May 2007

James, Nick and I walked a 5k on Saturday to benefit Duke's Children's Hospital. After the walk, the babies got to do a "baby run" for those under 2. James wasn't interested in running, but he liked to pick flowers and pick up rocks. He is learning lots of outside words like "squirrel," and "flower." He learned "cone" yesterday, for pine cone. All of the babies who ran got a gold medal, but Nick was especially proud. Here are some pictures.

The month of April

Not having internet at home, I have not been posting as much recently. That doesn't look to change anytime soon, so I will post when I can. James learned how to blow kisses, say SHHHH with a finger to his lips, and he learned how to whisper this month. He is learning something new everyday. He got a new toy, one of those pushy toys that makes the balls inside pop up. He thinks this is a vacuum and he regularly attempts to vacuum the floor with it. He was praised by the daycare lady as being the only child there who puts his toys away when he is done, and mommy is very proud. James naturally likes things clean, we think he takes after his Papa (my dad). Mommy is VERY excited that she gets to take James to Cleveland for Auntie Sarah's high school graduation. We bought the ticket last week. If James gets sick, like he did last time, then mommy will go by herself. James gets to see his great-nana, nana, cousin Tracy and a bunch of other relatives. We are looking forward to visiting my friend, Ami, who has been in the hospital for some time. She is in the nursing facility, and the doctors are amazed at her progress, but she is still not able to come home. Her appetite is getting better, so that is a good sign. We have not met little Lina yet, but we are looking forward to meeting her.

Otherwise, I took James to the Sarah Duke gardens yesterday, and BOY did he LOVE the duck pond! Daddy had to work, so James and I walked around for two hours. He walked most of the time. He took a header into the dirt and now he has a scrape on his forehead, but it didn't slow him down very much. He likes to chase squirrels. A lot of things he does reminds me of a family dog. :P James is NOT a fan of ice cream, we have learned. He does not like the cold. He does love bananas, though. He is also a big fan of noodles. We bought him some new clothes this weekend, and we need to get him some shorts because it is going to be 90 tomorrow.

Easter 2007

James had a very nice Easter this year. I still had not given him any candy, so I let Nick give James his first piece of chocolate. It was a big hit. James woke up in the morning to an Easter basket and six hidden eggs, which James insisted were "balls." Then Nick went to the lab and James and I hung out. After that, we traveled to Aunt Cathy and Uncle Ed's house, where we had dinner with Nick's grandmother, some of Nick's cousins, little Tyler and Aunt Cathy and Uncle Ed. James had a blast. Tyler and James still don't notice each other very much, but they decided to give each other hugs this time. Even though James is bigger and stockier than Tyler, it was clear that Tyler knew he was six weeks older. Tyler's mom was calling Ty a bully. Mostly, they ignored each other. They did a mini egg hunt, and they did a fairly good job. James got the concept of "put the eggs in the basket" while Tyler just opened up the eggs and ate the candy. After the egg hunt, Tyler and James' mommies took them to the park, where James had his first swing ride, which he loved. We will have to go to the park again. We had to leave early because James had a large poo. We went home after that and stopped off at the grocery store. James barely had a nap, so he got cranky. He went home and went straight to bed.

I found out today that my friend, Ami, is back in the hospital in Cleveland. She had a perforated colon. Those of you who know Ami know that she didn't have much of a colon left to begin with. She was in a medicated coma for a few days, and for a minute there they weren't sure if she was going to wake up, or if she did, if she was going to be able to breathe on her own. She is doing both now, and her family and friends are very happy. Please wish Ami a quick and complete recovery.

03/29/2007

This past week has been very busy. We moved to a new apartment and Nick has allergies. Nick is allergic to the pine trees here in North Carolina. He had bad allergies last year, but this year seems worse.

The move went smoothly. Some of our stuff is still at the old place, but we have until Sunday to move out of there. All three of us like the new place better. I start a new job on Monday, which is exciting. I will be working two buildings away from Nick, in a related department. We are excited to get to meet for lunch on a regular basis.

James is happy in his little world. He has taken to stomping his feet whenever I march, which is cute. He likes to run in circles through the new kitchen and living room. The "I'm Gonna Get You" game is still his favorite. He refuses to eat unless he is holding a spoon. He refuses food that is given to him, he wants to do everything by himself.

He had a good time with his Aunt Sarah this weekend, and his Nana, of course. He isn't as keen on the pool as he used to be, but he warmed up to his barely-seen family very quickly. We are hoping to get organized in time to give James a proper Easter, but we also think it is good that he is too little to remember these things. Moving is hard work.

March 10-12 2007

The weekend was full of rest and recovery. I was sick on Saturday, so Nick took James out for most of the afternoon. James' fever finally stayed down and he was feeling ok. Saturday was a gorgeous day. While Nick and James were gone, I cleaned the living room and our bedroom. On Sunday we went out for breakfast and then Nick and James did some laundry while I went home and cleaned the bathroom and the kitchen. I had a splitting headache for most of the day, but things still needed to get done. In the evening, we all went grocery shopping together. We have plans to bring a corned beef over to Jackie's apartment (she just moved in) to share. That should be fun. Ty and James don't really play together yet, unless they are taking a bath together. James moves around faster than Ty does. Ty is content to sit and contemplate and James wants to go and get into trouble. Monday was a typical day, thank goodness. James was back in daycare. They spent most of the day outside, so James was tuckered out. He fell asleep before we were ready for him to, and I had to wake him back up so he could take his antibiotics. Otherwise, he is back to normal, finally.

March 5-9 2007

The week started off fairly typical. Everyone went to the respective daycares and work places on Monday. We had a nice dinner on Monday night. James slept through the night. The next day we went, again, off to our respective places. We got the call from daycare at 3:00pm that James was sick. I happened to be at Duke for an interview, so Nick had to interrupt and get the car keys from me to go and get James. James had a fever of 104. We gave him some Tylenol and Motrin, according to the doctor's instructions. James didn't have a good night. On Wednesday, James still had a fever, and this time it wasn't going down with medicine, so I took him to Urgent Care. He was checked for an ear infection, again, and he had a slight ear infection and a sinus infection. The doctor said that James had the 48 hour bug and should start to feel better on Thursday afternoon or so. I went to the pharmacy to pick up James' prescription. On Thursday, Nick and I split the day taking care of James. His fever is down to 99 without medicine, and he slept well last night. He still does NOT want to be put down or walk on his own, but he was playing with toys this morning. Now, I am sick. Nick was sick last week. I seem to get over these things before Nick does, so hopefully I will be better tomorrow morning. James is still a mister cranky-pants, but he is eating better now and he is sleeping well. All of our weekend plans are on hold until we see how James feels.

March 1-4 2007

The past few days have been busy. Thursday and Friday were normal work days, we were doing normal work day things. Saturday we were a little slow to get going and then we ended up in Sarah Duke Gardens, which was very lovely. James bent down and fiddled with the gravel for quite some time. He liked to pick up a rock and hand it to Nick or myself, over and over again. We had to coax him into moving his behind. Then we went to the duck pond, where James was dancing in the wind. He used to hate the wind, but now he dances in it. It is funny to see. After the Gardens, we went to Whole Foods for some eggs, but ended up buying Salmon for dinner. James ate some rice and some veggies for dinner, and just a little bit of salmon. Sunday I took James to the doctor to see about an ear infection (all clear), and James was making friends in the waiting room. He wasn't too happy with the doctor, because she looked in his ears and down his throat. Then James and I drove around to see about renting a new place in town. We would like to get out of our current place as soon as possible. After that, we went to check out the outlet mall near the airport. There is a Carter's there, and a Bass outlet (mom, I know you like Bass), as well as a few others. We bought a new diaper bag and some things for the kitchen. I needed a tea infuser. Then I went grocery shopping while Nick fed James. Nick made crepes with jam for James, and he liked it so much he was dancing in his high chair. James got sleepy early last night, so he went to bed a bit early and slept through the night.

02/28/2007

Mommy is feeling better today. James slept through the night. Daddy is starting to feel worse, though. Everyone had a hard time getting motivated this morning, but we were all on time. James had ham and cheese croissant, carrots, and milk for lunch, according to Carolyn. James loves bread. Because of the nice weather, all of the kids got to play outside. James came home with dirty pants because he is still falling down a lot. Mommy likes to see a dirty James, because then she knows that he had fun. Mommy does not mind the dirt. We had chili made from scratch (thanks, Mommy!) for dinner. James loves beans. We read James some stories and mommy put him to bed. James didn't sleep through the night, because his nose is bugging him again.

02/27/2007

Mommy and daddy have gotten James' cold. Both have a sore throat and a tummy ache. James was feeling well, though his nose is still a bit runny. James had breakfast and got dressed and mommy took him to daycare. He was not upset to be left there this morning. Two of his little friends were already there, and one little girl wanted to read him a book. James is her favorite. Mommy isn't feeling well today, so this day's blog will be short. More to come...

Mommy still didn't feel well at the end of the day. We had pasta for dinner and popcorn for a snack. Then daddy put James to bed and mommy went to bed early.

02/26/07

James woke up this morning and he was very runny in the nose. Daddy got James ready this morning, because it was his turn. James had oranges and peanut butter toast for breakfast. Mommy got him dressed and took him to daycare. He is breathing mostly through his mouth today, but he is only banned from daycare when he has a fever, or when he is lethargic, which isn't very often. James did well with the dropoff. More to come...

James' nose cleared up and he was fine at pickup. He didn't want to leave because Carolyn's son, Daniel, was in the playroom, and James LOVES Daniel. He says "dadu" for Daniel. Daniel is 11, but loves to play with the babies. James went home, and daddy was already home. James had dinner, and then James watched mommy and daddy throw the ball around the living room. Mommy read James' new color book to him. He points to the baby on each page when he is asked "where is the baby?" He fell asleep easily for mommy and slept through the night.

02/25/2007

All three of us woke up and we took a long time getting ready. We needed to go and get some things at Wal-mart. James was still not feeling very well, and it was very rainy. We got the diapers and some household items and then we went to the bookstore. We were looking for number, color, and letter books for James. James likes books. He points to babies, and dogs, when you ask where is the baby and where is the dog. We are working on colors, and kitty cats. We went home for some lunch and then attempted to put James down for a nap. We had tickets to the Duke women's basketball game but couldn't go because James slept too long and he wasn't feeling well. After the nap, we went grocery shopping, came home and made dinner, and then got James ready for bed. He went down easily for daddy today and slept through the night.

02/24/2007

Saturday! James and mommy woke up around 7:30, and James had breakfast and got a morning bath. Then mommy got a shower, which was tricky with daddy not home. James nearly pooed in the bathtub, but mommy knew what was coming and held him over the toilet. So, James had his first poopy in the potty, albeit reluctantly. Then we went to the airport to pick up daddy. Daddy's plane was late getting in, so James got tired and bored. Mommy let him walk around an area that wasn't too crowded, which made James happy. Daddy was picked up and we went home. We stopped to pick up some picnic food at Kroger and drove to Hillsborough to see a revolutionary war reenactment and have a picnic. The weather was gorgeous and Hillsborough is a nice town. We walked through the little shops on the Main Street and then we went back home to take a late nap. All three of us slept until 6pm, and then we had to go out to dinner because it was getting late and we were too hungry to cook. James loves to go out to eat. He made friends with the waitress, as usual. We got back home, played with James, and daddy attempted to put James to bed. James was having none of that, and wanted mommy, so mommy took over. James didn't sleep very well because he was having a hard time breathing and couldn't get comfortable, so mommy was up with him most of the night. Daddy did not get up.

02/23/2007

James slept in this morning, which was good for mommy because she had a lot to do this morning, with daddy being gone. Mommy and James had a relaxing morning. James had some toast and a banana for breakfast. The only problem with the morning was that James had a poopy right before it was time to leave, so that set mommy and James back a few minutes. James was in a great mood when he got to Ms. Carolyn's. The weather is nice again today, though not as warm, so James should enjoy some time outside. All in all, a very relaxing morning. More to come...

Mommy picked James up from daycare and took him home for dinner. James was going to have ravioli and green beans, so mommy stripped James down to his diaper and let him eat with his hands. James had a blast, but refused to eat the green beans. He spit them out when they got in his mouth. Then, mommy and James played until James' bedtime, and James went to sleep easily. James woke up around midnight and mommy took him into bed with her because daddy was not home and because James was starting to get a cold. Devon had a cold at daycare, and James and Devon share everything, much to the chagrin of Devon.

02/22/2007

James slept through the night again! He woke up a cranky butt, but some banana calmed him down. Mommy and daddy got to play with James extra long this morning because Mommy had to drive daddy to the airport. Daddy dressed James this morning, and even managed to match! James is wearing jeans Nana got him for Christmas and a football shirt Nana got him last summer. Mommy bought James some new socks last night, so we will see how long those last. James got to play outside yesterday because mommy decided that it was so nice out, dinner could wait. James liked to walk up and down the sidewalk. He does not like to walk on the grass. Mommy is reminded of when Tracy was little how she did NOT like to lie in the grass, and she refused to get up if she found herself back down on the grass. HA! There is a doggy who lives across the street with whom James badly wants to made friends. James does not understand that the cars in the street will run him over, so mommy and daddy have to keep an extra close eye on him when he is in the front yard. When daddy got home mommy made dinner and daddy took James on a walk down the trail. This was the first time daddy had been on a walk with James where James could actually walk, and that made daddy very happy. Mommy had already taken James walking in the bookstore. Ms. Carolyn said the kids are going to play outside for much of today because the weather is just gorgeous! More to come...

Well, James is in bed now. He went down very easily. Mommy and James didn't have daddy tonight, so we played with blue glitter instead. Mommy made popcorn (on the stove) for James. He LOVES popcorn. Popcorn is possibly his favorite food, besides bananas. A quiet evening, overall.

02/21/07

James slept through the night again. YAY! He woke up in a great mood and daddy gave him his bottle and some pancakes for breakfast. Mommy dressed him in his jean overalls and his gray shirt and put on his hard soled shoes. James loves his shoes and he will even show you where they go, when you ask him where his shoes go. He can also point to his head when asked and his toes when asked. Mommy and daddy are working on nose and ears now. James had a hard time getting dropped off at daycare again, but was done crying by the time mommy made it to the door. He had his yellow sippy, so he was good. Mommy got a call from Ms. Carolyn that James had split his lip while playing outside. Mommy is not surprised, though she feels sorry for little baby James. Bumps and bruises happen with a new walker. James is not usually bumped and bruised at daycare, mostly those happen at home. Daddy was playing with James recently and James fell off of the bed. Mommy scratched James on accident with her wedding ring, and daddy pinched James' fingers under the rocking chair. Mommy was trying to wait until the bruises went away to take pictures, but that might be too long a wait. Tonight we are having spaghetti for dinner and we have to go shopping to get a few things for daddy's trip. James also needs some more socks. James likes to take off his socks and toss them into oblivion. James always needs new socks.

We had James out a little late last night and he got overtired and wouldn't fall asleep for daddy. Mommy came in and sang him nursery rhymes until he fell asleep. James doesn't like when daddy sings nursery rhymes, only mommy. Mostly this is because daddy doesn't know the words. James likes his nursery rhymes in the following order: Humpty Dumpty, Pat-a-cake, Row your boat, Hey Diddle Diddle, This Little Piggy, The Incy Wincy Spider (he does the hand motions), Baa Baa Black Sheep, Little Miss Muffet, Jack and Jill, Little Bo Peep, Polly put the kettle on.

After that, the nursery rhymes can come in any order.

The split lip was not nearly as bad as mommy thought, having gotten a call from the daycare lady. James kept pointing to it and saying "uh-oh." Very cute.

02/20/2007

James wanted me to post a blog about what he does every day, since most of his extended family is far away. James slept through the night last night and woke up in a great mood. He was very hungry. Mommy made his bottle and gave him a banana for breakfast. James decided to toss his toast on the floor. Mommy dressed James in the outfit Auntie Amy got him for his birthday. Cool, Dinosaurs!! Dadddy packed James up for daycare, careful to give James his yellow sippy cup so that James won't try to steal Devon's, and mommy drove James to daycare. James had had a fever over the weekend, from the one year shots, so mommy talked to Ms. Carolyn about that. James has been having a hard time letting mommy go in the morning, but that is normal for a boy James' age. He has been wanting mommy a lot recently, which is frustrating to daddy. Mommy went to work and James played and took a nap. Mommy picked James up from daycare and said goodbye to James' favorite tree. For dinner, James had pasta and some of mommy's rice. The three of us went to walk around the mall. We got daddy a tie for his interview and mommy and daddy got some cookies. James isn't allowed cookies yet, so mommy and daddy will have to eat them later. Daddy put James to bed and James slept through the night.