Sunday, March 11, 2012
Adjustments
Our family has been adjusting to me being back at work. Colt is doing much better at daycare. That is a huge answer to prayer. He really likes the other kids and is learning all kinds of new things. It has been much different than I expected. I have been switching around quite a bit, which is good and bad. I am anxious to get a set schedule, but it has made the time go by quickly. I have moments when I think it isn't as bad as I thought it would be, and moments when i feel as though I never have enough time with him. Justin has been very helpful around the house and has been very appreciative of me being back at work. Hopefully each day gets a little easier, but I don't think I will ever have enough time with him!
Cincinnati
On my way home from work Friday, I had a crazy idea. I told Justin we should take a random family trip. Since i have been back at work, family time has a been limited, due to basketball season and family stuff. He agreed, we packed in 15 minutes, and we were off! We stayed at the Westin downtown Cincinnati and we were so pleased. They gave Colt a welcome bag with a night light, first aid kit, rubber duck and outlet covers! As a CCLS and ABA therapist, I was so pleased. We walked to dinner, and then watched tv in bed with Colt way past his bedtime. We woke up and walked to breakfast, and then got ready to go to the Newport Aquarium. Colt fell asleep, so we weren't sure how he would do. He was really tired, but he was a trooper. Justin and I liked the jellyfish, but Colt LOVED the sharks. We really enjoyed watching him stare in amazement. Dan the shark followed Colt around everywhere. Since he was so tired, we got done early, and decided to head to the outlet mall. It was an amazing weekend. Colt was such a trooper. We could not have asked for anything better. It was so nice to get away for a day and spend time with just the three of us. A perfect weekend!
dinner
He loved his big boy cup
Going Swimming
Petting the Sting Ray and Crab
Jellyfish
He really wanted to go scuba diving
There is Dan the shark
Dan again!
Time for some changes
Justin and I have been talking about moving closer to home for a while now. Our 3 years was up on our house this April, so we have been working like crazy to get the house ready to go on the market. We decided to put it on the market in February because we didn't know how long it would take to sell. Well, after an absolutely crazy two weeks, we sold it.... Twice! I don't know how people do this for very long. It was so hard to keep the house clean for a toddler running around, not to mention, Justin was out of town for a week too! We are so excited for the next chapter of our lives. We aren't sure where we are going, but we know God has a plan for us!
Back To Work
A lot of things have been changing around here. Justin and I have been praying and thinking about several big topics in our lives. We have been throwing around the idea of me going back to work on a full-time basis. I applied for a job at Riley. In the mean time, I continued to substitute at the autism center. Things did not work out at Riley, so after much prayer and consideration, we decided I should take an opportunity that was given to me to return full-time at ABC. I shed a lot of tears, but we felt like God was really leading us in this direction.
Today was my first day back. Colt had a difficult day in daycare. He spent most of the day crying. I am able to check on him and eat my lunch with him, which makes things a bit easier. I peeked in to check on him a few times, and he was pathetic. It broke my heart. When I went in the room to eat lunch with him, he looked at me like I had just rescued him from the worst place on Earth. Unfortunately, I had to leave him and go back to work. To make things worse, it was a very hard day for me too. The new kid I had really challenged me. I took the position thinking I would have 2 specific kids, and found out today that I will not have either of them. It was a big challenge, but I am choosing to trust God. There must be a reason I am here.
I am sure the days will get easier, and I will grow to love the new kids. Colt will get used to day care and will love playing with all the kids. By far, the best part of my day was when I went to pick Colt up at the end of the day. He looked at me and ran to me. He wrapped his arms around me, sat me down, turned himself around and sat down in my lap. The way he looked at me was priceless.
Today was my first day back. Colt had a difficult day in daycare. He spent most of the day crying. I am able to check on him and eat my lunch with him, which makes things a bit easier. I peeked in to check on him a few times, and he was pathetic. It broke my heart. When I went in the room to eat lunch with him, he looked at me like I had just rescued him from the worst place on Earth. Unfortunately, I had to leave him and go back to work. To make things worse, it was a very hard day for me too. The new kid I had really challenged me. I took the position thinking I would have 2 specific kids, and found out today that I will not have either of them. It was a big challenge, but I am choosing to trust God. There must be a reason I am here.
I am sure the days will get easier, and I will grow to love the new kids. Colt will get used to day care and will love playing with all the kids. By far, the best part of my day was when I went to pick Colt up at the end of the day. He looked at me and ran to me. He wrapped his arms around me, sat me down, turned himself around and sat down in my lap. The way he looked at me was priceless.
15 month check-up
I took Colt to the doctor last week because he had a HORRIBLE diaper rash and diarrhea. His rash was so bad he was bleeding! Poor thing. He seemed to be over what she thought was the flu, but his diaper rash needed some serious help.
We went back to the doctor on Wednesday for his regular check-up. I brought lots of his favorite foods for the wait and his shots. Being the true Child Life Specialist that I am, when it was time for shots, I got Mickey Mouse ready on my phone and had him watch it. I won't say it went perfectly, but it went pretty well. And the food was the perfect remedy. Here are his stats:
Height: 32.5 " 86th%
Weight: 21 lbs 9 oz. 12th% (our highest ever!)
Head: 85th%
He loves to give hugs, find balls wherever he is (even on the sides of buildings and trucks), Winston, snuggling and watching Mickey Mouse, being outside, walking down the stairs holding my hand, running around and dancing and playing basketball. He is a bundle of energy and brightens our lives!
We went back to the doctor on Wednesday for his regular check-up. I brought lots of his favorite foods for the wait and his shots. Being the true Child Life Specialist that I am, when it was time for shots, I got Mickey Mouse ready on my phone and had him watch it. I won't say it went perfectly, but it went pretty well. And the food was the perfect remedy. Here are his stats:
Height: 32.5 " 86th%
Weight: 21 lbs 9 oz. 12th% (our highest ever!)
Head: 85th%
He loves to give hugs, find balls wherever he is (even on the sides of buildings and trucks), Winston, snuggling and watching Mickey Mouse, being outside, walking down the stairs holding my hand, running around and dancing and playing basketball. He is a bundle of energy and brightens our lives!
New Room
Colt got a new room this week. We have been working really hard to get the house ready to go up for sale. We decided his furniture would look much better in the other bedroom upstairs. So we painted it and moved everything over. It looks AMAZING! It is so grown-up and has so much room for him to play. We love it!
First Hair Cut
Colt's hair was getting out of control! Since I had an appointment to get my hair done, I asked my cousin Cassie if she could cut his hair while we were there. I brought all of his favorite foods and was prepared to bribe him the whole time. I may be a first time mom, but I am no dummy. Kids will do a lot of things for food, especially my kid.
He did GREAT! Cassie and I were both in disbelief. He sat still for 10 minutes and didn't move until the very end. He even let me get it on video inbetween bites of nutri-grain bars, biter biscuits and crackers. She even kept some of his curls for me to put in his baby book. Thankfully, he still has some of his curls and doesn't look homeless anymore.
He did GREAT! Cassie and I were both in disbelief. He sat still for 10 minutes and didn't move until the very end. He even let me get it on video inbetween bites of nutri-grain bars, biter biscuits and crackers. She even kept some of his curls for me to put in his baby book. Thankfully, he still has some of his curls and doesn't look homeless anymore.
"me" and "no"
One of the cool parts about Colt growing up is seeing how much he knows, even though he can't always express it. Well, some new words have started coming out that are letting him express himself! No! The problem is, he is SO cute when he says it. He makes the funniest face and says "no no no no." And if he doesn't feel like telling me "no", he shakes his head no at me. Which is also hilarious, because of the way he shakes it. Hopefully I can catch both of them on video to share it. I cannot help but laugh at him.
He has been able to say "Daddy" for quite some time. When we are at home, I am always pretending to call Daddy and we talk about him all the time, especially when we hear the garage door open. So now every time the door opens or he hears a noise, he gets so excited and says "Daddy!" But now, he has a new name for me... "me" (like the end of mommy). It is one of my favorite things to hear! I LOVE that he has a special name for me :)
Oh, and speaking of expressing himself, he has started hitting. It has been quite the battle of timeouts and "no hitting" talks around this house!
He has been able to say "Daddy" for quite some time. When we are at home, I am always pretending to call Daddy and we talk about him all the time, especially when we hear the garage door open. So now every time the door opens or he hears a noise, he gets so excited and says "Daddy!" But now, he has a new name for me... "me" (like the end of mommy). It is one of my favorite things to hear! I LOVE that he has a special name for me :)
Oh, and speaking of expressing himself, he has started hitting. It has been quite the battle of timeouts and "no hitting" talks around this house!
Happy New Year
Last year on NYE, I had my wisdom teeth taken out and we spent the night pretty low key. Being of sound mind this year, we decided to have our friends over here so we could put Colt to sleep in his bed and still have fun. We had TONS of food and the girls played cards while the guys watched IU vs. OSU. When the game was over (great job Hoosiers) the boys decided to use Colt's Fisher Price 4 foot goal to play basketball. It was the loudest, most intense game I have ever seen. We all struggled to make it to midnight- a true sign that we are getting old.
Justin and I were able to sit down and actually think about all the things that have happened in the last year. We have been so blessed. Raising a child has been more of a challenge than we ever dreamed it would be, but it has also been the most amazing thing that has ever happened to us. It tested our marriage and pushed us to new places, but we have come out happier and healthier. Last year I never could have imagined how our little family would change. We are both so optimistic about 2012 and are thankful for what we had this year. Justin got a promotion, I have been able to stay home with Colt full time. We have been blessed with another year with family. Happy New Year!
Justin and I were able to sit down and actually think about all the things that have happened in the last year. We have been so blessed. Raising a child has been more of a challenge than we ever dreamed it would be, but it has also been the most amazing thing that has ever happened to us. It tested our marriage and pushed us to new places, but we have come out happier and healthier. Last year I never could have imagined how our little family would change. We are both so optimistic about 2012 and are thankful for what we had this year. Justin got a promotion, I have been able to stay home with Colt full time. We have been blessed with another year with family. Happy New Year!
Baker Christmas
We were able to celebrate Christmas with The Baker side of the family this weekend. Grandma Baker came over to Chuck and Sue's and everyone was able to be there. It was so nice to have her there because she has not been out of the house since she came home from the nursing home. Even though she can't see anymore, she was taking it all in. She cried when she left and gave everyone a hug and a kiss goodbye.
Josh, Beth, Justin, Colt and I stayed the night at Chuck and Sue's since we had another Baker Christmas early in the morning. Colt had a little too much ice cream that night and decided he didn't want to go to sleep until 5AM!! Needless to say, Justin and I had a few choice words for each other and for Colt. Colt was literally laughing so hard he was doing the silent laugh- at 3 AM. UGH What a kid!
We went to Grandpa Baker's for Christmas in the morning. Matt and Candy and Brad and Karen were in town and we were able to spend some time with them and the kids. They are all so well behaved and helpful. The food is always amazing too. The kids drew names for presents and passed them out in reverse order. It didn't go so well for Colt. He had already tried to open every one's presents, but waiting until last was very difficult for him. But we made it and he got some cute books.
We have one more Christmas and although it is always busy, we feel so blessed to have so many grandparents left to celebrate with. We know our time with them is limited, so we try to enjoy every chance we get to celebrate with them. And we are so thankful they get to know Colt and he gets to know them. Merry Christmas!
Josh, Beth, Justin, Colt and I stayed the night at Chuck and Sue's since we had another Baker Christmas early in the morning. Colt had a little too much ice cream that night and decided he didn't want to go to sleep until 5AM!! Needless to say, Justin and I had a few choice words for each other and for Colt. Colt was literally laughing so hard he was doing the silent laugh- at 3 AM. UGH What a kid!
We went to Grandpa Baker's for Christmas in the morning. Matt and Candy and Brad and Karen were in town and we were able to spend some time with them and the kids. They are all so well behaved and helpful. The food is always amazing too. The kids drew names for presents and passed them out in reverse order. It didn't go so well for Colt. He had already tried to open every one's presents, but waiting until last was very difficult for him. But we made it and he got some cute books.
We have one more Christmas and although it is always busy, we feel so blessed to have so many grandparents left to celebrate with. We know our time with them is limited, so we try to enjoy every chance we get to celebrate with them. And we are so thankful they get to know Colt and he gets to know them. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas
We have been so blessed this year. Christmas is the perfect time to look back on all that we have been given. We have always valued our families, but since becoming our own little family, it has become even more important to us. This year I was expecting Christmas to be really difficult. And in some ways it was. We had a lot of changes this year, and Justin and I were trying to start our own traditions for our new family. But what we got was so much better than I had ever hoped. Everyone was so understanding when we told them we wanted some alone time with Colt on Christmas morning. We explained that we didn't want to run from house to house and EVERYONE helped us move Christmas celebrations around so we could do that.
We were able to spend several hours with each family, without feeling rushed and leaving as soon as we were done opening presents. It was relaxing and so much more of what we have always wanted. On our way home tonight we drove through the Christmas lights and talked and cried, thinking about how blessed we are to have Colt after our scare in the beginning. I am so happy we have our family and I cannot thank God enough for His gift to us. This has been the best Christmas ever!
We were able to spend several hours with each family, without feeling rushed and leaving as soon as we were done opening presents. It was relaxing and so much more of what we have always wanted. On our way home tonight we drove through the Christmas lights and talked and cried, thinking about how blessed we are to have Colt after our scare in the beginning. I am so happy we have our family and I cannot thank God enough for His gift to us. This has been the best Christmas ever!
Christmas... at home
Merry Christmas! Justin and I stayed up late last night setting up all Colt's presents, so when he came downstairs, he could see them all. And he was the most excited about... his basketball goal! Justin was so proud. We played for a while and then got ready for church. We were late, big surprise. Colt decided he didn't want to sit in church and threw all of his cheerios on the floor. After screaming in the quietest part of the service, we decided to sit in the atrium.
We got ready at home to have everyone over, and were able to sit down and enjoy some more time with Colt before our family started to arrive. We sat around and ate and watched movies my grandma made of Colt's life thus far. It was great to sit around and enjoy each other's company.
Once everyone left, we put in one of Colt's new movies he got for Christmas and snuggled on the couch. He was asleep in minutes (6:45 pm). It was an amazing day to remember how blessed we are and the many gifts God has given us. Merry Christmas!
We got ready at home to have everyone over, and were able to sit down and enjoy some more time with Colt before our family started to arrive. We sat around and ate and watched movies my grandma made of Colt's life thus far. It was great to sit around and enjoy each other's company.
Once everyone left, we put in one of Colt's new movies he got for Christmas and snuggled on the couch. He was asleep in minutes (6:45 pm). It was an amazing day to remember how blessed we are and the many gifts God has given us. Merry Christmas!
Christmas with the Wooden's
We celebrated Christmas with my dad's family on Monday. We picked up my grandma on the way, and fought the traffic to Pendleton. On the way, Colt was really fussy and I couldn't figure it out. All the sudden, he started throwing up. It was so sad. We pulled over and got him out, but it was too late. It was everywhere.
We finally got to dad's house and they gave Colt a bath while we cleaned up. I gave him some crackers for dinner and we all sat down to eat. Before you know it, he is throwing up all over the dinner table and my grandma! Poor thing. By that point, we had no clothes left for him, so he ran around Christmas in just a diaper.
I was so sad because he didn't get to enjoy everything quite as much as I hoped. But he did love his presents, he just didn't care about opening them. He played with his new drum all night and thinks it is so cool! He loved all his musical toys and new clothes too. My favorite was his Little People Nativity scene.
He did manage to throw up a few more times, but did have fun with the family. It was so much fun to watch the kids get so excited about Justin Bieber and Spider Man. I can't wait until next year!
We finally got to dad's house and they gave Colt a bath while we cleaned up. I gave him some crackers for dinner and we all sat down to eat. Before you know it, he is throwing up all over the dinner table and my grandma! Poor thing. By that point, we had no clothes left for him, so he ran around Christmas in just a diaper.
I was so sad because he didn't get to enjoy everything quite as much as I hoped. But he did love his presents, he just didn't care about opening them. He played with his new drum all night and thinks it is so cool! He loved all his musical toys and new clothes too. My favorite was his Little People Nativity scene.
He did manage to throw up a few more times, but did have fun with the family. It was so much fun to watch the kids get so excited about Justin Bieber and Spider Man. I can't wait until next year!
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