time to get ready...

It's time to start decorating for Christmas. Everyone I know already seems to have their trees up and ornaments on and everything done. Our stuff is still in the garage. Oops. A little behind. I really need to get started. Since this is probably our last Christmas in this house, I feel like I should go all out. You know? The big tree, the wreaths, every little thing to make Weston want to pull something over onto his head. :) He was afraid to touch the tree at Mom and Dad's last weekend. He would talk to it, ask us questions about it, and point at it, but even when pushed to do it, he wouldn't touch it.

So... I am in the Christmas Spirit. I want to put up my tree and be happy about it. I want to decorate my house and pretend that everything is fine. In the Spirit of "Everything's Fine" I have put up my first tree at Onthank. It's not much. In fact, it's $5 worth of Happiness from the Target Dollar section, but I just love it. I actually want some tinsel or maybe a few more ornaments. I totally plan on raiding the Rubbermaids at home for more tree decorations. But still, it brightens most people's day when they see it. And it's totally bright and cheery, nothing for a home tree (too disco) but fabulous for work. I am trying to get into the mood! And I will asap. By the way, our garage is so cold right now (it's like 35 degrees outside) that I feel bad having Scott spending significant time out there in the dark cold since he doesn't get off work until after 7pm. But how else am I going to get my tree up? Volunteers to climb around my garage?

Welcome December

As this year draws to a close, so much has happened. I find myself reflecting on the monumental changes that have taken place in my baby. He has gone from this squishy, cuddly baby that can't even sit up by himself to a self-assured almost toddler who is asking all sorts of questions - "Wass dat?" and "Who dat?" specifically. I find myself missing that tiny little bundle of baby that would lay on me and find comfort. It's not that I miss having a little baby in general, I miss Baby Weston specifically.

Now... I am accepting that my baby is gone. But get this... I have a fabulous little boy instead. And watching him learn... it's just amazing. He's never been one for much tv, but about 2 weeks ago, I was vegging before dinner and I turned to Horton Hears a Who on HBO. I got caught up in the cuteness of it. All of a sudden, Weston just starts laughing, and I realize that he's actually laughing at Horton, that he's watching! It was adorable, and lasted about 5 minutes, but it was great to see that he "got it."

Last week was Thanksgiving, and we spent it with both families - sort of a bi-coastal holiday. Shannon came up to Cherokee with us, then we headed east to Clinton. In Cherokee we stayed at our favorite Super 8 Motel. We were having breakfast around 7am. Weston was sitting at the table like a big boy. When he was done, he stood up on his chair. Shannon immediately told him to sit on his bottom and pointed her finger at the chair to indicate sitting down. Weston turned around, looked at her, whipped out his finger and sort of told her to sit on her bottom, pointing down to her chair. It was high-larious! He totally mimicked her! She almost burst laughing.

So... some magic language button must have switched on inside Weston.

By Saturday evening, he was saying clear sentences! He copied Shannon's "Oh My God!" all night. (I have since amended this to "Oh My Goodness.") Sunday morning he woke up all congested, so I gave him his sippy of water. After 3 drinks he took a break, and Scott tried to take the cup, Weston held on tight and clearly stated, "Me not done!" I about died. It's been like this ever since. Shannon said, "You pee'd!" when changing a diaper, he responded with, "I pee'd!"

I love this age... it's amazing to see.

He woke up from a nap at daycare yesterday with a fever of 101.7. At the doctor this morning, it was 101.4. Dr. Gavin tells me (via cell phone since I had to be at work) that Weston has once again contracted Hand, Foot, & Mouth disease or herpangina. Same thing he had on his 1st Birthday. So, right now he's at home with Aunt Linda (my fabulous Aunt Linda who drove out from Cedar Rapids just to hold a sick baby. She is the best.) And he'll be at home again tomorrow. Hopefully back to daycare on Thursday. Cross your fingers! Apparently there are 3 strains of this illness, and Weston has now had 2. Hopefully he'll be immune to everything by the time he starts school. But still, it's going to be a long 4 more years.

Happy Thanksgiving

Regardless, I have a lot to be Thankful for.

I am Thankful that I have a husband who loves me. I am Thankful that he does the dishes and laundry and doesn't mind changing diapers. I am Thankful that my husband likes his job and that it provides decent health insurance.

I am Thankful that my baby is healthy and reasonably happy. I am Thankful that he is loved so much by so many people, and that he can give love in return.

I am Thankful that my family is so loving and always willing to give you their last anything, from money to food - especially their time, to help their family. I wish other families were as giving.

I am Thankful that I have a job - even though I don't enjoy all the tasks, at least I enjoy going most days.

I am Thankful for my friends, for their love and understanding.

I am Thankful that my son was able to meet, play with and truly enjoy my oldest friend Beth's daughter Bella. Their combined Case of the Giggles was the best sound I have heard this entire year.

I am Thankful for my country and the men and women that protect it and its values across the world.

Things aren't always good, in fact, they are most often very hard;
I am Thankful that I am alive and healthy enough to try and work through the not-so-good times and to appreciate the truly great times.

I hope you all have a lot to be thankful for this year and have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones!

LOOK HOW BIG MY BABY IS!!!

He decided that he wanted to ride in the car at Fareway. And he was so happy that I couldn't say no. He talked to everyone who would pay him any attention. It made my shopping go much faster, and we both had a good time. He definitely has my social personality - he'll talk to anyone!

No matter what's happening or not happening in my life, I have never been more thankful than I have been since December 5, 2007. That's the day that I got the Official positive results on my pregnancy test. And every day since has been better, because Weston is in it. He's perfect. Even his whine is perfect. As in, perfectly annoying, irritating, and dreadful! Everything a good whine is intended to be. :)

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 31st Anniversary to my Parents!!!

31 years of Wedded... not sure if it was all Bliss,
but when it's good, it's Great!

If you see my dad... ask him how long he's been married. He's usually a year behind... which always made me wonder if I am actually a year older and everyone has been fudging the truth for 31 years. :) Seriously though... this only bothered me when I was 15 and 20, because at those times, it was always better to be a year older. Now... almost 30 is still better than actually being 30.
(For 38 more days anyway.)

Congrats to the parents... and many more years to come!

Post Script: I talked to my dad... he said that he called my mom already (he's at work in Wisconsin). A few hours later I called my mom. She said that she was on the phone with my dad for 10 minutes before she reminded him it was their anniversary. And when asked how long he said... 26 years. Mom said he was actually convinced it was 26 years. And she's kind of worried about his mental capacities. Her words. I think he's pulling her leg.

Back on the mend...

Weston finally seems to be feeling better.
He returned to daycare on Thursday, but his medicine, Augmenton, has caused him to have a horrific diaper rash. More than a rash, it's like a giant welt. The poor baby hurts every time we change his diaper. We've been using the Iowa staple of Bag Balm (not Udder Butter, but original farmer's balm.) The balm has stopped the progression, but hasn't healed anything. Our sitter (and my fount of endless knowledge) Kris told us to start dabbing his bottom with Milk of Magnesia to block the acid that is causing the welts. And then we bag balm over that, then diaper. So, I sent Scott to the store for the Milk... and he comes back with Milk of Magnesia (yea!) except he got the Cherry flavored (wtf?) yeah... my baby's bottom smells like a Cherry Poptart. And looks like one too.
To also help, we have been giving Weston baths. Alveeno Oatmeal-laced baths. Corn Starch baths... anything to help. So far... I don't know what good we are doing.

Any other homegrown ideas out there? I'll try anything at this point. Thanks!

Wednesday

I'm home with Weston today. He had a fever of 101 at daycare and can't go back until tomorrow. So, even though he is fever-free today, we're home. Trying to work online, and trying to play. Oh well... I guess that's what sick time is for.