What Goes Around Comes Around

You knew it, didn't you? As soon as I said that I was sick, you knew it was only a matter of time before Wesley came down with it. Fine. I admit it. You were right. Wesley woke up screaming at 2:00 this morning. The more troubling aspects were that he was a bright pink color (as if he had fallen asleep in the sun on the beach) and refused to take a bottle. A quick touch to the face and we knew he had a fever. Luckily the little dude actually likes the taste of his medicine so we gave him a dose and plopped him in bed with us.

I don't think the medicine helped right away, but being in our bed did. He was suddenly a happy little camper - diving into the pillows, laughing, taking up the entire bed. He finally settled down though and that lasted until the next screaming fit at 5:00. This one was a little less fun because NOTHING would calm him. At 5:45 I finally went downstairs with him and we watched Noggin on the computer until the channel came on at 6:00. Then we kind of snoozed a little bit (with Daddy's help)

Needless to say, we didn't make it to the zoo today. If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you know that we were cursed this spring. Any time we even talked about going to the zoo someone would get sick or it would rain. Guess the curse continues.

Wesley and I spent today mostly hanging around the house. We took a bath with all his bath toys (BIG FUN!), I made chocolate chip cookies, we did some laundry and ran to the ultimate store of wonderfulness -Target! Not too bad a day considering that Wesley's nose is running even faster than he does.

I'm starting to feel pretty sorry for two-thirds of the cats in our house. Wesley loves them so much that he just can't leave them alone. Poor Gus and Sanders get tackled several times a day. At least Sadie is smart enough to run when the boy comes close. Oh well, if the really cared, they'd move. And you can't really fault Sanders, who curled up next to the sickie today and slept with him for two hours. AWWWWWW.

Confessions of a Slacker Mom

UGH! I'm sick of being sick! I must be feeling a little better though, because I'm taking myself on one heck of a guilt trip. I don't know if it's because I've been inside the last two days or what, but I feel like I'm such a slacker mom. It all started because I don't feel well enough to take Wesley to storytime before I go to work (I HAVE to go to work today). So the illogical part of me is speaking very loudly and telling me that I don't expose Wesley to enough or do enough with him. Never mind that we just got back from the beach, a trip to a farm and that we're going to the zoo on Friday. Nope! My inner voice says that I don't do enough for him and that I don't give him enough chances to socialize with other children. Never mind that he spent part of Sunday playing with Colin and Elaina, or that he spends Thursdays with his aunt and cousin. Nope! I'm obviously depriving him of important chances for social growth. Oh! I'm also stressing out because he isn't talking yet. We get the occasional Mama, Daddy or "yes", but my illogical side is convinced that he is somehow developmentally delayed.

I wish I could just tell that voice to shut up!

Hardly Fair

I've worked three days since getting back from vacation, and guess who had the library crud that was working through the department last week - ME! My throat is so sore I can barely talk. I've been chugging sore throat medicine like it's kool-aid and I still feel less than wonderful. Of course, being home all day with Wesley when I can barely talk had it's own challenges. I had to whisper everything to him. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie sounds very interesting when read in a voice no louder than a mouse's. Overall, he was pretty good today and I even got a couple of naps in. We'll find out later if that was enough.

On the plus side, being home sick today allowed me to watch Wesley play peek-a-boo with our cat Gus. Gus was sitting in the dining room window behind the sheers. Wesley would pull the sheers away, see Gus and laugh. Repeat this for about 15 minutes and being sick is almost worth it.

Family Hog Roast

Today was the annual bonfire/hog roast at Duane's aunt and uncles. It was grey and rainy so Walt and Shirley had tents set up outside the barn. The fire was still lit and the food was still delicious. By the time everyone was done with the first round of eating, the rain had ended.

City slicker Wesley had a great time! There was a very sweet dog tied up by the hen house, so Wesley trotted on up there in the drizzle to pat the dog and get lots of doggie kisses. It just about broke his heart when the dog became much more interested in trying to catch one of the chicken then paying attention to Wesley. I'm telling you, sooner or later we are going to have to get this poor child a dog!

As soon as the rain stopped Wesley took his first hayride. Walt and Shirley have some Amish neighbors who came to the bonfire and brought their wagon and two very large black horses. We sat in the hay and bounced on metal wheels down the field, through the woods and back up through a different field. There was a scary moment when the horses slid in the mud, but all was well. I'm sure the horses weren't scared! Wesley desperately wanted to pet the horses (we figure he thought they were really big doggies.) Duane held the little guy up to pet them on the side , but he only wanted to pet them on the head - and mommy and daddy weren't exactly comfortable with that idea. The horse's head was MUCH bigger than Wesley.

Wesley got over his disappointment though when he discovered a smaller horse near the barn. He stood at the gate and pointed for the longest time. Unfortunately, when the horse finally came over and looked at Wesley.....well, it scared him so much he didn't even want to touch it with one finger. Maybe next year.

Wesley spent the rest of the evening picking up rocks, chasing the dogs and taking the gourds out of Shirley's garden. He came home smelling of campfire smoke, covered with mud and food and very happy. Not a bad evening at all!

Fast Friends

Wesley made two new friends today. Aunt Melissa is babysitting another boy a couple days a week. Lance is about four and while Welsey didn't seem so sure about him, Lance seemed to love Wesley! He kept hugging him and trying to play basketball with him. So cute! Wesley was much more obviously impressed with his other new friend - Cyrus the dog. Cyrus is a big boxer type dog with the sweetest personality I have ever seen. I think he'd be content to be petted and lick people all day long. Wesley loved Cyrus! Plus he came home with a spit shine!

Back to Reality

Oh yeah, the vacation is over. I was supposed to go into work at 1:00 today. At 8:15 the phone rang. It was one of my LAs calling in sick. She had a program to do this morning, so I called the other librarian who was scheduled to work today to see if she could cover the program. PROBLEM! She was sick too! The Youth Services Manager was already covering a program at the other library which meant there was literally no one to do the 10:00 program at my building. EEK!!!!

I frantically called my mom and begged her to come down and get Wesley. In the meantime I threw a frozen waffle in the toaster for Wesley, tore it up and tore up some banana, tossed it on a paper plate and plopped Wesley down in front of the TV while I got ready. I skipped the shower thing (my apologies to my coworkers) but managed to make it to the building by 9:35. Laela had already prepped the program for me which helped SO MUCH!!!

On the up side, the building manager let me work 10 - 6 instead of coming back for my 1-9 shift. That allowed me to have Duane's birthday dinner with him. I wish I could go back to the beach!!

Last Day of Vacay

The laundry is nearly done thanks to Super Hubby. The house is vacuumed. We've been to the BMV, the grocery store and returned overdue books to the library. Duane is going to Target to replace our pillows (drat that cat!) and I got one more afternoon nap in. And that all folks!

Home Again

We made it home around 5:00 today. At 5:15 Sanders expresssed his displeasure at our absence by peeing on our pillows. Welcome home!

Not much happened today since we just drove. However we did eat lunch in the cafeteria of the West Virginia capital building. Anyone who knows Grandpa H. understands this.

Heading Home

Well, vacation is over and it's time to head home. We kicked off the trip by overindulging at the House of Blue's Gospel Brunch. YUMMY!!!!! We sat right up by the stage and Wesley was totally intrigued with the band, Glory. Good thing I bought their CD when we were here a couple of years ago. I don't think Wesley took his eyes off the lead singer the entire time. Not even when he was eating - and that's saying something for this boy!

We drove back to Mt. Airy and the same hotel we stayed in on the way down. Have I mentioned that a toddler can destroy a hotel room in less time than it would take a rock star?

Beach Baby Part 2

What is Wesley going to do when we go home and the beach isn't right outside the door? At 7:20 this morning he was sitting by the door with his shovel and pail just waiting to go outside. We went to my favorite pancake place for breakfast and he screamed as we put him in the car because he thought we were heading to the beach. It's going to be a LONG car ride home!

If You Give a Boy a Shovel

Wesley was determined to help Duane and Grandpa H. with their sandcastle. Grandma and I tried to keep Wesley busy under the sun shelter with a bucket of water to play in. Unfortunately all Wesley wanted to do was dump the water and "help" the guys.

Loud and Clear

Luckily the rain held off until this afternoon because Wesley desperately wanted to take his morning walk on the beach. Grandma and I were drinking our coffee when Wesley walked over to the door and did a "come here" motion with his hand. We asked him if he wanted to go for a walk and he nodded his head and said "es," which is Wesley for yes. Needless to say, Grandma and I hurried to get our jackets and bustled out the door. I don't think the walk lasted long enough for the little guy, because when we took him out of his stroller, he turned away from us and trotted back toward the beach. I told him that we were done with our walk and could go to the beach later, which he objected to by beginning a fit. Thank goodness the Mommy Voice actually works sometimes.

Grandma and I spent the rest of the morning shopping. I wanted some slightly dressier clothes to wear for work and we found some great outfits. Spent way too much money, but I'm so happy with all of my purchases. We also did a wine tasting at a local winery. I discovered that I prefer dry to semi-dry wines. The medium and sweet ones we tried did nothing for me. It was so much fun to shop with my mom without having to worry about Wesley having a meltdown, or trying to keep him entertained.

It turns out that while we were gone, Duane tried to get Wesley to nap. Basically he cried and fought it until Duane took him down to the beach - where he fell asleep instantly. Maybe we need to purchase a CD of ocean noises.

Once the rain rolled in Duane, Wesley and I headed to the Ripley's Aquarium. Duane and I were shocked at how expensive it was for us, but within the first 10 minutes Wesley was trying to touch the fish through the glass and saying "ish," so we decided it was money very well spent. They had a really neat moving sidewalk that took you though a tunnel aquarium with sharks and all kinds of other fish. I have to say, I was pretty impressed.

After the aquarium we drove to Merle's Inlet and met Grandma and Grandpa H. at a restaurant I had read about in a guidebook. It wasn't very busy on a gray, rainy weekday evening, but the food was good. We all shared an alligator appetizer - even Wesley. Our waitress was trying to charm Wesley, but he was pretty determined to be shy. We finally took him out of the highchair and let him run around while we ordered dessert. As soon as Wesley heard the waitress say "ice cream," she became his very best friend. He even held onto her leg! Turns out that he liked Mommy's creme brulee much more than Daddy's ice cream. What can I say? The kid has taste!

Wesley ended his night with a bit of communication that had his Grandpa H. stunned! Wesley walked over to the table, picked up his changing pad and wipes and brought it to us. "Do you want your diaper changed?" I asked, not expecting an answer. "Es," Wesley replied with an emphatic nod. EEK!!! If he starts doing that on a regular basis we'll have to consider potty training early!

Perfect Day

What a completely beautiful day! It's supposed to rain tomorrow, but today is picture perfect! The temperature has been just right to lay on the beach and read. I watched Duane and Grandpa H. work on their sandcastle (Grandpa makes one each year.) This year's is shaping up pretty well.

We drove up to Calabash for dinner. Duane walked Wesley on the dock for a little bit while we waited for our table. Wesley was a piggy pig at dinner. He ate a ton of hush puppies and chicken fingers. We couldn't tear the food up fast enough for him. A couple at another table thought it was the cutest thing. They said he reminded them of a little bird. Being the Ladies Man he his, Wesley tried to follow a good looking woman out of the restaurant once we took him out of his high chair.

After dinner we went over to this incredible Christmas store that I love. There I was holding Wesley and looking at all the beautiful ornaments, when I saw someone who works at the library with me! Quite strange! I didn't even know she was going to be on vacation at the same time, let alone near the same place. Guess the pull of the beach is just too much after Summer Reading Club.

Beach Baby

I knew Wesley was going to like the beach. He got up pretty early, so Grandma, Wesley and myself went out for a morning stroll on the sand. You know, I was fairly underimpressed that Grandma wanted to take the jogging stroller, but it was perfect for walking on the beach. Wesley just looked around and took it all in. What I really loved was that he would look at the water and smile. I'm telling you, it makes the long drive to get here totally worth it!

We hit the beach for real a bit later in the morning. Wesley was a tad bit wary at first, but it didn't last. He absolutely loved digging in the sand and I liked watching him try to walk in it. He'd take a couple steps, fall down, get up and repeat the process. He did really well with the water too. Duane and I just held him so his feet got wet. Of course, Wesley did sit down and get knocked over by a wave,but he only did it once and there was no harm done, so we'll just call it a learning experience.

Wesley had his very first grilled cheese sandwich tonight at dinner. Talk about a tasty treat! He ate a ton of it! Top that off with window shopping at a toy store and some ice cream from Maggie Moos and you have pretty good day for a toddler. Even a scraped knee couldn't quite dampen Wesley's spirit.

Local Color in South Carolina

One thing about traveling with a toddler, you will definately experience things you never would have considered before. The morning started out pretty well, but as noon approached Wesley began a big ol' hunger meltdown. Of course, we had just passed the exit with a whole bunch of restaurants, so I called Grandma and Grandpa H. on the cell phone (they were in the lead) and told them to pull off at the next exit. We didn't care what there was to eat, but our little boy needed food and out of the car NOW!

Grandma dutifully got off the highway at the next exit where the only thing was a gas station and a big sign that just said "EAT" next to an otherwise unmarked restaurant. The good news was that the parking lot was PACKED with local cars, so we knew it couldn't be too bad. Turns out it was a treat! The restaurant was full of people who had obviously just come from church. There wasn't a menu, just a buffet full of catfish, corncakes, the world's best fried chicken, rutabaga (which Wesley really enjoyed), stuffing, biscuts and the like. Everyone was super friendly and one elderly man came over to our table and commented on how well the Buckeyes played the night before - we think he saw our license plates. It was so much fun and we never would have stopped under normal circumstances.

Wesley did really well the rest of the way to the beach. We popped a DVD in the player we borrowed from some friends and he passed the time watching Blue's Clues and Dora the Explorer.

It's a beautiful day in Myrtle Beach. I stuck my feet in the sand immediately!! Wesley just kind of stared at the ocean, but I just know he's going to love it!

Hitting the Road

Can I just say that Wesley did a GREAT job on the first leg of our trip! We bought him a little remote control thing that you hang on the back on the passengers seat and he can use a steering wheel to make it light up, play songs, etc. It took him no time at all to figure it out. He "drove" us both nuts by playing Old McDonald over and over until he fell asleep, but it kept him busy.

Wesley had a huge lunch at Wendy's. He's trying out shaking his head for "no", but he doesn't really associate the action with the word. He shook his head when I asked if he wanted a bite, but opened his mouth super wide when I said "ice cream." He'll figure it out way too soon anyhow.

The boy did have a MAJOR meltdown in the car around 5:00. Considering we left at 10:30, I was really surprised we made it that long. We weren't too awfully far from Mt. Airy, NC (where we stayed), but I knew his crying would drive Duane and I nuts before we arrived. So I did what any parent in the passenger seat would do. I put aside all thoughts of the car sickness I get in the backseat and climbed into the back while Duane was doing 75 through some winding roads. It didn't help me, but Wesley calmed considerably.

We ate dinner at a truck stop next to our hotel. Well, all of the adults ate dinner, Wesley picked at his food and wanted to run all over the restaurant. I couldn't really blame him since he'd been trapped in his car seat for almost the entire day. Luckily there's a field next to the hotel and Wesley could run until his little heart was content. We'll see how he sleeps in his pack and play when Duane and I are in the same room and trying to watch the OSU/Texas game. I'm betting there won't be a lot of sleep going on!

Blow to the Ego

Yesterday at work a patron asked me if I was expecting again. At least she had the courtesy to be mortified when I said no. Wonderful comment for someone to make before you head to the beach for a week.

Even the Kitchen Sink

I have been trying to pack for our vacation a little bit each day so I am not running around like a mad woman Friday night. I had NO IDEA how much stuff we were going to have to take to accommodate Wesley. Let's see, there's the booster seat, high chair cover, stroller, pack and play, diapers, wipes, swim diapers, toys, books, a few things of toddler food, all his clothes plus the things Duane and I need to pack. I have realized that Wesley has way too many toys and a better wardrobe than me. I have 10 outfits packed in his suitcase and he still has tons to wear.

unfortunately I am also reaching the point where I've packed just about all I can ahead of time. Most of the things left are things we'll need in the car or in the hotel on the way to the beach. I'm going to need a vacation to recover from my packing!!!

Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill

Wesley spent last evening practicing the fine art of walking up and down a slanted surface - the hill in Grandma and Grandpa H.'s yard. It was one of the funniest things I've seen in a very long time. I was sitting a little ways (a few feet) up the hill and Wesley was with Duane towards the bottom. Wesley would struggle to toddle up to me, then turn and stumble down to Duane. Duane and I slowly got further and further apart and I ended up at the bottom of the hill. Wesley would come flying down the hill and into my arms. I'd tip over then and roll in the grass with him. Then he'd toddle up to Duane and repeat the whole process.

I think it was best when Wesley was starting to get tired. After about 20 minutes he looked like someone had spiked his milk. It took him longer and longer to get to the top of the hill and would end up on his tushie repeatedly. He loved it though. He cried when we took him inside. Guess Grandma will have an easy way to keep the boy entertained today.

The rest of the weekend was spent eating way too much and getting ready for our trip. Wesley had a couple uncharacteristic meltdowns, but a lot is changing for him and we were off schedule so I guess that's to be expected.

Clean Plate Does Not Equal Clean Floor

Wesley, Grandma H. and I ate lunch at Eddie George's restaurant today. It's actually a great restaurant for kids because the noise level means no one can hear if he cries. :-) Seriously, they were VERY accommodating for him. Since we are trying to wean him off baby food we decided to order Wesley some mac and cheese. All I can say is "YUM!" That was awesome mac and cheese! Wesley really liked it and was shoving it in as fast as I could cut it up. Grandma and I were both impressed by how much he ate - until we looked under the table and saw much of it on the floor. No wonder he was such a bottomless pit!