Another cold and a week of taking it easy

Mar 19 - Yup! Officially sick. All of us. But Mommy and I still managed to get out and go to Walmart and get Gavin a birthday gift because today was his party. I picked out this pretty cool Cars toy that changes the color in the cars with warm and cold color. We got home, took a nap and then headed over to the party. It was at a place called Bert's in Mechanicsville; it is a pizza place. All of Gavin's family was there. We ate pizza and then watched him open his presents. Then we all sang Happy Birthday to him and watched him and Aunt Lynn blow out his candles on his awesome Cars cake that Aunt Lynn made for him.

Then I hung out with the cousins while Mommy checked out Aunt Erin's new car. We all said goodbye and we headed home. The rest of the day was spent following Mommy around while she went into major cleaning mode. I was really good for her though. I just followed her room to room eating Cheerio Chex Mix and watching her clean like a mad woman. When I finally had enough, she made me dinner. By the end of the day I was really ready for bed.

Mar 20 - We stayed home today. It was the first day that Daddy had off since he started the new job and it was perfect since we are all still sick. Daddy is getting better though, so that is a good sign. Mommy noticed that I felt a little warm when she laid me down for my nap but she really noticed when I woke up from my nap. She checked my temp with the ear thermometer but said that wasn't that accurate so she had Daddy run out and get some Vaseline to check the "accurate way." Turns out I had a temp of 102.5 degrees. So we took it really easy for the rest of the day while we waited for the children's motrin to take effect.

I barely ate or drank anything the rest of the day even though Mommy tried her best. We opted out of a bath tonight as I just wanted to get to bed.

Mar 21 - Another sick day. Mommy took my temp again this morning and it was down to 99.9 degrees. I still wouldn't eat or drink much though so Mommy made an appointment with the doctor. We didn't do anything today while we waited for my 3:45pm appointment. I only took an hour nap and woke up crying. Mommy came and got me and I laid with her on the couch for a while very content to be in her arms.

We headed to my appointment. Instead of weighing me on the baby scale I got to stand up on the big kid scale. I weighed in at 19lbs. My fever was gone but Dr. Singh could tell immediately that I was not myself. He walked in and tried to tickle me and juggle for me but the corners of my mouth barely moved. He told me he knew I wasn't feeling well as he checked my ears, nose and throat. He told Mommy that it is ok that I am not eating or drinking much right now because I am fighting the same thing off that she and Daddy are fighting off. He said to just try to get at least 2oz of Gatorade/water an hour and I would get myself back on track in a few days. We thanked him and headed to CVS for supplies.

We got tissues, new big kid sippy cups for me, and Gatorade. Then it was home for more rest. I actually really liked Gatorade and drank a lot. Mommy was happy to get some fluids in me. Nothing else really exciting today.

Mar 22 - Feeling better today. I ate a little for breakfast and drank a little milk. Spent the rest of the day running around and playing with my toys and drinking Gatorade from my new sippy cup. I had a great time laughing and running circles around Mommy as she sat on the carpet. She let me walk down the driveway with her and get the mail and then held my hand as we walked back to the house.

I didn't eat much for dinner but Mommy said it was ok. We watched the hockey game until it was bath time and time for bed.

Mar 23 - When Mommy comes and gets me from my crib in the mornings now, she changes me, and then she holds me over the crib and asks, "Are you ready?" I take the pacifier out of my mouth and drop it back in the crib because I know that it is only for sleeping. Then Mommy yells, "Yay!" and then says, "It's time to start another day. Hooray! Hooray! It's time to start another day. Hooray! Hooray!" It always makes me smile.

I am still working on getting my appetite back. I played a lot more today as Mommy took a walk down memory lane by popping in Dawson's Creek into the dvd player. She told me that she loved this show as a teenager. I wasn't that interested. I'd much rather watch Elmo dance around the screen, but to each their own.

Mommy and I finally got out of the house today for more than just a mailbox run. We went to the dump and to the grocery store. Today was the first time that I wasn't 100% content at the grocery store. I usually am perfectly happy looking at the people and all the things on the shelves and playing with whatever Mommy gives me to guard in basket up front with me. But today I yelled at Mommy and told her that I didn't want anything up front with me in the basket as I threw anything she put me in charge of on the floor. I was only content once she gave me her keys to hold while she checked out.

We got home, we put all the groceries away and hung out. Mommy made dinner and made me a nice big plate. I ended up showing her that my appetite is back as I munched on ham, green beans, corn, stuffing, and potatoes. Then Mommy put me in the bath and read the last story of George and Martha: The Complete Story of Two Best Friends. As she was getting me dressed for bed Daddy got home from school. He hung out with me and talked to me and read me Barnyard Dance for as long as he could until Mommy pulled the plug and told me I had to go to bed.

Mar 24 - We decided to spend another day at home. There was nothing to do and no where to go so we spent the day playing, doing laundry and dishes and watching a lot more Dawson's Creek. We found three of four of my fur-brothers hanging out on Mommy and Daddy's bed so Mommy let me hang out with them. I crawled around on the bed and over of Osiris and Salem.

Then I got down and petted Salem as he sat under the window.

Daddy worked late but boy, was I excited to see him when he did get home. I followed him around telling him how much I missed him. I even tried to follow him into the bathroom when he went to take a shower.

I got to spend a little bit of quality time with him after his shower and before dinner. He and Mommy gave me a quick bath. We played a little more before bed. I have been climbing my ottoman to get into my rocking chair but since I didn't listen to Daddy about not standing up in the chair I lost the ottoman. After a short game of Where's Nicky it was time for bed for all of us.

Mar 25 - After a nice breakfast of pancakes and sausage biscuit, Mommy and I got dressed and headed down to the community center. There was supposed to be a playgroup meeting today. Mommy let me walk in from the parking lot by myself like a big boy. Mommy and I started playing in the preschool room. Then Aunt Lynn, Aidan, and Gavin joined us. It was just us for a while until one other mom brought her nine month old. It wasn't a big playgroup but I had fun playing with all the toys and watching Aidan and Gavin run around hitting balls with bowling pins calling them hockey sticks.

Around noon, we put all the toys away and said goodbye. Mommy and I went home, ate mac n cheese for lunch and took a nap. When I woke up Daddy was home. I played with Mommy and Daddy on the floor for a while. Mommy tickled me and Daddy held me upside down and made me laugh. I ate some cookies for a snack and then we had pasta, meatballs, and garlic bread for dinner. I played with my noodles once I had enough. Daddy read One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish to me while I was in the tub. Then tonight we played Where's Daddy as he hid behind the curtains in my bedroom and I found him. Then it was night-night time.

Fish, Goat, and Monsters

March 12 - This morning after breakfast I hung out with Salem. He was starring out the window at the birds and I went over to him and started to pet him. He is a very tolerant cat.

Next we went to Subway and got subs for Mommy and me. Then we took our subs to the park where Uncle Sean and all four kids were already eating. After we ate, we all went to play on the playground. Ms. Tara and James were there too. We played in the tunnels and on the slide and in the swings. We had a good time even though it was pretty packed with kids since it was a Saturday. Bailey, Aidan, and I watched the people on the tennis court and Uncle Sean tickled me. It was fun but we didn't stay very long. Mommy and I came home and hung out. We stayed home the rest of the day. Daddy got home from school and I got to play with him a bit.

March 13 - Daddy had to work today so he missed a really fun hockey game. Mommy and I drove down to DC and met Uncle Dave and his friend Brian. I sat with Mommy and watched the game and was having fun until the Caps scored. It got so loud that I made my "monkey face" and started to cry. Uncle Dave tried to get me to calm down and I did really soon after but the the Caps scored again and I lost it again. I guess it had been awhile since I had come to a game that I forgot how loud it gets in there. When I had enough of sitting with Mommy I crawled into Uncle Dave's lap and sat with him for a while. He really loves hanging out with me. And I sat with Ms. Shoshanna and Trevor for a little while too. The rest of the game was great and even though they scored a couple more times I took it better. After the game we ran into big time Caps fan Goat. He is the one that yells "Let's Go Caps!" through the arena during the games and it put on the big screen. So we got our picture taken with him. Mommy and I said goodbye to Uncle Dave and I slept in the car on the way home.

I didn't sleep long though so I was kind of cranky the rest of the afternoon. I played with Daddy a little but I just was too tired and went to bed early.

Mar 14 - Today Mommy and I went to the small park over by the Northeast Community Center to meet Caylee, Sam, and Noah. I still was kind of tired and just in a mood so I fussed a lot. It was a few days early but Ms. Dana baked cupcakes for Ms. Erin's birthday. Mommy gave me some. It was yummy. Even though Mommy's back was bothering her she still went down the slides with me and crawled around through the tunnels. But her back finally had enough and we went home. I napped and then we took it easy until Daddy got home. We took a bath and I played "Where's Nicky" behind my bedroom curtain. We read some more bedtime stories and finished with Barnyard Dance.

Mar 15 - Story time was all about monsters today. Mommy put me in my monster shirt and we brought my little green monster that says "blah." Ms Cynthia, the librarian, thought it was cute. I spent most of story time standing on the carpet watching the librarians tell their stories and sing their songs. I finally came over to Mommy for Open, Shut Them. I played for a little while with Noah and Eleanor.

Can Noah come out and play?

We said our goodbyes and then headed to IHOP to meet Aunt Lynn and Gavin for brunch. I had a grilled cheese and Mommy had an omelet. After that, we all went to check out another daycare/preschool. I know that Daddy has a job now but Mommy wanted to see what it was like. We actually both really liked this place. It was called Kids Farm. They had a fantastic playground and I really liked the classroom. Mommy said they were really flexible with the number of days that I could go and thought that it might be a good thing to get me in there once a week or so to start maybe next year. It could be a good learning experience and a good way to socialize me and give me some structure. Mommy talked more about it to Daddy when he got home from work. We all played together the rest of the evening and watched the Caps game on tv which the won and the win streak is up to nine games.

Mar 16 - Today we headed down to the Northeast Community Center for the fitness trail. This was different than the obstacle course that Mommy and I went to before. It was for ages 1-5yrs old and we started in the preschool room. We played with all the toys. Then we went to the large gym room where they had signs posted for each fitness activity, things like hop on one foot and feel your heartbeat. Some of the things I couldn't do by myself so Mommy held me and did they with me in tow. Then we headed upstairs and to the next room. Mommy let me climb the stairs by myself since that I CAN do. I did some of the activities and Mommy helped me with the balance beam but by the end of that second room I was just about done. There were too many people and too much going on that I much rather hang out by the elevator than go to the next room. Mommy got me into all the rooms with much protest but some how I always ended up back at that elevator. Caylee even tried to help me push the button to get the elevator to come but she wasn't tall enough either. As people started to clear out, Noah, Caylee and I hung out in one of the rooms and played on the big tumble pads while all the mommies talked. Then we finally got to ride the elevator down to leave. FINALLY.

We said goodbye and Mommy and I headed to the boardwalk to meet Mr. Bryan and Eleanor. We met them at Sweet Sue's, a little coffee/deli on the beach. Mommy and I shared a turkey sandwich and a chocolate chip cookie. Then we all went to an antique store for a few minutes but it was way too crowded to fit Eleanor's and my stroller inside those narrow aisles so we left and started our walk. We went up and down the boardwalk. Eleanor napped and I spent my time taking my shoe and chewing on the velcro strap. Somehow, I managed to drop my shoe somewhere and by the time Mommy noticed it was missing it was long gone. We looked up and down the boardwalk but to no avail. It was getting close to nap time so we said goodbye to Eleanor and Mr. Bryan and headed home.

After the nap, Daddy was home. Mommy told him about the missing shoe and he just said "I guess he will just have to go shoe shopping." So that is in my future, I guess.

We hung out the rest of the evening. And tonight ended the Caps win streak. Its ok, they will be winning again in no time.

Mar 17 - We started the day early. Mommy got me dressed and out the door to head over to the Harrington House. Aunt Lynn and the boys weren't ready yet so we went upstairs to hang out with Chachi for a bit. He showed us pictures of when he was a young man in uniform and told us stories. Then, it was time to go. Aunt Lynn drove her car and Mommy drove her and after a 45 min car ride we got to the Marine Museum. We looked at sting rays first then sat in on a kids group to listen about different animals. I wasn't in the mood to sit and listen so Mommy and I got up and looked around the gift shop until Aunt Lynn and the boys were done. Once they were, we looked around the museum. We saw skeletons, live fish, jelly fish, boats, and a big old lighthouse.

Hanging out with stingrays

It's Going To Eat Me!!!


Ahoy there!

After looking around, we went into the discovery room. There was a small boat with life jackets so Gavin, Aidan and I put them on (mine was way too big!) and posed for pictures. Then we went into this little lighthouse and posed for more pictures. And then we found our very own shark teeth to take home as a keepsake.

After we were done with the museum we drove over to Cove Point Park and had lunch in the car. Then we had some fun on the playground. It was a fun time but I was ready for a nap. I slept the whole way home. When we got home Mommy was tickled pink to get my blog book in the mail. She wouldn't even let me touch it even though it is for me. She told me that it is for me when I get a little older.

Daddy has been working a lot recently and I try to spend as much time with him as possible. It seems the the over working has finally started to get to him as he has started to get sick. Uh-oh. You know what that means, right? That means that Mommy is next and then it is my turn. Wanna bet?

Mar 18 - I was right! Mommy is definitely sick. But even with her starting to feel under the weather, after breakfast we jumped in the van and drove to Oxon Hill. We started at Payless. The woman there measured my foot and told me that I am bigger than a size 4 but not ready for a size 5. Since Mommy knows that my size 4s fit fine before I sent them swimming off the pier she got me two new size 4s; one pair brown, one pair blue and white.

Then we had a quick trip to Staples and Kmart before meeting Grandmommy at McDonald's. We sat, ate, and Mommy showed Grandmommy the blog book. After hanging out and eating we went to Grandmommy's house. I napped in the van for a while. Then Mommy put me in my pack n' play while they continued to go through clothes and papers. Grandmommy modeled some of the old clothing from her mommy and talked and laughed. In the end they got a lot done but Mommy was really starting to feel sick. So she packed all the stuff that they were getting rid of back in the van and said goodbye.

We made a quick stop by Ms. Heather's house to say hi and show her my book. We only stayed for a few minutes. Then we got home to Daddy. We played and did bath time and just had fun being a family until bedtime. But at the end of the day I started to show symptoms of getting a cold. I told you so.

Beach days, hockey days, & rainy days

Mar 5 - Today I am 13 months old. Mommy and I had a pretty relaxing morning, well relaxing for me. I played while she talked to Chachi on the phone and then got all the trash together for the dump, did all the laundry, did the dishes and anything else that needed to be done. I tried to help as much as I could. Then we went out to the dump and the grocery store. I chewed on the oatmeal box so much while Mommy was shopping that I chewed a hole in it. We got home, put the groceries away and then Daddy got home from school. He was still not in the best mood but Mommy talked him into going over to the Harrington House for some family time. But that was after we both took naps. We got over to the Harrington House for dinner. I hung out with all on my cousins and practiced going up the stairs with Daddy. Then I actually made it back down the whole flight of stairs by myself. I was so proud I went right back up to the top and came down again. I went downstairs to say goodbye to my cousins who were at the time in the bathtub. Then Mommy and Daddy and I headed home for my bath and bedtime.

Mar 6 - Another Sunday inside. It was a pj day. Nothing really excited happened today. We watched the Caps game and vegged out. I watched Mommy play Donkey Kong. Then she handed me the remote. I liked that I could control the monkey on tv. It made me laugh. Toward the evening Daddy and I got into an argument. I have been hitting recently and Daddy yelled at me and told me no. It scared me a little but I didn't like being told no either so I cried. Daddy wouldn't let me go. He tried to soothe me but I got myself way too worked up. Daddy finally put me down and I went to Mommy. She gave me a bath and put me to bed.

Mar 7 - This morning we woke up and had breakfast. Daddy already had left for the welding shop so he could practice and maybe get some leads on a new job. Then we headed down to the beach for a play date with my friends. Caylee, Noah and I met at the beach. Mommy called Aunt Lynn so she could meet us. Uncle Sean was home today too so both of them brought Aidan and Gavin down to the beach to play on the big ship and run around the beach. I liked the sliding board. And Noah and I chased the birds. We played in the sand and we tried to run into the water but never succeeded because someone would always stop us. Then we were all getting tired we said goodbye. Mommy and Aunt Lynn chatted after Mommy got me strapped into my seat. Mommy gave me ham from my lunchable to snack on. I was so tired that I feel asleep with a big piece of ham in my mouth. I was out like a light and didn't even feel Mommy take it out of my mouth.

Once I woke up from my nap we ate and then played. Mommy played Donkey Kong and then she let me play. If you shake the remote Kong pounds his fists on the ground on the screen and I just got a big kick out of that. I would shake the remote, Kong would pound his fists and I would laugh and do it again. The rest of the night was the usual. We waited for Daddy to get home from school, dinner, bath time, and then night night time.

March 8 - Story time day. We got there right before it started. Today was all about hugs and kisses. Mr. Bryan brought Eleanor for the first time. I was so happy to see her. I haven't seen her since my party. I missed her. After story time I kept trying to run away from the group. Mommy got tired of chasing me and bringing me back that she tried to trap me in the boat. Well, the joke's on you Mommy, cause I can climb the steps in the back and climb out.

Oh, and you wanna see how much I have grown? The first picture was taken Sept 14, 2010 and the second picture was taken today. Look, I am taller than the box now!

After story time Mommy took me over to the Harrington House. I saw Chachi and then hung out with Gavin for a little while. Then Aunt Lynn, Gavin, Mommy and I got in our cars and drove to this daycare place in Dunkirk. Since there is a chance that Daddy might be out of work for a little while Mommy thought we would tag a long and look to see what daycare is like. Aunt Lynn is looking because the provider that she has will be moving in June. We looked around and it seemed like an ok place but it was really expensive. After that, we said goodbye to Gavin and Aunt Lynn and went home for a much needed nap. When I woke up, Daddy was home and he had great news...he got a job and goes back to work tomorrow. Yay! I could tell everyone was relieved and that means that I don't have to go to that stuffy old daycare. We celebrated with a bath, story, and a good game of peek-a-boo. Then it was bedtime.

March 9 - So today Mommy asked me if we should go back to Caps practice and try to get more autographs. I told her yeah and that it was fun. So we hopped in the car and drove to Kettler. We watched some of the practice by the gate and Mommy let me stand on the boards and bang on the glass as the players skated around. We also met one of Mommy's facebook friends named Chris that is a big fan of the Caps too. Mommy noticed that a bunch of cameras were being set up to interview someone right in between where the players come off the ice and where we were and thought it was going to be that much more difficult to get a player to walk over to us. So she said that we would have more luck outside of the players entrance where all the really rich players parked their nice cars. Just then Ms. Diana and her daughter got there and followed us out along with a bunch of other fans and Chris. It was kind of funny that so many people were following me. They must know that I really get the players attention. We waited outside and man, was it cold! Ms. Diana asked to hold me and while she was holding me we spotted Mike Green inside. He was talking to the lady at the desk inside. So Ms. Diana walked me over to the glass and had me bang on it to get his attention. He waved at me and then Ms. Diana made a sign asking for his autograph an he waved us inside. He signed my jersey and then she asked him for a picture but the camera was outside with Mommy. So we went around in the revolving door, got Mommy, and back inside. Mike Green was so nice. He held me for a while. Mommy said that he looked very comfortable with me. He said that he liked kids. After the picture he continued to hold me and even lifted me up so I was face to face with him and talked to me a little more. Mommy told him that we miss him on the ice and he needs to get back soon (he has been out for weeks due to a concussion). He said he is getting closer every day. We all thanked him again, said goodbye, and went back outside.

It didn't take long for Ms. Diana to realize that inside was the place to be for autographs. So she went back inside with me and asked if we could sit there so I could warm up. And they said yes. HA! While we were in there we saw many players. We saw Ovie and he signed me and took a picture with me. We saw John Carlson again so I got my picture with him since we already got his autograph, same with Neuvy. We also got Scott Hannan (23) and Marco Sturm (18) to sign me too. Now I am just 8 players away from the whole team. We went to the store for a little while and then headed home. Today was a good day.

We were supposed to go to the game tonight but Daddy had called Mommy and asked if she could get rid of his ticket because he was beat. So when I woke up from my nap I was told that instead of going to the game tonight I was going to stay home with Daddy. Yay, I get Daddy time. He gave me dinner and a bath. We played hide and seek. Can you see me? And we watched some of the game until it was time for bed. I bet I had more fun with Daddy than Mommy did at the game with Uncle Dave. Ovie ended up scoring two goals that night. Do you think I gave him good luck?

March 10 - Today was a stay home a clean day. The house was a mess and Mommy felt bad that we had been out all the time and let it get this way. So Mommy cleaned and cleaned. I helped. Mommy said that she needs to get me my own little broom and vacuum cleaner. I am going to be Mommy's little helper.

It was a really rainy day today anyway so it was the perfect day to stay in and get a little rest. I got a little needy at one point because I had had enough of Mommy running around. I wanted her to hold me. So we played together a little too. I am getting better with my gumball machine. I am starting to understand that when you push the blue button a ball falls down and I open the door, pull it out and throw it across the room. Mommy is still working with me to put the ball back in the top to do it again.

Daddy was pleased that the house was clean when he got home. He also talked to Mommy about not going to the Caps game on Sunday because he got offered overtime. I would still go to this game with Mommy and Uncle Dave. We just hung out together and watch tv together until it was time for bathtime. After I am dressed in my pjs I have made it my routine to play a round of Where's Nicky as I hid behind the curtain in my room and then we read Barnyard Dance and maybe another book too. Then it is nite nite time.

Oh and remember how I told you it rained all day today. Well we had flood warnings in the area and Ms. Andrea, who lives close to the bay took a picture of the boat down at the beach that we were at earlier this week. It was flooded and waves were crashing over the boardwalk. Here is a picture she took.

March 11 - Since Mommy and I cleaned up so much yesterday we invited Caylee, Noah, and Sam over for a playdate this morning. It was so much fun. My toys were everywhere and overall I shared pretty well. Mommy made us all dinosaur chicken nuggets for lunch and we also had grapes and fruit snacks as well as a little cheese, ham and crackers. I also got lemon-aid in my sippy cup. I love lemon-aid. We played for hours. Everyone really liked the balls from my gumball machine. It was way past my nap time but I didn't really care. That was until Caylee accidentally hit me in the head with my drum. Then I cried and wanted Mommy. Everyone agreed it was time to go so we said goodbye and Mommy put me down for my nap.

After my nap I got to play a little more. Daddy was home and I was excited about our guy's night in. Mommy had made plans with Ms. Nicole and Ms. Denise to go to the hockey game. So Mommy got all dressed up in her Caps gear and dressed them too, kissed me goodbye, kissed Daddy goodbye and left. I didn't make it that long after Mommy left. I was still so tired and since I only got an hour of a nap I told Daddy I was tired around 8pm. Daddy said that I wasn't in the mood for a bath so he dressed me for bed and I was out like a light after Barnyard Dance.