Whew! Another busy couple of months just flew past. We had TWO grandmas in town (one after the other) and several back-to-back trips by the Studly Hubby and I (literally - he flew out an hour before I landed..!). Plus a Big 2-yr-old's Birthday, a Catastrophic Missed Trip to LA, a crazy gluten-free diet and lots of extremely hectic stuff going on at work for both of us. Fortunately we made through it all and are now emerging on the other side. Whew!
Some details:
I found out I may have a mild allergy to gluten, a possible explanation for my hard year last year (gluten allergies create lots of trouble absorbing nutrients, and that combined with breastfeeding was probably a big burden on my system). I've always suspected this, and to help me sort it out I went to a food allergy specialist that has me taking a storm of probiotics and other stuff in addition to a crazy strict diet. I've given up gluten, dairy and soy milk to see if it helps (a little helpful so far, although I haven't gone through any official tests yet). It's been weird, to say the least.
The 2-yr birthday went very well, Grandma L was in town and the Studly Hubby was out of town. We spent the day doing all of Layla's favorite things including some birthday cupcakes at the gluten-free coffee shop. Layla finished the day off by throwing up all over her room which I hear is common on birthdays. Too much sugar + too much bouncing = upset stomach. Or, it was just another stomach bug (that would be #4 for the year). She was fine the next day.
The Catastrophe was unexplainable. One minute we were walking into the airport with plenty of time to catch our flight and the next minute we were somehow missing the flight. In between there were long lines, some problems with our baggage and security, a busy toddler, and a harried walk-run to the furthest gate in the airport (a little tough with a busy toddler). After we missed our flight we tried to re-book and found we absolutely couldn't do it without paying $600 per ticket change (apparently they hate when you miss your flight). We went back home, disappointed, exhausted, and shocked. In my rich history of flying, I've only ever even come close to missing a flight once - this was my first actual missed flight. We now have credits with Alaska for the tickets and we are considering Hawaii as a consolation.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Where did J-Funk go?
I'm not sure, actually, just that for about 5 months I couldn't get myself to blog. I think it had to do with the massive load of work I was buried under since being sick most of the year last year and a death in the family that I'm so broken up over I still can't even talk about. But, I've been getting caught up on work (2 papers submitted this week!) and subsequently catching up at home and I'm hoping now I can get back on track with the blog. So, hopefully I'll see you around more now!
Layla update
Layla is a big 22 months old now, and has changed a TON since I last posted an update. I don't even know where to start.
Mainly what we've noticed, is that she's been sassing at us constantly with ever longer and longer strings of words. Half the time we don't understand her at all and the rest of it is stuff we're pretty sure she picked up from us or from daycare, which she now uses mostly for evil. We started putting her in time-outs, then the other day she put her daddy in a time-out. We tell her to sit on her butt at dinner, and she doesn't, but then tells all the other kids at daycare to sit on their butts. So, at least she's listening. She's also telling us about her day ('play with Emmy!' 'row-row with Mimi!' 'Kiwi CRIED'), her thoughts ('is Kiwi ok?', 'where did the kitty go?'), what she wants to do ('HUGH'S HOUSE!' 'PIZZA!!' 'HIDE!!!'). She's tired of playing with the little toddlers in her classroom at school and is about to move up into the 2-3 yr old room... and I'm not sure I'm ready for that! Mostly, we're all really enjoying hanging out with each other, and finding Layla likes all the same stuff we do, which is making the weekends a lot more fun than they used to be. These days we spend a lot of time connecting with friends for playdates, lounging around the house, and going shopping at the farmer's market or in the neighborhood.
Mainly what we've noticed, is that she's been sassing at us constantly with ever longer and longer strings of words. Half the time we don't understand her at all and the rest of it is stuff we're pretty sure she picked up from us or from daycare, which she now uses mostly for evil. We started putting her in time-outs, then the other day she put her daddy in a time-out. We tell her to sit on her butt at dinner, and she doesn't, but then tells all the other kids at daycare to sit on their butts. So, at least she's listening. She's also telling us about her day ('play with Emmy!' 'row-row with Mimi!' 'Kiwi CRIED'), her thoughts ('is Kiwi ok?', 'where did the kitty go?'), what she wants to do ('HUGH'S HOUSE!' 'PIZZA!!' 'HIDE!!!'). She's tired of playing with the little toddlers in her classroom at school and is about to move up into the 2-3 yr old room... and I'm not sure I'm ready for that! Mostly, we're all really enjoying hanging out with each other, and finding Layla likes all the same stuff we do, which is making the weekends a lot more fun than they used to be. These days we spend a lot of time connecting with friends for playdates, lounging around the house, and going shopping at the farmer's market or in the neighborhood.
The big Seattle Snowpocalypse
We got buried by snow last week. Buried! We couldn't even get out our door. Actually, it was about 8 inches total, over 3 days. And we had LOTS of warning (schools were cancelled before the storm even started).
But, in Seattle's defense, 8 inches of snow is a lot to take in a city with only 48 snow plows, no sanders, no salters, and LOTS of HUGE hills. Many of them were simply blocked off, by the city, or, mostly, by people in the neighborhoods that didn't want their street-parked cars getting hit. In our neighborhood, some of those streets had a lot of sledding and even some skiing and snowboarding going on.
The Snowpocalypse lasted 3 days. I was sick the day before it started (Tuesday) and Monday was a holiday, so I took the entire week off, mostly. The Studly Hubby and I both had big deadlines the weekend before, so we really really enjoyed it. But actually, the best part was that Layla started sleeping LATE that week, several days she even slept until 8:45 am!!! This was the first time we experienced this (without any interruptions at night) since she was born!! We lived it up by staying up past 10 pm watching movies and eating popcorn. One night we even had some wine. What a party!
So, we really enjoyed our snow holiday week. Layla and I shoveled the walk (we were one of two families on our block that bothered) and we all played in the snow quite a bit, although Layla thought it was a little overwhelming especially at first.
We also cuddled in bed a lot, and stayed warm and cozy under the covers. If you're wondering why I look so sleepy, I think it's because I was still a little sick when this picture was taken.
We also dressed in crazy clothes and jumped all over each other. Mostly, this was at the end of the week when the snow had turned to disgusting slushy rain and we were getting a bit of cabin fever.
Other things we did: Skyped with everyone who was available, cleaned out and organized closets, the bathroom, the basement, and Layla's dresser, baked up some stuff (Layla and Derek really got into cooking together), built forts, put up a tent inside, did some art projects, had some playdates with neighbors that were within walking distance, ventured out to see the Big Sled Hill at Gasworks Park (spectacular!), and listened to a lot of music. Layla only started getting bored on Friday, when the pretty snow had turned to slushy rain and we were running out of stuff to do. Fortunately by Saturday the roads were clear again and we, like everyone else in Seattle, spent the entire weekend out on the town.
But, in Seattle's defense, 8 inches of snow is a lot to take in a city with only 48 snow plows, no sanders, no salters, and LOTS of HUGE hills. Many of them were simply blocked off, by the city, or, mostly, by people in the neighborhoods that didn't want their street-parked cars getting hit. In our neighborhood, some of those streets had a lot of sledding and even some skiing and snowboarding going on.
The Snowpocalypse lasted 3 days. I was sick the day before it started (Tuesday) and Monday was a holiday, so I took the entire week off, mostly. The Studly Hubby and I both had big deadlines the weekend before, so we really really enjoyed it. But actually, the best part was that Layla started sleeping LATE that week, several days she even slept until 8:45 am!!! This was the first time we experienced this (without any interruptions at night) since she was born!! We lived it up by staying up past 10 pm watching movies and eating popcorn. One night we even had some wine. What a party!
So, we really enjoyed our snow holiday week. Layla and I shoveled the walk (we were one of two families on our block that bothered) and we all played in the snow quite a bit, although Layla thought it was a little overwhelming especially at first.
We also cuddled in bed a lot, and stayed warm and cozy under the covers. If you're wondering why I look so sleepy, I think it's because I was still a little sick when this picture was taken.
We also dressed in crazy clothes and jumped all over each other. Mostly, this was at the end of the week when the snow had turned to disgusting slushy rain and we were getting a bit of cabin fever.
Other things we did: Skyped with everyone who was available, cleaned out and organized closets, the bathroom, the basement, and Layla's dresser, baked up some stuff (Layla and Derek really got into cooking together), built forts, put up a tent inside, did some art projects, had some playdates with neighbors that were within walking distance, ventured out to see the Big Sled Hill at Gasworks Park (spectacular!), and listened to a lot of music. Layla only started getting bored on Friday, when the pretty snow had turned to slushy rain and we were running out of stuff to do. Fortunately by Saturday the roads were clear again and we, like everyone else in Seattle, spent the entire weekend out on the town.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Crazy toddler weekend
Layla took us on a crazy adventure this weekend - her baby group decided to rent a house out on Orcas Island (about a 1 hr ferry trip from Seattle) and stay together for the weekend. 7 babies (toddlers now! they are 18 months) went. Us parents thought it was a pretty crazy idea.
It turned out it was not so bad, if you don't mind not sleeping much. The house was fantastic, a large 4 bedroom with huge windows overlooking Puget Sound and a gigantic porch and yard. It had lots of great amenities for a large group like big comfy couches and two tables and a huge kitchen. It also had lots of extra beds and space. 5 babies and their families stayed in the house, one in a tent in the yard, and another got a separate cabin because his mom just had a little-tiny baby and he thought they'd want some privacy.
We learned a lot about our babies this weekend. They are all very happy kids, willing to do just about anything, go any amount of time without sleep, and play with any kind of toy. They are also very possessive right now, and want just about everything they see. A lot of the weekend was spent running interference on the best toys (a toddler-sized bike and a transformer car). They are also very good at screeching, but they understand a lot more than we think.
The favorite activity of the weekend was hanging out at the small lake in the middle of the island, which has a sandy beach and a playground and a very shallow swim hole. Layla thought it was way too shallow and demanded we go out as far as we could, as often as she could. The other babies were content to play in the sand and make sand castles. At night after the babies went to bed the moms and dads had a really good time and got to know each other better. Some of us even went to a clothing-optional hot tub nearby where there were lots and lots of naked people. We were not brave and opted for the clothing.
We took a few pictures which I will try to post if I get a chance.
It turned out it was not so bad, if you don't mind not sleeping much. The house was fantastic, a large 4 bedroom with huge windows overlooking Puget Sound and a gigantic porch and yard. It had lots of great amenities for a large group like big comfy couches and two tables and a huge kitchen. It also had lots of extra beds and space. 5 babies and their families stayed in the house, one in a tent in the yard, and another got a separate cabin because his mom just had a little-tiny baby and he thought they'd want some privacy.
We learned a lot about our babies this weekend. They are all very happy kids, willing to do just about anything, go any amount of time without sleep, and play with any kind of toy. They are also very possessive right now, and want just about everything they see. A lot of the weekend was spent running interference on the best toys (a toddler-sized bike and a transformer car). They are also very good at screeching, but they understand a lot more than we think.
The favorite activity of the weekend was hanging out at the small lake in the middle of the island, which has a sandy beach and a playground and a very shallow swim hole. Layla thought it was way too shallow and demanded we go out as far as we could, as often as she could. The other babies were content to play in the sand and make sand castles. At night after the babies went to bed the moms and dads had a really good time and got to know each other better. Some of us even went to a clothing-optional hot tub nearby where there were lots and lots of naked people. We were not brave and opted for the clothing.
We took a few pictures which I will try to post if I get a chance.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Layla's new favorite books
Layla has a new list of favorite books to share with you.
Layla's new most favorite book in the whole wide world is '10 little babies.' She LOVES babies, and loves to do all the things they do in the book (drink milk, play with dogs and cats, drive around tricycles, look at fish, throw big fits, etc). She insists I read her this book at least three times a day, usually multiple times. Fortunately it's a really cute book and I don't mind.
The next book was loaned to me by another my in our baby group - her son LOVES this book and now, unfortunately, Layla does too.
This is seriously one of the hardest books I've ever read in my life. It is all about Elmo's balls. He likes big balls and small balls and footballs and juggling balls. How can you read a book like this, over and over, and 1) maintain enthusiasm and 2) maintain a straight face?? Oh Elmo, I already hate you!
The mom who introduced Layla to Elmo's Balls redeemed herself somewhat by also loaning us this book:
This book is hysterical, very simple, and somehow captivates Layla at the same level that it captivates both me and her daddy. It's about a pigeon, who wants to drive a bus, and throws a big gigantic fit when he can't. I think we can all relate to that. Mo Willems, the author, drew very cute pictures and has a lot of good dialogue in it. This is one of many awesome books he has written, and we've tried some of the others, but this is Layla's favorite.
Layla's new most favorite book in the whole wide world is '10 little babies.' She LOVES babies, and loves to do all the things they do in the book (drink milk, play with dogs and cats, drive around tricycles, look at fish, throw big fits, etc). She insists I read her this book at least three times a day, usually multiple times. Fortunately it's a really cute book and I don't mind.
The next book was loaned to me by another my in our baby group - her son LOVES this book and now, unfortunately, Layla does too.
This is seriously one of the hardest books I've ever read in my life. It is all about Elmo's balls. He likes big balls and small balls and footballs and juggling balls. How can you read a book like this, over and over, and 1) maintain enthusiasm and 2) maintain a straight face?? Oh Elmo, I already hate you!
The mom who introduced Layla to Elmo's Balls redeemed herself somewhat by also loaning us this book:
This book is hysterical, very simple, and somehow captivates Layla at the same level that it captivates both me and her daddy. It's about a pigeon, who wants to drive a bus, and throws a big gigantic fit when he can't. I think we can all relate to that. Mo Willems, the author, drew very cute pictures and has a lot of good dialogue in it. This is one of many awesome books he has written, and we've tried some of the others, but this is Layla's favorite.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
17-month update
On August 11, Layla will be 17 months. Wow!!
Here is an update:
Eating and growing: she is growing like a weed (esp in the last two weeks, she is now as tall as almost all the older boys in her baby group!) but somehow she is eating less, or at at least it seems like it - she has become pretty picky the last two months and went from eating and loving everything to carefully tasting (she sticks her tongue out to taste) and then choosing only the stuff that suits her. It's not a diverse range but it is mostly healthy stuff, like almost all fruit, peas and some other veggies, eggs, and almost anything with pasta. So, it's not so bad. But, we've started making a lot of separate meals for her to try to get her to eat more, especially if she's not eating much because she doesn't feel very well.
Talking and interacting: she's got a lot of words down now, including apple, bike, ball, car, whoa!, mine, book, eye, nose, mouth (and pointing at the parts), Layla (Yay-ya!), and she can associate animal sounds with dog ('woof! woof!), cow (moo!) and she's almost got duck (ga! ga!). She's still working on a lot of consonant sounds like "L", "S", "T", and there are a lot of words and phrases that pop out that she doesn't repeat regularly (like 'hey you guys!' 'who's that?' and 'help please!'). She can understand a LOT and I keep reminding myself to make sure to explain things to her and be careful what words I use now - she's paying close attention!
Mobility: She's almost running now, and has really gotten into CLIMBING - she climbs up everything including the jungle gym at the playground, our book cases and dressers, kitchen chairs, and anything lying around. So far she has had only had a few big falls including one from a chair that was kind of scary. She climbs boldly higher and higher though and has been giving us mini-heart attacks on a regular basis.
Favorite activities: Layla still LOVES daycare and wears herself out completely every day she's there. She has developed a great relationship with each of her teachers and even knows the teachers of the other classes so I suspect she's become quite a social butterfly there. Outside of daycare she likes everything we do as long as we keep doing different things throughout the day - our house gets way boring by about 10 am. So we spend a lot of our weekends going to park playgrounds and various social events with other kids, farmer's markets, playing with the neighbor kids, a little shopping here and there, a zoo or aquarium trip now and then, and lots of time in the backyard. Fortunately that's all pretty easy since it's so nice outside right now. The winter will be a whole new game though - and we're already starting to brainstorm some ideas for indoor fun for our little Adventurer when it gets dark and cold out.
Here is an update:
Eating and growing: she is growing like a weed (esp in the last two weeks, she is now as tall as almost all the older boys in her baby group!) but somehow she is eating less, or at at least it seems like it - she has become pretty picky the last two months and went from eating and loving everything to carefully tasting (she sticks her tongue out to taste) and then choosing only the stuff that suits her. It's not a diverse range but it is mostly healthy stuff, like almost all fruit, peas and some other veggies, eggs, and almost anything with pasta. So, it's not so bad. But, we've started making a lot of separate meals for her to try to get her to eat more, especially if she's not eating much because she doesn't feel very well.
Talking and interacting: she's got a lot of words down now, including apple, bike, ball, car, whoa!, mine, book, eye, nose, mouth (and pointing at the parts), Layla (Yay-ya!), and she can associate animal sounds with dog ('woof! woof!), cow (moo!) and she's almost got duck (ga! ga!). She's still working on a lot of consonant sounds like "L", "S", "T", and there are a lot of words and phrases that pop out that she doesn't repeat regularly (like 'hey you guys!' 'who's that?' and 'help please!'). She can understand a LOT and I keep reminding myself to make sure to explain things to her and be careful what words I use now - she's paying close attention!
Mobility: She's almost running now, and has really gotten into CLIMBING - she climbs up everything including the jungle gym at the playground, our book cases and dressers, kitchen chairs, and anything lying around. So far she has had only had a few big falls including one from a chair that was kind of scary. She climbs boldly higher and higher though and has been giving us mini-heart attacks on a regular basis.
Favorite activities: Layla still LOVES daycare and wears herself out completely every day she's there. She has developed a great relationship with each of her teachers and even knows the teachers of the other classes so I suspect she's become quite a social butterfly there. Outside of daycare she likes everything we do as long as we keep doing different things throughout the day - our house gets way boring by about 10 am. So we spend a lot of our weekends going to park playgrounds and various social events with other kids, farmer's markets, playing with the neighbor kids, a little shopping here and there, a zoo or aquarium trip now and then, and lots of time in the backyard. Fortunately that's all pretty easy since it's so nice outside right now. The winter will be a whole new game though - and we're already starting to brainstorm some ideas for indoor fun for our little Adventurer when it gets dark and cold out.
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