So glad this is a nonchallenge :)
Dear Cheeks -
I am trying to think of my favorite childhood memory - I had a pretty good childhood, so I'm having trouble picking one. I am going to have to say that my favorite is when my family from NY would come down (your Aunt Judy, Uncle Bill, Cousins Tommy and Allie - and sometimes Uncle Steven and his brood too) and we would all be at my grandma and grandpas (on my mom's side). If I remember correctly, it was usually over spring break time - and we'd go to the beach - swim in the pool - feed fish bread in the fish pond behind my grandparents house. It was a fun, relaxing, stress free time - you don't get too many of those as an adult!
I am trying to create memories of home and family for you. Even though you are only 15 months, I bake for you (healthy oatmeal raisin cookies - and muffins). When you were 10 months old, I brought your high chair in the kitchen, and we baked cookies together for Santa (well, you played and I baked - but we had a good time). We eat dinner as a family - and have been doing so since you could sit in a high chair. You would have your bottle while mama and I ate dinner. So many families today don't get the opportunity to eat together - and it was important to your mama and me that you grew up with this as a normalcy. While these things are probably very ordinary and mundane - they are the memories I want you to look back on and enjoy. I plan to continue baking for you forever - and eating together as a family until you move out of the house. I hope you do the same with your children one day.
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sometimes mommies are the best doctors around
So Cheeks developed this rash. We were told at first it was Excema....then Atopic Dermatitis (a form of Excema)...then Ganotti-Crosti Syndrome. A syndrome? Our son has a syndrome? That is a scary word in mommy-land. Thankfully, this "syndrome" is just a rash. Still, that just hasn't sat right with me since I've been doing some research on it. First of all, with Ganotti-Crosti syndrome manifests itself on face, and extremities - usually not on the torso. Here is a pic of someone with Ganotti-Crosti syndrome (taken from http://infections.consultantlive.com/display/article/1145625/1405337?pageNumber=5):
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As you can see - not really the same. GCS is also usually preceeded by a viral infection of some sort - Cheeks has not had one. So this mommy began her digging.
Did you know a child can get a rash 7-12 days after the MMR vaccine is administered? Cheeks had his MMR vaccine 12 days before this rash appeared. I googled rashes associated with the MMR vacine. Low and behold, I found this (taken from http://www.ehow.com/how_2331357_treat-measles-rash-after-mmr.html):
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Has anyone elses child out there had a reaction to the MMR shot like this? From what I read it is fairly normal.
Here is a picture of Cheeks' torso:
As you can see - not really the same. GCS is also usually preceeded by a viral infection of some sort - Cheeks has not had one. So this mommy began her digging.
Did you know a child can get a rash 7-12 days after the MMR vaccine is administered? Cheeks had his MMR vaccine 12 days before this rash appeared. I googled rashes associated with the MMR vacine. Low and behold, I found this (taken from http://www.ehow.com/how_2331357_treat-measles-rash-after-mmr.html):
Looks pretty darn similar to me!!! My annoyance right now is why didn't the doctor's office put two and two together before I did? We were there three times. They should have seen he had this vaccine within the past 2 weeks - yet it was never a thought that this could be a reaction (albeit normal reaction) to the vaccine. This is upsetting to me as a parent.Has anyone elses child out there had a reaction to the MMR shot like this? From what I read it is fairly normal.
Work Sucks
After 4 1/2 days at home with my Cheeks, it is horrible to come back to work today. On top of it, Cheeks is sick with a rash - Ganotti-Crosti Syndrome. When I heard the word "Syndrome" my heart fell. I automatically thought it was something worse - but no - they throw that word in there just to worry us moms. It's just a nasty rash that takes a LONG time to go away. Poor thing is itchy and just wants to be held. I just want to be home with him. I am happy he is with his mama though - just wish I could be there too.
Will blog more about the weekend - have to go handle the gazillion e-mails I walked into this AM...
Will blog more about the weekend - have to go handle the gazillion e-mails I walked into this AM...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Excited and Nervous
So tonight Doc leaves to go to Ohio to visit her Dad for father's day. I took this afternoon, tomorrow, and Monday off of work to spend with Cheeks. My mom and dad are coming up on Saturday so Cheeks can see one of his grandpas (and I can see my dad) on Father's Day. I am SO excited about this weekend.
At the same time, I am slightly nervous about this afternoon and tomorrow. I am Cheeks' mommy - but this is going to be the first time I've been completley alone with him overnight. Doc is the stay at home mom in our family - and I have had to travel for work, so she has done it before. I am a newbie at it. I am not nervous about being alone with him. We are going to have a blast! I'm nervous about the sillier things - like when will I shower? How will I make dinner? People do it all time time - I am just a wee bit nervous for my first time!
That being said, I have a fantastic weekend planned out for us. Tonight we are ordering in pizza for dinner and then going to the Y (I am taking a water aerobics class, and Cheeks is going to play). Once we get home, we are going to play, take a bath, and have bedtime. I am then planning to clean a bit after he goes to bed.
Tomorrow, we are going to wake up and have breakfast. We are then going to the mall to play (they have a very cool play area in the middle of our mall - Cheeks loves it!) After the mall and lunch, we will go home for naptime. When he wakes up - more play, dinner, more play again, bedtime, and more cleaning for me.
Then, Saturday Grandma and Grandpa G come to visit!! Woo hoo!! :) We are going to a fun fair at our mall (gee - we sure are going to the mall a lot lol) called Touch a Truck. Cheeks loves is cars/trucks - so this should be fun for him. They have real fire trucks, police cars, construction trucks - and the kids can play/take pics/etc.
Sunday hasn't fully been planned yet - but I do know we are going to BBQ ribs for Grandpa for Father's Day!
All in all I am very excited about the weekend. Here's to hoping it's as great as I am expecting :)
At the same time, I am slightly nervous about this afternoon and tomorrow. I am Cheeks' mommy - but this is going to be the first time I've been completley alone with him overnight. Doc is the stay at home mom in our family - and I have had to travel for work, so she has done it before. I am a newbie at it. I am not nervous about being alone with him. We are going to have a blast! I'm nervous about the sillier things - like when will I shower? How will I make dinner? People do it all time time - I am just a wee bit nervous for my first time!
That being said, I have a fantastic weekend planned out for us. Tonight we are ordering in pizza for dinner and then going to the Y (I am taking a water aerobics class, and Cheeks is going to play). Once we get home, we are going to play, take a bath, and have bedtime. I am then planning to clean a bit after he goes to bed.
Tomorrow, we are going to wake up and have breakfast. We are then going to the mall to play (they have a very cool play area in the middle of our mall - Cheeks loves it!) After the mall and lunch, we will go home for naptime. When he wakes up - more play, dinner, more play again, bedtime, and more cleaning for me.
Then, Saturday Grandma and Grandpa G come to visit!! Woo hoo!! :) We are going to a fun fair at our mall (gee - we sure are going to the mall a lot lol) called Touch a Truck. Cheeks loves is cars/trucks - so this should be fun for him. They have real fire trucks, police cars, construction trucks - and the kids can play/take pics/etc.
Sunday hasn't fully been planned yet - but I do know we are going to BBQ ribs for Grandpa for Father's Day!
All in all I am very excited about the weekend. Here's to hoping it's as great as I am expecting :)
Monday, June 13, 2011
Day 11 – In what ways does being a lesbian/2-mom family impact your experience of parenting?
I know I'm a bit behind - but it's a non-challenge! :)
Dear Cheeks -
You are one lucky little boy. You don't only have one mom who loves you to pieces - you have TWO!! Being a two mom family definitely brings an extra angle to the mix of parenting (not that I know anything else). I'd say the biggest impact is that you have two women, with two maternal instincts caring for you. It definitely creates a bit of tension at time - but your mama and I have such a solid relationship that it has only made us stronger as a couple.
Like many other two mom families, we have broken through the traditional roles of "mother" and "father". Instead, we are "mama" and "mommy". I carried you for 9-months and gave birth to you - and your mama works at home full time taking care of you, while I work full time in a big office building (ok - a medium sized office building lol). You have a bond with both of us like none other.
We have only experienced people fawning over you - even though you are a product of two moms. While I thought we may have gotten odd looks and scowls (especially in the "religious" area we live in currently) we only get well wishes and people telling us we must be doing something right to have such a happy baby. I can only hope that continues and gets more prominent throughout the world as you grow up.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Cheeks -
You are one lucky little boy. You don't only have one mom who loves you to pieces - you have TWO!! Being a two mom family definitely brings an extra angle to the mix of parenting (not that I know anything else). I'd say the biggest impact is that you have two women, with two maternal instincts caring for you. It definitely creates a bit of tension at time - but your mama and I have such a solid relationship that it has only made us stronger as a couple.
Like many other two mom families, we have broken through the traditional roles of "mother" and "father". Instead, we are "mama" and "mommy". I carried you for 9-months and gave birth to you - and your mama works at home full time taking care of you, while I work full time in a big office building (ok - a medium sized office building lol). You have a bond with both of us like none other.
We have only experienced people fawning over you - even though you are a product of two moms. While I thought we may have gotten odd looks and scowls (especially in the "religious" area we live in currently) we only get well wishes and people telling us we must be doing something right to have such a happy baby. I can only hope that continues and gets more prominent throughout the world as you grow up.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Day 7 – What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? If you have children, what are their favorites?
Dear Cheeks -
Your mommy LOOOOVES to eat! I'm actually working on getting healthy now for you, so my favorites aren't always able to be had. For breakfast, I love cheesy eggs with crisp bacon. Normally though, I have oatmeal and a banana, or an alternative bagel and a banana. Lunch is usually a sandwich (lately turkey, tomato, and coleslaw). My favorite dinner would probably have to be an ooey gooey cheesy cheesy pizza. That is a once in a while treat though lately. Dinner is always different for us - tonight we are having baked chicken, cous cous, and a veggie!
You on the other hand sir, you are not an eater. Your mama and I tried everything to make you enjoy all types of food. But you sure don't!! You like to have the same things with a treat mixed in every now and then. You love eggs and bananas for breakfast. Sometimes you have oatmeal and a banana. On special occassions your mama or I bake you blueberry muffins - which you devour!! For lunch, you either eat Gerber Spinach and Cheese Ravioli or a Lunchable Pizza. Dinners lately have been quesadillas. It's the only way we can get you to eat meat!! We put cheese and either ground beef or chicken in the quesadilla - you gobble it up. Notice veggies aren't a main staple in your diet (unless I hide them in your food - which I am known to do often).
I'm hoping as you grow up, your tastes will change and you will try more things. Until then, eggs, ravioli, pizza, and quesadillas it will be!
Love,
Mommy
Your mommy LOOOOVES to eat! I'm actually working on getting healthy now for you, so my favorites aren't always able to be had. For breakfast, I love cheesy eggs with crisp bacon. Normally though, I have oatmeal and a banana, or an alternative bagel and a banana. Lunch is usually a sandwich (lately turkey, tomato, and coleslaw). My favorite dinner would probably have to be an ooey gooey cheesy cheesy pizza. That is a once in a while treat though lately. Dinner is always different for us - tonight we are having baked chicken, cous cous, and a veggie!
You on the other hand sir, you are not an eater. Your mama and I tried everything to make you enjoy all types of food. But you sure don't!! You like to have the same things with a treat mixed in every now and then. You love eggs and bananas for breakfast. Sometimes you have oatmeal and a banana. On special occassions your mama or I bake you blueberry muffins - which you devour!! For lunch, you either eat Gerber Spinach and Cheese Ravioli or a Lunchable Pizza. Dinners lately have been quesadillas. It's the only way we can get you to eat meat!! We put cheese and either ground beef or chicken in the quesadilla - you gobble it up. Notice veggies aren't a main staple in your diet (unless I hide them in your food - which I am known to do often).
I'm hoping as you grow up, your tastes will change and you will try more things. Until then, eggs, ravioli, pizza, and quesadillas it will be!
Love,
Mommy
Monday, June 6, 2011
Day 4 – What has most surprised you about parenthood?
Dear Cheeks -
What has surprised me most about parenthood? I'm going to have to say the combination of how difficult it is combined with how rewarding and fun it is. Being a parent means setting a good example for, interacting with, and teaching to your child. It means sleepless nights, picking up colds and germs, and dealing with temper tantrums (yes, you have started to throw these FULL ON at 15 months my dear son). But it also means huge smiles, big hugs, and unconditional love. My favorite part of the day is when I spend time with you. Last night, we just ran back and forth from the family room to the kitchen - we were both laughing so hard. I think what is the most surprising to me is how frustrated you can be as a mom one minute, and enamoured with love the next.
Love,
Mommy
What has surprised me most about parenthood? I'm going to have to say the combination of how difficult it is combined with how rewarding and fun it is. Being a parent means setting a good example for, interacting with, and teaching to your child. It means sleepless nights, picking up colds and germs, and dealing with temper tantrums (yes, you have started to throw these FULL ON at 15 months my dear son). But it also means huge smiles, big hugs, and unconditional love. My favorite part of the day is when I spend time with you. Last night, we just ran back and forth from the family room to the kitchen - we were both laughing so hard. I think what is the most surprising to me is how frustrated you can be as a mom one minute, and enamoured with love the next.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Day 2 -Describe your high school self. What extracurricular activities, if any, did you participate in during high school?
Dear Cheeks -
Believe it or not, your old mommy was once a young, sprite teenager in high school. I started off high school rather shy (much as you are now), but came out of my shell once I got extremely involved in dance. I ate, slept, and breathed dance. I was on the dance team and loved to perform. I even danced in Superbowl XXIX! (I was too young to audition for the 1/2 Time show, so I auditioned for and made it into the Pregame show!) It brought my out of my shell quite a bit. My favorite form of dance was/is lyrical. It tells such a great story with the dancer's body alone. I can't wait to see what activities you get involved in. I always used to joke and say boy or girl, my child will be a ballet dancer. Well that may be true one day, but only if you want to be one. That is the joy of growing up - you can do/experience any activities you want to! I know whatever you do, you will be great in. Your determination as a 15 month old is proof of that.
Believe it or not, your old mommy was once a young, sprite teenager in high school. I started off high school rather shy (much as you are now), but came out of my shell once I got extremely involved in dance. I ate, slept, and breathed dance. I was on the dance team and loved to perform. I even danced in Superbowl XXIX! (I was too young to audition for the 1/2 Time show, so I auditioned for and made it into the Pregame show!) It brought my out of my shell quite a bit. My favorite form of dance was/is lyrical. It tells such a great story with the dancer's body alone. I can't wait to see what activities you get involved in. I always used to joke and say boy or girl, my child will be a ballet dancer. Well that may be true one day, but only if you want to be one. That is the joy of growing up - you can do/experience any activities you want to! I know whatever you do, you will be great in. Your determination as a 15 month old is proof of that.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Day 1 – Provide a picture of the space where you normally blog
Since this blog is meant to be a record for my son when he grows up, I thought I would answer these questions in letter format. I'm mixing it up a bit!
Dear Cheeks -
I seem to be following suit with other bloggers who seem to do most of their blogging at work. This is the easiest time. I can whip out an entry during a call that I am a silent party to, or during a lunch break. Blogging at home seems impossible at times with you running around the house and discovering new things to play with daily. Don't worry - I am not complaining - when I am home, I prefer nothing more than to play with you and enjoy every bit of you. So work it is. Here is a picture of my desk in my office:
On my desk you can see evidence of my love for coffee (two coffee cups!) I have pictures of you all over my office - they keep me going when the days get tough. This area is my "peaceful area". I love the saying "Live, Laugh, Love". It's the first thing I see when I come into my office. It keeps me light hearted through out the day!
Those are words you should live by - Live....Laugh.....Love. If you do those three things, you are bound to lead a life of happiness. I plan to make sure your childhood is full of all three.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Cheeks -
I seem to be following suit with other bloggers who seem to do most of their blogging at work. This is the easiest time. I can whip out an entry during a call that I am a silent party to, or during a lunch break. Blogging at home seems impossible at times with you running around the house and discovering new things to play with daily. Don't worry - I am not complaining - when I am home, I prefer nothing more than to play with you and enjoy every bit of you. So work it is. Here is a picture of my desk in my office:
On my desk you can see evidence of my love for coffee (two coffee cups!) I have pictures of you all over my office - they keep me going when the days get tough. This area is my "peaceful area". I love the saying "Live, Laugh, Love". It's the first thing I see when I come into my office. It keeps me light hearted through out the day!
Those are words you should live by - Live....Laugh.....Love. If you do those three things, you are bound to lead a life of happiness. I plan to make sure your childhood is full of all three.
Love,
Mommy
30 Day Non-Challenge
OK, I am in - the 30 day non-challenge! Presented by Strawberry and An Offering of Love. The last challenge wore me out - but the fact that not everyday is required makes this one less work it seems! Also, I like the questions - very great Q&A for Cheeks to see when he is older.
The new 30 Day Non-Challenge! “Non-challenge” because we will not be offended if you don’t answer all of the questions or decide to skip certain days. Just have fun with it! An Offering of Love and I came up with these and we hope you like them, but I will disclaim this by saying that some questions assume you are in a two-mom household or have a partner/spouse (since that is true of most of our readership). So please don’t hold it against us if you don’t feel every question applies- we did our best! Hope you have fun with this during the month of June. Without further adieu…
Day 1 – Provide a picture of the space where you normally blog
Day 2 -Describe your high school self. What extracurricular activities, if any, did you participate in during high school?
Day 3 -What are your guilty pleasures?
Day 4 – (for parents) What has most surprised you about parenthood?
(for parents-to-be) What has most surprised you about ttc?
Day 5 -What do you prefer to do on your birthday? If you have children, what do you prefer to do for their birthday?
Day 6 – When was the last time you tried something new? What was it and what was the result?
Day 7 – What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? If you have children, what are their favorites?
Day 8 – If you had to teach something, what would you teach? (If you DO teach, when did you discover your love for teaching/the subject?)
Day 9 – What is the most important lesson you learned from your own mother (or other primary caretaker)?
Day 10 – Share your favorite recipe (or two)
Day 11 – In what ways does being a lesbian/2-mom family impact your experience of parenting?
Day 12 – Tell us about the first time you got drunk (as far as you can remember…)
Day 13 – Tell us about the best job you ever had, and the worst
Day 14 – How do you typically dress? How do you (or would you) like to dress your kid(s)?
Day 15 – What was your college experience like? Were you involved in any clubs, groups, etc?
Day 16 – How many friends do you have in real life that you talk to regularly? How many friends do you have that you feel are ‘true blue’ and how long have you known them?
Day 17 – (for parents) What is your favorite thing about parenthood? Your least favorite?
(for parents-to-be) What are you most looking forward to about parenthood?
Day 18 – How do you feel about astrology? What’s your sign, baby, and do you think it matches your personality?
Day 19 – How do you (and your partner if applicable) feel about PDA?
Day 20 – What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you? Did you repay the kindness?
Day 21. What child(ren)’s names do you like that your partner hates and thus you could never use?
Day 22 – What is your most beloved childhood memory? What memories are you trying to create (or will you try to create) for your child(ren)?
Day 23 – What are your favorite activities to do with your kid(s)?
Day 24 – What are your favorite activities to do without your kid(s)? (keep it clean!)
Day 25 – What did you want to be when you grew up? Why and/or how did that change over time?
Day 26 – What is/are the best piece(s) of parenting advice you’ve gotten or can give others?
Day 27 – Which movies or tv shows do you think are the most accurate portrayals of parenthood?
Day 28 – What size family do you come from, what size family do you want, and why?
Day 29 – What do you think about giving kids an allowance, and what chores do you or would you expect your child(ren) to help out with?
Day 30 – What is/are the most memorable questions or reactions you’ve gotten in regards to being a two-mom family?
The new 30 Day Non-Challenge! “Non-challenge” because we will not be offended if you don’t answer all of the questions or decide to skip certain days. Just have fun with it! An Offering of Love and I came up with these and we hope you like them, but I will disclaim this by saying that some questions assume you are in a two-mom household or have a partner/spouse (since that is true of most of our readership). So please don’t hold it against us if you don’t feel every question applies- we did our best! Hope you have fun with this during the month of June. Without further adieu…
Day 1 – Provide a picture of the space where you normally blog
Day 2 -Describe your high school self. What extracurricular activities, if any, did you participate in during high school?
Day 3 -What are your guilty pleasures?
Day 4 – (for parents) What has most surprised you about parenthood?
(for parents-to-be) What has most surprised you about ttc?
Day 5 -What do you prefer to do on your birthday? If you have children, what do you prefer to do for their birthday?
Day 6 – When was the last time you tried something new? What was it and what was the result?
Day 7 – What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? If you have children, what are their favorites?
Day 8 – If you had to teach something, what would you teach? (If you DO teach, when did you discover your love for teaching/the subject?)
Day 9 – What is the most important lesson you learned from your own mother (or other primary caretaker)?
Day 10 – Share your favorite recipe (or two)
Day 11 – In what ways does being a lesbian/2-mom family impact your experience of parenting?
Day 12 – Tell us about the first time you got drunk (as far as you can remember…)
Day 13 – Tell us about the best job you ever had, and the worst
Day 14 – How do you typically dress? How do you (or would you) like to dress your kid(s)?
Day 15 – What was your college experience like? Were you involved in any clubs, groups, etc?
Day 16 – How many friends do you have in real life that you talk to regularly? How many friends do you have that you feel are ‘true blue’ and how long have you known them?
Day 17 – (for parents) What is your favorite thing about parenthood? Your least favorite?
(for parents-to-be) What are you most looking forward to about parenthood?
Day 18 – How do you feel about astrology? What’s your sign, baby, and do you think it matches your personality?
Day 19 – How do you (and your partner if applicable) feel about PDA?
Day 20 – What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you? Did you repay the kindness?
Day 21. What child(ren)’s names do you like that your partner hates and thus you could never use?
Day 22 – What is your most beloved childhood memory? What memories are you trying to create (or will you try to create) for your child(ren)?
Day 23 – What are your favorite activities to do with your kid(s)?
Day 24 – What are your favorite activities to do without your kid(s)? (keep it clean!)
Day 25 – What did you want to be when you grew up? Why and/or how did that change over time?
Day 26 – What is/are the best piece(s) of parenting advice you’ve gotten or can give others?
Day 27 – Which movies or tv shows do you think are the most accurate portrayals of parenthood?
Day 28 – What size family do you come from, what size family do you want, and why?
Day 29 – What do you think about giving kids an allowance, and what chores do you or would you expect your child(ren) to help out with?
Day 30 – What is/are the most memorable questions or reactions you’ve gotten in regards to being a two-mom family?
Growth Spurt?
Cheeks woke up screaming/crying today at 6:30am. This is a wee bit early for him. He fell back asleep, but at 7:00am the screaming/crying started up again. I went into his room. He was laying on his back with tears streaming down his face, arms stretched up for me to pick him up. I did so, and his tear stained face just plopped on my shoulder. We went downstairs for some milk - which he wanted nothing to do with. Upon seeing the milk, the crying started again. After about 20 minutes of intermitent crying/screaming/head on shouldering, I decided to put Cheeks back up to sleep. Maybe he was still tired? I put some Orajel on his gums (maybe his teeth hurt??)
He fell back asleep in about 30 seconds. Whew! I left for work, and Doc waited for our boy to wake up. He woke up...very clingy...and became very happy after he ate some eggs (2) and a whole banana!! Little by little, the temper tantrums started flaring up again. Some Cheez-its seemed to calm him for a second time.
I am wondering if Cheeks is going through a growth spurt? He is cranky, irritable, and HUNGRY. One of the hardest parts of being a mommy is seeing your child unhappy and not knowing why or what you can do for him.
He fell back asleep in about 30 seconds. Whew! I left for work, and Doc waited for our boy to wake up. He woke up...very clingy...and became very happy after he ate some eggs (2) and a whole banana!! Little by little, the temper tantrums started flaring up again. Some Cheez-its seemed to calm him for a second time.
I am wondering if Cheeks is going through a growth spurt? He is cranky, irritable, and HUNGRY. One of the hardest parts of being a mommy is seeing your child unhappy and not knowing why or what you can do for him.
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