The right answer

Today, after being out of daycare for a week, I was preparing WA for his impending return. When I told him that he'd be going back to 'school' tomorrow, he said "Nooooo." I asked him why and he said "Because it's too long." "Huh?" I said "What's too long? "Not seeing you Mommy"  was his answer. An answer that simultaneously made me smile and heaped 5 more layers of guilt on top of the existing 20. One thing is certain though, this kid knows how to get to his momma's heart.

Only Sept???

WA has Gingivostomatitis. Quite a mouthful, eh? Well, that's appropriate. Gingivostomatitis is a common virus that kids under 3 often pick up (especially those in daycare). The virus causes blisters all over the mouth, tongue and lips. Kind of like coxsackie, but without the foot/hand involvement. Gross and totally awful to see on your kid. They are painful, but managable, the worst part being that it's very difficult for them to eat. He's been home for one week. Yes, one week. The week before his sister was home for a couple of days with a high fever. Mercy,  mercy, it's only September. I dread this winter...

It's the little things

Last night WA, IA and I got home after a long day at work/daycare. Considering the day was slightly rough for two out of three of us, what came next was a delight. We walked in to the kitchen to see a straw stuffed pumpkin head man staring back at us (eh, give me a break on this one, thats the best description I can come up with). Surprise! With a smile on my face I immediately knew who the culprit was. After a complete inspection, WA asked me who did it. I asked who he thought. He said "Daddy?". I told him "Nope" and then asked who loves to decorate for the holidays. He said "Me!". "Well yes, that's true" I said, " but who else??" "GRANDMA!" he exclaimed. Right. It was his grandma. She and Grandpa had stopped by on their way to visit KB who just started her first week at OSU. After having let themselves in, they planted this special surprise. I really loved the thoughtfullness, the kids loved the plastic pumpkin and straw. Everyone had a smile on.

Like my Mom

When I was a kid, I vividly remember hoping in to my parents bed on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I loved that  peaceful time spent snuggling and talking. I also remember being facinated by how my Mom's skin would hold the lines and creases created by her pillow (whatever she happened to lie against that night). I'd gaze at her face or neck and trace those stubborn lines, wondering why they didn't disappear. Well, welcome to middle age. This morning I woke up and stared at those very same lines on my neck looking back at me in the mirror. In an instant I felt old, but I also smiled as warm thought from my childhood washed over me. I don't have many opportunities to feel close to my Mom anymore...but I'll take 'em where they come...even if it is in the form of some lines and wrinkles:). Who knows, maybe my little girl will enjoy tracing them just as much as I did.   

Putting the Random in Spiffy

I just learned how to download music straight to my phone. Here's what made it on to the playlist...

Mountain Man by Crash Kings

Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper with Sarah McLachlan

Weather With You by Crowded House

Your Decision by Alice In Chains

Girlfriend by NSYNC featuring Nelly

Press play for a happy me.

Knowing when to push

I find myself in uncharted medical territory. IA has been sick ALOT since moving to Ohio and on multiple occassions her lips turn blue. First time it happened she ended up having pneumonia, but her pulse-ox was never low. Weird, right?? The subsequent two time her pediatrician didn't find a cause (other than saying, she has an infection somewhere). I'm frustrated with this answer and frankly her pediatrician. So I'm now in the zone of wondering if I'm being an overly sensitive parent or if any other pediatrician would give me the same (non)answer.

Am I not pushing this hard enough? Do I accept the answer at face value(it's not that I don't believe it could be true...i guess I'm just wondering if it should be taken more seriously). Help friends and relatives...what would you do?

First Haircut

On August 28th, IA got her first haircut. She was a champ (maybe her Mimi was with her in spirit. Mimi was always a fan of little girl hair!). IA didn't utter a peep and let the lady spray her with water, looked down when asked and gazed at Elmo on the TV screen. (Anyone else sort of bothered by these 'haircut as entertainment' joints??). We took off about an inch and a half resulting in a cute little bob. 21 months felt a little old for a first haircut, considering her brother's first was at barely 6 mos (he had a ridiculous head of anchorman worthy hair). She looks so much better now so I'm glad I bit the bullet.

One more last 'first' down.