Poppy has teeth, two beautiful (and Ginsu sharp) bottom teeth. The top two are begging to join the party, and they are hellbent on making an entrance as soon as possible. For the most part, Penelope is handling the matter with elegance and grace. Other times, she is gnawing my hand off in a non-verbal plea for some liquid Tylenol. God bless teething toys. Especially those that can be chilled. Amen.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Updates: M & P
Miles is rebounding from two nasty infections. We had a double-header of strep and sinus infections come crashing down on him (and me) last week. After two rounds of two different meds, he's looking better. Still a bit snotty, but his energy and ability to cooperate (which disappears when he's sick) have returned.
Open
I'm officially open for suggestions. Like... go back to school and finish my needed course work in art (or philosophy, psychology, Am. studies... all the cool places my brain visited before joining the real world.) These past 24 hours have me thinking a change is needed. So, I am going to open-minded and see what the universe (and your thoughts) might be. Is it time to pick up the paint brush again? Write a novel? Explore the cultural influence of John Hughes films on shaping Generation X's approach to consumerism and identity in an ever-narrowing capitalistic market tinged with monopolistic rhetoric? Seriously, I need to stretch my proverbial "career" legs and take a look around. Maybe.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Red Leaves
The Japanese maple on my deck has recently sprouted red leafs. Much bigger than the existing green leaves. Fast and furious, they have crashed my little tree's house party, and they are looking to take over. Is there an analogy lurking in here? Something to do with the green and red leaves developing differently though they are from the same tree, that they will have to work together as they age- giving nutrients to the tree for a common good, as siblings they will be supporting each other, and... Naw, I was just checking to make sure you were paying attention.
But seriously, the maple is starting to turn red... and we are in the last, wheezing, gasping moments of my beloved summer vacation, or as this year will forever be known as, Toddler 'n' Teether 2011! Going back to work might actually be a bit easier than what I've had to juggle over the past few hot weeks. Middle schoolers vs. Thomas tiny tots... it's a toss up.
Is my heart breaking at the thought of not spending 90% of my days with Miles and Poppy? You bet your sweet bippy it is. Breaking into a million tiny pieces- oddly shaped like toy trains and binkies. Most of the time, my timing stinks. But Poppy's is spot on. She waited until June to truly come out of her shell, and I'd like to think she was saving it up for me. Thank God for this time because I've been able to bond with her. And we've been able to watch Miles fall in love with his sister, too. Case in point, I trucked the munchkins into school today- had to pick up my new laptop. The drive over couldn't have been cuter; they were taking turns making each other laugh. Think ridiculously cute and multiply that by 100, that's what it was like to be there.
As I am going to miss them once I'm back full time in the classroom, I know they will miss each other when Miles also returns to school. This might make me a bit sadder than as I before. Great. Back to those red leaves, I guess.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Achoo!
On today's agenda- cleaning and sneezing. Poppy's big move is underway, and I've already had my first dose of allergy medication. As has Miles- he woke up crusty and cranky. I don't think his OTC allergy meds are cutting it anymore. He and both suffer from arm bumps related to allergies. While mine are under control, his have erupted this summer. Little man now has to use a prescription lotion containing lactic acid- as thus far it's not helped. Our ENT is also an allergy wizard. Hopefully we will make to our October appointment without having to move it up.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
My Dear Sweet Neglected Blog
I really should write more. Yes, I say this, but I also believe it. However, will I commit to fulfill this need tonight? Probably not. It's late. I've got to get to bed. Blah. blah, blah.
Why do I need to write? Well, there's simply a lot brewing these days. Events, concerns, questions, and (frankly) venting that would best be served in this forum. Annnnnd more importantly, I need to do more bragging. Bragging and sharing more pics of my amazing kids.
Back to the grumpies I am facing. After all is said and done, I think I am struggling with issues rooted in fear. Fears related to the future- our family, our country, our world. Aren't we all? There's a lot to fret about, and I am a natural born fretter. Writing on this blog has always helped me cope during the hard times, the darkest of days, and all points in between. I used this blog to navigate Miles's diagnosis and his heart surgery, and I should revisit this form of "therapy" to relate the wild ride that is toddlerhood, persuing a master's degree with two small children, working full-time, and not having slept a full night in well-over a year. And like I mentioned earlier, as to not be the pessimist I could be, I have much to share and celebrate.
Without further ado, allow me to relay some warm fuzzies. Starting with the little man... We had an amazing visit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Loved Baltimore, love the center. Though we didn't really learn anything drastically new, we were able to rule out Autism for Miles. There had been an increasing of stemming-like behaviors this year. Following OT and medical evaluations, kiddo doesn't appear to be on the spectrum at this time. KKI has also made available behavioral support if we feel its warranted at a later time. Good to know. And we'd gladly make the trek north for their support as opposed to going back to CHKD, seriously.
Now onto the Poptart... Penelope, whom is mostly referred to as Poppy and/or Poptart these days, is a bustling and bubbly 7 month old ball of wonder and delight. Each day I fall more in love with her; her level of interaction and affection grow by the hour. Her personality is steadily emerging, and her interactions with Miles only encourage it to blossom. Tomorrow, she will be officially moving out of our room and into her own room, next door to Miles. Sigh. They will be neighbors now. And Liloo will have to work double-time to keep my lonely feet warm. As soon as she is moved in, I will post pictures.
Well, maybe I did write a bit more than planned. I feels good to be back, and here's hoping I return sooner than later. I do have a bit more time with summer classes done for now. I've said it before, and I'll say it again- find me on Facebook. Love ya!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Baltimore- We loved you!
So many more on facebook. You should be my friend on there! Hint, hint... We were in Baltimore to visit the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Miles met with the doc in the Down Syndrome Clinic one day, and had an OT evaluation on another day. In short, it was an amazing and hugely affirming visit. Especially the OT portion- those fluent in your edu-speak can appreciate that I was able to talk shop with all parties there, which the OT found "refreshing." This is very different from the hostile vibes I got from several medical providers at CHKD. To know me is to know that I know my stuff- researching is like breathing air, and I always come prepared. And the KKI is the place for parents like me! Regardless, the appointments went amazing well. Kiddo even cooperated well-enough to take some standardized assessments.
When we were at the KKI, we were having a blast at in Inner Harbor. Luckily, our hotel was on the edge of Little Italy. Needless to say, we ate very well. Above are a few snaps from the journey, and seriously, look me up on fb. I post more on there these days. I will gladly accept a friend request from a Milestone's reader.
PS- Poppy is now 6 months old. What?!?!?!?!?!? She's rocketing into 9/12 mo. sized clothing like it's her job. Maybe she just wants a new look. I completely understand. : )
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Another Milestone: End of Miles's First Year of Pre-K
Thank you to all of Miles's teachers, school staff, and service providers for an absolutely amazing year. Our little man has grown leaps and bounds, and your guidance and instruction lead the way. He adores school, loves his bus driver and aide, and has made new friends. So many new skills have emerged, his vocabulary and speech are blossoming daily, and we can't wait to see what the future holds! Have a wonder summer NEED Center! You are all the best!
Photos below are from an end-of-year cookout and presentation his class held. Obviously, I can't post the pics of Miles and his pals- but know that he had a great time running around with his them. We, the Miles fan club, had an excellent time taking in the show. I am so happy we all had a chance to come in and visit.
Double Header: Miles & Poppy get baptized!
The grandparents: Grandpa, Mawmaw, Dede, and Mimi
Jesse, Poppy, Uncle Dude, and Miles
Me & the Munchkin
MK, Poppy, and Jennifer
The Fam awaiting the ceremony
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