Mural Project - Day 10

I see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I was able to work on the mural this weekend, wohoo! I'm feeling good that I'll get this project done before the summer (then I can get outside and do some yard work).

What's left is the grass and hill (the green you see is the first coat of "grass & leaves"), the wood around Pooh Bears doorway, the background sky, the rest of the bark on his log, Pooh's fur and the note in the doorway.

We decided to put Drew's birth information on the note pinned in the doorway (you know, his bday, weight, height, length and time he was born). Also, I started doing the detail in the bark on the log Winnie is resting on and stumbled across a great idea. Since the bark detail is swirly, I will add Drew's close relatives zodiac symbols into the bark and make it a sort of family tree. When I showed Jeff and my FIL this on the log (the one's I started with), they couldn't see it too well. I explained that it's suppost to blend and those who know its there will be able to spot them. Once I have the rest of the clan in there, I'll try and share a picture.

I feel really good about what I was able to accomplish this weekend. Here's to another productive weekend!!

Wordless Weds - I {heart} Crackers

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who shared some advise on our little sleeping issue at home.

We are trying some new things, like less rocking but we still haven't found the right combo. I know it will take time, so we will just keep taking one night at a time.

Also, can teething cause issues with sleep. We seem to think so, but the nasty doctor that we occasionally get for Drew says no it can't. Drew's regular doctor says yes, it can effect his system. So, any mom beliefs? I think it can and maybe that is what is causing his interrupted sleep at the moment. Drew has half a molar showing and it appeared this morning a "vampire" tooth might be popping through, so he is teething.

In the past when Drew got most of his teeth, it was all at once and his little system was messed up at the time (again, still not sleeping through the night then either). But the way he wakes up within the past couple of weeks isn't just a whimper, its a full blown cry like something is making him very uncomfortable.

We will master this challenge (someday)!

Sip, Sip, Blow

My son has mastered next skill that will come in handy throughout his life and that is to sip through a straw. Not only sipping through a straw has he learned, but blowing back through the straw to create an air pocket into the juice box. Nice!

The other night, while we were all sitting at the dinner table Drew starting making his thirsty sound. It sounds like a quick suck in sound when you put your lips together, almost like you are taking in a quick sip on a straw (how ironic, I know). I looked around the table and notice he was looking at my Capri Sun box juice (left overs from the big birthday party at my Aunts house). So, I thought to myself, what the heck, lets give this a try.

As I was putting the straw to his mouth, I made the quick sip through a straw sound so he may know what to do with the straw in his mouth. As soon as that straw was between his lips, he sucked the juice into his mouth. He looked at me with the expression, what the heck was that?!?! He took a few sips and then decided to blow air back into the juice box and blew bubbles. I'm so happy he couldn't see what he was doing with the bubbles since I know it would have been all done at that moment.

So, I am proud to announce that Drew can use a straw while someone is holding the cup and the straw. Its a different adventure if you let him home the cup with the straw, but someday I'm sure he'll master that too!

Any Ideas?

Drew doesn't sleep through the night. I can't say he never has, but I can count the times on a single hand.

He naps no problem at day care and resists a little at home. He falls asleep for the night, most of the time with no problems. But, he doesn't sleep all night long.

Drew sleeps in his room at night, in his crib with his soothing music playing, cozy blanket, his turtle that shines stars and the moon on the ceiling and his glow worm. I've tried to make it as cozy as can be, but still he wakes up twice a night. I've even tried cuddling with him on the couch when he wakes up in the middle of the night, but after an hour he wants to move around (like he does in his crib, roll over this way, roll over that way) so that becomes a challenge and I move him back into his crib.

We've tried many different things to help him sleep, but nothing has worked. We've tried the "let him cry" routine, but I didn't like that and it just made things more difficult after 4 nights of trying. It felt like the trust was gone and we had to build that back up. We've established a routine before bed (bath, relax and rocking to sleep) but that doesn't seem to hold him through the night.

So, what I'm asking/begging for any suggestions to help him sleep. I'm exhausted and need sleep myself. Or is this something that will just correct itself one day and will be all good? Or is this something that will continue for years? I'd like to just prepare myself if that's true.

Wordless Weds - Peek-A-Boo

Walk This Way

Drew is on the move. He has been for some time now. He's done his army crawling, his big boy crawling, cruising and now steps. His first actual steps took place on Friday 4/2 (yeah, I'm not keeping track or anything).

That night he slid down his slide with the help of Grandpa Charlie. When Drew came off the slide he was holding onto Grandpa Charlie's hand and Grandpy John was crouching down in front of him. Drew let go of Grandpa Charlie and took 4 steps towards Grandpy John. It was amazing to watch! My eyes instantly teared up at this beautiful site.

Since then, Drew has taken the occasional step from an object to another object and either held onto something or fallen down. But, he hasn't given up! He's a trooper, he's determined to master this new task.

Last night was the biggest night so far. Drew was standing independently, taking a few steps here and there....the usual. Then at one point (while only in his diaper) he was standing in his room door way starring out into the hallway. I was in his room watching him. All of a sudden he took a couple of steps, and kept going, and continued getting faster and faster. He took about 10 steps all at once and he kept getting faster with each step. He lost his balance at one point, but if it wasn't for that, he would have been running around the kitchen, none stop!

But, that moment is coming very soon that one day we'll look up and he's running around the back yard!

Party Animal

What a fun time we had celebrating my little boy's birthday. And as you can tell, he had fun attacking his little birthday cake too!

We had a party on Friday night with our usual birthday attendees from Jeff's family and my parents. Then on Saturday we had a party for the larger family on my Mother's side. Drew had a little cake on Saturday too, but he had more fun with the cake on Friday. I don't know if he was a little shy at the big party and didn't want to show his true animal instincts when it came to chocolate cake.

Mr. Drew also got all kinds of neat toys (and clothes) for his ever exploring mind. He received all kinds of goodies to stimulate his little mind. Drew had a wonderful time playing with the toys and exploring all the new goodies he now has. I can't wait to see him in all his new clothes too!

1 Year Old Little Boy

A year ago my life changed forever.

A year ago I fell in love with a handsome little boy.

A year ago I became a mommy.

Words cannot describe the joy, happiness, anxiety and fear all rolled into one instant knowing you are in charge of this little person. This little life depends on you for guidance, support, unconditional love and entertainment. Its a lot of work, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

For the most part, Drew's first year was a good one. Yes, he's had bumps, bruises, a scare that rushed us to the hospital, there was a time when I though all my kid would do was spit up but after some really yucky medicine that corrected itself, a recent dealing with a 3 week ear infection and a horrible diaper rash to go along with it. But, for the most part, little Drew has been a happy-go-lucky little boy who loves adventure, fun and laughing. Who could have asked for anything more!

I love you Drew! Happy 1st Birthday Sweetheart!!

One Year Ago

One year ago, I was huge. I was starting to become a little uncomfortable in the mornings while I climbed out of bed. My ankles and feet had swelled up a few weeks before and it was getting difficult to put my shoes on. Other then that, I was loving my pregnancy.

It was 2 weeks until Drew's due date. In my mind, there was so much to do, in so little time left. I wanted things organized and put together before the due date arrived. Pretty much everything was done, but a few things had to be assembled and that was about it. I was asking Jeff all week (it was a Weds) to put the baby's swing together. His response was "we have plenty of time to do those things". My response, "please do it"!

That Wednesday was a normal work day. I went through my normal routine, went to work and coordinated a visit with my cousin Christina and her son Sebastian with my mom tagging along. It was a pretty normal thing we did on Wednesdays at the time. I climbed the 3 flights of stairs to her apartment with no worries. We had a nice visit with Christina talking about her labor stories that took place 7 months prior. My mom also snapped my last picture of me being pregnant (yes, the lovely picture here telling my mom through eye contact to please knock it off).

We soon left my cousins house and I dropped my mom off at her house. I came home to a baby swing put together in the living room by my husband. He was so proud of himself that he took care of this so soon. We went to bed not knowing that the next day would change our lives forever!

Wordless Weds - Cousins Going For Ice Cream

Mural Project - Day 9

Wow! I've only worked on the mural 9 days, buts it seems like years! It must be the stretched out time between those 9 days....phew!

Well, I did get a chance to paint this weekend, but it wasn't too much. I finished up on Pooh Bears shirt (3 coats of red paint) and painted the base coat on the log on which Pooh eats his honey. At this time, it appears Winnie the Pooh is sitting in a mud puddle, so I didn't want to show a current picture of it. I hope to make the bark lines at some point this weekend, but we'll see what happens (it not like I have too much planned this weekend.....two birthday parties for Drew).

But until then, I will keep starring at the mural on Drew's wall as I rock him to sleep, thinking of what can be done next!!

Play, Play, Play

Its such a good thing, to see Drew having such a great time outside. I was worried that my little boy wouldn't like it outside (for what ever reason), but those worries were washed away once he discovered all the neat things that are out there this Spring.

Drew loves to walk, hide, laugh and climb on his swing set. Oh, and swing of course. I can't wait for the weather to stay warm so we can be out back more often. I feel bad when he points through the kitchen windows to his fire truck or swing set and its either too late or too chilly to be out there.

That little boy loves to discover new things all around the yard and yes, things do end up in his mouth that shouldn't, but he soon discovers a dead leaf does not taste too good and quickly spits it out. But, it all part of the learning curve we go through and its amazing to watch!!

Easter Weekend

Easter was a little different for us this year. My wonderful SIL offered to cook and host it at her house. It was a wonderful change. Dinner was also held on Saturday, rather then on Easter Sunday so we could accommodate our schedules with other family members. It was great!

At first we weren't too sure if we'd be able to make it to Easter Saturday with Drew feeling not so good, but at the last minute it was decided we would try since he was showing much improvement when the day rolled around. Of course with his side-effects from his medication, I didn't want to dress him up and have his dress-up clothes become dirty because of something he couldn't control, so we went with the comfy look. I know, I know, he was the only one not dressed up, but that's ok in my book. No accidents occurred, but I'd rather be safe then sorry.

On Sunday, we had my parents over for breakfast and pie. The pie was for my dad's birthday the day before (it was a busy weekend). Drew had his first egg hunt with plastic Elmo eggs and he found animal crackers inside. He was also really excited to have a basket to play with (not so much what was inside, but the basket itself).

It was a wonderful holiday and I realized over the weekend, that this was Drew's last first holiday!

The #1 Ladies Detective Agency

I finally finished the book. Its not a huge book, just finding the time to read it! Even though it took me some time to get through the novel, it was so nice to take the time and read.

The book was interesting too, but slow. Its about a women who came into some extra money after her father passed away and decided to open a detective agency in her area. She did get some unusual cases to solve, but the major case she solves runs throughout the book.

The area she lives in is simple and wide open in a dry climate in Africa. The novel also touches base with her families history and future.

I think its a nice flowing, easy book to read. I'm not sure if I'll read the other books in the series at this moment, but if I get a chance I will pick up the next one for sure.

Wordless Weds - Look Ma', No Hands!

More Outdoor Fun

As it was before, Drew loved being outside. Walking around the back yard in the warm weather, pushing around his fire truck or wagon.

Now, he has an added bonus.....a swing set. I know he's a little young for an actual swing set, but I had wanted to get a baby swing to hang off the large tree in our back yard, but Jeff and his dad didn't think the tree could support one.

So, instead we got a new swing set instead of building a contraption to hold a baby swing. Jeff and my dad put it together, with some supervision by Drew.

Drew enjoyed watching his daddy and grandpa put this thing together for him. He really like crawling around the long box that it came in (I think even more then actually watching them, but we won't let them know).

We think Drew enjoys this new play thing in the back yard more and more each day. He has fun playing around the slide while laughing and "running" around it with his daddy. Drew likes going down the slide (with help for now) and he shows it with a great big Kool-Aid smile every time he goes down it. But the best thing, his swing. He almost fell asleep in it over the weekend, but he spotted his Granpy coming out of the house and he perked right up.

Drew is going to have a blast in the back yard this season!!

Mural Project - Day 8

I didn't get too much done this past weekend, but I did get a chance to do a little bit of work. I did the second coat of Pooh's red shirt (maybe just one more since when you stand in the room you can still see slight white streaks), the silver nail and started the inside wood of the log. I didn't get a chance to finish that part up, I don't like leaving things unfinished like that, but whatcha' ganna do? You do what ya gatta do!

I hope to get some more done this week! Its taking a little longer then I had hoped, but I take the time when I can! We'll see what happens this weekend coming up.

Hoppy Easter!!

Happy Easter !!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Charlie

Its someones birthday today! He's a wonderful Grandpa to Mr. Drew and a great dad! Happy 16th or 61st Birthday, I can't remember which one it is!!

Under the Weather

I have a sick little boy at home. Its been going on since the 17th. I don't like to see him this way! We almost made it a year without anything "major". We had a few fevers and colds, but we almost made it with out an ear infection, but didn't quite get there.

On the 17th I called his doctors office and explained why I felt Drew was not doing so well. They saw him (it wasn't his usual doctor if you remember me explaining last week that I think I have the strongest baby in the world) and said he has an ear infection in his right ear and a sore throat. He was giving the pink amoxicillian (and mommy had it flavored cherry). We did the 10 day routine of medication, no problem. His last day on the meds was last Saturday.

On Sunday, something wasn't right. Drew was showing the same symptoms as he did before the 17th. I called his doctors office this past Tuesday and explained what was going on. The nurse on the other end mentioned that is sounded like the infection returned. So, we went it for a check-up. I thought it traveled to his left ear, but turns out it was back in his right ear. Now it was time for stronger medication.

Now with Drew on this stronger antibiotic, my world has been turned upside down! I witnessed my 11 month old going through some pretty rough stuff all while he looks at me with those sad eyes asking for help. All I could do was make him comfortable. He wouldn't eat, barely drank, slept often and we couldn't keep a clean diaper on him for very long. Also, I didn't freak out when I was vomited on for the first time, I'm very proud of myself if I do say so myself!

I think we are turning over a new leaf starting this evening. The vomiting has stopped, but the massive amounts of dirty diapers are still showing up. He is starting to eat solid foods again, which is a great sign. We are going onto day 4 on this new medication, day 10 cannot come fast enough.