Back in The Swim of Things

Brayden and I had a "date" today! I am leaving again on Tuesday, for the week, and only taking Rhylan, so Brayden and I made it a point to spend the whole day together, and had so much fun!

After running some errands this morning, we headed out to the pool. We sat and ate our picnic lunch together - PB & J for him, sushi for me, we were both more than happy with our selections! Then we spent over 4 hours splashing, sliding, floating, seeing friends, and soaking up the rays.

Brayden has been so excited for the "Turtle Pool" to open (this is a name that he came up with when he was 2 because the mascot/logo is a turtle, and it has just stuck). Two years ago he and I lived there, spending a couple hours almost everyday - then last summer only made it once, after the baby was born. He (read "we") are really excited for another fun summer spending time there.

Today was the perfect day; great weather, lots of people we know there, and the highlight of his day was that he was finally tall enough (42 inches) to go down the BIG water slide- and he did countless times!

That child running, flapping arms, and otherwise acting like a crazy person- that would be Brayden.

Waiving to Mommy from the top of the big slide

This picture doesn't show it very well, it looks like he is calmly coming down the slide- NOT the case! You could hear him laughing and squealing the whole way down, and he was going much faster than this picture would lead you to believe.

He was pretty excited to run into Evie while there. These two have been swimming together for four years now:

All in all, a good start to what, I am sure will be, a wonderful summer!

Some Mommy Time!

We started a tradition the summer after we moved here, of hosting a big Memorial Day party. The tradition continued, and the party grew, until last year when we had to forgo the party due to my (not so fun) pregnancy. This year it unfortunately slipped through the cracks again because of timing- there was just no way to pull it off after being gone for over a month, and only getting back the week of the holiday.

So, instead, I started a new tradition! I got an idea, and ran with it-On a very impromptu whim I invited some friends over for an all girls night of Margaritas, Mexican "munchies", and fun! I didn't figure anyone would really be able to make it on such short notice, but was quite surprised. We had a great time talking, eating, drinking, and hanging out- a perfect kick off to what will hopefully be the best summer in a long time!

Thank you ladies, I needed a fun night with friends!

11 Month Comparison

Our baby is 11 months old today- just one month shy of a year. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone, or how much he has grown and changed. Gone are the "baby" toys, swing, floor gyms, bouncy seats- now he is all about crawling from toy to toy, and actually interacting and playing with them, pulling up on things, and in the past week or so has really developed an opinion on things. (Like when I take away a book that Brayden has left behind, that Rhylan seems to think is appropriate to chew on and/or tear apart, he screams at me!)

I remember time flying with Brayden, but not nearly this quickly. It is like I have blinked my eyes, and my baby is gone. Maybe it is because with the first we were so excited to have him hit milestones, and this time we just want him to stay little longer because we have seen how quickly they grow up. Or maybe it is because we know (without a doubt) that this is our last time having a baby. I don't know, but I have really found myself getting choked up about it a lot lately.

From time to time I like to go back and compare pictures of the boys, just for fun. Here are some side by side shots of both of them at 11 months. I, by no means, think that they are identical, but I think you can certainly tell they are brothers- Rhylan is just much lighter in coloring. (Rhylan is the top one in each set):

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Sunset

I don't claim to be a good photographer. Heck, half of the time I am lucky to actually hit the shutter button instead of accidentally turning the camera off by hitting the power button, just as I am going in for that "perfect shot". And editing, well, that my friends, is apparently not my forte either. I paid for, and sat through, a 10 week Photoshop class, and am possibly more confused by being armed with the little bit of knowledge I gained from it!

I envy those who have an artistic eye, or can see/find the beauty around them, and so eloquently capture it. (You know who you are!!) But, we each have our own set of talents, and that doesn't come close to being one of mine.

So, you can imagine my joy and excitement when I took pictures from the weekend off of my camera, and found that I actually had a couple that turned out the way I had envisioned! We were at a friend's party on Saturday night-their home is nestled on a wooded lot, with a river running behind it. I witnessed what I think was one of the most beautiful Midwest sunsets I have ever seen:

When Babies Attack

I Am Iron Man

A conversation today at lunch:

B: "Mommy, why do we eat meat? Does it have protein?" (Very into nutritional facts lately!)
Me: "Yes, it has protein. Some kinds of meat also have iron."
B: "Oh, Iron", Followed by a moment of silence, "What does iron do?"
Me: (Rather stumped and ticked at myself for mentioning it, because I realized I really didn't know how to explain.) "Well, iron helps keep our blood healthy so that we have energy and stay healthy."
B: "I get it Mommy, I eat meat because it will help make me like Iron Man"
Me: "I guess something like that"
Another pause, and very matter of fact-
B: "You know Mommy, that is the number one movie in America"
(Resumes eating lunch)

Now and Then, Part Two

Last September I posted the following pictures:

Those were the summer '07 "Baby Boom" babies at our annual Hayrack Ride. (From L to R, in birth order: Rhylan, Oscar, Evan, Olivia, Garren, Sebastien)

Four out of the six original bunch were at playgroup today, eight months later:(L to R: Rhylan, Evan, Olivia, Sebastien)

All of them standing (L to R: Olivia, Sebastien, Rhylan, Evan).

Rhylan and Evan hanging out. Evan was the first friend "his age" that Rhylan met- and Evan's big sister, Evie, has been friends with Brayden since about the same age- birth.

Rhylan and Evan July 2007 (Rhylan 3 weeks, Evan 1 day)

Rhylan and Evan December 2007 (5 months)

At the risk of repeating myself, where does time go?

Now and Then

After running some errands yesterday, I pulled in the driveway to find:

Four years ago this very same week, I pulled in to find:
Just thought it was too cute not to share!

On the Move- And Making a Mess

Rhylan has definitely mastered mobility and interacting with toys; not to mention how to open where the toys are stored and make a huge mess! Yes, Brayden is nicely playing on the floor, helping to entertain his brother, but the baby is the culprit for everything that is strung out all over the floor!!!

And if this isn't a look of guilt, when getting caught climbing in the cabinet, I don't know what is! (This was right after I said "No, no Rhylan", and he immediately backed himself out of there.)Here is a little clip of him crawling- I am sure you will see why he is able to get into everything so quickly!

Ahhhh, the fun begins..................

Innocence

There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home

Ok, so I didn't click any red, ruby slippers together 3 times; but I did drive a red van 3 hours yesterday (does that count?)!

We finally made it home last night. I don't know that I have ever been so happy to sleep in my own bed, or to have Jason's feet touching my legs all night (I have a weird thing about feet touching me in my sleep)!! Yipee, we are home! It will probably take me quite a bit of time to get settled back in, lots to do. While we were gone, Rhylan literally outgrew all of the clothes I packed, which in turn were the same size as the ones hanging here in his closest. So, I have the fun of purging baby clothes to take care of, spring planting didn't mysteriously happen in my absence, I have to actually sit down and sort through/file all of the paperwork I have taken over for my grandma, and of course I left things in tidy little piles everywhere in my hurried packing when I left that also need sorting, etc. Oh well, it will get done- at least I am now home to do it :)

Some of our good friends went to dinner with us last night- we obviously had no food in the house, and I wasn't going to grocery shop, plus Brayden really needed some fun friend time. (Any play dates are more than welcome- poor kid has been without any other kids, school, running around, and many other kid activities for over a month!!!) We had a great time, just what we all needed for our first night home. Here are a few shots from the night. It was Randy and Michelle's 13th wedding anniversary, and they chose to spend it not only with their kids, but with our family as well- what good sports!

Brayden and Zach playing a mean game of Air Hockey

My good boy bringing Mommy a much needed beer (he and Daddy decided to buy it for me- LOL)

Brayden showing Daddy (and Bubs) all of his goodies. He has saved up tickets the past 3 times that we have gone there, so that he could get "really good prizes". He was very excited over his car, jelly beans, soccer ring, and I can't remember what else!

Change Of Plans

We will be home tomorrow (fingers and toes are crossed!).

Things were all set to make our trip home today. The van was loaded and packed, the travel clothes neatly folded to change into after church, etc. Then, as we were leaving church to head out to a quick brunch (because who wants to travel on an empty stomach?!) with my parent's, sister, and brother in law, the phone rang. It was the nurse from my grandma's unit saying that Joe had gone in to get Grandma for lunch and she had no idea where she was, who he was, who the nurse was, her name, or who I was. They immediately called an ambulance, then me, and Grandma was on her way to the hospital.


I was in tears and shaking- of course fearing the worst (and selfishly wanting to be home- I will admit it). After many hours in the ER, she started coming around, was in no pain, was able to talk, and move her extremities. As fears of a stroke subsided, the nurse came in and said that she had a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is very common in elderly to have these without pain, and it causes great amount of confusion. They rehydrated her, and gave her a dose of antibiotics, and she was able to get back "home" this evening. I am so relieved, I said many prayers on the drive to the hospital- I can't fathom the thought of something happening to her that she would be miserable or unable to think/communicate. At 91 years old, she definitely still has her wits about her, and I know she is in agreement that she would rather go than have her mind go.


We obviously haven't been doing a whole lot of fun things since being here, but I do have a few shots of the boys. I swear Rhylan has grown about 2 inches in the month that we have been here- right out of the clothes that I packed. He has also started crawling, waiving, (sometimes) blowing kisses, says "mama", "bra" (which is either "brother" or "Brayden"), "Hi", "mo" (I think more). Where does time go?!?! Jason got here last night and started crying watching his baby crawling around the room, just to sit up and wave. He has missed so much! Brayden is, well- he is still Brayden. Crazy as ever! He has said that he wants to stay at Grandma Tata's (my mom) forever. When asked why, he says "Because she let's me have Popsicles for breakfast!". For the record, this would have NEVER happened in my childhood, and she thinks it is hilarious to indulge him in this way. My thoughts on the matter differ a bit, but that doesn't seem to matter!


Ok, here are some pictures:

My boys before church

R at Chuck E Cheese (I think he found it more entertaining than his big brother!)

Arrrr Matey's I am Rhylan the Pirate Baby!!!

And "Mom, here is what I think to your bogus no Popsicles for breakfast stance. She is MY grandma, and she will let me do what I want!!!"

Homeward Bound

Things are looking up, and it is very likely that the boys and I will be able to return home this weekend!!

My Grandma's rehab stay has been extended, and Grandpa Joe is being discharged this Thursday. After much persuasion, stress, tears, and so forth, he finally resolved to the fact that it is in his best interest to not attempt returning home- alone. YAY! One small victory! He has been accepted to sheltered care (assisted living) in the same nusing home where they have been for their therapy, and will be moving into the room on Thursday. Grandma will hopefully be joining him in a few weeks. It will all depend on how her mobility is, at this point she would still need more skilled care, but is making progress each and everyday- keeping fingers crossed. Having this decision behind us was a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders today! Enough so that barring any unforseen circumstances, I will be able to return home for the time being.

I also got the van back today- not without incident, of course, I mean it is our life! When I went to pick it up, I first noticed that what had been an "Uplander LS" when it went it, was being returned to me w/ the tailgate saying "Uplander S". Ummmmm, no, that isn't right! Then, I went to put the car seat in, and noticed there was a huge scratch down the entire passenger side and tail light, that wasn't there before. (This is of course after I had Enterprise pick up the rental van!) I am not a happy camper. The collision center has said that they will fix this tomorrow. I shouldn't have paid them my deductible or signed over the insurance check until this was right, but I was so relieved about having it, and having the meeting at the nursing home go so well today, I let it slide. I think I will be pushing the issue a bit more tomorrow- especially since I had to rent a van 4 days longer than I was told, just to have it not be right!

Oh well, this is small by comparison. I have other things to think about----- like the fact that I will be home soon :)!!!!!! I can't wait!!!!

Bedtime Prayers

To say that my parent's watch a little too much MSNBC, and the like, is a bit of an understatement (it is on 24/7 in their house- usually on at least 2 TVs- a bit overboard, but hey, it's their house!). I think that it became ever so much more apparent just now when I was tucking Brayden in for the night, and his prayers went like this:

"12 Angels guard my bed,

6 at the foot, 6 at the head..............

............ God bless my mommy, my daddy who I miss,

Bubby (Rhylan),

God bless Grammy Olson and Grandpa Joe,

and my other grandma's and auties and uncles........

........Oh, and God watch over us, and make sure Obama wins the contest tonight!"

Homesick

I finally got a picture from the night before I left town (I forgot my camera). A group of girls headed out to for the evening to celebrate my 35th birthday--- a bit belated. We had a great time stuffing ourselves on sushi, and 5 of us made our way downtown for an after dinner drink. Thank you ladies, it was a very fun night! I am looking forward to getting back home and having some summer weather and more girl's nights on the town, or even in each other's back yards! I miss being home- I miss my little house, my wonderful husband, and spending time with friends. I am ready to come back to my life soon- hopefully it will be there waiting for me.

(Amy, Mary, Michelle, Me, Dee- April 19th)

So High

We have been to the mall here a couple of times, and each time we go, Brayden begs to go on the trampoline. Yesterday, we had to go back there to return some items, and gave him the opportunity to decide if he wanted to play in the play area; or do the trampoline. He opted for the trampoline. Mind you, the entire time he was in line, he was "trash talking" other kids about how he could go higher, do flips, and wasn't scared because he has been on Space Mountain AND Tower of Terror. As you watch the following clip, please know that it wasn't torture- he actually would wink at us as he said he was "scared", and did his typical "can I go again" as soon as his turn was over! (Is it just me, or at at one point- near the end- can you hear him say to the girl operating it "I really wanna go higher!"? As if he were being all sly about it......)

Shatter'd

Jason and I got to go out last night!! We had a great time reminiscing, eating dinner, and sharing several laughs with another couple- a long time friend of mine, and his wife. We were only gone for about 3 hours-- my parents stayed home with the boys. We parked Jason's rental car in the street, and started up the driveway- which was well lit, my parent's up and awake in the family room, and our neighbor's behind us up having a late night BBQ- to find this:

Yep, that's my van with no back windshield! Luckily nothing was stolen, it was purely (presumably) random vandalism. I still feel so violated though- and obviously can't drive the vehicle until after we get in to have a new windshield installed, and get all of the glass out of the kid's car seats. Just not what I needed- ARGH!

It is so weird though, how someone could do this! As I said, my parent's were awake, the neighbor's were outside, the driveway is very long, and the van was parked all the way at the garage, and only a couple of feet away from the ((open)) windows of the family room.

I have an appointment in the morning with the insurance adjuster, and am keeping my fingers crossed that they are able to get us right into a dealership or body shop that has the necessary parts in stock to get us fixed up and on the road ASAP.

Edited 5/5, 2:15 pm to add: Just got back from the estimate. Looks like it is going to take at least until Friday to repair, and $2000 in damage. There was a lot more to it than just the broken glass it seems- there were several dents in the tailgate that I didn't see in the dark, the wiper arm needs to be replaced, the brake lite was cracked, the "squirter" for washer fluid was broken, and the bumper scratched and dented from where the rock bounced off of it (it was a BIG rock). Thank goodness for insurance!

I am in the midst of trying to get a rental car now. I have access to my Grandma's car, but I just don't feel comfortable driving it- it is a very large Lincoln, and it doesn't have LATCH for R's car seat. Plus, I don't want to be in the position of any freak thing, such as this, happening to her car! Ahhhhh, if it weren't for drama, bad luck, or karma for something terrible I obviously did in a past life, what a boring life I would lead. (Boring is sounding pretty enticing!!!!!!)

Some Fun Times

We are still in my hometown- no promise of returning home anytime soon. However, Jason got here yesterday, so things have mellowed out a bit- so nice to have an extra set of hands, a very missed Daddy, and a best friend to help sort through things with! It is a much needed (and very temporary) breath of fresh air.

Speaking of fresh air, we have managed to have a couple of short outings while here:

Brayden flying a kite for the first time with Grandpa Bob (he and Tata -aka: My Mom) bought this kite for him during their recent vacation to Hilton Head.

Rhylan had a great time swinging at the park for the first time, and meeting a new friend:

Both boys enjoyed dinner on the patio at Old Chicago with Auntie Bonnie. Jason and I love hanging out there with friends when we are home- (Seemed a bit different without Jason, our friends, or beer- but still fun/good!)Brayden has been a trooper, and doing a great job of entertaining himself despite being drug to boring meetings, to and from hospitals/nursing homes, and so on. Yesterday morning, he decided that he was a doctor (I am assuming a tired one, as he is still in SpiderMan PJ's) making house calls- apparently on the Outback (Alyssa- maybe you can help me out on if that would be the correct analogy of the get up!):(Note the circa 1978 Fisher Price Drs. Kit! They don't make 'em like that anymore!!!)

And lastly, some snuggle time with Grandma Olson. Oh, does she love her boys!!!