My Side of Things

2010-12-27T10:31:00.002-05:00

Months 36 and 13

Well, I haven't caught up yet, but here's a few Christmas pictures of my boys who just keep getting bigger.

2010-01-05T21:37:00.004-05:00

Months 2 and 25

I'm a bit behind. I didn't write about Aidan's second birthday or Duncan's first month, but hopefully I'll get a pass. I've been dealing with a newborn and a two year old and Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's. Please forgive me.

Aidan's learning things by leaps and bounds. Whole sentences leap out of his mouth, new words are learned at an alarming rate and he knows how to work my Mac with the speed and agility that is only rivaled by his father.

Duncan is growing amazingly fast. He is 12 pounds going on 20, I swear he gets bigger every day and most of it is in his cheeks. Two days ago he rolled over from belly to back. 3 TIMES IN A ROW. Clearly, tummy time is not a favorite with this boy. I also don't remember Aidan doing this this early, but lack of sleep has cause some of the memory cells to disintegrate.

Having two this close together is both a delight and a challenge and things are both easier and much much much harder than I imagined they would be. Mainly the lack of sleep is much harder this time. A good friend of mine pointed out that it would be. The first time round you just have to roll with it, but the next time through you've gotten used to sleep again and remember just how very nice it is to sleep 8 hours in a row.

Aidan has been a delight with Duncan, he wants to play with him, hold him, tells him "love you baby Dohnncan" and only demands that I put him down and pay full attention to him 3 or 4 times a day. Considering Aidan's just turned two, that's pretty damn good.

Hopefully, more sleep will be gotten soon and posting will become more frequent. Until then, kindly enjoy the sweetest picture ever.

Who's that?
Originally uploaded by apg

2009-11-21T14:41:00.002-05:00

Well, Duncan Edward decided to beat his big brother by 5 days and came at 36 weeks and 2 days. Weighing in at a lovely 6 lbs 6 oz, 18.5 inches long he showed up at 7:55 PM on November 5th. The day after my sister's birthday and just 5 short hours after my water broke. It would have been earlier had I not eaten that bowl of ice cream around 1 o'clock. They wouldn't operate until a certain amount of time had passed and since every one seemed healthy and cozy there was no hurry. Cozy being a relative term. Contractions were easier this time but not particularly fun either. I was more than happy to go forward once the spinal kicked in.

Aidan's adjusting well to being a big brother, he can't wait to play with Duncan. In fact that's been the hardest part, explaining why the baby is just too little to play catch right now.

Things this time around feel easier, despite juggling two small men's schedules. Some things came right back to me, although lack of sleep is still hard. Still, I'm thrilled to now be a family of 4.

Awake
Originally uploaded by apg

2009-10-29T06:49:00.002-04:00

Last post as a family of 3

I officially have 4 weeks left before surgery. Unofficially, things could go down at any time. 10 days from now will be the point at which Aidan decided to make an appearance. If his little brother decides the same...well, then we have 10 days until we're a family of 4!

Aidan's been doing some phenomenal things lately. Maybe all kids do these things at this point, but they seem pretty awesome to me anyway. He's been singing along with songs for a little while and knows and can sing almost all of Jesus Loves Me, Twinkle Twinkle, the ABCs, and Itsy Bitsy Spider. He just needs a little prompting here and there, but he knows all the words in the right order.

He can also count to 10 and lately has been adding on 11 and 12. Sometimes 4 and 5 get left out, but who needs them anyway, right?

Aidan's also been pretending. This one flabbergasts me. I had no idea it started so young. A few months ago he handed me one of his toy cups and announced "soup!" and wasn't satisfied until I'd taken a sip of it. This progressed into "hot dog" and sitting and pretending to make coffee with Daddy. Yesterday, he was carrying around two of his stuffed animals and suddenly announced "bear, sleep! hedgehog, sleep!" and laid both of them down. Then he looked at me and said "blanket!" and ran back to his room. Seconds later he came back with the arm covers from the rocking chair and laid them over top of each animal. After patting each one and announcing sleep again he grabbed my hand and made me leave the room.

Clearly the life of a stuffed hedgehog and bear is tiring, they needed their rest.

He's done so many other adorable things lately, but I can't post them all. Well, I could but who'd have time to read them? All in all I think he's going to be a wonderful big brother and I can't wait until we all get to meet Duncan.

2009-08-20T13:19:00.002-04:00

Holy Crap! Is that an update I see?

I know, I know, it's been forever and nearly 3 months since I've posted anything. A lot has happened, with us, Aidan and the new baby. Here's generally where we're at.

I'm at 25 weeks, a little more than half way and just about to the point where I remember, Oh yeah pregnancy is uncomfortable. So far everything's looking good. We found out that the baby's a boy (YAHOO!!! re-using clothes, toys, blankets, everything!) and overall I'm doing fine.

Aidan has been picking up millions of new words and has started pairing 2 or 3 at a time together to make "sentences." They're usually pretty simple like "Mama come" with a different inflection to mean he wants me or that he's happy to see me. We've also been experimenting with potty training. He's shown an interest repeatedly, so we bought a potty seat that he's managed to use several times. No big push and certainly no big concerted efforts on our parts. No since rushing him to have a relapse when the new baby gets here. But when he asks, we make sure to get him straight there and praise him afterwards. I'm probably breaking all the potty-training rules, but since I haven't bothered to read any, I don't really care. It's working for now, and I'm going to be changing diapers for next few years regardless so what difference is changing two kids worth?

We've also been doing some needed work around the house. Some, ok who am I kidding, all unpleasant but definitely necessary. The next big goal is to clean up the spare bedroom to turn into Aidan's room. It'll all be wonderful when we're finished, just wish we were already finished.

I know there's been a lot more going on, but that's all for now folks. Meanwhile, enjoy a recent picture of me and Aidan hamming it up in front of the computer.

2009-06-09T17:23:00.002-04:00

A bottle a day

I've been working on phasing out the bottles from Aidan's routine. A few "easy" goals before the next one gets here. Get Baby 1 off pacifiers, bottles, and out of the crib. We got rid of the pacifiers months ago, and I've got Aidan down to just one bottle a day now at bedtime.

I could probably get rid of that one too, but I have noticed that it's harder to get him down for a nap now that he drinks his milk from sippy cups. So for another week or so we'll keep that last bottle.

Next step? Introduction to toddler bed. Yipes!

2009-06-04T10:03:00.007-04:00

18 Months - A Year and a Half!

We've been trying to figure out how many words Aidan can say, so I thought I make a list here. The one's with a star are those he also signs.
In no particular order...

Arrow
Mama
Dada
up*
down*
blanket
bear
lovey
star
moon
book
door
diaper
chair
light*
fan
car
fish*
ball
window
outside
truck
bird*
geese
coffee
bean
cup
stir
sugar
food*
hungry*
eat
cookie*
apple*
more*
spoon
bib
off
nose
ear
eye
toes
knee
arm
shoes
ride
keys
snap
no/nope
"copter," ie. helicopter*
soft
hole
hide
music
milk*
dog
hurt*
trash
tv
Elmo (heaven help me)
cold
hot
water*
bath
wash
watch
hat
glasses
grass
dirt
sheep
knob
help*
nice
dip
please*
banana*
mess
bee
ni-ni
hi*
bye*
juice
love*

Some he's been saying for quite a while and others are newly picked up, and I'm sure I'm forgetting some. He claps when a song or tv show is over, brushes his teeth reasonably well on his own, will bring me something when I ask, and can point out his head, eyes, ears, nose, chin, cheeks, mouth, teeth, elbows, arms, hands, feet, toes, and knees. Even though he can't say all of the words for them yet. Aidan loves watching me sign the alphabet while we sing, and has started recognizing some of the letters and some of his numbers. We're still working on colors. I got him to say yellow once but haven't been able to repeat it or have him consistently point it out. Aidan also says lots of sounds that things make, like 'honk' for geese or beeping his nose. He also knows dogs say "woof" cats say "meow," and when Arrow licks him "eww." Elephants say "pphhtb" cars go "vrroom", and any unknown motor sound in the distance is a helicopter.

Aidan also just had his 18 month checkup this morning and is average for weight and above average for height. Only one shot today (hooray!) and the doctor said he's doing great.

I guess that's about it for this month, more on the new baby in the next few days.

2009-05-10T08:44:00.002-04:00

The Adventure Continues

Who needs full nights of sleep? Who needs spit-up-free clothing? Who needs both hands free?
Clearly, not us.

Our newest arrival will be making an appearance late November/early December.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-03T17:37:00.004-04:00

Month 17

Heading out to plow the back 40
Originally uploaded by apg

This has been another full and exciting month! As witnessed by the lack of posts. Aidan's still picking up tons of new words and gestures, running all over the place, and generally getting bigger by the second. He's also started showing signs of getting ready for potty training, so that new adventure is ahead of us. We've also been debating about the move to a toddler bed, but until he shows signs of climbing out of the crib, I'm happy to keep the hallways baby-free for a few more months.

Month 16

2009-04-03T09:34:00.000-04:00

This month Aidan's language skills have exploded. He's definitely in the mimicking stage. All of a sudden he can both say and sign 'more' as well as banana, apple, please, milk, down, and others that I'm sure I'm forgetting right now. He's started saying mama, dada, hi, car, toast, up, and just about anything else that I spend just a few minutes coaching him on. He'll shake hands with you, blow you a kiss, likes to bounce on the beds, and in general has become a TODDLER. How did this happen?

Everything is suddenly fair game, and a whole new set of limits has to be created. It's not okay for him to play with the door on the vcr anymore, because he knows now that it has an 'in' and things can go in that 'in.' Aidan's discovered under as well, and lots of toys wind up under the coach, or the runner in the hall, or some mysterious hidey-hole he has in the basement which I have yet to be able to find. I looked for a wooden block for three days, he toddled over to a corner somewhere and magically produced it last night, and I was all "KID, where did you get that from??"

This has to have been the most fun month so far, and the most tiring, and challenging. And just when things hit a stride, suddenly he's going to learn that there's an out instead of in and shouldn't we all be out? No, mama not in. OUT. And toys don't go under mama, they go on top.

See you all in another month!

NICU Tour

2009-03-25T14:58:00.002-04:00

We've been invited to tour the new NICU at Shady Grove this evening. It's a hard hat tour since construction is still underway. Which is both good and bad. I'd love to see the sparkling new NICU all kitted out, but also don't think I could maintain any sort of composure seeing all the equipment in it's familiar place.

We haven't been back to Shady Grove since dropping off the digital camera kindly donated by the AFT and stopping in to inform the nurses about Stuart's memorial service. I both want to see the nurses and avoid them. A reaction I'm sure they're only too familiar with.

I'm thrilled that the donations made in Stuart's name are working towards a bigger better place for other babies like him; better equipment, more space, more staff...and I truly hope I'll never, ever have to experience it up close and personal again.

In the Midnight Hour, She Cried More, More, More

2009-03-13T15:48:00.002-04:00

HURRAY!!! Aidan said "more" today along with signing it. He also started saying "no" and shaking his head a few days ago. I think we are on the road to full on speech very shortly.

Heaven help me.

Month 15

2009-03-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

This month was the month of the teeth. Aidan's cut almost all four of his first molars. Just one left on the top that hasn't quite finished poking through. He's also learned how to go down the stairs backwards, and most importantly if we ask him a question he thinks about it, and answers. With a sign and possibly part of a word.

The other day while Andy's mom was watching him, she asked Aidan if he needed a diaper change. He raced over to the stairs, signing change and saying "Di! Di!" He's repeated this at home and if he's already upstairs, races towards his room.

Aidan also started saying "Arrow" to the dog again. He had stopped for a few weeks, we weren't sure why. But yesterday he started right back up again. Maybe it was because of the new teeth, talking just wasn't as much fun for a little while.

That's about all on the progress for now. Hopefully things will warm up around here soon and there'll be trips to the park, the pool, etc.

Month 14

2009-02-03T10:07:00.000-05:00

This has been an unbelievable month for Aidan. He started walking right after New year's and has been on the go ever since. Just this past week he's managed to stand up on his own without pulling up on anything. Considering a month ago he couldn't walk at all with out help this is a huge achievement!

This past month we also made our very first family trip. Aidan's very first flight, and his very first passport stamps. Oh yes, my one year old has already been to Scotland, and Ireland. I'd say Amsterdam too, but you can't count the airport as actually having been in a country. Otherwise I'd have about 8 more in my own list.

Aidan handled the trip incredibly well, except for the last two days when he got sick for the very first time. With a fever of 102. And we were in Falcarragh, Ireland. I didn't handle it with quite so much calm. But, we got him to a doctor, turns out it was an ear infection, got some antibiotics and some Motrin and by the time we were on the flight home from Amsterdam a day and a half later, the fever broke and he was starting to feel much better.

By the way, antibiotics tend upset babies stomachs. And changing tables in airplane bathrooms are not particularly easy to maneuver with. I think I can truly handle anything at this point.

The latest in Aidan news is his shift in nap schedules. He seems to have overnight switched to a one-nap-a-day kind of guy. This nap has been 3 to 3.5 hours long so I'm not complaining! Just need to readjust my own schedule to accomodate. I used to shower once I got him down for his morning nap around 9. I simply cannot wait until 12 to shower. So once we all figure out the new patterns it'll be a lot easier.

And the very last bit of news for this month (I told you it was a big month) is that Aidan now has two molars. This is great, but a little weird, since he hasn't cut his canines yet. But now he can chew food a little easier, and once the other two come in he'll sleep a little easier at night too I think.

My little man is quickly becoming a big one, I can't get over the fact that this time last year we were happy if he held his head up for a while and didn't cry to much when we put him on his belly.

Month 13 - No I didn't forget

2009-01-06T16:59:00.002-05:00

With all the Christmas-ing and the New Year-ing, and the packing for the trip I did let the update slide. And what an update! Aidan is officially walking. On his own, without holding on to anything.

This is as thrilling as it is terrifying.

He's also been babbling up a storm, but unfortunately no words yet. He's been able to say "Arrow" and "Uh Oh" for months, but beyond that nothing. I'm sure he'll manage it like he's done everything else and will spout out about 5 new words in one day.

Aidan also had his first haircut, shortly after his birthday. He looked so much better without that extra shag it really made me wish I'd let Andy cut it before. Ah well.

Otherwise, not much has been happening. We'll be making our first major trip as a family at the end of this week, I'll be sure to let you all know how that went once we're back. Fingers crossed!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T14:26:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas
Originally uploaded by apg

My apologies to those of you who didn't receive cards, that would be everyone. We weren't with it this year. Instead, please to enjoy this online greeting card from me and my family. Love to all and I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Wonderful New Year!

Trying to get out the door...

2008-12-11T10:59:00.003-05:00

Aidan and I went to visit one of Andy's cousins with a new baby on Tuesday. Here's how getting out the door on time to make an 11 AM visit in Annapolis went.

9:40 - Woke Aidan up early from his nap, picked him up. Hurray! Happy baby! Oh no...he spewed. Hurray only onto his crib sheets, I'll change those later.

9:45 - Time to change the diaper. Oh no...super poop machine. Hurray! He didn't try to roll around and smear it on everything. Clean diaper ready, oh no...he's peeing everywhere. Hurray! It didn't get on his clothes or mine, I'll change the cover on the changing table later.

10:00 - I'm supposed to be at Mom's house picking her up right now...Hurray put on Aidan's coat! Now into the pack and play while I put on my coat. Oh no...he's pulled his hat and shoes off. Hurray! They're back on. Oh no...they're off again.

10:15 - At Mom's, everyone loading in the car...oh no...we have to stop and pick up bagels.

We actually made it to Annapolis about 11:15 so not late, just sort of fashionable. We all had a lovely time too. Aidan played really well with some of the older boys, and was only a little jealous while I held the new baby. Hurray!

Countdown: T-Minus...

2008-12-08T16:27:00.003-05:00

16 Days until Christmas

Presents remaining to be bought: 8

Presents ready to be wrapped: 2

23 Days until New Year's

Preparation to be done: None! Woohoo!

31 Days until Scotland wedding/Ireland vacation

Bags to pack: 3

Car Seat to buy: 1

Skirt to have altered: 1

Baby boots to find/buy: 1 pair

Laundry to do: Squajilllions

12 Months Old, that's ONE YEAR people!

2008-12-03T02:39:00.005-05:00

This past month with Aidan has been amazing, I can't get over how much he's grown. We have our last Waterbabies lesson this Saturday, he obviously can't swim just yet, but we've had a really good time.

Thinking back it's so hard to believe that one year ago today I had gone into labor, early of course, and that in just a little while I'd get to hold my son. Now I can barely hold on to him he's moving so fast! So looking forward to the next year together, I know it'll will be even better than this one has been!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Aidan, what day in December is your birthday?
Originally uploaded by apg

Leaps and Bounds

2008-11-20T15:33:00.002-05:00

It's seemed like over the last several months Aidan has picked things up with alarming speed, and always several things at once.

Take this morning, for example. Upon waking up, he decided to begin babbling incessantly, and then showed me his two new teeth, and how he could stand up on his own.

I felt as if any second he would turn to me and say "Oh, and by the way Mother, have I mentioned I picked up my doctorate in Astro-Physics?"

Wheee!

2008-11-19T14:56:00.004-05:00

My Dad bought Aidan a new toy and we broke it out yesterday to everyone's delight. I brought it out again this morning and Aidan again loved playing with it. UNTIL, I broke out the camera. The minute I tried filming his interest disappeared. In between times he played with it happily.

Here's the video I wound up with. Enjoy!

3 Years Old

2008-11-14T21:17:00.004-05:00

I was cleaning out some old receipts the other day and found some from Target from a few days after Stuart was born. Looking through the items we bought still made me catch my breath. Receiving blankets to use as sheets for his incubator, a larger blanket to cover it with to block out the light, milk storage bags since he was too tiny to nurse. The 45 days Stuart was with us were some of the best and distinctly the worst of my life. I wouldn't trade a single one of them.

Some days the fact that he's gone is completely unfathomable to me.

Happy Birthday little man.

11 Months Old

2008-11-03T23:23:00.002-05:00

Only a few weeks left, and then I'll have a year-old toddler on my hands instead of an infant! Aidan's accomplished a lot this past month. First assisted steps, water babies, a few signs and almost words. Most notably he can sign 'light' and points to things he wants. He also says "Aaahhrooo" any time he sees Arrow. Actually anytime he sees a dog. The connection is definitely there.

Aidan's also moved almost entirely onto people food instead of baby food. Since he seems to have a distinct dairy allergy this has been a little challenging, especially since what he wants to eat is whatever is on my plate. I don't suppose cutting back on my dairy consumption would kill me, but to have a kid that can't eat mac and cheese?? It's been every dairy product we've tested too, yogurt, cheese, and we even put a little milk directly on his arm to see if he still developed the hives...yup, same effect. From what I've read most kids outgrow it by the time they're two. Here's hoping.

The next month and a half are going to be pretty swamped with Thanksgiving being at our house this year, then Aidan's first birthday, then Christmas, and New Year's...

Next thing you know it'll be Valentine's Day and I'll be coming to saying "What happened?"

Waterbaby

2008-10-30T17:11:00.002-04:00

Kickin' Chicken
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

We started Aidan in Waterbabies last week. Having been a swimmer most of my life I wanted to make sure Aidan learns how to swim and learns early. I truly hope he'll love the pool like me, but if nothing else he'll have a valuable skill and not fear the water.

The lesson went well. Aidan took to it much better than our previous experiences. The warmer water helped, I'm sure. In any case, we've got 5 more lessons to go.

And who knows, Aidan may just be the next Michael Phelps. But, Lord love him, I hope Aidan's turns out a little smarter...

Parenting while sick...blows chunks

2008-10-22T19:38:00.002-04:00

So today has been a fun fun fun fun day. Aidan had a flu shot yesterday, which he handled incredibly well actually. But it made him a tad more fussy, hyper, goofy, whatever you want to call it today. All of which would have been perfectly fine, if I hadn't picked up a stomach ailment as well yesterday.

I was up at 2:30 AM last night visiting with the porcelain god, and was generally unwell and unable to sleep until Aidan woke up at 6:15. He then refused to take his morning nap, his afternoon nap lasted all of 20 minutes and by 3:30 I simply set him in the crib so that I could lay my head down for a minute. Thankfully he was so tired at that point that he passed out too and we both had 40 uninterrupted minutes of slumber.

I have an incredible amount of help, and I'm incredibly thankful. Andy called to check on me at lunchtime, and then came home early. And my folks came by for a little visit and occupied Aidan for a bit. My heart goes out to all the single parents who have to wrangle this sort of thing on their own. You are heroes.

And now that I've managed to keep down a few crackers, and Andy's put the baby to bed, I'm going to sleep.

Roughly one year ago...

2008-10-16T12:10:00.001-04:00

Just sitting
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

It's official. I don't remember what it's like to be that pregnant. I remember feeling large and vaguely being uncomfortable, but that's about it.

Time certainly flies!

FIRST STEPS!

2008-10-10T16:08:00.001-04:00

FIRST STEPS!
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

That's all I have to say about that.

10 Months Old today

2008-10-03T10:32:00.004-04:00

Another month has snuck by on me. Lots has happened this month, Aidan's gone from champion crawler to champion climber and walking is probably not too far off. He's really gotten curious about the world around him and has started making connections to things. Specifically when the lights turn on and off and when the door opens someone exciting is coming in!

Yesterday was our anniversary and Aidan got to have his second overnight with Grammy and Granddad. Aside from some initial uneasiness about Mommy being gone he had a great time and slept through the night in a different crib like a dream! Soon I'm sure he's going to be asking to spend the night instead of looking for me to hurry back and get him.

The thing that has overwhelming struck me in the last few days is just how much I love this kid. I would do anything for him, take any pain, go anywhere...you get the idea. I've loved him since the day he was born, but the last few days it really seems to have struck just how deep that love goes. Maybe because I was in a mushy mood anyway.

In any case we're working on month 11 now, then Auntie Ellen's big 3-0 and soon after that 1 year old celebrations and Christmas! This may be the last breather I get before the new year.

Another Year

2008-10-02T10:17:00.002-04:00

We've been married for 9 years today.

I'm not sure whether it's harder to believe that or that we've been a couple for 14 years.

Or maybe it's the fact that I've known you for 18 years.

It just keeps adding up.

Here's to a lifetime more. Happy Anniversary!

2008-09-29T21:09:00.002-04:00

Loss

A good friend of mine passed away this morning, losing a long battle with cancer. She had seen me through good times and bad, and was a special tower of strength for me after losing Stuart three years ago. Any prayers that you could offer for her family to get them through today and the times ahead would really be appreciated.

We'll all miss you, Mo.

Day at the Yard

2008-09-28T20:09:00.003-04:00

Today we took Aidan out to his first ballgame. It was a great time! It was Fan Appreciation weekend and all the grounds staff we're over the top friendly. They all loved Aidan and he made out like a bandit! Three baseball cards, a certificate commemorating his first ballgame, the Bird's autograph...and Grand-dad bought him his very first O's cap.

The O's lost, but we all had fun anyway. Next year, more games and hopefully they'll win a few too!

Food Fight

2008-09-10T07:23:00.002-04:00

Andy: I could have one of those Digestives before you take them away.
Me: I'll bring you a brownie and I saved you the last of the chocolate ones. These are caramel.
A: So? I can still have one, right?
M: But, they're caramel.
A: I'm sorry, I didn't realize caramel was code for "these are entirely for me"

Did someone say bike ride?

2008-09-09T12:25:00.001-04:00

Did someone say bike ride?
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

We're going on our first real family vacation soon and decided to do a little biking while we were at it. Possibly take the ferry to Cape May and bike around town, maybe just stick to the flatlands around Rehoboth, we'll see.

In any case, Aidan needed a trailer, and a helmet of his very own. Check out my little man all kitted out!

Apparently, I really should use more sunblock

2008-09-05T15:56:00.003-04:00

A woman at the grocery store today saw the St. Mary's College shirt I was wearing and asked "Oh do you have a child that goes there?" I answered that, no I graduated from there and then chit-chatted about how nice a campus it is, how much her daughter, currently a sophomore, likes it there etc.

This conversation reminded me of a post I published not that long ago.

Except when I went back through my archives to find it to link, the date is from 6 years ago.

This sort of squelches the pithy post I was going to make about how young I look and how could I have looked like I barely graduated a year or two ago and now look like I'm old enough to have a college-aged child?

SIGH

2008-09-03T21:13:00.000-04:00

Mooommm
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

9 Months - 3/4 of a year old!

This month has been packed full of goodness. Aidan's been crawling like a fiend, pulling up on anything stationary, and anything that wasn't! He has a few little "explorer boo-boos" on his head from all the non-stop investigation.

I can't get over how much personality Aidan has. This month has really shown that developing. He has things he distinctly likes and dislikes, which really shouldn't surprise me. His father has strong opinions on most things (Porter? NO! Not really you say!) and even though I tend to waffle a bit, once I've made my snap judgement there's no changing my mind. I forsee a bit of trouble in about 13 years, poor boy . . . poor us.

Those top teeth finally made an appearance . . . did they ever! We waited months and then, boom! The middle two came in a week apart from each other and a week and a half later the two on either side of those poked through the gums. That makes a grand total of six for now, nursing just got a whole lot more challenging, in case you were wondering.

Aidan's clocking in at a little over 21 lbs, 29 inches (yes, yes, I realize that's nearly half my height already, thanks) and the doctor thinks he's doing really well. Always reassuring to hear that from a man with three kids, and 5 grand-kids himself.

Most of all this month I think Aidan has become more company for me. He participates in our outings instead of being along for the ride. I'm overjoyed at the thought of all the things to come. Trips to the zoo, the aquarium, Auntie T's farm to see the goats and cats...it's gonna be such a blast.

We also start Water Babies class in about a month, more on that once we start. Our few small trips to the pool were good, but I'm really hoping he'll learn to love the water like me. Some of my best memories growing up were from going to the pool in the summer with my friends.

So, like I said big doings this month. I didn't even touch the fact that he's learned how to use his sippy cup and blow raspberries, just started waving bye-bye, and has started shifting from one hand-hold to another while standing! Whew!

2008-08-25T10:28:00.002-04:00

You have, perhaps, already seen this work of genius by Joss Wheedon. Starring Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion. I mean come on Doogie Howser versus Malcom Reynolds, what could be more awesome? Oh wait, did I mention that they sing? It DOES get more awesome!

Me and a canon

2008-08-13T20:21:00.001-04:00

Me and a canon
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

Taken on my honeymoon, when I was apparently all of 8 years old.

Month 8 - Ladies and Gentlemen...we have mobility

2008-08-03T12:07:00.001-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen...we have mobility
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

Well, the biggest thing this month is the video below. It's so hard to believe it's already been this long and Aidan's so different from even a few days ago.

Still no top teeth yet, but they should break through any second now.

I've gotta run, someone's sneaking away from me!!

2008-07-28T08:51:00.005-04:00

DSCN2354
Originally uploaded by inning

Yesterday was a really special day for all of us, but especially nice because Junior performed Aidan's baptism.

Junior was the youth director when Andy was in Youth Group at the church, she married us, she led Stuart's funeral, and now she's baptized Aidan. We've come full circle with her at our side and couldn't think of a more perfect person.

Everyone went to Grandma's house afterwards for a cookout that turned out quite well in spite of the thunderstorms.

Family is the greatest, isn't it?

DSCN2363
Originally uploaded by inning

2008-07-11T07:47:00.002-04:00

You're older than you've ever been and now you're even older, and now you're even older, and now you're even older...

My birthday is fast approaching, something to look forward to. Presents, and special lunch, another memorable year behind me.

Actually I'm looking forward to this year, and being 32. When I was younger (young enough to still be playing with Barbies) I got it into my head that 32 was a glamorous age. All pretty actresses were 32, Barbie was 32, the cool older girl that lived up the street was 32 (poor thing was really 11), you get the idea. I'm not sure what spawned this idea, but for some reason it stuck and so I'm still thinking that being 32 is going to be awesome.

The thing that has really made me feel my "age" was not that I'm now Mom, or that my knees don't really like taking the stairs as much. No it was eating a bowl of Reese's Puffs. Yes, sugar cereal, but that's not the part that made me feel old. On the back of the box was a list of 18 things to do before you're 18. Number one "Ride the world's biggest rollercoaster. Dare to keep your eyes open and hands in the air for the whole ride." Fine fine.

Number 18 on the list? "Reach 18 years of age - yes!! Embrace old age."

2008-07-04T06:32:00.002-04:00

7 Months Old! This one snuck up on me!

I've been so busy actually doing things with Aidan that I haven't written about him, so I didn't have most of the post ready to go this time. Once again it's hard to believe another month has passed and he's so different again. Aidan's big milestones this month?

He can sit up on his own
He's working on tooth number 3, an upper one. It seems to be giving him a lot more grief than the others.
He's started scootching backwards on his belly. Crawling is just seconds away apparently.

All in all a very good month. Aidan's really a happy baby and seems to adjust well to whatever we do. He's handled two trips to Baywood beautifully, loves to visit with everyone, and is generally a good kid. He doesn't seem to handle pain very well (i.e. the earlier colic and now the teething) but then again who really handles pain well?

We're off to another festivity today, my Dad's 60th! Yes he's a 4th of July baby, and has (had) red hair, let's all make a joke about him being a firecracker. He's never heard those before.

Happy 4th everyone!!

BBBBBB

2008-07-02T07:11:00.001-04:00

BBBBBB
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

This video of Aidan made Flickr's top 500 most interesting yesterday!

2008-06-23T17:13:00.001-04:00

Fun New Fact

Aidan is terrified of trash bags.

Yeah, I don't understand it either.

2008-06-21T11:11:00.000-04:00

As always, lolcats have managed to make me snort something out my nose.

moar funny pictures

2008-06-17T03:16:00.002-04:00

Prayers please

My good friend Mo has cancer. She's been battling it for a few years now, but the doctors have recently told her that nothing more can be done.

Mo and her family have stood by my side through some of my roughest times, and some of the best, and I love them dearly.

Even though you may not know her, any and all thoughts and prayers you could direct towards her would be really appreciated by me.

Thank you.

2008-06-16T10:10:00.002-04:00

They come in 3s

This morning I called the vet and left word, Arrow is acting oddly.

Last night at some point there was a major water main break and we're now without water.

I don't know what the third thing is but I'm really hoping it can wait until Wednesday when Andy's back home again.

2008-06-09T18:29:00.004-04:00

Dun Dun Duhhh

I'm off this weekend to my 10 year reunion...for college...How on earth did I get to be that old?

I'm very much looking forward to it though. St. Mary's is beautiful and I love getting down there to see it. I miss those sunsets!

There's going to be a homebrewing seminar with tasting, at 10:30 AM on Saturday. Ahhh! Good old St. Mary's. I wish I knew if anyone's kept up the "Easter Boh-nny" tradition? If it was closer to home I'd do it myself.

Most of my old friends won't be there unfortunately, but my best friend will be (Yay T!!!). And the two most important people in my life will be in the same car with me of course!

I really want to see Stuart's spot again, and show it to Aidan. It's always been such a nice spot for me and Andy and it's all the more meaningful now. It will be a good mix of happy and sad I think.

St. Mary's Afternoon
Originally uploaded by apg

Is it odd I've missed the place almost as much as the people who used to fill it?

More to come on Monday, and Happy Father's Day y'all!

2008-06-03T07:27:00.005-04:00

6 Months!!!

Aidan is half a year old today! It's so wonderful, I can barely stand it.

Yesterday, for the very first time he rolled from his back to his belly. The inspiration? Me laying on the floor saying "come get me." After he got it all figured out he just kept rolling back and forth, back and forth. And looking to me after every time, as if to say "Mommy, this is a fun new game! Why didn't you tell me before?"

We also tried our very first vegetable yesterday. Sweet peas. I'm not a fan of peas unless it's split pea soup, and really then you're just eating ham that the peas sort of walked by. Aidan seems to share my point of view.

No no. The peas, they are of the Devil.
Originally uploaded by apg

More than anything I imagined being a mom is incredibly hard. It's so much harder than I thought it would be, on me, on our relationship, on our poor dog, and I knew it would be hard. On the job training is never easy.

But I can't imagine doing anything else. Aidan fills me with such joy every day. He's filled mine and Andy's life with love, and laughter and it's only going to get more and more rewarding. I know we're all going to make it through the rough places and come out on the other side loving each other all the more for it. That's the best part of my new job.

The perks rock.

2008-05-28T22:59:00.007-04:00

Buy me some peanuts and CrackerJacks...

The ongoing saga of Arrow continues. Last week, the dog was acting sort of puny again so we went back to the vet. More x-rays were taken on Tuesday and Wednesday and it appears that he's eaten something else. The vets' best guess, a pacifier.

Now, here's the thing, I count the pacifiers. I have ever since the dog's surgery. Out of severe paranoia that he'll eat one. I don't think it's a pacifier, but regardless, there's something in there.

The vet and I had several discussions and decided the best course of action to prevent the dog from eating himself to death is Prozac. Yes, doggy Prozac. I now have a designer dog that requires mood-altering drugs. I wrestled with this decision for a long time. With the baby almost to the point of throwing things and Arrow's constant need for attention that has turned into self-destructive behavior it really seemed the best solution. I still don't like it, but I'm trying to do the best thing for everyone.

On to interesting twist number 3.

Two evenings ago between changing the baby, and feeding the baby, and getting ready for bed, I misplaced a pacifier. We tore the house apart. We looked everywhere. We questioned my sanity. I reiterated the fact that I count the pacifiers. I know for a fact that one of the Avent ones is missing. It's clear with a white handle that glows in the dark. It's one of 3 like that. It is simply gone. The only conclusion? That I left it somewhere the dog could reach and he ate it. I feel positively ill. How could I let this happen?

The next day I kept the dog glued to my side. I looked for signs of him acting sick. I looked for him sniffing out the hidden pacifier from under a chair that I missed. I looked for everything. No joy.

Today, similar day. Dog by my side. He seems fine, but still no sign of the missing sucky. I'm becoming more distraught thinking of the further damage to my dog's insides. I'm thinking of the amounts of money we'll need to continue to spend. I'm thinking that the vet will probably take my dog away from me, or that if we get through this I will have to give the dog away. I just can't keep my hands on all things baby and away from Arrow at all times and stay sane.

This evening Aidan and I had a night out with some of the family and left Andy and Arrow at home for a little guy time.

On the way to dinner I got a phone call. Expecting a question about where something was, or some sort of emergency I answered. Andy asked "Where did you get these special Doritos?" Huh? was the only thing I could think to say. "You know, these special Doritos with the prize inside?" Again I have no idea what he's talking about. "Didn't you buy the special bags? You know? Each one comes with a free pacifier."

Oh Thank God! The pacifier got lumped into the bag of Doritos we'd been snacking on. Somehow it got scooped up with the bag and rolled in. It's not in the dog's stomach, I'm not losing my mind. I might be able to keep my shit together after all.

2008-05-27T11:09:00.002-04:00

Crazy? Well, maybe a little...

I've gotten used to carrying on a running conversation with no one to answer me. Which is fine when I'm at home with Aidan. When I ran out to the grocery store by myself on Sunday, not so much.

I was almost done with the shopping before I realized I was quietly commenting on every item I needed to purchase, how nicely the store renovations were going, and pondering whether to take a few extra minutes to swing by and pick up some beer.

Happy happy Aidan

2008-05-21T06:43:00.001-04:00

Happy happy Aidan
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

Best. Thing. Ever.

My Boys

2008-05-19T16:09:00.001-04:00

DSCN1476
Originally uploaded by inning

Being adorable in Grandpa's vegetable garden.

2008-05-15T13:48:00.002-04:00

They want how much?

I went out to BJs Wholesale today to pick up some essentials, i.e., diapers, wipes, paper towels, etc. As I was walking around checking things out and then later ringing up I could not believe how much everything cost. I bought mostly store brand, name brand when it was cheaper with a couple of indulgences (I didn't really need the chocolate chip cookies from the bakery, but they are soooo yummy) and it tallied up awfully quickly.

Now, some of these things we will use for months, the paper towels and toilet paper will go a long way, but it still keeps making me think of where things are headed. With the rising cost of gas and therefore everything else, not to mention the new sudden urge for all things organic I can see us all moving backward. Back to when everyone had a victory garden in their backyards, back when there were billboards that said things like "Is this trip really necessary?", back to WWII-type rationing.

In some ways this isn't a bad thing. Healthier home-grown food will certainly help stem the growing obesity problem in America; fewer trips to save gas will help the environment. I will however miss the wider varieties of food that are currently available in the local mega-mart. I can't see that being cost effective for too much longer. Bye-bye Chilean fruit available all year round!

I'm not sure where this will all end, if things will make a turn around and start going back to "the way they were" or if we will all move into a new and better direction.

All I can say is that if we go through the 80's again, I'm so not doing the mall bangs this time.

Weekend in Delaware

2008-05-12T14:29:00.001-04:00

Andy, Aidan and Laura at Dinnertime at Peninsula
Originally uploaded by AFTPorter

One shot from this weekend. More to come!

2008-05-08T19:52:00.002-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen!

We have a tooth! Not visible yet, but it can definitely be felt through the gums. Of course this explains the general fussiness and lack of naps over the past 2 days...

Picture coming as soon as it breaks through.

2008-05-08T14:19:00.003-04:00

Adventures in travel

This weekend we'll be taking Aidan on his first away-from-home trip. Andy's grandmother has a house at Baywood and we're going for a few days. I'm a little nervous since we've never done that long of a drive with Aidan, but we're planning on coinciding departure time with bedtime so here's hoping he sleeps the whole way. Pictures will of course be on Flickr once we're back.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

2008-05-03T15:16:00.004-04:00

5 Months Old

Today Aidan turns 5 months old, nearly half a year! He's changed so much, I can hardly believe it. I've started getting a lot of smiles and a lot more giggles. Right now, tickling really seems to distress him more than amuse him; he's sort of like his Daddy that way I guess.

We started cereal a few weeks ago and he took straight to it. We've worked our way through rice and barley. Oatmeal's next then any other types. After that comes fruit, bananas and apples first, then others. I've heard some bad things about the end results of bananas so the next few weeks will be an adventure.

Aidan's also started being able to entertain himself somewhat. I can put him in the highchair with some toys and actually almost cook dinner. He also doesn't need to be completely passed out before I put him in his crib. I'm looking into one of those exersaucers for him because he's fascinated with new sights and sounds.

Sitting up is still difficult, but I got him to tripod the other day so we're getting there! I'm also starting to show Aidan some of the baby signs when I talk to him, and he seems fascinated. From all our friends that have used the sign language techniques we've heard amazing things. Plus it's serving as a refresher course for those classes I took 13-14 years ago.

Aidan's been an absolute joy to be with lately, it's certainly made up for those long colicky first days. They were a joy of their own learning how to be a new mom, but it seems that each day just keeps getting better.

2008-05-01T13:52:00.002-04:00

For small yapper-type dogs

We're heading out on a date tonight to see Eddie Izzard on his Stripped comedy tour. I'm absolutely thrilled, it should be really, really, really funny.

2008-04-28T17:43:00.002-04:00

Today was one of those days

One of those days when it is perfectly and wonderfully clear to me why I wanted to be a mom.

It is absolutely the best thing ever.

2008-04-27T16:19:00.008-04:00

Our weekend with a star

DSCN1276
Originally uploaded by inningWe spent a good chunk of this past weekend with soccer phenom Kenny Deuchar. His family's been a friend of Andy's for years, and when his team, Real Salt Lake, was in town playing DC United, we simply had to go. Friday Kenny came over to Andy folks's house for dinner. And Kenny's dad and a couple of friends came over from Scotland (Erin and Drew who were delightful to hang out with as well!) to see him play.

Kenny's really fun, and we had a lovely time chatting with him. Sorry to tell you though ladies, he's taken.

DSCN1275
Originally uploaded by inningSaturday, the whole crew of us went to RFK to see him play, and it was mine and Aidan's first professional soccer game. Aidan handled it incredibly well, and aside from a little startlement at the constant drumming, he managed to go to sleep at bedtime.

DSCN1277
Originally uploaded by inning

DSCN1284
Originally uploaded by inning

Kenny's 5th from the left in the line-up.

So if you're ever in Salt Lake, go to a soccer game and cheer on number 16, our bud Kenny!

2008-04-18T11:21:00.003-04:00

Next dog? Totally buying the pet insurance

My beloved dog Arrow, he's a typical lab. He likes to chew, even at nearly 10 years old. He also likes to eat. Especially what he's already chewing.

Over the years he's managed to eat a number of things he shouldn't. Let's name a few of the more famous:

A pair of silver earrings
My asthma inhaler
My new skirt
Andy's sunglasses pouch
A paycheck
A mortgage statement

Not to mention the regular diet of:
Underwear, mine or Andy's, he's indiscriminate
Numerous shoes
Numerous socks
Numerous pieces of junk mail/catalogs
Numerous towels/washclothes
Any soft toy
Any rubber toy that isn't a Kong
Toilet paper on the roll, he'll eat it like corn on the cob
Garbage of any kind

You get the idea. Arrow's also very smart. He mentally catalogs items he knows he isn't supposed to have, he'll wait until you're not watching and then run back and get it. Simply see my story about the car seat.

So that's the background. Over the years we've had to take Arrow in for a few x-rays, but whatever's been in there has always managed to come out one end or the other.

On Sunday Arrow managed to grab a burpcloth and rip it up. On Monday he started to act sort of punk, and by punk I mean puking, and by Tuesday morning he wouldn't eat. And I mean wouldn't touch anything. He'd half-heartedly chew a Milkbone but wasn't gobbling it down like usual. I assumed part of the burpcloth was stuck. A call was made to the vet and in he went for x-rays.

Arrow's stomach was full of something, but the Barium they gave him was passing through so it wasn't a complete blockage. I was warned surgery may be necessary but I could take him home and watch him. $350 later that's what I did.

Tuesday night he ate part of his dinner. Wednesday he wouldn't touch anything. No breakfast, no dinner, barely ate a Milkbone.

Thursday morning I called the vet again. They said bring him back in, surgery was most definitely in the forecast.

A few x-rays later the vet called. "His is still full of something. I really need to get in there and get it out. The longer we wait the more likelihood of doing damage to his system."

Surgery it was. The vet promised to call after she was done to let me know how things went.

A few hours later the phone rings, it was the vet. "Hi, he went through surgery just fine, and is resting now. Listen, I don't know what you use for diapers, but this cloth seems almost industrial. Plus I took out a pretty large piece of plastic, I'm not sure where he got that."

Oh, but I knew. Arrow has a crate with a plastic floor and a dog bed. He decided to eat both of those things.

I pick him up from the vet's this evening. Nearly Two Grand later and my dog will be healthy again, but I'm guessing not any smarter for the experience.

2008-04-10T08:58:00.005-04:00

Happy Anniversary!

Today marks the 6th anniversary of my blog. Hard to believe I've been writing about nothing for 6 years. Thanks to all of you who've been watching, and here's to another 6 more!

2008-04-09T21:25:00.006-04:00

25 Things I want to do

I was inspired by Mighty Girl's life list. I couldn't come up with 100 right away, so here's the first 25 in no particular order...

1. Become a licensed bartender
2. Become a licensed masseuse
3. Go para-sailing
4. Go to Hawaii
5. Learn how to ice a cake
6. Be an extra in a movie
7. Teach Aidan to swim
8. Host an annual girl's getaway with my friends
9. Plant a ton of bulbs so that in the early, gray days of spring I'll have some color
10. Donate a large amount of money to my Alma Mater and get my name on a brick
11. Donate a large amount of money to my Alma Mater and earmark it specifically for the swim team
12. Fill in Aidan's baby book
13. Swing on a trapeze
14. Go Zorbing in New Zealand
15. Read more classic literature
16. Frame and hang the art that's sitting in our closet
17. Clean out the storage room and donate all unnecessary stuff to charity
18. Go snowboarding
19. Take Aidan to the petting zoo
20. Do something wonderfully fantastic for my sister's 30th birthday
21. Fit into a bikini again
22. Get back to the gym regularly
23. Go to my college reunion
24. Clean up the backyard from it's current horrific state
25. Take Aidan to Scotland and search for the buried treasure his Dad left there

2008-04-03T19:03:00.000-04:00

Month 4

Aidan turns 4 months old today! He's started grabbing at his toys, not just batting at them. We also occasionally get a little giggle. He's also started doing this funny frantic move when he's on the changing table. I call it the "Kickin' Chicken." He'll pump his legs and arms back and forth like he's running, with his eyes WIDE open, and sometimes with a little squeak of exuberance. It is, without a doubt, the funniest thing ever.

We went to the doctor on Tuesday and everything was good. Aidan's up to nearly 13 lbs, and 25 inches long. We're still another month or two away from solid food, the doc said there was no rush. If he starts seeming ravenous then we could start some rice cereal, but otherwise we're sticking to breastmilk.

Aidan also seems to desperately HATE tummy time, so I've been working on putting toys in front of him, talking to him, putting him on my belly, anything at all to get him to like it more. What I've discovered is we can only tolerate about 5 minutes at a time, in his crib.

So, for your viewing pleasure, I present Aidan and the Funny Birds.

2008-04-01T15:52:00.002-04:00

It's Springtime in DC

How to tell it's Spring in our Nation's capital:

1. The Cherry Blossoms are blooming and you can't find a seat on the Metro for love nor money
2. The Nats are playing, see above about Metro seats
3. The air quality has plummeted, hello pollen
4. Summer clothes are for sale in all the stores
5. You can buy both charcoal for grilling and a new snow shovel in the grocery stores

2008-03-30T07:04:00.003-04:00

Unemployed

Well, I did it. Friday was my last day at work. I went back to my office for two weeks to help clean up anything that wasn't already handed off from my maternity leave. I'm not sure I managed to do anything particularly helpful, but I did at least get some filing done.

Having kids and being able to stay at home with them has always been a kind of pipe dream for me, and now, unbelievably, I get to do exactly that. Not that I won't miss the friends I made at the office, but I would miss Aidan even more. I told them all, I'm so sorry but there's just no comparison.

It will feel a little odd tomorrow not getting up to go to work, but after 10 years of doing something that was never really a passion for me, I think I'll get over it.

2008-03-26T06:46:00.003-04:00

Easter Traditions

Maryland may technically be south of the Mason-Dixon line, but we certainly aren't a "southern" state. For example, you can only get Pecan Nougat eggs/logs at Easter here. Further south you can find them throughout the year. How do I know? My family's from Tennessee. I've made a few road trips through the land of Dixie.

Since they're a rarity here at home, when the pecan eggs make their appearance at Easter-time I always buy two large ones. Ostensibly (Yes, I used a big word. I'm a reader, get over it), one for Andy and one for me. It's become an Easter tradition.

Last night I caved in to my other annual Easter tradition, asking Andy if he minds if I eat his pecan egg.

I don't think that even once, during the 5 years we dated and the 9 years we've been married, has he ever actually been allowed to eat his Easter pecan egg.

Sorry honey.

2008-03-25T12:50:00.001-04:00

C is for Cookie

These cookies should always be in my pantry. They should in fact exist in a bottomless package and never ever run out.

2008-03-15T17:51:00.004-04:00

Concentration

Some days it feels like I'm playing Concentration. You know the game where you have to fit all the little pieces in the board before the timer runs out? And if you don't all the pieces pop out and fly everywhere and you have to start all over again.

It starts if I can get Aidan down for a nap. He's not really a good napper, and until very recently, wouldn't fall asleep or stay asleep during the day anywhere but in my arms. Even then we'd get about 15 solid minutes. Thankfully, that habit has been broken and I can put him down in the crib. But it's still anyone's guess as to whether he'll sleep for 15 minutes or 2 hours.

So I set him down...tick tick tick tick...can I shower, brush my teeth, get the laundry started, the dishes, done, feed the dog and let him out, vacuum, start dinner, and maybe, just maybe go pee????

BUZZZZZZZZ, time's up!!! We're sorry, you only succeeded in getting halfway through that shower, and now your baby is crying!

New!

2008-03-15T16:59:00.001-04:00

New!
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

Slightly blurry, and reverse from being taken in a mirror...but check out my new do!

2008-03-12T16:21:00.004-04:00

Yikes!!

On Monday during a diaper change I noticed that something was a little different about Aidan. Being alarmed I called the doctor and took him straight in.

My doc checked him out and said, "He has a hydrocele (No, I'm not explaining, look it up. My poor boy has to grow up and possibly read this some day. Bad enough I've posted about it at all!) and probably a hernia. You need to get him to see a pediatric surgeon tomorrow and work out a plan of attack. In the meantime keep an eye on things and if it turns red, or bluish or he seems to be in pain don't call us just take him straight to the emergency room." Scary enough as is right? Now let's add in the fact that Andy is out of town.

So I spent all morning yesterday playing ring around the rosey with 4 different doctor's offices and finally succeeded in getting an appointment for this afternoon.

The great news is that it is just a hydrocele, which will most likely clear up on it's own and if it doesn't they can do a very minor procedure to correct it when he's 18 months old. If it had been a hernia he would have required surgery and probably pretty quickly, so thank God it was all ok.

Ellen's been staying with me while Andy was away so at least I didn't have to be alone at night. Andy's mom went with me to the appointment and the whole family, both sides, has been sitting at the ready for any eventuality. And Auntie T was ready to hop in at any second too! It's good to be loved I think. Aidan has no idea yet just how lucky he is to have so much wonderful family!

Talk about a fun couple of nights though. Especially when he fussed at all overnight I jumped up to check and make sure everything was ok, which meant turning on the light. Which meant he woke up entirely and we all had to be soothed back to sleep.

Andy gets home in a few hours. I was going to be happy to see him to begin with, I think now I'll absolutely knock him down with happiness.

2008-03-06T16:00:00.002-05:00

Awww...poop - Month 3

Aidan turned three months old this week. It's so hard to believe he's been here 3 months already. Some days it feels like he's always been part of my life, and others it comes as a shock that it's been 3 months already.

Aidan's developed a new habit of pooping in the tub while I give him a bath. It's happened twice already this week, I have to say it's not particularly my favorite. Although the spit-up still wins the award for my least favorite thing to deal with. So given this new habit I thought I'd be smart today and wait until after he pooped to give him a bath. Smart, right? SMRT.

So you know what's coming, don't you? He pooped in the tub. Not once, not even twice, but 4 separate times. Each time I'd get the poop cleaned up and think, ok now, surely we're done, let's be clean, he'd go again. It was almost funny. Well, it'll be funny tomorrow anyway.

It hasn't all been poop, Aidan's been smiling and cooing at us, and he's very close to laughing. That's the best feeling in the world, when I go to pick him up and he gives me that huge gummy grin. Everything about him gets better and better every day, and the first day he got here was a mighty fine day. I can't imagine life without him.

I've also been having a harder time dealing with the loss of Stuart this month. I keep wondering if Stuart would've slept through the night so quickly? Would he have been as colicky? Would he like to nap, unlike his brother? What would his cries, and coos and gurgles have sounded like? Mostly I wonder what he would have been like as a big brother. I can only guess he would have been as calm and gentle as he was when he was here, but surely with me and Andy as his parents he would caused some sort of trouble.

I won't get to find out, but I can thank God every day for Aidan being here. So I think that's what I'll do. Poop and all.

2008-02-21T15:58:00.008-05:00

Some day this will be funny...
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

Chicco is the best company EVER

My precious, precious dog decided that the best thing in all of the house to chew would be the shoulder strap on Aidan's car seat.

Arrow must've been at it all night, because he got almost all the way through.

The very fine people at Chicco were incredibly nice, Melody is my new best friend. They couldn't send me a new strap and let me replace it sight unseen, unfortunately. But, since their office is in Lancaster and that's where my parents live, they were willing to let my Dad bring the car seat to their offices and supervise/direct the replacement of it.

...but not today
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

Melody did a fantastic job, I think she could tell how anxious I was to be without a car seat. She called me back to let me know what could be done. She called this morning to work out what we could do about the potential weather problems tomorrow since that's when my Dad was going to stop in. When we rescheduled for today instead, she walked my Dad step by step through replacing the strap. Melody called after Dad left to let me know he had come by and everything was fixed, he had showed her a picture of Aidan and he was cute, etc.

All in all a pretty painless replacement, and I was treated with kindness and respect the entire time. So, now I'm telling everyone, Chicco is the best, buy all their baby products!!!

The Culprit
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

2008-02-04T10:05:00.000-05:00

Month 2

So I haven't written anything Aidan related in a while and I feel like a bit of a bad mom! But, he's usually so awake or fussy during the day, if I have any time free it's spent on catching up around the house.

He had his longest stretch of sleeping through the night ever last night, from 11 PM in his crib (from 10 - 11 he was with me in the rocking chair. I'm not entirely sure when he went to sleep, but 11 is when Andy woke me up and put him in bed), until 4:45 AM! HURRAY for sleep! Then after his breakfast, he went back to sleep without a fight and slept for another 2.5 hours! I'll pay for this later today I'm sure, but for now I'm ready to go!

We have his next doctor's appointment next week, and I'm sort of dreading it. This is the one with several vaccinations. It's not the crying during, it's the crankiness/potential fever afterwards that concerns me. Here's hoping he handles them well.

Aidan's also starting smiling and reacting to us, which has been the most rewarding thing so far. He can follow movement back and forth and LOVES high contrast. All of which are very normal and boring things I'm sure, but it's my baby and it's new to me, ok?

Other than that he's growing like a weed, and I think he's going to be tall, considering how long he is. Day-to-day, we do much the same. Today is supposed to be nice and warm though, so we'll probably take a walk.

2008-01-25T19:48:00.000-05:00

Almost as good...

moar funny pictures

This makes me laugh, almost as hard as this.

2008-01-21T13:20:00.000-05:00

Oh dear, I'm old

Andy's baby brother got married this past Saturday. When Andy and I first started dating, Penn had just turned 8 and was thrilled with his new hampsters (okay, sorry!! It's hamsters. No 'p'). I also remember when I had to bend down to hug HIM and not the other way around.

Ah well, such is life, and I couldn't ask for a better new sister (love ya Grace!).

Aren't they just gorgeous?

First dance
Originally uploaded by apg

2008-01-21T13:14:00.000-05:00

Fancy that

Me and Aidan all cleaned up for the wedding. Look quick! We're not both covered in spit-up!

2008-01-11T16:56:00.001-05:00

WHY was I not informed?

Babies spit up. OH do they spit up. And that spit up? It's not normal. It is an alien substance. It doesn't come out and stick to the burb cloth like a normal liquid. It runs straight off onto something inconvenient. And then it gets COLD.

2008-01-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

New Diet

In the fine tradition of the new year I've started a new diet. It's the "I have a new baby that won't let me put him down so anything I eat must be able to be prepared and eaten one-handed" diet.

We're working on a catchier name.

2008-01-07T12:58:00.000-05:00

A pump named slingback

Ok, I'm not a schill, but Amazon's answer to Zappos seems pretty cool. Free overnight shipping, free RETURN shipping, and returns up to one year later. Considering how picky I am about shoes...T you know about the navy pumps...this site seems awesome to me.

Check all the lovely shoes at endless.com

2007-12-31T09:34:00.000-05:00

Milestones

A lot has been going on here and I haven't had the time to post any of it. Ok, strike that, I've had the time, but sleep seemed such a better use of it. So here it is in bits and pieces.

Aidan is 4 weeks old today! So hard to believe he's been here a month already. Also hard to believe that he was only supposed to be getting here a few days ago. I'm so glad he's here already, and so glad I didn't have to go through Christmas incredibly pregnant and still on that stupid diabetic diet!

Aidan's doing well, gaining weight, despite being the world's greatest spit-up champion. We'll be going back for a check-up next week, so more details on how the jaundice is going then. He's still not sleeping for any longer than 3 hours at a time, and night still seems to equal day. Oh well, we'll get there.

I went to a Bridal shower for Grace, Penn's fiance. Because she lives in CT, Mom suggested having a card party. i.e. giving her gift cards. Because I'm going to be her sister-in-law, and even though it wasn't on the suggestion list, I gave her a Victoria's Secret gift card. I wasn't the only one though who is determined to keep alive the spirit of a bridal shower. One of Dad's co-workers (and Penn's boss from this summer!) actually gave Grace a piece of lingerie. Go Priscilla!!

This past Saturday was also 2 years since we lost Stuart. I thought about him several times that morning, but had actually forgotten that it was the day. It seems so odd not to have remembered, but good in a way. I can think about him with happy thoughts now, that are only slightly sad. The saddest thing for me is that he's not here to play with his little brother. Some day though we'll all be together again.

That's the latest from me. Anything else new and exciting I'll post as it happens. Otherwise you can assume I'm changing diapers, wiping up spit-up, doing masses of baby laundry, bouncing a baby, or even very rarely, sleeping.

2007-12-14T14:30:00.000-05:00

132!!!

So I knew breastfeeding burned a lot of calories, but I didn't realize quite how many.

I weighed less this morning than I did before I got pregnant. In fact I weighed less this morning than I have in over 2 years.

I could really begin to like this!

2007-12-10T17:21:00.000-05:00

Aidan Emery Glendinning

Well, I've been meaning to post something for a few days now. Andy's already posted the most relevant info on his site, but I wanted to write a little blurb as well.

Aidan decided to join us early, on Monday the 3rd. Not just early for his scheduled due date of the 26th, but a full two weeks early for his scheduled c-section on the 17th.

When I woke up on the 2nd I felt a bit odd, but wrote it off to all the housework I'd done the day before. That night I woke up from a sound sleep to go to the bathroom (no surprise there), and my water broke.

Since I didn't go through labor with Stuart, this was all a bit new and shocking. Andy and I got to the hospital about 20 minutes later at which point, contractions started.

Now, we're doing the fun stuff!

Turns out there was a premature set of twins being delivered at that point, so they decided to let me labor and if he came on out "licktey-split" then I would be having my baby naturally.

After about an hour, they checked me out again, and although he was anxious, he apparently wasn't so anxious that we could skip the c-section.

They had me walk down the hall to the operating room (yeah that was fun with the contractions) and got everything all set up. The spinal was unpleasant but the warm numbness and sudden lack of contraction pain was certainly welcome.

All went as expected and at 2:39 AM, Aidan joined our family.

He was born at 36 weeks and 4 days, just 3 days short of being considered full term. Not too shabby!

We finally got to leave the hospital Friday morning, and since then we've all been learning each others schedules. He's a little jaundiced (but, not some much so that we need to do the photo-therapy) which is why we didn't leave the hospital until Friday. Normally we would have been sent on home on Thursday morning.
He had his first doctor's appointment this morning and has managed to gain 5 oz back that he'd lost since being born. He's gained these 5 oz since Friday morning, so apparently I'm not too shabby at the breast-feeding thing.

I have to say that having him here with us has been the most wonderful thing ever to happen to me, and although sleep seems to come in short supply I couldn't care less.

Here's to a wonderful Christmas ahead for our family, and I hope each and every one of you has as happy a holiday season as we're already having!

Who says opening your presents early take away the fun?

Aidan
Originally uploaded by apg

2007-11-30T12:05:00.000-05:00

I am so smart. S...M...R...T

We were watching "Are you smarter than a 5th grader" last night. And a very "bright" frat boy was the contestant. The game show flashed up, as a tidbit, what the boy had gotten on his SATs and they seemed amazingly high for how well he'd been answering the questions up to that point.

I reminded Andy that they'd changed the SATs and the scores were all a lot higher now. I also made the comment that low SAT scores are not something I could comment on considering how low mine were. This is not a subject that has ever come up before, and he asked what exactly I had gotten.

Now, we both went to a Magnet high-school, we've both been in the Talented and Gifted school program since we were 6. We both went to an Honor's college (which my scores were obviously good enough to get me into I might add). We both love to read, and I feel we're pretty well matched on the intelligence level albeit in different areas.

Upon hearing my SAT score he sat bolt upright in the chair. He then proceeded to talk directly to my belly "don't worry little boy, my good genes will wipe out Mommy's bad ones."

The rest of the evening went well after that.

2007-11-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

November showers bring...baby gifts

Lots and lots and lots of baby gifts. I think my son will be clothed for the better part of the first two years of his life. AND he will look adorable.

This child is already so loved by the entire family both immediate and extended, I can hardly believe it. It's a good thing to have this much love in the world.

Andy's Mom and Grandma did an amazing job on the shower. Organizing, decorating, food, people, the whole works.

Sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am to have found Andy and become part of his amazing family.

Some day very soon Aidan will know it too!

My toes...let me show you them

2007-11-23T18:04:00.001-05:00

My toes...let me show you them
Originally uploaded by lglendinning

I had a pedicure today, probably the last one I'll have before the baby gets here (hence the holly, I'm anticipating being pretty tied up before Christmas). I've managed to squeeze in three this year. Usually this is a treat I save just for my birthday, but considering I'm pregnant I threw in a couple extras.

I've always liked having my feet rubbed, I mean who doesn't, right? But it's something that has always relaxed me. When I was little and my grandmother would sit on the front porch in the evenings I would go sit on the old couch next to her and prop my feet up in her lap. She would sit there and just absent-mindedly rub my feet as she watched the happenings on the street and the sun went down.

It's one of my favorite childhood memories.

I've never out-grown it. As a teen-ager, I had a foot-rub deal with a guy I used to lifeguard with. He was willing to rub my feet for as long as I was willing to rub his. It wasn't ever a kinky sort of thing. After walking around barefoot all day on concrete that was hot from the sun, it was simply a mutual appreciation kind of a thing.

So needless to say getting a pedicure is a real treat for me. The pretty toes at the end are definitely a nice touch, but it's the foot rub that I really enjoy.

2007-11-15T18:45:00.000-05:00

You know how when you were a kid and Christmas seemed soooo far away?

We had our second to last sonogram yesterday. Assuming, as the doctor said, I don't go into labor early, we'll have only one more before our little boy gets here. Pictures should hopefully be scanned and posted soon. Y'all have simply got to see his little nose. It is quite simply the world's cutest nose ever.

We also got the reassuring news that he now weighs 5 lbs. 11 oz. and should anything happen that would cause him to get here before he's scheduled to get here it would all be ok at this point.

Several things went through my mind after hearing these things. The first being "early labor?" Why have I not considered this as a possibility? My brain had simply accepted that I will have a c-section on the 17th and that's when he'll get here. Somehow it hadn't occurred to me that he might make his own schedule.

The second being, we've edged out of the danger zone now. The worst case scenario at this point isn't bad at all. And with that safely out of the way I can actually start routing for him to get here. So far I've been afraid to be too anxious or excited about him coming in case that actually made him come too soon. But we're good now. I can start actively looking forward to my Christmas present, and MAN does four weeks suddenly feel like the longest time in the world!

2007-11-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

38 Days and Counting...

I looked at the calendar today and completely panicked. Baby boy will be here on the 17th of December. Yes, that's official, we've planned the c-section.

That means I only have 38 days to get an extremely long list of chores done! Not least among them, finish all the Christmas shopping.

People if it's not been bought and wrapped before December 17th, it's not going to get done. My apologies if you A. Don't get a present this year or B. Your present is given to you in the Amazon box it came in with a bow stuck on top!

2007-10-30T18:03:00.000-04:00

Water Water Everywhere

Since becoming pregnant I've taken to drinking water at almost all times. On the way to work, at work, with dinner, after dinner, before bed, when I wake up during the night...

Last night Andy figured out for me approximately how much water I do drink in a given day.

Roughly 1 gallon. No really, a gallon of water everyday.

Now if only the bladder capacity weren't the equivalent of 3 tablespoons.

2007-10-30T18:02:00.000-04:00

Look what I can do!

I can make a pretty awesome Mango Lassi with my 1/2 cup of fruit and 1 cup of yogurt allotment for dinner.

What can you do?

2007-10-24T16:36:00.000-04:00

Chubby Bunny Chubby Bunny Chubby Bunny

Today was sonogram number 6 and our little boy gets cuter every time, even if I do say so with a slight prejudice! He weighed in at a whopping 4 lbs 6 oz with just a little over 2 months to go.

Also new this time, he was sucking on his fingers. Piggy little man already eats enough to measure nearly two weeks ahead of schedule and wants to eat more!

I suppose this is some massive foreshadowing for his teenage years. Good thing we joined the discount food warehouse!

2007-10-12T14:03:00.000-04:00

Yummmmmmm

'Nilla Wafers with a huge glass (at least a pint glass full) of milk and Banana Nesquik. That would be SO tasty right now.

Do you think a very good imagination can turn a slice of whole wheat bread with peanut butter and some water into 'Nilla wafers and banana milk?

No, I didn't think so either.

2007-10-06T08:16:00.000-04:00

Open Note to the Women in my Office

Stop flushing the toilets with your feet.

You're coming out of the stall to wash your hands anyway. The three seconds between flushing the toilet and getting out to get your hands under hot water will not harm you. Think about the germs that are already on the doors and locks of the stall. You didn't open and close those with your feet did you?

They do not mop every day in our restroom and when they do, they don't use bleach. All you are accomplishing is to drag the muck from the floor onto the toilet handle for all of us who flush the toilet using our hands.

Please stop.

2007-10-02T10:34:00.000-04:00

8 Years Ago...

I was worried about tripping down the aisle and falling on my face.

I hadn't eaten in about 2 weeks.

I had no clue where we would be spending that night.

I was totally shell-shocked.

I was the happiest I had ever been up to that point in my life.

Today...

I'm not worried about embarrassing myself, you've seen me at my worst.

I just ate an hour ago.

I'm spending tonight asleep next to you.

I'm shocked that you still love me just as much now as you did then (see above note about my worst).

I am the happiest I have ever been.

Happy Anniversary my love. Here's to many many more.

2007-09-29T19:10:00.000-04:00

You win this round baby-brain

Normally I like to think of myself as a sane person. Normally I would be able to think things all the way through and then execute them.

My brain during pregnancy however, does not function this way. My limbs start moving of their own accord and I just seem to follow along until I notice something, perhaps, isn't quite right.

Like the other day after making a sandwich for lunch when I put the bread away...

Under the kitchen sink.

2007-09-20T17:13:00.000-04:00

Two and two is four, four and four is eight...

I got to meet with a dietician today to find out what's allowed and what isn't. It all went pretty well. As expected no more cookies/candy/etc. She said I'd be allowed a piece of cake for my baby shower, but that's it sweets-wise.

Other than that I don't think it will be too hard. I was already doing three meals a day with a morning and afternoon snack and usually some sort of nibble before bed. So I've got the meal spacing down. The hard part is figuring out what combination of the amount of protein/starch/fat/vegetable/milk/fruit allotments makes up each meal.

I'm allowed 2 meats, 1 starch, and 1 fat for breakfast. NO milk. NO fruit. So I could have oatmeal and 2 hard boiled eggs. Or 4 sausage links, and half an english muffin with some margarine. Or... or... and that's where I get stuck.

I'll have to sit down this weekend and plot out a menu plan for next week. In the meantime I've gotten some good tips from girlfriends who've had gestational diabetes too.

Peanut butter spread on one slice of whole wheat bread and a cup of milk EXACTLY fits my afternoon snack allotment. Just had that and I'm quite satisfied, thanks Sandy!

2007-09-17T19:44:00.000-04:00

Cocoa Butter is awesome

After holding on to my belly for a fruitless five minutes trying to feel the baby kick, Andy takes his hands away and asks...

Why do my hands smell of chocolate?

2007-09-14T13:42:00.000-04:00

Fun at the lab

Yesterday was just as fun as a barrel full of monkeys. I went in for my extended glucose screening which started the night before with nothing to eat or drink.

I had to wait in line to sign in at the lab, which was unusual until I realized it was Rosh Hashanah and kids were out of school. So every kid that needed a sports physical or blood drawn for any reason was there.

They took my initial baseline blood about 20 mins. after my appointment time. Which, considering how busy they were was impressive.

After about another 20 mins. I still hadn't been given the flat soda stuff to drink so I went up and asked. They had to get my baseline back from the hospital first before they gave me the stuff to drink. Just sit down, they'll call me.

Another 20 mins. and they call me up. "We're trying to find your lab slip." After seeing the tape on my arm..."Oh, they've already taken the first one and I guess we're waiting for the hospital now. Sorry, we'll call you when we hear from the hospital."

Another 20 mins. I went back up and asked if they'd heard anything at all. It was now 10 AM, my appointment was for 8:30, I haven't eaten anything since 8:30 the night before. I'm pregnant and just a little bit cranky. "No, we haven't heard from them. We'll call them since they haven't called us."

5 mins. later "They're running the test right now, we should have the results in a few minutes."

10 mins. later I get my bottle of flat, syrupy fruit punch. It was delicious.

Now my three hours begin, with a brief break every hour when they draw another vial of blood. I've already been at the lab for two hours at this point. I'm actually cheering in my head every time they call someone else back. One less person in the waiting room.

I brought a book with me, thankfully. And there was always the TV in the room. I have never tuned in on purpose to Regis & Kelly, or The View, or Martha Stewart. I certainly never will again.

Between my book and people-watching, the day passed, albeit slowly. I noticed a few particular people and one general sort of trend.

The particular ones:
A trio of women came in together. Only one had an appointment. All three took turns filling out and verifying the paperwork. All three were dressed oddly, as in kelly green t-shirt dress with pink Ugg boots, pink canvas bag, bright blue cardigan. All three were in their early 30s.

An entire family came in. Mom, dad, two sons. Dad and one son needed to have blood drawn. Son would not stay in the waiting room. He kept slipping away down the hall. When dad got called in, mom tried to take son in to watch. Presumably to see that it wasn't a big deal. As soon as dad was done, son took off. Son got called about 2 mins later. He was no where to be found. Mom chased him around the hall for a while. We all heard the tantrum. Son was about 11 years old, by the way. Dad went out to try and help. Entire family never reappeared. Son lost his turn in line.

Another mom came in with a 3 year old girl. Wasn't clear who the appointment was for until they went back. And the screams started. Heartbreaking screams. Especially when the "Mommy what are they doing to me?" turned into "Mommy don't do this to me!!"

The trend:
Mothers with girls in high school tended come with them to the appointment. The girls had on t-shirts with their high school on it. The moms all had a variant of a Vera Bradley bag, and so did the girls. Mom's was usually the big carryall, daughter's was the beensy clutch with just enough of a strap to slip up onto their shoulder.

I finally got to leave a little before 2. Five hours packed full of fun.

The result? My sugar's still too high. On to the special diet I go.

2007-09-10T09:39:00.000-04:00

Stuck? Stuck!? STUCK!

I'm feeling a bit jealous. My grandmother and sister just returned from a two week road trip to Canada. My parents are on week two of their four week tour of Australia. My in-laws have been around the country in general, mom has been to Scotland, and Kit has just gotten home from Puerto Rico.

And I'm not allowed to go farther away than an hours drive as per strict instructions from my OB. Well, technically what he said was "I don't want you going anywhere that you can't get to us quickly." Which to me translates to if you can't get there in an hour, it's not "quickly."

For the most part I don't mind, and I truly appreciate how careful they're being with me. But this is the time of the year when I get itchy feet. I want to go somewhere, do something, see the world!

2007-09-07T10:50:00.000-04:00

Diabeetus, you say?

I went for my glucose screening and apparently I'm slightly above the approved cutoff. So back I go to the lab next week for the 3 hour version of what I did this week.

Fingers crossed that I pass my test this time!