Monday, June 24, 2013

Adrian is 16 Months

Well, we goofed as parents and missed Adrian's 15th month doc appointment, so we had a 16 month appointment instead.


We DAILY say that we cannot believe how much Adrian has grown and changed. He is all toddler and such a joy. We're reminding ourselves, that parenting is a daily thing and we need to be consistent with it. We're fortunate that our little man is really pretty easy. On Sat June 15, he had his first temper tantrum... my my, I could hardly hold in my laugh. Adrian pointed his finger at me and yelled "No, No, No!" and stomped his feet. He was mad at me because I would not let him turn my mom's printer on and off a million times and closed him out of the office. We grabbed his hand a led him to the living room to play with something else and he was fine.

He's learning how to communicate with us and loves to go to the playground.

We've been working on sign language with him and it's been great to have that communication tool. Currently, Adrian signs (it seems like he signs more than this, but I can't come up with more):
- please
- thank you
- apple
- keys
- corn
- all done
- eat / hungry
- more
- water

 His vocabulary is starting to take-off as well. He says:
- Momma
- Dadda
- Nandi (Sandi)
- Nana (for Nana, Nanasita, and Banana)
- Bye-bye
- Ca(t)
- Khan
- Quack
- Moo
- Gree (Hungry)
- No
- Woof
- Roar

16 Month Stats:
Weight = 20lbs, 6 oz (11%)
Height = 32 inches (61%)

We love our little man!!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Fathers' Day 2013

Happy 2nd Fathers' Day to Richard!

We had a fun-filled weekend where I feel like we packed 5 days into 2 days. We have Adrian back in swim lessons and he LOVES the pool.... the problem is that the lessons are during nap time so this week, Adrian just about fell asleep on my shoulder in the pool. We talked to our instructor about this and he was able to pull some stings for us to get into the 9am class! Thank you, thank you, Harrison!

Uncle K's bday was on the 12th, so we followed swim (and nap) with a BBQ at my mom's to celebrate. We ended up staying until 7pm with her and even hit up her pool after Adrian's afternoon nap! Both Richard and I were exhausted, so we went home, put A to bed, and took a 20 nap ourselves. We still had lots to do to prep for the next day, so we couldn't just go to bed.

Fathers' Day! We had a great breakfast with Grand-Nana and Nanasita in Boulder. Adrian was so well behaved, we could hardly believe it! Adrian insisted on getting Richard some tools for Father's day, and Dada was happy to get them. Adrian colored a picture and got him some nuts... b/c "I'm Nuts about you Dad" (haha) Thanks Daycare!

Richard and I then sent Adrian home with Nanasita for naps while we headed up to Estes Park for our valentine's day gift of horseback riding. We made a full day out of it and stopped at our wedding venue to walk around and reminisce. We went to some of our favorite Estes locations then hit up the ranch for the ride. We both really enjoyed it and want to take Adrian up. I think he would love the horses and experience.

To finish off the weekend, my Dad came into town for a work meeting, so we grabbed dinner with him. Overall, it was a great weekend to celebrate our Dada!

Also, happy 4 year anniversary Love!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Mother's Day 2013

I can't believe I didn't take any pictures with Adrian! We did take some video, though, but nothing with me and my boy.

On Saturday morning, we headed up to Boulder to take a little hike - just the 3 of us. Adrian loved being outside, but he wanted to walk rather than be in the backpack on my back. We let me down twice to walk around and explore a bit and he loved it. We hope to re-arrange the yard work schedule, so we can spend Saturday mornings having family time - so many more hikes to come.


After church on Sunday, we went to Nana's to celebrate all the moms: Nana, my Mom, and me. We all pitched in to have a great pot roast meal complete with Angel food cake. Nana requested that we plant flowers for her for Mother's day, so we did just that and her yard looked great when we were done. Adrian played with the puppy and kept Nana busy while we were planting, so it was a success.

Happy Mother's Day!


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

A Reminder to Live Well

I started this 2 months ago, but haven't taken the time to finish it until now.

My Boo (grandfather) unexpected passed away on Feb 15 and I've been reminded on how precious the little moments in life are. We've been spending extra time as a family and not worrying as much about the tidiness of our house. We've had extra family in town and have been trying to figure out what the future looks like.


Boo slipped and hit his head in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Feb 7 causing a severe head injury. He and Nana were set to fly home the next day after waiting for some official forms from the Mexican government. We had a weekend full of celebration planned (Adrian's birthday) and could not wait to see them. My mom flew down as soon as she heard that he fell and together with my Nana, they made a plan to fly him back to Colorado, via air ambulance. We are incredibly fortunate to have friends in the medical field, who assisted in getting everything set-up, reviewed CAT scans, and provided the insight needed. Once back in Colorado, they took him off the sedatives to determine what the damage was - and it wasn't good. Within 18 hours, they told us that the expected level of brain activity wasn't there and he was brain-dead. Nana made the hardest decision in the world to take him off life-support, but that was his wish - he didn't want to be a vegetable. So on Friday, Feb 15th life support was removed and my Boo passed away shortly after. We were by his side the whole time, loving him to the end.

My Nana and Boo spent 56 years together and were truly each other's best friend. I had the amazing opportunity to grow up in the same town as them and spent every holiday and special event with them. I can't remember any special event that they were not apart of. I have the unique opportunity to know them not just as grandparents, but as great friends. Richard and I have sought them out for opinions and advice, gone to dinner with them just to enjoy their company, and spent many hours playing cards together. We treasured any time that we got to spend with them and the time that Adrian got to spend with Boo. 

My Nana and Boo did marriage right. I'm sure they had their troubles, but they deeply cared for one another. We would see them occasionally pick at each other, but it was always in a playful, loving manner. In the last few moments of Boo's life, I witnessed my Nana's heart break. He was taken off life support and once his heart rate was 0, my Nana leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Boo's heart rate jumped-up again, for just a few moments, but I think he knew that the love of his life was talking to him.

My Boo was a trouble-maker and the life of the party. He was a music teacher for many years and retired in the early 90's. He played in and with many bands and even some big name musicians. He instilled a love a music in his daughters and grand-children. Below is his obituary (edited for privacy):



Charles Ray D was born February 25, 1935 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to the late Edward C. and Sarah (Andrew) D. The nickname "Toby" was given to him as a child by his beloved uncle, Walt Andrew, and it served him well all his life. 


Toby attended Ponca City schools where his love of music was nurtured. He played his first dance job while in high school. Attending Phillips University in Enid, OK, he continued his study of and performance of music, graduating in 1957.



Toby taught music at all levels from Kindergarten through 12 during his career, starting in Oklahoma and Kansas. The family relocated to Broomfield, Colorado in 1964, where he was employed by Adams County School District #14 until his retirement in 1990. Throughout his teaching career he nurtured and inspired a love for music to countless students, including his own daughters.



In Denver, he discovered a large fraternity of professional musicians who became wonderful friends and remained very important to him throughout his life. Toby played in jazz combos and large dance bands on trombone and bass. He was an excellent singer of big band ballads and loved doing it. Classical music was also a favorite and a huge highlight for him was attending a live Pavarotti concert. 



After retiring, Toby enjoyed traveling with his wife, Marilyn, and spent winter months with a community of close friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 



Toby passed away Friday, February 15, 2013, in Boulder after suffering a severe head injury. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marilyn; three daughters: Joy C of NV; Joni B of CO; and Kimberly M of OR; son-in-law Reginald M; seven grandchildren: Zachary C of Germany; Nathan and Caitlin C of NV; Rachel M of OR; R.J. M of CA; Sara B and Grace D of CO; three great grandsons; brother, Donald D of Ponca City, OK; aunt Wilma A; a multitude of nieces and nephews; and his treasured Yorkie, Mikey. He also leaves to mourn a multitude of neighbors and dear friends, both here and in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.



Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 22, at 10:00 am at the Christian Church of Broomfield, 12601 Sheridan Blvd, Broomfield CO. A Celebration of Life will be held following the services at The Chateaux at Fox Meadows, 13600 Xavier Lane, Broomfield, CO, from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. 



In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any memorial contributions be directed to the Boulder Humane Society or the Salvation Army.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Shaken Baby Syndrome

I read an article today about a 7 month old baby boy who passed away this week from injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome. Investigations are underway, but initially everything points to the unlicensed daycare provider. Out of respect for copyright - I did not include his picture, but he's one cute kiddo!

Before becoming a mom, an article like this would have touched my heart and made me sad for a few moments. That sounds terrible but now, being a mom, this article has stopped me in my tracks, my chest literally hurts, and tears coming streaming from my eyes. This is heart-breaking.

I cannot imagine what Leyton's parents are going through and honestly, I don't want to imagine it. Leaving your heathly, happy baby boy with someone you should be able to trust so you can go to work is hard enough. But then having this happen, getting that phone call telling you to go to the hospital. I don't know what that day looked like for his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles - did they get to interact with Leyton, tell him they loved him, hold and cuddle him. And then, being told your baby is brain dead and having to make the choice to take him off life support. It would kill me.

I recently had to live through taking a loved one off life-support. I haven't shared it here, I've started a post, but haven't finished it. The pertinent information here, is that my Boo slipped and hit his head which ultimately resulted in him being brain-dead. My Nana did the hardest thing in the world (and the right thing) to choose to take him off life support. I was there. My family was there. My Nana, aunt, mom, sister, and I never left his side. We sang to him, talked to him, and loved him. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. Once we took him off life-support, it took 2 hours for him to pass. The hardest 2 hours ever. We were assured that he felt nothing and there was no pain, but it didn't sound that way. It sounded like every breath was hard. In reading this article, I have the comfort knowing that Boo lived a full, happy life.

According to the article, Leyton survived for a week without machines before passing.

A week! A week of the unimaginable. A week knowing that your babies current breath could be his last. A week thinking of all the moments you'll never get and all the moments that you didn't hold dear enough. He didn't get that full life that Boo did, but I hope and imagine that it was a happy life. From the pictures included in the article, he sure looks happy.

I don't know his family, but I want to wrap my arms around you and love you. So consider this a virtual hug. I know that no words will comfort you and any words will just sound trivial. So, I am crying with you and for you. I'm praying for you. The next few minutes, hours, days, months, and years will be hard - lean on those who love you and take life moment by moment. Even if it is just to remember to breath in, then tell yourself to breath out. 

Friday, April 5, 2013

Walking

Quick Blurb...

Last night at Nana's, Adrian took his first 4 steps unassisted on 4/4/13!! Such proud parents we are!


Lunch with Nana a few weeks ago

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Originally written on Feb 11 - but not posted
Yesterday, we celebrated Adrian's first birthday and we spent the weekend re-living his birth. "It's 730pm on the 9th, do you remember what we were doing?"

I started the day by singing happy birthday to him when I went to get him out of his crib. He had no idea what was going on, but enjoyed the attention.

We spent a good portion of the day party prepping. Thanks to my amazing family for all their help in the prep, set-up, and host category. We could not have done it without you all.

Adrian loved the party, the CAKE, and thought the new toys were pretty cool.

Stats -
- 18lbs, 8 oz (10th percentile)
- 30.5 inches long (75th percentile)
- Crawling everywhere! Adrian has mastered going up and down the stairs. He pulls up whenever he can and will balance for a few seconds. He started a new crawl where he is up on his feet rather than his knees.
- Wants to eat anything that we're eating - and if it's off my plate (rather than his own), all the better
- We think he may have a dairy intolerance, but not sure yet. I can drink milk and it doesn't affect him.
- Still breastfeeding. He knows where the milk is and has started to pull on my shirt when he wants milk.
- Loves trucks and music.
- Wears size 9 mth and 12 mth clothes
- Wears a size 3 diaper
- 7.5 teeth
- Says "Dada" and "Mama" but not really specific as to whom it gets said to
- He has a noise for the kitties and he loves them. The noise scares the kitties :)
- Still napping 2 times a day and goes to bed at 730pm - 6/630am!
- Love to read with us.
- Loves bath time and still loves to splash like crazy
- Loves to open and close door and cabinets. Sometimes he'll take items out of the cabinet and put it back in. Just like Mom and Dad!
- Loves the washing machine and helping us do laundry. He sits on top of the washing machine (with us making sure he doesn't fall) and rotates the knob. When he hears the water start to fill, if he's not already there, he crawls right over and needs UP to see :)

- Loves to sit in the front seat of the car with us in the garage. He pushes all the buttons and steers (Vroom-vroom)
-Loves to swing!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

11 Months!

Our little man is not so little anymore and he's now 11 months.
Helping Dada with laptop

Before I forget, here's what he's up to:
- Wears size 3 diapers (we just switched to Target brand to save some $$)
- Wears size 9, 9-12, and almost 12 month clothes. There are some 6 and 6-9 clothes that still fit, but not many. Adrian is long and lean like Dada!
- He's entered his "Dada" phase where everything and everyone is Dada.
- Baby jabbers
- Crawling everywhere
- Fell down the stairs for the first time, but was a champ and only had to cry for a bit. No injuries, just scared him.
Playing at the mall

- He only wanted Mama for a while and is beginning to loosen up a bit with that.
-Fascinated with the washing machine when we're doing laundry. He wants up to see and wants to touch the water flowing in
Christmas service @ Flatirons

- Still kicks his legs when he's happy / excited!
- Great sleeper! He sleeps on his tummy for about 11 hrs a night. Not so great at napping some days.
- Loves all stuffed animals and hugs them when he sees them
Brushing teeth

- Getting really good at pulling himself up to a standing position.
- Ticklish!
- Best laugh ever! (I may be biased here, but it's one of the best sounds)
- Feeds himself his bottle and now eats Cherios, baby puffs, and other self-fed snacks.
- Thinks he needs to eat when we eat.


Practicing hockey skills
- Still breastfed. He eats 20-25 oz a day, 2 fruits, 2 veggies, and 7 Tbs of mixed grain cereal. On weekends, we give him 1/4 of a frozen waffle for breakfast as well.
- Overall super happy baby!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

10 Months & Thanksgiving Recap

For Thanksgiving this year, my mom took us with her to Mexico! We loved it. Different from our previous beach vacations but great none the less. We chose to stay on Denver time rather than fight the time-change with Adrian. We spent our vacation relaxing and quickly settled into a groove. Every morning, we'd eat a quick breakfast of eggs, then head off to the beach with an hour before nap time. Adrian loved playing in the sand, surf, and the foot-washing area.

After his first morning at the beach he was hooked! The second day he immediately started crawling towards the ocean and wanted to play. We quickly learned that his favorite part was washing off afterwards. They have a foot washing station that is just his size to stand in the running water. We'd wash him off and head back to the unit for a better bath and nap. Sadly, Richard still had school work to do while in Mexico, so he stayed in the unit with Adrian, and I went either back to the beach or pool to get some reading in.

After his nap was lunch time followed by pool play time. By the end of the trip, he had mastered blowing bubbles and loved his pool time. Sadly, another nap was needed every afternoon, but we always had a good dinner with the family.

10 Month Stats:
- Wears size 3 diapers
- Wears size 6, 6-9, 9, and 12 month clothes. He's slender (like Dada) so 6 month oneies still fit. Anything with pants and arms are too short now.
- Naps 2 times a day
- Started swim lessons!! Nov 17 and he loves it!
- 4 teeth - 2 top, 2 bottom. Working on another top tooth.
- Loves eating! Not great at feeding himself, but we're working on that.
- 11/17 - had a reaction to yogurt... eye swelled shut. So we won't be trying it again anytime soon.

That's it for now, I'll add some more later.