Thursday, October 01, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Spare Toys
If you don't do this, I recommend you do. Especially if you are a stay at home mom. Winter is coming... you don't want to be left unprepared. (and if you are, don't say I didn't warn you!)
We keep new toys, unopened in their packages, stashed away in our basement. They range anywhere from a notepad & pencil from the dollar bin to more expensive things that I've found on sale.
About 6 months ago, I found the Melissa & Doug Fold & Go castle 70% off on some toy website. I don't even remember where it was, but they were even offering free shipping if you spent $40. So I bought a couple of toys Ian has been coveting at friends' houses and stuck them all away in the basement.
Why?
Sometimes, nothing breaks a "bad day" like a new toy! Typically when Ian starts to get rambunctious, we head out to a playground. This week, Aaron is pretty sick & I don't feel good about taking the boys to the playground. So Ian is on day 4 of no outside-the-house play this week. (Thanks to the rain, he hasn't even been in the back yard!) He's getting on my nerves. My haven't had more than 5 continuously-interrupted hours of sleep in 4 days, been puked on 4 times, have snot on my shoulder, nerves.
So that's why we keep spares in the basement. Ian is happily playing with a new toy, it will most likely keep his attention for several days (especially THIS one) and I'm not feeling ready to call the gypsies anymore. I am proud to say, though, that this is the first "big" spare toy I've gotten out at LEAST since March or so, what with Ian's birthday presents and the summer weather being good enough to get out as much as possible. I don't feel bad about today, I really needed something to get me through until Roger gets home.
A couple of rules I try to keep about spare toys:
1. If it is over $10 regular priced, it better be at LEAST 50% off or I won't buy it.
2. Anything else better be from the dollar bin at target or less than $10 on craig's list. (ha ha)
3. You can't use the "spare toy" trick more than once a month. It becomes useless if you do.
4. Dollar bin toys are good to toss in the diaper bag before doctor's appointments, special dinners, etc. Anytime you REALLY need the toddler to be GOOD without a lot of parental involvement.
Do you keep spare toys around? Do you have any rules for yourself about them?
We keep new toys, unopened in their packages, stashed away in our basement. They range anywhere from a notepad & pencil from the dollar bin to more expensive things that I've found on sale.
About 6 months ago, I found the Melissa & Doug Fold & Go castle 70% off on some toy website. I don't even remember where it was, but they were even offering free shipping if you spent $40. So I bought a couple of toys Ian has been coveting at friends' houses and stuck them all away in the basement.
Why?
Sometimes, nothing breaks a "bad day" like a new toy! Typically when Ian starts to get rambunctious, we head out to a playground. This week, Aaron is pretty sick & I don't feel good about taking the boys to the playground. So Ian is on day 4 of no outside-the-house play this week. (Thanks to the rain, he hasn't even been in the back yard!) He's getting on my nerves. My haven't had more than 5 continuously-interrupted hours of sleep in 4 days, been puked on 4 times, have snot on my shoulder, nerves.
So that's why we keep spares in the basement. Ian is happily playing with a new toy, it will most likely keep his attention for several days (especially THIS one) and I'm not feeling ready to call the gypsies anymore. I am proud to say, though, that this is the first "big" spare toy I've gotten out at LEAST since March or so, what with Ian's birthday presents and the summer weather being good enough to get out as much as possible. I don't feel bad about today, I really needed something to get me through until Roger gets home.
A couple of rules I try to keep about spare toys:
1. If it is over $10 regular priced, it better be at LEAST 50% off or I won't buy it.
2. Anything else better be from the dollar bin at target or less than $10 on craig's list. (ha ha)
3. You can't use the "spare toy" trick more than once a month. It becomes useless if you do.
4. Dollar bin toys are good to toss in the diaper bag before doctor's appointments, special dinners, etc. Anytime you REALLY need the toddler to be GOOD without a lot of parental involvement.
Do you keep spare toys around? Do you have any rules for yourself about them?
Monday, September 21, 2009
We Haven't Forgotten
2 years ago tomorrow, 9/22, our friends lost their baby girl before they ever got to meet her. I just can't even begin to imagine the road they have walked since then.
I just wanted to say, publicly, that we have not forgotten. In my life, there is literally not a day that goes by that I do not think of them.
I am thinking of them tonight. And definitely tomorrow.
I just wanted to say, publicly, that we have not forgotten. In my life, there is literally not a day that goes by that I do not think of them.
I am thinking of them tonight. And definitely tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Preschool was a HIT!
Ian literally RAN into the building this morning. He was so excited. When his teacher opened up the door, he dropped his backpack in the hallway and went running in the door. This time, I decided (after reading a bunch of "tips for successful first days" websites) that I was not going to sneak out. I went over, gave Ian a kiss, told him I'd be back in a little bit and left.
While I was in the next room over dropping Aaron off, I could hear Ian crying. (It started after about 5 min) and then I heard him STOP crying! So I left and came home. It is only about a 3 min drive from our house, we could literally WALK there if we wanted to (except for the huge hill, but I COULD walk there... and I have walked there. Maybe I SHOULD walk there to get some exercise... ha ha)
I sat here for 2 hours and twiddled my thumbs. Ran the vacuum, got the house ready for the realtor to come back and take pictures. Went back to pick the boys up and as I was walking in, Ian was getting his diaper changed. His teacher pulled me aside to talk to me about Ian. She said he cried for about 4 minutes and stopped as soon as she got him set up with a coloring book and crayons. She said he never even fussed for another second after the initial fussing stopped.
Apparently he was very social and made friends out of all the kids... during story time they were all sitting in the circle and talking about what kinds of clothes all the kids were wearing. Miss JoJo said Ian stood up and pointed at his shirt, "LOOK! I have LIGHTNING MCQUEEN!" and was very proud and excited about it. Hee heeeee.
They painted and had snack and then it was time for me to come back.
He was really happy to see me and went right over and got his bag, went and gave his teacher a hug and high five and then pointed at the door and said, "Aaron!"
We went and got Aaron and neither boy wanted to leave! I had to drag them out of there! It was really kindof cute.
And a MAJOR weight off of my shoulders.
Aaron's teacher said he was such a joy to have in the nursery. She was asking me to verify that he was "really only 10 months old!" and that she was very impressed with how smart he is. She said he was more than capable of "running with the big dogs." (Since the nursery goes up to age 23 months, there were some older boys in there with him.)
Ian's teacher actually recommended we leave him from 9:00-1:00 instead of 9:30-11:30 so that he gets to experience the full schedule of activities and gets to have lunch with the kids. She also said that if we don't do the longer span of time, we should definitely consider adding a second day per week. (We'd like to, but our finances do not really allow it right now.)
All in all, both boys had a great morning at school and got good reviews from their teachers.
God Answers Prayers. I'm so happy today.
***By the way, do you like the slideshow format for the pictures so you can see more of them, or would you rather me post fewer pictures the way I usually do?****
While I was in the next room over dropping Aaron off, I could hear Ian crying. (It started after about 5 min) and then I heard him STOP crying! So I left and came home. It is only about a 3 min drive from our house, we could literally WALK there if we wanted to (except for the huge hill, but I COULD walk there... and I have walked there. Maybe I SHOULD walk there to get some exercise... ha ha)
I sat here for 2 hours and twiddled my thumbs. Ran the vacuum, got the house ready for the realtor to come back and take pictures. Went back to pick the boys up and as I was walking in, Ian was getting his diaper changed. His teacher pulled me aside to talk to me about Ian. She said he cried for about 4 minutes and stopped as soon as she got him set up with a coloring book and crayons. She said he never even fussed for another second after the initial fussing stopped.
Apparently he was very social and made friends out of all the kids... during story time they were all sitting in the circle and talking about what kinds of clothes all the kids were wearing. Miss JoJo said Ian stood up and pointed at his shirt, "LOOK! I have LIGHTNING MCQUEEN!" and was very proud and excited about it. Hee heeeee.
They painted and had snack and then it was time for me to come back.
He was really happy to see me and went right over and got his bag, went and gave his teacher a hug and high five and then pointed at the door and said, "Aaron!"
We went and got Aaron and neither boy wanted to leave! I had to drag them out of there! It was really kindof cute.
And a MAJOR weight off of my shoulders.
Aaron's teacher said he was such a joy to have in the nursery. She was asking me to verify that he was "really only 10 months old!" and that she was very impressed with how smart he is. She said he was more than capable of "running with the big dogs." (Since the nursery goes up to age 23 months, there were some older boys in there with him.)
Ian's teacher actually recommended we leave him from 9:00-1:00 instead of 9:30-11:30 so that he gets to experience the full schedule of activities and gets to have lunch with the kids. She also said that if we don't do the longer span of time, we should definitely consider adding a second day per week. (We'd like to, but our finances do not really allow it right now.)
All in all, both boys had a great morning at school and got good reviews from their teachers.
God Answers Prayers. I'm so happy today.
***By the way, do you like the slideshow format for the pictures so you can see more of them, or would you rather me post fewer pictures the way I usually do?****
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Trip to the Zoo
As much as a trip to the Aviary brings on a mammoth nap, a trip to the zoo does not. Ian never naps after the zoo. But we go anyway.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
But Mama, I'm not tired!
Ok, ok, so going for a drive to get out of the house just doesn't cut it now? Dear Ian informed me yesterday that although it was 3:00pm and he woke up for the day at 7:45am, he was not tired. Even though he'd played in his sandbox outside in the 90 degree weather for more than an hour. Even though we'd left the house, and he had played all morning with his cars, crayons, and brother. Even though he takes a nap every day. Yesterday, he did not.
So what's a mom to do?
Take him to the Aviary the next day and run his little legs off! And withhold his lunch until the drive home so that he was eating in the car instead of falling asleep. Yep. It worked. He was sawing logs just a few minutes after coming home, having his milk, and reading a story.
It's unfortunate that Aaron doesn't seem to have the same appreciation for morning entertainment as Ian does... but I'm sure he'll grow into it.
So what's a mom to do?
Take him to the Aviary the next day and run his little legs off! And withhold his lunch until the drive home so that he was eating in the car instead of falling asleep. Yep. It worked. He was sawing logs just a few minutes after coming home, having his milk, and reading a story.
It's unfortunate that Aaron doesn't seem to have the same appreciation for morning entertainment as Ian does... but I'm sure he'll grow into it.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Feeling Crumb-y?
Ian seems to only pose for pictures and put on cute smiles when his face is dirty. Such is the life of a 2 year old boy, I guess! (& hop on over to the4thvandervort to see some nice new pictures of Aaron, too.)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Update on Sleeping
Ian has been out of his crib for almost 2 weeks. He hasn't really skipped a beat. He even slept really well while we were gone over the weekend. We stayed in Dianne's pop-up camper on Friday & Saturday nights. Ian didn't nap well in there, but he did sleep all night both nights. It is a relief to have a relatively good experience after such a disastrous camping trip 2 weeks ago.
Here's to continued sleeping success... we know how quickly things can go awry, so we're feeling blessed these days to have some "easy" nights. (with Ian, anyway.......)
Here's to continued sleeping success... we know how quickly things can go awry, so we're feeling blessed these days to have some "easy" nights. (with Ian, anyway.......)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Gone are the baby days
On Friday, Ian decided he was not going to be caged any longer. He climbed over his crib rail twice and was on his way to a third time when Roger walked in the door. We could not (in good conscience) leave him in there any more. So at bedtime on Friday night, we removed the crib rail & put him to bed in his converted crib. He was a little resistant to sleeping with this new-found freedom, but After a few minutes of him going bananas in his room, I went in and laid him down and laid my head down on his pillow. He was a sleep in a minute or so.
Saturday morning, we finished the conversion to a big boy room by taking the crib out entirely and putting his toddler bed (that we've had in the room since November) into the crib's place. We also removed the changing table since he liked to climb it and put his stereo up onto the dresser.
There are no more remnants of the nursery. The only thing that is "original" to the time we created the nursery is the dresser & lamp. Everything else is different.
*sigh*
It's a little sad to know that THE nursery is gone. Aaron has his crib in the other room still so I guess there is still "technically" a nursery, but it just isn't the same. We didn't have the "luxury" of carefully choosing the wall colors, theme, bedding, etc. for Aaron's room. We just didn't have time or the opportunity. Someday we WILL make a room specifically for Aaron, but a nursery it will not be.
Anyway, Ian likes his new room. He really hasn't had much additional difficulty going to sleep in there. He is still a very "stubborn" sleeper and still has to cry about going to sleep, but for nap and bedtime yesterday, he has ultimately gotten in his bed and gone to sleep.
And now, instead of worrying he'll climb over the rail while fighting about sleep, I listen for the thud of him rolling out of bed.
Transitions. (They never seem to go easily in these parts.)
Saturday morning, we finished the conversion to a big boy room by taking the crib out entirely and putting his toddler bed (that we've had in the room since November) into the crib's place. We also removed the changing table since he liked to climb it and put his stereo up onto the dresser.
There are no more remnants of the nursery. The only thing that is "original" to the time we created the nursery is the dresser & lamp. Everything else is different.
*sigh*
It's a little sad to know that THE nursery is gone. Aaron has his crib in the other room still so I guess there is still "technically" a nursery, but it just isn't the same. We didn't have the "luxury" of carefully choosing the wall colors, theme, bedding, etc. for Aaron's room. We just didn't have time or the opportunity. Someday we WILL make a room specifically for Aaron, but a nursery it will not be.
Anyway, Ian likes his new room. He really hasn't had much additional difficulty going to sleep in there. He is still a very "stubborn" sleeper and still has to cry about going to sleep, but for nap and bedtime yesterday, he has ultimately gotten in his bed and gone to sleep.
And now, instead of worrying he'll climb over the rail while fighting about sleep, I listen for the thud of him rolling out of bed.
Transitions. (They never seem to go easily in these parts.)
Sunday, July 12, 2009
A Camping Trip
We went camping this weekend, but Ian's refusal to go to sleep in our tent caused it to be a disaster. We ended up leaving our tent, fly, & chairs and coming home at 1:00am. We returned Saturday morning, broke camp, and spent the day there hiking, swimming in the lake, and cooking our dinner on the campfire.
A lesson learned. Ian is not ready to spend the night in a tent. We'll try again another time.
A lesson learned. Ian is not ready to spend the night in a tent. We'll try again another time.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Zoo Trip
Ian, Aaron & I met some friends at the zoo the other day. It was really crowded and REALLY hot. Ian enjoyed meeting the tiger shark & the soak zone the best--
Oh yes, and you can see his new haircut. A little shorter than we were expecting, but we're getting used to it.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Who Spiked the Bug Juice?
Yesterday, Ian, Aaron, & I hopped over to Munhall, PA (Should only be about 20 min to get there, but because of all the stupid construction-induced traffic jams it took us 45 min) for a playdate. We met the host & other attendees through our 30 Somethings Moms of Pittsburgh www.meetup.com group. They were gracious enough to let me in the group even though I'm 27. And you better believe they DID ask how old I was! Anyway, it was "Beach" themed playdate and there was a lot of water splashing and sand. So you can be sure that Ian had a great time. This kid was MADE for summer play. He LOVES getting wet and playing in water more than anything else. I think the past week I've been changing his clothes about 4 times per day.
ANYWAY... All this to introduce the following picture, "Who Spiked the Bug Juice?"
A new picture of Aaron will be over on the4thvandervort.wordpress.com, too.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Ian's Playground Party
Our friend Amy Griffin takes really, really nice photos of our kiddos. Today Ian finally got to celebrate his birthday with his friends from playgroup. We had a good time, despite the humidity & threatening thunderstorms.
Monday, May 11, 2009
2009 March For Babies!
Team Vandervorts raised $245!
Since Roger was in Germany, Grandma Marilyn volunteered to walk with me. Grandpa Bob was there too, cheering us on.
It was a fun time. The weather was humid & overcast, but it didn't rain...and we didn't have to worry about sunscreen.
Since Roger was in Germany, Grandma Marilyn volunteered to walk with me. Grandpa Bob was there too, cheering us on.
It was a fun time. The weather was humid & overcast, but it didn't rain...and we didn't have to worry about sunscreen.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Healthy as a Horse!
Ian had his 2 year well visit today and with the exception of rampant eczema on his legs and a few spots on his belly, he's a "perfect boy!"
He is:
26.5 pounds (45th percentile)
35 inches tall (50th percentile)
49.5 cm head circumference (75th) <--Doc said, "has a lot of brains in there!"
Fully vaccinated except needs to get his last Hep A shot, but they were out today so he'll get it when Aaron goes back in 3 months.
His ear tubes look "beautiful" and his mental/emotional/social development is on-target. (Physical development is way ahead of the "norm.") The doc was impressed with Ian's rendition of the Blue's Clues songs (words & motions/dancing) and laughed out loud when Ian said, "bye, love you, see you later!"
He does not have another well visit until he is THREE!
He is:
26.5 pounds (45th percentile)
35 inches tall (50th percentile)
49.5 cm head circumference (75th) <--Doc said, "has a lot of brains in there!"
Fully vaccinated except needs to get his last Hep A shot, but they were out today so he'll get it when Aaron goes back in 3 months.
His ear tubes look "beautiful" and his mental/emotional/social development is on-target. (Physical development is way ahead of the "norm.") The doc was impressed with Ian's rendition of the Blue's Clues songs (words & motions/dancing) and laughed out loud when Ian said, "bye, love you, see you later!"
He does not have another well visit until he is THREE!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Had new Tubes Put in Today
We were really worried about Ian's 1:30pm arrival time today for his ear surgery. He wasn't allowed any solids after 12am and only clear fluids until 11:30am. (Then nothing.) For those of you who really know Ian, you know he LOVES to eat. He eats pretty much all day long every day. And I don't think he's ever missed his morning and naptime cup of milk. Plus 1:30 is prime nap time so we were just very fearful that today was going to be a disaster.
In true Ian form, he put on his game face and was an angel.
He did fine. No MAJOR meltdowns. We left here around 10 and drove over to near the surgery center & went to the mall (Ross Park). They have a nice play area & he played for like 45 min before starting to notice all the other kids'sippys & stuff. We promptly loaded him up and took him to build a bear, where he ran around & looked at everything, but asked to go without making one! (I was fully prepared to let him.)
We got to the center about a half hour early and then Ian had to WAIT forever in their holding pen (aka play area). He was pretty good despite being SO hungry & thirsty, and missing his nap.
He went back at 3:05 and they came to take me to him in recovery at 3:25. He was up and started crying because he was so happy I was coming to get him. He hoovered 8 oz of gatorade in recovery, they discharged us, and he cried again when he saw daddy.
We ate at Olive Garden (Ian ate a LOT of his side of spaghetti) and drank his milk...now we're home....no worse for the wear. Tired & glad it is over...
Funny Ian-ism: He insisted (by screaming and yelling) that we remove his shirt so he could eat his spaghetti. We almost always take his shirt off for spaghetti at home so he doesn't get it all messed up... I never dreamed he would start insisting we do that at restaurants! What a funny boy!
now to start preparing our hearts and minds for Aaron's much more invasive & difficult surgery in 3 weeks.
In true Ian form, he put on his game face and was an angel.
He did fine. No MAJOR meltdowns. We left here around 10 and drove over to near the surgery center & went to the mall (Ross Park). They have a nice play area & he played for like 45 min before starting to notice all the other kids'sippys & stuff. We promptly loaded him up and took him to build a bear, where he ran around & looked at everything, but asked to go without making one! (I was fully prepared to let him.)
We got to the center about a half hour early and then Ian had to WAIT forever in their holding pen (aka play area). He was pretty good despite being SO hungry & thirsty, and missing his nap.
He went back at 3:05 and they came to take me to him in recovery at 3:25. He was up and started crying because he was so happy I was coming to get him. He hoovered 8 oz of gatorade in recovery, they discharged us, and he cried again when he saw daddy.
We ate at Olive Garden (Ian ate a LOT of his side of spaghetti) and drank his milk...now we're home....no worse for the wear. Tired & glad it is over...
Funny Ian-ism: He insisted (by screaming and yelling) that we remove his shirt so he could eat his spaghetti. We almost always take his shirt off for spaghetti at home so he doesn't get it all messed up... I never dreamed he would start insisting we do that at restaurants! What a funny boy!
now to start preparing our hearts and minds for Aaron's much more invasive & difficult surgery in 3 weeks.
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