Shhhhhh!

No, I'm not trying to be a stereotypical librarian. After all, I firmly believe in the "Less hush, more lush" theory of librarianship. Nope, I have completely lost my voice. Totally gone! I am still battling a bit of a cold and when I woke up Tuesday morning I could tell that it was just a matter of time before my voice took a little vacation. I lose my voice about once a year, so I know the signs. I did two storytimes on Tuesday to help one of my co-workers out and that sped up the voice-losing process considerably.

I was only scheduled for 3 hours of work yesterday, so I did go in. Unfortunately, I think those three hours totally wrecked whatever was left of my voice. Yesterday I could croak if I had to, today I can only whisper. No croaking, no nothing! Now I have a new dilemma. I am supposed to work all evening today with at least half of my time being on the public service desk. Do you know how useless I am on the public service desk? I can't even answer the phone! It's pathetic! I guess I'll call my supervisor in a little while and see what we can work out. Maybe I can be off desk all day.

On a totally different subject - pictures of Wesley will be returning to the blog soon. My camera died this week (which made me miss a super cute picture of Wesley sleeping sitting up) but I bought a new one yesterday. The paparazzi has returned!

Slacker Mom Strikes Again

Oops! Yesterday we discovered that we left Wesley's medicine that we are supposed to keep refrigerated on the counter for 13 hours. We had to throw it out because it smelled "off". So today I made an embarrassed phone call to the doctor's office to beg for another prescription. They were very understanding, but I still felt like a big ol' dork.

Mommy's Little Helper (and Daddy's Too!)

Wesley has discovered the joy of helping others. OK, maybe he's just discovered that when he helps us do something we smile really big, say "thank you" and generally make a big deal about it. Wesley has been helping us around the house by putting his socks in the laundry basket, taking clothes out of the dryer (or putting dirty ones in, but it still counts), and throwing his wet diapers in the trash.

This past week he added two new ways of helping to his library of knowledge. I have to shut Wesley in the bathroom with me when I take a shower and he's awake. The other day when I opened the door to the shower, Wesley handed me one of my towels. How sweet! He also helped us put the groceries away tonight. He thought everything went in the refrigerator or freezer, but it was so cute to watch him take things out of the bag, bring them to us, or try to put them on a shelf. "Thank you, Wesley. Good job!"

This is Getting Ridiculous

Can you believe Wesley is sick AGAIN?!? Guess that emergency haircut was in vain, because we definitely didn't make it to Mansfield (or anywhere else) today.

Wesley came down with all this yesterday - the day after he got is ears re-checked at the doctor. The doctor said there was fluid in his ear, but it wasn't infection and not to worry unless he got a fever. Twenty-six hours later, Aunt Melissa woke him up from a nap and he was burning up. When Duane gave Wesley a bath last night, the poor little guy started shaking and wouldn't stop. Wesley and I spent part of the night on the couch since I was off today and let Daddy get some sleep. Grandpa P. came down to sit with Wesley for a little bit this morning while I took a shower and went to pick up Wesley's prescription. Hopefully it will do the trick this time.

What I can't get over is the magic of Motrin. About 30 - 45 minutes after he gets a teaspoon of it, he is ready to go! I cancelled dinner plans with friends tonight because Wesley was just so pathetic and I felt like I needed to be with my boy. We spent part of the evening watching TV with Wesley laying on my chest. Every few minutes he'd lift his head up and let out a cry. I'm telling you, it was heartbreaking. Then it was Motrin time and 45 minutes later Wesley started turning in circles on the carpet, clapping his hands to music on the TV and laughing. I just wish it didn't wear off about 2 hours before we're allowed to give him another dose. At least it's my turn to sleep tonight - Duane gets couch duty if it's required.

Hair 911

How bad does a child's hair have to look for his Grandma to look at it and say "I can take him to the salon this afternoon?" That was the situation we found ourselves in yesterday. Let me back up a little. Wesley and I are heading to Mansfield tomorrow (with Grandma and Grandpa P.) to see the great-uncles. Wesley has been in desperate need of a haircut for a little over a week, but time has not allowed us to get to the salon.

I really want him to look nice for his visit and his hair was hanging in his eyes. So like any desperate mom, I thought "I could just cut the front a little so he can see." BAD IDEA!! I took way too much off and it looked terrible - prompting the above comment from Grandma H. So while I was at work, Wesley and Grandma went to get his hair fixed.

Apparently the salon was an adventure all it's own. Wesley screams whenever he gets his haircut, so that was nothing new. What was new was the little boy a few months older than Wesley in the waiting area. According to Grandma, the little boy came over and hugged Wesley, then knocked him down. Wesley got up and followed the boy around then gave him a hug. A few minutes later the boy came over to Wesley, hugged him and knocked him down. When the boy approached Wesley the third time, Wesley decided it was time to get the upper hand. Before the boy could hug Wesley, Wesley knocked him down!

I called Grandma H. during my dinner hour to see how the haircut went. "It looks....fine," she said. I could tell that wasn't exactly a heartfelt statement, especially when she followed it with "It will grow." But the worst comment of all was "He looks cute no matter what!" At this point I was convinced that Wesley was sporting a buzz cut or something equally as drastic. It turns out that his hair really does look fine. It's a little on the short side, but no one is going to point and laugh on the street. But I can assure you, I am NEVER taking scissors to my child's head again.

I know these are not very good pictures. My camera is dying a slow, painful death and it decides when it wants to take a picture - which is never when I want it to. Wesley was also trying to watch "Play With Me Sesame." Guess I shouldn't' get between a boy and his muppets.

If You Give a Boy a Box

What is it with kids and boxes? I bought a mega box of diapers last week and Wesley just loves the box. We haven't been able to throw it away! He likes to put his stuffed animals and books in it and push it all over the house.

On the up side, it does allow time for Duane and I to get a few chores done.

Totally off the subject, Wesley has started to run away when it's time to get his diaper changed. He's currently hiding out in the kitchen because Daddy is armed with the changing pad. Hum, wonder who will win this one? :-)

Watch Out for Hairballs

Some of you may not know that I am a total cat person. We have three furry angels in our house: Gus (a stray we took in shortly after we got married), Sadie (a cat we bought a year before we got married) and Sanders (my soul mate kitty I adopted from a shelter 8 or 9 years ago.) Sanders is the most gentle kitty on the planet. Proof? Wesley was smothering the poor kitty with kisses to the point where Sanders little head was completely wet. That sweet cat just laid there and took it. What a good kitty.

Why I Love My Grandparents by WPW

I love my grandparents because even though I didn't eat a bite of my dinner and I smeared it all over the table, Grandma still let me have ice cream for dessert (and it was Haagen Dazs coffee flavored - yummy!)

Mommy and Daddy Sitting in a Tree

Wesley is so funny! If Duane and I hug in front of him, he gets a big, goofy grin on his face and demands to be included in the hug. In the midst of a family hug today, Duane and I kissed. Wesley smiled very big, and we kissed again. Wesley looked at Duane, then looked at me, then planted a kiss on Mommy. Duane kissed me again, then Wesley kissed me again. I'm telling you, I've never felt so loved!

Hard Habit to Break

I love to watch Wesley eat. It must be a mom thing, but I think it's so cute the way he uses his little hands to pick up pieces and place them in his mouth. Seriously, I love to watch him eat - until he decides he doesn't want anymore. Then he picks up pieces of food and drops them over the side of the highchair. It's bad enough at home, but it's downright embarrassing when we are at a restaurant. Duane was a pretty good catch at dinner tonight, but I think the cleaning crew at Damon's will be earning their paycheck tonight.

No Tricks - Just Treats!

Happy Halloween!

I took half a day of vacation so we could celebrate the spooky day as a family. Grandma and Grandpa P. came down to our house for dinner tonight (and to see Wesley in his costume.) Wesley was a fireman this year - and in the grand tradition of firefighters, he was a cutie! Although he is a little young for trick or treating, we did go to the neighbors on either side of us. Mostly so they could see how cute he looked. One of the neighbors even took pictures of him. I have no doubt that Wesley will really be into trick or treating next year. He loved running around in his costume and dragging his treat bag.

After a creepy dinner of "anti-vampire" soup (cream of garlic) with black cat croutons, and black forest ham and "monster" cheese sandwiches, we all kicked back, ate left over Halloween candy and watched Dancing with the Stars. Wesley managed to get a candy bar semi-opened with his teeth and had chocolate dripping down his face. It's a wonder he actually fell asleep tonight!

CANDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

T.V. time with Grandpa P.

14 Months Old!

Wesley had a very busy 14 month "birthday."

He spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa H.' s last night while Duane and I went to a play with some of my co-workers. We had a great time and Wesley must have too. He slept for 12 hours and even took a nap today. Guess he and and the grandparents had a party at the crib (ha-ha!)

We had a reception at church today for our pastor. She took a call at another church. It's going to be pretty strange for awhile without her there. She did our pre-marriage counseling; performed our wedding ceremony and baptized Wesley. It's tough to see her go. The reception was very nice though. Wesley wandered around amongst the tables "talking" to everyone and hamming it up. But towards the end he faded and fell asleep on Daddy's shoulder.

We spent this evening making some Halloween preparations. Duane carved a couple of pumpkins for us. One of the little ones Wesley brought back from his trip to the pumpkin patch received a traditional jack-o-lantern face, and the large pumpkin we bought got a master carving job. I'll post pictures of them later this week. Wesley tried to help with the carving.

I tried to get him to play with the goop from the inside of the pumpkin, but it didn't work too well. Wesley did pick a few of the seeds out to give me though, so not all was lost. I can't wait to put him in his costume on Tuesday!

Well, I think the time change and the ear infection are starting to take their toll on the little dude. He's standing here whining, so I'd better get him to bed.

To Sleep Perchance to Dream

I am suffering from insomnia for the first time in my life. I don't think I've had more than 8 hours of sleep over the course of the past three nights. Either I am too tired to feel tired, or I'm wired. I just cried and cried when Duane left this morning, because I want to sleep so badly and I knew that when Wesley woke up any chance of a few minutes sleep would disappear. I have to go pick up a prescription today and I think I'll buy a sleep aid while I'm there. I can't keep this up.

On the plus side, Wesley seems to be doing a lot better. He's sleeping for about 12 hours straight the last few nights and his ear really seems to be bothering him less.

I know, this is a pretty pathetic post, but I'm feeling pretty pathetic today.

Quarantine

I think someone should just hang a big quarantine sign on our house. Now I'm sick again too. Yesterday I ran a fever all day and had absolutely no energy. Grandma H. had to come down to take care of me and Wesley. I'm doing a bit better today. No fever. I'll probably just take it easy today and go to work tonight.

Wesley must have understood that I felt really awful. He brought me a teddy bear to hold and "read" me a book. What a sweet baby!

Sick Again

Well, we can't be annoyed with the little dude for screaming bloody murder this morning. Remember that double ear infection? The good news is that he no longer has a double ear infection. One ear is perfectly clear. The other ear is seriously nasty! The doctor said it is full of thick goopy infection. Oh! And his throat is really red. Oh! And he's developing a sty in his eye. Basically she said he's probably pretty miserable. She asked about his lip too.

Grandma H. went to Target to get his new antibiotic. Apparently what he was on last time wasn't strong enough. Good thing he likes medicine - although it kind of bothers me that they make it taste so good.

Guess he was crying for a good reason.

Long Day Ahead

Right now I would kiss someones toes for a double tall sugar-free vanilla nonfat latte. Instead I am sipping a cup a decaffeinated Irish Breakfast tea and trying to convince my body that it is just as good as the previously mentioned Starbucks indulgence.

Wesley woke up at 5:00 screaming! We changed his diaper, gave him some milk, cuddled him and nothing helped. He had tears streaming down his face and would stiffen and throw himself from our arms onto the bed. I tried getting Sanders for him to cuddle, I sang to him, we got him a teddy bear and he just continued to howl. At 6:00 we finally came downstairs and he kept crying for another 15 minutes. He's now asleep on the couch, but I'll have to wake him up in about 25 minutes to get ready to go.

This is one of those mornings when I really really wish he could talk. I know something was wrong, but we sure couldn't figure it out. All I can do at this point is assume his teeth were bothering him, or he still isn't over his ear infection. Poor little guy.

If any of my co-workers are reading this today, please wake me up if you hear snoring coming from my desk. I'd greatly appreciate it.

Ouch!

I was going to post a lament about working all weekend and barely seeing my boys (the big and little one) the past couple of days. But......

After work I went to the hospital to visit my dad (he's doing much better) and then to a friend/co-worker's house to work on a project. I got home a little after 9:00 and waltzed in to give Duane a kiss. When I leaned over, I noticed a patch of blood on his shirt. Now I am not ususally a queasy person, but my stomach and heart did a little flip. "Oh, it's not mine," Duane said. OK. That did not make me feel better. I am a little ashamed to admit that I immediately started looking around for the cats, almost hoping the blood came from one of them.

Nope! Turns out Wesley managed to split his lip while I was at work. Duane was helping Grandma and Grandpa H. move some furniture. Wesley was running around like he always does. I guess he just fell the wrong way. Duane said he looked like a bad vampire with blood coming from with mouth. Wesley cried for about 5 minutes, then started drinking a sippy of milk, so it didn't bother him too badly.

I dread seeing him in the morning. I'm so afraid his lip is going to be all puffy and that I'm going to cry. I wish I had been there. Not that I think my presence would have changed anything - after all, he did have 3 grown ups with him. I just wish I could have held him and cuddled him when he was hurt. I guess this turned into a working mom lament after all.

Baby Gourmet - or Not

I watch a lot of Food Network. I mean - a LOT of Food Network. When I was pregant with Wesley and went to the hospital for extreame nausea and vomiting so much, I watched the Food Network in the emergancy room. I guess some of it was bound to rub off on Wesley.

Wesley re-discovered hummus this week. I gave some to him when he was just starting to eat baby food and he was very under impressed. He sure likes it now! I gave him some pita and hummus for a snack the other morning and he just devoured it.

We've known for a while that Wesley really enjoys goat cheese on bread. At a party with some of my co-workers he put away a good part of the container all by himself - prompting lots of jokes about how my child probably won't eat grilled American cheese sandwiches. "Mommy! I want brie!!" We had some warm goat cheese with our dinner tonight and he couldn't eat it fast enough.

Want more proof that the boy is a "foodie?" We stopped into a new organic market near our house today. I love to take Wesley there because they have grocery carts that are just his size to push around. Wesley took his cart over to the display of cheese and spreads and promptly filled his little cart with containers of tapenade. Not too shabby considering he tasted his first black olive last week.

I think I'll hold off calling Gourmet Magazine though. Wesley does have a typical toddler food weakness - ketchup. When he wouldn't eat lunch today, all I had to so was add some of the magic red sauce and the bites of food disappeared. Oh well, I guess Emeril has a few more years before Wesley hits the scene.

A Rose By Any Other Name

It may be time to rethink one of Wesley's many nicknames. I have been calling him Stinkerpot lately. It's a wonderful multi-use name. If he has a dirty diaper, he's Stinkerpot. If he's being cute and ornery, he's Stinkerpot. It works so well. However.....

We went out to lunch with Grandma H. today. As we were leaving the restaurant Wesley stopped to jabber to a table of older men. They were getting a big kick out of him, but I didn't want Wesley interrupting their meal so I said, "OK Stinkerpot, let's go." The men laughed and one said, "Stinkerpot? That's going to be rough name in Kindergarten!"

That got me thinking about some of his other names. If I stop calling him Stinkerpot, I'll have to stop calling him Booger and Mr. Peebody too. Hum.....maybe it's time for Mommy for grow up!

What a Pumpkin!

Wesley got to take a special field trip today while Mommy and Daddy were at work. Aunt Susan had the day off, so she, Wesley and Grandma and Grandpa P. went to the pumpkin patch! Apparently Wesley had a great time! He came home with three pumpkins - a tiny orange one, a little green one and a little orange one. I guess he became quite attached to them during his trip.

I'm a little sad that I couldn't go with them, but I'm so glad he had a special day out. Aunt Susan took tons of pictures. She even brought a framed picture and a brag book to work for me so I could see it right away. She thinks of everything. He's a pretty lucky boy!