Hustle Bustle

The Holiday full court press is upon us.  Aye, aye, aye, every year I swear I'm going to get done shopping early and every year I'm scrambling.  Believe it or not, even a stay at home Mom doesn't have a ton of time.  It doesn't help that Kolton isn't the best shopping companion.  I also find that I lack gift inspiration.  Cologne, candles, and accessories find their way into my bag every year.

Through all of the holiday stress it has been so incredibly fun to watch Kolton this year.  Hard to believe this is his 3rd Christmas!  He's really starting to get it with one glaring exception...he refuses to sit on Santa's knee.  I have tried in vain 3 times...thankfully stay at home moms get to go to the mall when there are no lines!  I can't wait to see his reaction when it comes time to open presents.  I just hope I'll be able to stop him from ripping things open beforehand.

Days of Future's Past

At just under 3 years old Kolton's world view of technology is vastly different from when I was his age.  Even my 21 year old self couldn't have imagined all we can do and use our cell phones for. He knows how to navigate to his favorite games, apps, and music.  "iPad" is in his vocabulary.  I sometimes wonder about the things we use today that will be considered old fashioned in the future.

Once a week, when Kolton is in preschool, I go out for breakfast by myself.  It's so wonderful just to sit there in peace and have a meal served to me without sticky, grabby, little fingers bothering me.  Today I over heard two women having a conversation all about what a pain in the butt sending Christmas Cards is.  And how Shutterfly will basically do the whole thing for you; even address and mail them if you are willing to pay for it.  Since we are in the social media age I'm honestly amazed that we still do the photo card bombing during the holidays.  Maybe this tradition will one day be extinct?  But don't be surprised to see ours arrive in the mail this week!

Their conversation also reminded me of how hectic the holidays are and how I long to enjoy them as much as I did when I was a kid.  Tonight I'm giving myself a Christmas break...buying cookies for the cookie exchange tomorrow and getting a manicure.

Doe A Deer

I don't know where to begin...it's been so long!  But I've missed this!  And I've missed you!  I started to realize just how valuable it is to be able to document Kolton's toddler years in this way.  I won't be able to update everything that's happened in the past few months in just one post.  So here is a start...

Kolton's vocabulary is increasing every day.  He knows all of his colors and can count to 20.  He especially loves talking about all of his friends at school.  One night we were naming the kids in his class and he named one I didn't know.  This is so encouraging!  For him to talk about something not in plain sight is wonderful progress.  And he sings! The song from The Sound of Music; Doe A Deer is his favorite.  Followed by Rock A Bye Baby, Jingle Bells, and a song I made up called Goodnight Kolton.  Along with singing he also loves to dance.  He grabs my phone ALL OF THE TIME and plays his music.  Pit Bull and Britney Spears are his jams.  

Jet Lagged

We were back in Minnesota for Mike's niece's wedding this weekend.  Kolton stayed with my mom so we could enjoy ourselves.  The day was beautiful and the bride was especially stunning.  The hard part about this event for us was it may have been the first time we felt incredibly old.  At 23 both Carson and Erin have their shit together...world traveled, good jobs, even home ownership, and now married.  When the party at the reception really got started Mike and I quickly realized we didn't necessarily fit in with the kids going crazy on the dance floor.  Even though they were dancing to all of the music we like.  I felt like I aged 10 years in a flash.  And then I aged another 10 years when Carson told me I was young at heart...ouch!  Never the less we had a very relaxing weekend with Mike's family and even snuck in some time with a few friends.  So all was well with the world until it was time to go home...

A 4 hour delay with a non-napped toddler.  We didn't go back to our house in Richmond until 3:30 in the morning!  Poor Kolton didn't know what hit him.  He had an absolute meltdown at the airport screaming "Daddy Do!"  about 100 times.  (Mike and I take turns asking him who loves him the most and he changes his answer depending on who's asking)  He was like CD skipping for over 20 minutes. Finally he crashed on my shoulder shortly before we boarded at 11:30pm.    FAA regulations state that all ticketed passengers; even 2 year olds need to be seated in their seats with their seat belts fastened to take off.  Ugh!  Kolton was so tired all he wanted to do was nuzzle my neck and sleep!  So I hunched over as far as I could and thankfully he slept through it, then continued to sleep on Mike the rest of the way.

Am I rambling?  I think I'm rambling...  Better go to bed!

He Sleeps

Precious Time

Last night I went to cycle class.  Near the end, when legs were dragging, in order to motivate us the instructor said "Time is your most precious gift, you are always losing it so spend it wisely."  I don't know if he was quoting someone or just made it up on the spot but I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

I often find myself getting frustrated with Kolton when he isn't sticking to schedule.  I'm rushing out the door but he wants to practice putting his shoes on...refusing to eat at meal times resulting in me chasing him around the house with a banana...wanting to lay and play in "Mama bed" when he should be napping already.  I get all worked up and sometimes snap at him; why?  I have no where else to be and really wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

With that in mind this afternoon he didn't go down for a nap until 2pm.  He typically naps for 3 hours but yesterday was only 2.  So I decided to just roll the dice. Today he slept for over 4.  I thought about waking him up around 5:00 but then thought better of it.  If he wanted to stay up until 10:00 so be it.  He went down at 8:30!

Preschool 2013

No Tears, No Tears, No Tears, YaaaaaaaaayYYY!  I love how first day of school photos have some how morphed into the new way to display creative skills (or lack there of in my case!)  I misjudged where to start the P in preschool on my sign and now I have to live with the shame forever =)  Ha, ha

The most important thing is Kolton had a really good day.  I was a little nervous because I have to help him unpack and hang up his bag...water, snack, folder.  At his school last year I just handed him over at the door without ever entering the room.  And usually walked away to the sound of his wails.  So, I definitely thought there would be a scene as I tried to leave.  Nope, K became interested in a puzzle and I quickly exited doing a happy dance.  It was an abbreviated day (only 1.5 hours) but still enough time for me to go get my nails done!

Thursday will be a real test to see if we can get there by 8:00.  His teacher told me its honestly fine to bring him up until 9:00.  But I don't want to fall down that slippery slope, I think it'll be good for us both to get going earlier.

Countdown

One week from today Kolton will start preschool Tues & Thurs mornings.  There is a part of me that finds it hard to believe we actually have 4 years of preschool to go before he'll start kindergarten.  Maybe its all of the "first day" photos I saw on Facebook today.  I don't mean to be a whiner, especially since September is childhood cancer awareness month.  But running errands with K Puppy (his current favorite nickname) is quite the spectacle.  He demands to be carried so I ultimately end up balancing him on my right arm while I push the cart.  Since the grocery store is only 5 minutes away my trips aren't very organized.  So there is always something I need.  Once school starts I'm hoping to avoid taking Kolton into stores completely.  I wonder how long I'll last?

Summer Wind Down

Colonial Williamsburg

I think its kind of funny that the end of summer is some how supposed to signify the end of fun.  Of course a change of season is always a little exciting too.  In a couple of weeks Kolton will be in preschool Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8-12.  I plan on grocery shopping on Tuesdays and doing something for myself (mani/pedi, shopping, etc) on Thursdays.  Yay!

So as summer winds down here is what we've been up to....

Kolton regularly requests to sleep in "mama bed".  Most of the time he gets rambunctious and proceeds to bounce all around so I've been hesitant to constantly give in to his requests.  However on this day he went to sleep right away and napped for 3 hours.  If he's good, I'll let him watch TV for 15 minutes before transferring him to his crib.  I'm going to wait to tackle his own big boy bed until he turns 3. I think of this as a nice little warm up.

Shopping!  I really do love the outdoor malls here.  I'll remember this summer as the summer of the hat. He gets so many compliments everywhere we go!

Soaking in the last days of the pool.  It kind of sucks that it closes after labor day.  It doesn't look like we are going to make it to the beach this year and I'm honestly OK with that.  Having the pool just steps from our front door has been so great I can't imagine packing up, sitting in traffic and all the other hassle just to sit and play in the sand.  

Proof that they actually will run down and fall asleep eventually!  Last weekend Kolton didn't nap both Sat and Sun.  (That was my bad because I missed his 1-1:30 window both days)  This was the result Sun night at 6:30.  Did you notice in both sleeping pictures that Kolton's hand is down his shirt?  Yup, he still rubs his nipple to soothe; love him!

This afternoon was his last Early Intervention therapy session.  Kolton's vocabulary continues to grow every day.  He is still going to receive speech services through the public school system but I'm no longer really worried like I once was.  I think his therapist is going to miss him!  And even though I've had my differences with her I actually think we could be friends.  We talked about getting together sometime and I hope we do.  Today was also his 2.5 year doctor appointment.  He sat up on the exam table all by himself and looked like such a big boy.  Suddenly time is flying by!

Gone Baby Gone

Lately its become increasingly more obvious that the baby days are OVER.  Its a little hard to comprehend even though I also know that a lot of 2.5 year olds are even more advanced than Kolton.  I still use the same little hooded towels that I've had since he was a new born.  Every night after his bath I hold him up so he can look at himself in the mirror.  Its getting harder to remember the infant he once was.  I never made a photo book of his first year even though hundreds of photos are downloaded into  Shutterfly.  Looking back through them, some I don't even remember taking.

And on a side note; you know what feeds the soul?  Time away with great friends!  I was luck enough to spend the weekend in DC with some of my besties.  We mostly ate and slept...we were in bed relatively early and slept in late.  I cannot even begin to say how refreshed I feel.  Throw in a facial, lunch, shopping, and of course a little champagne and it was the recipe for an absolutely perfect weekend!

Me, Anna, Cindy, (Steph is taking the photo!)

Feet Off

This is one of Kolton's more annoying habits lately.  The slouching, the feet up, Aaaaaah!!  The booster seat just isn't ideal. But I'm also not sure what else to do given the height of the table.  I'm hesitant to put him in timeout in the middle of trying to get him to eat.  Although, the timeouts have proven to be very effective.  He even put himself in timeout this week after gouging Mike's eyes.

Kolton's other most annoying habit....running around saying things are "on" or "off".  I'm really trying to have patience because at least he's talking!  But He says those two words about 100 times a day; maybe more!

Tuckered Out

Wow! What a weekend!  Saturday we visited a small water park for a birthday party.  There was a toddler pool with teeny, tiny, water slides.  The pure joy on Kolton's face is something I hope I never forget.  He LOVED every minute.  In the photo he just got done devouring a cup cake.  The morning festivities resulted in a 3.5 hour nap when we got home.

This morning we headed to our little community pool. But the big event of the day was Kolton's first baseball game.  They have a minor league in Richmond called the Flying Squirrels.  I made the executive decision that Kolton didn't need to nap since the game started right in the middle of his snoozy time.  BIG MISTAKE!  He was not at all interested in the game.  Mike and I took turns running around with him while the other hung out and relaxed at the seats.  We didn't stay for the entire game but I'm still glad we went.  Only, this time when we got home we were treated to the most hyperactive child we had ever seen. He didn't tucker out until 8:30.  Isn't this what summer is all about!?!

Aloha

Kristin and Alec got Kolton this adorable Hawaiian shirt on their honeymoon.  

I'm totally freaked out to drive anywhere and risk damaging the new ride.  Have I mentioned I'm a terrible driver?  I figure I'm about due for some sort of minor accident and it would be just my luck.  Today it rained buckets on and off.  Both times I was on the road and couldn't wait to get home so I could breathe.  

Can you believe its August?  I'm already starting to freak out about Halloween and Christmas.

Zoom! Zoom!

Today I said goodbye to a very dear member of my family...my 2004 Mazda 3!  It was my very first brand new car.  This car was so brand new I helped unwrap it off the truck and remove the plastic from the interior.  Every single mile put on this baby was done so by me or someone I had given permission to.  On her last day with me she had racked up a total of 123,231.

She still looks good!

Of course there were more than a few self-inflicted injuries.  

One year for Christmas Mike and I drove her from Baltimore to WI, half of it through a snow storm.  A drunk, with no shoes, tried to kick her door in...you should see the surveillance video, it is hilarious!  Then there was the time it took the Baltimore City Fire Department to help me change a flat tire.  

I'll never forget the day I got her, Memorial Day 2004.  It's funny to think that Mike was with me on that day too.  The sales guy's name was Cal Steele, I'm being serious.  But the most memorable thing for me was my reaction as he was discussing all of the safety features.  I rolled my eyes with exasperation; thinking there was no way I'd still have this car when I had a child.  Now Kolton knows her so well.  He still says "a-MaMa"  when he sees another Mazda.  And lately he's headed straight for her when he's ready to leave.  She will be greatly missed!

So now its time to move on....

....into a 2014 Mazda CX5  Zoom!  Zoom!

Royal Highness

I can't explain exactly why but I just can't wipe the smile off my face because of the Royal Baby!  I really thought it was going to be a girl....but oh my baby boys are just sooooooooo sweet!

Friday evening Kolton and I went to a birthday party at Romp&Roll.  During the snack/cake part we were seated next to a mom & son we had never met before.  She asked me how old Kolton was and said her son was just about to turn 2.  Then she said "So, when did he start talking because my son hasn't started yet and people are starting to imply something may be wrong."  My jaw hit the floor!  This woman was me a year ago!  I, of course, got diarrhea of the mouth and just blabbed about everything we have been through.  Others chimed in as well.  I think now that Kolton has actually started to talk I'm more confident in telling others not to worry too much. But I also know all too well that it's easier said than done.  I also find it interesting that this issue was addressed on the show Pretty Wicked Moms.  Did anyone else watch?

Right now there is nothing sweeter than hearing my baby's voice and seeing his delight when he says new words.  He's still not using language to communicate needs; he's mostly just naming things.  But I know once he figures it out more he'll have a lot to say.

Bad Mommy!

I'm a bad Mommy...I haven't taken a photo of Kolton in over a week!  And he has actually started saying Mommy instead of Mama.  Truth be told we were still in WI until Saturday.  We were originally set to come home that Friday but after getting through security at the airport I learned that our flight was delayed for over 2 hours.  Thankfully the Delta gate agent took pity on me as I was traveling alone with both Kolton and Sophie.  He was awesome and quickly booked me on a different flight the next day at no additional charge.

This week we've just been getting back into the swing of things with multiple play dates, dinner dates, and a birthday party tomorrow.  Is it hot where you are?  I'm a fan of hot weather but this is ridiculous!

Leaps and Bounds

Hello???  Are you there???  For anyone who still likes to keep up on Kolton I'm sorry I haven't had an update in nearly 2 weeks.  We spent the 4th of July holiday weekend in WI.  And just like our other trips back home I'm flying back with a completely different child than I flew in with. Kolton's vocabulary has exploded!  He's not completely clear of course but still unmistakable.  I'm so proud. 

This is the list he's started to say in just the last week...Hi, Bye, Go, Stop, All Done, Fan, Knock-knock, and "Get Er Done!"  as in Larry the Cable Guy...(Hey, it's Wisconsin!)

He also seems so much older.  He will be 2 and 1/2 in a week or so.  I'm starting to realize just how much I can trust him; with a watchful eye of course.

We got to see both of our families and some of my friends.  Once again I need to remind myself to take more pictures early and often.  Especially when there are multiple children involved.  We had a blast and here are some more pictures to compensate for my lack of posts.

 Kolton still does not like ice cream.  But he actually took a few bites this time.

 Kolton and Jameson (my friend Anna's son) taking drink breaks.  Not something we encouraged! 

 Tired Boy

 Lake Wissota  Its funny how much I miss the lakes.  Although I'm starting to love the beaches of the Eastern Shore; its just not quite the same.

 Happy 4th of July on the 6th July when my parents had their big party.  13 kids and about 30 adults...its getting to be quite the annual shin-dig.

 Trying to stay awake for fire works.  He was still a little scared this year so I didn't force it.  My mom always gets fun glow things to pass out to the kids around dark.  We have already been online looking at flashing bracelets for next year.

Sophie's new friend!  Also what my step-dad threatens will happens if she poops in the house...Just Kidding!

Second Thoughts

I was going to write about how Kolton's little quirks have been in overdrive lately.

I was going to write about that stay at home mom who publicly announced that she regretted it and how its just another example of women judging each other.

I was going to write about how much we are looking forward to our visit back to MN/WI in a few days.

But instead I ask that you relish in the pure joy of summer.  I hope it doesn't go by too fast!

Symbols

Thankfully the dogs have managed to find some peace with each other.  We still have to shoo Oscar off  of Sophie quite a bit but she learned that if she just sits down he is denied access.  So while things are still a little helter skelter around here we've settled in to a nice little rhythm.

Little man has been just as sweet as can be lately.  I didn't want to say anything before so not to jinx it but we finally got back to a quiet bed time routine.  One book and "The Wheels on the Bus" and that's it.  Hallelujah!

He's also been identifying symbols...mainly Mazda and Acura; the cars we drive.  I kid you not he can spot them before I do.  He'll point to a vehicle and say "a-Mama" and sure enough its a Mazda.  It doesn't matter the color or type, he just knows.  Same thing with Acura for Dada.  Things like this let me know just how smart he is.  I love him sooooo much!

And Happy Birthday to my mom.  60 years young!  Wish we were there to celebrate =)

Houseguest

I'm dog sitting this week while a Richmond friend is at the beach.  Oscar is a male, around 8 months old and he is not fixed.  I highly underestimated his natural urges!  He will not leave Sophie alone for 2 seconds.  Sophie is fixed so I'm not worried about her getting preggers or anything but,  I can't subject my baby girl to getting humped non stop for 5 days.  So they are living on separate floors; Oscar downstairs and Sophie upstairs in my bedroom.  I feel a little bad because I'm not really spending that much time with her but she's pretty laid back now.  Its crazy but I honestly forgot what it was like to have a puppy in the house.  The constant potty breaks and high energy have me thrown for a loop.  The fact that I also can't walk them together means its a little more work than I thought it would be.  Is this what it's like to have 2 kids??????

Just A Boy

This weekend I realized that Kolton is all boy.  He LOVES to play outside.  When we weren't outside he was pulling my hand to go outside. He also knows how to unlock and open the sliding door.  He even knows how to remove the stick that locks the door in place.  All weekend we were shouting "Shut The Door!"  Our June has been quite lazy.  It helps that there is a pool in our community so we always feel like there is an option.   But, I think being the mom of a boy means I have to be a little more inventive and adventurous.

Concentration

When I saw this look on Kolton's face I couldn't help but capture it.  My mind flashed to him working on a school project or being up to bat in little league.  I can tell that he is smart and I believe he enjoys learning.  Which is why I've decided to start him with the speech therapy the school is offering in the fall instead of sticking with Early Intervention until he turns 3.  When his speech therapist comes to the house Kolton is still able to wander and play with his toys or Sophie.  He probably doesn't understand the difference between her and his babysitter...they are both playmates.  Maybe he will be able to concentrate better in a school environment.

Or maybe I'm just looking for any justification to get away from his current therapist.  I don't know what it is about that woman but she just rubs me the wrong way.  I always feel like she's talking down to me.  She's a perfectly nice woman, around my age, and in a different environment we might even be friends.  But since day one I've always felt judged by her.  Judged on my parenting, judged on my appearance, judged on my home, and judged on the fact that I keep asking the same questions over and over... Will he ever speak?  What does this mean for his future?  How do I prepare myself?

I know I could ask for a different therapist but I'm not quite sure my feelings are justified so I don't.

Little Fish

Hot, sticky, humid, and raining pretty much sums up Richmond weather lately.  Either way we've been spending a lot of time in doors.  Unless we're in the pool...

Kolton is a little fish.  He LOVES the pool!  When its time to leave I have to gather our things and head out of the gate as fast as possible so Mike can just scoop him up and walk out.  Otherwise he does not want to quit.  It so fun to share such a simple joy with my child.  I will tell you though, that I am completely paranoid about drowning.  And now there is even this whole dry drowning thing where your child may even seem completely fine and then drown in his sleep later from water that got into the lungs...WHAT?!?!

I grew up around pools.  My dad always had one.  I can't remember exactly how young we were when we were swimming unsupervised during the summer.  Or maybe I just remember it that way.  But I definitely remember going to water parks and going in wave pools without hanging on to my mom's hand the whole time.  I don't want to be a super over protective mom but how do you learn to let go?

Rockin & Rocking

Kolton has been rockin that hat since we put it on his head Saturday.  He's so funny!  Usually he wants nothing to do with hats but now he loves this one.  He gets lots of compliments every where we go.

The power struggle at bed time continues.  If anyone has any tips on how to sleep train a 28 month old I am all ears!  I think I've got the book reading under control...he gets to pick 3 books and I pick 1.  I choose the same book every night to signal that it's time for bed.  Coincidentally enough Kolton also picks the same 3 books.  Whatever!  Beggers can't be choosers.  Now I'm stuck rocking him forever.  He resists me sooooo hard when I try to put him in his crib.  Unfortunately letting him scream for a few minutes and then going back in to rock some more is usually the path I take.  After crying it out he gets really tired and settles in pretty quickly.  I just wish he would go back to going to bed peacefully.  I feel like its been forever since we've had smooth bedtimes.  Its always kind of a stinker to end the day that way.  And I dread what this means for a toddler-bed transition.  Just another reason why I probably won't try until he's three.  

Evaluation Results

Friday Mike and I met with the panel of therapists that evaluated Kolton to see if he should be placed in a special pre-school program this fall.  He will continue to receive speech therapy but at this time they are holding off on any type of Autism diagnosis.  This means that he will attend his regular pre-school and I will take him for speech once a week for about 30 minutes or so.  I could also continue with his current Early Intervention speech therapist until he turns 3 in January and then switch to the school program.  The advantage there is that they come to us.  I'm thinking a change in therapists might be good for him.  It wouldn't start until September anyway so we will still have 3 months with the current one.

I am very comfortable with this plan.  Although they kept telling me that since he is so young he was able to test out very easily.  There are still some Autistic behaviors that we need to keep an eye on...mainly the obsession with spinning objects.  His saving grace is his social skills.  He did just fine interacting with all of the adults but since they weren't able to see him with his peers they still aren't convinced.  I guess its easier for kids with Autism to have normal interaction with adults but struggle with other kids.  So it'll be nice to get another year of pre-school under his belt.  They urged me not to say anything to his teachers right away to see if they bring up any concerns.  Again, I'm super comfortable with this plan.  And since he is so young if we re-evaluate next year he will still have 2 more years of pre-school before kindergarten.

There is one other avenue I'm looking into.  If you ever read my favorite blogs you may have seen this post from It's Always Something.   I was blown away.  I don't believe anyone has ever suggested I get Kolton's adenoids checked before.  One sign that there is a problem is chronic ear infections.  Kolton has only had 1 in his life.  However, he snores; has since birth.  I'd just like to rule it out so I made an appointment with the pediatrician tomorrow hoping she will refer me to a pediatric ENT.

So after all of that worry I'm not sure if I have all the answers.  For now I'm happy to let Kolton be Kolton.  And I'll admit that I still hold on to the hope that one day he'll just start speaking in sentences on his own.

Memorial Day 2013

I've had a really whirl wind weekend.  I was so honored to be a part of Kristin and Alec's wedding on Saturday.  Everything was gorgeous and simply so their style.  My mom and step-dad drove into town to watch Kolton while we attended all of the festivities.  And in the middle of everything I was also lucky enough to get to attend a beautiful baptism for my friend Amy's daughter, Ava.  I feel like I can't even form a complete thought because I'm just that wiped.  So here are a few pictures from the zoo today.  I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend as much as I did!

Loving my new camera!