I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful

Michaels 1st day @ Pre-K

2008-09-15T13:07:00.004-04:00

So he started pre-k today. Well, he was there for 1 1/2 hours. He starts full days on Monday. He found his friends and he was fine. he actually asked me (after about being there for about 1/2 hour) "Mommy, why are you still here?" This from the kid who wouldn't let me leave the classroom last year without getting upset. Well my baby is growing up!

He has to wear a uniform this year. The uniform is the smallest size but is still too big. He's ok with it but it drives me crazy. But what can I do?

His teacher is nice and we had a conversation as to what they will be doing this year and stuff. I guess I'll sign up for lunch duty and maybe a class mom. We'll see if they need me.

Here are a few photos......

Back to school giveaway

2008-08-09T12:34:00.002-04:00

I am all for give aways. Especially when it will benefit my son. Who couldn't use a little freebie with school starting.

5 Minutes for mom is having an awesome giveaway. Go on over and check it out. There are so many amazing things you can win for your child and there is stuff for all ages and grades.

Click on the link.......
http://www.5minutesformom.com/3924/back-to-school-giveaway-event

With Mikey starting pre-school I can use all the help I can get! Couldn't you?

Good luck!

It's Monster Jam !

2008-07-28T10:49:00.008-04:00

This weekend we took Mikey on a 4 hour car trip to go see Monster Jam. He loves his monster trucks and Mike wanted him to go again. He had gone in February (I think) in our area. This time he was at a track that normally holds NASCAR races so we had the opportunity to get closer to the trucks and we also go to go to the pit party. For those of you that don't know a pit party is where they line up the trucks and actually get to see them up close. He as so excited cause he didn't get to do this the last time.

We headed out Saturday afternoon for the trip. The show was on Sunday and we stayed at a hotel Saturday night to make sure that we were on time for Sunday. So Saturday we took him to pay miniature golf for the 1st time. He is no Tiger Woods but he had a ball. I also took him on a go-cart. He couldn't stop smiling once we started off on the track.

On Sunday, they threatened rain. Heavy downpours. Thank God it held off until we got to the car. Literally, 2 minutes after we got into the car the skies opened up.

here are some photos....

Photos

2008-05-29T19:04:00.003-04:00

mikey has been doing so much since I last posted so until I can find the time to update you all....here are some photos

Strabismus surgery & snow

2008-02-24T22:12:00.007-05:00

Ok so the 2 topics really have nothing to do with each other but that is what has been happening around here. As most of you know, Mikey has a condition called Strabismus (street name ~ Lazy Eye) which is defined as :

Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. It typically involves a lack of coordination between the extra ocular muscles that prevents bringing the gaze of each eye to the same point in space and preventing proper binocular vision, which may adversely affect depth perception. Strabismus can be either a disorder of the brain coordinating the eyes or a disorder of one or more muscles, as in any process that causes a dysfunction of the usual direction and power of the muscle or muscles.

He had surgery this past Thursday to straighten his left eye out when he is wearing his glasses. Well he actually had surgery on both eyes. We had the surgery done at NYU. Thank goodness his Dr. is affliated with NYU. We are so familiar with the hospital so we felt more comfortable having it done there. And he is the most wonderful Dr. How many Drs. give you their cell # after surgery and say call anytime day or night. Not many. The surgery was on the same floor he had his palate surgery on. Heck, we even saw Dr. Cutting after he was finished with a palate repair!

The surgery was pretty simple and straight forward. It took about 1 hour ~ start to finish. They gave him what we call Happy Juice before surgery to relax him. He had it before cleft surgery too. Boy did it relax him. It made him down right loopy. He was slurring his words and had no control over his body.

I had to take him into the OR and stay until he was under the anesthesia. I squeezed myself into the surgical moon suit and lovely stylish headwear they gave me and took my only child into the OR and then left him. Now I had done this when he had palate surgery. Same moon suit, same head gear. But something was different this time. Maybe it was because he was older. Maybe because he will remember this one. Maybe because it wasn't Dr. Cutting working on him this time. I don't know. I can't really explain it.

Anyway, everything went fine. Once he was out of surgery and awake we were allowed to see him in the recovery area. This was the hard part. We knew from the palate repair that he is pretty cranky coming out of surgery. Hell, can you blame him? The Dr. had told us that his eyes would feel like there was an eyelash in his eye that he couldn't get out. UGH! That drives me insane. I can't imagine how it felt to him. All he did was cry and try to rub his eyes. Of course he wasn't allowed to rub them so it was a fight to get him to stop. We gve him cold wet towels to put on his eyes. That worked a little. The only combination of things that would calm him down was a shot of pain killer (I was about to ask for one myself LOL), a TV with a construction video, a couple of toy trucks he got to keep and a HUGE LifeSavers ice pop that the lovely nurses were kind enough to give him. Thank goodness for them. Who doesn't love the bearers of drugs, toys and sugar!

At that point he calmed down, sat on my lap, watched the video and ate his ice pop while we waited for the IV to finish. When the IV was done he was ready to go. Got him dressed and took him home with the only restrictions being we had to wait 24hrs to give him a bath, no swimming for 2 weeks and no eye rubbing. We also have to put a cream in his eyes before bed. He isn't too happy about that.

His eyes will be bloodshot for awhile and he has disolveable stitches in there. It will also take some time for his eyes to adjust and straighten out. But all that matters is that he is OK.

Here are a couple of photos of what his eyes look like. They aren't the best. I couldn't get him to sit still.

He was pretty uncomfortable that 1st day but the next day he was his old self. Just in time for the snow!

I've been a bad mommy....

2008-01-18T23:34:00.000-05:00

I know I know...I have been AWOL for a LOOOOOOOOOOONG time. But I have a really good excuse(s) and if you need a Dr's note I can get you that too.

Mikey has been sick, on and off since before Christmas. There was a bad virus/cold going around and guess who caught it and caught it like it was the last out in the world series. There was pooping, throwing up, not eating anything....you get the idea. We were at the emergency room twice. And the Dr's office twice. Then on top of that HE GOT HIS VERY FIRST EAR INFECTION ~ followed by his SECOND EAR INFECTION. Anyone who knows me, knows that I was proud of the fact that he never had an ear infection. Especially since cleft affected kids are prone to them. Hell, cleft aside, most kids have had at least one ear infection by the time they are 3 1/2.

Now he is still sick and we went to the Dr. again today with the complaint of a cough that sounds like a seal on crack, a runny nose that would make Niagara jealous and of course pain in his ear. See where I am going with this one? Can you guess what I am going to say next. Yes~ his THIRD @^$*#!& EAR INFECTION. Time for a different round of antibiotics. Well this time the Dr gave me amoxicillin. I freaked when I got it from the pharmacy. I know it's very common to have an allergic reaction to penicillin (or anything ending in cillin). I'm allergic to it but I have no idea if he is. So I call the pharmacy and ask them what I should look for. This is what I was told.

"A mild allergic reaction would be a rash after about an hour. If that happens stop taking the meds (well DUH!) and call your Dr. ~ A serious reaction will be he has trouble breathing and if that happens call 911".

WHAT!?!?!?!? Are you kidding? He could have a reaction so severe that I need to call 911? I really didn't want to give it to him but I had to see if he was allergic and it was too late to get any other meds. Well, he is fine and not allergic so I have stopped freaking out about it and we shall move on. He is on 5 different meds (1 ear/1 eye ~ more on that in a second/1 nasal spray/1 cough/1cold). He is a walking pharmacutical company. Thank God for free samples or I would have had to empty my bank account for the co-payments!

On to the next medical issue. Mikey's eyes. He also contracted his 1st case of pink eye. i told you it has been a hell of a time around here. Also, his crossed eye isn't getting getting any better (or any worse for that matter) so the Dr wants to do surgery to loosen up the muscle. Ugh. It's only a 15 minute procedure per eye, he's doing both, and he will be completely asleep. The best part is it is being done at NYU. So that will be done on February 21st. Might just stop into the IRPS and see if I can schedule his 4 year appt while I'm there. It should be in May/June.

School is going really well. He is learning his numbers and shapes and colors (most of which he already knew) and making a lot of friends. Heck, even I'm making friends with the other moms so it's a win/win situation LOL.

So here are some photos starting with Christmas....

National Adoption Awareness Month

2007-11-05T09:53:00.000-05:00

I had no idea that November was National Adoption Awareness Month. I found out through a blog a read http://mamaknj.blogspot.com/ who got it from http://www.lifeofelle.com/go-purple-for-november/.

Adoption is very special to me as you all know. Michael was adopted at a week old. He is the most special treasure Mike & I have ever received. After many years of trying we decided adoption was the route for us. And it was the best thing we could have done. Without the help and support of our family and friends we never could have made it possible.

Here is a link to our adoption profile that Michaels birthmom saw and chose us with. http://adoptionprofile.blogspot.com/. It was not easy to make, took many, many hours to complete (including a computer crash!) and I needed 12 copies but it got us Michael and that is all that matters.

So anyone thinking about adoption, on the verge of starting the process of adoption, or in the throes of it....I wish you all the best. And if you need someone to talk to or need some advice on domestic adoption please e-mail me.

"We look at adoption as a very sacred exchange. It was not done lightly on either side. I would dedicate my life to this child."

Jamie Lee Curtis~Adoptive mother

"However motherhood comes to you, it's a miracle."

Valerie Harper~Adoptive parent

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T11:23:00.000-04:00

Michael has been sick all week. He's still sick. This is not like him. He was a little better yesterday so I took him out trick-or-treating for about an hour. We met up with some friends and started off. Have you ever been trick-or-treating with 9 kids and 8 adults? On a major throughfare with tons of other people? talk about confusion. Half of us were on one block and half were on another block at any given moment. But it was fun.

I sent him to school yesterday because they were having a party. I didn't want him to miss out and like I said he was feeling better. I brought in homemade chocolate lollypops of ghots and pumpkins. I thought hey would be the best thing there. Boy was I wrong. Otherparents sent in candy, coloring books, stuffed vampires, stickers. I need to step it up for Christmas LOL!

Us girls went in our jammies as Rosemary's Baby (inside joke!) and had our hair in pigtails. The kids were everything from Ghouls to a Power Ranger. But I wish I had taken pictures of some of the people out there walking around. Do they not have mirrors in their homes? If you weigh 300lbs, dont walk around like you weigh 150lbs, thinking you look like a cute little fairy. You look like Shrek!

Anyway....here are some photos of Mikey

School Photo

2007-10-19T11:32:00.000-04:00

I got his school photo today. I really didn't expect it so soon. The class photo hasn't come back yet (the teacher said there was a problem with them) but we should be getting them soon too.

When I take him for photos I need to perform magic tricks, jump through hoops and bribe him with a new car to get him to smile. This being said, I was worried because I couldn't see it after they took it. When he took this photo he smiled and that was it. And it came out good too.

Here it is....

Aint he cute?

I will post the class picture as soon as it comes in.

Ok....so it's been awhile

2007-10-08T00:19:00.000-04:00

Ok...lets start with a photo

This isn't a photo they did in school. I just felt like taking him for a special picture because he was starting school for the very 1st time. I think it came out real well. You would never know he had surgery. Thank God for NYU!

Now for all the school info. He is doing really well. It was a rough 2 weeks for him (and me!). He cried every time I had to leave and as soon as I left the room I was crying too. He would grab on to me and tell me not to go. After about a week and a half he started getting better. A little teary but I was able to leave without my heart breaking. Now I can get out of there without a tear but he still doesn't want me to leave. His teacher told me that he is very smart, well DUH! I know that, LOL!

He actually took school pictures already. Hopefully they will be back by the end of the month. He has had 2 fundraisers already. And now he has another one to do. Nothing like Catholic School. He is also going on his first school trip next month with the afternoon jr. pre-k. To a petting zoo. Where they get to feed the animals. Milk the cows. In November. Anyone else see the problem with this? The cold, possible snow/rain, stinky animals and about 30 three year olds and their parents. Should make for an interesting day.

Class & individual photos to come as soon as I get them (Yes everyone will get one I ordered a good size package). Also his Halloween photo. Gotta go have that done. I am slacking this year. Usually I have it done by now. I have had his costume for 2 weeks now. I won't ruin the surprise though!

I will leave you with this little gem that happened the other night before bed........... They have religion class every Wednesday (yes they start them early) so I decided to start teaching Mikey to say his prayers before bed. I figured this was short and sweet.

Now I lay me down to sleep,I pray the Lord my soul to keep.If I should die before I wake,I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Mommy: Now I lay me down to sleep
Michael: Now I lay me down to sleep
Mommy: I pray the Lord my soul to keep
Michael: I pray the Lord my soul to keep
Mommy: And if I die before I wake
Michael: I will go in the ambulance
Mommy: No Mikey, say what I say; and if I die before I wake
Michael: I will get better
Mommy: Mikey come on, please say it; and if I die before I wake
Laughter coming from the other side of the bed. Mike is hysterical.
Michael (seeing his dad is laughing): I will go in the ambulance and get better
Mommy:Mikey come on, please say it, don’t look at daddy; and if I die before I wake
Michael: And if I die before I wake
Mommy: I pray the Lord my soul to take
Michael: I pray the Lord my soul to take
Mommy (giving daddy the evil eye): Excuse me Mr. Catholic School all his life, should you be laughing at this?
Daddy: I’m sorry, it was funny

1st day of school

2007-09-20T12:07:00.000-04:00

He had his 1st day of school on Monday. It was only for an hour (to get them adjusted) and we were allowed to stay. Then everyday they increase the time by 15 minutes until he has his 1st full day on Friday. He'll be there from 8:30 am until 11:00 am.

The 1st day he was fine. But that was because we were allowed to stay. He played with the toys and seemed to be enjoying himself. He even said he wanted to come back the next day. Here are some pictures from the 1st day.

School & Therapy

2007-09-03T22:30:00.000-04:00

School for Mikey doesn't start until the 17th. Don't ask. At our catholic school regular classes start the 4th, kindergarten starts the 10th and pre-school/nursery school starts the 17th. I don't get it but whatever. But he does start his therapy through the Board of Ed tomorrow. He is going 2x a week for 1 hour a day (speech & OT). I keep telling him that he is going to 2 schools. I don't think he even needs it (neither do either of his therapists now) but it can't hurt him. It's also good practice to be away from me (or any family member) for a little while so when school starts he will be a little more comfortable. So off to "school" we go tomorrow just like everybody else.

As for his school. I have already met his teacher (she seems really nice) and the new principal (jury still out on him). They know my name and the principal has already pegged me to help out in the school. We'll see where that leads. But all my friends tease me that I am going to be "That Mom". They tell me that I will be PTA president in no time and running the school by the time Mikey is in Kindergarten. LOL! Ok, maybe I already have some ideas for the school functions and stuff but I will bide my time before blurting them out. Is the 2nd week of school too soon? LOL!

We went school shopping for him this weekend. He can only wear pants with elastic waistbands so it is easier for him to go to the bathroom by himself. Makes sense. Well I think we went a little overboard. He now has 11 new pairs of pants, 11 new shirts, a new pair of Nikes (with laces, no more velcro ~ UGH!) and a pair of Merrells. Add that to the numerous shirts and pants he already has and this kids has more clothes then the toddler section at The Childrens Place. Yeah, maybe I should have done a little inventory before we went shopping. Oops! But he will be well dressed, that's for sure.

Before you start thinking "why so much, he'll just out grown them in a month or 2" one thing ~ you have to understand about Mikey is he is small & doesn't grow really fast. He just got his skinny little butt into size 2T pants. He has been wearing size 3T shirts for awhile though. He has a long torso but isn't very tall. So these clothes will fit him for a LONG time. Well into the spring so it was a good investment. Not so much the shoes though. He is really hard on shoes, so I see a few more pairs in his future.

So That is where we are at now. Pseudo school starts tomorrow and real school starts the 17th. I have to go to the the school on the 11th for a Twin Towers memorial, meet his teacher and pick up his school packet.

Pictures to follow from the 1st day of school. Thank God I am the one who will be takingthe photos. I don't think you would want to see a photo of me blubbering and crying that my baby is leaving me while he walks in!

Later.

Mikey @ the Aquarium

2007-08-28T10:40:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile

2007-07-30T18:51:00.000-04:00

So I have been slacking on the blogging I know. It's been hot out and Michael has some new friends that have moved in next door so we are always outside. It's almost like it was when I was a kid (way back 100 years ago in the 70's). The mom's sit outside while the kids ride bikes and run around like crazy.

We are working on the potty (#2) training. I have to have him ready when school starts. They told us he has to be fully potty trained. What if a child isn't ~ they aren't allowed to go to school? It's insane putting a time constraint on it.

We took him to a huge fair they have every year. My God, the rides! He had to go on every one that he was tall enough to get on. At least twice.

Anyway, here are some new pictures...

Fathers day

2007-06-21T00:40:00.000-04:00

We wound up going to the beach on Fathers day. It was supposed to be really hot (and it was). This was Mikeys first time at the beach. We had taken him before but usually in the evening just to walk around. So this time he got to play in the sand and go in the water.

When we got there I slathered him and Daddy in suntan lotion (SPF 50) yet somehow forgot to do it to myself which resulted in the front of my legs getting sunburned but not the backs. How this happened I will never know. Anyway....he had the time of his life. He built sand castles and buried daddy in the sand. He went in the water with daddy 3 or 4 times. By the end of the day he was so pooped he fell asleep riding on daddys shoulders.

Here are some pics...

(Please don't mind all the other people in the pictures....it was CROWDED!)

So all in all it was a good day (not counting my sunburn). A day at the beach and lunch with daddy. What more could a little boy ask for?

Eye Issues

2007-06-18T08:36:00.000-04:00

Michael has been wearing glasses now for over a year now. We were hoping that the glasses he has would help correct the turning in of his eye. But we noticed that his eye was starting to turn again even with the glasses. We went for out appt with the eye Dr. on Wednesday and found out that his perscription has changed and we would need to get him a stronger set. That was no big deal but then the Dr. told us we would have to start patching his good eye from 4 -6 hours a day to make the weaker one work harder. This was not happy news for me. I will always do whatever my son needs to get better but I started imagining the fights I would have with him to get it on. The 1st couple of times trying to get one on him was a fight but it is getting easier. I keep telling him he looks like a pirate. Which he does!(*** He actually just said to me this minute "Mommy I don't need to put my eye patch on. My boo boo eye is fine". I wasn't even trying to get one on him, he just saw the box.)

So off to get the patches. The Dr. gave us a couple of samples and told us where to get them. They are called Ortopads and you can find them here www.ortopadusa.com/. They come in sizes and all these cute little designs. Michaels has the boys pack that have Red with airplanes Green camouflage Blue with spaceships Maroon with sports balls. I let him pick which one he wants to wear.

We have to do this for 6 weeks until we go back to the Dr. It might be possible n the future that he will need surgery. The Dr. said that we will have to wait and see. It is a 20 minute procedure ~ in and out. But the thought of him having surgery on his eye is not sitting well with me. He went through 2 major surgeries already and has another one to go for his cleft. Now his eye. This is something I am not looking forward to.

Here are some photos of my little pirate. Kelly...if you're reading this AAAARRRRGGGG!

Don't mind the messy face. He had just eaten.

NASCAR ~ Almost ~ Long story -made short

2007-06-12T16:28:00.001-04:00

We took him to Nascar. He was excited all week. We were up at 5am and on the road by 7am. The race was supposed to start at 12:30. Notice I said supposed to. At 12:35 it started to rain. We left our seats and went under the stands to get out of the rain. Then it stopped and they had to dry the track. The rain started again. Back under the stands. Rain stopped. Back to our seats. Again it started to rain. At this point it was around 3pm. We decided to leave. The race didn't start up until 5pm. So Mikey never even got to see them get on the track, but I have to admit that we had awesome seats. First row off the track. Maybe we can actually get to see them race if we decide to go again. I probably would have stayed but it was such a long day for Mikey and we were all wet from the rain. He passed out 5 minutes after we got on the road.

Happy 3rd Birthday Mikey!

2007-06-08T22:59:00.000-04:00

2007-05-30T11:45:00.000-04:00

We took him fishing for the 1st time this weekend. He splashed in the lake more then he fished. Probably the reason we didn't catch anything. But he enjoyed himself and daddy got to get in a little fishing. Here are some more photos

2007-05-30T11:09:00.000-04:00

Oh, boy....he's 3. People always warn you about the terrible 2's. Well now that he has amazing command of his speech and knows how to use it he takes full advantage of that.

We now hear curse words. and he uses them correctly. I have to stop cursing when I am driving. The kid is like a sponge.

We went to the park and he says:

"Mommy my hair is messy"

"Yes Mikey, your hair is messy"

"Mommy my hair looks shitty".

UGH!

But I love him to pieces. His birthday was actually May 25th but we are having a party this weekend. His birthday usually falls right on the Memorial Day weekend so we never really have a party on the day. But he did get his birthday presents already. He got a bike and a fishtank. Now to get get him to pedal forwards instead of pushing backwards, hitting the brake and making me almost topple over him and the bike due to the short stop. The fish from the other posts have gone to a better place. But I would like to say that the last one to go was MOM. Hopefully with a real tank we won't have so many casualties so close together.

This year he wants a Disney CARS party. Every year we have a theme.

1st year ~ Elmo

2nd year ~ NASCAR

3rd year ~ CARS

Notice a pattern? The 1st year he couldn't choose a theme so we did. After that if it didn't involve a vehicle he didn't want it. I asked him if he wanted the backyardigans, NOPE, Diego, NOPE, Thomas the Tank Engine, NOPE ~~~CARS!

Well here is his yearly birthday picture. I try to correspond the picture to his theme.

I will post party pictures after the weekend. Time to take him to the park. It's something we do every day, weather permitting.

Fish update & getting dressed

2007-05-23T09:23:00.000-04:00

First the fish ~~~~

Apparently we have Mafia fish. We had our 1st casualty the night we got them home. Kitty Cat "went to sleep with the fishes" (ok bad joke). I thought nothing of it. These $.50 fish don't last that long. The remaining 3 seemed to be fine. As of today they are still alive and kicking. They truly are members of this family. They eat like sharks. Anywho.... We went back to the carnival on Sunday and Mikey won another fish which he quickly named.....you guessed it, Kitty Cat. Well this little guy was swimming around in the bag like his tail was on fire and he kept going like that even after he got in the tank.

Much to my surprise, the next afternoon.....dead. I have a feeling that the other 3 have formed a mob and don't like anyone trying to get a cut of thier food. We should have named them Tony, Pauly Walnuts & Silvio.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My son can be a neat freak. Certainly not regarding his toys, but about himself. He hates his hands to be dirty. Yesterday he was concerned about his hair being messy. You get the idea. Well since he is using the potty now, one thing I give him control over is choosing his underwear. On most days it's simple. I ask "Bob, Thomas, Cars or baseball" and he chooses one and we get dressed. The other day it was not that simple. I was holding a stack of clean undies when I asked the question. I will never do that again. He wanted to "pick". This was the result.

He felt the need to line them up on my bed and go "shopping". It took 10 minutes for him to choose. I can't wait for the teenage years. Shopping will be such a joy.

New additions......

2007-05-17T21:22:00.000-04:00

Well I believe that congrats are in order here in our house. We have 4 new additons to to our household. Who knew that making us a family of 7 instead of 3 would make Mikey so happy. He wants to play with them, even though they are so small. He loves to feed them, but I have to keep a check on how much he feeds them.

Well here they are....... let me introduce MOO ~ KITTY CAT ~ DOGGIE ~ and MOM

The school that Mikey is going to in Sept. is having a carnival. So for $5.00 I bought 40 little ping pong balls and let him have a go. Who knew that a 3 year old would win 4 fish. But I guess the odds were on his side with that many balls.

Of course the names are all his doing. I like that one is Mom. The kid amazes me sometimes with what he comes up with.

A day at the park

2007-05-17T19:57:00.000-04:00

My nephews Confirmation

2007-05-17T12:15:00.000-04:00

This blog is usually about Michael. But I want to introduce to you my nephew Nicholas. Nicholas is 10 years older then Michael but they really do love each other. Michael is always asking when Nicky is coming over. When we do see him, Nicholas plays with him all day. Nicholas is great with Michael and Mike and I love Nicholas to pieces.

He is our 1st and only nephew so when he asked Mike to be his sponsor for his confirmation Mike didn't hesitate and was honored. We are so proud of you Nicholas!

So here he is. Isn't he handsome?

Can you guess what he wants to be?

2007-05-11T08:57:00.000-04:00

He is obsessed with all things automotive and construction. His dad brought this home for him last night and it was a hit. It's a little heavy for his head but he doesn't care. Last night I heard him singing the Bob the Builder theme song while he was wearing it. Why is the camcorder not charged when I need it?

Spring is here!

2007-04-25T22:18:00.000-04:00

Coloring Easter Eggs & Egg Hunt in the park

2007-04-16T19:05:00.000-04:00

It took all my strength to tell him not to stick his whole hand into the color cup!

Atthe park they had a face painter. She is trying for a bunny. Notice I used the word "trying".

He doesn't seem too happy huh?

Well if you had DEVIL BUNNY on the side of your face would you be happy? What the hell is that black spot supposed to be?

But then there was the bouncy house and all was forgotten. How he didn't get smooshed by the bigger kids that were in there I have no idea. But it's good to know that may baby can hold hold own!

The Easter Bunny got creative this year. He taped plastic eggs hung from fishing line off his ceiling. Let me tell you, the Easter Bunny did not have fun doing that!

But it was all worth it when he saw them. They are still hanging over his bed. He won't let me take them down.

His Easter basket.

What says Happy Easter more then finger painting at the dining room table?

Easter Pictures

2007-04-06T16:50:00.000-04:00

When did he get so big?

Coloring eggs with Grandpa

2007-04-04T22:33:00.001-04:00

Wanna try & win?

2007-03-30T20:12:00.000-04:00

I admit it. I am a bloggeraholic. There are so many good ones out there that I keep them bookmarked and read them when I get a chance. But when I was reading one and came across this little goodie I thought I would share.

5minutesformom has this contest to win a vacuum. Just pop over there and add your name. Oh, by the way, it's a Dyson! Who wouldn't want one of those?

Potty Training & School

2007-02-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

Well he did it. He went in the potty on Saturday. 3 times actually. Then we had a setback and he refused to go again until last night. Now this morning I have had to change his underpants 2x but he is letting me know when he has to go. The best words I can hear nowadays is "Pee Pee's coming!". Slow and steady, that is my approach. He will get it to the pont where he uses the potty all the time.

It's gonna be an adventure the 1st time we venture out with out a pull up on! Gotta remember to bring a change (or 2) of clothes. I got a great tip from a friend. She said that if you are going a distance take a small container with you, like to small plastic container the chinese soup comes in, with you and you can use that in an emergency. I am definately gonna do that.

Notice the soft taco. If this is any indication of how his appetite is changing, potty training is gonna be an adventure!

Which leads me to my next entry. We are registering him for school on Monday. There is a catholic school right across the street that has a 3 year old program. It could not be more convenient. 5 days a week, 8:30-11:15. So potty training is a must at this point. He doesn't start until Septemebr but he has to be completely potty trained. I am so excited for him but I am nervous too. We get to see the class next week. I hope he likes it. I bet he'll be one of those kids that walks to the door, says "bye mommy" and goes in with no fussing. Meanwhile I am falling apart outside LOL!

Here are just a couple of cute pictures of my future golfer!

Snow & stuff

2007-02-16T09:44:00.000-05:00

Boy it's been a long time since I posted something. Things have been pretty quiet here. Mikey doesn't have to go back to the dentist until March. We thought he had an ear infection. That was the worst. He has NEVER had an ear infection (thank God) so when he told me his ear hurt I started getting worried. I got him to the Dr. the next day. Apparently he is getting a molar. Just what we need, another tooth!

Well it snowed here the other day. Not a lot but enough for Mikey to be bouncing at the door to get out. Well the day before it snowed I realized I had no boots for him. Now where am I supposed to get boots the day before the snow. Luckily I found some at Payless. Boy did they live up to thier name. I got them for $10. I was really lucky on that one. They were the last pair.

So I get him bundled up in te snow pants, boots, coat, and mittens and take him outside into the frigid wind. This is the one tine I was greatful that he was in diapers still (I'm working on it!). All the jokes about getting him bundled up and him saying he had to go potty went flashing through my head. I let him play in the garden while I shoveled. Here are a few photos.

We also had Papa's birthday. This kid loves a party. Anytime I mention a birthday he asks if there will be cake. He has to blow out the candles. I tried explaining Valentines Day and he asked me if there would be a party!

2007-01-10T17:19:00.000-05:00

This is a conversation I just had with Michael while we were sitting on the couch....

MICHAEL: Mommy I want to build a house.

ME: Do you want your blocks?

MICHAEL: No.

ME: What do you want to build your house with?

MICHAEL: Peanuts!

ME: Peanuts? I don't have any peanuts.

MICHAEL: Please!!!!!

ME: Mikey, you can't build a house with peanuts, I don't have any.

MICHAEL: I wanna build a house with peanuts!

ME: Where would you like me to get these peanuts from so you can build your house?

MICHAEL: WALMART!

Do you think he goes to Walmart a little too often? He was in Walmart when he was a week old. Maybe he remembers?

What will he think of next?

2007-01-04T17:27:00.001-05:00

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Michaels favorite car

2006-12-27T23:37:00.000-05:00

I have a friend named Susan who has an H2. Well any chance that he gets he is asking to ride around in it. I tell him that we are going to Susan's and he asks about the Hummer. She loves when he asks about the Hummer. He has a toy Hummer (of course) and loves to point out where Susan sits, I sit, he sits and where her son Frankie sits, Well Susan now has an H1 Alpha. Mikey refers to the H2 as the old Hummer and the H1 as the new Hummer. Susan brought it over the other day and he got to ride around in it. It is one amazing piece of machinery I have to tell you. Here are some photos.

Some Christmas photos

2006-12-27T23:35:00.000-05:00

Next Stop ~~ Dancing with the Stars

2006-12-27T17:27:00.000-05:00

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By the way, he is dancing to "Voo Doo" by Godsmack in case anyone is wondering.

Christmas in NY

2006-12-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that a lot of people think of Brooklyn as a place that wouldn't even think of really getting dressed up for Christmas. Sure there are the houses that have the standard lights and some that even have the huge blow up carousels and Santas. But then there are the people who want nothing more than to have people come by thier homes with the kids and smile, take pictures and just enjoy.

I have been going to these houses, which are across the street from each other, for years. Now we take Mikey. They do it EVERY year and you can't even get down the block on a Friday or Saturday night cause of all the cars driving by. They hire an Elmo and a Frosty to collect from the passing cars for various charities. They do it all because they want to. And I think they are awesome for doing it.

This is the smaller house. You can actually walk uo the stairs to the large front window that they have all these figurines in. They also have a live Santa on weekend nights. You can kinda see his throne in the 1st picture on the bottom right. He sits for 3 hours just saying hello and taking pictures.

This is the larger house. Forgive the blurry pictures but most of the stuff is moving.

The soldiers turn and the reindeer & elves on the top porch move from side to side. The carousel also moves.

This Santa is almost as high as the 2nd story of the house. And the toy soldiers arms move up and down.

They even have a name for all of it...Toyland.

The dentist & stuff

2006-12-05T23:09:00.000-05:00

So much has gone on in the weeks since I last posted. Where to begin....

1) The Dentist~*~*
My poor baby has 9 cavities. The dentist said a lot of it was caused but all the fruit snacks he use to eat. One has been filled and this Thursday he is going for a root canal. We go every week and have somethng done. He was good during the 1st visit when he had his teeth cleaned, panaramic x-rays, and temp filling put in four teeth. No tears and he got some little toys afterwards. The dentist will not do any work on his cleft site until he talks to the Dr.'s at NYU, but apparently the teeth at his cleft site are growing in in a V shape. Not great news. He got a perscription for an antibiotic to prevent infection in the root canal site.
The 2nd visit was a little more difficult. He had to have a cavity filled. Now he knew what was going on. We went into the room with the huge fish tank, which he couldn't wait to see the 1st time. They put on the Backyardagins. He was fine until the dentist pulled out the little pointy scrapey thing. Then I had to hold him down (he was on my lap) and listen to him cry. It took all of 3 minutes but he was scared. After it was all over he was fine and got more toys. No pain after and 1/2 hour later we were at MCDonalds. Kid is a trooper!

2) Thanksgiving~*~*
We went to my parents in Delaware for the weekend. It was a lot of fun abut a 3 hour trip took 4 hours there and 5 hours back. Michael loves it there. There ia a catch and release lake and plenty of room for him to run around and ride his bike. he also did something that we call "saving grammys life". She was outside with him kicking a ball around and Mike and I were inside. next thing I know Mikey is knocking on the door and Mike got up and I hear "Look at Grammy". Apprently she lost her footing kicking the ball, fell backwards and hit her head on the road. She's ok but thank God Mikey got to the door.
He meet his twin cousins for the 1st time, Anna & Charlotte and they are the most gorgeous little girls you have ever seen. Just about 11 months old. I wanted to eat them up. He was so caring with them. Followed Anna wherever she crawled and gave Charlotte her toys. It was precious.
We found he likes to play dominos. Well my dad and Mike play and give him some and he has a ball pretending to play.

3) The Dentist 2~*~*
Well we thought he would need a root canal on one of his bottom teeth. Well first came the numbing gel. He wasn't thrilled with that. Then the shot of novacaine. Boy did he scream. But the dentist put on the trains that run through the office right below the ceiling and he was distracted for awhile. Then the real work began. He is on my lap and we are tilted back ready for the dentist to start and he starts freaking. I have his arms pinned and his legs in a scissor hold. The dentist comes at him and he is thrashing like a fish. He starts to drill and realizes that the tooth is infected and needs to be PULLED! Yes pulled. The whole process couldn't have taken more than 5-7 minutes but it felt like forever. Once it was over he was a mess. Crying and hugging on to me. We got his little toys they give out (they gave him extra) and left. When I got him into the car he calmed down and then passed out in sleep 5 minutes later. He stayed asleep when we got home and slept for 2 hours. After that he was fine. It doesn't seem to bother him at all. Thurday we go back to see if we can get the root canal done on the other tooth or that one needs to be pulled.

We decorated the tree and this year he was big enough to help. He loved helping me with the ornaments and putting the tree top on with Daddy.

Christmas comes early #2

2006-11-21T20:28:00.000-05:00

I am at it again. Now it's a photo with Santa. The way I figure it is the closer you get to Christmas the longer (and more annoying) the lines of kids & thier obnoxious parents. You know the parents. They wait until the last minute and take the kids on a Saturday where the line is out the door. Then they expect the kids to be happy and smile like they were on the cover of Baby Vogue. Of course all you get from those kids is crying and snot because they are now tired and/or hungry from standing in line for an hour. That makes for a lovely picture. Well to avoid all of that I go in November. No lines, no crying, and most importantly no snot.

Well of course nothing is perfect but after 6 tries this is the picture we got. I didn't expect Baby Vogue but I did expect him to at least look in the cameras general direction. No luck there but then again there was no crying from him, there were no lines, and again no snot so I am quite happy with the results considering all that did go right.

Christmas comes early

2006-11-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

I went out and had his Christmas photos done today. I know it's early but I got a good deal. He was soooo good today. As opposed to last year where he flipped the bird in the photo. This was the best photo session we have had so far. We even got Cletus in the photos. He loved that!

I look at these pictures and see how he is growing up so fast. He's a little man already. Where does the time go. It feels like only yesterday I was in Texas looking at him for the 1st time and falling in love. Picking him up and thinking he was so tiny. Looking at him and not even noticing his cleft, just seeing him looking at me and yawning and knowing how perfect he is no matter what.

Pumpkin Picking #2

2006-10-17T20:50:00.000-04:00

So we took him pumpkin picking again with better results this weekend. We went to Rockland County to this place called Concklins Farm www.theorchardsofconcklin.com

Better choice then last weekend I can tell you. They had all these really cool, super big (heck I fit in them) blow up rides & attractions. There was the jumping house and the haunted house and the super duper big slide. More on that slide in a minute.

He had a ball running through the pumpkins trying to find one that was just right. All I kept hearing was "Too big" "Too wet" "Too dirty". This kid is so picky, but he finally found one. As soon as I decorate it I will post a picture.

He LOVED the rides and attractions and went on a combination of them a total of 10 times. I thought he would be nervous in the haunted house but he wasn't. He went in three times (it's like a little maze) and kept turning himself around back to the beginning so he could stay in longer. The jumpy house was also done twice. There was this other one that was like a little maze and ladder that he wasn't impressed with. He only went once.

You don't scare me!

Vampires, HA! My papa is italian.

I know all about garlic!

Now about that slide. I still get the chills from it. Let me first tell you about the height. About 2 stories high. The only thing holding it up is air. Now you have to get to the top somehow right. Well stupid me thought that there would be some sort of stairs to the top. HA! I was wrong. Have you ever seen a Army movie where they have to do the obstacle course. You know the one where there is a long rope over a inclined plank of wood that you have to climb to get over the wall and the only way to get up that plank is the two by fours they have nailed across it as toe holds? Well imagine trying to climb that plank (that is slippery nylon) using the toe holds (that are made of the slippery nylon & full of air) and slowly pushing a 2 year old in front of you that can not get a grip in the toe holds. I did it FOUR TIMES! How the hell I didn't kill myself is a mystery. Although the 1st time up I did fall on the stairs (I use that word loosely) and almost took out the kids behind me. It would have been like falling dominos.

Anyway, the first time he was a little nervous. I sat him between my legs and went down. Now he has no fear. The other times he went down next to me and the last time he went all by himself. By the 4th time I was ready for an oxygen mask. What we don't do for our children.

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If the video feed doesn't work you can see it here

http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=195722&cdate=20061016&ctime=195319

Papi Chulo

2006-10-17T17:25:00.000-04:00

Is it me or does this outfit make him look like he should be driving around California in a low-rider with a do-rag on his head?

Just asking.

(Inore the glare from his glasses. I was lucky I got him to stand still for the photo.)

How much are you worth?

2006-10-12T20:37:00.000-04:00

I ran across this cute website that estimates what you are worth. I am worth $1,210,640. Now where can I go to get the best offer?

www.humanforsale.com

Now for the good stuff..............

We took Michael to pick pumpkins recently. Slim pickings on the pumpkins so we actually didnt get one, but we are going to another farm this weekend. Hopefully there will be more choices. But he did get to go on a hayride which he LOVED!

Here is one of him trying to play basket ball. I have video but I have a problem uploading. Hopefully i will get it figured out and post it later.

Here is one of him and his Grammy. He just woke up from a nap and wanted a little cuddle. Sometimes I think he loves all 4 of his grandparents more than us!

Military man

2006-09-24T20:19:00.000-04:00

OK, so I caught him by surprise. It's not his best photo, I'll give you that.

But look at that Uncle Sam haircut. He was shorn like a sheep.

Now if I can just get him in his little fatigue outfit he has

you could really get the visual!

Funny picture

2006-09-20T12:55:00.000-04:00

I never thought that something like this would be necessary but apparently it is still a confusing chore to some people.

Poem

2006-09-20T11:23:00.000-04:00

I don't remember where I originally found this but I came across it again and had to post it. It brings a tear to my eye everytime I read it.

Take time to hold me on your lap,

To joke with me and make me laugh,

Take time, Mommy; this time will go so fast..

Take time to give me extra hugs,
To teach me a nursery rhyme or song,

Take time, Mommy; I won't be little long..

Take time to tuck me into bed,

To read me that story you know by heart,

Take time, Mommy; soon these days will part..

Take time to exclaim over what I color,

To admire the things I make from clay,

Take time, Mommy; I'm growing up and away..

Take time to imagine or make-believe,

To play some childish, silly game,

Take time, Mommy; soon it won't be the same..

Take time to let me help you work,

To teach me the many things you know;

Take time, Mommy; enjoy me as I grow..

--Author Unknown

It is such a true poem. Time goes so fast when they are little. You must take the good with the bad. The smiles with the tears. The laughs with the screams. Because one day you will turn around and they will be all grown up. Not wanting to draw for you, play with you, won't want to be hugged or kissed. I hope that time is way off for me. I love my little boy. I want him to always need a kiss and a hug. No matter how tall he gets. No matter who is around. I love him more than I love myself. I didn't know that was possible until I first held him in my arms. I would die for him. I would kill for him. He is the love of my life.

A Sunday Outing

2006-09-15T12:53:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday I took Michael to Family Day at the Knights of Columbus. We try to take him every year. They have pony rides and the Half Moon, a BBQ, cotton candy and snow cones. Now that he is a little older he really can enjoy it. He had a hot dog and his first taste of cotton candy (he wasn't impressed) but he did like the snowcone.

Well he kept asking for the pony. Finally the ponies showed up. A Shetland and a regular pony. Well guess which one Captain Courageous wanted to go on. The big one. Well big for him anyway. I kept trying to convince him to go on the smaller one but he would not hear it. Only the bigger one would do. First I let him pet the ponies. I didn't want him to freak when he got on. Even though he wanted to get on the bigger one I wasn't sure how he would be once he got on. Michael walked right up to them and pet them.

TIRAMISU
CHIP

Then it was his turn to ride around the parking lot on "Tiramisu", the Shetland was "Chip" original names I thought . I guess there is a little Texas cowboy in him cause I didn't even have to hold him on (which gave me a chance to take pictures). The helmet kept falling over his eyes but he didn't care.

Then it was time to go on the Half Moon ride. He went with Kristen and loved it. He was on it twice.

So after doing all this and zooming around on his bike and playing with some other kids it was time to go home. It took all of 30 seconds for him to fall asleep in the car. He was pooped. But he had a ball and I can't wait to see what he does next year.

Halloween

2006-09-15T11:40:00.000-04:00

Am I jumping the gun by getting ready for Halloween already? We already have made plans with Michaels Godfather to go Trick-or-Treating and I already have his costume and candy bucket.

If you check out the last 2 years postings on Halloween he was a pumpkin (6 months old) and a fireman (1 1/2 years). I try to incorporate what Michael is into at that time. He was a pumpkin cause his grandma called him pumpkin. A fireman cause he was fascinated by the fire trucks and we had to stop everytime we passed the fire house. This year we are going with the CARS theme. I originally wanted to do a NASCAR outfit but after seeing the cost of the costumes I let that fantasy die LOL!

I was in Tous R Us last night to pick up something non Hallowen related and saw they had all the costumes out already. You have all your standards.... Policeman, Doctor, Thomas the Tank Engine etc. I was about to give up and just walk away when I spotted something out of the corner of my eye that looked familiar...........CARS!

Well, there were a few people standing near the CARS outfit but that didn't stop me. I walked over and just said "Excuse me" and grabbed the outfit not knowing the size or price and truthfully not caring and walked away with my amazing find. There may have been a dirty look or two but I didn't even notice. You snooze you lose! All is fair in love and Halloween costumes!

Luck was on my side. It was the right size and inexpensive. Then I found the candy bucket. Also with the CARS theme. Very cute. I can't get a photo of it cause he is playing with it. I will post his Halloween pictures from Sears as soon as I have them done. I take him every year. I have to go soon cause they take 3 weeks to come back and I would like to have them before Halloween.

2006-09-07T21:21:00.000-04:00

Could someone please tell my son he is only 2. Apparently he thinks he is 10. Let me explain.......

Michaels speech is growing in leaps and bounds. 3- 4 word phrases. Pretty good word pronunciation. Loves to repeat (gotta be careful around him though, I said Crap the other day and he proceeded to say it for 5 minutes). Sometimes when I ask him a question he answers it and I wonder where the words come from but I wonder more where he gets his logic.

I gave him a small tub of crackers and told him, please try not to spill them on the couch. Yes, I know he is 2 but I can always hope for the best. Not a minute later I hear "OOPS". Now there are crackers all over the couch. Crackers IN the spaces between the cushions. UGH! I say to him "Mikey did you spill the crackers?" The response............

"No, Bear spilled crackers"

And he holds the bear out and points to him. I had to laugh. The one thing he loves more than cars and takes everywhere and he rats him out in the blink of an eye.

A bit of advice for Cletus, don't take Mikey to court, you will fry in the electric chair!

The Accused & The Evidence

To potty or not to Potty......

2006-08-30T15:55:00.000-04:00

I set my sights on potty training today. The weather is gross and I figured it was a good day to start. If you know anything about Michael, once the sun is up he is ready to go to the park. This summer he must have gone everyday. But today was not a park day.

We got him a potty with all the bells & whistles, literally. It sings, it flashes, it dings. The only thing it doesn't do is really flush. I think it's called the Royal Potty or something equally rediculous. Here is the throne! It is so sensitve that you just walk by it and it says something. Quite annoying at 3am when you are half asleep, it's dark and you yourself are trying to go. I hit it with my foot the other night and let me just say THANK GOD I WAS ALREADY IN THE BATHROOM. It scared the S*IT out of me!

OK so here is the lowdown on the potty training. I made him sit on it with his clothes on so he would get the feel of it (with Cletus of course). Cletus is his Cleft palate bear. It has stitches on his lip just as if he had lip repair surgery. It it Michaels favorite thing in the world. We don't go anywhere or do anything without Cletus.

Then I took off his diaper and I explained that Cletus goes potty and put Cletus on the potty.

I told him that Mommy & daddy go potty. He should try it too. Then he sat on the potty for 5 seconds and got off yelling NO POTTY NO POTTY. OK another route must be taken. "You must put on a diaper or sit on the potty so you don't pee pee on Mommys floor". He then sat on it for a minute. Off he came like his ass was on fire. There was a mad dash for the livingroom. Sans diaper of course. He proceeded to run around with no diaper with me running after him telling him "If you feel the pee pee you go to the potty, not on mommys floor". From the kitchen to the living room to our room to his room. Repetedly. Until he stoped at the couch to play with Mr. Potato Head. Ok, so I think maybe he will go if I put the potty in the living room. I get the potty to try it out (I know what you are thinking about the potty in the living room but It was worth a shot) and put it in the middle of the room. I go into the kitchen for more coffee and come back to see him get up from a squat in front of the couch and book like the wind into his room ~~~~~~~~ leaving behind a turd on the carpet! Ok so the potty was literally 1 1/2 feet from where he finally took a dump and he couldn't make it. Maybe I should have been reinforcing the POO POO as well as the pee pee. That might have been my fatal omission. POO POO in the potty and pee pee in the potty. Gotta remember to say both.

After that he wanted a diaper and even got on the bed so I could put one on. So ends the 1st half of potty traing for today. To be continued tomorrow. Hopefully he will get near the potty and go.

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

2006-07-17T16:03:00.000-04:00

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

2006-07-17T10:37:00.000-04:00

How about this?

2006-07-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

I took Mikey to McDonalds after the park yesterday. I thought that they still had the CARS toys but alas, no. Now it is Pirates of the Carribean. I figured what the heck is he gonna get? Well how cute is this?

My lil swashbuckler!
Move over Johnny Depp!

I also found out that the next set of toys that will be in the Happy Meals will be from HUMMER. Well Mikey will go crazy for those. Anyone who knows him knows that cars are his favorite things in the world and the Hummer is his favorite car. He has expensive tastes for a 2 year old. I have a friend who has a Hummer and everytime we see her he starts yelling HUMMER CAR - HUMMER CAR. He can't wait to get in it. The way I look at it, in 14 or so years when he can drive maybe I will be able to afford a used one for him LOL! Gotta start saving now.

I know its been awhile

2006-07-05T11:11:00.000-04:00

So I have been slack in posting. I just can't seem to find the time. Michael is so active now. I have to keep him busy or he gets crazy. He has been known to throw a fit or two!

Well we went to NYU and everything is going well. We have to go back in 6 months to see Shelley the speech/language pathologist. Michael was not gonna talk in front of all those people. I knew it. But he was well behaved. I have to give him that.

His speech is progressing nicely. He now will repeat words and is starting to put them together in 2-3 word clusters. We are trying to get his speech therapy upped to 3x a week. We are just waiting for the approval.

We also have done a few things since my last post. We had his birthday party, he went to our local 4th of July parade, we got him a pool and we took him to see the fireworks last night. He was great with them. He wasn't scared and kept saying BOOM BOOM everytime they went off.

We have to go back to the eye doctor this month, so far so good with the glasses. He even asks for them when he gets up in the morning.

But alas we are still having sleeping problems. We refuses to stay in his bed. He now has a FULL size bed, with Disney CARS sheets and will go to bed there but a few hours later he is up, at the side of my bed going "Mommy?". I put him back in and he is up an hour later right at the side of my bed. UGH. It is so hard not getting a full nights sleep. Hopefully he will grow out of this soon. Hell, I slept in a twin bed until I got married, he doesn't know how good he's got it!

Here are a few of photos for you viewing pleasure!

His NASCAR cake. He had a whole NASCAR Theme. Why they put flowers on it I will never know.

Walking in the parade. He loved waving that flag at people.

So I thought I would try some video. I hope it works.

Speech & NYU

2006-06-12T07:42:00.001-04:00

I know that in earlier posts I have said that I am worried about his speech, or lack there of. It's something that I will always be worried about but he is coming along nicely. Here are some of his newer words....

no way
home
coo coo (as in clock)
happy
puppy
papa
papa park car
boo boo
eyes
purple
blue
more
no more
oh boy
baby
bee
ta da (mostly after he does something his thinks is amazing)
up
ok

I had called Shelly at NYU to voice a concern about Michaels teeth. He seems to be getting one on the cleft spot but because there isn't enough room it is growing out of his gum instead of down. I even e-mailed her a photo of the area. Well she said that any tooth in a cleft area is a good tooth. It will be checked at his yearly conference. Well Michael was eating while I was on the phone and he was right next to me and said "papa". She said "did he say papa. make him say it again". So I had him say papa & puppy. She said "Alison do you know what that means? It means his palate is working correctly". He says it really clearly. I was thrilled. So we proceeded to schedule his yearly conference for June 14th (ths Wednesday). Apparently there will be a lot of visiting orthodontists that day so Michael will have an audience.

All those people will render him mute I know it. He is not great in crowds. But Shelly tells me that she will take him off to the side away from eveyone to get him to talk. I hope it works. I think I'm going to make a video of Michael talking in case we can't get a peep out of him. Don't know if Shelly will use it but it's better to be prepared! LOL. I let you know how it goes.

Here are a couple of photos. Can't blog without photos.

Michael decided that he would take out my pots and pans, bring them into my room and make a pasta dinner. He even brought in the knives, forks & spoons.

Easter

2006-05-09T02:20:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I am posting Easter pictures even though it is almost his birthday. I got birthday pictures too! I am such a 1st time mom. I take him for photos for every stinking thing. Will he care when he gets older? Probably not, but they are more for me than they are for him anyway. Hopefully his wife will want to see them LOL!

Well here is Easter.....what a difference a year makes.

We made him put his hand in his
pocket for this photo because of
the Christmas picture. LOL!

Does he look like he is waiting
for a bus?

Now on to his birthday pictures. Every year I try to have his birthday pictures reflect his favorite thing. Last year it was Elmo. This year it's cars. We can not go anywhere without a car. He would take them into the tub if I let him. Heck, it's the word he says the most. Everything is a car. A truck, a van, his dad at times. He is a pisser.

Car on his shirt and his Matchbox
cars on the #2. See, we can't go
anywhere with them.

I can't believe that he is almost 2. It seems like yesterday that we were in Texas and I was freaking out thinking that he would never sleep more than 3 hours at a time. He is becoming a little man. No more baby.

His speech is getting better. He how strings a couple of words together. "No more car" (again with the car) is a favorite statement. It means he doesn't want to drive in the car or if he hides a car he says it. We now hear PAPA for grandpa, ice (don't know where that came from), up and a couple more I can't think of. I'm getting brain freeze! It's after 11pm and I am exhausted.

Glasses

2006-03-14T19:15:00.000-05:00

Well it's official, Michael needs glasses. I took him to the eye Dr. because his left eye was turning in a little. I didn't know what they were going to do to examine him. He's not even 2 and isn't talking yet. Well the wonders of modern medicine. They dialated his eyes first and then used little spinning toys to watch his trcking and then a video of different farm animals. From that he came to the conclusion that Mikey is farsighted. I figured that they would give me a couple of exercises and possible a patch to make his left eye work harder. Well I was wrong. The Dr. said that he doesn't need surgery (thank God, I don't know if I could go through another surgery with him while he is so young. I can still feel his pain from the last 2 surgeries) so that was a bright spot but he then proceeded to tell me he would need glasses, that they would be pretty thick and "hopefully" he would be out of glasses by the time he was 6. Ok, that means by the 1st grade. Not too bad I guess. But the worst was yet to come.

I took him that day to get glasses. One of the 1 hour places. I can't say I wan't warned about the thickness, but when I say them on him for the 1st time I cried. Not a bawling cry (even though I wanted to bawl) but a slow rolling set of tears. It was so pathetic that another customer came over to me put her hand on my shoulder and told me everything will be OK.

Now someone who has a level head would say it's no big deal. But me, who it's amazing hats stay on my head only saw two things. Ridicule & Pity. Ridicule from his peers. Remembering all the names I was called when I got glasses. Him coming home upset and angry that he is forced to wear glasses. The arguments we will have about why he has to have them and how I will tell him the other kids are 'jealous' of him. Pity from people who don't even know him.

Aren't we all guilty of that at one time or another? We see a child with glasses that make his/her eyes really big. Or braces on teeth that are huge. Or any other of the 1000's of afflictions that children have to live with every day. Have you ever said "God forgive me but that child is ____ _____ _____" (fill in the blanks). Or "That poor baby" Or the worst "Thank God it's not my child". Now I know that I am comparing glasses to some major afflictions but Michael also has his cleft to deal with all his life. The scar under his nose. That will be forever. Most people say you can't even see it, but it is there. His speech delay. Which is correctable for the most part but I am tired of hearing "Is he talking yet? Well my child is saying her ABC's"

I happen to be a very sensitive person. My heart melts for kids. Most people know what I went through to get Michael. So for him to have to deal with ANYTHING else is a major blow to me. No matter how minor it might seem to the outside world.

Well I have to tell you that all it took was some time for me to get use to seeing him with the glasses for me to calm a little and realize that no matter what he is MY LITTLE BOY. He is really good with them too. He only flings them when he gets mad, which is only 3-4 times a day! But in the back of my heart I am scared for him and the people he will meet. But then again, I can't keep him i a bubble can I? Can I?

Snow!!!

2006-02-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

Last year, well 2004, when it snowed we took him out and planted him in the snow, took a picture and brought him back inside. He was only 7 months old and he was very unimpressed with the snow.

This year however he was chomping at the bit to get outside. He played and ran around (as much as his snow pants would let him). He watched daddy use the snowblower and grandpa shovel. The snow is as high as he is and his cheeks are red from the wind but he couldn't have had more fun.

Chocolate Casualty

2006-02-08T19:24:00.000-05:00

When will I learn? Children are messy. Especially when they are learning to feed themselves.

I am in the process of making 100's of chocolates (well 98 lollypops and 192 small flowers) for my friends son's 2nd birthday. I have to get them done by Thursday night because Friday night I am going out (a small reprieve from the house)and Saturday is the party. Anyway, I figured I would try to get some done during the day. I usually do them after Michael is asleep. He was really good and didn't bother me too much. But then I gave him a small piece of chocolate and he kept coming back for more. So insanity and a lack of coffee made me give him the spoon I was using. A spoon which is 1/2 the size of his head. Guess what happened? Well, judge for yourself............

This is good!
Hum...Mommy is looking at me funny.

Maybe if I make a funny face she will laugh.

HA! Look at me. Could I be more messy?

It took many a baby wipe to clean this up but it is times like this that make me love him more. There is nothing that makes me feel better then when he does something to make me smile or laugh. Like today. He was watching TV and I was at the computer. Next thing I know he is duck walking over to me with his pants around his knees. Guess potty training is the next step.

Just a few new things.....

2006-01-19T22:59:00.000-05:00

So the talking is slowly coming along. We now have these words firmly in his vocabulary

MAMA
Mommy (Apparently it must be repeated over and over for me to get the true meaning of the word)
DADA
Moo
Ho Ho Ho (only when questioned with "What does Santa say?" Imagine him running around saying Ho Ho Ho, boy would I get into a lot of fights.)
NO (this is a favorite. It is mostly accompanied by him shaking his head NO as well.)
Dog
Park (Well almost. He's getting there.)

But when you talk to him, he understands everything. His speech therapist says that he is understanding language at a 3 year old level. I am impressed with a lot of what he does. He has a great memory (but like any man, only for things he wants to remember) and he loves to try and figure out how things work.

Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. The kid is sunshine in sneakers. There are moments where I wounder if he is from this planet but then again that is all part of his charm.

Now for some photos.....

He actually sat still for 3 seconds while I snapped this.

Well almost. He rolled around a little so he was slightly out of frame but I still love the face!

This kid could spend all day running around at the park. He wears me out. But he's getting braver. He'll go on the slide alone now but running around on the jungle gym is stll a Mommy & Michael activity.

Here he is with Grammy & Grampy at his cousin Charles' christening. Doesn't he look thrilled. Poor kid was exhausted. He was busy trying to give mommy a heart attack by running away from her in the over crowded room. But he had to have a balloon.

Christmas pictures

2005-11-14T14:19:00.000-05:00

What it took to take these pictures! This kid doesn't sit still for anything. But even though, I think they are pretty good. Although there is one issue.......Look at this one with the JOY blocks. Notice anything strange that Michael is doing?

I was sitting at the computer with the salesperson picking out the different sizes and styles I wanted when another girl came over to see the photo. She proceeded to say "Does he have his middle finger out?" I thought I was gonna die. Not that he stuck out his finger, he has no idea what it means, but the fact that these pictures were VERY expensive and now one of them looks like he is saying "F Christmas". I laugh about it now but then at that moment I wanted to kill him.

Well here are the other 2.....

In this one they caught him before he got that finger out!

In this one they just didn't bother to put his fingers in the picture!

He has been babbling up a storm lately. We have heard DADA and I swore I heard UP. Ugh, all kids develop differntly I know but I want to hear my baby say more than MAMA.

Enjoy the photos!

Alison

I am thrilled

2005-10-27T20:39:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I was drinking out of my McDonald's cup, using a straw of course and Michael wanted to play with the straw. I figured, what the hell let me try to get him to use the straw. So I said "Mikey, watch Mommy, now you do it". Well I'll be damned, he actually sucked hard enough to get soda up the straw and into his mouth to drink. I almost pooped on myself. I asked him to do it again and he did. Well the 3rd time I asked him he proceeded to suck and pull the straw out of the cup and spill soda all over the couch but at that point it didn't matter. It may not seem like a lot to most people but it means that he is using his repaired palate muscles. Hopefully the words will follow soon!

I will try and get a picture of him drinking out of a straw soon, but as I promised............here is his Halloween picture

My lil firefighter

Too cute not to share

2005-10-21T23:25:00.000-04:00

Ok, this is not his Halloween costume but I had to share it with you. This kid will not wear a hat to save his life but a hood he will tolerate. Strange? Well that's Michael for ya.

But that side glance...now that is a one in a million shot.

I am still waiting for his "official" Halloween photos to come in. It takes SEARS 3 weeks to get them to you, but for $10 you can't expect much!

Introduction

2005-10-09T02:09:00.000-04:00

Thought I would start a blog about Michael. This way everyone can keep up with his progress and of course to see how cute he is. I have to admit I am a little biased! So here we go! I will try to add more about once a week. It's hard to do anything with "My Little Shadow" around.

He loves the water. I have to fight to get him out!