This Kid

Generally, I think Bobby has really good body control and balance, but I guess that doesn't mean he's coordinated.  And he's only been walking for 2 months, and now he's running, so he was bound to fall.  The matching horns on his head are fading slowly, but then he took his first real dive on the sidewalk at the playground and skinned his knee.  In his defense, the sidewalk was at least an inch unlevel at the seam.  I put a band aid on it to keep the neosporin from getting wiped off and every time he even saw the band-aid, he would get the most pathetic look on his face and whine - pretty funny stuff.

He is loving being outside as much as we can and we even went swimming today since it was 90.  I think it helps him sleep.  Every day is different, today he woke at 7 after waking at 3am; he took a two hour nap.  he goes down without a fuss, and it's about 50/50 if he stays down until morning.

15 Months

2 vaccines + flu shot.
22 pounds, 14 ounces weight (25%)
32.75" height (90%)

Long weekend

We had a good time at the zoo, can't say we did much animal watching, but it was fun for us all.  I pointed out the big bears and gorillas, but that's about it. He liked the geyser thing and walking the railings and throwing mulch.

He literally waves hi at everyone and everything that he sees - including me when he sat up while being rocked to sleep.

We dropped his morning nap,  I would have liked to hold onto it a little longer, but I think this was a good decision.  He still gets a little tired early (11ish) but can usually hang on until after lunch (12:30 or 1) and then sleep 1-1.5 hours.  I hope this gets longer.  I am sure I will jinx it, but he is super easy to put down to sleep again.  He goes down totally awake.  I sort of just hold him and explain it's time and then put him down and walk away.  Less than 10 minutes after we finish bathing and books etc.

We went to the corn maze today and had a lot of fun.  It was way hot, but still a good day.  Not crowded at all. I sort of hated the maze itself though.  I hate being disoriented and having all those turn choices!  But they also had a jumping pillow, which we stayed on forever since no one else was really on it. and a dinosaur fossil sand pit. and a tractor ride.  They also had a gem sifter thing and lots of rocks in the gift shop - perfect for a 4 year old I know.  Their zipline and pumpkin patch open next month.  Maybe we'll go back!

Update

After Bobby conked out in the car on the way home from A2, we tried to get him up for dinner and play before a later bedtime, but he would not engage, so he went to bed in his day clothes with no dinner :(  And he slept until almost 4am.  Then we played until 6am when he went down again for a good bit.  The spots were much less pronounced today - like a bite fading.  Still there, but not red or barely pink and not raised.  He was in a good mood, but not eating.

But as the day progressed, his mood got a little worse and he was pretty testy and overall blah. We ran some errands and went for a bike ride and walked around, but he was up and down until dinner time then it was all down.  We went out in the neighborhood again and it was fine, but he just started wailing after his bath.  Not hurt or wanting something or getting in the carseat or not liking getting dressed (-all why he usually cries).  It was so sad.  And it seems the bumps are back.  Not as many, but there are definitely some new ones - other side of his chest, some more on his legs.  Face and chest are clear though.  Back is much better.

So I'm a little worried,  Rick and I aren't totally convinced it is a drug rash.  But who knows.  I don't think it's bed bugs because I haven't seen any (bugs, blood, skin or bugpoop) on his white crib sheet, but you bet I'll be looking for them anyway in the morning. And Rick and I don't have anything like that and I don't think they would come from Rosannes pack and play or through our walls somehow.  The proximity to taking the antibiotic is just too close.  I'm doing a lot of web research and looking at a lot of nasty rash photos.

Little milestones

Bobby is now working on putting his stroller and carseat buckles together

He spent a lot of time on the swing and slide yesterday.  Previously he wasn't that into it, but now he's an adrenaline junkie.  He also did the more sign to stay on the swing.  First time ever.  (and not since)

He also blew bubbles in the bathtub. It was apparently an accident because every subsequent time, he swallowed half the tub water.

He can point to his belly when asked, and can blow raspberries on your belly. But he will also then stick his finger in your belly button and press as hard as possible.

Growing up

Bobbys cough is pretty much gone, but still lingers a tiny bit.  Day 5 of medicine.  The antibiotics gave him a nasty diaper rash.

He slept 8-8 last night after about 20 minutes of crying.  Skipped the morning nap and put him down at 1 - he only slept 35 minutes.  Crap.  No crying tonight, down at 7pm.  I am not excited about throwing a wrench in his sleeping routine just as he's getting back to it.

He is really a fun little kid.  Very mild mannered and has a pleasant disposition.  He loves saying hi to people, especially other kids at the library.  Anyone actually, but rarely are they close enough to hear him and say hi back.  He is crazy though.  He loves to jump off the couch, arms raised.  Or leap off the top step of the stairs.  Really keeps us on our toes.

Back in Michigan

We are back after our vacation out west.  It was great to get out of here for 9 days.  Usually, even though you don't want to leave the vacation spot, you're excited to come home - we didn't have any of that.  Flying back to Detroit was lousy and driving back to our crappy little town was even worse.  It was a good day of travel, but being home wasn't worth anything.  No mail, nothing in the fridge, blah.  The only good thing is that Bobby finally is back in a crib!  He did really well today, slept on both flights and was totally charming the rest of the time.

He had so much fun seeing his cousins.  He was pretty into Cooper - and treated Coop like Archer treats him, but he had a good afternoon or two with Cash.  It would be fantastic to have a family place where we could all use together, or separately.  It was a really good week, lots of playing outside, didn't venture out much around the lake - only on the boat once, more kayaking and golf carting.

We were then totally spoiled in San Mateo.  Bobby didn't sleep well there at all. don't know why, but he loved the pool, or actually hot tub.  With his turtle suit and floaties, he was totally buoyant and would just walk off the steps under the water.  We got some nice weather as we were leaving and spent a lot of time relaxing and playing.

Now, we are to pack up and find jobs.  We're trying to get to Memphis, but if we have to rent a trailer to get out of here (just big stroller and glider and suitcases) then it wouldn't make sense to drive that around for a week.  And I'm not excited to drive two days twice.  Bobby's hardest day was coming down the mountain back to the coast.

He finally got his fourth bottom tooth.  Also got at least 3 molars next to his canines.  And, he is on antibiotics for a microinfection that probably got irritated when we went on the airplane.  He had this little morning cough forever, then it got worst last week, since they have small sinuses etc...  We took him to a pediatric after hours place, didn't have to wait and saw a nice doctor who was super chatty.  150 bucks, but hopefully we can recoup that from the insurance company.

14 months

Bobby has figured out how to squeal really loudly.    Also how to squeeze a juice box and make it go everywhere.  I bought him some size 5 shoes.  Now that I look at them, they might be water shoes.  But the soul is really thick.  He curls his toes really bad when I try to put shoes on him so that makes it hard. He does have some velcro sandals that he'll sit still for - probably because he knows that means we're going outside.  I bought him this little garage sale battery operated train and he gets furious when it drives away from him.

We left him with a non-relative babysitter last night for the first time ever.  Of course, he was asleep at 7 and she came over at 7:30pm and didn't wake up so it wasn't really traumatic for anyone.

So Rooney lost.  badly.  don't know why. Michigan voters are idiots basically.  we'll see how November goes from afar, but other than that it's anyones guess what he'll do in two years.  Or what we'll do it in two weeks.  We have no back up plan.  We'd like to go to Tahoe with Carolyn this weekend but plane tickets are $7-800 each right now,  we'll see if they miraculously drop so we can get the heck away from stinkin Tecumsee for a while.

August 2

So Election Day is finally here. This time tomorrow night we'll know finally.  I'm pretty nervous. Just b/c it's so close.  I don't know if he can overcome this other guy.  The support is there, but they have to get to the polls.  It's sort of an uphill battle and he has a lot going for him, but a lot against him too and there's a lot of blog chatter and what not, but it could mean nothing.  We'll just have to see.  We don't really have a back up plan at all.  There's a job in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, but that would just be another 1 year stop.  But I guess we could drop anchor and we'd find something there after.  I just don't want to be out there.  oops.

Bobby is doing pretty well.  He loves walking and being outside.  He goes to the front door all the time and reaches for the handle.  He will walk to the playground and ignore my hand if I offer it.

One of his favorite things to do is turn over the laundry basket, climb up on it and bounce.  He has no fear, which can work against him, but if I'm close, he'll walk right off the side of the bed or the stairs.  We went back to the Splash Pad today and he loved it .  Went right through all the sprays and fountains and stuff.  And that water is cold!

Michigan Sweet Corn - so good, 30 - 50 cents each, available everywhere. yum.

I'm definitely having some "live in the middle of nowhere, stay at home mom malaise"  I am sort of desperate to work , but have put myself in a field where that's hard and it's super competitive. Sigh.  I think with 2-3 kids, it would be different, but I don't have that much to do to fill up the days. And I don't mind run/nap/play/eat/play/nap/bike but you know.  Such is life I guess.

When I went to change the bag in the diaper pail, I opened the lid to find Bobby's pajamas on top of all the diapers.  I knew he liked tilting that thing, but I didn't know he really knew how to work it.

When we ride the bike, he tries to take my hands off the handlebar so he can do it.

He really likes to identify birds we see - by making a beak of his hands. Does it whenever he sees, or even hears them.  Also into spotting airplanes when he hears them, he looks up. (sometimes identifies the sound of mack trucks though)

I got him to eat a bite of chicken.  He chewed it for probably 15 minutes.

We are going to the Ann Arbor Art Fair tomorrow.  http://www.artfair.org/

well i was going to blog but Bobby just woke up after about a 30 minute nap.  he's sort of a pain these days.

but when he's not a pain, he's pretty fun.  quite the mimic.   he wants to put the lids on everything.  sippy cup, apple juice, medicine.  that's where they go.

if you dunk your chip in guacamole or stir something up with a utensil, he wants to too.

wants you to wear the shoes that are on the floor, knows where they go.

weatherman: "it's going to be very warm today! 88. "

so i have more, but if this kid doesn't sleep, you'll never get to hear it.

Home alone - therefore I ramble

Tonight, we went to Light up the Night, in downtown Tecumseh.  It was underwhelming to say the least.  It was an antique car show, music in the park, and downtown business something.  Basically some cars in a bank parking lot,  a (good) band on the side patio of a store and one flower booth.  I guess I expected a little more.  But we (Bobby and I) took some dinner and listened to the music until they took a break, walked through the cars and then home.  There was a baseball game across the street from us so we watch an inning there too - just missing the ice cream truck.  On reconsideration, the cute little downtown is generously three blocks and nothing useful.  Everything is rather expensive too.

They were also fighting the Manchester Chicken Broil up the road, 4x 100 foot grills,  19,000 pounds of chicken   14,000 rolls.  This is why I need my own car.  Would have loved to gone.   There is 2-3 more festivals this weekend, don't know what Ricks schedule is though.  

Statistics say the population of 8,600 is evenly distributed, but there seems to be a dearth of 20 somethings.  Which is totally understandable, but it's weird to not see the attractive, fun, young people (that are older than high school)  I would also say I don't see young families, but I have walked/biked about 80 percent of the streets and see a lot of bikes and sandboxes and playsets in yards and garages.  Just can't find the families.  Seriously,  I have been to 3 elementary schools, the middle school and 3 parks - morning, noon and night - and I have seen noone else on the playgrounds.  Same with the library and pool and the lake - no one for me to play with.

Bobby is almost a walker.  He's pretty good at it, but just doesn't do it that often.  Mostly while playing in the basement.  He likes shoes. Tries to put them on, etc, but can't walk in them.  He's not eating well, which drives me crazy.  I think it's his teeth, but he's also really picky.  At this age, he should be eating a lot more than grilled cheese, yogurt and dry cereal.  I want to throw some asparagus tips, black beans and chicken cubes on his plate but that would be wasted.  And I've tried to mix it in different sauces and soups, but then I have to feed him and he doesn't want that either.  Oh well.

What's new

Slow week here.  Lots and lots of walking and biking.  There are tons of playgrounds and parks here.  We went to the community (indoor) pool today.  Nice facility, only have open swim 1.5 hrs/week and the water was cold but we had a nice time anyway.  Tomorrow, we try "the Pit" - some sort of lake and park recreation area.

Bobby hates his high chair,  even his new fancy booster seat hybrid thing.  Even if we all sit with him and eat. No tricks work.  He eats on the move if he is distracted.  I do not like this pattern but otherwise it's 3 bites and done.

After I wrote how well he was sleeping, I totally jinxed it.  He woke up twice the next night and up for the day at 6am.  Last night was better, slept through the night and today napped twice for 2.5 hours.  He's been sucking his fingers a lot so I keep expecting teeth, but nothing.  Occasionally I give him ibuprofen for them.  Hope that's not bad!

He also is biting a bit, but totally grabbing free skin and swiping at our faces.  He thinks it's pretty funny.  Ricks open scratch says otherwise.

Tour de Tecumseh

Tour de Tecumseh
Originally uploaded by sld78

We are up and running! (or biking at least).  He has been doing really well for long periods in the stroller and even getting in it himself in the mornings, but now we can go even further faster!  I got a new six speed bike at Meijer on sale and then the iBert bike seat from BabiesRUs online.  All for under $200.  $6 helmet used too. I think he likes it, but the jury is still out.   I got a mens bike so Rick will ride too but it would be more helpful to have the cross bar lower.  I have to ride with my knees just a tiny bit wide so if you have longer legs, you can put the seat up higher and it wouldn't be a problem.  Also tilted handle bars would help lots, but Bobby likes to hold onto them either way.

I think he is finally adjusted as he is sleeping better and whining less.  He slept about 11.5 hours last night and then took a two and a half hour morning nap, and was still ready right on time for his afternoon nap.  I am hoping to get the truck up and running for Rick next week and then Bobby and I will start our daytrips.

Notes

Obvious, but, there are very few foreign cars on the road.

At this rate, Cooper will be weaned before Bobby and Archer

You can get a lot of ice cream for $2 here.

We have hard water.  I don't really notice a difference (no dingy hair or clothes yet) Maybe Bobby is a little slimy in the bath.  Not as bubbly lathers.

Bobby has a "summer cough" He's had it for a while.  No fever, irritability or other symptoms, but either in the middle of the night or morning, he hacks pretty bad.  Nurse said to give him honey, or warm juice, plus use the humidifier etc, but nothing works.  Any ideas anyone?  When should I worry?

Happy Birthday Emily

13 months

I can't believe I've been here a week.  It feels like a month at least.  I've walked the whole town.  Mostly in 90 degree heat.  Nothing left to explore.  Except for the nail salons I guess.  Maybe we should get a babysitter and actually go out, but I don't even think there's places to eat, just ice cream.  And I don't think Rick will see Twilight.

I put Bobby to bed a little later tonight, in hopes that he will sleep past 5:30am.  He is sleeping through the night, going down super easily, but only sleeping about 10.5 hours.  He's not walking too much yet.  Standing up and down lots but not taking the steps.

He is crazy exhausted.  We play all day in rocks, mulch, grass, pebbles, swing, slide and in heat.  He's not eating that much which I hate, but I keep trying.  We're on a pasta kick now.  Probably since we don't have access to Harris Teeter mac and cheese.

I'm enjoying all the new pics and news when it comes.  I realized today I have no interaction with anyone but Bobby and Rick.  Small town yes, but not southern friendly.  Maybe they know I'm an outsider.  We'll try the library again tomorrow, haven't seen too many moms of little ones.

http://nymag.com/news/features/67024/    Okay, I haven't actually read this whole thing yet, so can't really push it as a recommended read, but here it is nonetheless.

Michigan (out of order)

The day had come and we sadly had to leave.  I wanted to be with Rick and I am more than ready to settle down, but not into a temporary place, and we loved our situation; so I had a lot of trepidation. We got packed up slowly. I had to send about 4 boxes of clothes and miscellany ahead of time.  Then packed two 60 pounds suitcases, so mom will be sending another box along.  So I had one 47 pound bag, a 49 pound bag, the giant car seat, my giant jogging stroller and the umbrella stroller. But we got it all checked along for free, thank god.

I've never spent more than a few days up here, so it is interesting already.  Flying into Detroit over some great lake was cool. There are a bunch of islands in the middle of it.  Also, it is soooo flat up here.  We are about 45 minutes SW of the airport, through a couple small towns.  So I was viewing this trip as a big adventure and actually got excited in the last couple days. I want to go to Canada, and go kayaking, and boating, and biking and explore things I don't know about, now that Bobby is a little older.  So all that was a positive thing, but then I realize Rick is working 6 days a week and often nights and weekends.  So I'll probably have to do it alone.  If anyone wants to come visit me, I want to rent an RV!

I can't even describe this town b/c I've never been anywhere like it, but I'm sure there are thousands of them around.  Lots of Victorian homes, with sidings, lots of lattice and colors etc.  There is a couple blocks of "Main Street" then the more commercial end with the Family Dollar store (yuck), grocery, Walgreens and CVS and fast food.  It will do.  Also, the Rooneys are lending us a truck that we'll pay insurance on and then I'll have my car to use for aforementioned adventures.  There are lots of people walking around  the neighborhood.  And there are those walk up ice cream stores all over this area and they're packed at night.

Also it's light here until at least 9:30, close to 10pm.  A little disorientating at first.  I'll be in touch and document it all as we hit up all the parades, pig roasts, festivals and whatnot in the next month!  And if you have any rich friends, tell them to donate to Rooney!

The House

Ok, I'll try to keep this short.  Here is the condo! It is in a little community of 13 condos.  We have a stand alone garage and there is a swing set and slide in an open area.  So I posted photos on flickr, but it is a good find.  The Rooneys lent us a changing table and crib.  But they couldn't find the screws, so Rick called Pottery Barn looking for some info and they freaked out it was a drop side crib, so are replacing it for free.  Bobbys room originally had twin beds in it, so now one is on the floor and one is in the basement.  There are two sinks upstairs and lots of cupboards and two linen closets, plus lots of hanging space. 

So there is one for sale across from us for $110K (which now that I think about it, it may be over priced)

First Day

Still so many thought to share, guess I just need to start typing!  And since the boys have both been asleep since before 7pm, I might as well get to it!  I guess they wore each other out. 

So the place is great.  It's small but for our needs, it's good.  It's about 30-45 minutes from everything which is the worst part, but for a no lease, no security deposit, month to month, fully furnished, all utilities and cable included, we got lucky.  And everything is here, collander, can opener, oven mitts, trash cans, hangers, cleaning supplies, ironing board, etc. And lots of closets and cupboards, and they provided several dressers and shelves.  So having done this before, I appreciate this set up.   Rick had totally been living like a bachelor.  One plate, one fork, one pot, precooked food etc.  So he's glad to have it.  It is quickly becoming a home.  Anyway,

Rick had the day off, so he wanted to show me around, go shopping, go to the park etc, but we really needed to get settled and get our bearings.  So we hund out here in the morning, Bobby napped, we activated Ricks new Blackberry (woo hoo), had lunch, then got our act together.  We drove up to Ann Arbor to pick up a $35 rocking chair - which made bedtime a heck of a lot easier.  Then while there, we found a kid consignment store! And found some toys and a diaper champ ($13) which saved our trip out tonight to get the craigslist one. 

I realize I'm rambling, so I'll try to edit myself in the future!!  But oh yah =  we saw a BEAVER in the front yard when we were playing!!!  Just walking across the front like a cat or something, then scampered away before I could click it with my phone!

We made it

Lots to share, but I'm pretty tired. Bobby is still a good traveler, but oh boy,  is he (hyper)active!  Did not stay still, let alone nap, for 5+ hours.  We are settled in for the night, busy day tomorrow.  It is good to be with dad, but we miss Grammy lots and lots.   Hope I can find some time to recap all the thoughts about the new place, and getting four big pieces of luggage checked!  We are here though and the adventures begin!  Photos will be forthcoming so don't overanalyze this one ;)