This was a special moment at Animal Kingdom. We were on the "safari" ride when suddenly our jeep slowed to a crawl. Munchkin was oblivious, but Brad and I were amused.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Finding Nemo: An Intro to Musical Theatre
Obviously, Brad and I are very passionate about the theatre.
We consider ourselves blessed that we have seen a whole ton of theatre (mostly musicals), both before and after the birth of our son. So you can imagine how thrilled we are that we had the opportunity to take Munchkin to his first theatrical experience while we were at Disney World! The best part about it was that the majority of the audience, of course, were children, so noises and crying were just part of the ambience.
Silly me, I thought he might use this opportunity to take a nap, but I should have known that OUR SON wouldn't think of sleeping through such an exciting show. When the giant (and I mean G-I-A-N-T) turtle appeared on the stage, he waved his arms furiously and yelped with glee. He put on quite a show for the grandparents sitting next to us. I wasn't sure what to watch: Munchkin or the stage! His second favorite moment came during the curtain call/finale, when they turned on the bubble machines over the audience and showered us.
Click this link for a clip of Munchkin's favorite part.
Next stop: Cub's game. :o)
DISNEY!!!
Until last week, I had never been to Disney World. This appalled my husband, so he decided it was high time I experienced a little Mickey Magic.
We took the little Squirt on a two-day Disney experience, including Epcot and Animal Kingdom. We're saving Magic Kingdom until our child(ren) are older. I'll let the photo journey tell most of the story...but stay tuned for an additional post or two!
There are 4 pages of photos, so feel free to skim. Oh, also, if you're having trouble viewing the entire title, make sure you're in slideshow mode (where you can only see one picture at a time).
http://gallery.me.com/hannahrae#100248
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Hannah and Marah
When I was young(er), I had a "best cousin" named Marah.
(For those who are unfamiliar with my extensive family tree, Marah is the daughter (3rd in line) of Mary, who is my mother's eldest sister.)
For years, my family would drive (yes, DRIVE) from Livonia, Michigan to Ocala, Florida at least once per year to visit the Stevens family, often over Spring Break. I have zillions of memories of Marah, but here are a few:
- One year us kids confiscated our Easter baskets and ate the candy in secret in the bedroom. Our "punishment" came when my sister got gum in her hair and we had to tell our moms so they could help get it out.
- Many, many warm Florida days spent at "Wild Waters" waterpark. It was the first time I heard the song, "Manic Monday," by the Bangles.
- The year that we were pre-teens and tanning, Marah decided to forgo sunscreen and scorched the back of her legs so badly she couldn't sit down for days.
- The year of the lice. I won't elaborate. :o)
- Sleeping in tents outside Uncle Frank's cottage and talking about the arrival of a certain female friend named Flo.
- The same visit to Uncle Frank's (I think), Marah and I got in trouble for stealing all the graham crackers for S'Mores and eating them dipped in milk. Yum!
- One time we made up cheerleading/dance routines to Huey Lewis's "Hip to be Square" on the lawn outside Marah's house.
So it now seems a little surreal to visit my Best Cousin in her own house in Florida, meet her husband, her three small children, and introduce her to mine...but that's exactly what happened!
On our first day of vacation in the Orlando area last week, we spent the day with the Fitos family, and were later joined by Todd and Gregory's families (Mary's two sons), Elizabeth (Mary's 4th in line), Mary (my aunt) and Barbara and Terry (my aunt and uncle). Marah's kids had a marvelous time meeting my little Munchkin. They were so gentle and kind to him, bringing him toy after toy.
We had lunch and dinner together, talked all about babies and our lives and our families...and when we would get together next! It was a great day. Too short, but wonderful.
Thanks to the Fitos' for their hospitality, and to my other counsins, aunts and uncle for making the journey to see us. We love you!
(Unfortunately, I did a terrible job at documenting this day through photos, but here are just a couple. There are a few more that will be included in the Disney photo album later this week.)
J, K and S (Marah's oldest and middle, and Munchkin)
Great-Aunts Barbara and Mary with P (Marah's youngest) and S
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Letter
Dear Munchkin,
Dr. B says you are too skinny. Please eat more spinach.
Your Friend,
Popeye
(Took the little one to the doc today for his 4 month appointment. He has only gained 1.5 lbs in the last two months, which puts him below the 5th percentile, which, according to Dr. B, is potentially problematic. To combat this--before we run a whole bunch of labs--I am to (force) feed him every 2.5-3 hours....even if he's asleep. Ack. At night, I don't have to intentionally wake him, but if he wakes on his own, I'm supposed to get him up to eat. Double ack. We'll go back to the doc after our Florida vacation. On the upside, Munch only cried for about 10 seconds during his vaccinations. Brave boy.)
Weight: 11lbs, 8.2 oz
Height: 24.5 in
HC: 16.25 in
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Over It
In case you haven't heard, we've had a little snow in Chicago so far this winter.
And I'm ready for next week's vacation.
Orlando, here we come!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
For Crying Out Loud
The time has come to teach our little peanut how to sleep a little better.
We're operating under the loose guidance of Dr. Weissbluth, some good friends, and a wing and a prayer. The object of the game is to increase the length of naps from 30 minutest to...well, longer than 30 minutes; and to reduce the night-waking episodes. Also, it's recommended to put the baby down while he's drowsy, but still awake, so he can actually put himself to sleep.
(BTW, don't feel obligated to pour over the following "diary." It's more for my use and documentation than yours. )
Day One (Monday):
- 30 min nap in morning, no crying
- 30 minutes of crying before another 30 min nap in afternoon, followed by another 20 minutes of hard crying
- 1.5 hr nap in Mom's bed late afternoon (oh the guilt)
- 25 minutes of fussing/talking before falling asleep for the night
-woke at 2:00 AM to eat, woke again at 5:30 and cried until 6:00.
- got up for the day at 8:00.
How I feel: That second nap was rough on me, being home alone and the only adult to listen to the sobbing on the monitor. Why didn't I just turn it off? Well, I guess my mommy guilt wouldn't let me. Something along the lines of "if he's going to go through the trouble to cry for half and hour, I should go through the trouble to listen to it." The bedtime was a victory, however. Until tonight, we've never put him down for bed awake and forced him to soothe himself to sleep. Good baby.
Day Two:
- woke at 8:00 AM
- short nap with 15 minutes of crying at 10:00 AM
- short nap with 10 minutes of crying at 1:30
- short nap at 4:30 with no crying
- down for the night at 7:45 with no crying
- slept until feeding time at 2:00 AM, and again until 8:00. HURRAY!
How I feel:
Thrilled that the nights are going well, so far, especially that he went down without crying last night. And it was the first time...ever...that he has slept for so many hours without any additional night-waking. Now, to solve the short nap problem...
Day Three:
- woke at 8:00 AM
- short nap with 10 minutes of crying at 9:45 (but there was other activity in the house at the time, and I had to move him midway through the nap, which woke him up--darn)
- long nap in afternoon
- to bed with no crying, fed at 1:30 AM...woke for the day at 6:30 AM--a little early for this lazy bones.
Day Four:
This day doesn't count, I decided. He woke up early which threw off the day. Plus we went to school, so he napped in the car on the way there. He did sleep for two hours when we got home.
- went down at 7PM after crying for 15 minutes, woke twice and soothed himself back to sleep, woke for 2AM feeding, slept until 7:30AM
Day Five:
- two hour nap in morning
- Sigh. Went down at 1:00PM, cried for 20 minutes, slept for 20 minutes, cried for 20 minutes. Got him up.
- Tried again at 3:00. No dice.
- He finally fell asleep at 5:30PM, which is not good as it will probably screw up bedtime.
- ...and it did. It was a rough one tonight. He cried several times and was unable to settle down on his own.
How I feel today:
I talked to a fellow mommy friend today whose son is 3 months older than Munchkin and who followed the same advice given by Dr. Weissbluth. She talked me off the ledge today after the afternoon nap fiasco and reminded me that babies organize their night sleep sooner than they organize their day sleep, which explains why the nights have been pretty easy to master, but the days are difficult.
We'll keep working on it!
We're operating under the loose guidance of Dr. Weissbluth, some good friends, and a wing and a prayer. The object of the game is to increase the length of naps from 30 minutest to...well, longer than 30 minutes; and to reduce the night-waking episodes. Also, it's recommended to put the baby down while he's drowsy, but still awake, so he can actually put himself to sleep.
(BTW, don't feel obligated to pour over the following "diary." It's more for my use and documentation than yours. )
Day One (Monday):
- 30 min nap in morning, no crying
- 30 minutes of crying before another 30 min nap in afternoon, followed by another 20 minutes of hard crying
- 1.5 hr nap in Mom's bed late afternoon (oh the guilt)
- 25 minutes of fussing/talking before falling asleep for the night
-woke at 2:00 AM to eat, woke again at 5:30 and cried until 6:00.
- got up for the day at 8:00.
How I feel: That second nap was rough on me, being home alone and the only adult to listen to the sobbing on the monitor. Why didn't I just turn it off? Well, I guess my mommy guilt wouldn't let me. Something along the lines of "if he's going to go through the trouble to cry for half and hour, I should go through the trouble to listen to it." The bedtime was a victory, however. Until tonight, we've never put him down for bed awake and forced him to soothe himself to sleep. Good baby.
Day Two:
- woke at 8:00 AM
- short nap with 15 minutes of crying at 10:00 AM
- short nap with 10 minutes of crying at 1:30
- short nap at 4:30 with no crying
- down for the night at 7:45 with no crying
- slept until feeding time at 2:00 AM, and again until 8:00. HURRAY!
How I feel:
Thrilled that the nights are going well, so far, especially that he went down without crying last night. And it was the first time...ever...that he has slept for so many hours without any additional night-waking. Now, to solve the short nap problem...
Day Three:
- woke at 8:00 AM
- short nap with 10 minutes of crying at 9:45 (but there was other activity in the house at the time, and I had to move him midway through the nap, which woke him up--darn)
- long nap in afternoon
- to bed with no crying, fed at 1:30 AM...woke for the day at 6:30 AM--a little early for this lazy bones.
Day Four:
This day doesn't count, I decided. He woke up early which threw off the day. Plus we went to school, so he napped in the car on the way there. He did sleep for two hours when we got home.
- went down at 7PM after crying for 15 minutes, woke twice and soothed himself back to sleep, woke for 2AM feeding, slept until 7:30AM
Day Five:
- two hour nap in morning
- Sigh. Went down at 1:00PM, cried for 20 minutes, slept for 20 minutes, cried for 20 minutes. Got him up.
- Tried again at 3:00. No dice.
- He finally fell asleep at 5:30PM, which is not good as it will probably screw up bedtime.
- ...and it did. It was a rough one tonight. He cried several times and was unable to settle down on his own.
How I feel today:
I talked to a fellow mommy friend today whose son is 3 months older than Munchkin and who followed the same advice given by Dr. Weissbluth. She talked me off the ledge today after the afternoon nap fiasco and reminded me that babies organize their night sleep sooner than they organize their day sleep, which explains why the nights have been pretty easy to master, but the days are difficult.
We'll keep working on it!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Field Trip: School!
I took Munchkin to school yesterday.
Traditionally in my elementary school, the Holiday music program takes place on the last day of school before Winter Break. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), that day happened to be a snow day this year, so they rescheduled the concert for yesterday morning.
I felt compelled to go for several reasons:
1. I miss my colleagues desperately. I used to eat lunch with the same group each day and I crave that adult interaction every day around 11:40AM.
2. I don't have much grade-level carryover at that school because I only taught 1st grade and half of the Kindergartners, but I wanted to check on those now-2nd graders to see how they were doing.
3. I wanted to spy on my sub.
I wasn't expecting to feel nostalgic over seeing my former students, but I was. Munchkin (in the Bjorn) and I sat in the very back of the gym and watched the kids parade down the aisle and up onto the risers. I realized that I still remembered ALL of their names (125 of them), that they had grown SO much taller, and that I actually missed the little buggers. The new hairdo threw everyone off, so many of them didn't catch my eye and/or didn't recognize me, but it was so fun to be there to support them with their new music teacher.
Of course, my entire staff was charmed by my little boy. He didn't make a peep during the performance and was his typical flirtatious self with all the ladies. We stayed through lunch and made our way back home to our cozy house.
Though I miss my friends, occasionally miss my students, and very occasionally miss the art of teaching a class, I'm happy at home. But with this face, who wouldn't be?
Yeah she does.
Traditionally in my elementary school, the Holiday music program takes place on the last day of school before Winter Break. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), that day happened to be a snow day this year, so they rescheduled the concert for yesterday morning.
I felt compelled to go for several reasons:
1. I miss my colleagues desperately. I used to eat lunch with the same group each day and I crave that adult interaction every day around 11:40AM.
2. I don't have much grade-level carryover at that school because I only taught 1st grade and half of the Kindergartners, but I wanted to check on those now-2nd graders to see how they were doing.
3. I wanted to spy on my sub.
I wasn't expecting to feel nostalgic over seeing my former students, but I was. Munchkin (in the Bjorn) and I sat in the very back of the gym and watched the kids parade down the aisle and up onto the risers. I realized that I still remembered ALL of their names (125 of them), that they had grown SO much taller, and that I actually missed the little buggers. The new hairdo threw everyone off, so many of them didn't catch my eye and/or didn't recognize me, but it was so fun to be there to support them with their new music teacher.
Of course, my entire staff was charmed by my little boy. He didn't make a peep during the performance and was his typical flirtatious self with all the ladies. We stayed through lunch and made our way back home to our cozy house.
Though I miss my friends, occasionally miss my students, and very occasionally miss the art of teaching a class, I'm happy at home. But with this face, who wouldn't be?
Yeah she does.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
4 Months
And just like that, my little tiny newborn turned into a wide-eyed baby. Sigh.
Weight: 11 lbs 8.2 oz (10th percentile--yikes!)
Height: 24 1/2 in (between 25-50th percentile)
Dear Munchkin,
Sometimes your mommy feels guilty because she's literally the only mother she knows that is actually saddened by her son growing up. In fact she feels a little crazy because she actually wants to squeeze you really hard until you shrink back to your 8lb, 3oz, 20in size. On the other hand, you're such a joy and delight, and I love love love spending my days with you...even when your naps are short and your nights are wakeful. (Look out, though, because I hear that at four months you're neurologically able to soothe yourself to sleep.)
"A few of my favorite things..."
- your smile when you see me after waking
- how you laugh at your dad singing the Tigger song
- spitting out your paci in favor of your fingers
- looking like "The Dictator" in your new Bumbo chair
- your peaked interest in EVERYTHING while nursing...so distractible!
- almost rolling over--while trying to catch a glimpse of the TV (my nemesis)
- your sudden fascination with my food, as though you'd grab it when I wasn't looking
- your occasional awareness of Oliver
- differentiating between your parents and "strangers"
- rubbing your feet together (and your socks off) with excitement
- discovering that you can splash the water during bath time
- being a brave boy on your first day of "crying it out," and still loving me at the end of it
Love,
Mom
A New Year, A New Look
Ever have a moment like this at your hairdresser?
Me: So, I was thinking about experimenting with some bangs.
Her: You mean, like this? (SNIP)
Me: Um...I was thinking more like, well, I guess, uh....nevermind.
Thus goes the story of me with bangs, something I have not experienced since I was about six. Two days into having them, I remember why I hate them: I can't STAND hair on my face, they get curly in the rain, they get greasy really fast, they reduce my ability to be facially expressive. BUT. It's a New Year, and at least my new haircut gives me some options. And I wasn't trying to copy my sister, but I guess that's kinda how it turned out.
By the way, I'm not posting these pictures to pander for compliments/criticisms. I just want to avoid frightening you the next time I see you.
Evidently, we now call it "fringe"
Or, sideswept
Sunday Blues
Back when I was working outside the home, I used to get "Sunday Blues" before going back to work after a weekend.
Today's Sunday Blues are a whole new animal, however, because they've sprung up in honor of my hubby going back to work after a loooooong vacation. We've had a wonderful two weeks together, taking care of Baby S, playing Wii, Fill or Bust-ing, cooking and eating, traveling, entertaining, snuggling. We will miss you, Bear.
Today's Sunday Blues are a whole new animal, however, because they've sprung up in honor of my hubby going back to work after a loooooong vacation. We've had a wonderful two weeks together, taking care of Baby S, playing Wii, Fill or Bust-ing, cooking and eating, traveling, entertaining, snuggling. We will miss you, Bear.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
December 31, 2008: Part II
A trip down memory lane...
2003: Times Square, NYC
2004: Kohler, WI with the Thompsons
2005: London
2006: Our first NYE party at home with lots of friends
2007: No, that's not us. It's Ian singing a Britney Spears song on our TV Karaoke. Hysterical.
2008: Alone and in our pjs by 11:00. Things change when you have kids. :o)
(Photos by Bradley)
December 31, 2008: Part I
Dear Munchkin,
One year ago today, your dad and I found out that we were expecting you.
I had taken a pregnancy test three weeks prior that delivered a negative result. Two weeks after that, we traveled to Arizona to visit your grandparents down there, and I shared my concerns with your Grammie that I hadn't gotten pregnant yet, even though your dad and I had been "trying" for a few months (well, okay, not trying very hard...but not NOT trying either). We had invited your Mimi and Papa and Auntie/Uncle A to spend New Year's Eve with us and a few friends, so they had spent the previous night with us. In the morning, I was about to step into the shower when I just had a feeling that I should take another pregnancy test. Perhaps it was because I knew I'd be drinking champagne and eating soft cheese later that evening, and wanted to just be sure it was okay. So I took a test and it came out positive!
I have never shown more restraint in my life than after taking getting those test results. I took my shower, put on makeup and blowdried my hair--and THEN I told your dad. It was tricky because we had house guests, and I didn't want to blab the news to everyone right away. So I pulled him into the bathroom and showed him the test. I said, "Do you see what that says?" He replied, "Another negative test?" (Whoops, I had turned it upside-down.) "Um, no, it's positive." We were cautiously excited, knowing that these tests can often give the wrong results. So I took another and it was positive, too. But those tests were the same brand and I was bound and determined not to get excited until I was SURE. So I made up some ridiculous story to my parents about needing to go to the bank, ran out to the Walgreen's and bought another brand, took it at home and it was positive again! Your dad and I cried tears of joy (and fear, I'm sure) and quietly celebrated in our bathroom.
(Prior to all this excitement, your dad and Papa had been discussing putting up some shelves in the closets to make some more space. This will be relevant in a minute.)
We decided to tell our parents the good news that day and the next. So we gathered Mimi and Papa in the living room and I said, "I guess it would probably be a good idea to start reorganizing the closet in the second bedroom...to make room for baby clothes." It took them completely by surprise, and they were thrilled for us. Later that evening when your Aunt and Uncle showed up for the party, we were exchanging Christmas gifts and told your Auntie that we had one more gift for her. "What is it?" "Well, we're wondering if you're ready to become an Aunt?" Her face and reaction were priceless and will take years for me to forget. She was laughing and crying and hugging us like crazy.
Then came the torture because, as I mentioned, we had planned a party for the evening with some of our closest friends--whom we did not tell our news, given the early stages of the pregnancy. So we partied and karaoke-ed and Wii-ed and toasted the New Year while thrilling ourselves with our little secret.
The next day, both your dad and I were in shock. I hadn't slept well from the anxiety of such a monumental change in my life, and in anticipation of the changes in my body. We decided to take ANOTHER pregnancy test, "to make sure it was sticking," which--of course--makes no sense. Of course, it was positive. We then shared the news with your Grandma and Grand-Dede, Uncle Scott, and AuntieOmi and Uncle Ethan.
And you know the rest of the story.
One year later, I can't believe how the time has flown and how our lives have changed to welcome you. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Love,
Mom
One year ago today, your dad and I found out that we were expecting you.
I had taken a pregnancy test three weeks prior that delivered a negative result. Two weeks after that, we traveled to Arizona to visit your grandparents down there, and I shared my concerns with your Grammie that I hadn't gotten pregnant yet, even though your dad and I had been "trying" for a few months (well, okay, not trying very hard...but not NOT trying either). We had invited your Mimi and Papa and Auntie/Uncle A to spend New Year's Eve with us and a few friends, so they had spent the previous night with us. In the morning, I was about to step into the shower when I just had a feeling that I should take another pregnancy test. Perhaps it was because I knew I'd be drinking champagne and eating soft cheese later that evening, and wanted to just be sure it was okay. So I took a test and it came out positive!
I have never shown more restraint in my life than after taking getting those test results. I took my shower, put on makeup and blowdried my hair--and THEN I told your dad. It was tricky because we had house guests, and I didn't want to blab the news to everyone right away. So I pulled him into the bathroom and showed him the test. I said, "Do you see what that says?" He replied, "Another negative test?" (Whoops, I had turned it upside-down.) "Um, no, it's positive." We were cautiously excited, knowing that these tests can often give the wrong results. So I took another and it was positive, too. But those tests were the same brand and I was bound and determined not to get excited until I was SURE. So I made up some ridiculous story to my parents about needing to go to the bank, ran out to the Walgreen's and bought another brand, took it at home and it was positive again! Your dad and I cried tears of joy (and fear, I'm sure) and quietly celebrated in our bathroom.
(Prior to all this excitement, your dad and Papa had been discussing putting up some shelves in the closets to make some more space. This will be relevant in a minute.)
We decided to tell our parents the good news that day and the next. So we gathered Mimi and Papa in the living room and I said, "I guess it would probably be a good idea to start reorganizing the closet in the second bedroom...to make room for baby clothes." It took them completely by surprise, and they were thrilled for us. Later that evening when your Aunt and Uncle showed up for the party, we were exchanging Christmas gifts and told your Auntie that we had one more gift for her. "What is it?" "Well, we're wondering if you're ready to become an Aunt?" Her face and reaction were priceless and will take years for me to forget. She was laughing and crying and hugging us like crazy.
Then came the torture because, as I mentioned, we had planned a party for the evening with some of our closest friends--whom we did not tell our news, given the early stages of the pregnancy. So we partied and karaoke-ed and Wii-ed and toasted the New Year while thrilling ourselves with our little secret.
The next day, both your dad and I were in shock. I hadn't slept well from the anxiety of such a monumental change in my life, and in anticipation of the changes in my body. We decided to take ANOTHER pregnancy test, "to make sure it was sticking," which--of course--makes no sense. Of course, it was positive. We then shared the news with your Grandma and Grand-Dede, Uncle Scott, and AuntieOmi and Uncle Ethan.
And you know the rest of the story.
One year later, I can't believe how the time has flown and how our lives have changed to welcome you. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Love,
Mom
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