Bikes

For Christmas this year Zach received his first bicycle with training wheels. After the snow filled winter that we have had it isn't that surprising that he has only had a few brief bike rides, which consisted of us not only steering the bike but also holding his foot onto the pedal as we pushed it around and around...basically it was very slow going and hard on our backs.


Two weeks ago, I pulled the bike out again and proceeded to do the hunchback stagger down the sidewalk as I tried to teach Zach how to ride. I didn't really make any progress. By the next afternoon Zach had the idea but would frequently get stuck pedaling.
Another 24 hours later he was steering and pedaling independently! I swear he has aged 2 years as I've watched him ride his bike around and around the driveway. We still have occasional spills when he tries to turn too sharply but so far he has gotten back on the bike every time. It has been such a fun way to spend these early spring days!

Terms of Endearment

Steve has always been very affectionate to both of our boys but the other day he was overflowing with joy towards them...

He has since started calling Eli his "little tax break!"

Woof

Last week while we were at my parent's, Zach went over to the door and let their dog inside. Upon walking back into the living room he said,

"I let Toula inside because she was ruffing at the door."

Enough's enough.

I distinctly remember our last winter in Boston when we received snow upon snow upon snow. One storm, as we were shoveling our driveway in the middle of receiving 20 inches, I said that I couldn't wait to move further south where they don't get nearly as much snow....

What happened? We live in a place where 1 inch of snow shuts the city down and we have received 18 inches last weekend and another 6-12 inches this week, and of course don't forget the 12 inches we got a week and a half ago which hadn't melted yet! We are just not prepared to actually have winter here. Unfortunately for Steve I am no longer a help shoveling wise since someone needs to stay indoors with Eli and I seem to be the natural choice.

So while stuck indoors we have baked and cooked and been oh-so-grateful for every moment that we have power! Here are a few pictures of my sweet baby Eli showing off his impressive chunkiness and some of Zach outside walking on top of the snow!

You be Zachary

This week Zach put a clever a spin on playing pretend and I was the naive mommy who fell for it! Let me explain...

One day I was trying to finish reading a book during one of Eli's brief naps. Zach was playing on the floor with his trucks and he kept asking me if I wanted to play trucks with him. I was repeatedly saying that, "No, I didn't want to play trucks right now I wanted to read my book." (I know, I'm a terrible mommy!) After a while he came up to me and said, "Mommy you be Zachary and I'll be mommy." (This is a frequent 'pretend' game in our house.) I was feeling badly for ignoring him so I agreed. He picked up my book and sat reading it and I sat on the floor with his trucks. I got into character and said, "Mommy will you play trucks with me?" to which he respond, "Sure! I'd love to play trucks with you!"

Fair warning

A few nights ago as Zach was heading off to bed he cheerfully announced,

"Good night everybody! I'll be back when it's daytime."

We can't say he didn't warn us!

4 Months

I find it hard to believe that Eli is already 4 months old. He is a really sweet little guy and spends most of his day smiling at anyone who will talk to him. I say "little" guy but he is actually quite a moose! For his 4 month check up he weighed in at 18 pounds,1 ounce!!! No wonder my arms ache.

Eli is grasping toys and trying very hard to sit up, although he still ends up with his head between his feet when he tries. Elijah is starting to enjoy big brother entertaining him but only before brother starts shaking the chair or squeezing his hands or pushing on his belly! I started back to work this month treating about 5 patients a week. It has been a struggle trying to squeeze visits into Steve's time at home but thankfully my work can be very flexible. Which is good because Eli does not like to be a part from me for more than 2 hours, even if he's not hungry!

Confession

I have a 3 year 1 month old boy who, as of Tuesday, was totally and completely NOT potty trained! For those of you wonderful parents who accomplish this task long before your child's third birthday I commend you. But for us....

I have heard over the years, both as a parent and when I worked with children, that when your child is ready potty training is very easy, no struggle. So I have been plugging along waiting for Zach to be ready.

He's not.

He continues to poop and pee in diapers (both disposable and cloth) and then he hates to be changed. So on Wednesday when Zach awakened there were no more diapers.

We are now on day 3 of potty training and I hate to brag but MY training is coming along nicely. Wednesday we had lots of accidents because I didn't realize I should set a timer to make sure we are trying often. But yesterday I learned this little trick and Zach only had 2 accidents all day. I went to bed thinking that perhaps I'm not accomplishing anything because Zach is only going to the bathroom because I bring him every 15-30 minutes. This morning I have continued to set the timer but today I am only asking him if he has to go potty when the timer goes off. So far he has said, "no" every time, however, one time after I walked away from asking he ran into the bathroom and started pulling down his pants! Perhaps all my dancing, chanting and candy giving is working after all?!? If it does I will kick myself for not trying it sooner.

Cornerest Farm

This weekend we traveled up to see our friends who own a dairy farm. They have 4 boys and the youngest is only 1 month older than Eli. Becky and I were overwhelmed by boys, being outnumbered 8 to 2. Zach was introduced to true rough housing because these farm boys are tough. Steve played basketball with them in the morning and he said it was a combination of basketball, rugby and ultimate fighting. Zach watched with wide eyes and tried to "take some shoots" without getting mugged!

On Sunday afternoon we went sledding. It was Zach's first time and he was very cautious about it. Pete's kids were diving down the hill and bailing out of the sleds without fear. Zach preferred sliding down on his bottom. The next day while Steve and Pete went skiing, I took the boys back to sled and this time Zach was ready to tackle the hill. He went down by himself a few times with me running alongside to stop him from going in the ditch or hitting a tree. (Pete suggested that I let him go completely and he would learn to bail out before hitting these things but I wasn't quite ready for that! It does make you question whether our children learn their cautiousness and fear from us or if it's there naturally.) Zach never did warm up to climbing the hill, but then again who does?

Meet Joe

Today at lunch, Steve and I were trying to teach Zach his full name. The conversation went something like this...

Steve: My name is Steve Miller. What's your name mommy?

Me: My name is Marcia Miller.

Steve: (to Zach) What's your name?

Zach: (says nothing)

Steve: Is your name Zachary Miller?

Zach: Um, no. Me name is Joseph Miller.

Who is Joseph Miller?

Christmas, birthdays and snowmen

I've been sitting on this blog post for quite a while writing and rewriting in my mind to try and capture our Christmas. It is much easier for me to write about one specific event then to try to coherently put together little snippets from over a week of celebrating...but here we go.

We all had a wonderful Christmas full of family, food and gifts! Our celebration started a week early with a snow "storm" on Saturday (we received a whole 4 inches in this blizzard). For those devoted blog followers you will remember that last year I rushed out into the snow with Zach and he mostly cried while I endeavored to show him how much fun snow could be. One year older and Zach was very willing to embrace the snow experience, in fact even though all the snow has melted Zach still asks if we can go outside to play in the snow. This storm marked our family's first snowman, first snow angel and first snow ball fight!

After the nor'easter the Christmas eating began! For about eight days we had one family gathering after another where we opened presents and ate and ate and ate. Of course Zach loved being the center of attention and he enjoyed opening everyone's presents. He was a full service Santa because he would not only hand deliver your gift but then he would unwrap them for each person. (As a cute little side note, Zach called Santa, "Sofa" this year, we're not sure why.)

In the midst of everything my little baby turned three years old!!! And my other baby turned 3 months! Zach is at such a fun age because his language has really taken off. He was fully aware of it being his third birthday and he wanted cake and presents. I made cupcakes for the big day and we enjoyed them while celebrating Christmas at my grandmother's house on the 26th. Zach's cupcakes were topped with a big number "3" candle that he had found and had been carrying around all week!

I'm glad to be getting back to our quiet routine and detoxing from all of the sugar!

Whoa!

This week Zach threw out another great comment that has left me chuckling for days...

I recently got my hair cut very short and one morning while I was in the process of blowing it dry, Zach called for me to help him get down from the table. My head was flipped upside down to dry my hair so I quickly stood upright and walked out to assist him. Upon seeing my poof-ed out head of hair, his spontaneous comment was, "Whoa!"

To remember

I was up nursing Elijah last night and I had one of those rare revelations when you can suddenly see the bigger picture. And I realized in a flash that this moment with him was going to be over and I would never fully remember the exact feeling of his newborn skin or the exact sound of those contented newborn coos. Every seasoned parent tells new parents that they must savor each moment with their children because it is over so quickly, and I've experienced that a little bit with Zachary. It was just yesterday that I was nursing and snuggling him and now he tells me that, "I can't play right now. I have some writing to do." And it's amazing to me how the tough moments with Zach stand out in my mind more than those quiet close moments nursing and rocking him. I suppose it takes holding a baby to remember just how precious they are.

So I'm writing this uncharacteristically sentimental blog to try to capture what no camera and certainly no blog can really capture, and that is the amazing feeling of a baby's weight on your shoulder snuggling his face into your neck or those sweet little alert eyes or the gentle rhythm of their breathing or that feeling of being central and most important in your helpless child's life. Parenting has been the single biggest challenge of my life thus far but last night at least, I saw how quickly it would be done and all the second-guessing and fatigue and lost patience would be over too. I hope that when it's finished I come away with a lasting memory of last night and the many other 'last night' moments that happen each day.

Christmas Card pictures

At the end of October we took our family picture for this year's Christmas card. These are some of my favorite outtakes and I think they give you a better idea as to how the day went! Enjoy Zach's expressions, he really is quite the ham!

Miscellaneous Bits

Like most of you, this month has been very busy with Christmas preparations! I love this time of year and I'm more excited about giving Zach his gifts than he is to receive them. We have done some decorating, shopping and baking and then at night I've been attempting to sew Zach a card table fort! This is my first solo attempt at sewing anything since I usually attach myself to someone talented and let them tell me what to do, but I thought since I couldn't buy a fort that I liked I would try making one. So far I'm really pleased with how it is turning out, the miracle will be if it actually fits on the card table (and yes I did measure first but that is still no guarantee).

So far Elijah has kept his bright blue eyes and I'm beginning to hope that perhaps they will stay blue or green...they could, right? He continues to eagerly accept all the meals offered to him and he is outgrowing clothes and gaining weight rapidly! I don't know exactly how much he weighs but he no longer fits in his 3-6 month sleepers or his size 2 diapers so I think he's pushing 16 pounds! Who would have thought that Steve and I would have a chunky blue-eyed baby?!?

The game

Yesterday while riding in the car, Zach began to play scream and then he would fall into a giggling fit. I didn't understand what the 'game' was at first (although in hindsight I should have recognized the laugh) but with the assistance of mirrors I was able to put together the pieces.... Zach was screaming every time Eli got cozy and fell asleep in his car seat, then Eli would give a big startle and open his eyes resulting in his evil brother's laugh! Poor Eli. I tried to reprimand Zach and tell him that his game wasn't kind but the truth is I found it pretty funny too!

These pictures are from one of Zach's more 'helpful' moments when he brought Elijah all of his toys so that Eli could play too.

A Short Hospital Stay

This past week brought about a significant event in our lives when Elijah was admitted to the hospital with RSV. It all started with Zach getting sick last weekend. On Tuesday (day 5 of his illness) when he still had a fever I decided it was time to go see the doctor. We had tried to keep the boys separated and to be vigilant about hand washing but unfortunately Eli began coughing on Tuesday so I went ahead and had the doctor look at him also. Zach was diagnosed with an ear infection, pneumonia and probably the flu and Eli was pronounced as still sounding clear but probably coming down with what big brother had and she made some quip about the week being young...(just great, I thought!)

Thursday morning at 4am Eli awakened and sounded wheezy and congested. I briefly considered taking him to the ER but I thought that it was probably being a little over anxious. That morning when the doctor's office opened I called and got an appointment for 1:30 that afternoon. As the day progressed Elijah's breathing sounded worse and worse but I was still taken by surprise when our doctor immediately sent us to the emergency room I had no idea that the congestion and wheezy breathing I was hearing was actually him struggling to get enough oxygen! In our local hospital they administered a breathing treatment and started an IV, they also collected samples to run some tests. The test results came back as positive for RSV and we were told that we would need to go to a hospital with a PICU in case things got worse. At 8pm Elijah and I were transported via ambulance to University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore.

Thankfully, as bad as things could have gotten, Elijah remained fairly stable throughout the whole sickness. It was very difficult to watch him struggle for breath, now that I knew what it looked and sounded like, but apparently it can be much worse and the doctors kept telling me he looked good for a 7-week-old with his diagnosis. The hospital continued to monitor Eli for the few days we were there and they offered him support through nasal suction and some humidified oxygen near his face but basically he had to fight off the virus on his own.

During the drama with Elijah we had to take care of a sick and somewhat emotional Zachary. Steve and I were not comfortable abandoning Zach during this time so we tried to keep him with us to provide him with some stability. Unfortunately the hospital was not allowing children inside the building at all so it got a little crazy trying negoiate our noble goal. I would leave Eli, run down to the main entrance get Zach and then Steve would run upstairs to be with Eli, then later we would switch again. I spent nights at the hospital and Zach and Steve stayed with some family friends that live near Baltimore. So for about three days Steve and I weren't in each others presence for more than one minute as we made the Zach pass-off. The whole experience was exhausting, emotionally and phyisically. I was very grateful Saturday late afternoon when they said that Elijah could go home! (I was doubly grateful to be going home because we had been waiting for the results of a bacteria test that if positive would have meant that Eli needed to be in the hospital with IV drugs for another seven days!) At home that evening Zach said grace for our dinner. Steve prompted him to be thankful that Elijah was home, which Zach repeated exactly during his prayer but then he added, "Thank you that mommy and daddy are right here!"


I took this picture on Monday...he is obviously making a full recovery!

Trick or Treat

For Halloween this year Zach was a Red Sox baseball player (shocking, right?) complete with batting helmet, official baseball pants, eye black, bat and glove. The great thing about his costume is that he is getting a lot of use out of the batting helmet both indoors and out. Elijah went trick-or-treating as a rather disgruntled pumpkin, which I didn't really blame him for since he was lugged in and out of the car without the benefit of receiving any candy.

Our evening involved a lot more driving than I remember as a child since we drove to each grandparents' house. At each stop we rang the door bell, Zach was prompted to say, "trick or treat" and then we were invited in for a quick visit (this is what happens when you only go to the houses of family and close neighbors-it ends up being more visiting than candy-gathering). At the end of the evening we made one final stop at our new next door neighbor's house, who we don't really know, and after receiving the candy Zach proceeded to walk into their house for the 'visit' portion of trick-or-treating!

When it was time to go bed later that night, Zach insisted on bringing his bucket of candy into the room and he fell asleep holding on to an unopened tootsie roll pop.

One Month

Baby Elijah is one month old today! Already he is lifting his head and having longer 'alert' times during the day. He displays wonderful dimples when he smiles in his sleep and he is a terrific eater, as evident by his incredible weight gain. He sleeps pretty well at night giving me 3-4 hours at a time but during the day he is only content when he is being held! Even so, we think he is a pretty amazing little guy.

Just pictures...