Fun yet tiring…
This weekend has been fun but tiring. We had a kids birthday party for George at Wild Air in Appleton. Wild Air is a giant facility that is full of inflatable slides, bounce houses & obstacle courses for kids. It was fun to have George & 7 other kids (and thankfully their parents) play for a bit then celebrate with pizza, juice & cupcakes. Seemed like all the kids had fun! We were hopeful that all the morning activity would mean naps, but it seems the kids thought otherwise.
That evening we had a family party at our apartment. We realized it would be the last big party we had at this place as we will be moving by the end of June. It was great to have so many family members come & hang out. As usual everyone (family & friends) was too generous and we now have lots of fun things to play with. Today I remembered how much fun a bubble machine could be. Though it is small & hand held, it creates tons of bubbles and is lots of fun. We also played the game ‘what’s in ned’s head’ and t-ball today. George can’t wait to try out all his new things & on his new clothes and sheets. All these fun ‘outdoor’ toys will be great at the new house.
Other exciting news is that Stuart rolled over today! I missed the first one because I just put him down to run to the kitchen…when I came back he was on his back instead of his tummy. So I tried to re-create the situation & he rolled again. Very exciting milestone for our little guy! Both he & George have check ups on Tuesday. In fact I may be crazy, but I’m picking the boys up and taking them for pictures at 1 pm then most likely skipping nap and going to the Dr. at 2:30 pm. I know Stu gets shots and I can’t remember if George is due for any…..that combination may be bad but I have (really really want) to get their pictures done.
Matt & I ended our weekend by going to dinner with Dave & Michelle. It is always great to go out and catch up with them. We shared all of our good news and realized that our new place is only a mile from their apartment. Easy to walk or bike….it will be nice. Beyond all that excitement Matt & I have started our mental list of things we will need to pick up for the house…hose, shovels, lawn mower…….and as my dad said “you now have a job for life”.
George at Wild Air
Kiddo Birthday Party
Breakdown after party....tired.
Birthday Party....take two
Stu after the big roll.
Ch-ch-changes
The past week has been a whirlwind of a week. Matt & I have been keeping a secret (no, not pregnant)…..but are have the go ahead to share the good news. Matt has been offered (and accepted) a new position! He will be serving as the Asst. Director for Budget & Retail Operations at Reeve Union. What? Reeve Union – isn’t that where Sara Ann works? YES. We will be working in parallel positions, both as Asst. Directors. His contract is through June of 2011 when he can apply for the position permanently. Until we find & move into a house we will be staying in Taylor Hall. The Res Life Dept. has been kind to let us stay until they need to fill the position & apartment around June.
What does that mean? WE ARE MOVING! So amist all the excitement of the new position we have started to look at homes and have one that we are interested in. It has been a crazy couple of weeks but we are enjoying the opportunities that the positions have opened for us. Matt will begin part-time for two weeks (March 29) then start full time on April 12. I will begin my new position full time on April 1st.
That’s not all…we had our ‘little’ George turn 3 this week and celebrated with dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, playing at a playground & cake at home. He is in a great mood lately and we seem to be over a hump of frustration. We are not naive to think that the terrible twos are gone…as I’m sure the threes hold some of those times as well. However, we are enjoying playing games, thoughts of getting outside to play (perhaps in the yard of a house?), and singing lots of songs.
Stuart has had his own little milestone. He turns 4 months in a couple of days and tried rice cereal for the first time on March 15th. It wasn’t much and his tongue did like to kick it out, but it was good messy fun. He continues to be really stuffy in the nose at night & I plan to ask the Dr. about that next week. Both Stuart & George have check ups on Tuesday.
Looking ahead we are getting ready for George’s birthday party this weekend. We’ll kick Saturday off with a couple hours at Wild Air (an inflatable heaven of fun) with some other kid friends then have family over for a soiree in the Taylor Hall basement for dinner. It will be spring break so the majority of students will be gone…and it will probably be our last family gathering in Taylor Hall.
Stu playing on his mat.
Family Morning Story Time
Little Benny (the Hippo) & his new hat from KJ!
1st Taste of Rice Cereal
Happy 3rd Birthday George!
Eventful Week
This week started with some exciting developments for me professionally. Due to some other staff changes I have been offered (and happily accepted)
Stu - I see you!
an Interim Assistant Director for Operations position. It is a position that is very similar to work I have done previously at UW Green Bay but this one comes with additional personnel support…meaning at least 5 people doing the work that I did by myself. I am excited to be transitioning to that one year appointment position through the rest of the month. I will be taking a leave of absence from my current position and returning once this appointment is over. Truly a win-win for me….I feel refreshed knowing that I will have some different experience.
We also had George’s school developmental screening & first dentist appointment. He had a blast at the screening and we have learned that his hearing is perfect. So, knowing that we realize that listening is something different. 😉 The woman watching him said she has no concerns…was impressed that he has been potty trained for this long, and how caring he is for babies. He spent time in the kitchen making food, holding & feeding a baby doll, going down a slide and sweeping. I hope some of these interests continue into his teen year….fat chance.
The dentist appt. went well. They introduced him to the tools including “Mr. Thirsty” who
G's first dentist appt.
sucks up the water. It was neat to watch them work with him. He got a little scared when he got put back in the chair & the light went on, but it didn’t take long until he was more comfortable. They even let him squirt the water gun into the sink – what boy wouldn’t love that. I can’t wait until 6 months when he asks to do it again. Anyway, he currently has 20 teeth and they are in good condition. As the dentist put it he has a nice “arch” and the spacing is good. We are pleased. After that it was Matt’s turn & they told him to get his wisdom teeth out. We’re looking into it….not as fun for him. 🙁
Stuart has been doing alright – he is more alert and so much fun to giggle with! Today we are headed to Great Grandma & pa Kleinhans’ place for a visit. We thought we’d dress up for the occasion and wear a hat like great grandpa!
Finally, George is into games. We found Candy land & it is his new favorite game (along with matching/memory, go fish & the key game). We play and he just wants to get stuck on the licorice so he misses a turn. Crazy kid….but good family fun. We know he is getting big and enjoy (usually) talking with him. He tells us all kinds of stories, what is & isn’t, how kids were at school, etc. So, when playing Candy Land he says “Mama, I’m stuck on licorice & lose a turn, you can go.” Why is it that I always get the Gingerbread Man & have to go back to the start?
Stu ready for a trip.
Family game of Candy Land.
Busy weekend
This past weekend Matt was busy working the annual Oshkosh Placement Exchange where tons of housing (and some other) professionals flood Oshkosh and campus interviewing and trying to fill open positions. Seeing Matt would be busy with OPE I decided to visit my parents. Actually, we had planned to get together to celebrate Dad’s years of work and now retirement.
We met on Saturday at the Building for Kids in Appleton. Heidi, James, Mom, Dad & my nephew Brycen were there and George played with them at the museum while I had Stuart’s 3 month pics done. We got a couple of good shots and the woman tried to sell me a lot more…..but I got out of there with what I needed. On my way to meet everyone at the museum Heidi called to say that George had an accident & pee’d through everything right down to his shoes. YIKES! I got there as soon as I could with some extra clothes & we finished playing.
Stu chillin' in the excersaucer.
I recommend the Building for Kids for families….it can be a bit expensive if you have many kids ($7.95/kid or adult) but it has a ton of hands on learning exhibits…and this time they had a frog & Clifford exhibit. George had a blast….and I’m glad there were enough adults to try to keep up with the kids! Afterward we had lunch at the Good Company….I found a little something strange (maybe piece of plate?) in my food so Heidi scored me/us a free dessert. I’m not sure what it is called, but I recommend it! It was a cookie warmed in a small fry pan with ice cream & chocolate syrup (whip creme too) on top. AMAZING!
Gma Kleinhans & Stuart
That night we went to Blank’s Supper Club and had an amazing dinner. George loved playing the games with Grandma and Stuart hung out with Grandpa. It was nice to head back to their home & relax for the night. Mom & Dad always enjoy having the boys and George was really well behaved…which I was thankful for. Brycen was adorable walking around with his books and smiling….just waving hello & good bye to anyone & everyone. George was busy playing ‘boom-ski’ (version of pillow fight) with James…..it was nice to have so many adults around to give each of the boys special attention.
Brycen is such a good boy!
The latest development with Stuart is that he hugs. He isn’t reaching to be picked up yet, but once picked up he puts one arm around each side of your neck & nuzzles in. What a great feeling!
It was a hectic weekend, but very nice to spend time with my family.
Sicky House
It has been a bit of a long week with sick children. It started with George staying home for Monday & Tuesday because of fever and ended with Stuart coughing and stuffy nose. In between we were tired…..I was very tired. This too shall pass….
This weekend we are in Chicagoland….John was celebrating his 27th birthday so Matt joined the ‘young’ folks by going out.
'Good' Morning
George & Stuart are hanging with me at Grandma & Grandpa’s house. George was lucky and got to pick out a new turtle for the pond. The turtle has red on his face. He doesn’t have a name….just ‘friend’ to the other turtle.
I was able to go with Linda to get George’s new car seat. We purchased a new seat for George in Appleton but it had a defect, so we were lucky enough to find another seat near here, so we got it here and will install it for our ride home. He looks so big in his new seat. Hard to believe that he is almost 3 years old!
A story to remind everyone that though they are little….kids hear everything. I was driving the boys to ‘school’ the other day and out of no where George said “That friggin’ lady!”. I was shocked….because I know it was me who probably said that to some driver. Ah…kids say…or repeat some of the craziest things.
Stuart just turned 3 months and is doing pretty well. He loves to look at his big brother and chats a bit with folks when they are patient enough for him to say something. At school he is a good boy & seems to love the little swings they have there. Next weekend we look forward to celebrating my Dad’s retirement at the Children’s Museum & dinner with Grandma & Grandpa Kleinhans.
Ahhh…Saturday
It has been a bit of a crazy week and it is more difficult to post during the week…so this morning I’ve got a little cup of coffee and stealing some time to post about our week. George has become a roller coaster of emotions & behavior. This past week at school he scrapped his chin on the bottom of a chair, has been hitting his friends and refusing to put on his clothes to go outside. His emotional swings are exhausting. We don’t know why he is hitting or kicking his friends. His explanations vary….suggestions on how to get kids to stop that behavior? At home his favorite phrase is “no, I don’t want to” which is followed by some severe whining and loud crying/screaming. It seems that every 15 minutes his options are to pull it together or go in his room.
Our other challenge is that George is still in diapers overnight & poops in the diaper AFTER he is awake. After a few times we decided to take away his morning cartoons when he did it. I didn’t want to ‘punish’ for something that could be an accident, but clearly he knows what he is doing. Yesterday he woke up, pooped in his diaper & self disciplined by saying “Mama, no cartoons today because I pooped in my diaper” and I said “Yes”. However, this morning I heard from his room “mama – I have to go to the bathroom” and made it just fine. Such a small thing but it feels like a huge accomplishment.
Even with his sassy behavior he has great times too….he loves his reading time and randomly says things like “I love Stu”. This week Stuart was sleeping when we dropped him off (George helps every day)…George told Stu’s teacher (Angie) “when he wakes up, you can hold him”. It is obvious that he adores his little brother.
Today I have a baby shower for a friend and then we are heading to Appleton. Babies ‘ r’ Us has a ‘trade in’ deal. If you trade in an older item (of certain brands) they give you 25% off a new item (of certain brands). We are looking at a new car seat for George. He is almost to the weight capacity for his current Britax & seeing Britax is covered in the deal – time to do it!
Stuart is doing well. He has had a stuffy nose this week and didn’t sleep well for a few days, but last night was better. He is starting to hold onto toys and talk more on his own. We are clearly in the 3 – 6 month clothing now and I’m having floods of memories pulling out outfits that George wore. Hard to believe that Stuart will 3 months this week!
Monsters, Golf and Sleep
George in his golfing shoes
Apparently we have monsters in our apartment. George has taken care of saying “Go away MONSTERS” and all but one has left. He informed us that there is a friendly little monster who is green (mama’s favorite color)and that it is ok that he stays around. In addition to that G has enjoyed his little golf set and puts on his ‘golf shoes’ to play inside. He has good form and a pretty good swing. I don’t know much about golf other than George enjoys it. That’s all that matters.
This past week we got a note from George’s teacher that shared a funny story – it went like this: We were getting dressed to go outside today, George went to his cubby and grabbed a pair of gloves. When he came back I asked him to put them back because I already got him a pair. After being asked a few times to put them back he did and when he came back in the room he said “I’m looking at you with my mad face” then made a mad face! It was so cute. So every time someone did something they shouldn’t have George gave them a mad look.
We are increasingly aware of his ‘faces’ and emerging personality that is flooded with lots of talking. I am realizing how to explain things to him. Up until now I have told George that I nurse and feed Stu with my ‘girl parts’. Today we went into the Hanes/Leggs outlet store to pick something up and he went right up to a mannequin and squeezed the breasts saying “look mom, girl parts”. I think Kari is right to say that it is time to buy a body book.
Stuart is getting bigger – completely in 3 – 6 month clothes and drinking about 6 oz each time he eats. He has had a good first week of school and the teachers say he is a pretty good baby. They have so many things for him to ‘play’ in it isn’t a surprise that he
Stuart's 1st Day of School
is sleeping well. We see notes of 1 – 2 hour naps at a time. He is sleeping pretty well at night too. He’ll sleep from about 7:30 pm – Midnight/1 pm then eat and go right back to sleep. He’ll wake again between 4 -5 am but doesn’t fall asleep well on his own after that feeding. However, I am grateful for the 6 hours I get to piece together during the night. 🙂
George continues to be a warm and loving big brother. Last night he asked to feed Stuart with a bottle and today we let him. He did a nice job. He is so proud and very attentive to Stuart’s needs. This weekend we have Tim & Linda coming to visit and will be enjoying the Super Bowl with an evening of snacks and goodies.
Stuart loves the bath - very comfortable with water.
George feeding Stuart
In full swing…
This past Monday classes started at UWO and both Matt & I are in full swing with our jobs again. We have found that it is even more important for us to stay aware of each other’s schedules now that we have two kids. I was a bit worried about the pick up and drop off process at daycare but after two days I think we have it figured out…as long as I don’t just turn the alarm off & fall back asleep like I did this morning.
Stuart has done well so far (2 days in) at daycare. He comes home a happy boy and seems to be getting some nice naps in during the day. George has turned a corner and become a more emotional kid. He often will cry or share that he is scared of monsters, etc. I know it is a phase and done some reading on how to handle it. Overall, my boys are very happy at school/daycare and that makes it much better for us to be able to focus on our work. Now we just hope they stay healthy and cold free. We were chatting and wondering if we would rather have two sick boys at the same time…..or just one at a time. I’m sure we won’t be able to chose.
Tonight Matt & George had swimming while Stuart attended his first Speaker Series meeting with me. I was so touched the students on my committee because they went got us a ‘congrats’ gift certificate for a local restaurant and movie passes…not to mention an adorable committee shirt with USS logo for George and onesie for Stuart. The students I get to work with on the committee are just great….I was really touched by their thoughtfulness. I’ll post a picture of the boys in their shirts soon.
As for Matt & George, they had a good time swimming but prior to George took a spill and got a bit of a cut near his nose. He was fine after a little love and care but it is always scary when your little one gets hurt. Right now he is sleeping soundly and so is his brother. We are still pretty amazed that Stuart is sleeping pretty well on his own…but I guess we are braver parents this time around.
Reflections on Maternity Leave
Today is the last day of my maternity leave. I look around our apartment & realize that the time ‘off’ did not result in a super organized or clean living
Happy Stuart
environment. It did not result in me having dinner ready each night (Matt does most of the cooking). I have taken 10 weeks off of work to spend with Stuart and have done that…most of the time.
This time around I was better at separating myself from work even though it is across the street. I have been less frustrated with cries and actually took a few naps realizing the dishes could be done later (by the dishwasher). I was more intentional about trying to recognize Stuart’s schedule, noticing that his schedule changes most days but is starting to develop some type of routine. I didn’t shower daily but I did enjoyed morning coffee, got connected to world happenings through morning news, and read two books. I took care of me and Stuart this time. Matt took care of me too.
The past 10 weeks I have watched Matt change as a parent. He has always been a good father, but he has really started to see and experience all the craziness. We have become better partners in parenting. George is a challenge and takes any opportunity to do what he wants….but together we are figuring it out. It is funny to hear them chatter & play in the front room. I think George is developing Matt’s sense of humor. A ton of laughter surrounds “Snape Snape Severus Snape…DUMBLEDORE”, indoor golf, games, and bath time.
Monday I will return to work at Reeve Union. People keep asking if I am ‘ready’. I don’t know. I have mixed feelings. I have really enjoyed the time with Stuart. Being home with one kid and being able to focus only on him has been great. Being home with two would be a different story. I don’t have an anxiety about taking Stuart to daycare. I know & trust them….but I will mostly be sad to be away from him. The thing that does bring stress is trying to figure out how we will get ready & out the door by 7:30/7:45 am.
Last day of maternity leave
Seems that all the boys in the house are not exactly morning folks, but after a few days I’m sure we will figure it out. Along with returning to work is the reality that I will need to wear pants that don’t include an elastic band, attempt to do my hair and not carry a burp cloth on my shoulder. I have considered a hair cut to donate to locks of love for about a month. I haven’t done it yet and have decided to wait til April when a student group hosts the event in the Union. I won’t deny that I’ve recently looked in the mirror and thought that I’ve developed the frumpy, hair everywhere, blank stare cuz I’m tired mom look. I’ve never been one for a lot of make up or even spending time getting ready in the morning…mostly because it takes time. Maybe I’m just in need of a hair cut and a little something to turn that frown upside-down.
That will come with time. I will close but wanted to post this picture of George. He was sick
Sick George
this week….runny nose, tough cough and fever. We got a call from daycare to pick him up on Wednesday because of his fever. They said that he just asked for his nap pad and wanted to lay down….at 3 pm….obvious he was not feeling well. I picked him up and the rest of the night he laid on the couch and watched tv and drooled….lots. In fact, he got up & his shirt was soaked and the couch looked like a puddle. I guess it is easy to know when he is not himself. He stayed home Thursday and by 8 am his fever was gone (great news). He still has a tough cough and determined runny nose…but he is at least 1/2 way back to his crazy normal self.
Weekend of Fun
George has started his tenure in the 3 year old room. His first day went well and we are hopeful that this continues! He did however jump into a huge puddle of water & get drenched…but I know some adults that couldn’t resist the urge either. George has been having a tough time staying in his room during nap/bedtime and last night woke up 3 times crying. He is saying that he is scared…..I guess the active imagination continues in his sleep. I’ve read a bit on it & fear tends to be quite common during this time in his life. He seems to be comforted by his stuffed animals….so much that it is difficult to find him in his bed when he is surrounded by his trusty Taylor Dog, Big Guy (2.5 ft Monkey), Benny (2.5 foot Hippo) and Puppy.
Matt & George shring fruit snacks atthe Weidner.
We went to see the Very Hungry Caterpillar and 2 other stories last weekend & had a nice lunch at Heidi’s place. George enjoyed the Weidner Center and watched everything very closely. He said the mixed up chameleon was his favorite. It was a good show for him….good stories, all black light puppets, and only 50 minutes. Perfect! Big thanks to Heidi for hanging with Stu when we were there…and for the yummy pizza! Another adventure was to the YMCA for a dive in movie. We planned on taking Stu to the drop in daycare, Matt was going to work out & I would go to the pool with George. Yeah – not quite. We learned that drop in daycare closed at 1 pm on Fridays…so Matt stayed in the lobby with Stu while I swam with George. Swimming wasn’t exactly what we did…it was so full we actually just navigated a crowd in the 1″ – 3′ water. There were families and kids everywhere…noodles swinging….sound bouncing off the walls…..we won’t be going again during a dive in movie.
On Sunday I met up with a couple of friends from college. Em, Hoops & I had lunch (Stu too) and caught up a bit. It is crazy to know that so many months pass since we connected last. Yet, when we get together it is as if only a few weeks have passed. Our daily lives take very different forms, but our personalities, laughter & stories are what still connect us. I love to get together with them…even if only for a couple of hours. Getting out of the house is sometimes tough…but finding great friends is more difficult. I’m lucky enough to have a few for a good number of years.
Stuart had his 2 month check up yesterday. We were frustrated that our family Dr had to reschedule twice so we ended up seeing a nurse practitioner. It was odd…lately I feel more like another body or number in the office. The nurse asks lots of questions, which is good….she made notations and then the nurse pract. came in and asked the same questions. I guess I got so used to the personal care by midwives I forgot that much of the care, though good in content, is not delivered in a personal manner. Maybe time to seek a new Dr, but I don’t know if it will be much different.
Tummy Time
Anyway, back to Stuart! He had a good check up….he is 23.5″ long (1.5″ grown in the past month), weighs 12 lbs 4 oz, and has a head circumference of 40 cm. This places him about the 50% for all of those things. He did get some shots yesterday and the nurses commented how strong Stu was….yes, he has strong legs, tummy muscles & arms. I was sad that he didn’t sleep really well afterward….George just conked out for hours after shots.
Last night was a bit tough…George is sick with his nose running like a continuous faucet….and Stu is still learning to sleep in his pack-n-play. Matt & I went between the rooms through the night trying to comfort & get them to sleep…so today we are a bit sleepy.