomplished in a minimal amount of time.
But damn! he's driving me to absolute lunacy with his 'make your own rules' antics. I hate being frustrated with him. And I want to nurture his sense of humor, his free-spirited-ness. But what's a rule-follower to do...?! Deep breath.
It also makes me afraid of what I'm going to do when Chase doesn't get things right off the bat. I mean, when I was in the classroom, I didn't really have a problem with my more 'difficult' kids...in fact, I think I loved working with them more. But then why do I have such an issue with Ian and his weirdness? Is it just because he's my kid? If that's it, then Chasey is doomed.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Training Day 12
Ok. I'm back.
I walked 2 miles today in 29 minutes. No running. Running makes me feel ick. I really really really hate it. My legs get completely fatigued, and I hate it. Did I mention that I hate it? This 5k run is going to be my downfall.
So I figure I will just get used to walking every day again. And then sneak some running in when my body isn't paying attention.
On another exercise note, I lost 2 pounds last week! I forgot to post it on my Wednesday post. So, yay for moving my butt around more!!
I'm off to the gym this evening to swim with Bryan. Hope all those little swimming lesson kids aren't there again. That was all sorts of fun, you know, having an audience.
I walked 2 miles today in 29 minutes. No running. Running makes me feel ick. I really really really hate it. My legs get completely fatigued, and I hate it. Did I mention that I hate it? This 5k run is going to be my downfall.
So I figure I will just get used to walking every day again. And then sneak some running in when my body isn't paying attention.
On another exercise note, I lost 2 pounds last week! I forgot to post it on my Wednesday post. So, yay for moving my butt around more!!
I'm off to the gym this evening to swim with Bryan. Hope all those little swimming lesson kids aren't there again. That was all sorts of fun, you know, having an audience.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Is it Monday Yet?
Another crazy weekend here in NC.
I really love the time that we spend together and all the cool stuff that we get to do...but I'm exhausted! I am so ready to just drop into bed right now.
Before I go, I just want to point out that Chasey graduated to the big boy class at church this morning and he did great! At first they suggested he stay in the 0-12 mo. room until he could walk, but he loves following the big kids around so much at home that we thought he would be happier in the 12-36 mo. room. We peeked in on him and he was just happy as anything, playing with the big kid toys, watching the other kids all around him, and just generally at home. Yay :)
I really love the time that we spend together and all the cool stuff that we get to do...but I'm exhausted! I am so ready to just drop into bed right now.
Before I go, I just want to point out that Chasey graduated to the big boy class at church this morning and he did great! At first they suggested he stay in the 0-12 mo. room until he could walk, but he loves following the big kids around so much at home that we thought he would be happier in the 12-36 mo. room. We peeked in on him and he was just happy as anything, playing with the big kid toys, watching the other kids all around him, and just generally at home. Yay :)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
DSAC Hayride and Pumpkin Patch Event
When Babies Attack**My blogger photos are still being weird. I don't know why I can't write above the first photo...Anyhoo.
We organized an outing for our younger kids' in the Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte at Hunter Farms today. It was a little wet (I think about 5 other families were scared away by the weather...), but the rain cleared and the sun shone, and it was a great day for our outing. We had cider and LOTS of cookies, then rode the hay wagon to the animal barn, then chose pumpkins to take home. The boys were totally awesome (thanks to Kristin and her son Joe who thought to bring a soccer ball!!). Chase loved crawling on the pumpkins, but was a little freaked out at the petting zoo part. Ian wished we could please go on the shorted hay ride.
Bryan made the boys do a little light farmwork while we were there.
Chase is expecting a high 5 from Avery, but really she just likes bopping him on the head as she toddles by.
Much to my chagrin, Bryan taught Ian how to play Toss the Pumpkin.
"All of these are mine...All MINE!"
Our crew- Dominic, Lauren, Joe, Ian, Chase, Avery, Kaitlyn, and Cooper.
Friday, October 24, 2008
MAFC Halloween Party
Ian and Leah (Both with goofy faces. I call this Ian's Duck Face.)
Every year the aquatics center hosts a Spooktacular...this year's was tonight. The boys both let me spray their hair blue. I had to tell Ian that people would give him more candy if they thought his costume was really really good. Chase just sat there and belly laughed the whole time. They made awesome Things One and Two. (The prizefighter costumes are still in the works...they should be ready by next week...I hope!!)
The party was lots of fun- they always do a good job. Lots of kid-friendly games and snacks, which always makes for a good time.
Every year the aquatics center hosts a Spooktacular...this year's was tonight. The boys both let me spray their hair blue. I had to tell Ian that people would give him more candy if they thought his costume was really really good. Chase just sat there and belly laughed the whole time. They made awesome Things One and Two. (The prizefighter costumes are still in the works...they should be ready by next week...I hope!!)The party was lots of fun- they always do a good job. Lots of kid-friendly games and snacks, which always makes for a good time.
Chase won a harmonica. Apparently it tasted good.
Ian rocked the throwing games.
One of the workers totally helped Ian cheat on the eat-the-donut-on-a-string game.
Chase was in good spirits :)
Well, at least both boys are kind of smiling, if not looking at the camera. Daddy must be FUN-NY!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Oooohhh, You Little Tart!
I have a thousand apples from NY, so I decided to try this Apple Tart recipe from Family Fun magazine this month. It turned out so good, I made another one today! Yum. Cinnamon-y and sweet, and a little bit tart, it's like apple pie without the top crust.
*I have to admit that I used a store bought crust instead of making my own. It made this a lot easier to do with 3 kids 3 and under around here.
FOURS
So the rules are:Go to your folder of pictures on your computer. Open the 4th folder, and upload the 4th picture, then explain it.
This is from August 06, when Ian was 18 months old (Hey! The same age as Chase is now!) We had just moved into our home in NC (well, like 2 months before), so there are very white walls and minimal junkage. I remember it was about this age when every time I got the camera out, Ian would walk right up to it-- many of my photos are extreme close-ups and slightly out of focus.
I miss this toddling-around stage. I really really wish Chase would start taking some steps on his own.
Anyone want to play? Go for it :)
Nutritionist Info
The nutritionist visit was, eh. She had some good ideas. And some advice that kind of left me wondering what kind of mother she thought I was...
Good Ideas:
*Lay off the milk until his intestines heal, because they are damaged and cannot digest lactose right now even if he isn't "officially" lactose intolerant.
*Feed him many small meals throughout the day so that the excess acid doesn't build up.
*Order freeze dried fruits and veggies from this site: www.justtomatoes.com
*Give him a dose of liquid toddler vitamin daily (try Schiff's)
*The acid reflux not only makes him hurt, it also makes him nauseous, so go figure he doesn't want to eat anything savory.
*Lots of yogurt. More points if we get the ones with probiotics in them.
Weird Things She Said:
*When asked if I should be avoiding any foods, the first thing she said was to not give him caffeine. So, I guess the Starbucks every morning is a big no.
*The second food she told me to avoid was "anything spicey, for example, don't give him jalepenos." Damn! That was the only veggie he was eating!!
*Tell him that if he eats foods that he doesn't like very much first, then he can have more foods that he does like. Seriously. The whole "you can have a cookie if you finish your dinner" hardly works on Ian. I don't think she understands the point that we are at with Chase is if he doesn't want it, he throws it on the floor. There is no reasoning as of yet. Or on any close horizon.
*Have you tried pureeing his foods? Mashing them? Mashed potatoes? Baby foods? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. We have tried everything. That's why we called you.
So, yeah. Some newer things to try and think about. I'm just crossing my fingers that the Prevacid is going to be the answer. How nice would that be?
Good Ideas:
*Lay off the milk until his intestines heal, because they are damaged and cannot digest lactose right now even if he isn't "officially" lactose intolerant.
*Feed him many small meals throughout the day so that the excess acid doesn't build up.
*Order freeze dried fruits and veggies from this site: www.justtomatoes.com
*Give him a dose of liquid toddler vitamin daily (try Schiff's)
*The acid reflux not only makes him hurt, it also makes him nauseous, so go figure he doesn't want to eat anything savory.
*Lots of yogurt. More points if we get the ones with probiotics in them.
Weird Things She Said:
*When asked if I should be avoiding any foods, the first thing she said was to not give him caffeine. So, I guess the Starbucks every morning is a big no.
*The second food she told me to avoid was "anything spicey, for example, don't give him jalepenos." Damn! That was the only veggie he was eating!!
*Tell him that if he eats foods that he doesn't like very much first, then he can have more foods that he does like. Seriously. The whole "you can have a cookie if you finish your dinner" hardly works on Ian. I don't think she understands the point that we are at with Chase is if he doesn't want it, he throws it on the floor. There is no reasoning as of yet. Or on any close horizon.
*Have you tried pureeing his foods? Mashing them? Mashed potatoes? Baby foods? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. We have tried everything. That's why we called you.
So, yeah. Some newer things to try and think about. I'm just crossing my fingers that the Prevacid is going to be the answer. How nice would that be?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Late
It's late. I had planned on writing up Chase's visit with the nutritionist today, but I'm tired.
I went out with my Mommies Group tonight. It's just nice every once in a while to get some time in with them...to voice things and ask questions that even my closest friends don't have answers for.
So, Ds related thought for the day: Get involved in your local Ds Association. Or find blog friends. It's important.
Night. :)
I went out with my Mommies Group tonight. It's just nice every once in a while to get some time in with them...to voice things and ask questions that even my closest friends don't have answers for.
So, Ds related thought for the day: Get involved in your local Ds Association. Or find blog friends. It's important.
Night. :)
A Good Night's Sleep
Still doesn't happen around here. It's not Chase. Usually.
Eenie has been restless at night. He woke up with bloodcurdling screams around 2am...I ran in to see what sort of bloody nose or wet bed I'd encounter. I walk in, and before I can even say anything, Ian tells me, "Andy gave me a sucker and Leah took it! THAT'S why I'm crying!"
He went on to smack the bed to show how angry he was about the whole situation. I tried to explain that it was just a dream, and he told me, "NO! Andy was right here in my room!"
Then all of a sudden he calmed down, pointed to his open door, and said with big eyes, "Hey look! A truck just drove past my room!" Riiiight.
It was so funny. He finally came out of it, and when I asked him what he could say to Leah if she took his sucker (a little confilct resolution lesson opportunity!), he looks at me and says very seriously, "Mom, I don't want to go back into the dream."
And then we laid together and he went back to sleep.
Eenie has been restless at night. He woke up with bloodcurdling screams around 2am...I ran in to see what sort of bloody nose or wet bed I'd encounter. I walk in, and before I can even say anything, Ian tells me, "Andy gave me a sucker and Leah took it! THAT'S why I'm crying!"
He went on to smack the bed to show how angry he was about the whole situation. I tried to explain that it was just a dream, and he told me, "NO! Andy was right here in my room!"
Then all of a sudden he calmed down, pointed to his open door, and said with big eyes, "Hey look! A truck just drove past my room!" Riiiight.
It was so funny. He finally came out of it, and when I asked him what he could say to Leah if she took his sucker (a little confilct resolution lesson opportunity!), he looks at me and says very seriously, "Mom, I don't want to go back into the dream."
And then we laid together and he went back to sleep.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Training Day 7
I swam with Angelle this evening...made it to the gym a little late because Chase had a weird napping afternoon.
We did 12 laps (50yds each), so we did 600 total yds. It took 24 minutes, with several short breaks, but I was concentrating less on timing and more on getting the stroke right. I've been reading some articles about improving my freestyle stroke, so I was trying to practice it the right way. I did freestyle more than 1/2 the time, and got several laps in freestyle there and back without a break. Yay! It's not perfect yet, nor is it pretty, but it's deinfintely improving.
I definitely noticed that it's my left side that I have issues with breathing on. It's like it just doesn't know quite what to do. I try to roll to breathe, but I end up either inhaling water or picking my head up out of the water. I think I discovered a way to not look like a fool and it works pretty well, but when I get fatigued, it's really hard to hold onto the good form.
Oh, well. One more day down :) Off to clean the house before Bryan gets home.
We did 12 laps (50yds each), so we did 600 total yds. It took 24 minutes, with several short breaks, but I was concentrating less on timing and more on getting the stroke right. I've been reading some articles about improving my freestyle stroke, so I was trying to practice it the right way. I did freestyle more than 1/2 the time, and got several laps in freestyle there and back without a break. Yay! It's not perfect yet, nor is it pretty, but it's deinfintely improving.
I definitely noticed that it's my left side that I have issues with breathing on. It's like it just doesn't know quite what to do. I try to roll to breathe, but I end up either inhaling water or picking my head up out of the water. I think I discovered a way to not look like a fool and it works pretty well, but when I get fatigued, it's really hard to hold onto the good form.
Oh, well. One more day down :) Off to clean the house before Bryan gets home.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Aw Shucks!
Our annual field trip to Aw Shucks! Corn Maze was a success! Both kids got to do lots of fun stuff. The weather was brisk- almost cold- but very fall-ish. Much better than the scortcher we had last year.
Chase learned how to rope. Himself.
Daddy gave Ian some lessons.
One of the many attempts to get all the kids looking the same direction on this totally cute hay wagon.
This is the only way we could get Ian and Leah to hold still.
Yee-haw! Ian done got hisself a steer!
This is typical Ian and Leah. It's mine! No, it's MINE!
Chasey Love.
I really love photos of Ian and Bryan walking together.
Ian, doing his corn-husking Elvis impersonation.
Corn fighting. It has something to do with beating corn stalks with husked cow corn. Don't ask.
They boys and I. Chase liked being able to pull on the leaves from up high.
Chase learned how to rope. Himself.
Daddy gave Ian some lessons.
One of the many attempts to get all the kids looking the same direction on this totally cute hay wagon.
This is the only way we could get Ian and Leah to hold still.
Yee-haw! Ian done got hisself a steer!
This is typical Ian and Leah. It's mine! No, it's MINE!
Chasey Love.
I really love photos of Ian and Bryan walking together.
Ian, doing his corn-husking Elvis impersonation.
Corn fighting. It has something to do with beating corn stalks with husked cow corn. Don't ask.
They boys and I. Chase liked being able to pull on the leaves from up high.
Training Days 4, 5, & 6
Saturday was a big bust on exercise. Although I did wear Chase throughout the corn maze for a half hour or so. I'm counting that. Check.
Sunday I did nothing. Except walk a mile to and from the stadium and the parking lot. I'll count that, too. Double check.
(I'm finding myself already becoming a little lax on my training schedule here...must work on that.)
Today (Monday) I tried very hard to get on the treadmill between napping children. So I made it 25 minutes at a 4.2 mph walk. Not great, but I'm freaking tired today for some reason. Maybe it's running around after three again. I don't know. I think I'm going to look into a 5k for Couch Potatoes workout plan. I just dread running every day.
I'm going to try to catch some more Wii yoga and strength training tonight after the boys go to bed.
Swimming tomorrow, hopefully. And maybe some biking. We'll see.
Sunday I did nothing. Except walk a mile to and from the stadium and the parking lot. I'll count that, too. Double check.
(I'm finding myself already becoming a little lax on my training schedule here...must work on that.)
Today (Monday) I tried very hard to get on the treadmill between napping children. So I made it 25 minutes at a 4.2 mph walk. Not great, but I'm freaking tired today for some reason. Maybe it's running around after three again. I don't know. I think I'm going to look into a 5k for Couch Potatoes workout plan. I just dread running every day.
I'm going to try to catch some more Wii yoga and strength training tonight after the boys go to bed.
Swimming tomorrow, hopefully. And maybe some biking. We'll see.
Apologies and Weekend Update
It was a terrible blogging weekend- we were really busy.
On Saturday I made a gigantic omelet breakfast for everyone here and the Gallers family. We then went out to buy some things so I could get started on the boys' prizefighter costumes, and on our way to Walmart we saw that there was a Bikers' Ball (tradeshow of sorts) outside the local biker bar. Bryan needs cold-weather riding gear, so we ended up spending some time with some interesting people.
It was worth it, though. Bryan walker away with a new jacket, chaps, gloves, and saddle bags. He looked quite the part as he left for work this morning in the freezing temperatures!
I spent some time on Ian's costume, then we were off to Aw Shucks! corn maze with the Gallers. It was way fun. Ian and Leah are all about the maze now...more to come on that later. Chase rode in the backpack and grabbed corn as we passed it by.
We finished with dinner at Big Bob Gibson's BBQ (YUM!) and continued the party at our house, Leah slept over with Ian, and Mike and Angelle came over for games. I just lost Scattergories to Bryan (seriously, I can't win anything against him!).
Sunday brought church and a Panthers' game, courtesy of some awesome free tickets that my dad scored at work. Bryan and I left the boys with the Gallers (THANKS AGAIN!) and we enjoyed the afternoon watching the Panthers beat the tar out of the Saints (sorry, New Orleans...) with my dad. We ate hot dogs and drank real Coke. I know. We are animals!
Pizza with the Gallers for dinner, then off to bed for everyone.
So, yeah. We were busy. Back to Monday again. *sigh*
On Saturday I made a gigantic omelet breakfast for everyone here and the Gallers family. We then went out to buy some things so I could get started on the boys' prizefighter costumes, and on our way to Walmart we saw that there was a Bikers' Ball (tradeshow of sorts) outside the local biker bar. Bryan needs cold-weather riding gear, so we ended up spending some time with some interesting people.
It was worth it, though. Bryan walker away with a new jacket, chaps, gloves, and saddle bags. He looked quite the part as he left for work this morning in the freezing temperatures!
I spent some time on Ian's costume, then we were off to Aw Shucks! corn maze with the Gallers. It was way fun. Ian and Leah are all about the maze now...more to come on that later. Chase rode in the backpack and grabbed corn as we passed it by.
We finished with dinner at Big Bob Gibson's BBQ (YUM!) and continued the party at our house, Leah slept over with Ian, and Mike and Angelle came over for games. I just lost Scattergories to Bryan (seriously, I can't win anything against him!).
Sunday brought church and a Panthers' game, courtesy of some awesome free tickets that my dad scored at work. Bryan and I left the boys with the Gallers (THANKS AGAIN!) and we enjoyed the afternoon watching the Panthers beat the tar out of the Saints (sorry, New Orleans...) with my dad. We ate hot dogs and drank real Coke. I know. We are animals!
Pizza with the Gallers for dinner, then off to bed for everyone.
So, yeah. We were busy. Back to Monday again. *sigh*
Friday, October 17, 2008
For the Love of Pete.
I am supposed to be cooking dinner right now. But I can't.
Because Ian has hidden the only magnetic key that we have to the child-proof cabinets.
GAH!
Because Ian has hidden the only magnetic key that we have to the child-proof cabinets.
GAH!
Training Day 3 and Swimming with the Boys
I was feeling a little burnt out this morning, so I bypassed the treadmill and instead did 21 minutes of Wii Fit Yoga and Strength Training. I am loving the Wii Fit, just FYI. It's hard to get time to myself to do it, but since Will is not here this week, I can use Chase's naptime when Ian is at school. AND I had time to shower afterward! Heaven!
After picking up the kids from preschool, we came home and had lunch, then went right back out to the gym for swimming. Angelle and her girls came with us. AND...I did 500yds in 15 minutes today!! Woot!
I did 1/2 freestyle and 1/2 breast stroke/side stroke. For the first 5 laps I did 1 lap freestyle, 1 lap other and didn't break in between laps. For the last five I think I took a break a few times, but they were short, and I did 1/2 lap freestyle, 1/2 lap other.
So, I see improvement already, and it's only the second day of swimming. I feel good about that. I also feel good that I can do the swimming part in 15 minutes and not feel bad about having to run for like a hundred years to finish the 5k.
After I swam, I got the boys from the daycare area (which was a little difficult, as I was still dripping wet in my swimsuit with a towel wrapped around me) and got them in their swimsuits and in the pool. Normally it wouldn't be too difficult, but they are renovating the locker rooms and there is no floor area that is dry and no benches to sit on except for the ones in the shower stalls. So, that took some creative manipulation to get both children changed. We swam together for 1/2 hour or so, and both of them had a blast. Ian told me, "When it's not swimming lessons, it's just a pool and I can jump in!" Chase splashed until he was cold and tired, smiling the whole time. Even when Ian sent a wave of water into his face.
Getting the boys out of the water was even more complicated. I'm going to add those minutes (20) to my workout time today. Seriously, getting two shivering, wet boys out of their sticky swimsuits and into dry clothes in a wet locker room with no place to sit (and drying and dressing myself as well!) is completely exhausting. Maybe I will create a "Motherhood Traithlon". The first event will be getting two children into the water and out of it.
After picking up the kids from preschool, we came home and had lunch, then went right back out to the gym for swimming. Angelle and her girls came with us. AND...I did 500yds in 15 minutes today!! Woot!
I did 1/2 freestyle and 1/2 breast stroke/side stroke. For the first 5 laps I did 1 lap freestyle, 1 lap other and didn't break in between laps. For the last five I think I took a break a few times, but they were short, and I did 1/2 lap freestyle, 1/2 lap other.
So, I see improvement already, and it's only the second day of swimming. I feel good about that. I also feel good that I can do the swimming part in 15 minutes and not feel bad about having to run for like a hundred years to finish the 5k.
After I swam, I got the boys from the daycare area (which was a little difficult, as I was still dripping wet in my swimsuit with a towel wrapped around me) and got them in their swimsuits and in the pool. Normally it wouldn't be too difficult, but they are renovating the locker rooms and there is no floor area that is dry and no benches to sit on except for the ones in the shower stalls. So, that took some creative manipulation to get both children changed. We swam together for 1/2 hour or so, and both of them had a blast. Ian told me, "When it's not swimming lessons, it's just a pool and I can jump in!" Chase splashed until he was cold and tired, smiling the whole time. Even when Ian sent a wave of water into his face.
Getting the boys out of the water was even more complicated. I'm going to add those minutes (20) to my workout time today. Seriously, getting two shivering, wet boys out of their sticky swimsuits and into dry clothes in a wet locker room with no place to sit (and drying and dressing myself as well!) is completely exhausting. Maybe I will create a "Motherhood Traithlon". The first event will be getting two children into the water and out of it.
Ianism
Today Ian was talking to Leah in the car about why he can sit in the new big boy booster seat and she can't. I tried to explain to Leah that it was because Ian is a little bit taller than she is.
Ian then says in total seriousness, "And I'm also three-er than you, Leah."
Ian then says in total seriousness, "And I'm also three-er than you, Leah."
Thursday, October 16, 2008
GI Chase
Went back to Jim today to get the results of Chase's biopsies from the scope a couple weeks ago. Is it just me, or does anyone else expect actual, real, definitive results from doctors? I guess I realize it's not an exact science, but it's pretty frustrating.
Trisomy 21= Down syndrome. Concrete. Definite. Proven by a little picture with all those little chromosomes lined up with the little arrow pointing to the extra guy.
Severe Inflammation of the entire GI tract= Well, it may be that he has too much acid. So we'll try Prevacid and see if it works. If it doesn't, there might be something else. We can test for it later. But it probably isn't, so we're not going to test now. But just so you know, he may have Autoimmune Gastroenteritis, which is as scary as it sounds, but probably not. So come back in 4 weeks and we'll see how he's doing.
I was just hoping for a "We found the problem. He has too much of this or too little of this. We're going to give him this medicine every day and it will be totally fine." Ah, well.
At least we know definitely that it is not lactose intolerance or celiac. ALl his little enzymes are doing their jobs. No one is missing or lazy. But here I am, guessing again about why my little dude can't digest a dang thing.
AND. Prevacid is freaking expensive. $50 a month! I asked the pharmacist about it, because it seems awfully pricey for an antacid. He said that it's normally $140. Right. Well. $50 a month it is. I'm going to look into a Target Pharmacy Buy 10 Get 1 Free punch card or something. Or maybe Fill 10 Perscriptions and Get a Free Shopping Trip voucher. Whatever you can get into your cart while your 10th scrip is being filled, you get for Free.
I'll keep you posted.
Trisomy 21= Down syndrome. Concrete. Definite. Proven by a little picture with all those little chromosomes lined up with the little arrow pointing to the extra guy.
Severe Inflammation of the entire GI tract= Well, it may be that he has too much acid. So we'll try Prevacid and see if it works. If it doesn't, there might be something else. We can test for it later. But it probably isn't, so we're not going to test now. But just so you know, he may have Autoimmune Gastroenteritis, which is as scary as it sounds, but probably not. So come back in 4 weeks and we'll see how he's doing.
I was just hoping for a "We found the problem. He has too much of this or too little of this. We're going to give him this medicine every day and it will be totally fine." Ah, well.
At least we know definitely that it is not lactose intolerance or celiac. ALl his little enzymes are doing their jobs. No one is missing or lazy. But here I am, guessing again about why my little dude can't digest a dang thing.
AND. Prevacid is freaking expensive. $50 a month! I asked the pharmacist about it, because it seems awfully pricey for an antacid. He said that it's normally $140. Right. Well. $50 a month it is. I'm going to look into a Target Pharmacy Buy 10 Get 1 Free punch card or something. Or maybe Fill 10 Perscriptions and Get a Free Shopping Trip voucher. Whatever you can get into your cart while your 10th scrip is being filled, you get for Free.
I'll keep you posted.
Training Day 2
Disappointing.
I don't know why I thought I'd be able to just hop back into exercising again and not feel like a total wreck. Today I attempted another 5k and ended up doing 2 miles in 25 minutes, 41 seconds. So that's a little less than a 13 minute mile. At this point, I will finishing the 5k run portion in, um, never.
And honestly, I'm not out to set any records. I just want to complete it. And gasping for air at the 2 mile mark at little more than the average speed of a quick walk is a little disappointing. I know it's only Day 2. I just expected a little more of myself.
On a positive note, I'm only minimally sore from yesterday's running/swimming. And I clocked the distance around my neighborhood, down the street, and in and out of the other little neighborhoods at 4.2 miles. So I can do 5 of those and be at 20 miles. I'm excited to try that...and see if I suck as much at riding as I do at running...
Oh, well. Onwards and upwards. At least I did something today :) Yay, me!
I don't know why I thought I'd be able to just hop back into exercising again and not feel like a total wreck. Today I attempted another 5k and ended up doing 2 miles in 25 minutes, 41 seconds. So that's a little less than a 13 minute mile. At this point, I will finishing the 5k run portion in, um, never.
And honestly, I'm not out to set any records. I just want to complete it. And gasping for air at the 2 mile mark at little more than the average speed of a quick walk is a little disappointing. I know it's only Day 2. I just expected a little more of myself.
On a positive note, I'm only minimally sore from yesterday's running/swimming. And I clocked the distance around my neighborhood, down the street, and in and out of the other little neighborhoods at 4.2 miles. So I can do 5 of those and be at 20 miles. I'm excited to try that...and see if I suck as much at riding as I do at running...
Oh, well. Onwards and upwards. At least I did something today :) Yay, me!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Eenie
I haven't talked very much about Ian lately. He's still cute, don't worry.
He's has a new and improved relationship with his Blue Dog, insisting on taking him everywhere again (he has kind of strayed away from it, even one time telling me that Blue Dog wasn't his favorite anymore!!). But the funniest thing is that he calls him his "Littlest Brother" now.
Everything is about what is Littlest Brother is doing. He's eating a biscuit. He's learning how to walk. He's standing at the couch. He's making faces in the mirror. He's opening doors. He's watching our art project. He's brushing his teeth. He's taking a pretend dry shower.
It's pretty hilarious. Except that sometimes I wish he was that attentive and gentle with Chase. I mean, he pays attention to him. But he also knocks him down and steps on his hands. It's a fine line between loving and hating. I guess that's just what having a sibling is about. (Love you, Scott! Sorry about that time that I pulled your hair out of your head and called you a four letter word. I really like you now!)
Ian also had his first field trip with his preschool on Monday. They went to a pumpkin patch and corn maze. I couldn't go with him, because Chase had 2 therapies and we had just missed a week from vacation. I was really bummed that I wasn't one of the involved moms who went with the kids. I kind of felt like a big loser, like I didn't care about where Eenie was going, or that I had better things to do. He had a good time. He came back with a little pumpkin which he very quickly painted entirely blue with an orange face (Daddy's favorite Bronco colors). I know that he didn't expect me to come, but it just feels like one more thing that I am failing at; paying as much attention to Ian as I do Chase. Blah blah blah, whine whine whine.
Anyway. Speaking of which, I should get off the computer and make cookies with Ian while Chase is napping. And put a lovely dinner on the table. Off I go.
He's has a new and improved relationship with his Blue Dog, insisting on taking him everywhere again (he has kind of strayed away from it, even one time telling me that Blue Dog wasn't his favorite anymore!!). But the funniest thing is that he calls him his "Littlest Brother" now.
Everything is about what is Littlest Brother is doing. He's eating a biscuit. He's learning how to walk. He's standing at the couch. He's making faces in the mirror. He's opening doors. He's watching our art project. He's brushing his teeth. He's taking a pretend dry shower.
It's pretty hilarious. Except that sometimes I wish he was that attentive and gentle with Chase. I mean, he pays attention to him. But he also knocks him down and steps on his hands. It's a fine line between loving and hating. I guess that's just what having a sibling is about. (Love you, Scott! Sorry about that time that I pulled your hair out of your head and called you a four letter word. I really like you now!)
Ian also had his first field trip with his preschool on Monday. They went to a pumpkin patch and corn maze. I couldn't go with him, because Chase had 2 therapies and we had just missed a week from vacation. I was really bummed that I wasn't one of the involved moms who went with the kids. I kind of felt like a big loser, like I didn't care about where Eenie was going, or that I had better things to do. He had a good time. He came back with a little pumpkin which he very quickly painted entirely blue with an orange face (Daddy's favorite Bronco colors). I know that he didn't expect me to come, but it just feels like one more thing that I am failing at; paying as much attention to Ian as I do Chase. Blah blah blah, whine whine whine.
Anyway. Speaking of which, I should get off the computer and make cookies with Ian while Chase is napping. And put a lovely dinner on the table. Off I go.
Training TMI?
Okay. So I think I'll be a little bit more motivated if I post my triathlon training on my blog. But I realize that lots of you frankly don't care how much I exercise or weigh. I toyed with the idea of starting another blog, but that is a lot of work that I don't want to do. Plus, then I would feel like I had to write in both of them every day. Then I would feel slack if I didn't. Therefore, I'm going to post about my training and you all can just suck it up :) No, really. Feel free to skip all my training posts...they are really just to guilt myself into doing something every day.
Day 1:
35 minutes walk/run on the treadmill. I was aiming for a full 5k, but ended up chatting on the phone with Tiff for the first 10 minutes, so I really didn't exert all that much energy. Then I waivered between 4.5-6.0 mph for the rest of the time. I ended up going a little more than 2 miles. Eh. I will do better tomorrow. I'm just happy that I got on.
*On another note, while I was on, I was watching The Secret Lives of Women. Has anyone ever seen any of those? This one was on child brides. Hello! These girls were married at 13, 14, 15 years old, having babies! OMG. I could barely do my own laundry then! Or feed myself! Or make it to babysitting jobs on time!! I saw another one about Suburban Moms and all their secrets. Sometimes it's comforting to know that other people screw up worse than I do...
More exercise:
20 minutes of swimming at the gym (500yds). Angelle and I got the kids packed up and out a little early today since I don't have Will this week. The swimming part of the triathlon is 500yds, so that is 10 full laps at the gym. I have to admit to several breaks in between the laps, and I probably swam freestyle only 1/2 the time (at best) with lots of breast stroke and side stroke. I have to figure out a way to not hyperventilate on freestyle. I pretty much suck at that. I feel like I'm doing it right, but I just can't get the breathing to work right. I get winded so quickly. It's not that my body is tired, it's just that I'm going to turn blue and pass out in the middle of the pool that worries me. I asked Angelle if I looked goofy when I was swimming, but she said it looked like I was doing it right, so I trust her.
Must work on this.
That is all for today. If I feel extra spunky, I may drag out the Wii Fit tonight and challenge Bryan to a yoga-off after the boys go to bed. We'll see.
Oh...and since I'm starting training today, I will make Wednesdays my official weigh in day.
Week 1: 129.5lbs
(And just so everyone doesn't hammer me...I'm not in it to lose weight necessarily. I'd like to just tone up and not be such a wuss about cardio!)
Day 1:
35 minutes walk/run on the treadmill. I was aiming for a full 5k, but ended up chatting on the phone with Tiff for the first 10 minutes, so I really didn't exert all that much energy. Then I waivered between 4.5-6.0 mph for the rest of the time. I ended up going a little more than 2 miles. Eh. I will do better tomorrow. I'm just happy that I got on.
*On another note, while I was on, I was watching The Secret Lives of Women. Has anyone ever seen any of those? This one was on child brides. Hello! These girls were married at 13, 14, 15 years old, having babies! OMG. I could barely do my own laundry then! Or feed myself! Or make it to babysitting jobs on time!! I saw another one about Suburban Moms and all their secrets. Sometimes it's comforting to know that other people screw up worse than I do...
More exercise:
20 minutes of swimming at the gym (500yds). Angelle and I got the kids packed up and out a little early today since I don't have Will this week. The swimming part of the triathlon is 500yds, so that is 10 full laps at the gym. I have to admit to several breaks in between the laps, and I probably swam freestyle only 1/2 the time (at best) with lots of breast stroke and side stroke. I have to figure out a way to not hyperventilate on freestyle. I pretty much suck at that. I feel like I'm doing it right, but I just can't get the breathing to work right. I get winded so quickly. It's not that my body is tired, it's just that I'm going to turn blue and pass out in the middle of the pool that worries me. I asked Angelle if I looked goofy when I was swimming, but she said it looked like I was doing it right, so I trust her.
Must work on this.
That is all for today. If I feel extra spunky, I may drag out the Wii Fit tonight and challenge Bryan to a yoga-off after the boys go to bed. We'll see.
Oh...and since I'm starting training today, I will make Wednesdays my official weigh in day.
Week 1: 129.5lbs
(And just so everyone doesn't hammer me...I'm not in it to lose weight necessarily. I'd like to just tone up and not be such a wuss about cardio!)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Bandwagon Jumper
So, entirely because I don't want to be left out and a little bit because I feel badly every time that I look at the dusty treadmill in the middle of my kitchen...I am going to compete in a triathlon with Mandi and Angelle.
I know.
I am the Queen of Terrible Endurance, so it will be a stretch. It's not till March, though, so that means I can probably put off actually training until like February or something, right? :)
Anyway. I thought if I proclaim it here I will be less likely to renege. We shall see. Off I go to research some free online training programs... And also to see if Vanilla's Cupcakery will ship to NC (because, of course, I will need to up my caloric intake in order to have the energy to be competitive).
I know.
I am the Queen of Terrible Endurance, so it will be a stretch. It's not till March, though, so that means I can probably put off actually training until like February or something, right? :)
Anyway. I thought if I proclaim it here I will be less likely to renege. We shall see. Off I go to research some free online training programs... And also to see if Vanilla's Cupcakery will ship to NC (because, of course, I will need to up my caloric intake in order to have the energy to be competitive).
My Name is Sarah
If you haven't had the opportunity to check out this blog yet, I hope you'll take the time to do it. The lovely author posts about her life, her memories, her thoughts, her activities, and her dreams.
Oh, and she happens to sport 47. :)
Thanks for dropping by Ian and Chase, Sarah!
Oh, and she happens to sport 47. :)
Thanks for dropping by Ian and Chase, Sarah!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Why Didn't I Think of This Sooner?
Chase, the pickiest eater in the world, won't eat chocolate chip cookies, or cake, or cheeseburgers, or hotdogs, or chicken nuggets, or carrots, or ice cream, or pancakes.
But he will eat sauerkraut. No joke.
Apparently, I've just been feeding him the wrong cuisine. Thank goodness it's Oktoberfest season.
But he will eat sauerkraut. No joke.
Apparently, I've just been feeding him the wrong cuisine. Thank goodness it's Oktoberfest season.
Facelift
I got adventurous and tried a new background...one that isn't standard Blogger.
*gasp!*
I feel so liberated!
*gasp!*
I feel so liberated!
Latest Chase Accomplishments
Besides the tantrum throwing at bedtime, Chase is doing a few more new things this week.
He now:
1. Dances whenever he hears music.
2. Signs music, apple, cat, and dog (in addition to his other signs!)
3. Has let go of the couch and stood up by himself (Ok, it was for like 1 second, but I'm counting it.)
4. Tells me when he needs to change his diaper (by sign).
5. Is imitating everything.
6. Follows one step directions (Get Ian! Stand up! Sit down! Come here! Throw the ball! Say byebye! Say hi! Blow kisses! Knock it down! Wait!)
7. Climbs up the stairs in a heartbeat, rarely falling backwards anymore (that was a big problem...)
8. Climbs up on low furniture.
9. Seems to verbalize answers to my questions...sometimes they even sound like words, but I know that's stretching it a bit.
It seems like we go a long time without seeing anything new, and then all of a sudden there is a burst of new activity. Seeing him do new things does my mental health lots of good.
He now:
1. Dances whenever he hears music.
2. Signs music, apple, cat, and dog (in addition to his other signs!)
3. Has let go of the couch and stood up by himself (Ok, it was for like 1 second, but I'm counting it.)
4. Tells me when he needs to change his diaper (by sign).
5. Is imitating everything.
6. Follows one step directions (Get Ian! Stand up! Sit down! Come here! Throw the ball! Say byebye! Say hi! Blow kisses! Knock it down! Wait!)
7. Climbs up the stairs in a heartbeat, rarely falling backwards anymore (that was a big problem...)
8. Climbs up on low furniture.
9. Seems to verbalize answers to my questions...sometimes they even sound like words, but I know that's stretching it a bit.
It seems like we go a long time without seeing anything new, and then all of a sudden there is a burst of new activity. Seeing him do new things does my mental health lots of good.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
A Phase?
Chasey has been having a hard time going to bed lately, which is totally not like him. It started last week while we were out of town, so I chalked it up to being in a new place, sharing a room with his brother, weird naps, etc.
But today was normal, and he took a good nap...and he still screamed like I was torturing him when I laid him down for bed. What the hell?
Then I started thinking...it was about this age that Ian went through this phase from hell when he refused to go to bed. He would scream and scream and scream. We'd pat him and sing to him and rock him to no avail. We checked him for ear infections. Nothing. It took about two weeks for him to return to normal, but he finally did. I don't know what it was.
So, while I don't especially like that Chase is having such huge meltdowns at bedtime, and it's hard to hear him so upset...it is kind of comforting that he's going through a normal stage (although who knows what normal really is?).
But today was normal, and he took a good nap...and he still screamed like I was torturing him when I laid him down for bed. What the hell?
Then I started thinking...it was about this age that Ian went through this phase from hell when he refused to go to bed. He would scream and scream and scream. We'd pat him and sing to him and rock him to no avail. We checked him for ear infections. Nothing. It took about two weeks for him to return to normal, but he finally did. I don't know what it was.
So, while I don't especially like that Chase is having such huge meltdowns at bedtime, and it's hard to hear him so upset...it is kind of comforting that he's going through a normal stage (although who knows what normal really is?).
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Sciencenter
Aunt Sue (on Gaga's side) and my cousin Max took us to the Sciencenter in Ithaca. The boys really loved it. And Max was so good with Ian. I think Ian just completely idolizes him.
Chasey spent quite a while in this crazy mirror. Ian joined in, too. Then he tackled him.
They had this huge outdoor play area, too, with this water/sand play area...
It's like the beach without sand up your suit!!
Ooh. Kinetic energy!!
Hands-on fun inside with the exhibits. I think the coolest thing is that Ian could actually DO something at every station. And there was lots that Chase could do, too. Behind Max and Ian in this photo is the kiddie area, where there were baby/toddler things to do.
Crazy hair!
Fun at the water table...you can send rubber ducks down the water shute. I think Max may be whistling at Chase in this photo (did I tell you that Chase can whistle now?)
A most excellent ropes course/climbing thing outside. Chase was pulling up all over the place.
The outdoor music area. Chase has a hidden talent for the steel drums. Who knew?
Ropes again. Max was so awesome. Have I mentioned that already?
Chasey spent quite a while in this crazy mirror. Ian joined in, too. Then he tackled him.
They had this huge outdoor play area, too, with this water/sand play area...
It's like the beach without sand up your suit!!
Ooh. Kinetic energy!!
Hands-on fun inside with the exhibits. I think the coolest thing is that Ian could actually DO something at every station. And there was lots that Chase could do, too. Behind Max and Ian in this photo is the kiddie area, where there were baby/toddler things to do.
Crazy hair!
Fun at the water table...you can send rubber ducks down the water shute. I think Max may be whistling at Chase in this photo (did I tell you that Chase can whistle now?)
A most excellent ropes course/climbing thing outside. Chase was pulling up all over the place.
The outdoor music area. Chase has a hidden talent for the steel drums. Who knew?
Ropes again. Max was so awesome. Have I mentioned that already?
Fun Thing To Do at GG's House #38
Get into Little GG's kitchen cabinets. Find some loud pie plates. Bang them on the floor. Wear them as hats.
I told the boys to put the pie tins on their heads for this photo. Chase didn't quite get it :)
I told the boys to put the pie tins on their heads for this photo. Chase didn't quite get it :)
Raspberry Picking
Chase Farms is less than 10 minutes from the GG's house, and is home to the sweetest corn, strawberries, and raspberries. Also home to giant pumpkins and vibrant mums. (More photos on that later-- I know, you are sitting on the edge of your seat!)
We picked raspberries here 2 separate days. Ian loved it. He learned how to be very gentle and to eat the ones that were too juicy. I think that he actually ate more than he put in his pint bucket.
I thought it was cool that the whole farm was named after my sweet boy.
Caught in the act!
YUMM-O!
Doesn't he look like he belongs on a farm?
The smudge on my camera lens actually made this photo look kind of cool.
Gaga had to help a little before Eenie got the hang of it. When the boys and I went back by ourselves, he ran ahead of me and ate them without any help at all :)
We picked raspberries here 2 separate days. Ian loved it. He learned how to be very gentle and to eat the ones that were too juicy. I think that he actually ate more than he put in his pint bucket.
I thought it was cool that the whole farm was named after my sweet boy.
Caught in the act!
YUMM-O!
Doesn't he look like he belongs on a farm?
The smudge on my camera lens actually made this photo look kind of cool.
Gaga had to help a little before Eenie got the hang of it. When the boys and I went back by ourselves, he ran ahead of me and ate them without any help at all :)**I want to add a little commercial here: The Shout stain stick is AMAZING. The second day we picked, Ian wore light khaki pants, and proceded to wipe his red berry-juice hands on his butt after every bite. I shouted it all, and the raspberry handprints came out entirely!
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