Busy day so far...went to gymnastics this AM! Adrian had fun especially with the rings and with the ball pit. He's so fearless!
Then we went to the library...silly boy wasn't even throwing a fit or anything...just laid down and the floor and refused to keep walking at one point. I enticed him with a truck book though and strangers were kind enough to step around and over him until he was ready to move again. He liked that attention and smiled at them when they said hello to him. We even saw our friend Pam there! She's wonderful and mommy used to teach with her at UCC, but now sees her when she mentors our clients!
Then we were on our way to Whole Foods to get some tea trea oil and some special tea tree toothpicks for daddy when we were diverted by one of those guys holding a big sign and dancing on the side of the road "50% off Sale at 'Once Again Thrift Shop'. All proceeds go to Larimer County Youth. Mom got some shoes :) and a jacket and pants for only a couple bucks each and name brand stuff! Then a few throw pillows that actually match our couches for a couple bucks and some 10 cent board books for mommy's work clients and their kids.
Our next stop was whole foods. Then we checked out Bangkok Asian Market for some seaweed. Adrian was a hit there with the woman who gave us a bowl of spicy long life noodles with chicken and vegies from a cooking demo. Every Saturday at 11am there's a cooking demo! Sign me up.
Next door is a new bar and we said hello to some friends we know who were there and then we came home. Nap time was a little overdue :(
Maybe later Adrian (and mommy) will have a playdate with Lexi and Julian (and Jami). Then we'll eat stuffed portabellos with a nice salad for dinner.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Fun with Decorating
Did I brag about my decorating yet?
Well let me tell you! I bought 14 floating picture frames, on clearance. The photo floats in the center of two pieces of glass and then the frame borders the glass. I love them and often see them in therapists offices and other decorated places. Who decorates for them anyway? They usually have such nice art.
Then I printed out an 8x10 and 4 5x7 photos for the mantle. I call it the Maui Water Series. There's a black photo of ocean and whale swimming at viewer, a blue 50' wave with surfer gliding to the left, a closeup colorful smooth waterfall sliding down rock, a grey wave splashing up on big rock on beach, an da green tinted waterfall falling into a pool. They sit tilted on my mantle accompanied by a plant, a wicker basket, a lamp, 2 candles and hanging potted plants from ceiling.
I purchased, on sale of course, some wooden square carved wood flower decorations for the wall, as well as two rectangular wood etchings of flowers. The rectangular decorations will sit with tow rectangular floating frames that hold 2 4x6 photos each. Still to be decided upon. The carved wooden flowers sit diagonal to each other at base of stairs.
Then I have 5 more 8x10 frames that hold 5x7 photos for the other wall. Maybe a Tree Series....
Well let me tell you! I bought 14 floating picture frames, on clearance. The photo floats in the center of two pieces of glass and then the frame borders the glass. I love them and often see them in therapists offices and other decorated places. Who decorates for them anyway? They usually have such nice art.
Then I printed out an 8x10 and 4 5x7 photos for the mantle. I call it the Maui Water Series. There's a black photo of ocean and whale swimming at viewer, a blue 50' wave with surfer gliding to the left, a closeup colorful smooth waterfall sliding down rock, a grey wave splashing up on big rock on beach, an da green tinted waterfall falling into a pool. They sit tilted on my mantle accompanied by a plant, a wicker basket, a lamp, 2 candles and hanging potted plants from ceiling.
I purchased, on sale of course, some wooden square carved wood flower decorations for the wall, as well as two rectangular wood etchings of flowers. The rectangular decorations will sit with tow rectangular floating frames that hold 2 4x6 photos each. Still to be decided upon. The carved wooden flowers sit diagonal to each other at base of stairs.
Then I have 5 more 8x10 frames that hold 5x7 photos for the other wall. Maybe a Tree Series....
"No" would be the answer...
Yes, it's happened. The answer to all questions is "no." That's ok though b/c if he burps he covers his mouth and says 'cuse me' as well as uses 'peas' and 'tank you' (even when it's your turn to use 'thank you' he'll remind you just in case you forget.)
I've decided, I just won't ask any questions unless I want a 'no' answer. "do I look aweful in this outfit?" "should we leave the house a mess?" "should we only eat icecream and cake all day?" Why haven't parents figured that one out yet I wonder.
I think that his fever off and on all week is due to 2 year molars coming in. I got bit 4 times but I think I can feel some molars trying to break through. Adrian always gets fevers with teething, every tooth so far, although there is debate now about whether or not children actually have fevers, diarrhea, etc related to actual teething. Our bodies sure know more than any doctor and I don't need professional opinion in such trite matters. It's normal: the body grows and changes therefore the body reacts.
We're very excited for our new cousin in the oven!! Another September baby for Julie and Chris!
Interview went well on Tuesday. Still waiting to hear back. I took some sick time this week because I was feeling aweful with a head cold and sore throat and body aches. I drank theraflu, took a nap, made myself some chicken soup, and went to bed early. Felt much better the next afternoon. I feel so spoiled actually getting sick time. I wish Barry had the same perks at work. People knock working for the government but it's the first real job I've had and I sure enjoy the holidays off, the vacation time, and the sick time...not too mention that I work with the population that has always interested me: children and families.
We're headed to gymnastics at 10am! Barry's on his way to Denver with Aunt Laurie to go to a bike swap (motorcycle=bike). He's spending the night and will be back tomorrow. He hopes to find some pieces to make his bike work...some ignition thingy. My car on the other hand refuses to start, randomly, when I'm at the store or trying to go to work. It won't even engage. I'm wondering if something is wrong with the starter column. It feels like the key just doesn't engage. I desperately need a new axle as well as every slight movement sends creaking shudders through the entire car. Don't even want to know how much it will cost but Barry has a friend who does my big car repairs.
I've decided, I just won't ask any questions unless I want a 'no' answer. "do I look aweful in this outfit?" "should we leave the house a mess?" "should we only eat icecream and cake all day?" Why haven't parents figured that one out yet I wonder.
I think that his fever off and on all week is due to 2 year molars coming in. I got bit 4 times but I think I can feel some molars trying to break through. Adrian always gets fevers with teething, every tooth so far, although there is debate now about whether or not children actually have fevers, diarrhea, etc related to actual teething. Our bodies sure know more than any doctor and I don't need professional opinion in such trite matters. It's normal: the body grows and changes therefore the body reacts.
We're very excited for our new cousin in the oven!! Another September baby for Julie and Chris!
Interview went well on Tuesday. Still waiting to hear back. I took some sick time this week because I was feeling aweful with a head cold and sore throat and body aches. I drank theraflu, took a nap, made myself some chicken soup, and went to bed early. Felt much better the next afternoon. I feel so spoiled actually getting sick time. I wish Barry had the same perks at work. People knock working for the government but it's the first real job I've had and I sure enjoy the holidays off, the vacation time, and the sick time...not too mention that I work with the population that has always interested me: children and families.
We're headed to gymnastics at 10am! Barry's on his way to Denver with Aunt Laurie to go to a bike swap (motorcycle=bike). He's spending the night and will be back tomorrow. He hopes to find some pieces to make his bike work...some ignition thingy. My car on the other hand refuses to start, randomly, when I'm at the store or trying to go to work. It won't even engage. I'm wondering if something is wrong with the starter column. It feels like the key just doesn't engage. I desperately need a new axle as well as every slight movement sends creaking shudders through the entire car. Don't even want to know how much it will cost but Barry has a friend who does my big car repairs.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Good News! & Sick Boy :(
I have an interview for Tuesday at 3pm for a caseworker position!! Could the 2nd try be the lucky one? Either way, still happy with work, most days.
Adrian's sick today. Fever and runny nose. Woke last night with fever after going to bed feeling just a little warm. We spent the day at the library and then at Bounce for a bday party. He must have picked up a bug from one of those places. Poor guy.
Adrian is in gymnastics on saturdays but yesterday was canceled for a gymnastics meet. Last weekend Adrian had gymnastics on Saturday, then a playdate with Lexi (3) on Sunday, and a playdate with Madison (7) on Monday since I was off. I used to watch Miss Madison ever since she was just a baby all the way till she went to school. I miss her so we had a day together. She's so great with younger children and knows how to play with them and never gets frustrated!
Otherwise, Adrian's working on potty training. He pees in the potty (and sometimes on the floor, bed, or rug). He's picking up about 10 words a day even though he doesn't use them all each day. He's definitely talking more. He's such a big helper; throws away trash whenever he finds it around the house. Throws away his diaper too! We are working on 'not whining' and 'using big boys words'. He's learning about 'owies' and how to get attention and kisses for them (even pretend owies). He's doing more 'pretend play' with little people and animal toys! He likes to make them dance to music or talk to each other. He drives them around in the car too!
For now though, he's just sitting on the couch trying to feel better and watching Sesame Street.
Adrian's sick today. Fever and runny nose. Woke last night with fever after going to bed feeling just a little warm. We spent the day at the library and then at Bounce for a bday party. He must have picked up a bug from one of those places. Poor guy.
Adrian is in gymnastics on saturdays but yesterday was canceled for a gymnastics meet. Last weekend Adrian had gymnastics on Saturday, then a playdate with Lexi (3) on Sunday, and a playdate with Madison (7) on Monday since I was off. I used to watch Miss Madison ever since she was just a baby all the way till she went to school. I miss her so we had a day together. She's so great with younger children and knows how to play with them and never gets frustrated!
Otherwise, Adrian's working on potty training. He pees in the potty (and sometimes on the floor, bed, or rug). He's picking up about 10 words a day even though he doesn't use them all each day. He's definitely talking more. He's such a big helper; throws away trash whenever he finds it around the house. Throws away his diaper too! We are working on 'not whining' and 'using big boys words'. He's learning about 'owies' and how to get attention and kisses for them (even pretend owies). He's doing more 'pretend play' with little people and animal toys! He likes to make them dance to music or talk to each other. He drives them around in the car too!
For now though, he's just sitting on the couch trying to feel better and watching Sesame Street.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January Weekend
Long busy week is now over and I'm once again up too late catching up on things I enjoy to do, like watching tv, writing on my blog; simple things really that take time in my life and come after all the necessary to do's.
Updates on the Boy:
Pees in the potty standing up! Says anything you say. Some examples include 'window,' 'squeeze,' more 2 word phrases, 'stairs,' 'dance' 'rock' as in rock me in the rocking chair, 'babies'. He whines incessantly-drives me batty. He's a momma's boy especially when he's tired and I'm around. Barry feels left behind but I keep telling him his time will come. Timeouts are great-if not for redirection. I tell him to go or walk him to the bottom step where he sits. I tell him 'when you're all done ____________, you can get up.' He prefers to crawl out of timeout when he's done. Then he gets to 'be nice' or 'pick up' or 'use his inside voice.' Occasionally he tests and gets to revisit timeout. I use timeout as a behavior modifying tool that teaches him to be in charge of his actions and not as punishment. He's learning and it's my job to teach him and give consequences. I enjoy every moment of parenting and really try to focus more attention on him when he's behaving which I have to say is most of the time. When he's awake I make a point to attend to him and not my to do list, although if he helps me with chores, that's also a lesson so that's a 2 for 1!!!
Gymnastics bright and early-Aunt Laurie might come watch!
Updates on the Boy:
Pees in the potty standing up! Says anything you say. Some examples include 'window,' 'squeeze,' more 2 word phrases, 'stairs,' 'dance' 'rock' as in rock me in the rocking chair, 'babies'. He whines incessantly-drives me batty. He's a momma's boy especially when he's tired and I'm around. Barry feels left behind but I keep telling him his time will come. Timeouts are great-if not for redirection. I tell him to go or walk him to the bottom step where he sits. I tell him 'when you're all done ____________, you can get up.' He prefers to crawl out of timeout when he's done. Then he gets to 'be nice' or 'pick up' or 'use his inside voice.' Occasionally he tests and gets to revisit timeout. I use timeout as a behavior modifying tool that teaches him to be in charge of his actions and not as punishment. He's learning and it's my job to teach him and give consequences. I enjoy every moment of parenting and really try to focus more attention on him when he's behaving which I have to say is most of the time. When he's awake I make a point to attend to him and not my to do list, although if he helps me with chores, that's also a lesson so that's a 2 for 1!!!
Gymnastics bright and early-Aunt Laurie might come watch!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
88 Weeks Old
My son is so old! He's a little boy now...a toddler. I don't consider him a baby anymore. It's hard to make that transition as a mom to a little momma's boy but it's happened and I'm happy for both of us.
Gymnastics was great. He's in the Moonbeamers class. He was so excited when we first got there that he took off across the room and joined a big kid's class. Barry and I both took him to his first day of class. He was new to the activities so with our guidance and telling him to 'wait' his turn, he did great. After warm up there was an obstacle course that teaches balance, depth perception, taking turns and waiting, using hands to protect face, etc. There was a balance beam exercise, a rings exercise, trampoline time, sensory ball activity, and a foam pit they had to slide into on their back straight down to the teacher. Then there was a cool down and he got stamps on his hands, feet and belly. For being new to the activities he sure was excited to try everything out. He's so observant also, he took time to just sit and watch what the other children were doing. I knew many of the participants in the classes from the daycare that I taught at so that was exciting.
I decided not to go to Denver last night b/c I was feeling really worn out and like I'm getting a cold. Adrian and I fell asleep at 10pm and Barry spent the night hanging out with Aunt Laurie. I'm trying to get Adrian to take an early nap so we can go to the kid's expo thing at noon but he's still awake and moaning about it.
Gymnastics was great. He's in the Moonbeamers class. He was so excited when we first got there that he took off across the room and joined a big kid's class. Barry and I both took him to his first day of class. He was new to the activities so with our guidance and telling him to 'wait' his turn, he did great. After warm up there was an obstacle course that teaches balance, depth perception, taking turns and waiting, using hands to protect face, etc. There was a balance beam exercise, a rings exercise, trampoline time, sensory ball activity, and a foam pit they had to slide into on their back straight down to the teacher. Then there was a cool down and he got stamps on his hands, feet and belly. For being new to the activities he sure was excited to try everything out. He's so observant also, he took time to just sit and watch what the other children were doing. I knew many of the participants in the classes from the daycare that I taught at so that was exciting.
I decided not to go to Denver last night b/c I was feeling really worn out and like I'm getting a cold. Adrian and I fell asleep at 10pm and Barry spent the night hanging out with Aunt Laurie. I'm trying to get Adrian to take an early nap so we can go to the kid's expo thing at noon but he's still awake and moaning about it.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Maui Pictures and Update
1st week of work is over now. What a week. I truly needed that vacation so that I could cope with work. It's just work, a part of my life, I can stand back now and take a deep breath now that I've had that break. Not to say it isn't hard work, but it's nice that I can put it in perspective again. Other news: I applied for another caseworker position. The previous I applied, I did not get although I did get the chance to interview for it!
Adrian is saying more and more each day. New words are spilling out by the mouthful! He mimics words and comes up with new sounds in his jibberish on a daily basis it seems. OieeeOieee seems to be todays rant. Also he mimiced 'table', says 'gen' for again, and is putting 2 word phrases together quite often such as 'get down' and more please'.
Adrian peed in the potty standing up two days in a row!!! So big! He gets raisinettes for treat and can pee on command if he has to go. Yay! He tries every evening and morning.
Tomorrow morning is a big day! He's going to gymnastics for the first time at Mountain Kids. There is a kid's expo event thingy this weekend also that we might attend on Sunday with cousin Cavyn and friends Lexi and Julian! Mom gets a night off to go hang out in Denver with friends from work on Saturday night.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year!
It's 2010! I have a 20 month old little boy. Barely a baby anymore.
I think when he wakes up he still expects to be in Maui because it takes him some time to figure out where he is. He's enjoying chasing his dogs around-'shasha' and 'rara'! He does wish he could play outside in the sunshine without snow on the ground I think...or maybe that's just me.
He received a 'choo choo' from his Grandma Linda and Grandpa Tim! He recieved a dancing singing chipmunk from Amber (his caregiver)! He loves playing with all the singing dancing animals when he goes over to Amber's on Thurs and Fri but when his chipmunk sings he gets scared...we'll have to take it over with him so he can see it in context. What a silly boy!
I have to say that I think he's over his 'hitting littler kids' stage and now gives kisses instead! He's into a 'screaming at the top of his lungs' stage though and some people will give him attention for it but not his mother. He will soon be over the 'throwing food on the floor' stage because he sat in timeout about 5 times in a row today until he was all done with episode and will from now on when he throws food at home. I'm done with sticky floors and barely have time to mop more than once a week.
Anyways...we're home safe and sound and somehow or another we're into another year on this planet!
I think when he wakes up he still expects to be in Maui because it takes him some time to figure out where he is. He's enjoying chasing his dogs around-'shasha' and 'rara'! He does wish he could play outside in the sunshine without snow on the ground I think...or maybe that's just me.
He received a 'choo choo' from his Grandma Linda and Grandpa Tim! He recieved a dancing singing chipmunk from Amber (his caregiver)! He loves playing with all the singing dancing animals when he goes over to Amber's on Thurs and Fri but when his chipmunk sings he gets scared...we'll have to take it over with him so he can see it in context. What a silly boy!
I have to say that I think he's over his 'hitting littler kids' stage and now gives kisses instead! He's into a 'screaming at the top of his lungs' stage though and some people will give him attention for it but not his mother. He will soon be over the 'throwing food on the floor' stage because he sat in timeout about 5 times in a row today until he was all done with episode and will from now on when he throws food at home. I'm done with sticky floors and barely have time to mop more than once a week.
Anyways...we're home safe and sound and somehow or another we're into another year on this planet!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Maui Final Day 17 Post 5
Our last day :( Went to Baby Beach this morning. Finally, Adrian is no longer scared of the water and went into the ocean on his own, as well as swimming with daddy!
Last night Barry and I went on a Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Cocktail Cruise out of Ma'alea!!! We saw whales up close (28 yards away was the closest). We saw pods of males, a mom, calf and their escort and a single male. Very cool. We each got 3 drink tickets and Barry had some mai tais and I had some local micro brews. They served appetizers as well. We were lucky to have been accompanied by the founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation on the trip as well and he narrated the tour most of the time!
Happy New Years Eve to all! We'll be over the ocean for New Years!
Last night Barry and I went on a Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Cocktail Cruise out of Ma'alea!!! We saw whales up close (28 yards away was the closest). We saw pods of males, a mom, calf and their escort and a single male. Very cool. We each got 3 drink tickets and Barry had some mai tais and I had some local micro brews. They served appetizers as well. We were lucky to have been accompanied by the founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation on the trip as well and he narrated the tour most of the time!
Happy New Years Eve to all! We'll be over the ocean for New Years!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Maui HI Day 15 Post 4
Kiddo Update:
Adrian has grown an inch since we've come to Maui! I know anything will grow here like it's on steroids but I didn't expect Adrian to grow so much so fast. My nails and hair but not my kid...who knew! He is as tall as some 2 year olds he was playing with on the beach. He made friends everywhere he goes :)
Adrian now says 'moon', asks for a 'spoon', says 'rock' and 'fish' and loves his 'birds'! He calls all liquid 'juice' including water, milk, and even the ocean. His favorite word is 'mama' and he uses it like a little parakeet. He talks a lot more; even though a lot of it is still just babbles he uses more intonation and inflection, eye contact and hand motions. He knows 'yes' and 'no' and will answer questions now.
Adrian is loving all the fresh fruit growing all over the place out here..pineapples, mangoes, bananas (little ones call apple-bananas which are sweeter) and papaya! He can devour an entire mango in about 2 seconds. He's tried poke which is raw fish and enjoyed it!
In the last few days:
Saturday: Barry and I made a trek to Haleakala Crater (10,000 feet in about an hour)!
Sunday: We went to Papalua Beach again but with Deborah and my dad this time.
Monday: Yesterday we went to the Maui Ocean Center/Aquarium with the grandma and grandpa.
Tuesday: Today Barry and I went to Hana (50 miles/52bridges/one lane but 2 way road with recommended speeds of 10-20 mph the whole way and only one way in or out).
Coming up:
Wednesday: Barry and I are going on a Cocktail cruise on a whale watching boat
Thursday: Leaving for the airport at 8pm.
Adrian has grown an inch since we've come to Maui! I know anything will grow here like it's on steroids but I didn't expect Adrian to grow so much so fast. My nails and hair but not my kid...who knew! He is as tall as some 2 year olds he was playing with on the beach. He made friends everywhere he goes :)
Adrian now says 'moon', asks for a 'spoon', says 'rock' and 'fish' and loves his 'birds'! He calls all liquid 'juice' including water, milk, and even the ocean. His favorite word is 'mama' and he uses it like a little parakeet. He talks a lot more; even though a lot of it is still just babbles he uses more intonation and inflection, eye contact and hand motions. He knows 'yes' and 'no' and will answer questions now.
Adrian is loving all the fresh fruit growing all over the place out here..pineapples, mangoes, bananas (little ones call apple-bananas which are sweeter) and papaya! He can devour an entire mango in about 2 seconds. He's tried poke which is raw fish and enjoyed it!
In the last few days:
Saturday: Barry and I made a trek to Haleakala Crater (10,000 feet in about an hour)!
Sunday: We went to Papalua Beach again but with Deborah and my dad this time.
Monday: Yesterday we went to the Maui Ocean Center/Aquarium with the grandma and grandpa.
Tuesday: Today Barry and I went to Hana (50 miles/52bridges/one lane but 2 way road with recommended speeds of 10-20 mph the whole way and only one way in or out).
Coming up:
Wednesday: Barry and I are going on a Cocktail cruise on a whale watching boat
Thursday: Leaving for the airport at 8pm.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Maui Day 12 Post #3
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We had a great day waking up, eating yummy breakfast then going down to see the giant waves at Ho'okipa then over to Jaws. That's right, the waves were breaking at Jaws, which doesn't happen that often and we got to see it. We had to drive through pineapple fields to the cliffs. The surfers can't even get to the beach from the road, they have to be towed in by jet skis from anoher cove. The waves must have been at least 30 feet high and there were some surfers out there riding. The waves were so big that they had to be towed into the waves to surf them. We got some good pictures. Of course I forgot to bring my camera cord so you'll just have to wait till I get home for some pics. After traversing back through the pineapple field, we came home to Deborah who got to sleep in. Then we ate snacks-brie and bread, dates, carmelized nuts; talked to family on the phone, rested a little in the sun, decided to forgo the beach idea because no one wanted to drive. We started opening presents around 3:30 and we dragged it out through the rest of the night till Adrian's bedtime. Adrian got a cool dump truck, eco friendly recycled plastic! He got some books and Organic Cotton People clothes and a music windup box. Deborah has newly installed car speakers since her's were shot. She never even knew that Barry snuck in and did a covert install! Barry got some Maui Harley Davidson clothes and a new belt buckle. We watched some of Deborah's 'Planet Earth' and then 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. For dinner we did some chicken and ribs on the barbie and had some potato/mac salad. Barry made a yummy marinade for the chicken with ginger and soy and brown sugar and other stuff. Very good! There was egg nog and beer for libations. We had a nice day together!
Anyways...we're off to the beach so I better go get dressed.
Anyways...we're off to the beach so I better go get dressed.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Day 10 Post 2
We've been here for 10 days now.
We've been to some more beaches including Ho'okipa, Baldwin, Big Beach-where we saw some whales breaching in the evening sunset and met a nice local family with whose children Adrian played, a beach in Kihei and one in Wailea. We did some nice shopping in Maui Mall and Queen Ka'ahumanu in Kahalui as well as walked around the Wailea malls and watched some Christmas Hula dancers in the mall. Adrian got up and started dancing with them; huge audience. Adrian is still scared of the waves and rightly so now with a HUGE swell coming in...estimated at 40-50 ft waves by Christmas evening on the north shore. Deborah's had two days off so far and my dad has taken all of them off :)Barry and I got away to do some shopping and Grandpa got to spend some one on one time with the grandson. Anyways, if you can believe it, tomorrow is Christmas eve! Barry and I might go up to the crater in the AM and Adrian will hang out with Grandpa. Poor Barry got a stomach bug and I got a bit of a sunburn.
7 more days.
We've been to some more beaches including Ho'okipa, Baldwin, Big Beach-where we saw some whales breaching in the evening sunset and met a nice local family with whose children Adrian played, a beach in Kihei and one in Wailea. We did some nice shopping in Maui Mall and Queen Ka'ahumanu in Kahalui as well as walked around the Wailea malls and watched some Christmas Hula dancers in the mall. Adrian got up and started dancing with them; huge audience. Adrian is still scared of the waves and rightly so now with a HUGE swell coming in...estimated at 40-50 ft waves by Christmas evening on the north shore. Deborah's had two days off so far and my dad has taken all of them off :)Barry and I got away to do some shopping and Grandpa got to spend some one on one time with the grandson. Anyways, if you can believe it, tomorrow is Christmas eve! Barry and I might go up to the crater in the AM and Adrian will hang out with Grandpa. Poor Barry got a stomach bug and I got a bit of a sunburn.
7 more days.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Maui Trip Post #1 Day 3
We've been in Maui for 3 days now! Adrian LOVES being here b/c people practically live outside and he can be outside whenever he wants, which is usually always. The weather is beautiful between 60-80 degrees, it's rainy today but probably sunny on the other side of the island. Adrian was dancing in the rain before he tuckered himself out and told me he wanted 'ni-ni'.
The house is awesome and finally I'm able to see it for the first time. It looks bigger than I imagined from the show: TLC's My First Home. There are wild/loose chickens everywhere in Maui and at about 4 in the AM the roosters start crowing and don't stop all day. There are 11 different ecosystems on this little island and it's amazing how diverse the landscape is. The ocean is beautiful and the waves are big. Right now the wind patterns are different from what they usually are so the smells, volcano fog or Vog is present, the weather etc are a little unusual.
As you may know, we left CO at 6am on Tuesday the 15th. Judah drove us to the airport at 3am. Adrian did great on the first flight (2.75 hrs). Slept the last 45 min. He sat on Barry's or my lap and played with his new computer from Aunt Doreen and Uncle Mark, a gift for the plane. He read books and ate gummy lifesavers to keep his ears popped. We stopped in San Fran for about an hour and he ran around, played in the kid's play area, and rode on the moving walkways saying hi to strangers. The second flight was 5.5 hrs long and he slept the last hour. We were lucky to have 2 empty seats in our middle 5 seat row. This flight he had fun walking to the bathroom, flushing an airplane toilet, throwing up probably from eating too much sugar and waking up at 3am and not napping enough-too much excitement, and playing peekaboo with the lady behind him. He probably cried a total of 30 seconds the whole time.
The first day we flew in we were picked up at the airport, rented a car, went to the house, unloaded, went shopping for diapers and stuff, then had a marvelous dinner with sashimi, steak and vegies. We have our own room-a tall tent with a blow up mattress, Adrian's playpen, and a little table. It's so nice out all the time that there's no air conditioning or heating systems set up in the house. The 'lanai' (porch) is like a second living area.
Wed the 16th: Barry, Adrian and I took off to the west side to visit the tourist towns and beaches of Lahaina (Papalua beach park), Kapalua, Napili (D.T. Fleming Beach Park) and kept driving around that way until we hit a one lane two way winding road that was in a native area where the locals live the old way. We turned around and went back home the other way.
Thursday the 17th: Went on a tour to check out the Piihilo Rd zipline (Barry might do it!), and my dad's base water plant, met a coworker of his, then drove through Makawao then went Hookipa Beach where my dad went surfing and Barry felt nauseas and rested on the beach and I watched Adrian play in the baby tidal pools ranging from 6" to a couple feet of water. I met a local woman who told me about a Christmas kid's program at the Makawao library, a Santa at one of the malls, and a pool in Pukalani (where my parents live).
Adrian is having fun getting to know his Grandma and 'BaPa' in Maui!
The house is awesome and finally I'm able to see it for the first time. It looks bigger than I imagined from the show: TLC's My First Home. There are wild/loose chickens everywhere in Maui and at about 4 in the AM the roosters start crowing and don't stop all day. There are 11 different ecosystems on this little island and it's amazing how diverse the landscape is. The ocean is beautiful and the waves are big. Right now the wind patterns are different from what they usually are so the smells, volcano fog or Vog is present, the weather etc are a little unusual.
As you may know, we left CO at 6am on Tuesday the 15th. Judah drove us to the airport at 3am. Adrian did great on the first flight (2.75 hrs). Slept the last 45 min. He sat on Barry's or my lap and played with his new computer from Aunt Doreen and Uncle Mark, a gift for the plane. He read books and ate gummy lifesavers to keep his ears popped. We stopped in San Fran for about an hour and he ran around, played in the kid's play area, and rode on the moving walkways saying hi to strangers. The second flight was 5.5 hrs long and he slept the last hour. We were lucky to have 2 empty seats in our middle 5 seat row. This flight he had fun walking to the bathroom, flushing an airplane toilet, throwing up probably from eating too much sugar and waking up at 3am and not napping enough-too much excitement, and playing peekaboo with the lady behind him. He probably cried a total of 30 seconds the whole time.
The first day we flew in we were picked up at the airport, rented a car, went to the house, unloaded, went shopping for diapers and stuff, then had a marvelous dinner with sashimi, steak and vegies. We have our own room-a tall tent with a blow up mattress, Adrian's playpen, and a little table. It's so nice out all the time that there's no air conditioning or heating systems set up in the house. The 'lanai' (porch) is like a second living area.
Wed the 16th: Barry, Adrian and I took off to the west side to visit the tourist towns and beaches of Lahaina (Papalua beach park), Kapalua, Napili (D.T. Fleming Beach Park) and kept driving around that way until we hit a one lane two way winding road that was in a native area where the locals live the old way. We turned around and went back home the other way.
Thursday the 17th: Went on a tour to check out the Piihilo Rd zipline (Barry might do it!), and my dad's base water plant, met a coworker of his, then drove through Makawao then went Hookipa Beach where my dad went surfing and Barry felt nauseas and rested on the beach and I watched Adrian play in the baby tidal pools ranging from 6" to a couple feet of water. I met a local woman who told me about a Christmas kid's program at the Makawao library, a Santa at one of the malls, and a pool in Pukalani (where my parents live).
Adrian is having fun getting to know his Grandma and 'BaPa' in Maui!
Friday, December 11, 2009
3..2...1...
.jpg)
Cool Dude.jpg)
.jpg)
We are in need of packing very soon as we are nearing take-off to paradise.
I left work today all caught up and ready for January, my desk clean and organized! I left everything work related at work, including my computer, save for my key which I will need to get back in the building in January.
My list of to-do's includes cleaning the house, cleaning out the fridge, going to the library to drop off books due mid trip, solidifying plans with the airlines, Judah who graciously agreed to drive us at 3am to the airport, and Linda and Tim who are thankfully caring for the pets/plants/mail/trash/etc.
Adrian Update
Adrian has no concept of anything coming up. He carried his present to the car from the babysitter's and had no concept of that either. I think it's fascinating at this age how much he's learning but how much he has no clue what is going on around him, and especially why. Next year, he'll totally get it. For now he's fun to watch in the moment.
Talking way more these days. Overnight he went from 'RaRa' to 'Rasha' to "Shasha" when he calls Sasha. He can repeat many words that you say. He says 'no' when he means it, he says 'please', he won't stop saying 'mama'. He repeats 'mama mama mama' on car rides or at home when I'm busy and even when I answer him, he continues. Barry thinks he uses it generally as a new word, but I told him that he is just talking about me when I'm not there or to me when I am. He also generalizes and calls his babysitter 'mama' or sometimes my friends 'mama'. He says 'choo choo' when we pass the train. He said 'truck' today. He yells at the dogs to 'go' and 'stay' and tries to ride them. He says 'duntadunta' and rides his stick horse or the pets around the house. He knows 'turtle' 'bear' 'woof-woof' 'roar' 'cat' and 'moo' in labeling animals. "Hi' and 'bye bye' are very clear on the phone or in person. He stills babbles and jabbers away a lot in play or on the phone. At night he wants to go 'ni-ni' and has been calling his blankie 'mimi'.
Climbing on the piano bench and stomping out a song on the keys is his new favorite trick. I had to move the bench away for fear that he would knock over all the plants or fall.
He peed on the potty the other day again (3rd time) but didn't aim and got me instead. Still got a skittle for that one.
He loves to read! Yay!! 'Brown Bear Brown Bear', 'Goodnight Gorilla' and a Hide and Seek flap book are his 3 faves right now.
Cousin Maddox's bday party is Sunday in Longmont. I hear the family is sick though and don't know if we want to catch anything right before we leave though so we are debating the party:(
Sunday, December 6, 2009
8 Days to Maui!
Long week over now comes the countdown to Maui!
I think we're at 8 days a counting right now....scary b/c I haven't even started packing yet.
Went to TX for work on Thursday to Friday. Took the cold and snow with me. Got some sort of illness and was throwing up mid-work. Made it back in one piece at least. Went to San Antonio and Uvalde about an hour from the border. Saw border patrol and reminders of being a kid growing up in TX like 'cat walks' and 'deer corn' and the 'woods' where we used to take walks.
Obviously Barry did great with Adrian. His family was able to come over and help him out with child care so he didn't have to alter Adrian's schedule too much. He is very proud of himself. Adrian is also totally done nursing. We stopped on Nov 30th b/c of the trip and b/c we're ready even though it makes me sad and sometimes he still asks for 'nurse nurse' but I just tell him 'all done.' He easily takes reading a story in it's place though and still likes to snuggle, even more now which makes me feel good. He's 19 months now also!
Adrian's been talking up a storm. He says more words daily. He knows 'bird' and 'roar' for tigers/lions/bears. He mimics more words now. He call Sasha 'Rara'. He is very bossy with the dogs and they have been known to listen to him. He yelled at Harley to 'go' and pointed to his bed and Harley listened when Gpa and Gma were watching him. :)
Anyways it's late and I'm tired...more later!
I think we're at 8 days a counting right now....scary b/c I haven't even started packing yet.
Went to TX for work on Thursday to Friday. Took the cold and snow with me. Got some sort of illness and was throwing up mid-work. Made it back in one piece at least. Went to San Antonio and Uvalde about an hour from the border. Saw border patrol and reminders of being a kid growing up in TX like 'cat walks' and 'deer corn' and the 'woods' where we used to take walks.
Obviously Barry did great with Adrian. His family was able to come over and help him out with child care so he didn't have to alter Adrian's schedule too much. He is very proud of himself. Adrian is also totally done nursing. We stopped on Nov 30th b/c of the trip and b/c we're ready even though it makes me sad and sometimes he still asks for 'nurse nurse' but I just tell him 'all done.' He easily takes reading a story in it's place though and still likes to snuggle, even more now which makes me feel good. He's 19 months now also!
Adrian's been talking up a storm. He says more words daily. He knows 'bird' and 'roar' for tigers/lions/bears. He mimics more words now. He call Sasha 'Rara'. He is very bossy with the dogs and they have been known to listen to him. He yelled at Harley to 'go' and pointed to his bed and Harley listened when Gpa and Gma were watching him. :)
Anyways it's late and I'm tired...more later!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Happy Long Weekend!
Wednesday Thanksgiving at my family's home in Longmont!
Thursday Thanksgiving at our home with Barry's family and everyone bringing their own creations.
Friday we had a nice day off and just stayed home.
Saturday we took a drive to Boulder to walk around, eat and shop.
Today I'm catching up on paperwork, bills, house...etc.. before a stressful long week. Better get back to it.
Thursday Thanksgiving at our home with Barry's family and everyone bringing their own creations.
Friday we had a nice day off and just stayed home.
Saturday we took a drive to Boulder to walk around, eat and shop.
Today I'm catching up on paperwork, bills, house...etc.. before a stressful long week. Better get back to it.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
18 Month Celebration!!!
Cavyn and Adrian watching cartoons while mommies make (aka I eat) cake!
.jpg)
Imaginative Play with cars. Adrian makes driving sounds and pushe
s his cars on the floor! I remember my brother playing like this, lying on the floor at level with his toys.
.jpg)
Looks So Big! 11/20
.jpg)
He can pedal his tricycle or at least puts his feet on the pedals when mom pushes him around. He is a daredevil and stands on top of the seat holding on to the handlebars.
.jpg)
Looks So Big! 11/20
.jpg)
He can pedal his tricycle or at least puts his feet on the pedals when mom pushes him around. He is a daredevil and stands on top of the seat holding on to the handlebars.
Adrian's 18 Months Old now! We had a cake and celebrated his 1/2 birthday. He's such a ham.
Updates and a half...
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Recently (can't remember which weekend) went to the Denver Zoo on Free Day with Audra, Harlan, Fabien and Zachari! Adrian had so much fun looking at all the animals, it was hard to drag him from each exhibit to the next-he could have stayed there all year I bet!.jpg)
.jpg)
Big Bear.jpg)
Little Penguinos.jpg)
What a long week...I applied for a caseworker position on 11/2 and interviewed on Wed 11/18. It would mean different work, whereas now I manage only a small portion of a case: supervision of visitation of parents with their children (when their children are not placed in the home and are instead in foster or kinship care) and Lifeskills education which can range from information and trainng on parentin skills to community resources. I have time to build relationships with families and research and teach what they need to know for their individual case. I work one on one with families for a few to more months. Right now I am a Lifeskills Specialist aka Case Aide (aide to the family not caseworker-fyi). I felt that the interviews went well and of course thought of things that I wanted to say and forgot during the interview but hopefully my resume will stand up for my other experiences. I am still waiting to hear back regarding the decisions. There were two openings. I am trying not to hold my breath but I can't wait to hear back!!! Work is well otherwise and either way I'll still enjoy my job!
More work news: I am going to TX for work. One of my families is split between CO and TX and this is just one responsibility of working with my families. Sad news is I will miss Barry's Christmas party on Dec 4th :( I'll miss my little baby-kins also but two long days and one night won't kill us.
Adrian is such a toddler. He is picking up words left and right. He says 'nice' 'cheese' 'down' 'done' and tons of 'B' words. It's his favorite letter and he even adds it to words that don't start with 'b'.
For those of you who want all the pictures since I don't post nearly as many as I take (yes I'm a picture taking memory making fanatic)-see snapfish.com account. Let me know if you want access to the baby's albums. I sent it out once before but it's been awhile.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
.jpg)
.jpg)
A Turtle!.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)