Dean at Eight Months
Monday, January 20th, 2011
Isn't this the funniest picture? It is one of the few where baby boy isn't all smiley and sunshiney. I guess he's a little possesive about the toys he needs to be licking. I'm just glad that he is enjoying his baths now (it helps when he's not in fear of being drowned by a wild older sister). He splashes and cavorts with glee- it's hard to get him out.
Dean had his first flight in December when we went to San Diego to visit my Mom and sister for the holidays. He was a gem on the plane. He fed and then slept the entire way. We didn't have to apologize to the other fliers about any behavior! There were only compliments.
Dean's sleep habits in San Diego went from bad to worse. He woke up almost every hour and wanted to nurse. His naps were practically non-existant. I don't know how he kept his decent mood throughout especially as he caught Sasha's horrible flu and developed a raging earache. Poor guy! But, Dean loved harassing Ember (biting her ear, licking various parts, and pulling the tail) and playing with all his new toys. He didn't totally get the whole unwrapping part, but he loved all the flash and lights of new things to mouth.
This has been a huge month for Dean development-wise. A few days after he turned seven months, Dean started crawling and pulling himself up. He is very, very quick and the chasing has begun. No fear of anything and I have been babypoofing the entire house (Sasha's toys have been reorganized and we have fixed a few weird outlets). Mobility was inevitable but did it have to happen so soon?
Also, Dean has cut his first two teeth- the bottom ones. He has started gnawing on his crib and managed to leave marks in the wood. It looks awful; I don't think we will be able to resell it. Refinishing is going to be a pain in the neck. He has also started biting me during feeding time (and laughing). Not appeciated. I do not need scars there, little boy.
Poor Dean has been sick the entire month. He has been subjected to almost daily nasal reamings. Not a fan of the aspirator sucking out his boogars. He sees me with it and starts to scream. I hate being the bad guy and it sucks to watch him struggle to beathe. I hate his hacking cough (that wakes him from a sound sleep). I just want to cuddle my guy and make it all better. A mother's love is the best medicine, right? No recalls on that yet?
Sasha at Three Years, 7 Months
Wednesday, January 8th, 2011
Guess who loves to hike? I am amazed by her endurance and stamina; she can walk long distances without too much complaining. We have been doing 2- 4 mile hikes with some friends and she has been having a blast. Sasha has been fascinated for a long time about "what was up in those mountains" and had been asking about the wildlife and fauna that dwelt there. I think she was a little disappointed when we go to the top and there were no big bad wolves, bears, or foxes but I think she was mollified with the huge amount of snacks. And, she loves the Camelpack I carry. Can't go three steps without her tugging at the hose for another sip. I am surprised that we have never had to stop for a potty break. I think she might blow a circuit if she knew that she would have to squat.
Sasha's "holiday" party at her preschool was a little bit anti-climatic. I was expecting a really lavish affair (especially after witnessing the festivities for Thanksgiving and Halloween) but all they did was decorate gingerbread house. Let the kids plays with icing and gorge on sugar before sending them home for a two week break. EVIL. A fair amount of candy went in the mouth but some actually made it onto the house. Needless to say, the children loved the activity. I discovered that frosting does not wash easily out of clothes, hair, or skin.
Sasha came down with a horrible flu over the holidays. We left for San Diego the day after she was let out of school. She seemed comatose during the plane ride. We usually have a squiggling, hyperactive child whose antics we have to apologize profusely for during a flight. Not this time. She sipped a little juice and slept most of it. Between Sasha and Dean, it was the most relaxing travel I've had in a long time. Her sickness got worse in San Diego. She stayed on the couch and showed little interest in anything except watching TV (I shudder to think of the HOURS I let her watch and we were all sick and tired of Tinkerbell at the end of the trip). Grandma tried to get food down her (kept giving her yogurts) which Sasha soon vomited all over an eider-down comforter. Poor girl. She did miss Aunt Beck's beloved Care Bear (on loan so Sasha wouldn't be scared during the night; she sleeps with her big white bear at home).
Sasha managed to show some enthusiasm for opening gifts (her's and Dean's) and received a great bounty this year. She seemed to love everything especially the camera which she wouldn't let anyone else touch! The reviews said it was indestructable; let's hope that's true. I've managed to look a few of the pictures and they are mainly nostril shots or fuzzy. Not exactly flattering.
By the end of the trip, Sasha felt well enough and the weather had cleared enough (yup, it rained almost our entire stay so we were housebound), we ventured out to the zoo. Sasha wasn't as interested in the animals as she normally is but still loved the sky cab ride (no fear of heights). So, we rode it twice. Even though it was freezing, Sasha asked for ice cream as her treat at the end. Two licks and I got the rest. I think she would have preferred the hot chocolate or cookie but there is no convincing my daughter when her mind is set. Smile.
The rest of Sasha's vacation was spent on playdates and a few more parties. It was nice when preschool resumed; I like a regular schedule and so does Sasha.
Sasha has been obsessed with all three tinkerbell movies this month. Can't watch them enough. She knows all the fairies names. I know them, too. We both could recite huge chunks of the movies from memory.
Sasha is still very much into petend. She alternates between playing the teacher to her preschool (seven dolls she has named after various classmates) or being mommy to white baby. Sometimes it is a combination. Whatever game, the dolls are misbehaving and Sasha is yelling admonishments. I have tried to explain why raising the voice is counterproductive but I came off as a killjoy. Sigh. I have no idea where this curly headed moppet came from; she definitely gives me a run for my money. And, then, at odd moments, she'll hug and kiss me and say, "Shhh...it's ok, honey. It's ok." It's much better than that, love.
