Cream of Potato Soup

Sorry about that last post. Reading it today, it seems very rambling and poorly written, but I don't feel the urge to do it over. I'll try to do better today.

Mike hasn't been feeling well since Monday night, and he came home from work at lunchtime yesterday to rest. He's still not feeling his best, but he did go to work today and I hope he makes it through with no trouble.

Because it was rainy and cool yesterday (and because we wanted to give Mike some quiet time), Evan and I went to the mall. The mall with Evan is an exciting adventure. He is no longer content to ride in the stroller. He wants to climb into the fountains, run with the crowds, and holler loudly in long corridors that echo his voice back to him. I try to take Ev in halls where it's not too crowded (down by Elder Beerman, or Burlington) and let him roam free, happily yelling and running around.

Yesterday's big thing was trying to push the stroller by himself. He did well, but it sometimes got ahead of him and he would fall on the floor. He also got to share some Baskin Robbins ice cream with Mommy (can't walk by the old place without stopping!) and spit his water all over himself because he thought that would be funny. I was just waiting for somebody to come up to me and yell about me letting my kid run around soaking wet.

If this rainy weather keeps up, maybe we'll be back there again tonight. Ev has to run.

Posted by jenny at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We had quite a busy weekend around here, and Ev enjoyed every minute of it. We spent Saturday hanging out with Mike's family to celebrate his birthday. Evan enjoyed his visit to HealthSouth to see his great grandpa because there were lots of hallways to run up and down. Evan also liked the cake he got that night--it was like his own birthday all over again.

Sunday saw us having breakfast with Mike's folks before they headed out of town. We then went to Sam's for diapers and to Best Buy so Mike could get an accessory for his new IPod (he loves loves loves it). Then we drove around the peninsula while Evan napped before heading to Grandma's for the annual Memorial Day picnic. The weather held out for Evan to tear around Grandma's yard, eat lots of yummy picnic food, and even run around in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetary.

Yesterday we headed to Waldameer for a picnic lunch and so Evan could ride his very first ride there. He and Daddy rode the "Big Rigs" together. For those of you my age and older, these are big cars made to look like semis that go along a track and through a tunnel. There are little steering wheels and horns at each seat. The ride is where that big pond with the remote control boats used to be in the middle of the park. You know, the one your parents told you you would fall head first into if you were goofing around on the Sky Ride. Then it was up to my dad's for some grillin and chillin--the usual way to end a weekend.

We all had a lot of fun, but the whole weekend was very tiring! Luckily, Evan has been sleeping well every night for the past week--and by well I mean in his own bed, from 10 pm til 7 am. I really can't complain about that. Imagine, finally sleeping through the night at 16 months. I never thought I'd see the day. This week should be uneventful compared to last week. Let's hope so anyway!

Posted by jenny at 09:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Evan's latest evaluation did not go at all well. He's going to need speech therapy, and occupational therapy too--I'm not sure yet how often or for how long. I'll find out more when I meet next with Ev's caseworker, about two weeks from now.

I am really and truly exhausted.

Posted by jenny at 07:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another monumental day today--our 1,000 day of marriage. Yes, we keep track (easily because of the counter on our wedding web site). So Mike and I will do something special tonight to celebrate the occasion. It may involve a giant cookie.

Last night we went to my dad's for Mike's birthday--pizza and cake. It was a nice evening of hanging out with the family, and Mike enjoyed all the fuss. We even busted out the "Happy Birthday" banner from Ev's party in January (we also used the "1" candle from Ev's party, because I forgot to get other candles--doh!). We got to spend some time outside too, and I was glad for that since it's supposed to rain the rest of the weekend.

The one odd event of the evening goes to our dear little Ev. I took him in my dad's back yard so he could watch Mike and Steven play catch. As Evan approached the goldfish pond (complete with waterfall) I said to the guys, "I have to really watch Ev back here because he is fascinated by the pond." No sooner had I said that then Ev walked up to the edge of the pond and proceeded to walk right in. I was just a step behind and caught him before he went in any further than his waist, but that was enough. He was not shocked at all by the cold water--in fact he thought the whole thing was hysterical and wanted to go back for more. I let him splash around with his hands from the edge for a few minutes before we went inside for a warm bath and to dry his clothes.

Life is never predictable with a toddler.

Posted by jenny at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today is Evan's daddy's 27th birthday! Happy Birthday, Daddy! We hope you have an excellent day!

Posted by jenny at 09:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The pimples turned out to be a rash that looks like measles--a side effect of the MMR vaccine Evan had 10 days ago. The rash should only last a few days and go away on it's own. We're to give him Tylenol if he's cranky or has a low grade fever. So that ends that saga.

After the doctor's visit, we went to Meadville with Mike so he could finish up some work. While there, we ended up looking at a house near the college that Mike found last week. It's nice--needs a splash of new paint and a good airing out, but other than that it would be perfect for us. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, close to Mike's work and close to shopping, in a nice neighborhood. I think it could work out nicely. We'll keep you posted if we decide to relocate.

After looking at the house and while Mike toiled away in his office, Evan and I took a trip to Meadville's Super Wal-Mart (I'm not a big fan of Wal-Mart, but you take what you can get) and drove around for a bit. Then we all had dinner together at a market in town and headed home. Now Mike is editing video, Evan is fast asleep in his crib, and I am going to bed after what seems like a very long day.

Posted by jenny at 10:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just last night I was talking to Beth on the computer and I was saying how dull life can sometimes seem as a stay at home parent. Today I wonder how I could have said such a thing.

This morning, Mike noticed some little red pimples on Ev's face. I joked that maybe he was going through puberty. Mike told me to look out if his cry suddenly gets deeper or he takes an interest in girls. Ha ha. But then when I undressed Ev for his bath, I noticed that he has the spots all over his back and tummy, as well as some on his diaper area. I had seen two or three on his back yesterday, but I dismissed them as bug bites from being outside over the weekend. So now what? I call the doctor--an illness could explain Ev's grumpiness over the past few days, as well as these odd spots.

I called my mom on her lunch hour at work so she could help me theorize. An allergy? No new foods or detergents recently, so that's probably not the cause. Could it be chicken pox, though he's already had the vaccine? Maybe it's connected to the MMR vaccine he has at his appointment ten days ago? We're taking him in to be seen this afternoon. I'll let you know what it is when we find out.

I was also able to speak to Evan's EI caseworker this morning. She was very helpful in getting us a speech evaluation. We're lucky that someone cancelled and there is an opening this Friday afternoon. So Heather will be here Friday and hopefully she will help us figure out what's going on with Evan's speech delay. I'm looking forward to her visit. She's so good with Ev and I think she's just excellent at what she does.

Okay, time to get ready for the doctor. I'll post tonight with news.

Posted by jenny at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Evan's NICU follow up went fairly well. He wowed the girls with how big he's gotten and how well he's walking. They were pleased that he is so curious and active. We were sent home with an article about food aversions (we still have those texture issues), speech patterns in children 18 months to two years, and instructions to return in early December.

Oh yes, and a referral for speech therapy.

So I called our Early Intervention caseworker to see if I could get Evan in to see a speech pathologist. She'll call me back in the morning and we'll try to set up an evaluation. I'll keep you posted on what happens there.

Posted by jenny at 05:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thanks to everyone who is telling me not to worry about Evan's NICU follow up. I'm trying not to, I swear. Good or bad, I'll let you know how it goes Monday evening. He did get the crumb into the pop bottle, by the way.

Right now Mike and Evan are down at the beach having a walk. Mommy took advantage of this time by taking a long bath and listening to her music as loudly as she'd like. It's nice to be alone for an hour or so. As much as I love my boys, some time to myself always makes me feel more human.

Last night I had a really weird dream, and a lot of people from high school were in it. The scene was a combination graduation/prom, and it was in a big gym (though not McDowell's gym). All of these random people I haven't spoken to in years were there, and I danced with some of them--though I have to tell you the dancing was more like square dancing than slow dancing. There were all these odd details too--like my bedroom at home looking just like it did ten years ago, and there was this one part where my first boyfriend gave me a cardboard box. I never did get to see what was in it (though I think it was letters) but he had written all over it and his handwriting was just as I remember it. So bizarre.

That's one thing about being married to someone you went to high school with--you hate to share this kind of dream with them, because they know how random the people in it are to you, and then they wonder why in heaven's name you were dreaming about them. And for some reason Mike never remembers his dreams (unless he's had a few drinks, but that's only about twice a year). I will not share the names of the people here (because last time I did that I got Googled for her name a bunch of times), but I will say it was odd.

I think the dream stems from the fact that they had a little blurb on the news last night about McDowell's prom. Hard to believe my junior prom was 10 years ago--that's a night I'll never forget. And in another 15 years or so, Evan will be going to his junior prom. I have a hard time seeing him as a tall young man in a tux. I'm sure I'll cry when I do.

Posted by jenny at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Monday Evan is scheduled for his second NICU follow up. You may remember his last one in September, when we took him down to Hamot for a little evaluation. They do these with all the NICU grads for the first few years to make sure the kids are developing as they should, and I also think it helps them keep a good record of their "success stories". I'm glad they're following him, but I have to say these appointments make me a little bit nervous.

About two weeks before the visit, you get a packet in the mail. In the packet are a sheet that tells you the date, time and location of your appointment, a general information/demographic form to fill out, and a series of questions about what your child is or is not doing at this age. Now for the 14 month follow up, the questions are like this:

"Does your child climb onto furniture?" (Well, his legs are rather short)
"Does your child stack three small blocks on top of each other by himself?" (He'd rather knock them down)
"Can your child drop a crumb into a small, clear bottle?" (Gee, this isn't one of our regular activities)
"Does your child play with a doll by hugging it?" (Yeah, right)
"Does your child try to get a small toy that is slightly out of reach by using a spoon, stick or similar tool?" (I try not to give him sticks or other tools, but no)
"Does your child say four or more words in addition to Mama or Dada?" (Not even close)

Evan is doing some of the things they ask about, but a majority of the things we have tried he is unable or unwilling to do. By far he seems to be most lacking in communication and problem solving skills. I don't know what to think about that.

I know I shouldn't be worried, that all kids, especially preemies, develop in their own time but I can't help being nervous about the whole thing. I feel like they're not only evaluating Evan's progress, but they are grading me as a mom. And if I don't get a good grade, I don't know what I'm going to do. Moms of full term babies don't get evaluated periodically or graded on their kid's progress. But I feel like I'm being scrutinized, and if Evan isn't up to par then it's my fault.

I just want him to be okay, to be a "normal kid", to not have to worry about this preemie stuff for the rest of my life. But that's wishing for something that can't be. I just have to hope that things are fine, that his delays are minor, that I can teach him to throw a ball overhand in the next three days.

Posted by jenny at 04:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there--especially Lisa and April, who are celebrating their first Mother's Day this year with their baby boys. I enjoyed my special day very much. Though it was hectic and not very relaxing, I can't complain about a day spent surrounded by family who love me. That is such a blessing.

The day started out on a high note. Mike and I woke early because of the loud thunderstorms blowing through the area. Luckily, the storms did not wake Evan, who slept in his crib from 10 last night until 7:30 this morning. I was so pleased. When he did get up, I popped him into bed with Daddy and the two of them dozed for another hour while I had a quiet breakfast and took a long shower. Aaah. That was heaven.

After that it was off to visit my mom and take her an azalea plant that I had chosen for her. When I got to her house, Jerry was already there, and we had a very nice visit. Evan was a little crabby, but after a while he settled down and fell asleep. I let him go for a while before it was time to head over to brunch with Mike's family.

Brunch was excellent, and it was nice to have it at Mike's aunt's house this year instead of at a restaurant. It was definitely more relaxed and more fun for the kids. We ate and kicked back for a bit before it was time to head out again, this time to Mason Farms for plants and then to visit the cemetary where Mike's grandparents are buried.

When we were finished there it was off to my dad's for pizza and our usual Sunday night, just hanging out. Evan played and ate and ran around there for a while before he realized he had hardly slept all day and started to get crabby again. Now we are all home and beat. Evan is already out cold and hopefully will sleep well again tonight. I couldn't ask for a better Mother's Day gift.

Posted by jenny at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The visit to the doctor went well. Evan has shot up to 31.5 inches and now weighs 21 pounds, 4 ounces. He luckily only had to have one shot and, though it was a painful one, he recovered quickly. Evan's progress was said to be excellent, and we were advised that the way to get him to drink milk was to give him--get this--chocolate milk. Sshhh, don't tell anyone. We're going to try it. The doctor said that breast fed babies often don't like the taste of regular milk because breast milk is much sweeter than regular milk, so maybe this will do the trick. Who knew?

Aside from the minimal trauma of the doctor visit, the day was very nice. Jerry came bearing lunch around noon and we sat and talked for a few hours until it was time for our appointment. After we were done at the doctor's, Mike, Evan and I ran a few errands and had a quiet dinner at home. Following that, I was off to get my hair cut and Mike and Ev took a long walk around the neighborhood. It turned out to be quite a good day. Now we are all back home and settled in for the evening, relaxing before a busy weekend.

Posted by jenny at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Everything is going along swimmingly in Evan land. He continues to fight for independence, as he wants to walk everywhere (especially when we're out somewhere that it wouldn't be safe--the street, a parking lot, the mall).

We were at the mall today as a matter of fact, doing some shopping with April and baby Dean. I tried to let Evan run around as much as I could, but some parts of the Millcreek Mall are just not meant for babies to roam free. So Ev was mad at me, and he let me know it. Sometimes I feel like such a mean mommy--it's amazing how your point of view shifts and aligns itself with that of your own parents once you have a child. It's chilling how they make so much sense now.

Tomorrow is Ev's 15 month check up. I expect nothing out of the ordinary--your usual height and weight check, as well as three shots if I counted correctly. Fantastic. And I have to remember to ask the doctor about what we should do since Evan won't drink milk. Don't let me forget. See you here tomorrow with all Ev's new stats.

Posted by jenny at 05:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After a pretty nice weekend, we find ourselves on Monday--a rainy, windy Monday. Evan would like nothing more than to go and play outside, and I wish we could too. The afternoons seem long when you're stuck inside.

They also seem long when your son naps earlier than usual. Instead of falling asleep between 1 and 1:30 as is his routine, Ev decided to throw me today and fell asleep at 11:30 after a hearty snack and some Sesame Street. It actually worked out well though. I was able to get a longer workout done, eat lunch, and relax a bit during the two and a half hours that Ev slept.

He's such a cute sleeper, even now. When he was so tiny, he would sleep all curled up in a ball and hardly take up any room at all. Now he spreads out, throwing covers off and arms out to the sides, feet stretched to the end of the crib. He also flops around a lot too--he sleeps on his belly a lot with his hands tucked under his chin, or on his side with his hands out in front of him. He's so sweet to watch.

The one thing that I am not a fan of is a new face that Evan has learned to make. It's a pouty, annoyed kind of face. He crinkles his nose and blows air in and out, much like a snorting bull. He also squints, curls his lips and shows his front teeth when he does this. It's not pretty, and he seems to do it a lot to let me know he's not happy with me. I'll try to get a picture.

Posted by jenny at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So we didn't go out of town. We stayed home and so far this weekend has been a lot of fun. Friday (Daddy's day off) we got an early start and spent the day running errands around town. We ended up at my dad's in the evening so we could catch up with Jerry and Sarah. Sarah's off to Texas this week for two months of clinical work, so we wanted to see her before she took off. It worked out well--Jerry, Sarah, Steven, Stacey, Mike, Evan and I (where were you Timmy?) ended up at the Lube and had much merriment.

Today we've just been hanging out. Mike took Evan out this morning to watch his Aunt Jo's bike race, while I got to stay home and take a bath. Aaah. I also had enough time to clean most of the house without the boys underfoot, so that was good. Jo came over here after the races and kept an eye on Ev for a few hours while Mike and I went to the beach to fly kites and did some grocery shopping. Fun! Now we are home, Ev is passed out in his bed after all the excitement, and the rest of us are watching TV and having popcorn. A capital evening all around.

Posted by jenny at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mike updated programs and such on my computer last night, which is a good thing since I haven't done much to keep up since he bought me the computer for Christmas in 1999. Holy crap that was a long time ago. But I'm resistant to change, so this is an adjustment for me. I'm glad he did it though--everything works much better and makes more sense. I must adapt.

Today has been a weird day--intermittent sunshine and severe thunderstorms. Evan and I were able to play outside for an hour or so after lunch, which was nice. Or it was nice, until he fell and scraped his hand. But he's okay, don't worry. His shoes have a habit of falling off while he's walking (they are just a tad bit too big and are slip-ons instead of tie shoes). So guess what's on our shopping list for this weekend? Better fitting tie shoes. There's no way around it, kids are expensive.

Mike is taking the day off tomorrow, so that will make for a nice long weekend. Too bad we can't agree on what to do with all this time together. Mike is debating between a trip to Cleveland and staying home, and I'm thinking that if we stay home we should clean out the attic and put away some of Evan's outgrown stuff. If Mike gets wind of that plan, we're definitely going out of town.

Posted by jenny at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)