February 28th 2010
Un-Processing
We really, really want to get ourselves to a place with our diets and lifestyle that we're truly 'un-processed'. In a country where we're bombarded with processing from infancy, it's harder than it seems. To the untrained eye it may seem that we're a pretty healthy family, and we do try to be...just not hard enough. Sure we have our green smoothies a couple of times a week and we eat salads/greens pretty much daily, but we have a lot more processed foods in our daily diets than we should and more than we would like to.
To say, "well, we'll just become vegans" is not enough. There are plenty of vegans that are still not really healthy. The healthy diet that we're looking for is a plant based diet full of fresh, real, 'whole' foods. You can go into a health food store and see loads of processed foods marketed for the vegan diet. You can look at a vegan cookbook and see how much of the recipes are for desserts. I'm not saying that it's not okay to have these things sometimes, but I feel like 'sometimes' is becoming more like once a week, or even once a day, instead of once every couple of months. Yes, we would like to keep our meals meat free, and I personally (though I can't speak for Chris, who LOVES cheese) would like to give up the dairy/other animal products, but that's not it. We really, really want to get all of the processed items down to a bare minimum. Also, instead of focusing on what we want to keep out of our diets, we are trying to foucs on adding (back) in all of the things that keep our bodies running the way they should be running... all the way to the end.
To say, "well, we'll just become vegans" is not enough. There are plenty of vegans that are still not really healthy. The healthy diet that we're looking for is a plant based diet full of fresh, real, 'whole' foods. You can go into a health food store and see loads of processed foods marketed for the vegan diet. You can look at a vegan cookbook and see how much of the recipes are for desserts. I'm not saying that it's not okay to have these things sometimes, but I feel like 'sometimes' is becoming more like once a week, or even once a day, instead of once every couple of months. Yes, we would like to keep our meals meat free, and I personally (though I can't speak for Chris, who LOVES cheese) would like to give up the dairy/other animal products, but that's not it. We really, really want to get all of the processed items down to a bare minimum. Also, instead of focusing on what we want to keep out of our diets, we are trying to foucs on adding (back) in all of the things that keep our bodies running the way they should be running... all the way to the end.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 4 days
News posted by Laura at 1:31 PM | 
Comment
February 27th 2010
Lowe's Build and Grow - Lowe Bot
We got a late start this morning to get to this build. It had sleeted last night and snowed some this morning. It was wet snow as the temperature was already climbing. I shoveled off the deck and cleared the car. We were at Lowe's at 10 after 10. The build was crowded as usual. We started off slow, letting the girls work on it all on their own. They got tired out towards the end and I had to help them finish up. I also put on the stickers so they would not rip them and artistically mess up their project, that is what the markers are for at home.
Oh yeah, we always stop by Target after the build. We noticed all the frozen section was empty. I asked an employee what happened to all the food. I knew they had a power outage, I was more asking where it went. He said it was all thrown out. It is such a shame, both me and Laura looked at each other knowing we would be searching for the dumpsters. We didn't find them or anything, Laura was heart broken. It is a shame they can't donate or cook up all that stuff for the community, or allow a food bank to take the liability of doing so. I know for all the people without power, they would have loved to get together somewhere that did, like the high school or whatever and work their way through all that frozen food.
Oh yeah, we always stop by Target after the build. We noticed all the frozen section was empty. I asked an employee what happened to all the food. I knew they had a power outage, I was more asking where it went. He said it was all thrown out. It is such a shame, both me and Laura looked at each other knowing we would be searching for the dumpsters. We didn't find them or anything, Laura was heart broken. It is a shame they can't donate or cook up all that stuff for the community, or allow a food bank to take the liability of doing so. I know for all the people without power, they would have loved to get together somewhere that did, like the high school or whatever and work their way through all that frozen food.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 12 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 12 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 3 days Art posted by christopher at 11:21 AM | Comment
February 26th 2010
Zoë's loses her first tooth
After much encouragement from the dental hygienist and Abby, Zoë has been playing with her wiggly tooth. Mommy and Abby have been begging me to take it out, and I have been refusing. The sound and feeling of twisting out these teeth isn't for the faint of heart. But they reminded me that I took out Abby's so I had to do it. Zoë finally agreed to grin and bare the pain. I had to twist this tooth around twice to get the roots to snap and break. It isn't something I want to get used to doing, that is for sure. Laura can't even watch as I am doing this procedure. Anyhow, the tooth is out and safely tucked under the pillow for the tooth fairy.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 2 days First Moments posted by christopher at 6:59 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Tooth number one Zoe!!
University of New Hampshire Cafeteria
Today we took the opportunity to dine at the University of New Hampshire cafeteria. We are cafeteria people at heart. We were also meeting a sign language student there for a lesson/unit study that Laura and the girls were working on. We were detoured around Durham to Dover because route 4 was closed while getting there and we were late, and it was still closed when we left. Since we were late we didn't see the person Laura was to meet, so we started to circle around. Luckily he was downstairs and approached us as we walked around and all the college kids gawked at this crazy family. We went back upstairs to settle in a quieter dining spot. During Laura's meeting I took the girls to all the different food stations. We made so many trips to try everything out. The girls had a great time and loved the experience. There was so much to choose from, but not sure about the quality, which is typical of everything else around here that isn't super expensive. Laura was completely overwhelmed with the college kid lunch rush. I could tell she was nervous of all the people and how to get food and for example where to make paninis or find the ice cream. The whole process wasn't so simple or straight forward, it was more of a mad house free for all. She commented on not missing much by going to community college as opposed to a larger school. Abby and Zoë had new found confidence in and amongs this crowd of kids. They even went unattended to get their own pieces of fruit. They were completely out of our eyesight and reach for a good two minutes. Laura was getting her own food and didn't know I let them go downstairs alone by themselves, or she would not have allowed it. They did well and walked and held onto the stairs railing. I was starting to get worried it was taking so long, and was about to try to find them but they came up and I was relieved, until they told Laura about it. I fondly remember American University's cafeteria being larger than this newly outfitted one, but can't be certain my memory is accurate. With the power outage we had $2 off the normal lunch adult price of $10. The girls were $1 off the normal lunch price of $5. So for about $26 and change we had a cafeteria lunch. I am not sure we got a really good deal for the money, but the experience was priceless. Abby and Zoë are very much interested in returning, if not for the schooling, for the meals. With Laura's meeting and all, we stayed a good two hours.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 2 days First Moments posted by christopher at 1:43 PM | Comment
February 25th 2010
Stormy Day
The rain poured down all day today, and the wind began to really pick up by the afternoon. Reanna called in the evening and asked if I could return her pump and bring a couple of things she needed for Elijah, who came down with the icky tummy bug. The drive was interesting, and for most of the way Enzo was very quiet, just watching the rain whip against the car. He was so upset, though, when I hopped back into the car at the Valley's and we started to drive home right away. He kept asking me to get him out.
Later on, after the girls were in bed already, Chris and I heard a big thud then we continued to hear some banging around. Finally we thought to check the deck and see if anything was missing. Sure enough our (empty) garbage can had blown away somewhere. I donned my rain coat to go out searching for it. Luckily I didn't have to go far, it had apparently hit the car and hung out just in front of it in the driveway. We put our almost full trash bag in it to help weight it down. Before heading to bed I had to put it back in its place again as it had started to sneak towards the edge of the porch. The winds have really picked up now, already at hurricane force. It should be an interesting night.
Later on, after the girls were in bed already, Chris and I heard a big thud then we continued to hear some banging around. Finally we thought to check the deck and see if anything was missing. Sure enough our (empty) garbage can had blown away somewhere. I donned my rain coat to go out searching for it. Luckily I didn't have to go far, it had apparently hit the car and hung out just in front of it in the driveway. We put our almost full trash bag in it to help weight it down. Before heading to bed I had to put it back in its place again as it had started to sneak towards the edge of the porch. The winds have really picked up now, already at hurricane force. It should be an interesting night.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 10 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 10 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 1 day News posted by Laura at 6:29 PM | Comment
February 24th 2010
Dentist, Doctor, and Meds Oh My
Today has been a very busy day of running around. For the last couple of days my upper molars on one side have been bothering me and then last night and this morning it was a lot worse so I called the orthodontist, who said to call a dentist. I managed to get in as a stand by at the dentistry part of Families First health care this morning. Luckily there were no kids in the childcare room so Enzo and I hung out in there and played while I waited for them to call me, then Enzo was able to stay with Parkie while I had my appointment. I don't like leaving him, but I know he's familiar with Parkie (since we've done so many groups with her there) and I was going to be having an x-ray and all. Well the problem turned out not to be that I have a cavity, but a sinus infection. Yeah, go figure. The dentist scooted me right across the hall to the medical, who had an opening, who diagnosed the sinus infection part. Then the dentist came back in and said that the two molars look good, the reason for the tooth pain is that my roots on those teeth are up in the sinus area so with the drainage or whatever, it's causing pain there.
So, I left there to find Enzo having a great time at the little sink with Parkie, who'd discovered his great love of washing hands/dishes and was letting him play with a soapy sponge. She said that he was quite mad after I left, but they figured out the sink fascination and he was happy since. Of course then he didn't want to leave. Enzo fell asleep shortly after getting in the car, so we stopped by the house to see if Daddy and the girls would want to hop in the car for errands. We stopped at the library, bank, and post office then CVS. When we got home I called the pediatrician to have the kids checked out to make sure all of their sinus stuff was under control. I figure if they're not over it and will need antibiotics as well, we should all just go through it at the same time so we're not passing it back and forth.
So, shocker, all three kids have this junk stuck in their sinuses too. Zoë's was most visible, Lillie said that she could see the post nasal drip and the irritation it had caused. On Abby one ear was looking close to infection and Enzo's sinuses were just generally puffy. The girls will have amoxicillin, but since Enzo doesn't do well on that (bloody diarrhea = not good) he's going on cefprozil... we shall see. While we waited, yet again at CVS, I read some Barenstein Bears to the girls and finally we got to go home. What a day!
So, I left there to find Enzo having a great time at the little sink with Parkie, who'd discovered his great love of washing hands/dishes and was letting him play with a soapy sponge. She said that he was quite mad after I left, but they figured out the sink fascination and he was happy since. Of course then he didn't want to leave. Enzo fell asleep shortly after getting in the car, so we stopped by the house to see if Daddy and the girls would want to hop in the car for errands. We stopped at the library, bank, and post office then CVS. When we got home I called the pediatrician to have the kids checked out to make sure all of their sinus stuff was under control. I figure if they're not over it and will need antibiotics as well, we should all just go through it at the same time so we're not passing it back and forth.
So, shocker, all three kids have this junk stuck in their sinuses too. Zoë's was most visible, Lillie said that she could see the post nasal drip and the irritation it had caused. On Abby one ear was looking close to infection and Enzo's sinuses were just generally puffy. The girls will have amoxicillin, but since Enzo doesn't do well on that (bloody diarrhea = not good) he's going on cefprozil... we shall see. While we waited, yet again at CVS, I read some Barenstein Bears to the girls and finally we got to go home. What a day!
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months News posted by Laura at 6:34 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
You poor babies..you too Laura!!
February 23rd 2010
Lollipops and Big Truck
This afternoon, once lunch was done, the girls got to try out their huge heart shaped lollipops that Daddy had bought them after Valentine's Day. The lolly's came with tags that said "Love is Lollipops". The girls convinced Daddy to adorn them with the tags so Abby got hers tied into her ponytail and Zoë got one tied to her headband.
Later on we met Grampy in his big truck. He drives to Portsmouth to pick up/drop off mail at the distribution center here, yet we've never met him to say hello before... he doesn't really have a lot of free time. He had some papers for us so we packed up just before dinner time and met him before he had to be at the loading dock. The kids got to check out the inside of the truck and even sit in the driver's seat for a moment. Enzo was waving as soon as he saw Grampy. As Grampy pulled away and we were getting into the car, Enzo was blowing kisses. Zoë and Abby were trying to devise ways that they could go on a run with Grampy.
Later on we met Grampy in his big truck. He drives to Portsmouth to pick up/drop off mail at the distribution center here, yet we've never met him to say hello before... he doesn't really have a lot of free time. He had some papers for us so we packed up just before dinner time and met him before he had to be at the loading dock. The kids got to check out the inside of the truck and even sit in the driver's seat for a moment. Enzo was waving as soon as he saw Grampy. As Grampy pulled away and we were getting into the car, Enzo was blowing kisses. Zoë and Abby were trying to devise ways that they could go on a run with Grampy.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 29 days First Moments posted by Laura at 1:47 PM | Comment
Zoë and Abby's Winter Dentist Visit
The girls were so excited that they were getting to go to the dentist this morning that they were awake and downstairs before 6:30. Zoë told us that she wishes that everyday was a dentist visit day. Abby showed off her missing baby tooth and new adult tooth coming up in its place. Both of the hygienists as well as the dentist noticed how wiggly Zoë's two front bottom teeth are. Not only did they give the girls permission to wiggle their loose teeth, they encouraged it! One of the hygienists told Zoë that if she wiggled them every night this week, they'd probably be out by the weekend. She's on it.
Both girls were told that they were doing very well brushing, which we were glad to hear because we've been letting them do it a little more on their own. We monitor it of course, and we still give them a once over at the night time brushing, but we're not doing the bulk of it anymore like we used to. I think once those 6 year molars come in, they'll need a little help making sure they get all the way in the back. Speaking of those molars, they said that Zoë will probably beat Abby in getting them in, as they could see some puffy gums back there right now on Zoë. (As if everything isn't already enough of a competition between these two).
After a clean bill of health the girls both got the fluoride treatment "painted" on and we were free to go. Soft foods and drink okay immediately, hard and crunch things have to wait. It's better than when they had to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything after wards because you know the girls were always begging for water as soon as we were done. Oh, and Enzo did a great job watching everything from my back. He was really interested in all that was going on and even got his own little green toothbrush with choo choo trains on it.
Both girls were told that they were doing very well brushing, which we were glad to hear because we've been letting them do it a little more on their own. We monitor it of course, and we still give them a once over at the night time brushing, but we're not doing the bulk of it anymore like we used to. I think once those 6 year molars come in, they'll need a little help making sure they get all the way in the back. Speaking of those molars, they said that Zoë will probably beat Abby in getting them in, as they could see some puffy gums back there right now on Zoë. (As if everything isn't already enough of a competition between these two).
After a clean bill of health the girls both got the fluoride treatment "painted" on and we were free to go. Soft foods and drink okay immediately, hard and crunch things have to wait. It's better than when they had to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything after wards because you know the girls were always begging for water as soon as we were done. Oh, and Enzo did a great job watching everything from my back. He was really interested in all that was going on and even got his own little green toothbrush with choo choo trains on it.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 29 days News posted by Laura at 1:24 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
So gald you like going to the dentist and have a good report.
Pancakes with a Princess
We managed to make it to IHOP after the girls 6 month dentist check up visit. With clean teeth and flouride treatment setting, we met Aunt Reanna and her field trip children from Live and Learn for the IHOP Free Pancake day. We were surprised when Ms. New Hampshire was there too. This is a first for all of us, to have pancakes with a princess, even if she is only the princess of New Hampshire for a year. It was fun to meet and talk to her, even though the girls were incredibly shy. Enzo was unphased with title and just wanted his pancakes. When he was done with his, he felt compelled to help Reanna with hers too.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 29 days First Moments posted by christopher at 9:36 AM | Comment
February 22nd 2010
Enzo in his office - no productivity
Enzo only wants to sit on the toilet if Daddy is there to help him. Laura thinks it is funny that I have to get up, and sit right next to him for him to want to try to pee on the potty. While mommy and the girls were upstairs, Enzo pointed and asked for the toilet so I got his pants and diaper down and on the potty. He pointed to the toy station and I moved it over for him to play with. He sat on the toilet for a good while, "working", but had no productivity.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 28 days News posted by christopher at 5:18 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Good Boy Enzo!! xxoo
School Vacation Week?
As the girls were sitting at the table doing their spelling and math workbooks, Leeann called and happened to ask if I was "making the girls do school work". I said that they were working on math at that very moment. Then she informed me that it was February vacation week and she was going to tattle on me to Zoë and Abby, telling them that they were doing school work when everyone else was having a break from it. My reply was, yes, but we already had a two week break starting at the beginning of the month due to sicknesses, so they used up all their break time for February. :) And no, we don't take snow days either... and won't have any to 'make up' at the end of the year either.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 28 days School posted by Laura at 1:19 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
:P
February 21st 2010
No Church Again
We missed church again this week, this time mostly because of me. Enzo's nose is still drippy and he has a cough when he's sleeping, my head just generally doesn't feel well. The past few weeks have just been brutal for us. Instead we called the grandparents, Zoë and Abby played with their polly pockets for a while and they also got to watch a movie.
We're really hoping we'll be all healthy and able to go out and about again by next week, cross your fingers for us!
We're really hoping we'll be all healthy and able to go out and about again by next week, cross your fingers for us!
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 27 days News posted by Laura at 1:15 PM | Comment
February 20th 2010
Upstairs Play Day
Enzo and I got to sleep in a bit and then we went up to the playroom to get it started warming up. After breakfast I took the kids up to just play. At first when I suggested we go "up, up" the girls said, "But it's Saturday, we don't have to do school work today." I informed them that we were just going up to play and they scampered right up.
After doing lots of playing, pretending this that and the other, both of the girls decided to take a break and color some pictures. Of course Enzo needed to sit at the table and color as well... and climb on the table to get all of the things his hands aren't supposed to touch.
A little before lunch time we headed back downstairs and got ourselves some bowls of the chili that Daddy started in the crock-pot last night. Then Zoë and Abby played some board games together while Enzo and I got some much needed rest.
After doing lots of playing, pretending this that and the other, both of the girls decided to take a break and color some pictures. Of course Enzo needed to sit at the table and color as well... and climb on the table to get all of the things his hands aren't supposed to touch.
A little before lunch time we headed back downstairs and got ourselves some bowls of the chili that Daddy started in the crock-pot last night. Then Zoë and Abby played some board games together while Enzo and I got some much needed rest.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 5 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 26 days News posted by Laura at 4:00 PM | Comment
February 19th 2010
Hard Working Knot Heads
Yesterday evening Chris mentioned that with their bangs, the girls looked some character or another, who had braided 'knots' on her head behind bangs. So this morning I indulged him and I did some braided buns in the girls' hair after their showers.
The first thing I had the girls do this morning for their school stuff was spelling. They finished up Lesson 17 and then we did their weekly spelling test. Both of the girls got a 90%. Zoë spelled "purple" as 'pruple' and Abby spelled "turtle" as 'turttle'. After I showed them which words were wrong, I asked them to correct the mispelled word and both got it right on the second try, without any clues, so I gave them a corrected 100% . Next was math and then we took a break with 'Mad Gab'.
The first thing I had the girls do this morning for their school stuff was spelling. They finished up Lesson 17 and then we did their weekly spelling test. Both of the girls got a 90%. Zoë spelled "purple" as 'pruple' and Abby spelled "turtle" as 'turttle'. After I showed them which words were wrong, I asked them to correct the mispelled word and both got it right on the second try, without any clues, so I gave them a corrected 100% . Next was math and then we took a break with 'Mad Gab'.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 4 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 25 days News posted by Laura at 1:58 PM | Comment
February 18th 2010
Zoë's Glasses are In
We got the call today that Zoë's glasses were ready to be picked up. After Enzo's nap we all got into the car to run a few errands, Zoë's glasses pick up included. Zoë and I went in and they fitted the glasses to her face. Just about this time Enzo was cranky in the car and Abby had to potty so Chris brought them in too. Once Zoë's glasses were adjusted for her ears, she got to pick out a case and was given a microfiber cloth for cleaning her lenses and we were on our way. She's so excited that she has her glasses and likes the way she looks in them.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 24 days First Moments posted by Laura at 5:12 PM | Comments ( 3 )
Comments:
Dear Zoe, Your cousin Dru just got his first glasses last month. He loves them too and will only take them off when he wrestles with his brother and sisters.
Zoe, you look very scholarly.
Zoe, you make those glasses look cute.
I looked all over for my glasses the other day and I couldn't find them anywhere. Guess where they were?
On my head
February 17th 2010
Mommy and Enzo Down for the Count
Enzo's had this upper respiratory yuckiness for a couple of days now, but today I woke up feeling like he's been acting. He did have more spurts of being a happy boy and played and helped with dishes and what not, but he's still not feeling so well. I told Abby today that now I know why she was so whiny yesterday, this just makes you feel so icky. Lots of raw honey, green tea, and vitamins for us today (minus the green tea for Enzo). It's going to be an early to bed for the little guy and me tonight.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 2 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 2 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 23 days News posted by Laura at 1:55 PM | Comment
February 16th 2010
Bangs
Yes, the girls are now sporting bangs. Zoë has been begging us to let her have bangs, we just couldn't talk her out of it. Today we gave in, first watching a bunch of 'how-to' videos, and then setting to work. I sectioned off some hair and then Chris did the cutting. As Zoë's hair was coming off, Abby eagerly asked if she could have bangs too. After both girls were done and their hair had relaxed a bit, we decided that the hair was too much in their eyes, so I trimmed it up a bit more. The girls can't stop talking about how much they love their bangs. Chris and I informed them that we let them try it out and now they can grow them out. Zoë protested, reminding us that the videos said we should trim them every three weeks, but Chris and I decided that, though they don't look awful, we just prefer the no bangs look.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 1 day
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 1 day
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 22 days First Moments posted by Laura at 10:08 AM | Comment
February 15th 2010
Lap Harp
We got the girls a lap harp that was on sale at Wal-Mart for $9.00. It has a pick and different cards (each card has a different song) that go under the strings with where to pluck the strings and in which order, how long to hold the note, etc. Even though it is currently out of tune, the girls are getting pretty good at it.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 21 days News posted by Laura at 1:59 PM | Comment
February 14th 2010
Valentine's Day 2010
What with the kids all being snotty and germy, not to mention cranky, we stayed home from church today. The girls had some Valentine's they had wanted to give to their friends there and were a little bummed they wouldn't get to today, but we found plenty of other things to fill our day.
We called all of the grandparents, the girls played their lap harp a lot, Daddy played a bunch of games with Zoë and Abby while Enzo helped me make lasagna and garlic toast for dinner. The girls got to eat some of their candies that Nonna had sent, and were sent off to bed with their throats coated in raw honey.
We called all of the grandparents, the girls played their lap harp a lot, Daddy played a bunch of games with Zoë and Abby while Enzo helped me make lasagna and garlic toast for dinner. The girls got to eat some of their candies that Nonna had sent, and were sent off to bed with their throats coated in raw honey.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 21 days Holidays posted by Laura at 7:54 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Poor little "sweeties' lets hope for a good healthy week. Of course we are getting snow and it is suppose to come your way. Sled riding time!! xxoo
February 13th 2010
Beach Clean-Up
After Lowe's, we zoomed to Jennes Beach to join with the Blue Ocean team to clean up the beach. There were a lot of people there! That probably had something to do with Disney's promotion of giving a day of community service and getting a free day in the park.
We got there and I signed us in, while Chris bundled the kids. We got Enzo set in the ergo and went to listen for instructions. The whole group walked a ways down the beach, some people had garbage bags and clipboards and then everyone started combing back up towards the parking lot. We were in the back of the pack and were skeptical that we'd find anything, but managed to find some ropes and fishing wire and other little debris. Once we were back by the beach wall at the parking lot, a lot of people stopped there and didn't keep combing the beach down toward the rocks, so Chris and the girls were able to find some more things to get logged in. Enzo and I had taken a seat on the beach wall, as he was ready to nurse.
We got an email later saying that a total of 105 pounds of trash was collected. If that much was collected in February, can you imagine how much the collect in the summer? Even though we did originally do this to get the free day at disney certificate, we plan to go back again with the girls and help out next month and possibly join in on some of the other events this group does.
We got there and I signed us in, while Chris bundled the kids. We got Enzo set in the ergo and went to listen for instructions. The whole group walked a ways down the beach, some people had garbage bags and clipboards and then everyone started combing back up towards the parking lot. We were in the back of the pack and were skeptical that we'd find anything, but managed to find some ropes and fishing wire and other little debris. Once we were back by the beach wall at the parking lot, a lot of people stopped there and didn't keep combing the beach down toward the rocks, so Chris and the girls were able to find some more things to get logged in. Enzo and I had taken a seat on the beach wall, as he was ready to nurse.
We got an email later saying that a total of 105 pounds of trash was collected. If that much was collected in February, can you imagine how much the collect in the summer? Even though we did originally do this to get the free day at disney certificate, we plan to go back again with the girls and help out next month and possibly join in on some of the other events this group does.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 29 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 19 days News posted by Laura at 10:30 AM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Correction; last paragraph...Disney captial
I think this is just great. Community service is wonderful..so happy you all contributed.
Lowe's Build - Jewelry Organizer
We got to Lowe's right at the start time for building, but there were already a bunch of people building as Chris signed the girls in. We were on a bit of a time crunch because we had to get over to Jennes Beach to sign in 'promptly at 10:30', but we didn't want to miss the build.
Zoë and Abby weren't feeling the same speediness that Chris and I were. We'd look at them and they'd just be staring off in to space, watching the other kids, and we'd have to remind them - again - that we had to go quickly this morning. Luckily it was a fairly easy build, but I think it still took us 20 minutes to get settled and get the organizers built.
Zoë and Abby weren't feeling the same speediness that Chris and I were. We'd look at them and they'd just be staring off in to space, watching the other kids, and we'd have to remind them - again - that we had to go quickly this morning. Luckily it was a fairly easy build, but I think it still took us 20 minutes to get settled and get the organizers built.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 29 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 19 days Art posted by Laura at 10:00 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What a fun build and I know you have some jewerly to hang on your pegs.
February 12th 2010
Cut off the Curls
Enzo has had curls at the nape of his neck, which I absolutely loved, however they weren't always curled up. Sometimes they'd get matted down with a hat or brush or what have you and it would look like he was sporting a rat tail. Finally, this morning after a shower I let Chris trim away the curls.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 28 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 18 days First Moments posted by Laura at 10:47 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
what a cutie little face!!
February 11th 2010
Enzo's First Fingerpainting
Zoë and Abby had some Valentine's art projects they wanted to work on, so I decided to set Enzo up at his high chair for his first experience with paints. I taped some fingerpainting paper down to his tray, with him all decked out in smocks, and then squirted some different fingerpaints on the sides of his page, handed him a brush, and let him explore. It didn't take him long before he was ready to get cleaned up, but he enjoyed himself nonetheless. I taped his painting up near the sink to dry and as he was washing his hands he pointed happily to his work of art.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 27 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 27 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 17 days Art posted by Laura at 9:15 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Looks like you had fun FINGER painting,,,,you should of used your fingers all over the paper,,,more fun that way!!
February 10th 2010
Buttermilk Brownies
Ingredients:
* 1 cup butter or margarine
* 1/3 cup hershey cocoa (regular-type, dry)
* 2 cups sugar
* 1 cup water (or 1 cup coffee)
* 2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 slightly beaten eggs
* 1/2 cup buttermilk
* 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1. In saucepan combine butter, cocoa, 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water (first four ingredients).
2. Bring to boil; stirring constantly.
3.Remove from heat and set aside.
4.In large mixing bowl, blend together flour, soda and salt.
5.In small bowl combine buttermilk, eggs and vanilla; whisk lightly with a fork.
6.Pour buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
7.Add cocoa mixture gradually with mixer on low setting.
8.Mix until well blended (flour and buttermilk mixture will be thick and likely need to be scraped from sides of bowl to blend thoroughly).
9.Pour into greased 10 1/2 x 14 3/4 x 2 1/4 baking dish.
10. Bake at 375 deg F for 25 minutes; test with toothpick.
Found at recipezaar.com
* 1 cup butter or margarine
* 1/3 cup hershey cocoa (regular-type, dry)
* 2 cups sugar
* 1 cup water (or 1 cup coffee)
* 2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 slightly beaten eggs
* 1/2 cup buttermilk
* 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1. In saucepan combine butter, cocoa, 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water (first four ingredients).
2. Bring to boil; stirring constantly.
3.Remove from heat and set aside.
4.In large mixing bowl, blend together flour, soda and salt.
5.In small bowl combine buttermilk, eggs and vanilla; whisk lightly with a fork.
6.Pour buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
7.Add cocoa mixture gradually with mixer on low setting.
8.Mix until well blended (flour and buttermilk mixture will be thick and likely need to be scraped from sides of bowl to blend thoroughly).
9.Pour into greased 10 1/2 x 14 3/4 x 2 1/4 baking dish.
10. Bake at 375 deg F for 25 minutes; test with toothpick.
Found at recipezaar.com
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 26 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 16 days Recipes posted by Laura at 4:05 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What a delicious looking cake,,little chocolate ice cream perfect, right girls.??
Quarantine for Zoë, Baking for Abby, Treats for Enzo
Yesterday Zoë woke up with a cough that didn't sound so good. It wasn't gone by this morning so I gave her some raw honey 'cough syrup', a mask, and told her she was quarantined to her bedroom. I just can't handle sickness going through the house again, especially can't handle Enzo getting anything else. She got to watch two Strawberry Shortcake dvd's and one Gigi dvd on the little portable dvd player. After 41/2 years of use, the dvd player has seen better days, but it worked well enough for Zoë's movie enjoyment. I brought up a muffin for morning snack, and also brought down the dollhouse and accessories from 'storage' that she hasn't had a chance to play with in a while. Zoë came down for lunch, and went back up to play for a while and then after snack she just stayed downstairs, mask firmly in place.
Meanwhile, Abby and I (and Enzo) were busy in the kitchen. We had buttermilk leftover from when Chris and the girls made my cake so I searched for some recipes to use it up. First we made blueberry buttermilk muffins, and after we were done cleaning up from that we got started on buttermilk brownies. When we were pulling out the muffin pan and lining it with our silicone cupcake liners, Abby noticed the heart shaped silicone baking pan that Nonna got me for my birthday. I went ahead and poured the batter into this, which came almost to the brim. It took longer than the recomended bake time and was risen in a nice mound by the time it was finished, but it came out tasty too. Abby had wanted to make sugar cookies as well, and I was up for it at first, but after these two things were all said and done, along with all of the other normal needs of the day, I wasn't up for making a third treat and all of the dishes that go along with that.
Meanwhile, Abby and I (and Enzo) were busy in the kitchen. We had buttermilk leftover from when Chris and the girls made my cake so I searched for some recipes to use it up. First we made blueberry buttermilk muffins, and after we were done cleaning up from that we got started on buttermilk brownies. When we were pulling out the muffin pan and lining it with our silicone cupcake liners, Abby noticed the heart shaped silicone baking pan that Nonna got me for my birthday. I went ahead and poured the batter into this, which came almost to the brim. It took longer than the recomended bake time and was risen in a nice mound by the time it was finished, but it came out tasty too. Abby had wanted to make sugar cookies as well, and I was up for it at first, but after these two things were all said and done, along with all of the other normal needs of the day, I wasn't up for making a third treat and all of the dishes that go along with that.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 26 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 16 days News posted by Laura at 12:57 PM | Comment
Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins
Ingredients
* 2 1/2 cups flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 4 ounces butter or 1/2 cup canola oil
* 1 1/2 cups blueberries
* 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Directions
1.Sift dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
2.In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk and butter that has been melted and browned slightly.
3.Make a well in dry ingredients and pour in liquid ingredients, mixing quickly.
4.Fold in blueberries.
5.Spoon batter into greased muffin cups and bake till golden brown.
6.Bake at 400 F for 20 -30 minutes.
Found at recipezaar.com
* 2 1/2 cups flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 4 ounces butter or 1/2 cup canola oil
* 1 1/2 cups blueberries
* 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Directions
1.Sift dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
2.In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk and butter that has been melted and browned slightly.
3.Make a well in dry ingredients and pour in liquid ingredients, mixing quickly.
4.Fold in blueberries.
5.Spoon batter into greased muffin cups and bake till golden brown.
6.Bake at 400 F for 20 -30 minutes.
Found at recipezaar.com
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 26 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 16 days Recipes posted by Laura at 12:34 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
These muffins turned out really tasty! The batter is more like a dough when everything is mixed together, but they bake to perfection. I did the butter instead of the canola oil and added in the vanilla. I also put in a couple of dashes of cinnamon, just because.
February 9th 2010
Glasses on Order
After calling a few different places to ask about frames and filling the prescription we decided to let Zoë pick out some $9 plastic frames at Wal-Mart and then we went to Kittery Optemetrics to get the rest of it set. Zoë got her pupil distance measured and and all of her info. filled out and we were on our way. Much to Zoë's dismay, the glasses will still take about a week to be ready to pick up (we were told there was a chance they'd be ready same day), but at least there was no extra charge for us bringing in frames we'd bought elsewhere, as there would have been at the Harbor eyecare place where the girls had their eye tests done.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 25 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 25 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 15 days News posted by Laura at 12:45 PM | Comment
February 8th 2010
Abby's Eye Appointment
Abby was chomping at the bit waiting for her appointment this morning. She couldn't get her shoes and coat on quickly enough when I told her it was time to go. In short, she doesn't need glasses. She does have slight farsightedness and a slight stigmatism, but nothing out of the ordinary for her age. If she still has these issues in a couple of years then it may be something she needs glasses for.
While we were waiting for the dilation drops to do their thing in Abby's eyes, we checked out the choices of frames for Zoë's glasses. People have recommended staying away from the metal frames and glasses with the nose pads for kids, which is all they had for Zoë's size so we're going to look elsewhere for the plastic frames and then get the lenses prescription filled in those frames.
While we were waiting for the dilation drops to do their thing in Abby's eyes, we checked out the choices of frames for Zoë's glasses. People have recommended staying away from the metal frames and glasses with the nose pads for kids, which is all they had for Zoë's size so we're going to look elsewhere for the plastic frames and then get the lenses prescription filled in those frames.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 24 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 24 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 14 days News posted by Laura at 11:39 AM | Comment
February 7th 2010
PJ Day
Yesterday evening Abby and I declared that today would be a cozy pj day. The girls got showers in the morning and then dressed in their pj's. Downstairs they got to watch a movie while breakfast was made and then finished it after they were done eating. After Enzo finished having a morning snooze, he and I took a run to Wal-Mart - on our list was gatorade (for Daddy), bananas, and cheerio's - and yes, we stayed in our pj's. After this, Enzo and I took a shower and soaked in the tub then got right back into some jammies. We had had a nice potato chickpea soup for lunch and just took it easy today.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 23 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 23 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 13 days News posted by Laura at 5:33 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I like PJ Days...I give myself one of those once in awhile.
February 6th 2010
Cleaning House
The shortened nursing thing has seemed to do the trick and Enzo's looking better this morning. He woke up at 2:00 a.m. and 5:00a.m. nursed and I rocked him back to sleep. This morning, when he woke up I offered him some kix and mashed banana after nursing and he was thrilled to have that. Zoë informed us she was starved too and ate oatmeal with the rest of us.
After coming home from the Home Depot build, Chris and I got to cleaning. We have hardly been able to touch the bags of clothes from our stay down in Mass., not to mention all of the other stuff. I've especially not been much help, what with trying to get Enzo better. Once Enzo went to sleep I put him in the ergo (still want to keep him upright for today) and enlisted Abby's help to get our many loads of laundry folded and put away. Zoë had put herself down for a nap on the mattress, which was still in the living room so we just let her rest. Once Enzo was up he made a diaper mess while having snack so I got him cleaned up and let him soak in the tub, while Abby helped Daddy vacuum everywhere. Once Enzo was out of the tub I gathered all of the clothes and other items that anyone has touched in the past few days to get washed as well. Enzo and I did the dishes, washing and rinsing them in the hottest water possible (Enzo stuck to his little bowls of non-scalding water).
With everything picked up, washed up, and cleaned up, we're all feeling a bit more perky just to have things looking and feeling neat, clean, and healthy around here.
After coming home from the Home Depot build, Chris and I got to cleaning. We have hardly been able to touch the bags of clothes from our stay down in Mass., not to mention all of the other stuff. I've especially not been much help, what with trying to get Enzo better. Once Enzo went to sleep I put him in the ergo (still want to keep him upright for today) and enlisted Abby's help to get our many loads of laundry folded and put away. Zoë had put herself down for a nap on the mattress, which was still in the living room so we just let her rest. Once Enzo was up he made a diaper mess while having snack so I got him cleaned up and let him soak in the tub, while Abby helped Daddy vacuum everywhere. Once Enzo was out of the tub I gathered all of the clothes and other items that anyone has touched in the past few days to get washed as well. Enzo and I did the dishes, washing and rinsing them in the hottest water possible (Enzo stuck to his little bowls of non-scalding water).
With everything picked up, washed up, and cleaned up, we're all feeling a bit more perky just to have things looking and feeling neat, clean, and healthy around here.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 22 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 22 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 12 days News posted by Laura at 4:24 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
It was good to see everyone pitching in..many hands make light work!!
Home Depot Kid's Workshop - Car Display
We arrived at the Home Depot slightly later than we usually do. We had a slow start this morning, everyone recovering from a stomach bug. Abby and Zoë were excited for the build even though they didn't know what the car display was or even how to use it. I explained that it was really a boy's toy for their match box cars. Then the girls kept asking what match box cars were. I explained to them that it is only a display shelf where they place a car on it. Zoë thought it was a "den" for a car in winter, you take out the shelf for summer. Anyhow they enjoyed the build, it was mostly hands off for me so that I could watch them build. I am sure they will find a use for it with their barbies, they always do. Old tissue boxes make great Barbie bath tubs, just without the water.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 22 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 22 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 12 days Art posted by christopher at 9:24 AM | Comment
February 5th 2010
Another Pediatrician Visit
I called the dr. as soon as we got home as they had said that they wanted to see him again if he threw up anymore while we were down in Scituate, so in he went this morning. We saw Mary, who said she thought he probably was at the end of it and told me to start the pedialyte regimen again and then work up to mixing half unflavored pedialyte with half breastmilk (to total 1oz.) to get some calories in him - he's lost one pound since Tuesday morning - and get his stomach accepting the breastmilk again by giving it in small doses. She also gave me three pedialyte 'special' cups, which were clear with blue twisty straws, and they came with powder packets of pedialyte inside of them. This way, even if Abby doesn't get this, she'll have a cool cup too. She also gave me four of the anti vomiting tablets to take home and told me to give one to Zoë as soon as I got back to the car - Daddy and the girls were waiting for me downstairs in the car - and then in an hour I could start her on her own pedialyte regimen.
We swung by Wal-mart on the way home to pick up some more pedialyte and then I washed the cups and started Zoë and Enzo on their 10 minute intervals of drinking their small amounts. They both kept these down after 2 hours so we increased the amount to 1oz. Both of the kids were getting upset by now that they couldn't have anything to eat, unfortunately Enzo doesn't understand as well as Zoë can. Another two hours went by without event, which meant that Zoë could have a couple of saltines and Enzo could start having half and half pedialyte and breastmilk. Enzo drank some, but was pushing drinks away by now and crying for crackers. Luckily Mary called to check in and I mentioned this and she asked if he wanted to nurse - I said, "Of course he does!" so she told me to nurse him for less time than I normally would and then offer him a saltine to distract him from his milk being taken away. She said if he did well like that for the rest of today then he could nurse normally during the night.
I planned to sleep on the couch inclined with Enzo and the girls wanted to sleep in the living room too so we brought their toddler mattresses down and set them up in the living room to sleep. Enzo had been sleeping and woke up around 8:30, nursed and went back to sleep. He woke again, whining at 10:45 pm, and vomited. At first I was very discouraged and scoured the web for anything about toddler vomiting. I decided that the vomiting was probably because Enzo filled his belly beyond what it was ready for at the earlier nursing. He's gone back to sleep and the next time he wakes I plan to let him nurse, but keep it to two minutes per side and then get him to sleep.
We swung by Wal-mart on the way home to pick up some more pedialyte and then I washed the cups and started Zoë and Enzo on their 10 minute intervals of drinking their small amounts. They both kept these down after 2 hours so we increased the amount to 1oz. Both of the kids were getting upset by now that they couldn't have anything to eat, unfortunately Enzo doesn't understand as well as Zoë can. Another two hours went by without event, which meant that Zoë could have a couple of saltines and Enzo could start having half and half pedialyte and breastmilk. Enzo drank some, but was pushing drinks away by now and crying for crackers. Luckily Mary called to check in and I mentioned this and she asked if he wanted to nurse - I said, "Of course he does!" so she told me to nurse him for less time than I normally would and then offer him a saltine to distract him from his milk being taken away. She said if he did well like that for the rest of today then he could nurse normally during the night.
I planned to sleep on the couch inclined with Enzo and the girls wanted to sleep in the living room too so we brought their toddler mattresses down and set them up in the living room to sleep. Enzo had been sleeping and woke up around 8:30, nursed and went back to sleep. He woke again, whining at 10:45 pm, and vomited. At first I was very discouraged and scoured the web for anything about toddler vomiting. I decided that the vomiting was probably because Enzo filled his belly beyond what it was ready for at the earlier nursing. He's gone back to sleep and the next time he wakes I plan to let him nurse, but keep it to two minutes per side and then get him to sleep.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 22 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 22 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 12 days News posted by Laura at 11:08 PM | Comment
And Zoë Goes Down
Zoë woke Chris up at about 5:00 this morning with, "Daddy I don't feel well". Before he could get her to the bathroom, she got sick in bed - on Abby. Chris grabbed her up to get her to the bathroom in the event she had more in her, and she got sick again just before the toilet. He wiped up the bed with Abby's pajama top (she was already messy, right?) so that it wouldn't soak in, wiped up the bath mat with wipes as best as he could and then came to enlist my help.
I put the mat in the downstairs tub, sprayed and wiped the floor, and helped Chris strip the bed so we could put the sheets and mattress pad in the washer. After this I tended to the downstairs needs, as Enzo was crying and we didn't want to wake Matt and Caitlin. We were all up, and felt like the worst house guests (probably because we had been!) so we just started packing up to leave, as well as cleaning all of the messes. We just wanted to get our sick germs and mess makers out of poor Matt and Caitlin's house! Matt had woken up and saw us out.
The upside of leaving so early in the morning was that we caught a really pretty sunrise over the water on our way out of town. We were amazed, though not entirely surprised, that we hit so much traffic once we neared the city, it being only 6:30 in the morning. It wasn't as bad as it could have been though and we got through the bad areas before it got really congested. We needed a potty break and a few of us in the car were actually hungry for breakfast, so we pulled into the sonic. After pottying was done we went through the drive-through (all that was open) and just got a few breakfast items. Zoë was upset that she couldn't have anything to eat, but especially as she'd already gotten sick once on the car ride (luckily she made it into the plastic bags Chris had set up for her) we had to deny her.
I put the mat in the downstairs tub, sprayed and wiped the floor, and helped Chris strip the bed so we could put the sheets and mattress pad in the washer. After this I tended to the downstairs needs, as Enzo was crying and we didn't want to wake Matt and Caitlin. We were all up, and felt like the worst house guests (probably because we had been!) so we just started packing up to leave, as well as cleaning all of the messes. We just wanted to get our sick germs and mess makers out of poor Matt and Caitlin's house! Matt had woken up and saw us out.
The upside of leaving so early in the morning was that we caught a really pretty sunrise over the water on our way out of town. We were amazed, though not entirely surprised, that we hit so much traffic once we neared the city, it being only 6:30 in the morning. It wasn't as bad as it could have been though and we got through the bad areas before it got really congested. We needed a potty break and a few of us in the car were actually hungry for breakfast, so we pulled into the sonic. After pottying was done we went through the drive-through (all that was open) and just got a few breakfast items. Zoë was upset that she couldn't have anything to eat, but especially as she'd already gotten sick once on the car ride (luckily she made it into the plastic bags Chris had set up for her) we had to deny her.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 21 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 11 days News posted by Laura at 7:57 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
The sunrise pictures are beautiful!! Loved them!!
February 4th 2010
Day Two in Scituate
Enzo has been up and down since being here - he vomited bile in the middle of the night - so I decided to keep him in the house and not join Chris and Matt on the train ride into the city. We were all supposed to go and hang out while Chris had his appointment at the Italian Consulate, but the girls stayed with Enzo and I instead.
Caitlin told us there were some toys in the guest room, where we were sleeping, so the kids and I hung out in there while the girls played with the abundance of little people toys. They were good about keeping the correct little people things with the correct toy, such as the pilgrim and food stuff with the mayflower type ship, and happily played until we heard Chris and Matt get home. We had tried to set up the Wii per Uncle Matt's instructions, but had no luck, so he set it up for them as soon as the girls had helped clean up the toys in the bedroom.
We had some soup and bread for lunch, and pizza for dinner - the girls were happy about this. I planned for Enzo and I to sleep downstairs on the sectional so that he could sleep inclined and so that his middle of the night crying wouldn't be heard by everyone else. Zoë and Abby were happy about this, because they got to sleep in the bed with Daddy instead of on the floor in their sleeping bags.
Caitlin told us there were some toys in the guest room, where we were sleeping, so the kids and I hung out in there while the girls played with the abundance of little people toys. They were good about keeping the correct little people things with the correct toy, such as the pilgrim and food stuff with the mayflower type ship, and happily played until we heard Chris and Matt get home. We had tried to set up the Wii per Uncle Matt's instructions, but had no luck, so he set it up for them as soon as the girls had helped clean up the toys in the bedroom.
We had some soup and bread for lunch, and pizza for dinner - the girls were happy about this. I planned for Enzo and I to sleep downstairs on the sectional so that he could sleep inclined and so that his middle of the night crying wouldn't be heard by everyone else. Zoë and Abby were happy about this, because they got to sleep in the bed with Daddy instead of on the floor in their sleeping bags.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 21 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 11 days News posted by Laura at 7:51 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Looks like you had fun at Uncle Matt's house. I played WII over Christmas and it was fun.
February 3rd 2010
Scituate Visit
We lef this morning for our visit down to Matt and Caitlin's. Enzo's night was rough, but more because he wanted to nurse and was told no, as apposed to up being sick. The pediatrician had said that if he hadn't vomited for such and such a time then she'd say it was fine for him to make the trip. So Chris again asked Matt what he thought about Enzo staying at their house and him and Caitlin didn't mind. The drive ended up being the best thing for him as he slept just about the entire way down.
Enzo ended up being completely afraid of the cat and dog, but tolerated them if he was being held. Caitlin's school kids were still there, so Uncle Matt showed us some of the Wii games, which the girls are hooked on already. Chris and Matt went out to get us some sandwiches for lunch and then when the daycare kids were gone Zoë and Abby rushed over to get started playing dress-up.
Enzo ended up being completely afraid of the cat and dog, but tolerated them if he was being held. Caitlin's school kids were still there, so Uncle Matt showed us some of the Wii games, which the girls are hooked on already. Chris and Matt went out to get us some sandwiches for lunch and then when the daycare kids were gone Zoë and Abby rushed over to get started playing dress-up.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 19 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 19 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 9 days News posted by Laura at 3:45 PM | Comment
February 2nd 2010
Stomach Bug for Enzo
Enzo woke up vomiting this morning. At first Chris and I thought that maybe it was the chicken he'd eaten last night (that's what was in the throw-up), but were later convinced otherwise. I put a call into the pediatrician's office, as Enzo continued to vomit whatever went in, and they told me to give him 1 teaspoon of pedialyte (thank goodness we had some on hand) every 15 minutes and if in an hour and a half he hadn't been able to keep those doses down then I needed to bring him in.
Well, an hour later I was calling back - he hadn't been able to keep it down. At the office he was given an anti-vomiting dissolvable tablet and more instructions to keep him on the pedialyte regimen and gradually increase it. We went on like this, with Enzo gradually being able to take more and more in and even munching a few kix and bites of mashed banana. Late tonight he got sick again. Another conversation with the doctor on call, and more pedialyte regimen, lets hope it works as we're supposed to go down to visit Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin for a few days starting tomorrow.
Well, an hour later I was calling back - he hadn't been able to keep it down. At the office he was given an anti-vomiting dissolvable tablet and more instructions to keep him on the pedialyte regimen and gradually increase it. We went on like this, with Enzo gradually being able to take more and more in and even munching a few kix and bites of mashed banana. Late tonight he got sick again. Another conversation with the doctor on call, and more pedialyte regimen, lets hope it works as we're supposed to go down to visit Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin for a few days starting tomorrow.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 19 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 19 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 9 days News posted by Laura at 11:29 PM | Comment
Optometrist Appointment for Zoë
With Enzo being sick, Chris took both girls to Zoë's eye appointment this morning. I was shocked when Chris walked through the door an hour and a half later telling me that Zoë needs glasses. Also, they want Abby to come in to get her eyesight checked as well, being that the girls are identical twins and probably have similar eyesight. Zoë is farsighted and needs the glasses for things like reading, schoolwork, watching movies, etc. The notes said that she could wear them just for the up close work or all the time. Abby's appointment is scheduled for Monday, the 8th. I opted to wait to pick out Zoë's glasses until then as well.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 18 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 18 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 8 days News posted by Laura at 10:39 AM | Comment
February 1st 2010
Weekday Birthday Party
Zoë and Abby were invited to Naomi's birthday party out at Mendem's Lake. Naomi is one of the girls in the homeschooling group and had her birthday party at her grandparents home on the lake, which is currently frozen. I had the girls wear their snow pants in the car and then get their coats and such on when we got there. We arrived at the same time as two other families, about half an hour after it started, and unfortunately the few kids that were outside went inside as we were finishing getting all of our snow gear on. There was no way that I was getting them all undressed just to dress them again when the other kids went back out, so we just played in the yard on our own for a little bit and soon enough the others came back out.
With some other parents joining us, I felt safter letting the girls go out onto the lake. Katrin, who is Naomi's mom, said that her father had drilled a hole to check the depth of the ice and deemed it safe. Still there were plenty of slips and falls, but they were all followed up by lots of laughs. In the yard Enzo had not ventured to take a step on his own, and wasn't thrilled with me pulling him in the sled, so I'd put him in the ergo and he was content to watch the other kids playing. Finally though I had to pull the girls in from the ice to go warm Enzo, and the rest of us up. Zoë and Abby were able to talk some of the other girls into going in, so they were fine with it. They spent a long time playing downstairs and pretty much only came up when it was time for cake and ice cream. The girls gave Naomi the cards they had made for her when it was present time and then played for a while more before it was time to head home.
I have to say, I loved that we were at a birthday party, with plenty of other little friends, in the middle of the day on a Monday... and it wasn't even a holiday.
With some other parents joining us, I felt safter letting the girls go out onto the lake. Katrin, who is Naomi's mom, said that her father had drilled a hole to check the depth of the ice and deemed it safe. Still there were plenty of slips and falls, but they were all followed up by lots of laughs. In the yard Enzo had not ventured to take a step on his own, and wasn't thrilled with me pulling him in the sled, so I'd put him in the ergo and he was content to watch the other kids playing. Finally though I had to pull the girls in from the ice to go warm Enzo, and the rest of us up. Zoë and Abby were able to talk some of the other girls into going in, so they were fine with it. They spent a long time playing downstairs and pretty much only came up when it was time for cake and ice cream. The girls gave Naomi the cards they had made for her when it was present time and then played for a while more before it was time to head home.
I have to say, I loved that we were at a birthday party, with plenty of other little friends, in the middle of the day on a Monday... and it wasn't even a holiday.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 17 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 17 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 7 days News posted by Laura at 5:59 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Now you both need ice skates....Uncle Dan and Uncle Marc and a whole lot of cousins and friends used to go to the Greenie Pond and skate. We would make a big fire and have a grand ole time. With all this freezing weather the Greenie Pond is proably frozen and waiting for some adventureous kids to return.
