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| because graham crackers are really tasty! |
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Happy days
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| Cleaning out the cabinets! |
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| Daddy, you don't know where your nose is? It's right here. |
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| Self portrait |
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Gotta close the garage Mommy
Friday, March 23, 2012
Our first ER trip
This is a long post. Consider yourself warned. (pictures are from my phone...my real camera is no more)
Once upon a time, there was a curious little boy named Emerson...
Where to I begin? It's been said that Emerson is "all boy". While I think that phrase is used as an excuse for certain actions of "boys," I tend to take it as a complement (whether it's meant that way or not). I've decided that being "all boy" doesn't have to mean the boy in question doesn't obey. It simply means he's curious of the world around him and, as boys are more tactile, hands-on learners; he just has that engineering boy gene.
Climbing and watching what we're doing are two of Emerson's favorite things. He often wants to get on the counter and "brush his teeth" (read: bite on daddy's toothbrush, sometimes actually brushing) or play with the faucet. I tended to put him up and let him since I'm standing near him the entire time. Well, never think that it will never happen to you, what ever it is, it will. Murphy is a cruel, cruel teacher. The moment you turn away, will be the moment they decide to get more adventurous. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Emerson fell. Scared him half to death but started screaming like you wouldn't believe. I'm calling Bryant in hysterics, leaving what amount to insane noises I'm sure he couldn't understand. After calling his pediatricians office's after hours number and being told to keep an eye out for certain behaviors and tells for various problems that could arise, we had a normal night. 45 minutes of whimpering and wanting to be held, then we're back ready to play. This is Wednesday night. Yes, he fell off while I was getting ready for church. Guess we weren't supposed to go that night.
Thursday we're fine and dandy. Playing, eating, having a good old toddler boy time. But as we're getting ready for bed, I noticed a bruised knot on the side of Emerson's head just above/behind his right ear...where we fell. Bet you can guess what happens next!
Fast forward a little to this morning. I called and spoke to his pediatrician's nurse and she was amazed we hadn't been told to go straight to the Children's ER. Arrival at Blair E Batson, roughly 10am. Departure, 4pm. Emerson added much to his list of firsts today: ER visit, new friend we'll never see again, x-rays, CT Scan, IV/blood taken through IV. Everyone was happy with the fact that he was so normal and active! But we did have a small skull fracture. There was no bleeding under the skull, just the usual blood/fluid under the skin as you would get from a bad bruise. Good signs considering there's a very important organ involved.
The X-ray was our first nemesis. Daddy had to hold the arms/chest, while Mommy had the legs. The CT Scan...oh that was NOT our friend. Emerson was wrapped up like a burrito. and Daddy had to hold Emerson's chin so they could get a good shot. Then the two vampires came in the room. Poor Emerson. Obviously, being held down is bad news and Emerson knows it. On top of that, the nurse hit the vein but couldn't draw the blood out. Not sure why. So switching arms was in order. After they took all the blood they needed, the IV was left in just in case. They taped it up good, but I'm convinced that if Emerson hadn't been so sleepy he would have gotten that tape off and the IV out. But after all this, the poor thing just wanted Mommy to hold him and he fell asleep.
Luckily, we're nearing the end of our story. After a few more doctor updates, we were ready to head home. The nurse woke Emerson up trying to take off all the tape and get the IV out, but he was ready to go.
He was literally shaking with joy once we got home, ate, and started playing outside. I don't think he's ever been happier to be in the backyard (and that's his favorite place!).
Ok, Emerson this is just for you. One day when you're older and you read this, I'm sure you won't remember a thing. You probably won't even care, or think that it's funny. Your Daddy and I...well...I don't think we'll forget. I think you took a few years off Mommy's life on Wednesday. I'm glad you won't remember this since that means you won't remember the few times Mommy wasn't able to keep her freak outs to herself. Yes, I lost it. I broke my baby and there just aren't words for that feeling. But thank God that He had dispatched a few angels that day to keep you from doing any serious damage. We love you. We want you to explore, climb, and understand your surroundings and this world in your own way. However, Mommy and Daddy could do without ever seeing the inside of the ER again.
Once upon a time, there was a curious little boy named Emerson...
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| taken moments before the fall... |
Climbing and watching what we're doing are two of Emerson's favorite things. He often wants to get on the counter and "brush his teeth" (read: bite on daddy's toothbrush, sometimes actually brushing) or play with the faucet. I tended to put him up and let him since I'm standing near him the entire time. Well, never think that it will never happen to you, what ever it is, it will. Murphy is a cruel, cruel teacher. The moment you turn away, will be the moment they decide to get more adventurous. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Emerson fell. Scared him half to death but started screaming like you wouldn't believe. I'm calling Bryant in hysterics, leaving what amount to insane noises I'm sure he couldn't understand. After calling his pediatricians office's after hours number and being told to keep an eye out for certain behaviors and tells for various problems that could arise, we had a normal night. 45 minutes of whimpering and wanting to be held, then we're back ready to play. This is Wednesday night. Yes, he fell off while I was getting ready for church. Guess we weren't supposed to go that night.
Thursday we're fine and dandy. Playing, eating, having a good old toddler boy time. But as we're getting ready for bed, I noticed a bruised knot on the side of Emerson's head just above/behind his right ear...where we fell. Bet you can guess what happens next!
Fast forward a little to this morning. I called and spoke to his pediatrician's nurse and she was amazed we hadn't been told to go straight to the Children's ER. Arrival at Blair E Batson, roughly 10am. Departure, 4pm. Emerson added much to his list of firsts today: ER visit, new friend we'll never see again, x-rays, CT Scan, IV/blood taken through IV. Everyone was happy with the fact that he was so normal and active! But we did have a small skull fracture. There was no bleeding under the skull, just the usual blood/fluid under the skin as you would get from a bad bruise. Good signs considering there's a very important organ involved.
The X-ray was our first nemesis. Daddy had to hold the arms/chest, while Mommy had the legs. The CT Scan...oh that was NOT our friend. Emerson was wrapped up like a burrito. and Daddy had to hold Emerson's chin so they could get a good shot. Then the two vampires came in the room. Poor Emerson. Obviously, being held down is bad news and Emerson knows it. On top of that, the nurse hit the vein but couldn't draw the blood out. Not sure why. So switching arms was in order. After they took all the blood they needed, the IV was left in just in case. They taped it up good, but I'm convinced that if Emerson hadn't been so sleepy he would have gotten that tape off and the IV out. But after all this, the poor thing just wanted Mommy to hold him and he fell asleep.
Luckily, we're nearing the end of our story. After a few more doctor updates, we were ready to head home. The nurse woke Emerson up trying to take off all the tape and get the IV out, but he was ready to go.
He was literally shaking with joy once we got home, ate, and started playing outside. I don't think he's ever been happier to be in the backyard (and that's his favorite place!).
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| Our arrival |
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| ohh this looks like fun |
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| needed a toy...thank goodness for our sign & sing flash cards |
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| playing |
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| after our crazy vampires left |
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| take it off! |
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| and we're out! |
Ok, Emerson this is just for you. One day when you're older and you read this, I'm sure you won't remember a thing. You probably won't even care, or think that it's funny. Your Daddy and I...well...I don't think we'll forget. I think you took a few years off Mommy's life on Wednesday. I'm glad you won't remember this since that means you won't remember the few times Mommy wasn't able to keep her freak outs to herself. Yes, I lost it. I broke my baby and there just aren't words for that feeling. But thank God that He had dispatched a few angels that day to keep you from doing any serious damage. We love you. We want you to explore, climb, and understand your surroundings and this world in your own way. However, Mommy and Daddy could do without ever seeing the inside of the ER again.
Kiss me I'm Irish!
Mal's St Paddy's Day festivities...a 5k, a pet parade, a kids parade, and a full on bead throwing "adult" parade. Jackson, MS likes to party it up on St Patrick's day. But Emerson's second 5k run, I just couldn't resist posting a few pics to mark the occasion (and the awesome shirt Bryant got Emerson in Gallway, Ireland)
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| Before the race |
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| After the race |
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| Yea we finished! |
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| We found a new friend |
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| playing the the art museum's new garden & waiting on the pet parade. (y'all it's beautiful! The museum is pretty great too!) |
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| Let's head home daddy |
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| Mommy needs another workout |
Never Grow Up
While spring break is just another week for us, we did have a few awesome things happen during last week's "holiday". Spring break week meant to mother's morning out, no Kindermusik, and no midweek at church. But on Wednesday we had an amazing treat. Bryant took off work and we headed over to the Mississippi Children's Museum!
We had already decided to become members, so we headed over, took care of paperwork, and had a blast. We even saw a friend from Bomgar...well, wife of a Bomgar employee and their three kids (one of whom was born a few days after Emerson). It was perfect timing, just when Emerson reached his limit, the museum was beginning to crowd. We're going to have to get Pop out there with us one day to see the forestry section! Then it was off to next door to check out the LeFleur's Bluff State Park's facilities. We foresee much fun in Emerson's future at that play area.
The most awesome thing though just happened to fall during Spring Break week. Bryant was finally able to finish Emerson's sand box! Bryant began this project last spring/summer but due to other issues (and it not being something Emerson could play with immediately) it was pushed to the back burner. Emerson has already thoroughly enjoyed Daddy's manual labor!
We had already decided to become members, so we headed over, took care of paperwork, and had a blast. We even saw a friend from Bomgar...well, wife of a Bomgar employee and their three kids (one of whom was born a few days after Emerson). It was perfect timing, just when Emerson reached his limit, the museum was beginning to crowd. We're going to have to get Pop out there with us one day to see the forestry section! Then it was off to next door to check out the LeFleur's Bluff State Park's facilities. We foresee much fun in Emerson's future at that play area.
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| The fruits and veggies truck. Our Favorite! |
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| Not quite big enough for the dance dance revolution type game |
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| The older kids underneath kept Emerson entertained for awhile |
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| Ready for harvest |
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| Of course we found the car! We have to drive. |
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| Supervising Daddy's hinge placement |
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| finished product |
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| playing in the finished product |
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| 30 bags x 50lbs each = a whole lot of sand! |
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Time is a thief I would rob
We've hit that 15 month mark. There's so many milestones Emerson's meeting and we just haven't made any note of it. I think it's time to rectify that...and to add a few things just for fun.
First, these are no longer cluttering up the cabinets! We stuck with the bottle a little past one year, but once I stopped pumping and we ran out of our milk stash, we had no problem letting the bottle go. Whole milk isn't our friend yet, but we don't hate it either...more like indifference to it. While letting go of the bottle doesn't make me very sad, I am a little torn over the fact that our last nursing session was yesterday.
To add to the big boy tally, I've just finished reading Diaper Free Before Three: The Healthier Way to Toilet Train and Help Your Child Out of Diapers Sooner.
I wish I had started this book even earlier! The more I learn about the Montessori Method, the more I like/agree with it. This book's process has part of it's base in this method. So, due in part to this book and in part by the success of our wonderful friend Diana with her son Aiden, we've started potty training!
We're excited about it, but taking it one day at a time.
Much to Bryant's exasperation, I was one of those mothers that hated to hear their child cry. So much so that I would go in and rock him back to sleep when he would wake for far too long. But I did get better and for awhile now Emerson has been getting to sleep (and back to sleep) all on his own. Because of this, I was finally able to get a picture of Emerson visiting dreamland.
He likes to play for awhile most of the time, so there's an army of stuffed friends in with him. They tend to be thrown out before he finally succumbs to the sandman, but as you can see our lamb (Mr. Wooley) ended up camping out for the night a little higher than normal.
But when dreamland is a distant memory Emerson is all about some playtime. We've kept books in the living room, his room, and our office to read and to let him handle, but there came a time when he needed his own shelf in the living room. After one of my Harry Potter covers ended up separate from the rest of the book, we decided to save the rest and the Madeline L'engle books from certain harm.
Emerson does love his books. He also loves to climb. We've recently discovered that almost anything can be used as a ladder! Even falling from the dining room chair can't deter him now.
Our other new favorite play place...
the car! He's also discovered the coolness of the Bronco, but the car has an easier to push hazard button.
Everything is a phone now. The camera, my voice recorder, the remote, anything we can find. If they have buttons, that's just the icing on the cake.
And finally, we've finished our last Kindermusik Sign & Sing class. We have our regular class, but it's been fun to see both Ms Mandy and Ms Robin each week. While we're talking quite a bit, we've really caught on to signing. Emerson consistently signs light, down, eat, finished. There are a few others he'll do, but not as often.
First, these are no longer cluttering up the cabinets! We stuck with the bottle a little past one year, but once I stopped pumping and we ran out of our milk stash, we had no problem letting the bottle go. Whole milk isn't our friend yet, but we don't hate it either...more like indifference to it. While letting go of the bottle doesn't make me very sad, I am a little torn over the fact that our last nursing session was yesterday.
To add to the big boy tally, I've just finished reading Diaper Free Before Three: The Healthier Way to Toilet Train and Help Your Child Out of Diapers Sooner.
I wish I had started this book even earlier! The more I learn about the Montessori Method, the more I like/agree with it. This book's process has part of it's base in this method. So, due in part to this book and in part by the success of our wonderful friend Diana with her son Aiden, we've started potty training!
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| You're going to hate me for this pic one day. I know that. But just remember I love you! :) |
Much to Bryant's exasperation, I was one of those mothers that hated to hear their child cry. So much so that I would go in and rock him back to sleep when he would wake for far too long. But I did get better and for awhile now Emerson has been getting to sleep (and back to sleep) all on his own. Because of this, I was finally able to get a picture of Emerson visiting dreamland.
But when dreamland is a distant memory Emerson is all about some playtime. We've kept books in the living room, his room, and our office to read and to let him handle, but there came a time when he needed his own shelf in the living room. After one of my Harry Potter covers ended up separate from the rest of the book, we decided to save the rest and the Madeline L'engle books from certain harm.
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| This is how it usually looks |
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| This is after Emerson has gone to bed |
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| This is where we try a different approach |
Our other new favorite play place...
the car! He's also discovered the coolness of the Bronco, but the car has an easier to push hazard button.
Everything is a phone now. The camera, my voice recorder, the remote, anything we can find. If they have buttons, that's just the icing on the cake.
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| Talking on Mommy's phone |
...Just for fun...
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| at our 15 month check up we did so well we're not going back until we're 2! |
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| trying for a 15 month picture didn't work like Daddy planned |
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| There's never a bad time for Goodnight Moon! |
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| learning to sign lamb |
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| with our friend Sam |
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| with our friend Luke |
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| Our last day! |
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