Olivia and Company

Rick and Alan playing guitar

It's getting hot in here!

Alan didn't hesitate to put on his firefighter's gear (neither did Roger) yesterday at Hudson's Firefighter's Museum. Lots of new improvements including a play/craft area for children and puppet shows each weekend (though Alan was more interested in climbing the engines.) It is ALWAYS SOOOOO empty when we visit here. I can't imagine why???? Please take your children here - it is a great place to visit. They are open everyday....

SHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Yes he's loud. (but lovable)

At Adam Fairacre Farms yesterday, Alan wouldn't stop screaming. Timeouts haven't been working, so I have been taking away his vacuuming privileges (probably not a good idea to take away "cleaning" privileges, it no doubt will come to haunt me in the future)....however it seems to be the only thing that will work. But yesterday at Adam's...it didn't. He didn't seem to care about vacuuming....It wasn't until the cashier said to him SHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! He almost started to cry right there and totally clammed up. We went silently to the car and then he burst into tears.

It must be so confusing to be a loud kid. Today, I almost had a screaming fit myself with this lady at the library. I took Alan to see "Dogs on Fleas", a GREAT kid band. The library was full of children making lots of noise. For some reason, the library overbooked itself, and an origami workshop was going on in the children's room. Alan was playing (being a regular 3 year old), and the origami instructor started screaming at Alan to be quiet in the most rude way possible!!! Alan stood there, didn't know what to do, almost in tears......I told him it was okay....I was FUMING!!!! A band was playing right next store for god's sake!!! Children were running around all over the place!!! I ALMOST HAD A COW. I went straight to the person behind the desk and demanded to know her name and to complain. Parents applauded me. (5 parents actually came up to me and patted me on the back...one expects me to write a letter to the Freeman!) Another parent pointed me to the person in charge....so I was rightfully given my charge and did my duty!!!!

The children's librarian profusely apologized. She followed me around the rest of my time there, checking in on me, each time giving me pamphlets about some of their other great programs. (And they are pretty wonderful....Alan had a great time here)....Each time the origami instructor yelled at some othre kid, the children's librarian blushed and tried to smooth it over....

So within the last 24 hours, two strangers have SHHHHHHHHHHHHed my son. One appropriately, the other one not. So much for a 3 year old to sort out ( and me too!)


On a more positive note, we did have an AWESOME time today at the library. Dogs of Fleas is a great band and the Kingston Library has lots to offer (just stay away from origami!)
Here is info on Dogs on Fleas...and info on children's programs at Kingston's library.

http://www.kingstonlibrary.org/childrens.php

http://www.dogonfleas.com/about.htm

My Little Dust Buster

At two years old, Alan was obsessed with fans. Now he loves vacuums. At the indoor park this week, he approached a few of our friends and began asking them if they had a vacuum. He loves when Melanie comes over, because he gets to ask her about her red vacuum. "What color is it?" "Can I come over and see it?" "Does it make a loud noise?" When we were listening to Lionel Richie (yes we listen to Lionel), we had a 20 minute discussion about what type of vacuum cleaner Lionel probably has. When we call family, he asks them about their vacuums. We've spent several afternoons searching for vacuums in magazines and newspapers. He wants me to cut them out and then he runs around the house pretending to vacuum "the dust".

Below is a collection of his personal vacuums that he lined up one evening for Louis and Portia. It's pretty clear that he loves vacuums more than trains and cars. I think its having a domino affect. Melanie told me a few weeks ago that Ivan even asked Santa for a vacuum for Christmas!

OLIVIA

Olivia was born Wednesday, January 16th at around 12pm. I finally had an opportunity to meet her last night at the hospital..along with Jules, Roger and Alan.

Olivia weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces and arrived 6 days after her due date. The baby has flawless smooth skin with shiny dark hair. When I greeted her, she was swaddled neatly in a little package of peaceful bliss...I did get a peek of her little feet though!!! Mel reports that she is a cuddler! Mel looked absolutely beautiful! She said that the baby is nocturnal, so I imagine she's a bit on the tired side, but Nick and Mel had a glow that only new parents can have after a few nights of sleep. They come home on Saturday.

Of course, I forgot my camera, but I will try to get a photo posted soon. By the way, Alan enjoyed the experience of being in the hospital. He has seen the video enough times to know his birth story. He wanted to see the sink where he was bathed. Then, he kept wanted to go to the playroom.

CONGRATS IVAN, NICK AND MEL!!!!

"technically....."

Technically, the doctor said the second blood test revealed that I did NOT have the Epstein Bar virus (Mono). WHAT??? So what had me in bed without being able to move for a month? He said it probably was a viral syndrome around the pharynx (throat).....He also said I am no longer infectious and I can go back to doing things normally - (I have been teetering between 75-85% energy level). I am meeting with the practice's natural homeopathic doctor in two weeks to discuss other things I can do for my energy, moods and immune system. Other than that, all my blood tests came out normal including iron, liver, etc....I will be going back to the gym next week.....

To Alan from Mr. Knox:

Dear Alan: I am at Emma's house again. I got here by riding in her red bag. She showed me her blue vacuum. It is called a Dirt Devil. It makes a wonderful noise. Later on today, or maybe tomorrow, I will send you a picture of me and the Dirt Devil. For now, I am sending a picture of just me. How is Mr. Fox? How is Miss Lucy? I miss them both. And I miss you. With love from Mr. Knox.

Weekend Wrap-Up

After over a month of maternal oversight where a never ending pot of homemade soup was constantly available (chicken, ham/pea and borcht)and where the laundry magically made its way into my drawers, this weekend, I finally took over the diaper changing duties and control of the house. Thanks to both moms for their support! Emma (aka Eileen) left on Saturday morning, and my mom last week. I was sad to see both mom's go, and a little nervous that I wasn't going to make it this weekend.

After Emma left Saturday morning, I motivated myself by taking Alan art-toy shopping where visited the dollar store and stocked up on paint and paper supplies to keep us busy. He is no longer napping, so I need more activities in the afternoon. I also found a large cardboard house that you color. Alan loves it! I'll take a picture. He calls it his "muffin store", because the window looks likes the drive thru at dunkin donuts!

By Saturday afternoon, I still had energy. Roger came home from a meeting and took Alan for a walk. This gave me time to rest-up, because I had the goal of making it to the John Street Jam in the evening, which I did! It was nice to be out again! It is around the corner, so it was a safe place to go should I feel sick. I stocked up on cough drops, and it was a mircale that I didn't cough during the first set. I only stayed through the first half - I started to get tired (not surprising since my bedtime has been 7pm). Made it home by 9pm and crashed!

We all stayed in our PJ's on Sunday until noon, and then met up with Marie, Jim, Mia and Ava at the Kiwana's Ice Rink. (this was Ava's first time ice skating as well!)




Alan was excited all morning about going ice-skating. However, it didn't work out to well for either of us! First, they don't make double-bladed ice skates for adults (boy did that get a laugh), there are no bars to hold on to around the perimeter, plus, they don't have adult sized braces for adults. It's been 25 years since the last time I skated, and I didn't have the nerve to go out on the ice. Turns out, that Alan felt the same way. Roger was very enthusiastic with Alan, and by the time I finally had my laces tight enough, I walked into the rink only to see a frightened child wanting his mommy. Note to self - next time trying something new with Alan, we need to be less enthusiastic and more gentle. All Alan wanted to do was touch the ice. He didn't even want to see the zamboni!!

That's okay, Roger went skating for a little bit while Alan and I shared some mozzarella sticks. Here is a photo of Roger in the ice and Alan feeling much better once we took off the skates....




Later we took him to the park, then came home and watched Shrek!

Other news: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA BOOTIE (Jan.13) AND GRANDMA EMMA (Jan.11)!!!

First playdate of the year

After over a month, I was finally well enough to host a morning playdate - that seems to be when I am most energetic....Had fun with Julie/Jace and Melanie/Ivan... Alan was a little tentative at first and stayed out of the playroom. To assist him I suggested that the adults move into the playroom as a stratgey to help him....seemed to work. Also, scroll down to see post and photo on Melanie - (one day post due date)

Melanie - Post Due Date

I have never seen an expecting mother look as vibrant as Melanie did today - her due date was yesterday. I had a little chat with Olivia, told her we were waiting! We'll see if she was listening....

Deal or No Deal

Escorted by my legal advisor (aka: Roger), I headed to Greenville tonight to plead my case on a traffic ticket I received on December 13th. I remember the day well. It was a Thursday, the first day of the mono-saga. I had an appointment with the doctor,and I was racing to beat the winter storm.

When the officer approached, I started weeping - couldn't find my registration - shocked that I (the slowest driver on the planet) would get a speeding ticket! If one only knew how many times I have bugged our village officials about speeding on Wash. Ave.

Anyway, the officer didn't feel that bad for me, she only reduced my speed from 52 miles per hour to 50 (in a 35).

With all of the medical melodramatics, I must have erased the traffic ticket from my memory until Roger reminded me as if a belated Christmas present that I had to appear on Dec.26th should I wish to contest the ticket. I was soooo out of it that I just asked Roger to take care of it - pay the fine, or whatever....But Roger called the judge on my behalf and had the case adjourned until tonight. Roger thought I had a good case to contest the ticket.

So tonight when the judge learned that my original appearance date was December 26, he said "TOO BAD...the day after Christmas, I would have let you off!!! Just my luck - a judge with a sense of humor.

So we started the proceedings. I told him that I wanted clarification from the officer on the location where I was found speeding because I recall there being a 50 mile speed limit sign only a few yards from where I was pulled over. Luckily for me, the officer wasn't there.... I added that maybe I was accelerating as I approached the increase in speed. He asked me where I was exactly, but I couldn't remember, but I knew that I was close to where there was a 50 MPH sign. Then I blurted out some true but incoherent nonsense like "I am a safe and prudent driver" (my legal advisor's words).

The judge then began to ramble on about my legal options. It all went over my head. I heard words like "trial" and "DA" and "jury"....And then he repeated how had I been in the court on December 26th, he would have let me off.

I couldn't help myself. I got the sense that he was messing with me....so I took a little risk, that had Roger shaking in his shoes.

"Judge (pause), so what's the difference between December 26th and today?"

He looked up at me (I think he smiled), and all I remember is more rambling about his Christmas spirit, his trip to Aruba, his grandchildren......more legalize.....and the words "PARKING TICKET....$25.00"

PHEW!!!!!! Thanks Judge!

vitamins and burgers

Yesterday I ventured out more than any other day the past month. Got some important banking completed and walked with Emma and Alan to the indoor park. Stayed at the park for a few minutes to catch up with Jules. She was hanging out with this woman who totally empathized with me. It put things in perspective. Without getting into the details, I should be very thankful that my condition is not life threatening. She gave me some great tips on vitamins and healthy foods to boost my immune system. Ironically, when I walked home, all I could think about was junk food. So I stopped by the sandwich store and ordered a large burger with extra cheese (and fries). I was craving meat and salt....hit the spot....maybe my body needs the iron...I guess I must be feeling better!!!! I crashed early, I seem to loose energy in the early afternoon.....but much better this week...

Today, I am so-so, but I am going to try to get to storytime at Barnes and Noble this morning, plus I have to go to Greenville to appear before a judge for a speeding ticket tonight......I am trying to get back into a routine.....

In other news, talked at length with Melanie yesterday over the phone. Her due date is tomorrow.....as of yesterday afternoon, no baby yet!!!!

Sleep

Alan is transitioning from his crib to his firetruck bed which has been a challenge. At 5AM, I heard the pitter patter of little feet only to find Alan at the foot of my bed. He climbed up and snuggled in. Here is a photo of him taken moments ago as well as a cute photo of him sleeping when he was a baby.

Composing

Emma arrived yesterday. Here she is this morning with Alan composing some great music. Enjoy the photos below. I am about 40% better. My plan is to continue with as much bed rest as possible the next three days, then on Thursday, I want to see if I can take over the reigns of the household with my mother-in-law as a back-up. She leaves on Friday. Then if I need more help, Suzanne can assist me next week. But I seem to be getting better more and more each day.....Bye for now!

quick update

I'm gaining a little ground. Spending more time out of bed, playing with Alan, etc.

I've learned strategies - don't take all the vitamins at one meal - it makes my tummy hurt, swallow honey when the coughing starts, drink water instead of juice (not sure why, but it seems to be easier on my stomach)....and lastly....don't underestimate the medicinal affects of Cheez-it crackers/White cheddar. Something about the salt and fat content (and taste) seems to settle nicely with me. So much better than saltines!

I'm trying to rest as much as possible. I did go for a short walk with Roger yesterday afternoon. First time out of the house in almost a week. (We went over to Nick and Melanie's...didn't want to expose her to my germs, but wanted to say hello...no baby yet!)

I am slowly starting to catch up on Christmas. I got more presents out but still have more to do. I found a bag of gifts for Alan that never made it under the tree....little things from the dollar store....kept him occupied most of the morning....oh, and Roger wants to set the record straight. He wasn't the one who opened my gifts. I guess there are other culprits in the house....

My sister came up last night and took Bootie!!! She got her fill of the snow and the Rosenbaums!!! I hope she doesn't expose Arizona to all of this!!!! Seriously, Bootie was so awesome. My house is cleaner now than ever. She kept Alan busy and stocked my freezer and frig with meals so I won't have to cook. She calmed me down when I became dramatic, etc....GOD BLESS THE BOOT!!! Yet we still have more reinforcements arriving today. My mother-in-law (Emma/Eileen) is currently driving over from Providence to spent the week with us. If I were to estimate, I am about 30% at my energy level, so it is a blessing to have more help this week.

Don't worry, I'll be back on my feet soon enough!!!

Alan's Cello and lots of Holiday Photos!

Hi - Thanks again to my famiy for documenting the holiday and for taking care of me during this difficult time. Below are are several blog postings with photos from the last month including Alan creating his own Cello below....

Snow and Trees

CHRISTMAS DAY PHOTOS

I pulled myself together for about 20 minutes on Christmas to watch the main event - Alan discovering his FireTruck Bed (and later in the day his new vacuum cleaner). Enjoy

CHRISTMAS EVE photos

Thanks to Eileen, Suzanne and Roger for documenting the holiday for me.

CHRISTMAS EVE: Suzanne made cookies with Alan for Santa and left them on a plate along with celery and carrots for th reindeer.









Here I am making an appearance before an evening of making my own "cookies" (hee hee - have to have a sense of humor)