Summer break has been wonderful. We've been sleeping late and spending lots of time with our families and friends. We've moved on from the school that Ava was in for Pre-K, but have been having many playdates with the good friends we made while there. In fact, we have a little Birthday party to go to tomorrow morning which we are both really looking forward to.
I'd say a little over 1/2 the kids in Ava's Pre-K4 class will be staying on for Kindergarten, whereas the remainder of students are off to different schools. When Ava started Pre-K there at the age of 3, she was placed in a class of 14 which primarily consisted of second year students. Sort of a combined Pre-K 3/Pre-K 4 class, only 10 out of the 14 students were in the Pre-K4 portion and therefore, went off to Kindergarten this past year. Not many of the kids in her class that year stayed at the same school either though. I think it was only 4 of the kids in that specific class whose parents chose the school for Kindergarten.
We're still in touch with all of our friends though.
That's the great thing about living in a city like ours though. Although our kids may be going to different schools, you still end up bumping into everyone you know all of the time, whether it's on the sidewalk, in the park, at dance class, in a restaurant or going with a very good mommy friend to a benefit and in turn, running into half the city there (boy was that fun and a story for another day).
I've been fortunate enough to have kept in really close contact with our friends so we're constantly in contact by phone, FaceBook, E-mail, organized playdates and the best get-togethers of them all...those that consist of the moms going out on the town while the dads stay home with the kiddie kiddies. I think some of my mommy friends and I might be trying Mario Batali's Otto next. Looking forward to it!
I'm also happy to report that we've already had a playdate with one of Ava's new classmates. It was great. The mom was really nice and down to earth. The girls are the same age and so are our boys and all the kids got along perfectly. The mom was thoughtful enough to invite us as a family to Ava's new little friends Birthday party this coming Sunday.
It's great for the girls to spend this time together before the school year starts and we are all very excited to attend.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
On Breastfeeding and Pediatric Dentistry
I'm still breastfeeding Luke. Very few times a day but nonetheless, I know it's time to pull the plug. He's a willfull kid and is not taking the reduction of feedings lying down. He points and yells and clasps his hands together begging "cheese!" (his version of please). After listening closer I think he may actually be saying tease!!! But, that's neither here nor there. I have to say that he looks really cute when he does that so I want to give in but I have to be strong because I have what seems to be a pinched nerve and need to get him off the breast so I can take the medication I need to.
Part of me wants to forget the meds so I don't have to stop breastfeeding him, but in the end, I know once we're done, I'll be relieved. The only thing that's pulling on my heartstrings is the fact that he's probably the last baby for me so I don't want to cut the nursing short. Although, it's been 2 years and I'm tired. I didn't nurse Ava this long. I only nursed her to about 19 months when our Pediatric Dentist told me to stop immediately because Ava had 5 cavitites and needed a cap! That's what happens when bad genetics and nursing to sleep combine with some kids.
Speaking of Ava and teeth. On one of the last days of school, she and this little boy collided on the playground. She smashed into his head with her teeth. I was told by the teacher that the little boy had a goose egg and Ava's mouth was bleeding. When I picked her up from school that day, I noticed that one of her teeth had broken as well. I wondered if the other kid walked away with it in his head but figured it was on the playground somewhere and would eventually be mistaken as a unique white rock by one of the other kids and they would take it home and add it to their collection. Kids do love rocks. Which is fine I guess, as long as they're not putting them in their mouths or sticking them up their noses.
I have to say that it was a very clean break. Very straight. Cosmetically she was fine and an official soft-serve ice cream test after dance class that night, proved that there was no nerve damage. I spoke to her dentist on the phone and she said that considering her age, there was really nothing to do as long as she wasn't in pain, as she'll start losing her teeth within a couple years anyhow. Now we've noticed though that her front tooth, not the one that broke, the one next to it, is turning gray. Some day it's grayer than others, which I cannot explain but was talking to a mommy friend yesterday who told me the same thing happened to her son. She said that eventually, her sons tooth turned white again. We'll see. Oh, by the way, in case this helps anyone, our pediatric dentist said that if Ava's tooth was loose (which it wasn't) we should put her on a soft food only diet for 2 weeks. She said this would allow the tooth to strengthen and would then re-attach. Pretty cool, huh?
Part of me wants to forget the meds so I don't have to stop breastfeeding him, but in the end, I know once we're done, I'll be relieved. The only thing that's pulling on my heartstrings is the fact that he's probably the last baby for me so I don't want to cut the nursing short. Although, it's been 2 years and I'm tired. I didn't nurse Ava this long. I only nursed her to about 19 months when our Pediatric Dentist told me to stop immediately because Ava had 5 cavitites and needed a cap! That's what happens when bad genetics and nursing to sleep combine with some kids.
Speaking of Ava and teeth. On one of the last days of school, she and this little boy collided on the playground. She smashed into his head with her teeth. I was told by the teacher that the little boy had a goose egg and Ava's mouth was bleeding. When I picked her up from school that day, I noticed that one of her teeth had broken as well. I wondered if the other kid walked away with it in his head but figured it was on the playground somewhere and would eventually be mistaken as a unique white rock by one of the other kids and they would take it home and add it to their collection. Kids do love rocks. Which is fine I guess, as long as they're not putting them in their mouths or sticking them up their noses.
I have to say that it was a very clean break. Very straight. Cosmetically she was fine and an official soft-serve ice cream test after dance class that night, proved that there was no nerve damage. I spoke to her dentist on the phone and she said that considering her age, there was really nothing to do as long as she wasn't in pain, as she'll start losing her teeth within a couple years anyhow. Now we've noticed though that her front tooth, not the one that broke, the one next to it, is turning gray. Some day it's grayer than others, which I cannot explain but was talking to a mommy friend yesterday who told me the same thing happened to her son. She said that eventually, her sons tooth turned white again. We'll see. Oh, by the way, in case this helps anyone, our pediatric dentist said that if Ava's tooth was loose (which it wasn't) we should put her on a soft food only diet for 2 weeks. She said this would allow the tooth to strengthen and would then re-attach. Pretty cool, huh?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Isabel's Rose
Three years ago today I was 6 1/2 months pregnant and learned that my babies heart stopped beating. Three years ago today, I was induced into labor and was told my baby Isabel would arrive the next day. It would be a "normal" delivery. Three years ago today, life as I knew it changed.
Things are ok now. I am blessed to have my Ava and I am blessed to have my son Luke. Still, I wonder what Isabel would have been like. Would her temperment have been like Luke's? Would she have been more like Ava?
When I held her in my arms I noticed that she looked just like me. I'm told by my sister that Luke looks just like me now.
I still have the cute little cranberry sweater with the teeny tiny buttons on the shoulder that I bought for her when I was pregnant , along with the cute little piggie outfit from Gymboree that I bought in hopes for her to wear once she arrived.
Her urn still sits in our hutch. I'm not ready to let any of it go. The clothes that were meant for her, will remain with me. She will too because I still can't stand the thought of burying her.
Two years ago, but not to this day, my father gave me this picture. It's a photo of one of the roses from Isabel's rose bush. I hung it on my fridge alongside all of the ones I had posted of Ava. I looked at it daily. I looked at it everytime I fixed a meal, everytime I got a drink, and everytime I made a snack (which is a whole lot of viewings a day because you all know how much I love my snacks).
It was one year ago today that I posted this picture of Isabel's rose in honor of her on my Facebook page. It was one year ago today that my friend Sally asked if one of the petals was really heart shaped. I didn't know what she was talking about so I had to go back and take another look at the picture.
I couldn't believe my eyes. There it was right in front of me all of that time and I never noticed it before.
I asked her if she thought it was a sign and she said that she was sure of it and that she was convinced that it was Isabel sending me her love.
It was one year ago today that a friend opened my eyes to a heart shaped petal that restored a little bit of my Faith.
Tomorrow is June 19th, Isabel's delivery date. It was also my maternal Grandfather, Joseph's Birthday. I remember my mom telling us that it was his Birthday in the hospital while my dad was holding Isabel in his arms. My dad immediately looked down at Isabel and smiled and said, "Filomena's got you now." Filomena was my maternal Grandmother. It was one of the most poignant moments in my life.
Tomorrow Stephen and I have plans to go out to dinner to celebrate Father's Day and we will celebrate because we have two little ones to be very grateful for.
Tomorrow I imagine there will also be a big celebration in Heaven.
I'm sending them all my love.
Things are ok now. I am blessed to have my Ava and I am blessed to have my son Luke. Still, I wonder what Isabel would have been like. Would her temperment have been like Luke's? Would she have been more like Ava?
When I held her in my arms I noticed that she looked just like me. I'm told by my sister that Luke looks just like me now.
I still have the cute little cranberry sweater with the teeny tiny buttons on the shoulder that I bought for her when I was pregnant , along with the cute little piggie outfit from Gymboree that I bought in hopes for her to wear once she arrived.
Her urn still sits in our hutch. I'm not ready to let any of it go. The clothes that were meant for her, will remain with me. She will too because I still can't stand the thought of burying her.
About a week after Isabel's delivery, I received a note in the mail from Gerri and Georgie, my mom's cousins, telling us that they sent a rose bush in honor of her to my parents house to be planted in her memory.
It was one year ago today that I posted this picture of Isabel's rose in honor of her on my Facebook page. It was one year ago today that my friend Sally asked if one of the petals was really heart shaped. I didn't know what she was talking about so I had to go back and take another look at the picture.
I couldn't believe my eyes. There it was right in front of me all of that time and I never noticed it before.
I asked her if she thought it was a sign and she said that she was sure of it and that she was convinced that it was Isabel sending me her love.
It was one year ago today that a friend opened my eyes to a heart shaped petal that restored a little bit of my Faith.
Tomorrow is June 19th, Isabel's delivery date. It was also my maternal Grandfather, Joseph's Birthday. I remember my mom telling us that it was his Birthday in the hospital while my dad was holding Isabel in his arms. My dad immediately looked down at Isabel and smiled and said, "Filomena's got you now." Filomena was my maternal Grandmother. It was one of the most poignant moments in my life.
Tomorrow Stephen and I have plans to go out to dinner to celebrate Father's Day and we will celebrate because we have two little ones to be very grateful for.
Tomorrow I imagine there will also be a big celebration in Heaven.
I'm sending them all my love.
New Beginnings
Summer break has begun and I am happy. Last night we were invited to attend the annual end of year picnic for Ava's new school. What a great time. It was a pot luck picnic in the park. Everyone brought a dish to share and people made everything from buffalo wings to salads, pizza to wraps. As the line grew, one of the dads quickly picked up trays of food and started to pass out hot dogs and pot stickers to those waiting on line for food. That and the many conversations going on made the line move quickly.
We easily joined in with the other parents and set out our picnic blanket and joined in watching the rocket launchings. Yes, the rocket launchings. Ava's new school has a lot of after school clubs, one of which we learned yesterday is Rocket Club. The club is for the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders. They build cool looking rockets and with the help of an adult, launch them every year at the annual picnic. Stephen was so excited! He turned to Ava and said, "Do you want to join Rocket Club?!!!" To which she replied, "Nope."
That's okay, Stephen will get his chance to join Rocket Club when Luke goes to school there.
Stephen played freeze tag with the kids, we socialized with a lot of other adults, and were immediately recruited by one of the moms at the school to volunteer at an upcoming event.
Ava noticed that one of her new teachers was there and immediately jumped up saying let's say hi!" We did. Ava then ran around with the other kids and immediately made a new friend.
It was clear to both Stephen and I that Ava has already made the transition into her new school with ease, and so have we.
It was such a refreshing evening and we could not be happier about the change.
Every end is a new beginning.
We easily joined in with the other parents and set out our picnic blanket and joined in watching the rocket launchings. Yes, the rocket launchings. Ava's new school has a lot of after school clubs, one of which we learned yesterday is Rocket Club. The club is for the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders. They build cool looking rockets and with the help of an adult, launch them every year at the annual picnic. Stephen was so excited! He turned to Ava and said, "Do you want to join Rocket Club?!!!" To which she replied, "Nope."
That's okay, Stephen will get his chance to join Rocket Club when Luke goes to school there.
Stephen played freeze tag with the kids, we socialized with a lot of other adults, and were immediately recruited by one of the moms at the school to volunteer at an upcoming event.
Ava noticed that one of her new teachers was there and immediately jumped up saying let's say hi!" We did. Ava then ran around with the other kids and immediately made a new friend.
It was clear to both Stephen and I that Ava has already made the transition into her new school with ease, and so have we.
It was such a refreshing evening and we could not be happier about the change.
Every end is a new beginning.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Segment
I was asked by my Weight Watcher leader to do a 3-4 minute segment on Mommyhood and weight loss for the open house tonight. Still not exactly sure of what I'm going to say, but I DO like to talk about myself so I'm thinking it'll be a breeze ;)
I actually haven't lost much weight this year, have basically just been maintaining. I've been getting more compliments lately though, so I'm thinking that all of the kickboxing I do has been paying off and has made me lose inches.
Part of the standstill with the weight loss is actually a very good thing and it's that I feel so good about myself now. I've lost a tremendous amount of weight since having Ava and clothes shopping has become a lot of fun, rather than something I dread.
Plus, I was watching the View a couple of weeks ago and they did a segment on a new study which revealed that women carrying 10-15 lbs of extra weight are actually healthier. Something about the extra weight warding off osteoporosis and making us all look a lot younger. It will not surprise you to hear that I am a HUGE fan of this new study. Kudos to the studiers is what I say!
I hope I can offer some good tips to help the other moms tonight. I know the biggest challenges I've faced with food as a mom has a lot to do with emotional eating. My pregnancy with Luke was so stressful after suffering the loss of Isabel, and his emergency delivery was so startling to me, that as soon as I came home from the hospital with him I started fixing myself big bowls of ice cream mixed with Entenmann's chocolate cake to soothe my nerves. I had been through a lot so I allowed myself that, for a while anyway. But then I went back to my meetings and I am much happier and healthier for it.
I want my kids to be proud of me. I like it when Ava tells me I look pretty, even if she qualifies it......Direct quote..."Mommy you're pretty but you're PRETTIER with your make-up on, BUT, you look pretty without your make-up on too, BUT ,you look SOOOOO much prettier when your make-up is on." Thanks honey. I'll take it.
Well, I have many thoughts to organize and a 3-4 minute segment to plan. I hope I do a good job tonight.
Wish me luck!
What are the challenges that you face when it comes to weight loss and mommyhood?
I actually haven't lost much weight this year, have basically just been maintaining. I've been getting more compliments lately though, so I'm thinking that all of the kickboxing I do has been paying off and has made me lose inches.
Part of the standstill with the weight loss is actually a very good thing and it's that I feel so good about myself now. I've lost a tremendous amount of weight since having Ava and clothes shopping has become a lot of fun, rather than something I dread.
Plus, I was watching the View a couple of weeks ago and they did a segment on a new study which revealed that women carrying 10-15 lbs of extra weight are actually healthier. Something about the extra weight warding off osteoporosis and making us all look a lot younger. It will not surprise you to hear that I am a HUGE fan of this new study. Kudos to the studiers is what I say!
I hope I can offer some good tips to help the other moms tonight. I know the biggest challenges I've faced with food as a mom has a lot to do with emotional eating. My pregnancy with Luke was so stressful after suffering the loss of Isabel, and his emergency delivery was so startling to me, that as soon as I came home from the hospital with him I started fixing myself big bowls of ice cream mixed with Entenmann's chocolate cake to soothe my nerves. I had been through a lot so I allowed myself that, for a while anyway. But then I went back to my meetings and I am much happier and healthier for it.
I want my kids to be proud of me. I like it when Ava tells me I look pretty, even if she qualifies it......Direct quote..."Mommy you're pretty but you're PRETTIER with your make-up on, BUT, you look pretty without your make-up on too, BUT ,you look SOOOOO much prettier when your make-up is on." Thanks honey. I'll take it.
Well, I have many thoughts to organize and a 3-4 minute segment to plan. I hope I do a good job tonight.
Wish me luck!
What are the challenges that you face when it comes to weight loss and mommyhood?
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Changed for Good
This has been the year of the Broadway show for me and I've been loving every minute of it. I've seen both Lion King and Wicked for the 2nd time, God of Carnage, Next to Normal, we've got tickets for A Behanding in Spokane (Stephen's pick because he's a huge Christopher Walken fan) and we're also planning on taking Ava to see Mary Poppins as one of her Birthday gifts.
I've always loved seeing shows and have seen quite a lot of them in the past, but really hadn't visited the theatre much in recent years. Now the kids are getting to an age where they're happy to stay with a babysitter, which is making it easier to go out. We live minutes from the city, so it seems silly not to take advantage of all that's at our fingertips and it's been a great year so far in the sense that I'm coming back to who I am. Doing things that I love. I'm feeling quite fortunate.
I'm a sensistive soul though and find myself tearing up at some of the performances. The talent is amazing and some of the songs so touching. The following words from the song "For Good" from Wicked really touched me and got me thinking.
"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them and we help them in return. Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you"..."Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good."
I sat there in the theatre and started looking back on my life. I thought of all of those who have touched it in both positive and negative ways. All bringing forth lessons. All have helped me to grow, even if the lessons I learned were hard, and ones I didn't want to learn.
I thought of Isabel too. I was flooded with memories of her delivery. I remembered holding her in my arms. Measuring her tiny foot against my pinky finer. I remembered how devastaed I was when I had to let her go...."So let me say before we part, so much of me is made of what I learned from you. You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end. I know you have re-written mine."
Life is tough. But, I am stronger for having her. I am fortunate to have held her in my arms, even if it was only for one day.
It's true that I have become tougher, I no longer just let things go. I have less tolerance for the bullshit. I see things and people very clearly now. I stand up for myself. I speak out. Who can say if I've been changed for the better? I can say that I have been changed for good.
I see my daughter Ava learning tough lessons at such a young age and it breaks my heart, but they are lessons she must learn. I see so much of myself in her.
There are those who come into our lives and lift our spirits. I received a note from a friend recently that I will hold on to forever....
One day recently, I could tell that she was having a tough day...she looked so sad, so I wanted to do something for her, to show her that I was there for her. I knew that she liked these chocolate covered pretzels that I make so I whipped some up to give her the next day. Not a big deal, just a little something. In turn, she did something so kind. She sent me a note of thanks and like I said, it's one that I will keep forever. In it she wrote, "You have eyes that see. What a gift." Such a simple sentence, but one that touched me so deeply and lifted me up. Her words are those I will never forget.
My daughter Ava is blessed with eyes that see. She's a very empathetic, caring, and kind hearted kid. It is my prayer for her that she has the strength to stand up for herself, to recognize who her friends are, and that life's tough lessons don't weaken her spirit, but in fact, build her up and make her even stronger.
I believe that they will.
"People come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow."
And we are changed for good.
I've always loved seeing shows and have seen quite a lot of them in the past, but really hadn't visited the theatre much in recent years. Now the kids are getting to an age where they're happy to stay with a babysitter, which is making it easier to go out. We live minutes from the city, so it seems silly not to take advantage of all that's at our fingertips and it's been a great year so far in the sense that I'm coming back to who I am. Doing things that I love. I'm feeling quite fortunate.
I'm a sensistive soul though and find myself tearing up at some of the performances. The talent is amazing and some of the songs so touching. The following words from the song "For Good" from Wicked really touched me and got me thinking.
"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them and we help them in return. Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you"..."Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good."
I sat there in the theatre and started looking back on my life. I thought of all of those who have touched it in both positive and negative ways. All bringing forth lessons. All have helped me to grow, even if the lessons I learned were hard, and ones I didn't want to learn.
I thought of Isabel too. I was flooded with memories of her delivery. I remembered holding her in my arms. Measuring her tiny foot against my pinky finer. I remembered how devastaed I was when I had to let her go...."So let me say before we part, so much of me is made of what I learned from you. You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end. I know you have re-written mine."
Life is tough. But, I am stronger for having her. I am fortunate to have held her in my arms, even if it was only for one day.
It's true that I have become tougher, I no longer just let things go. I have less tolerance for the bullshit. I see things and people very clearly now. I stand up for myself. I speak out. Who can say if I've been changed for the better? I can say that I have been changed for good.
I see my daughter Ava learning tough lessons at such a young age and it breaks my heart, but they are lessons she must learn. I see so much of myself in her.
There are those who come into our lives and lift our spirits. I received a note from a friend recently that I will hold on to forever....
One day recently, I could tell that she was having a tough day...she looked so sad, so I wanted to do something for her, to show her that I was there for her. I knew that she liked these chocolate covered pretzels that I make so I whipped some up to give her the next day. Not a big deal, just a little something. In turn, she did something so kind. She sent me a note of thanks and like I said, it's one that I will keep forever. In it she wrote, "You have eyes that see. What a gift." Such a simple sentence, but one that touched me so deeply and lifted me up. Her words are those I will never forget.
My daughter Ava is blessed with eyes that see. She's a very empathetic, caring, and kind hearted kid. It is my prayer for her that she has the strength to stand up for herself, to recognize who her friends are, and that life's tough lessons don't weaken her spirit, but in fact, build her up and make her even stronger.
I believe that they will.
"People come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow."
And we are changed for good.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
It's a Beautiful Morning
I'm back. My Weight Watcher leader asked me to do a little 3-4 minute segment at an upcoming open house discussing weight loss and mommyhood and she suggested I mention my blog. Thank you Julia for inspiring me to get back to it.
Spring is here and I am happy. Poor kids have allergies though so I've kept Ava home from school for the past couple of days. She was way worse on Monday and Tuesday but she insisted she go in. Seems the days at school this week proved too much for her though seeing that she doesn't want to go back. Perhaps tomorrow.
I don't mind. I like having her home with me. It's just pre-K and I won't have the luxury of her company on weekdays once Kindergarten starts, and Kindergarten is right around the corner. I thought I'd be sadder than I am, being that sending her to pre-k was so difficult for me, but I'm excited for her. Naturally, I'm sure come August I will be having flashbacks of pushing my perfect baby girl in her stroller but that's par for the course as a mom.
It's going to be okay because I'm very excited about her new school. That is definitely helping things. As each day passes, it's revealed to me more and more how lucky we are that we've gotten this spot, and everyday I feel more and more blessed. She'll be entering a Charter School. Charter schools are run just like private schools, only paid for by public funds. Jackpot! Or, as a couple of people pointed out to me, Ava's got the golden ticket!...as there were only 12 spots open for Kindergarten and she has one of them. God was definitely smiling down on us that day.
Boy does it feel good to write again! I'll save more for another day though because, as you know, I have my best girl home with me today and we're going to spend some quality time together. It's time to play Candy Land.
Perfect start to a beautiful day!
Spring is here and I am happy. Poor kids have allergies though so I've kept Ava home from school for the past couple of days. She was way worse on Monday and Tuesday but she insisted she go in. Seems the days at school this week proved too much for her though seeing that she doesn't want to go back. Perhaps tomorrow.
I don't mind. I like having her home with me. It's just pre-K and I won't have the luxury of her company on weekdays once Kindergarten starts, and Kindergarten is right around the corner. I thought I'd be sadder than I am, being that sending her to pre-k was so difficult for me, but I'm excited for her. Naturally, I'm sure come August I will be having flashbacks of pushing my perfect baby girl in her stroller but that's par for the course as a mom.
It's going to be okay because I'm very excited about her new school. That is definitely helping things. As each day passes, it's revealed to me more and more how lucky we are that we've gotten this spot, and everyday I feel more and more blessed. She'll be entering a Charter School. Charter schools are run just like private schools, only paid for by public funds. Jackpot! Or, as a couple of people pointed out to me, Ava's got the golden ticket!...as there were only 12 spots open for Kindergarten and she has one of them. God was definitely smiling down on us that day.
Boy does it feel good to write again! I'll save more for another day though because, as you know, I have my best girl home with me today and we're going to spend some quality time together. It's time to play Candy Land.
Perfect start to a beautiful day!
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