Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Long Update-Post Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's


I realize I haven't posted in a long while. We've been quite busy this past month. One thing I'm grateful to my husband for is his sense of family and adventure. He loves to do things as a family so we often go to many places- even just to drive and walk around. Sometimes I think that if it wasn't for him we wouldn't go anywhere. Here's a pic from the Griffith Park Carousel, train, and pony rides. Pup had his first pony ride ever (which he loved) and AJ rode his first horse in the non-traditional pony ride sense.


Here are Daddy and AJ on the train, but unfortunately you can't see the train part.

That same weekend we went to the Town Center for "Toys for Big Boys." This 3 day event was part of the California Lifestyles Expo where tractors, RVs, Limos, Race Cars, Funny Cars, tires, and home improvement projects were displayed for all to see. We specifically went to this event to support my step-dad Randy who was representing his company that makes torque converters.

Here are some pictures of AJ and his Grandpa from that day. They are standing in front of a race car that is sponsored by Randy's workplace and is still racing today. Randy was once a member of its crew and responsible for many of its parts. AJ was so excited that he actually got to sit in a car- something many people will never get to do.


The next event of the month was the annual Christmas tree lighting we also attend at the Town Center. This year we went with Danny's mom, sister, and the Worfords. Pup was very engaged by the lights and the music as well as the man on stilts.





AJ loves the juggler.

This month we also went out to dinner for Granny Mimi's and Uncle Ryan's birthday. The whole fam went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner.



The 3 amigos at dinner. (Pup, Baby Worf, and Hank the Tank)

Last but not least we had Thanksgiving. We enjoyed two nice dinners- one at my grandmother's and one at Danny's mom's house. Unfortunately our Thanksgiving was accompanied by ear infection and pink eye. Poor Pup. He was not well. I had taken him to urgent care on Tues. and he was put on antibiotics for the ear infections. On Friday I took him back because his eyes did not look right. Sure enough he had pink eye too. Not fun. Fortunately, everyone else seemed to escape it except for Hank the Tank. Guess we should have stayed home. Anyhow, it was nice visiting with family- on both sides. Danny's tia Irma is in treatment for cancer so it was good to see her doing well. On my side it was great to see my aunt and sister who we don't see much due to distance.

I am looking forward to Christmas and the rest of the family festivities. Danny sat down last night and filled the calendar with all the holiday things that we need to do before Christmas. This includes driving down Candy Cane Lane, watching various Christmas movies, and taking pics with Santa. His goal is to fill our house with everything Christmas. There are a lot of decorations up and at first it was annoying, but I'm starting to embrace it. It is fun for the kids afterall- and that's who it's about anyway.

In AJ news, 2 of Pup's therapists this past week told me how smart they thought AJ was and how good his vocabulary is for only a 4 year old. I was quite pleased, and although I'm really not one to brag, I feel like it's because of all the books we've read to him and the experiences we try to give him. Anyway, it made me feel good. That's all.




Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Last night was a fantastic night. We went to a Mexican restaurant to celebrate two family birthdays. Pup, Hank the Tank, and Baby Worf all sat near each other in their highchairs. Pup was soooo well behaved. He ate everything put in front of him, played, laughed, walked around the table....More importantly, I didn't feel last night that he was any different. The Tank had food all over the floor....Baby Worf had to be taken out of the restaurant because he had hit his breaking point during the meal. . . Not Pup, though. He was so great- no tantrums, no crying....nothing but smiles and eating. I felt, just for a while, that he was just a normal kid, and the dinner last night made me realize that in many ways he is a very normal kid.

After dinner we had to go to Danny's favorite hot spot- Target. He loves all the Christmas stuff so we had to spend money we don't really have to further decorate our home. It is Danny's goal to fill our home every holiday season with any piece of Christmas decor he can find. Although I love his spirit, he doesn't see the price tags on anything. We usually end in some argument, but since I was so happy about Pup I let it go. And in the store, Pup was even better! He played with toys appropriately in the cart, flipped through pages of a book (never before seen!), and at one point we could tell he wanted to get out so we let him walk around and he proceeded to help me push the cart. Again, I just felt like he was like everyone else.

To top that, for 3 nights in a row he has slept all the way through the night without waking up once!!!! I hope that is a trend that continues. And for two of those nights, I put him in his crib awake, and he fell asleep without crying for me. Yeah Pup!

Last Sundy, we went to "Toys for Big Boys" at the Town Center. This 3 day event was part of the California Lifestyles Expo where tractors, RVs, Limos, Race Cars, Funny Cars, tires, and home improvement projects were displayed for all to see. We specifically went to this event to support my step-dad Randy who was representing his company that makes torque converters. On display was a race car he helped to build. I wish I knew more about cars so I could appreciate this more. AJ got to sit in the actual car which, I imagine, is not an experience many people get to have.

Monday, November 2, 2009

News!

I'm so thrilled. Pup starts and early intervention group class on Thurs. Since I'm working Danny will be going with him. It's 2 hours once a week. I LOVE my service coordinator. With all the budget problems here in CA I'm VERY concerned as our insurance is now going to be accessed. I'm not sure what that mean, however. All I know is that I'll be paying out of pocket for things I didn't have to before. Pups IFSP meeting is on Wed. I'm really concerned about his fine motor development at this point. Still working on waving, clapping....yada yada yada

Sunday, November 1, 2009

The Drs. Mc Dreamy and Mc Steamy are in.






Last night was Halloween and in traditional fashion we took the kids trick-or-treating. AJ and Pup were Drs. Mc Dreamy and Mc Steamy. It was fun this year because Uncle Bret and Auntie Kiki (my sister Karyn) came with us unlike last year. Before venturing off to the houses, we stopped by my mom's to show her the kids' costumes. Hank the Tank was also there with my sister and brother-in-law in his pirate costume donned with mustache and pirate goatee.

Then it was off to Pop Pops where we were joined by Grandma Bebon and Aunt Kelly for trick or treating. They painted their faces and The Tank was not too happy. Of course Pup was oblivious and wasn't scared a bit.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Funeral

We had to drive down to San Diego for the funeral of Danny's step-father of about 20 years (well, former step dad). It was a small, very beautiful service in a Jewish cemetary. Myron was Jewish and as we're not the boys were given yamakas to wear. It was a graveside service so everything you'd expect to happen did. We saw the coffin being lowered and we participated in shoveling dirt into the grave. It was solemn but happy at the same time. We let it all happen and felt that if AJ had any questions we'd just answer them. After all, death is a part of life. We didn't really say much figuring he'd ask and we'd tell him. On the way home we asked him if he had any questions about anything he saw. We figured he'd ask about the "box" or the shoveling. He said no but understood that Zaide went to live with great-grandma in Heaven. Earlier this year he went to the funeral of Danny's grandmother. About 10 minutes later he announced, "I do have a question." I braced myself for something big.

"Why did I have to wear that little hat?"

Monday, October 26, 2009

Fall Family Picnic


AJ's preschool had their annual Fall Family Picnic tonight. Grandma Yvonne, Aunt Kelly, and Granny Mimi were all in attendance. It's nice to be able to see AJ's friends and see him "in his element." We just got Subway sandwiches and played on the playground. They also had activities set up on the patio like pumpkin painting, pumpkin hammering, and other things.




Aunt Kelly and AJ in the sandbox on the school playground.
Pup and AJ in the playhouse.
It's very therapeutic to hammer golf tees into pumpkins. You wouldn't think so, but it was!

Granny Mimi and AJ




Pup did some walking while we were there too! He just needs to learn to get up by himself.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Let's Go Yankees!

Here are the boys celebrating the big win! The Yankees are off the World Series- their first since 2003! Go Jorge #20!


Today was also Pop Pop's 60th b-day celebration. Al, as always, enjoyed helping to blow out the candles on the cake and being the boss of all play. It was so nice to see all the kids finally playing together as they are old enough. It is now noticeable, though, that Pup is not quite there with the other kids- even Danny (who NEVER ever says anything) said something today about it. It's a bit painful to hear my sister and friend Tracy talk about the boys (who are all born 3 months apart- Worf [20 months], then Pup [17 months], then Bubs [14 months]) growing up driving, playing ball together, because I know there's a big possibility Pup won't be able to. I don't want to, however, spend his life wishing he were like the other kids. I just want to accept him for who he is, but it's hard. AJ is like the other kids so I guess I have the best of both worlds, right?




Here's Pop Pop opening some gifts.

I am watching him right now and he's FINALLY able to push the ball popper toy on. He gets that if he pushes on the lever the music will start. It's the first toy he's "gotten." Yeah Pup!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Walking, Sleeping, Pumpkins and Other Fun

Ok, I know I haven't posted the video of him walking yet, so I'll do that now as promised.....Weeks later he is FINALLY (as of today!) starting to walk across the room ON HIS OWN! So first steps at 16 months.....he just turned 17 months, but I'm calling it at 16 months. Woo Hoo! I have a walker.

So this video is of his VERY first steps and was taken about 3 weeks ago during his EI session. I've also bitten the bullet and am on day 3 of putting Pup in his crib (awake) to go to sleep. The first night was bad. Lot's of crying. I would go in there to hug him or rub his back but never picked him up. The second night was a little better. Still crying, but there definitely wasn't as much. Tonight he cried very briefly and fell asleep. Now- if only he stayed asleep all night! I for sure thought he wasn't going to bed because of a sensory problem or fragile x or something like that. I realize, however, it's simply because I wasn't making him go in his own room. I sometimes forget that he really is JUST a baby, too, but it's getting easier. Now that he's walking more, and I see him bouncing in the bounce house at the pumpkin patch I realize he is just a happy kid.

We've had a busy past two months. Lots of trips to the local pumpkin patch and a trip to the Apple Festival in Oak Glenn. We also took Pup for his very first haircut today. He slept right through it. Here are some pics.

Pumpkin Patch


We've made quite a few trips to our local pumpkin patch this month. Here are some pics of the trip with my sisters, nephew, brother, and mom. We've also gone with Danny's mom and sister as well as our good friends the Worfords.



The cutest in the patch! Pup, Bubs, and AJ!
Uncle Gennaro and AJ- I was completely shocked he wanted to go on this ride. He went by himself twice and then once with my brother. I remember when he was afraid to go on anything. He wouldn't even go in the bounce house by himself. He's so grown up now.

At the Apple Festival at Oak Glen. We went with Grandma Bebon and Aunt Kelly, but I realize I didn't get any pics with them!

Our local pumpkin patch has a bounce house/maze thing that Pup LOVES. He loves to bounce and go down the slide. He shows no fear at all. Here's Danny with Pup in said house. The pic below is of Pup and Baby Worf.
I remember when AJ was little, he would NEVER get into one of these by himself. Pup is so different, and as my brother said.....at least we know he's advanced in the "having fun" department.



In other fall events......

AJ, Danny, and Pop went to the Dodger game.
I love this pic of Danny and AJ.


We went to our town's carnival. AJ wanted to go on every ride.
We found this great children's museum in Irvine called Pretend City. It's literally a pretend city, and there are many areas for dramatic play. There's a grocery store, a bank, a fire station, a fake beach, and even fake ATM machines that spit out play money.

Here's AJ in Pretend City pretending to be the cashier at a grocery store (It's actually a miniature Ralphs), and being a construction worker
.

Here, he is acting as waiter in a pretend Thai restaurant. Very exotic for a children's museum.

AJ has been taking piano lesson since January and is getting really good. Pup LOVES to be at the piano with him.

My good friend Tracy took this picture when we went to the mall. I think Pup looks so sweet in it. He showed no hesitation in wanting to crawl through the tunnel.

And in big news...we got Pup his first pair of shoes.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

BIG NEWS

I will post a video later once I get it uploaded, but yesterday was a HUGE day! Pup took his first REAL steps! I actually got it on video!!! It was during his early intervention session. Pup is balancing pretty well on his own if he's "placed into position" and using my car keys as motivation, his EI dangled them in front of her slowing scooting back. He took one step, then another. I think there were about 5 or 6 total before falling! So....I'm calling it at 16 months. I have or will soon have a walker!!!

In AJ news: He had his first picture day at school on Thursday. I was so excited and hope they turn out well. I really want a class picture. I'm also trying to get him to try t-ball or soccer, but at the moment he's not showing any interest. He does want to do gymnastics, however, so I will put him in that. I told him he's not allowed to say no until he tries it. He then decided he would try other sports. He definitely is stubborn.

For those of you who don't know...AJ has "worked" at many places and has a boss named "Tim" who seems to follow him to all of his pretend jobs. He has been a dentist, a waiter at Don Cuco's, a plumber, and his longest job was working at Macy's. If you ask him what he does he says, "I make money so we can eat." He has currently switched jobs. This week he has become a firefighter.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Some progress for Pup....

-Almost walking....
-Can lift the lid of his toy box
-Can drink from a straw
-Is starting to have more purposeful play
-Understands what I'm saying when I ask him where his bottle is!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

What to do...

Ok...so I'm trying to get Pup to fall asleep on his own- in his own crib. He's screaming. Now, if this were AJ I wouldn't be so worried, but Pup "cognitively" is not there yet. Do I let him cry it out? Any advice out there, moms????

Also....I'm back to work now, but I will try to keep up the blogging. My goal is once a week.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

This Week's Happenings

I am LOVING the Hanen class I'm taking. This week the focus was on keeping routines for playing, going to bed, etc. very consistent so the kids can participate. Also important was the language used when performing these activities. Because Pup is often watched by grandparents and is home with Daddy during the day, I want the language they use with him to be consistent. Since Danny isn't able to come to the class with me and is at work for a lot of the therapies, I started making a book to illustrate how to play with his toys. I figure I can take this book with me to whomever is watching them so their play can be meaningful to him. Is this too anal?
Here is a sample of what a page might look like. There is a pic of the toy, it's purpose, vocabulary to use when playing it, and the routine for playing it. Must be the teacher in me.

Wow...so much to say. We've been busy. Nephew Hank the Tank celebrated his year birthday. I can't believe my sister's son is already a year. I remember how excited I was when I learned we were pregnant at the same time- that our two babies would grow up together. Henry is the cutest baby (besides mine of course) and is so smart. Here's a shot of him with Pup in his birthday regalia.

This pic was taken at my mom's house where in her traditional fashion we had a pre birthday birthday party- complete with picnic lunch, kiddie pool, bubbles, and ice cream. The next day was a swim party at Pop Pop and Mimi's house.
Juliana wanted Hank to have a "doctor's office toy" so we got her one. She commonly sees these toys in doctor's offices (I see them in banks) so that's what we call them.

Here's Jules with a painting AJ made for Henry. He wrote Henry's name at the top with prompting by me of course, but I am quite pleased with how many letters he can write. He called this "Patio With Tree."





The next day we ventured into Westlake for a family drive and impromptu picnic at The Landing. I believe my next big purchase will be a pontoon boat! haha






On Monday AJ had a playdate with his preschool girlfriend Ysa. She is adorable, and I just love her mother who happens to be a doctor who sees a lot of kids with developmental issues. It's amazing to know someone like that especially with fragile x in your life. I kept Pup in his stroller at first, but then realized that he will only be as independent as I let him. He does love the swing so we did that first. I let him play in the sand (which he tried to eat), and he crawled through the tunnel on the playground. Ysa's sister is 16 months and the gap is astounding to me, but my little guy had fun in his own way, and I need to just realize that he is who he is, and I need to just let him be. I think it'll be a little easier when he is walking. God, I hope that day comes quick! He laughed and giggled at the girls climbing all over the gym equipment. I'm so glad I took him out of the stroller. I think I do it to protect him as I don't want others wondering what's "wrong." I know at some point people will stare or ask. And although I know that's not a big deal, I just never thought I'd ever have to do that.
















And the BEST day lately has been AJ's first day back at preschool. He's one of the "big boys" now as it his 2nd and final year before kindergarten. I'm so proud. Although at the end of the day, when all the other kids were in circle time singing songs, I witnessed him being told to stop fooling around! Danny was horrified that he wasn't paying attention! And although I don't want him being "that kid," I was happy he was being social as last year he was soooo shy.











First day last year


First day this year

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Playing Catch Up!

For the longest time I couldn't find the other camera we had that had pictures on it from various summer activities. Well, I found it. Of course it was in the closet- where I keep it. Funny how that works. Anyway, in organizing the photos on my computer I realize a lot has taken place this summer- Pup's first swim, his first birthday, AJ's 4th birthday. . .Since I've been off from work this summer I've been blogging quite a bit and didn't write anything down from March until a few weeks ago. I'll try to fill in here- and this is for my own benefit of course as I'm trying to use this blog as a way to document our activities. I'm thinking I want to eventually print out the pages and place them in a book so it serves as a very detailed photo album.


Play date with cousin Henry (11 months)

For Pup's first birthday, we just had some people over to the house. He got lots of toys and had his first bite of cake ever. Of course the experience wouldn't be the same without Cheerios.


And here at the party were Pup's cousin to the left and friend Baby Worf to the right. This picture makes me happy and sad at the same time as one day it won't be so easy for Pup to play with them. But I digress from the joy- excuse me.

AJ had his fourth birthday party at the local park- complete with pinata and bouncer. It was his first party with real friends from school.
Shortly after, to celebrate Daddy's birthday we took advantage of the free admission on your birthday deal at Disneyland.
Fourth of July was spent at Pop Pop and Mimi's (the in-laws) where Henry and Pup had their first swim together! It was the first time in the pool for both of them.

Shortly after, Danny's brother Michael and niece Darcy came for a visit. We went to the local farm for some agritainment. The kids rode ponies, fed animals, and later we picked fresh raspberries, zucchini, cucumbers, lettuce, eggplant, and tomatoes. Dinner was from the farm that night.

And this pic is just too cute not to post- Mommy's little helper: