Once upon a time there was a young man living in Ireland. When his parents died, by Irish law he inherited everything, being the oldest male heir. But he didn't want to leave his younger siblings destitute. So, he gave the farm to them. Then he stole the family horse and rode it to the coast to sell it for passage to America. He had heard that in America the streets were paved with gold. But when he arrived, he found that the streets weren't paved at all. So, he started a paving company and paved the roads.
That's the story of how Billy's Irish ancestor got here. Is it true? Well, the Irish are fond of exaggeration, but maybe there's a kernel of truth in there.
Today let's remember all of our Irish immigrants and the hardships they suffered to get here. In honor of them let's all celebrate in the time-honored Irish way. Drink a Guinness (or Bailey's). Slainte!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
March 16, 2012 ~ Chicken Catchacookie
Imagine you're one. Now imagine that you're presented with dinner. You have a chicken tender, french fries, apple slices, carrots, cheerios (because no meal is complete without cheerios), a graham cracker (because you screamed for cacas) and an oreo cookie. What do you do?
Clearly, the first thing to do is to shove as many fries in your mouth as you think will fit, which turns out to be more than actually do fit. There's the whole nearly choking on fries and then spitting them into the bib pocket. No biggie.
Ooh. Oreos. Okay. The oreo wins. Clearly, what's better than dessert first? Well, almost first? Let's shove the whole thing in our mouth. Hrm. I think it must need something. But what? I know! Chicken! I bet you thought I would say graham cracker. Nope, chicken!
Then, it's time to make a science experiment out of the graham cracker and some water. Uh, oh! Mush. Yuck. Lots of tears until Mommy brings another graham cracker. Yay!
Oops. Out of oreo to mix with chicken. Oh well. Mommy, all done!
Clearly, the first thing to do is to shove as many fries in your mouth as you think will fit, which turns out to be more than actually do fit. There's the whole nearly choking on fries and then spitting them into the bib pocket. No biggie.
Ooh. Oreos. Okay. The oreo wins. Clearly, what's better than dessert first? Well, almost first? Let's shove the whole thing in our mouth. Hrm. I think it must need something. But what? I know! Chicken! I bet you thought I would say graham cracker. Nope, chicken!
Then, it's time to make a science experiment out of the graham cracker and some water. Uh, oh! Mush. Yuck. Lots of tears until Mommy brings another graham cracker. Yay!
Oops. Out of oreo to mix with chicken. Oh well. Mommy, all done!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
March 15, 2012 ~ Sleepless in Baltimore
Well, part of the movie was filmed here, so it works.
Billy was up extra late yesterday so I put him to bed a few minutes early today. This is standard around here. If he's up extra late then he gets an earlier bedtime the next day.
But after an hour I could still hear him banging around in his crib. This could mean only one thing: he was still awake.
I don't know why he couldn't sleep. Maybe it's the new room. Maybe it's waiting up for Daddy. Maybe it's the Ides of March. Et tu, Billy?
I went in prepared for battle. I had a binky, milk and classical music. But he didn't cry. He didn't even sit up. He was just laying there peacefully, trying to fall asleep. I gave him the binky, rocked him.
Only a few months ago he would have been crying so loud that Canada could hear him. Being left alone was a total No Go. So to have him quietly hang out in his crib for over an hour is a huge change in his demeanor.
I just checked on him again. Not sound asleep yet, but lightly sleeping and happy as a clam.
Binky, milk and classical music. Works every time.
Billy was up extra late yesterday so I put him to bed a few minutes early today. This is standard around here. If he's up extra late then he gets an earlier bedtime the next day.
But after an hour I could still hear him banging around in his crib. This could mean only one thing: he was still awake.
I don't know why he couldn't sleep. Maybe it's the new room. Maybe it's waiting up for Daddy. Maybe it's the Ides of March. Et tu, Billy?
I went in prepared for battle. I had a binky, milk and classical music. But he didn't cry. He didn't even sit up. He was just laying there peacefully, trying to fall asleep. I gave him the binky, rocked him.
Only a few months ago he would have been crying so loud that Canada could hear him. Being left alone was a total No Go. So to have him quietly hang out in his crib for over an hour is a huge change in his demeanor.
I just checked on him again. Not sound asleep yet, but lightly sleeping and happy as a clam.
Binky, milk and classical music. Works every time.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
March 13, 2012 ~ Green Piece of Awesome Rides Again!
When Billy discovered that the Green Piece of Awesome (aka his tricycle) made it to the new house he hugged it. Yes, he hugged it. Never underestimate the awesomeness of the trike.
Today was so nice that we just had to take it for a spin. We don't live on a court any more, so his usage of the GPA has to be more closely monitored. I decided that we would go for a walk. I pushed him down the hill and up the hill and into a court. We met some neighbors and got invited to join in the bike mayhem later when the weather is warmer. (Apparently, the court is kid central).
He was THRILLED with riding his trike up and down the hills. He even tried to pedal, but he's still just a little too short. He can only get one foot on the pedals at a time. This, of course, resulted in him damaging the only pair of shoes that fit.
But if a day spent out on the Green Piece of Awesome heps him make the new place feel like home, I think I can sacrifice a pair of shoes.
Today was so nice that we just had to take it for a spin. We don't live on a court any more, so his usage of the GPA has to be more closely monitored. I decided that we would go for a walk. I pushed him down the hill and up the hill and into a court. We met some neighbors and got invited to join in the bike mayhem later when the weather is warmer. (Apparently, the court is kid central).
He was THRILLED with riding his trike up and down the hills. He even tried to pedal, but he's still just a little too short. He can only get one foot on the pedals at a time. This, of course, resulted in him damaging the only pair of shoes that fit.
But if a day spent out on the Green Piece of Awesome heps him make the new place feel like home, I think I can sacrifice a pair of shoes.
March 12, 2012 ~ A Big Bump
While I was making dinner tonight Billy was playing in the kitchen. We now have a drawer beneath the wall over that houses all of our tupperware. Billy has decided to love pulling all of the pieces out and then putting them all back in the drawer. It's great fun. I would prefer if the drawer would stay neat and the items clean, but well, he can't break them. Better than playing with the pyrex or juggling knives, right?
Why is it that kids always hurt themselves as soon as you turn your back? It's like Murphy's Law, only this is kid specific. I think I'm going to call it Billy's Law: Billy will attempt feats of near certain death any time my attention is distracted.
So, anyway Billy was playing with the tupperware and I was measuring out ingredients. Pause. Moment of silence followed by screaming. Yep. It's the silent part when you know you're in for it. Quiet equals trouble.
What happened? Contrary to popular belief, I don't actually have eyes in the back of my head. So, I didn't see it happen. But I'm pretty sure that he slammed his hand in the drawer and in the process of trying to remove the owie, slammed his head into the oven. At least we weren't at the old house with the old oven- he would have been burned on his face. (Of course, knowing that oven was a safety hazard I never let Billy near it).
He got an owie on his hand and his forehead. He cried and cried until he suddenly saw a new toy and ran over to it, completely forgetting his pain. The only remnant was the red splotchy mark where I iced his head.
In other news he is now official a Two. They have moved him up at daycare. But, Billy... you're still a One to me.
Why is it that kids always hurt themselves as soon as you turn your back? It's like Murphy's Law, only this is kid specific. I think I'm going to call it Billy's Law: Billy will attempt feats of near certain death any time my attention is distracted.
So, anyway Billy was playing with the tupperware and I was measuring out ingredients. Pause. Moment of silence followed by screaming. Yep. It's the silent part when you know you're in for it. Quiet equals trouble.
What happened? Contrary to popular belief, I don't actually have eyes in the back of my head. So, I didn't see it happen. But I'm pretty sure that he slammed his hand in the drawer and in the process of trying to remove the owie, slammed his head into the oven. At least we weren't at the old house with the old oven- he would have been burned on his face. (Of course, knowing that oven was a safety hazard I never let Billy near it).
He got an owie on his hand and his forehead. He cried and cried until he suddenly saw a new toy and ran over to it, completely forgetting his pain. The only remnant was the red splotchy mark where I iced his head.
In other news he is now official a Two. They have moved him up at daycare. But, Billy... you're still a One to me.
Monday, March 12, 2012
March 11, 2012 ~ Settling In
Whoever thought to move with a toddler should be shot. Oh wait... no, don't shoot me.
When you have a baby you start babyproofing one step at a time. Of course, we immediately got the childproof locks for the cabinets. And we got rubber bumpers for the coffee table long before he could move. But we started by proofing things about a foot off of the ground. Then when he started crawling more we proofed up to two feet. By the time he was walking we had more things proofed to meet his specific attempts at death.
But in a new house, we're still learning the house ourselves and Billy is quickly figuring out all of the best ways to possibly get hurt before we do. It's a major adjustment.
We now have stairs, so we now have lots of gates. That has been a major adjustment. Billy hates being trapped on one floor, when before he could run the length of the house. Buddy, too. They are both not fans of the gating system. We've been teaching Billy to use the stairs, but honestly, I think it's Buddy that needs the most training.
Next up... doors. Yep. Suddenly, this week Billy has learned to open doors. Which one does he want to open? The one to the Utility Room so he can get into Daddy's tools, the alcohol, climb behind the water heater (ever tried to pry a toddler from behind a water heater???) and fall down the giant drain. I gave up. There's no lock on the door and he can open it with ease. No worries, I'm not going to let anything happen to him. I've just gated that doorway. Now he can open the door to see in but can't get to the oh-so-tempting dangers. Score one for Mommy.
Electrical sockets. Yeah. At the old house we had every socket fixed with covers or had replaced them entirely with the safety sockets. I've done some but the rest are still packed and I haven't found them yet. So what does he try to do? Swipes an Allen wrench from Daddy and tries to shove it into the socket. Awe. (not!) Some.
Showers. The old house he didn't like the shower stall all that much. But here the doors are brand new and glass. They make and excellent thing to bang on with any heavy toy he can find. He even managed to kick one free of its track today. How does he find t his stuff?
Yeah, we're playing major catch up trying to beat Billy to the dangers.
Next time I think to move with a toddler, shoot me. Good thing I don't plan on moving again!
When you have a baby you start babyproofing one step at a time. Of course, we immediately got the childproof locks for the cabinets. And we got rubber bumpers for the coffee table long before he could move. But we started by proofing things about a foot off of the ground. Then when he started crawling more we proofed up to two feet. By the time he was walking we had more things proofed to meet his specific attempts at death.
But in a new house, we're still learning the house ourselves and Billy is quickly figuring out all of the best ways to possibly get hurt before we do. It's a major adjustment.
We now have stairs, so we now have lots of gates. That has been a major adjustment. Billy hates being trapped on one floor, when before he could run the length of the house. Buddy, too. They are both not fans of the gating system. We've been teaching Billy to use the stairs, but honestly, I think it's Buddy that needs the most training.
Next up... doors. Yep. Suddenly, this week Billy has learned to open doors. Which one does he want to open? The one to the Utility Room so he can get into Daddy's tools, the alcohol, climb behind the water heater (ever tried to pry a toddler from behind a water heater???) and fall down the giant drain. I gave up. There's no lock on the door and he can open it with ease. No worries, I'm not going to let anything happen to him. I've just gated that doorway. Now he can open the door to see in but can't get to the oh-so-tempting dangers. Score one for Mommy.
Electrical sockets. Yeah. At the old house we had every socket fixed with covers or had replaced them entirely with the safety sockets. I've done some but the rest are still packed and I haven't found them yet. So what does he try to do? Swipes an Allen wrench from Daddy and tries to shove it into the socket. Awe. (not!) Some.
Showers. The old house he didn't like the shower stall all that much. But here the doors are brand new and glass. They make and excellent thing to bang on with any heavy toy he can find. He even managed to kick one free of its track today. How does he find t his stuff?
Yeah, we're playing major catch up trying to beat Billy to the dangers.
Next time I think to move with a toddler, shoot me. Good thing I don't plan on moving again!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Sunday Post ~ Baby Boom
Seems like everybody is having a baby these days. For a long time only a few of my friends had children and now it seems like they're all pregnant with either number one or number two. Everywhere I look on the streets I seem to run into pregnant women.
What's going on? Who knows. There must be something in the water.
But I would like to personally welcome a new little angel to the world and congratulate her new parents. I'm so excited for you all. Here are a few things to look forward to:
~ Forget sleep. Sleeping was part of your old life. Welcome to Zombieland.
~ Everything pink. If you're me and LOVE pink, then this is awesome. If you're not a fan of pink, well... better learn to love it!
~ Having conversations about different types of bodily fluids and thinking it's totally normal to talk about it. Then realizing you can't think of anything else to talk about because your whole day was consumed by diapers and spit up.
~ No the dirty bottles aren't breeding, even if they seem to be multiplying.
~ The bestest little smiles in the whole wide world. Yes, I said bestest.
~ Snuggles and cuddles and lots of joy.
Congrats to all of the new parents out there and good luck!
What's going on? Who knows. There must be something in the water.
But I would like to personally welcome a new little angel to the world and congratulate her new parents. I'm so excited for you all. Here are a few things to look forward to:
~ Forget sleep. Sleeping was part of your old life. Welcome to Zombieland.
~ Everything pink. If you're me and LOVE pink, then this is awesome. If you're not a fan of pink, well... better learn to love it!
~ Having conversations about different types of bodily fluids and thinking it's totally normal to talk about it. Then realizing you can't think of anything else to talk about because your whole day was consumed by diapers and spit up.
~ No the dirty bottles aren't breeding, even if they seem to be multiplying.
~ The bestest little smiles in the whole wide world. Yes, I said bestest.
~ Snuggles and cuddles and lots of joy.
Congrats to all of the new parents out there and good luck!
Friday, March 9, 2012
March 9, 2012 ~ Toy Mayhem
One of the benefits of the new house is a playroom for Billy. He's got all of his toys together in one spot. The only thing is, there's not enough toy storage. I only have the one small shelf and the basket and the tub. The result? Toy mayhem.
Daddy assembled Billy's new play table and it's the only clean thing in the room. There's toys everywhere else. Billy just walks in and stares at the mess. I've given up. I have to buy storage before I even try to clean it up.
Billy's solution?
He crawls up onto his new play table and sits there in the only clean space surveying the mass chaos from his seat on high. Toys are not welcome on his table of solace.
Yup. I better get some storage fast. I think they're breeding!
Daddy assembled Billy's new play table and it's the only clean thing in the room. There's toys everywhere else. Billy just walks in and stares at the mess. I've given up. I have to buy storage before I even try to clean it up.
Billy's solution?
He crawls up onto his new play table and sits there in the only clean space surveying the mass chaos from his seat on high. Toys are not welcome on his table of solace.
Yup. I better get some storage fast. I think they're breeding!
Crazy Creative Corner- Custom Apparel
Do you want to know how to make a custom shirt for your little one that's inexpensive and easy?
Here's how I made this shirt:
1. Buy a plain shirt. I got this one on sale at Babies'R'Us for 5 dollars.
2. Find or create your design.
Ok, it helps that I'm a designer. Here are the key points to remember. Keep it simple. Pick 2-3 colors. Use at least one color as an outline. Measure the area on the shirt that you want your design to occupy. It will be smaller than you think!
3. Buy felt squares in the colors you've picked. I bought one 8.5x11 felt piece in each color at Joann Fabrics and I already had the thread in different colors. The felt pieces are about 30 cents each.
4. Pin a printout of the design to the outer color. For this art that would be the red. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the red. Now you have your red piece.
5. Pin the printout now to the next color. For this design that would be the white. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the white. Now you have your white piece.
6. Pin the printout now to the next color. For this design that would be the blue. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the blue. Now you have your blue pieces.
7. Now sew the inner color to the middle color (blue to the white). Then sew the blue and white piece to the red. I just used a whip stitch. You could also glue them together (with fabric glue, not Elmer's).
8. Now you have an applique ready to attach to your shirt. Sew it on and you're done!
This took me 2 hours and under $7 to accomplish.
Here's how I made this shirt:
1. Buy a plain shirt. I got this one on sale at Babies'R'Us for 5 dollars.
2. Find or create your design.
Ok, it helps that I'm a designer. Here are the key points to remember. Keep it simple. Pick 2-3 colors. Use at least one color as an outline. Measure the area on the shirt that you want your design to occupy. It will be smaller than you think!
3. Buy felt squares in the colors you've picked. I bought one 8.5x11 felt piece in each color at Joann Fabrics and I already had the thread in different colors. The felt pieces are about 30 cents each.
4. Pin a printout of the design to the outer color. For this art that would be the red. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the red. Now you have your red piece.
5. Pin the printout now to the next color. For this design that would be the white. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the white. Now you have your white piece.
6. Pin the printout now to the next color. For this design that would be the blue. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the blue. Now you have your blue pieces.
7. Now sew the inner color to the middle color (blue to the white). Then sew the blue and white piece to the red. I just used a whip stitch. You could also glue them together (with fabric glue, not Elmer's).
8. Now you have an applique ready to attach to your shirt. Sew it on and you're done!
This took me 2 hours and under $7 to accomplish.
Yet Again...
And again, we have no internet (or phone or TV) because our appt was rescheduled. Normally, I would try to post daily from work instead, but we've been so busy at work that I can't even begin to contemplate how I would fit that in. I get home so late even Daddy is sleeping, so that's been this week. Add to that the fact that I can't find any matching clothes (because they are all packed) and it's been a real bang up week.
Billy's favorite thing about the new house is the window in his bedroom. It is low enough that he can see out without a stool or even tiptoes. It's thrilling for him to watch the world go by. "Look, Mommy! Dog! Woof, woof." That was what he told me he saw. He wouldn't stop telling me until I came over to look at the neighbor walking his dogs. It's very exciting stuff. He also gets to see cars, trucks and even the occasional school bus. "Woooow!" he says.
Just by the fact that he can talk in sentences (like the one above, which is verbatim) means that he has to move up to the next room in daycare. Either next week or the week after he will officially be in the "Twos" room. Poor Billy will be leaving his best friend behind in the "Ones". She's not ready to move up. He is only just 17 months, so I'm thinking it's maybe a bit early to be moving him, but daycare seems to think he'll be bored with the babies now that he can talk more. I guess we'll see.
So until Verizon figures out how to get me plugged in (I"m dying without being able to troll my favorite boards, surf my fav sites and think up excellent words in Words With Friends) I'm going to be stuck randomly posting, not regularly posting.
I apologize profusely for my lack of internet resources. I hope by next week to be back on the interwebs officially and able to catch up with my posts.
Thanks for being patient!
Billy's favorite thing about the new house is the window in his bedroom. It is low enough that he can see out without a stool or even tiptoes. It's thrilling for him to watch the world go by. "Look, Mommy! Dog! Woof, woof." That was what he told me he saw. He wouldn't stop telling me until I came over to look at the neighbor walking his dogs. It's very exciting stuff. He also gets to see cars, trucks and even the occasional school bus. "Woooow!" he says.
Just by the fact that he can talk in sentences (like the one above, which is verbatim) means that he has to move up to the next room in daycare. Either next week or the week after he will officially be in the "Twos" room. Poor Billy will be leaving his best friend behind in the "Ones". She's not ready to move up. He is only just 17 months, so I'm thinking it's maybe a bit early to be moving him, but daycare seems to think he'll be bored with the babies now that he can talk more. I guess we'll see.
So until Verizon figures out how to get me plugged in (I"m dying without being able to troll my favorite boards, surf my fav sites and think up excellent words in Words With Friends) I'm going to be stuck randomly posting, not regularly posting.
I apologize profusely for my lack of internet resources. I hope by next week to be back on the interwebs officially and able to catch up with my posts.
Thanks for being patient!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Reminder!
Just a reminder that regular posting will resume tomorrow with the next installment of...
Drawn In Thursdays!
What will cartoon Billy do next???
Drawn In Thursdays!
What will cartoon Billy do next???
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
And Now We Return To Your Regularly Scheduled Program...
On Thursday...
That's right. Billy posts will return on Thursday.
We're off the grid until then. It only takes Verizon 5 days to remedy their own mistake. Until then, no phones, no internet and very limited TV. Yep, ABC, the channel channel, a spanish channel, QVC and public broadcast.
By Thursday my posts might be a little crazy... I'm going out of my head without Nat Geo and the Science Channel! Only an infusion of Mythbusters can save me now...
Anyway, look for Billy posts to return Thursday. See you then!
That's right. Billy posts will return on Thursday.
We're off the grid until then. It only takes Verizon 5 days to remedy their own mistake. Until then, no phones, no internet and very limited TV. Yep, ABC, the channel channel, a spanish channel, QVC and public broadcast.
By Thursday my posts might be a little crazy... I'm going out of my head without Nat Geo and the Science Channel! Only an infusion of Mythbusters can save me now...
Anyway, look for Billy posts to return Thursday. See you then!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Posting Postponed!
Oh the "joys" of FiOS.
We have no internet, so there will be no regular posting until FiOS can figure their out their bum from their head.
We waited 7 hours for them to show up. I confirmed with them 24 hours before they were supposed to arrive. Did they arrive? No.
Why?
The technicians called the number they were supposed to connect to see if we were home. They couldn't reach us, because the number was disconnected, so they cancelled the appointment. They were supposed to be here all day, so who knows what they decided to really do... maybe they went to the zoo to see the monkeys...
It took an hour on the phone with customer care to determine that the problem was that we weren't answering our phone that the technicians hadn't come out to connect. Really? Really.
So, they told us they would call us back sometime this week to schedule an appointment.
We're still waiting on the phone call to SCHEDULE the damn appointment.
I bet they called the number they haven't connected yet.
We have no internet, so there will be no regular posting until FiOS can figure their out their bum from their head.
We waited 7 hours for them to show up. I confirmed with them 24 hours before they were supposed to arrive. Did they arrive? No.
Why?
The technicians called the number they were supposed to connect to see if we were home. They couldn't reach us, because the number was disconnected, so they cancelled the appointment. They were supposed to be here all day, so who knows what they decided to really do... maybe they went to the zoo to see the monkeys...
It took an hour on the phone with customer care to determine that the problem was that we weren't answering our phone that the technicians hadn't come out to connect. Really? Really.
So, they told us they would call us back sometime this week to schedule an appointment.
We're still waiting on the phone call to SCHEDULE the damn appointment.
I bet they called the number they haven't connected yet.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The Sunday Post ~ Go Crib Review
A lot of people that I know personally have been asking me about my portable crib. So, here's my product review on the Go Crib. I would like to mention that I have not been contacted by the manufacturer and am receiving no compensation for my review.
I apparently don't take photos of Billy sleeping, so this is the best I've got. Here we are at the beach with Billy asleep in the portable crib (and Uncle Alex passed out in front of it).
When Daddy bought this expensive item I said, "what the heck is that??? We don't need that! We have a Pack'n'Play!" Ok, ok... maybe Daddy is right sometimes. Just don't tell him- it might go to his head.
The first time we used it was our camping trip in western West Virginia. It was a grueling 5 hour car ride with a screaming baby (popping ears from driving over mountains=unhappy camper...teehee). We arrived after dusk and had to set up our tent and gear in the dark. Fortunately, the rest of our group was there, so at least we had a fire to see by. But we had a cranky baby ready for bed in the middle of the woods.
After Daddy got the tent set up it took only 10 minutes in the dark with first time use to get the whole thing set up and Billy into it. Getting him to sleep was a whole different matter...
A few weeks later we took it to a festival with our friends and Billy's girlfriend. He and his gf played in it and then napped together in it in the middle of the festival. The best part there was since its carrying case is a small lightweight backpack, it was no problem to lug it into the festival. And the case holds the included foot pump, so everything goes with you when you take it places to set it up easily.
In July we hauled it to Florida on an airplane for a wedding. We used it in the hotel room instead of getting a hotel provided crib. It was great. I had no trouble getting it through security and brought it with me as my carry-on. I knew it was clean and safe and he was already familiar with it.
We also took it to the farmhouse for a month and he slept in it the whole time. I only had to re-inflate it once in the whole month. He was comfortable in it the whole time. That's not to say that I could always get him to go to sleep...
We also took it with us every time we went to the beach so Billy could sleep under the umbrella. He had no trouble sleeping on the beach. And it was easy to haul. Although, I have to admit that it leaks air more now that it's been exposed to sand (won't stay inflated for more than a week now). The zip-down flap on the side also gave Billy the ability to climb in and out of it by himself. He hated the sand, but didn't mind sitting in the Go Crib, so he was in and out. It locks, so you can keep the kid in when you want, or open it up to let them have free reign.
So there it is. If you're a parent on the go, the Go Crib is awesome to own. We couldn't survive without it. Daddy and I both highly recommend it.
But where can you get it? We've only seen it available at REI and on Amazon.com. The baby stores don't seem to carry it.
Check it out:
Go Crib on Amazon.com
I apparently don't take photos of Billy sleeping, so this is the best I've got. Here we are at the beach with Billy asleep in the portable crib (and Uncle Alex passed out in front of it).
When Daddy bought this expensive item I said, "what the heck is that??? We don't need that! We have a Pack'n'Play!" Ok, ok... maybe Daddy is right sometimes. Just don't tell him- it might go to his head.
The first time we used it was our camping trip in western West Virginia. It was a grueling 5 hour car ride with a screaming baby (popping ears from driving over mountains=unhappy camper...teehee). We arrived after dusk and had to set up our tent and gear in the dark. Fortunately, the rest of our group was there, so at least we had a fire to see by. But we had a cranky baby ready for bed in the middle of the woods.
After Daddy got the tent set up it took only 10 minutes in the dark with first time use to get the whole thing set up and Billy into it. Getting him to sleep was a whole different matter...
A few weeks later we took it to a festival with our friends and Billy's girlfriend. He and his gf played in it and then napped together in it in the middle of the festival. The best part there was since its carrying case is a small lightweight backpack, it was no problem to lug it into the festival. And the case holds the included foot pump, so everything goes with you when you take it places to set it up easily.
In July we hauled it to Florida on an airplane for a wedding. We used it in the hotel room instead of getting a hotel provided crib. It was great. I had no trouble getting it through security and brought it with me as my carry-on. I knew it was clean and safe and he was already familiar with it.
We also took it to the farmhouse for a month and he slept in it the whole time. I only had to re-inflate it once in the whole month. He was comfortable in it the whole time. That's not to say that I could always get him to go to sleep...
We also took it with us every time we went to the beach so Billy could sleep under the umbrella. He had no trouble sleeping on the beach. And it was easy to haul. Although, I have to admit that it leaks air more now that it's been exposed to sand (won't stay inflated for more than a week now). The zip-down flap on the side also gave Billy the ability to climb in and out of it by himself. He hated the sand, but didn't mind sitting in the Go Crib, so he was in and out. It locks, so you can keep the kid in when you want, or open it up to let them have free reign.
So there it is. If you're a parent on the go, the Go Crib is awesome to own. We couldn't survive without it. Daddy and I both highly recommend it.
But where can you get it? We've only seen it available at REI and on Amazon.com. The baby stores don't seem to carry it.
Check it out:
Go Crib on Amazon.com
Friday, March 2, 2012
March 2, 2012 ~ Our Last Night At Home
Right now Billy is all snuggled in his crib for his last night in his first home. Tomorrow night he will sleep in a new home, although I can't swear that the crib will be set up.
He was very upset watching his nursery furniture leave his room and head out to the truck. And he didn't want to go to sleep in his room, probably because it doesn't look like his room anymore. It's a lot to take in for a little man and he doesn't understand what's going on.
Boy will he get a big surprise in the morning. Everything gone. And then, everything will reappear in a brand new place. What an adventure!
But I am so lucky to have Billy sleeping in his crib, healthy if not happy.
~
Right now, in the Johns Hopklns Children's Hospital there is a little girl fighting for her life. She weighs less than a pound and wears a diaper the size of a dollar bill. She's in an incubator and her stay will be a long one. I don't know her name and she's one of many. Right now they are running their annual drive to raise money to buy comfort items for the 100,000 children they treat every year. Consider donating.
~
I have no idea if my internet will be up and running, so for the next few days please forgive me if I can't post regularly. I hope to have everything up and running as soon as possible.
He was very upset watching his nursery furniture leave his room and head out to the truck. And he didn't want to go to sleep in his room, probably because it doesn't look like his room anymore. It's a lot to take in for a little man and he doesn't understand what's going on.
Boy will he get a big surprise in the morning. Everything gone. And then, everything will reappear in a brand new place. What an adventure!
But I am so lucky to have Billy sleeping in his crib, healthy if not happy.
~
Right now, in the Johns Hopklns Children's Hospital there is a little girl fighting for her life. She weighs less than a pound and wears a diaper the size of a dollar bill. She's in an incubator and her stay will be a long one. I don't know her name and she's one of many. Right now they are running their annual drive to raise money to buy comfort items for the 100,000 children they treat every year. Consider donating.
~
I have no idea if my internet will be up and running, so for the next few days please forgive me if I can't post regularly. I hope to have everything up and running as soon as possible.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
March 1, 2012 ~ The Language Leap
Today Billy took some major strides in language.
This morning he called Tigger by name. I didn't even know that he knew Tigger's name. But he said, "Mommy, Tig!" and pointed at the fluffy little orange thing.
Then, getting out of the car he pointed and said, "Choo! Choo!" The train was zooming past. I've heard him say this before, but always prompted.
After dinner he walked over to the counter, pointed up, and made the hand sign for "more." I have been trying to teach him this but have never seen him actually do it.
I can't explain, but today he made a mental leap. He is picking up more vocabulary words and making connections between one object and another. It might seem small, but the jump between prompting and verbalizing without prompting is a big leap in my mind.
Of course, I can't prove any of this. If I prompt him to say something in front of others he shuts up like a clam. No, really...I swear. He talks, he talks!
This morning he called Tigger by name. I didn't even know that he knew Tigger's name. But he said, "Mommy, Tig!" and pointed at the fluffy little orange thing.
Then, getting out of the car he pointed and said, "Choo! Choo!" The train was zooming past. I've heard him say this before, but always prompted.
After dinner he walked over to the counter, pointed up, and made the hand sign for "more." I have been trying to teach him this but have never seen him actually do it.
I can't explain, but today he made a mental leap. He is picking up more vocabulary words and making connections between one object and another. It might seem small, but the jump between prompting and verbalizing without prompting is a big leap in my mind.
Of course, I can't prove any of this. If I prompt him to say something in front of others he shuts up like a clam. No, really...I swear. He talks, he talks!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
January 28, 2012 ~ What Are We Doing Tonight, Brain?
Billy is on his way to taking over the world.
This morning of his on volition he climbed up into the desk chair. Climbed up by himself, a feat only accomplished in that past two days. The swinging and twirling of the desk chair make it difficult to climb into.
Anyway, he wanted to play on the computer. He started pressing buttons until he was opening windows and typing things into them. He didn't know what he was doing, but to the untrained observer he looked like a computer genius. He was able to pull up the "Find" window and search through files using keywords. He even got himself into the program files.
And by himself, I mean that I provided no assistance at all. He even figured out how to maneuver the mouse by himself and use it to open things. Don't believe me?
He's so proud of himself. Yep. He's my little computer genius.
"So, what are we doing tonight, Brain?"
"The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!"
(Don't get the reference? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animaniacs)
Oh, yeah. And it's kind of a big day... we bought a house. WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!
This morning of his on volition he climbed up into the desk chair. Climbed up by himself, a feat only accomplished in that past two days. The swinging and twirling of the desk chair make it difficult to climb into.
Anyway, he wanted to play on the computer. He started pressing buttons until he was opening windows and typing things into them. He didn't know what he was doing, but to the untrained observer he looked like a computer genius. He was able to pull up the "Find" window and search through files using keywords. He even got himself into the program files.
And by himself, I mean that I provided no assistance at all. He even figured out how to maneuver the mouse by himself and use it to open things. Don't believe me?
He's so proud of himself. Yep. He's my little computer genius.
"So, what are we doing tonight, Brain?"
"The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!"
(Don't get the reference? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animaniacs)
Oh, yeah. And it's kind of a big day... we bought a house. WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!
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