Crazy January Weather

I just realized as I was uploading the pictures that within the past 5 days we have a cancelled day of school for ice/snow and yet also had 65-70 degree weather were we have gone to the park twice. 

Friday I woke up to pre-school being cancelled due to ice/snow.  However, we did not see any snow at our house so I had to get creative.  We played school at home instead of going to school.  Fun for Summer but a good reminder for Mama that I am not interested in homeschooling.

Craft time making Snowmen.

Summer got our snacks and set the table all by herself! 

Hmm, what next...ok how about computer time.  Proud to say she typed her name over and over until she was able to do it by herself. 

Zane napped most of our "school day" but then he was up to join in on the learning. 

Creativity rolled into the weekend where we made a charm bracelet out of paper-interesting! 

Today Zane was able to enjoy his very first TEA PARTY with big sister.  He loved the crackers and sitting in a big chair.   

He even helped Summer wash dishes in her kitchen.  Neat to see him standing and being able to play. 

And we had a wonderful time getting fresh air at the park today.  Riding bikes, running into friends and having a picnic puts a smile on this girl's face. 

And wow, Zane really loves riding in the stroller watching big sis on her bike.  He even laughed a few times out of joy. 

I have started not forcing Summer to take a nap as it is starting to interfere with nightime sleep.  Today she hung in there as long as possible until I caught her resting in the clothes basket with a pillow and blanket somehow inside Zane's little playhouse, watching cartoons.  She was almost asleep when I snapped this photo.   

Highlights (and lowlights) of January

Last I updated, Zane was turning 9 months old and was on his second round of antibiotics for an ear infection.  Well, 2 didn't do the trick so we went back to the doctor for a 3rd round.  By this time he had been on antibiotics for 30 days.  Then he got a cold...I was determined that I could treat this at home, after all, I had JUST BEEN to the Dr. 3 times...I mean, am I a paranoid mother or what?  Well, after trying to wait it out I could tell his little mood was just too fussy to stay home so we went AGAIN.  He had RSV.

Ha ha ha...guess what RSV causes in most patients-that's right-ear infections.  By this time I was like, "I dare your ears to get infected! I'm going to put tubes in so fast..."  And sure enough at our follow up appointment 3 days later those little ears where infected.  Ironically, Summer had a 6 month check up at the ENT the very next day:) Oh, did I mention that Summer had an ear infection too.  Fun times!

Needless to say, we went to the ENT on Tuesday and were getting tubes on Thursday.  This happy little guy is just thrilled to be with his daddy.  Daddy looks a little tired as we were all up by 5am.

Summer was a little unsure but she went back just fine with one of the nurses.  She was also getting her adenoids removed during the same proceedure since this was her 2nd set of tubes (first fell out). Zane came out of his surgery in no time and within 10 minutes he was back to his normal happy self. 

Summer's surgery was scheduled to be 45 minutes and she had to be put to sleep with a breathing tube as part of the normal proceedure.  However, during the surgery she had an asthma attack that we were told was serious, in fact, "life-threatening."  Those are not words you want to hear as a parent.  She was unable to keep her oxygen levels up and was on oxygen.  On her own she would dip down into the low 80's in a few seconds.  That was very scary to see.  We waited for a couple of hours for her to improve but when she was still in the 80's the anesthesiologist said he wanted us to go to the hospital for further observation and to spend the night (we were at an outpatient surgery center).  That sent me into shock.  We did that this summer, and the idea of riding in an ambulance and the coordination of care for Zane was just alot to process in a few seconds and I had to BREATHE.  The nurses were very kind and helpful during this time.  About 10 minutes later we were told that the ENT wanted us to stay for a few more hours at the outpatient center for observation.  We did and thankfully once the anesthesia began to wear off she started breathing better.  WOW, what a whirlwind on a routine proceedure.  Just another reminder of how precious life is.

It is January, right?  Could have fooled us as the temperature reached 70 degrees one weekend. 

Our little princess all dressed up 

Santa signed Summer up for gymnastics lessons.  Here she is at her first lesson. 

Summer woke me up this morning telling me, "I have a SURPRISE for you, your really going to like!"  Breakfast-yay, glass of water, protein bar, apple, raisins and a pot of coffee! What a sweetheart.  

Zane is now 10 months old!

And he is crawling-everywhere.  He can make a mad dash to Sissy's water bowl, the plant in the corner or any outlet.  Keeping my eyes on him is a full time job...good thing I have a second mama around to help me. 

Summer got some roller blades for Christmas and loves to skate around the house and be called "Roller Girl." 

I am so thankful for my sweet family! I love these three. 

Zane at 9 months

December 21, Zane turned 9 months. 

This past month has been a big growth month with new teeth (currently has 2 bottom, 2 top and his 2 upper eye teeth are coming in) and new movement.  Zane is on the move, no crawling but he can roll himself to where he wants to go. 

Oh, and remember how I used to say that he was a little unhappy in those first 6 months...that phase has passed.  Zane is one happy baby boy now!

Go figure, the boy who normally gets kicked out of class at church actually fell asleep IN A CRIB (lights on and parents picking up other kids).  As you can tell, I was so amazed I had to take a picture. 

He is so well adjusted now in part to his extremely involved big sister who loves him dearly. 

Zane absolutely loved going to the doctor's office sitting on the exam table and ripping the paper to shreds...in front of a mirror no less! He measured in at 28 inches (75% percentile) and 20.4 lbs (50% percentile).  I am thankful that our sweet boy is growing healthy.  He did have his first ear infection this month which took 2 rounds of antibiotics to clear. 

At 9 months, Zane loves:

Big Sister

Eating food

Nursing

Dada (oh yeah, that is his first word-no love for Mama)

Sissy (the dog)

Putting everything in his mouth

At 9 months, Zane dislikes:

Waiting for food in the high chair 

Sleeping thru the night (he just chooses not to even try)

Summer's Christmas Program

Summer had her very first Christmas program tonight at her school which we love, SonShine Preschool.  Here she is with some of the sweet girls in her class, Raelie and Lila.

And we couldn't ask for more caring teachers, Ms. Melissa and Ms. Debbie. 

And this first performance was for a packed house including Nana, Grandad, Daddy and Zane. 

Of course, Mama does get some credit too as I have been practicing with Summer listening to the SAME 3 SONGS in the car for the past 19 days.

They performed The Little Drummer Boy, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. (hmm, video is emailing upside down-will figure out how to flip then post)

Here is our little drummer girl (afterwards in the parking lot).

We are so proud of how well she performed and didn't get stage fright.  I could even hear her singing in some verses!

When tragedy strikes

Last week's tragedy of a deadly shooting of innocent children and adults in Connecticut prompted many thoughts.  First, I didn't want to know...just shelter my brain and heart from hearing the details.  Then. I received a daily email devotional including this poem:

 

"My First Christmas In Heaven"
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas
choir up here.  I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices
bring.  For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ
this year.
                                                                 Author Unknown

 

How awesome! My prayer for the families of the victims is to feel the peace to know that their children are celebrating Christmas with Jesus Christ!

Santa Came Early

Well, Summer wrote Santa Claus a letter asking him to come visit us and bring a few presents while Papa and Mammy were visiting this past weekend and sure enough he did just that!

Summer was so excited.  When she went to open each gift however she did so VERY carefully to save the tape...she said that her teacher, Ms. Debbie, was out of tape and she needed to save this for her.  So thoughtful! 

Oh wow, Mammy, Summer and Papa posing in front of Summer's new kitchen. I see lots of cooking in her future.

I was surprised to see how much excitement Zane showed over his new riding toy! This boy is going to have fun. Maybe he is just so thrilled to see that not all toys are made pink. 

On a sidenote: Summer looked at my toes, which were painted by moi about, ohh 2+ months ago and as you can tell they are desperate looking...and she said to me "pretty toes Mommy!"  I wish I could see life through the eyes of a 3 year old.

Zane_8 months

Back on 11.21 little Zane turned 8 months old.  He is such a sweet love these days. 

Zane weighs in at 19lb 12oz.  He wears 12 month clothes and eats 3 meals a day.  For my records, he has eaten bananas, pears, peaches, applesauce, oatmeal, avocado, green beans, peas, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, puffs, cheeto-type puffs, teething biscuits, yogurt...tried cottage cheese today and it didn't seem to be a hit. 

Zane loves being entertained by Big Sister and trying to pet Sissy, when she's still.

We welcomed two bottom teeth this month.  The mega drool has temporarily stopped but I am sure we will see it again as more teeth make their appearance.

Zane hasn't started to crawl yet but he is no longer content just sitting there like he has been.  Now when in the seated position he wants to get on his tummy and roll.  For Mama, that means he can no longer sit on the bed with Sister during her breathing treatments or sit on the couch and watch his movie...that sure was a nice phase!  Here is his pre-crawl picture.  I imagine in the next month he will start moving.   

This week he has started this loud scream.  Its like he is finding his voice but whoa, buddy it doesn't have to be so loud!

We went to Alabama for Thanksgiving and stayed with Uncle Bud, Aunt Jen an d Cousin Brody.  We had alot of fun playing at the park near their house.  Here are the boys swinging while Summer explored the rest of the park.

Zane is still getting up in the night but we have limited that to once a night, whew!

Off to watch the SEC Championship, Roll Tide!  Update: Alabama won after a heart attach of a game.