And that it certainly was!! Disney was awesome with Caitlyn. She is absolutely the perfect age for it. She truly believes that all of the princesses are real, though she knows that the characters are just people in costumes.
Tuesday morning we woke bright and early and all packed and ready to go. Of course, because we were at the airport with plenty of time (one of the pitfalls of being married to Matt), our flight was delayed. It was delayed because of a mechanical problem. So I guess I am grateful for the delay, otherwise we would have been flying in a broken plane. I can see several issues with that. Then when we arrived in Orlando, we had to sit on the runway because there was a terrible storm. The rain wasn't the cause for our sitting, but the lightening was. Apparently, they don't send the little cars out to pull the planes in when there is lightening. Learn something new every day. Needless to say, anything I had planned for our afternoon there was shot to hell.
Instead of going anywhere when we were finally able to check into the hotel, we decided to just peruse the hotel grounds. Which were absolutely fab! About 5 minutes into our walk, Caitlyn said she was really tired and started complaining that she missed home? Yes folks, she missed home. Naturally this threw up a red flag for me as she has been anticipating this trip for quite some time. So I decided to feel her armpit to see if she had a fever. And of course she did. Cause Caitlyn suffers from what we kindly refer to as "state line disease." The minute the child crosses the Illinois state line, she gets sick. So I ran to the gift shop and bought some Motrin. I didn't have a thermometer there, so I had to guestimate her temp. I would say it was around 100 or 101. Motrin given and sleep began. I was hopeful that she would be much better the next morning since that wass when we were scheduled to have breakfast with the princesses.
The following morning, she still had the fever. But we went to the breakfast anyway. Normally, I would keep her in bed. However, you have to schedule the silly thing at least 3 months in advance. So we wouldn't have been able to get another reservation for the time we were there. After getting there, she perked up some and had a good time chatting it up with the ladies.
After that, we continued to tour Epcot. We went on the space shuttle ride (the name escapes me right now) and it scared the piss out of my child. It was way too loud and too real looking and I think she really thought that damn shuttle was going to crash since that was what was being simulated. After that, she enjoyed all of the rest of the rides that we went on. Around dinner, we decided to head back to the hotel to enjoy the pool some. But in true Florida fashion, and Walsh luck, it poured down rain once we got back. Which wasn't too horrible since the damn fever was back. So it was Motrin and sleep for the girl again.
The following morning, it was raining something terrible. But my girl the trooper was willing to throw on a poncho and head to the Magic Kingdom. Since all she really wanted to see the entire trip were the princesses and the castle, she wasn't going to miss the opportunity. And she was amazing!! Despite the rain and thunder and uncomfortable poncho, this child went on every single ride she could and waited in every single line to meet every character she could. It finally stopped raining mid to late afternoon, so we could disrobe the ponchos. The most exciting thing that happened while we were there was when she got to ride on the carousel on a horse next to Mary Poppins. As we were walking on, I pointed her out to Cate and she came right up to her and asked if Caitlyn would like to ride with her. It was so great for Caitlyn. And they sat on their horses and chatted the entire ride.
We ended up being there 12 hours and surprisingly enough, she never needed a stroller there! I couldn't believe how much she walked and ran and never once complained about the weather or the walking. To try and ward off the fever, I gave her some Motrin before bed. It worked....a little. She still had a slight fever the next morning, but nothing too terrible.
On Friday, we finally had sun. And lots of it! It was hot and humid. And I must say, I think I preferred the rain as it cooled things down some and kept some of the crowds away from the parks. We headed to MGM studios so that we could see just a few things there. I knew there wouldn't be much there for her to enjoy, but the few things that were there, I knew she would absolutely love. She got to dance in the High School Musical Pep Rally, which made her day. She got to dance with the Playhouse Disney characters. And she got to eat lunch at Toy Story's Pizza Planet. For a 6 year old, these are rather exciting!! However, as we were eating lunch, she told me that her teeth were hurting her. Then the whole fever and crumminess became very clear to me. My poor girlie decided to get her 6 year molars this very week.
Not only were her gums killing her, but she had a very loose tooth in the front. The second of the 2 front teeth. So she couldn't bite into things, nor could she chew on anything in the back. So I was glad that I was giving her the Motrin as it was helping with the fever as well as the pain.
We weren't able to do much Saturday, except for touring the hotel grounds that we never got to earlier in the week, because the bus was taking up to the airport around noon. Caitlyn slept the entire plane ride home. And all she kept talking about in the cab from the airport was how happy she was to be home and how she couldn't wait to sleep in her own bed. I guess there really is no place like home even for a 6 year old!
So all in all a fantastic trip. And I came home to the best present my mom could ever give me. She paid her neighbor who is a cleaning lady to come and clean my house. I think the damn thing is cleaner than when we bought it. It was so wonderful to come home and have nothing to do but unpack and lounge around! My mom rocks!!!
Pictures to follow after I get them from the camera ;)
Monday, August 06, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Ignorance is Bliss
The other day Caitlyn was playing on the computer. She was on a website that I had never visited with her before. So while she was on it, I was sitting at the dining room table watching her from behind. Just to make sure that there wasn't anything crazy on it. It was a Nickelodeon website, so I was fairly certain that it was okay, but I am that parent that thinks way too many kids are on the internet unsupervised.
So the site that she was on, she was creating a character for. She had to choose the color of her eyes and hair, etc. Then came the part to choose her skin color. And I watched her kind of go through the choices, not sure which one to pick. Finally she looked at me and said...
"Mom, what color is my skin?"
I replied that it was a pinkish, peach, white color.
She chose the color accordingly. And went about playing the game.
I was truly stunned by this. Not because she didn't know what color her own skin was. But by the fact that she obviously doesn't see any significant difference in her skin color to many of the other skin colors they had as options. I know that prejudice is a learned behavior. Kids generally learn it from their parents. And I had thought that by 6 years old, Caitlyn would have realized that her skin is white and not brown or yellow or whatever other color. I feel great knowing that to her, her skin seems no different that the spanish child she goes to school with or the asain child she plays with.
I can only hope that she maintains this ignorance for many years to come. But unfortunately, I know that isn't possible.
We are off for the lake again today. We come home on Sunday and then head out for Disney on Tuesday. I will have to do a few posts when I return of nothing but pictures. (Not type at all, equivalent to not speaking???? Truly that will be a feat for me;))
So the site that she was on, she was creating a character for. She had to choose the color of her eyes and hair, etc. Then came the part to choose her skin color. And I watched her kind of go through the choices, not sure which one to pick. Finally she looked at me and said...
"Mom, what color is my skin?"
I replied that it was a pinkish, peach, white color.
She chose the color accordingly. And went about playing the game.
I was truly stunned by this. Not because she didn't know what color her own skin was. But by the fact that she obviously doesn't see any significant difference in her skin color to many of the other skin colors they had as options. I know that prejudice is a learned behavior. Kids generally learn it from their parents. And I had thought that by 6 years old, Caitlyn would have realized that her skin is white and not brown or yellow or whatever other color. I feel great knowing that to her, her skin seems no different that the spanish child she goes to school with or the asain child she plays with.
I can only hope that she maintains this ignorance for many years to come. But unfortunately, I know that isn't possible.
We are off for the lake again today. We come home on Sunday and then head out for Disney on Tuesday. I will have to do a few posts when I return of nothing but pictures. (Not type at all, equivalent to not speaking???? Truly that will be a feat for me;))
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Fisherman
My dad loves to fish. He would do this before anything else in the world. He has loved fishing for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I would go with him on ocassion, though it became "gross" to me once I hit 11 years old it would seem.
Caitlyn has been asking to go fishing with Grampa or Uncle Bobby. It didn't matter which one took her, as long as she was fishing.
Today, Cate went fishing with her Grampa and had an amazing time. And I am fairly certain that my father had an equally amazing experience. I know that it is certainly something that Caitlyn will remember forever :)
...an added bonus....she even caught fish :) When she came home, she quickly told me about ALL the fish that were caught and how giant they were. Not only did Grampa teach her some fishing basics, he also taught her the most important lesson: telling some fishermen tales :P
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Vacation One
We have returned from vacation number one. I say vacation number one because it seems that the entire month of July is going to be spent travelling somewhere. Both as a family and separately.
We spent 5 glorious days at the cottage in Waupaca. This is the place that Matt's family has been going to since he was an infant. They have been going there since his mother was 6 years old. So they have some history there. And Matt has always wanted his daughter to love it there as much as he does. And I think his wish has come true.
My little lady, who is usually very timid when it comes to physical activities, those that require gross motor coordination, got her little ass on a tube and went tubing. I was stunned. Flabbergasted. Floored. Couldn't believe my eyes that this child was actually doing this.
And she did it a few times so I know it wasn't a fluke. I know the pictures are hard to see, but I certainly don't have the energy to zoom in on them and save them. Lazy=Nancy.
Getting ready to go
Caitlyn is on the right with her Uncle Bernard and Danny is on the left. (If she were to go by herself in that tube I probably would have had a coronary.
There was also plenty of time to just play and have fun. She is bound and determined to get this hula hooping thing no matter what!
After all the tubing and hula hooping, she was just wiped out and ready to go home.
And I think this has to be my favorite picture from the trip. Could these kids and Grandma Rita look any happier???? I don't think so!
Next week I am off to Country Thunder with the girls (woot!!) and Matt is off to the lake again for the annual Daddy/Daughter vacation. Mostly because it helps soothe the girl during my absence, but it is a fabulous thing for them to do together. And something that I know Caitlyn will grow up remembering forever.
2 weeks after that, it's back up to the lake for all 3 of us. 2 days after we get home, it's off to Disney. So it seems that for the month of July I will be doing nothing but packing, unpacking, doing laundry, and packing again. Only to unpack and wash it all again.
We spent 5 glorious days at the cottage in Waupaca. This is the place that Matt's family has been going to since he was an infant. They have been going there since his mother was 6 years old. So they have some history there. And Matt has always wanted his daughter to love it there as much as he does. And I think his wish has come true.
My little lady, who is usually very timid when it comes to physical activities, those that require gross motor coordination, got her little ass on a tube and went tubing. I was stunned. Flabbergasted. Floored. Couldn't believe my eyes that this child was actually doing this.
And she did it a few times so I know it wasn't a fluke. I know the pictures are hard to see, but I certainly don't have the energy to zoom in on them and save them. Lazy=Nancy.
Getting ready to go
Caitlyn is on the right with her Uncle Bernard and Danny is on the left. (If she were to go by herself in that tube I probably would have had a coronary.
There was also plenty of time to just play and have fun. She is bound and determined to get this hula hooping thing no matter what!
After all the tubing and hula hooping, she was just wiped out and ready to go home.
And I think this has to be my favorite picture from the trip. Could these kids and Grandma Rita look any happier???? I don't think so!
Next week I am off to Country Thunder with the girls (woot!!) and Matt is off to the lake again for the annual Daddy/Daughter vacation. Mostly because it helps soothe the girl during my absence, but it is a fabulous thing for them to do together. And something that I know Caitlyn will grow up remembering forever.
2 weeks after that, it's back up to the lake for all 3 of us. 2 days after we get home, it's off to Disney. So it seems that for the month of July I will be doing nothing but packing, unpacking, doing laundry, and packing again. Only to unpack and wash it all again.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Birthday Party and Fifths Disease
What could these two things possible have in common you may ask?? Well the answer is simple really.....my child. A little something known as the Walsh Curse. Matt's family jokes about it all the time. If it could possibly happen, it will happen to them. So far this theory has proven to be true on many different occasions here in our house.
Caitlyn woke up on Sunday and was anxiously awaiting the 1:30 mark when we could leave the house and get to Caesarland. Shortly after she woke up, I noticed that her cheeks were a bit red. I didn't think much of it, it's way hot out and she had just woken up so she could have been sleeping funny. She has been known to do that. Unfortunately, I became a bit more worried a couple of hours later when her arms were terribly speckly. The bumps were not raised, nor did she have a fever, and she kept telling me she felt perfectly fine. And she did seem perfectly fine. So I figured she had some kind of a reaction to something she ate in the last couple of days. Nothing a little Benadryl can't handle right?
I give her the Benadryl and off to the party we go. Which was a huge success and a good time was had by all. Well, by anyone who is under the age of 10 that is.
The Disney Store was having a giant sale....it would seem the majority of her gifts came from there. All in all she got some
really nice things.
Then came the morning after. When I woke her up, she was spotted from head to toe. Still no fever, still feeling fine, still just red marks that weren't raised. After a quick Internet search on childhood rashes, it was blatantly obvious to me that she in fact did have Fifths Disease. Which essentially is no disease at all, just your average run of the mill rash. Highly contagious of course....but only prior to the rash appearing. You know, when you have no idea that you are placing other children at risk of catching this terrible looking rash.
Fortunately, as of today, the spots are pretty much gone completely. Left as quickly as they came. And Caitlyn couldn't be happier about that. I think she was starting to get a little self conscious about people looking at her while we were out and about. Even I was a little stunned by that. But I guess, after seeing the pictures, I probably would have made a human body shield for my child if I saw another child walking through the mall with spots like that as well.
Caitlyn woke up on Sunday and was anxiously awaiting the 1:30 mark when we could leave the house and get to Caesarland. Shortly after she woke up, I noticed that her cheeks were a bit red. I didn't think much of it, it's way hot out and she had just woken up so she could have been sleeping funny. She has been known to do that. Unfortunately, I became a bit more worried a couple of hours later when her arms were terribly speckly. The bumps were not raised, nor did she have a fever, and she kept telling me she felt perfectly fine. And she did seem perfectly fine. So I figured she had some kind of a reaction to something she ate in the last couple of days. Nothing a little Benadryl can't handle right?
I give her the Benadryl and off to the party we go. Which was a huge success and a good time was had by all. Well, by anyone who is under the age of 10 that is.
The Disney Store was having a giant sale....it would seem the majority of her gifts came from there. All in all she got some
really nice things.
Then came the morning after. When I woke her up, she was spotted from head to toe. Still no fever, still feeling fine, still just red marks that weren't raised. After a quick Internet search on childhood rashes, it was blatantly obvious to me that she in fact did have Fifths Disease. Which essentially is no disease at all, just your average run of the mill rash. Highly contagious of course....but only prior to the rash appearing. You know, when you have no idea that you are placing other children at risk of catching this terrible looking rash.
Fortunately, as of today, the spots are pretty much gone completely. Left as quickly as they came. And Caitlyn couldn't be happier about that. I think she was starting to get a little self conscious about people looking at her while we were out and about. Even I was a little stunned by that. But I guess, after seeing the pictures, I probably would have made a human body shield for my child if I saw another child walking through the mall with spots like that as well.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
OMG
In the land of the internet, most of us are aware that OMG represents "Oh my God." I think many of us have also seen the commercials in which the actors speak in these acronyms. A cell phone commercial comes to my mind in which the mother and daughter are having a conversation regarding the phone bill and they are only speaking to each other using such acronyms.
The other day Caitlyn was enjoying a snack at the living room table whilst watching a little Spongebob. (A good time for any 6 year old.) A commercial comes on and I hear:
"Oh Emm Gee!!!"
Yes, she said the letters. Just like that. I thought I misheard. I asked her what she said.
"Oh Emm Gee means oh my God mom."
Well, I know this,but how in the hell does she?????
The other day Caitlyn was enjoying a snack at the living room table whilst watching a little Spongebob. (A good time for any 6 year old.) A commercial comes on and I hear:
"Oh Emm Gee!!!"
Yes, she said the letters. Just like that. I thought I misheard. I asked her what she said.
"Oh Emm Gee means oh my God mom."
Well, I know this,but how in the hell does she?????
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
6 Years Ago Today
6 years ago around this time, things were in full swing. We had already received the news that Caitlyn would be born within the next 48 hours. Little did we know that we only had about 12 hours before my health would take a drastic turn for the worse and the girl would make her grand entrance.
6 years ago, our world was about to change. We had gone to the hospital really thinking that there was nothing very wrong with me or with the pregnancy. And we were actually making dinner plans which consisted of stopping off at Hooters on the way home.
6 years ago I was in a complete fog about what the doctors were telling me. I had never imagined a baby so early could be born. I truly thought it would still be considered a miscarriage.
6 years ago I was convinced that my baby would probably die. That it was a "her or me" situation. She proved me wrong that night...and proved a whole slew of others wrong as well.
6 years later, I am here with an amazing little girl. A little girl who has beaten all of the odds. A little girl that I couldn't love more.
Happpy birthday my sweet girl! I love you!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
We Did It
We booked the trip to Disney World!! We leave on July 31st and come home on August 4th.
I can not wait to see the girl's face with all of the goings on there. She is so so excited and is counting down the days. We also scheduled breakfast with the princessses. An event that is sure to push her right over the edge.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Kindergarten Celebration
They call it a celebration, it's really a graduation, but they refuse to call it that. Certainly will make leaving first grade very uneventful I'm sure. A little skit was put on that was so damn cute!
And as of tomorrow, after the final hour of school and reports cards are recieved, my girlie will officially be a first grader!!!
Walking on the playground
Announcing that the principal will be handing out the certificates
Recieving her completion certificate
Family photo
Just being cute
And as of tomorrow, after the final hour of school and reports cards are recieved, my girlie will officially be a first grader!!!
Walking on the playground
Announcing that the principal will be handing out the certificates
Recieving her completion certificate
Family photo
Just being cute
The Dancing Queen
Long overdue post about the ballet recital, but we've been busy around here these days. The girl danced beautifully, and surprisingly enough, she actually knew the routine. I am thinking ballet is something that she is going to be sticking with...not soccer.
Dress Rehearsal
The Actual Recital
Dress Rehearsal
The Actual Recital
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
The Newest Trick
I hear Caitlyn walking down the stairs after I put her to bed. From the dining room, I yell,
"Caitlyn you need to go to sleep. It is late."
C: "Mommy I have to show you something."
N: "You can show me in the morning. Go back to bed."
C: "Please just come and look Mommy."
N: (thinking something is wrong I go over to the stairs in the living room) "What do you need to show me?"
C: "Look what I can do."
It is at this point that she proceeds to stick her entire fist in her mouth.
Now, what I want to ask her, is how in the hell long was she up there trying to do that? And more importantly, WHY?????? What I do say,
N: "That's great. Now please go get some sleep."
She was in bed for almost an hour. Which leads me to believe that the entire hour was spent perfecting this little trick.
"Caitlyn you need to go to sleep. It is late."
C: "Mommy I have to show you something."
N: "You can show me in the morning. Go back to bed."
C: "Please just come and look Mommy."
N: (thinking something is wrong I go over to the stairs in the living room) "What do you need to show me?"
C: "Look what I can do."
It is at this point that she proceeds to stick her entire fist in her mouth.
Now, what I want to ask her, is how in the hell long was she up there trying to do that? And more importantly, WHY?????? What I do say,
N: "That's great. Now please go get some sleep."
She was in bed for almost an hour. Which leads me to believe that the entire hour was spent perfecting this little trick.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Finally!
She is able to push herself on the swing. No small feat I suppose, for any child. I can't remember when I was able to do it, I just remember being able to. I have been trying to teach Caitlyn to do it....for at least a couple of years now. And just the other day while Matt and I were sitting on the deck, she was on the swing and swinging. Out of nowhere. Just like that!
Apparently all of that swinging made her quite tired. This is how I found her in bed when I went in to check on her before heading to bed myself. I am almost certain that she will hate me for these when she is older.
Note....if you enlarge the second pic of her, you will have a clear view of Bunny right next to her....He is never far from her when she is sleeping.
I was a little scared that the flash might wake her up. But there was no way that I could pass up the opportunity of this picture. I figured if she did wake up, then I would deal with the wrath, cause these pics are certainly worth it!
Apparently all of that swinging made her quite tired. This is how I found her in bed when I went in to check on her before heading to bed myself. I am almost certain that she will hate me for these when she is older.
Note....if you enlarge the second pic of her, you will have a clear view of Bunny right next to her....He is never far from her when she is sleeping.
I was a little scared that the flash might wake her up. But there was no way that I could pass up the opportunity of this picture. I figured if she did wake up, then I would deal with the wrath, cause these pics are certainly worth it!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Here's the picture I mentioned
The girls wore white caps and gowns. The boys wore blue caps and gowns. Nice and uniform. The only thing different on each girl, besides the obvious of honors sashes, were the shoes that they were wearing. And many girls were wearing some shocking shoes. And I don't mean shocking as though they were outrageous. I mean shocking like the were bright colors. Which was fun to look at as they walked across the stage.
Nice and uniform....until they took off the gowns and I witnessed this little get up
Now, I know that I am by no means a fashionista. Hell, I might even still be rolling the bottoms of my pant legs if people would let me. But we are talking about a child who's parent's have just spent close to $30,000 on an education for her (after books, fees, and uniforms). And this is what she wears to what is supposed to be a respectful event????
Nice and uniform....until they took off the gowns and I witnessed this little get up
Now, I know that I am by no means a fashionista. Hell, I might even still be rolling the bottoms of my pant legs if people would let me. But we are talking about a child who's parent's have just spent close to $30,000 on an education for her (after books, fees, and uniforms). And this is what she wears to what is supposed to be a respectful event????
Friday, May 25, 2007
She Did It!!!
Tutti finally graduated :) Last night was the ceremony. She graduated from Guerin Prep, formerly Mother Guerin. Same school that I graduated from, so it was nice to ssit through another graduation ceremony there.
Besides it's name, a whole lot has changed at Mother Guerin since I graduated in 1992. For starters, there are the boys from Holy Cross there now. There are no more plaid uniform skirts with neatly collared shirts. The graduating class of both genders was less than the number of girls that I graduated with some 15 (yikes!) years ago. And most importantly, the tuition is much higher, upwards of $4000.00 higher!
There were also River Grove policemen on the scene. And not just in the parking lots to control the unruly graduates or on the street to direct the floods of traffic. They were in the auditorium. Every single time people hooted and hollered a bit too loud for their liking, they were escorted out of the graduation. One parent was a lunatic because she thought she should be allowed to celebrate loudly that her daughter graduated....and she and her husband are now near $24,000 poorer. I have to say I agree with her a little bit.
But all in all it was a fantastic event. Tutti did not have an easy time with high school. Those years that people always say are some of the best of their lives, well let's just say that wasn't the case for Tutti. So to see her forge ahead through all of the shit storms that followed her the past 4 years is truly wonderful. Not to mention the fact that she is the first in a long (long) line of children in that part of my family to actually graduate.
Her and Mom, who has raised her pretty much since infancy and has managed to put her through Geurin pretty much all on her own.
Tutti and Bobby, who thinks of her as another little sister.
Tutti and Matt, who has never resented her for monopolizing so much of our dating life.
Me and Tutti, who I love as if she were my own child. (side note...notice the straight hair and no bangs)
Tutti and Mike, the boyfriend, who we all have very different feeling about.
The entire family
And there is a special picture...but it certainly deserves a post all on it's own. I will get to that this weekend...it is priceless.
Besides it's name, a whole lot has changed at Mother Guerin since I graduated in 1992. For starters, there are the boys from Holy Cross there now. There are no more plaid uniform skirts with neatly collared shirts. The graduating class of both genders was less than the number of girls that I graduated with some 15 (yikes!) years ago. And most importantly, the tuition is much higher, upwards of $4000.00 higher!
There were also River Grove policemen on the scene. And not just in the parking lots to control the unruly graduates or on the street to direct the floods of traffic. They were in the auditorium. Every single time people hooted and hollered a bit too loud for their liking, they were escorted out of the graduation. One parent was a lunatic because she thought she should be allowed to celebrate loudly that her daughter graduated....and she and her husband are now near $24,000 poorer. I have to say I agree with her a little bit.
But all in all it was a fantastic event. Tutti did not have an easy time with high school. Those years that people always say are some of the best of their lives, well let's just say that wasn't the case for Tutti. So to see her forge ahead through all of the shit storms that followed her the past 4 years is truly wonderful. Not to mention the fact that she is the first in a long (long) line of children in that part of my family to actually graduate.
Her and Mom, who has raised her pretty much since infancy and has managed to put her through Geurin pretty much all on her own.
Tutti and Bobby, who thinks of her as another little sister.
Tutti and Matt, who has never resented her for monopolizing so much of our dating life.
Me and Tutti, who I love as if she were my own child. (side note...notice the straight hair and no bangs)
Tutti and Mike, the boyfriend, who we all have very different feeling about.
The entire family
And there is a special picture...but it certainly deserves a post all on it's own. I will get to that this weekend...it is priceless.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Mother's Day
I know I am a little (or a lot) late posting about Mother's Day. Sue me.
It was a wonderful day! And Caitlyn is really in to holidays and special occasions now. So she was all geared up and ready to give me my gifts the minute my eyes popped open.
She had breakfast with me, which Daddy went to get. I refuse to go out for breakfast on this day. It is way too crowded, and by the time I wake up, the wait for a table is way too long for my growling belly.
After eating, Caitlyn presented me with all of my goodies. And goodies they were.
The first was a card that she made. The picture is of her and I on her first day of school. That hair of mine....gone.
The second was also a card. Which I find just too damned cute!
The third was a plate that was made at school. Although I love the plate, it certainly doesn't make me like the teacher anymore.
And of course, a Shrek baby. I am not exactly sure why, but she insisted that Tutti take her to Build A Bear for this little guy. And she decided that even though he is a boy, he should be dressed in a $15.00 Tinkerbell costume. I think she wanted one, and my day was just a good excuse for her to get one.
And this my friends is the one that brought tears to my eyes. It is certainly the keeper of the group. I love that my daughter knows so much about me. I will translate some of them as a few aren't as obvious to people outside of the Walsh household.
1. My Mom's name is Nace (Nancy)
2. My Mom's eyes are green.
3. My Mom's hair is red.
4. My Mom is 18 years old. (I have a new reason to love this kid)
5. My Mom's favorite color is green.
6. My Mom likes to eat salid (salad).
7. My Mom likes to wear shoos (shoes). (Who doesn't really?)
8. My Mom likes to play on the kompdr (computer). (Thinking I spend too much time here)
9. My Mom likes to cook ham
10. My Mom's favorite store is Targit (Target).
11. My Mom's favorite restaurant is Fakis Fil (Franksville). (Hot dog joint near the house)
12. My Mom drives a van.
13. My Mom doessn't like ??? (She tells me it's weeds???? I so don't garden.)
14. I love my Mom because (no answer...should I be concerned????)
It was a wonderful day! And Caitlyn is really in to holidays and special occasions now. So she was all geared up and ready to give me my gifts the minute my eyes popped open.
She had breakfast with me, which Daddy went to get. I refuse to go out for breakfast on this day. It is way too crowded, and by the time I wake up, the wait for a table is way too long for my growling belly.
After eating, Caitlyn presented me with all of my goodies. And goodies they were.
The first was a card that she made. The picture is of her and I on her first day of school. That hair of mine....gone.
The second was also a card. Which I find just too damned cute!
The third was a plate that was made at school. Although I love the plate, it certainly doesn't make me like the teacher anymore.
And of course, a Shrek baby. I am not exactly sure why, but she insisted that Tutti take her to Build A Bear for this little guy. And she decided that even though he is a boy, he should be dressed in a $15.00 Tinkerbell costume. I think she wanted one, and my day was just a good excuse for her to get one.
And this my friends is the one that brought tears to my eyes. It is certainly the keeper of the group. I love that my daughter knows so much about me. I will translate some of them as a few aren't as obvious to people outside of the Walsh household.
1. My Mom's name is Nace (Nancy)
2. My Mom's eyes are green.
3. My Mom's hair is red.
4. My Mom is 18 years old. (I have a new reason to love this kid)
5. My Mom's favorite color is green.
6. My Mom likes to eat salid (salad).
7. My Mom likes to wear shoos (shoes). (Who doesn't really?)
8. My Mom likes to play on the kompdr (computer). (Thinking I spend too much time here)
9. My Mom likes to cook ham
10. My Mom's favorite store is Targit (Target).
11. My Mom's favorite restaurant is Fakis Fil (Franksville). (Hot dog joint near the house)
12. My Mom drives a van.
13. My Mom doessn't like ??? (She tells me it's weeds???? I so don't garden.)
14. I love my Mom because (no answer...should I be concerned????)
Friday, May 11, 2007
Tutti's Prom
I forgot to post some of these.
Tutti had her prom on the 27th. And I think I can officially say that she was absolutely stunning. STUNNING!! She had her hair and make up done professionally and it came out beautiful. And her dress! Purely Cinderella fashion. I loved how all of the girls that she went with had on such brightly colored dresses.
Tutti and Mike
The entire group
Tutti in her true form
And of course Cate had to get in some of the pictures (thank you Auntie Mary or my cool Watermelon raincoat!)
Tutti had her prom on the 27th. And I think I can officially say that she was absolutely stunning. STUNNING!! She had her hair and make up done professionally and it came out beautiful. And her dress! Purely Cinderella fashion. I loved how all of the girls that she went with had on such brightly colored dresses.
Tutti and Mike
The entire group
Tutti in her true form
And of course Cate had to get in some of the pictures (thank you Auntie Mary or my cool Watermelon raincoat!)
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Why Do You Love Me So Much?
This was the question I posed to Caitlyn this afternoon when we were lounging on the couch together.
C: Cause you take me to the park.
C: Cause you buy me ice cream.
C: Cause we are snuggle bunnies sometimes.
C: That's all I can think of.
At this point I had to giggle to myself at her reasons for loving a person. That is, until she said this...
C: And I have a gazillion more in my heart Mommy!
*sniff sniff*
She sure knows how to warm my heart when she wants to.
C: Cause you take me to the park.
C: Cause you buy me ice cream.
C: Cause we are snuggle bunnies sometimes.
C: That's all I can think of.
At this point I had to giggle to myself at her reasons for loving a person. That is, until she said this...
C: And I have a gazillion more in my heart Mommy!
*sniff sniff*
She sure knows how to warm my heart when she wants to.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Sick Sick Sick
Of what??? Sick of being sick!! Not me. The girl. Once again she has a cold. I am convinced that her hellish teacher has plagued her with cooties. She wasn't this sick last year in school. She wasn't this sick the year before that in daycare/preschool. So why is it that she has the kindergarten teacher from hell and she is sick nonstop from November until the present time?? Really, the only logical answer is that teacher has plagued her. Right? I have to be right, cause then I am allowed to hate her more.
So the cough that landed us in the emergency room approximately a month ago has returned. Though it isn't anywhere near as violent this go round as it was then. Of course the minute she starts coughing now, she tells me this...
"Mommy I think I need to go to the emergency room."
Now if she were a kid that was there on a regular basis I would accept this statement as run of the mill. But since her escape from the NICU, she has only ever been to the ER twice. TWICE!!! Which in preemie land is a fantastic record. Of course, both times were for the same ridiculous cough. So I need to deprogram her and change her thinking that a cough lands you in the ER every time.
Despite the cough and snot dripping from her nose constantly, she is way excited that spring seems to have decided to make it's grand entrance. And it's been a long time since we have had a "real" spring here in Chicago. Thus, I have forgotten how much I hate spring. Makes getting dressed in the morning when it's 40 out very difficult. Because by mid afternoon, it's usually somewhere around 60. Clothes for 60 degrees and 40 degrees really are very different clothes. But the nice weather has allowed for the girl to be out of the house from the moment she exits school until it is time for dinner and bed. Which makes for a much neater house and happier mom ;)
New job news....I have agreed to work summer school. Not only is it a hefty sum of $32.00 an hour, but I think it looks good that I am willing to meet some of the students and staff. Nothing like a little brown nosing before I even get there right? And it's only 2 days a week, of which I can decide which 2 days I want to do, for 5 weeks. And it is smack dab in the middle of the summer, so I still have a nice break at the beginning and the end. And I've said before, I can't complain about my vacation time as most people (who aren't teachers) don't get nearly the amount of vacation that I get. I still have to work 5 days over the summer for my current job according to my contract, but those are picked by me as well. And I have agreed to do those days in a summer school program for a kid on my caseload. Not because I believe that he needs my assistance over the summer, but because his Mom is so very frustrated and her anxiety levels are rising to the point of a nervous breakdown. And she has pretty much found a confidant in me, she trusts me. And I don't want her to feel insecure about someone taking my place. Just give me a little pat on the back for going above and beyond the call of duty *wink wink*
I've not yet counted down the number of days until summer break. Which surprises me, as I usually do that sometime around the return after spring break. But things have been too busy to do that these days. But rest assured, the count is coming soon. Especially since things are now starting to wind down and I no longer have appointments from the time I leave the house until the time I return home. Maybe Monday I will do that.
So the cough that landed us in the emergency room approximately a month ago has returned. Though it isn't anywhere near as violent this go round as it was then. Of course the minute she starts coughing now, she tells me this...
"Mommy I think I need to go to the emergency room."
Now if she were a kid that was there on a regular basis I would accept this statement as run of the mill. But since her escape from the NICU, she has only ever been to the ER twice. TWICE!!! Which in preemie land is a fantastic record. Of course, both times were for the same ridiculous cough. So I need to deprogram her and change her thinking that a cough lands you in the ER every time.
Despite the cough and snot dripping from her nose constantly, she is way excited that spring seems to have decided to make it's grand entrance. And it's been a long time since we have had a "real" spring here in Chicago. Thus, I have forgotten how much I hate spring. Makes getting dressed in the morning when it's 40 out very difficult. Because by mid afternoon, it's usually somewhere around 60. Clothes for 60 degrees and 40 degrees really are very different clothes. But the nice weather has allowed for the girl to be out of the house from the moment she exits school until it is time for dinner and bed. Which makes for a much neater house and happier mom ;)
New job news....I have agreed to work summer school. Not only is it a hefty sum of $32.00 an hour, but I think it looks good that I am willing to meet some of the students and staff. Nothing like a little brown nosing before I even get there right? And it's only 2 days a week, of which I can decide which 2 days I want to do, for 5 weeks. And it is smack dab in the middle of the summer, so I still have a nice break at the beginning and the end. And I've said before, I can't complain about my vacation time as most people (who aren't teachers) don't get nearly the amount of vacation that I get. I still have to work 5 days over the summer for my current job according to my contract, but those are picked by me as well. And I have agreed to do those days in a summer school program for a kid on my caseload. Not because I believe that he needs my assistance over the summer, but because his Mom is so very frustrated and her anxiety levels are rising to the point of a nervous breakdown. And she has pretty much found a confidant in me, she trusts me. And I don't want her to feel insecure about someone taking my place. Just give me a little pat on the back for going above and beyond the call of duty *wink wink*
I've not yet counted down the number of days until summer break. Which surprises me, as I usually do that sometime around the return after spring break. But things have been too busy to do that these days. But rest assured, the count is coming soon. Especially since things are now starting to wind down and I no longer have appointments from the time I leave the house until the time I return home. Maybe Monday I will do that.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Beloved Bunny
This is Bunny. He is very near and dear to Caitlyn's heart. When she was 2 days old, my girlfriend, Suzi, brought him to the hospital for her. It was the first time Suzi had seen Caitlyn. It was also the first time that I ever touched Caitlyn.
Bunny stayed with Caitlyn for the duration of her NICU stay. He travelled from warmer to warmer, isolette to isolette, and crib to crib with her. When it was time for Caitlyn to come home, Bunny came home a day or so earlier as we were taking most of her belongings home. We knew we would have a load to carry with us the day she was leaving, so we figured anything we could get home early, the better.
Once Caitlyn was home, Bunny lived in her crib with her. She paid no attention to him being there, she was too little. But he was there none the less.
Until Caitlyn was nearing 4 years old, she wasn't too concerned with Bunny. However, all of that changed right before her 4th birthday. Since that time, Caitlyn has not been without Bunny in bed with her. Until this weekend that is.
Friday morning, Caitlyn got into my bed just like she always does when Matt heads off to work. But this Friday, she didn't bring Bunny in with her. It was decided that afternoon that she was going to have a sleepover at Grandma's house. I came home to pack up her clothes, and of course get Bunny and snuggle blank (a receiving blanket she has had since homecoming as well, but that's another post and picture). I found snuggle blank easily. Bunny on the other hand, was nowhere to be found. Nowhere.
I called her at my mom's and asked her where he was. She insisted that he was either on her bed or in my bed. Which is where he always is. (We don't take Bunny out anywhere except for sleepovers to prevent him from getting lost.) After looking for 15 minutes with no luck, I went to drop her things off and told her he was somewhere in the house but I couldn't find him. Her response...
"He is probably hiding from me."
For the entire weekend, I looked and looked, and then looked some more, for Bunny. I couldn't find him anywhere. And Caitlyn couldn't find him either. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't think of where she last left him.
I was completely devastated by last night. I was convinced that Bunny was gone from our lives forever. Caitlyn was upset. She took another bunny into bed with her last night. When I went to wake her this morning, that bunny was placed neatly on the pillow....far away from her. When she sleeps with Bunny, he is always tucked under her blankets with her, to make sure he stays warm at night. I have seen her in her sleep feel around her bed until she has located him, with her eyes closed, and pull him close to her.
I told Matt that my heart was broken for her. I really thought that this would be the stuffed animal that she has all her life. We all have something that we have had since childhood that we hold very dear to us. And this is what Bunny is for Caitlyn. When she cries, she cries to Bunny. When she plays, Bunny also has a role in whatever she is playing. No he was gone :(
When I was trying to wake her this morning (she is a beast to wake up), I figured I would look some more in her room. Because I figured that the 763 times I looked over the weekend, I hadn't done it efficiently enough. As I was picking up her sleeping bag to fold and put back on her bed, Bunny fell out!
I wanted to scream with excitement. Instead, I put Bunny on her chest and told her to open her eyes because she had a surprise visitor. When her eyes opened, they were the happiest eyes you can imagine! She pulled him so close to her and gave him the biggest hug. Then she rolled over and tried to go back to sleep much to my dismay.
When she asked me where he was hiding, I told her I found him in her sleeping bag. Her response....
"I put him there Friday night to make sure he stayed warm. I remember now Mommy."
Remembering now didn't do me any good all weekend. But I am almost certain that we will all be sleeping a little better tonight now that Bunny has returned safely.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Her First "Real" P*unishment
Caitlyn got her first real p*unishsment yesterday night. I say real only because up until now, she has only ever recieved time outs and an ocassional spsanking here and there. And by spsanking, I mean that she has gotten her butt tapped one time on only a handful of ocassions.
Last night as I was cleaning up toys, I was putting the bazillion pieces of Polly Pocket Dolls in the Polly Pocket suitcase that had to be purchased to contain the bits that are in fact produced by the devil (that sure is one hell of a run on sentence isn't it???) As I was cleaning up the pieces from hell, I discovered 2 heads of the dolls in the suitcase. The heads were certainly not attached to the bodies they belonged with. Flashes of serial killers immediately run through my mind. I mean, isn't that how they all start out? Ripping the heads off of dolls, or torturing small animals. I quickly scan the room to make sure that the cats are still alive. (Yes I know, Marten is anything but a small animal...but he's smaller than her finally.) Both cats are alive and well.
I turn to Cate and ask her how this happened. Of course she blamed it on Kelly. Who in their right mind wouldn't blame this act on another child. I call my mother and tell her what Kelly has done. I also tell her that I am not so much concerned with the act of ripping the heads of, but I am more concerned with the lack of respect for toys that I spend my hard earned money on (sounds grown up like doesn't it!). I tell my mom that she needs to let Kelly know that if I ever see anything like this again, they will not be getting toys from me...ever!
After I hang up, I ask Cate what happened with the toys. She retells the same story that Kelly gave. Well, to an extent. Only she leaves herself out of the bad parts. Kelly said that they were playing with them together and she was pulling the heads off. Which resulted in Cate's hysterical laughter. Cate says that Kelly just pulled the heads off. Here's the troubling part of the conversation:
Mom: Did you ask Kelly to stop doing that to your toys?
Cate: Yes (nodding hesitantly)
Mom: Were you laughing when Kelly was doing this?
Cate: No (shaking head hesitantly)
Mom: Are you lying to me?
Cate: blank stare with tears welling in her eyes.
Mom: Answer me. Did you ask her to stop?
Cate: Shakes her head no.
Mom: Were you laughing?
Cate: Nods her head yes.
Now, I have no patience for liars. Really, I don't. And this isn't even something major that she needed to lie about. She wasn't going to get in any kind of trouble if she had just told me the truth. Add this to the fact that she lied to me a couple weeks ago and got caught. It makes for one pissed off mother.
I tell her that she needs to come and sit next to me on the couch so that we can talk some about this. I go through the whol "boy who cried wolf" scenarios and tell her why it is bad to lie and how I may not believe her one day when it is really necessary for me to believe her. Now the tears come....fast...furious! Heavy breathing, the kind where I am almosst certain she is going to hyperventilate and pass out in 8.7 secondss flat. Before we continue the conversation, I make her calm down.
After she calms, I ask her what she thinks her p*unishment should be. Man I used to hate when my mom asked me that question. The most obvious answer is no punishment at all, that I will never do the stupid act again. But I find myself asking anyway. To which she prompltly responds.... "A time out."
I tell her no. To which she is utterly shocked. I let her know that this can't be her p*unishment as it was the p*unishment that I gave when she was caught lying a couple of weeks ago and obviously that doesn't stop her from lying.
At this point, I am at a loss for what p*unishment I really should give her. Whcih kind of made me giggle on the inside. So I call Matt into the room. While he is aware of the situation, he has not participated in any of the discussion. I ask him what he thinks the p*unishment should be. He immediately has an answer (which impresses me tremendously!). He says that she should take her bath without playing and go straight to bed. Not a big deal really, until he said this..."And she isn't watching her shows before bed. She can just go straight to sleep."
Now, asking Cate to go straight to bed without watching some Spongebob is like ripping her toenails out one by one with pliers. When she hears this, the sobbing begins all over again. Once again, I get her to calm down and she asks me if she can at least have music on. There's that need for noise that has been with her since the NICU that appears it will never leave. I agree to it, Matt is a little peeved that I do, but I explain to him that she has never liked silence in bed. He agrees.
For the remainder of the evening, she is repeating how she wishes that she could erase this and she wishes it never happened, etc. To all of these comments, my response was
"The next time you think about lying to Mommy, I want you to remember exactly how you feel this very moment. Maybe that will stop you from doing it again."
(Nice huh!)
I must say that I felt like complete shit the entire evening for doing it to her. And I was on the verge of just talking to her and giving in several times. Thankfully, I had to drive mom to work so Matt was home to put her in bed. He had to be the one to enforce it. And he was fantastic at it!! I thanked him profusely for being the one to "stay sstrong" in the situation as I was so ready to cave in.
Hopefully she has learned her lesson. Although, I am still going to zing her the next time we are shopping and she asks for a toy. I will quickly remind her that she enjoyed destroying her toys and tell her that I am not sure I sshould buy them for her. And then, if Matt isn't with us, I will probably cave and buy her the stupid toy anyway!
Last night as I was cleaning up toys, I was putting the bazillion pieces of Polly Pocket Dolls in the Polly Pocket suitcase that had to be purchased to contain the bits that are in fact produced by the devil (that sure is one hell of a run on sentence isn't it???) As I was cleaning up the pieces from hell, I discovered 2 heads of the dolls in the suitcase. The heads were certainly not attached to the bodies they belonged with. Flashes of serial killers immediately run through my mind. I mean, isn't that how they all start out? Ripping the heads off of dolls, or torturing small animals. I quickly scan the room to make sure that the cats are still alive. (Yes I know, Marten is anything but a small animal...but he's smaller than her finally.) Both cats are alive and well.
I turn to Cate and ask her how this happened. Of course she blamed it on Kelly. Who in their right mind wouldn't blame this act on another child. I call my mother and tell her what Kelly has done. I also tell her that I am not so much concerned with the act of ripping the heads of, but I am more concerned with the lack of respect for toys that I spend my hard earned money on (sounds grown up like doesn't it!). I tell my mom that she needs to let Kelly know that if I ever see anything like this again, they will not be getting toys from me...ever!
After I hang up, I ask Cate what happened with the toys. She retells the same story that Kelly gave. Well, to an extent. Only she leaves herself out of the bad parts. Kelly said that they were playing with them together and she was pulling the heads off. Which resulted in Cate's hysterical laughter. Cate says that Kelly just pulled the heads off. Here's the troubling part of the conversation:
Mom: Did you ask Kelly to stop doing that to your toys?
Cate: Yes (nodding hesitantly)
Mom: Were you laughing when Kelly was doing this?
Cate: No (shaking head hesitantly)
Mom: Are you lying to me?
Cate: blank stare with tears welling in her eyes.
Mom: Answer me. Did you ask her to stop?
Cate: Shakes her head no.
Mom: Were you laughing?
Cate: Nods her head yes.
Now, I have no patience for liars. Really, I don't. And this isn't even something major that she needed to lie about. She wasn't going to get in any kind of trouble if she had just told me the truth. Add this to the fact that she lied to me a couple weeks ago and got caught. It makes for one pissed off mother.
I tell her that she needs to come and sit next to me on the couch so that we can talk some about this. I go through the whol "boy who cried wolf" scenarios and tell her why it is bad to lie and how I may not believe her one day when it is really necessary for me to believe her. Now the tears come....fast...furious! Heavy breathing, the kind where I am almosst certain she is going to hyperventilate and pass out in 8.7 secondss flat. Before we continue the conversation, I make her calm down.
After she calms, I ask her what she thinks her p*unishment should be. Man I used to hate when my mom asked me that question. The most obvious answer is no punishment at all, that I will never do the stupid act again. But I find myself asking anyway. To which she prompltly responds.... "A time out."
I tell her no. To which she is utterly shocked. I let her know that this can't be her p*unishment as it was the p*unishment that I gave when she was caught lying a couple of weeks ago and obviously that doesn't stop her from lying.
At this point, I am at a loss for what p*unishment I really should give her. Whcih kind of made me giggle on the inside. So I call Matt into the room. While he is aware of the situation, he has not participated in any of the discussion. I ask him what he thinks the p*unishment should be. He immediately has an answer (which impresses me tremendously!). He says that she should take her bath without playing and go straight to bed. Not a big deal really, until he said this..."And she isn't watching her shows before bed. She can just go straight to sleep."
Now, asking Cate to go straight to bed without watching some Spongebob is like ripping her toenails out one by one with pliers. When she hears this, the sobbing begins all over again. Once again, I get her to calm down and she asks me if she can at least have music on. There's that need for noise that has been with her since the NICU that appears it will never leave. I agree to it, Matt is a little peeved that I do, but I explain to him that she has never liked silence in bed. He agrees.
For the remainder of the evening, she is repeating how she wishes that she could erase this and she wishes it never happened, etc. To all of these comments, my response was
"The next time you think about lying to Mommy, I want you to remember exactly how you feel this very moment. Maybe that will stop you from doing it again."
(Nice huh!)
I must say that I felt like complete shit the entire evening for doing it to her. And I was on the verge of just talking to her and giving in several times. Thankfully, I had to drive mom to work so Matt was home to put her in bed. He had to be the one to enforce it. And he was fantastic at it!! I thanked him profusely for being the one to "stay sstrong" in the situation as I was so ready to cave in.
Hopefully she has learned her lesson. Although, I am still going to zing her the next time we are shopping and she asks for a toy. I will quickly remind her that she enjoyed destroying her toys and tell her that I am not sure I sshould buy them for her. And then, if Matt isn't with us, I will probably cave and buy her the stupid toy anyway!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)