www.simplicitybychristy.com
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
you decide
Everyone always asks me who Drew looks like. I think all the kids resemble each other but still have their own distinct look. Here are pictures of each of them at 6weeks.
soccer
Bella started soccer last week. She has asked us to play for awhile and was finally old enough this year. Jason is coaching her team and I give him and the other assistant a lot of credit. Trying to keep seven four years olds focused on a ball for an entire soccer game is a hard task. They lose interest after the first quarter and several announced they were finished playing well before the game was over. Bella had a great time and told me she loves soccer!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
preschool begins
The girls started preschool on Tuesday. This is Bella's second year and she goes three days a week. She asked to go every day but I thought she should enjoy her last year of semi-freedom. I hear kindergarten is very serious and I don't want her to get burnt out with school this early. Bella was happy to be back and knew several of her classmates from last year. She is our social butterfly and adores being around people. She loves her school and was so happy to be back. She picked out her own clothes for the first day. Can you believe this is what she chose to wear?
Amelia was excited about school all weekend. She was ready to go when she woke up, couldn't wait to get dressed, carry her pink polka dot backpack and have a "super fun" day making crafts. It was a good sign and I was hopeful drop-off would go smoothly. She marched in to class smiling, let the teacher take off her backpack and turned around fighting back tears. "I want to go with you" she told me. I gave her a kiss and told her to be brave. I wasn't going to make any crafts today and I was not going to have "super fun" at the doctor's office without her. I half expected a phone call from the preschool that morning. She was all smiles when I picked her up and I was overwhelmed with relief. Her teacher told me she was very grown up, patient and played great with her classmates. I am so proud of her.
Amelia was excited about school all weekend. She was ready to go when she woke up, couldn't wait to get dressed, carry her pink polka dot backpack and have a "super fun" day making crafts. It was a good sign and I was hopeful drop-off would go smoothly. She marched in to class smiling, let the teacher take off her backpack and turned around fighting back tears. "I want to go with you" she told me. I gave her a kiss and told her to be brave. I wasn't going to make any crafts today and I was not going to have "super fun" at the doctor's office without her. I half expected a phone call from the preschool that morning. She was all smiles when I picked her up and I was overwhelmed with relief. Her teacher told me she was very grown up, patient and played great with her classmates. I am so proud of her.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
one month checkup
Today I took Drew to the doctor for his one month check-up. He weighed in at 10 pounds 13 ounces! I could not believe it. He is having a lot of trouble after he eats and last week began showing all the signs for reflux. (Amelia also had it so I knew exactly what was happening.) Drew went from sleeping peacefully to screaming uncontrollably, vomiting after every meal and throwing himself backwards as stiff as a board. Nothing we did calmed him down. The pediatrician also put him on Zantac and recommended we switch to a formula specifically for reflux babies. We gave him the medicine and the new formula and for the first time all week, he actually went to sleep after he ate tonight. I hope this is a sign of good things to come for our little man.
The pediatrician also confirmed that the red mark under and around Drew's eye is a hemangioma. This is not the news I was hoping for. Hemangiomas usually disappear on their own but can cause complications when located around the eyes, nose and mouth. Right now our pediatrician is just going to watch it because Drew is so little. He said it will probably continue to grow and eventually will disappear all together. I know this is a minor thing but I am still worried about it. Especially because it involves his eye. I'm praying that it doesn't grow and cause more serious problems.
The pediatrician also confirmed that the red mark under and around Drew's eye is a hemangioma. This is not the news I was hoping for. Hemangiomas usually disappear on their own but can cause complications when located around the eyes, nose and mouth. Right now our pediatrician is just going to watch it because Drew is so little. He said it will probably continue to grow and eventually will disappear all together. I know this is a minor thing but I am still worried about it. Especially because it involves his eye. I'm praying that it doesn't grow and cause more serious problems.
Monday, August 17, 2009
up and running...
Last week was a disaster to put it lightly. The children were all restless and trying to adjust to being at home. It was in the upper 90s all week and they weren't very interested in doing anything outside. And to make matters even worse our washing machine was broken for the third straight week. If there is one appliance I can't live without, it is the washing machine. With four children, one of whom is only a month old, I do laundry almost every day. Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun? For our machine to be broken one week is awful but three weeks is a complete disaster.
The first repairman arrived the week before we went to Ohio and he had to order over a thousand dollars in parts rather than just replace the washing machine. The parts were on back-order and finally arrived in enormous boxes. The repairmen came back to fix the washing machine the day after we got home. I showed them all the parts that had arrived and the original work order. For two hours they worked and had the machine completely apart before the realized they were missing one of the drums needed to fix the machine. After trying to locate it, they ordered another one and had it overnighted. (another $1000) They agreed to put the machine back together so I could try to do some laundry while I waited for the part to arrive. Again. We had to run a few errands and I threw in a load of towels on my way out the door. I arrived home to find the machine frozen mid-cycle and water all over my laundry room floor. Now I have wet towels in and out of the machine! I called the company back and they agreed finally to just replace the washing machine. (It was still under warranty) They told me I would receive a telephone call within 24 hours letting me know the dollar amount I could put towards a replacement. Five days and countless hours on the phone with customer service later I finally get an authorization. The customer service representative told me if I made it to the store by 3PM they would deliver the machine the next day, Saturday. I wake all the kids up and hurry to the store. I was desperate. I could not keep taking loads of laundry to the neighbors house. The girls start school, dance, gymnastics and soccer this week. I needed my washing machine!
I arrive at the store at 2:50PM. There is one person, who looks like he's maybe 12, working in appliances and he is talking on the phone. I patiently wait with the kids. Another woman walks up while he is talking on the phone and when he hangs up he goes to help her "look" at dishwashers. Are you kidding me! The woman tells 12 year old boy she is only looking and isn't interested in buying anything today. She had time to waste and thought she would just look. Still he explains every single feature on every single model. I am rapidly reaching my boiling point. I went searching for another person to help us. Twelve year old boy is irritated upon my return because I was not willing to wait and listen to his awesome dishwasher pitch. I finally explain the situation and he says he will have to order the model and it will take another week to arrive and can't be installed until after August 25th. No freaking way. I should point out that we are now approaching one hour in the appliance department, the kids are getting restless and it is well past the 3PM delivery cut-off. I am almost begging for a new machine at this point. I am desperate. Twelve year old boy does not have any kids and does not understand my dilemma at all. He could probably care less if he had to wear the exact same shirt every single day. He might be old enough to be in college and laundry isn't exactly the top priority of college students.
My patience officially exhausted, 12 year old boy revelling in his authority to deny me a washing machine even though I was promised one, I finally ask for the manager. Keep in mind I was once the manager. One of my biggest pet peeves was being screamed at by customers just because they thought it would get them what they wanted. Because of my past experiences I try to be extra understanding and extra polite to those in the retail field. When the manager finally arrives I explain my situation for what seems like the 100th time. He has children, he understands, he is willing to help me. Finally someone that understands. The manager bent over backwards to help me, upgraded my machine to one they had in stock and pulled out all the stops to get my machine delivered Saturday morning. I could have kissed him I was so happy! Finally I see light at the end of the laundry baskets.
and because pictures make every post more interesting, here are a few of Will taken last week.
The first repairman arrived the week before we went to Ohio and he had to order over a thousand dollars in parts rather than just replace the washing machine. The parts were on back-order and finally arrived in enormous boxes. The repairmen came back to fix the washing machine the day after we got home. I showed them all the parts that had arrived and the original work order. For two hours they worked and had the machine completely apart before the realized they were missing one of the drums needed to fix the machine. After trying to locate it, they ordered another one and had it overnighted. (another $1000) They agreed to put the machine back together so I could try to do some laundry while I waited for the part to arrive. Again. We had to run a few errands and I threw in a load of towels on my way out the door. I arrived home to find the machine frozen mid-cycle and water all over my laundry room floor. Now I have wet towels in and out of the machine! I called the company back and they agreed finally to just replace the washing machine. (It was still under warranty) They told me I would receive a telephone call within 24 hours letting me know the dollar amount I could put towards a replacement. Five days and countless hours on the phone with customer service later I finally get an authorization. The customer service representative told me if I made it to the store by 3PM they would deliver the machine the next day, Saturday. I wake all the kids up and hurry to the store. I was desperate. I could not keep taking loads of laundry to the neighbors house. The girls start school, dance, gymnastics and soccer this week. I needed my washing machine!
I arrive at the store at 2:50PM. There is one person, who looks like he's maybe 12, working in appliances and he is talking on the phone. I patiently wait with the kids. Another woman walks up while he is talking on the phone and when he hangs up he goes to help her "look" at dishwashers. Are you kidding me! The woman tells 12 year old boy she is only looking and isn't interested in buying anything today. She had time to waste and thought she would just look. Still he explains every single feature on every single model. I am rapidly reaching my boiling point. I went searching for another person to help us. Twelve year old boy is irritated upon my return because I was not willing to wait and listen to his awesome dishwasher pitch. I finally explain the situation and he says he will have to order the model and it will take another week to arrive and can't be installed until after August 25th. No freaking way. I should point out that we are now approaching one hour in the appliance department, the kids are getting restless and it is well past the 3PM delivery cut-off. I am almost begging for a new machine at this point. I am desperate. Twelve year old boy does not have any kids and does not understand my dilemma at all. He could probably care less if he had to wear the exact same shirt every single day. He might be old enough to be in college and laundry isn't exactly the top priority of college students.
My patience officially exhausted, 12 year old boy revelling in his authority to deny me a washing machine even though I was promised one, I finally ask for the manager. Keep in mind I was once the manager. One of my biggest pet peeves was being screamed at by customers just because they thought it would get them what they wanted. Because of my past experiences I try to be extra understanding and extra polite to those in the retail field. When the manager finally arrives I explain my situation for what seems like the 100th time. He has children, he understands, he is willing to help me. Finally someone that understands. The manager bent over backwards to help me, upgraded my machine to one they had in stock and pulled out all the stops to get my machine delivered Saturday morning. I could have kissed him I was so happy! Finally I see light at the end of the laundry baskets.
and because pictures make every post more interesting, here are a few of Will taken last week.
Friday, August 14, 2009
one month old
Here are a few pictures of the wee man. He is one month old today. Time is going too fast. Drew is still in the new baby stage, I know it won't last much longer. He sleeps, eats and poops. Some days he actually stays awake a little bit but most days he just sleeps. The girls think he sleeps too much. Bella told me the other day, "his eyes are actually open mama! He's looking at me!". We have explained that he requires a lot of sleep. I think the kids are looking forward to the day he runs around chasing them. I'm not quite ready for that.
happy
not so much
happy
not so much
the clunes' visit
The week before we left for Ohio we were able to visit with my friend Jenny and her new baby Ian. Ian was born 3 weeks before Drew and is just adorable. He was so quiet the entire time he was here. I was amazed. If you have been to our house it is not quiet and sometimes borders on total chaos. Ian just looked around, taking everything in. Bella loved Ian's hair and told me she hopes Drew has as much hair as Ian someday. She wants to brush it and fix it for him! I don't see that happening..ha. Amelia is also big on babies right now. She was so excited to help Miss Jenny feed Ian a bottle. She has asked me several times since they visited where Ian is and when is he coming back. She doesn't realize the preparation and planning it takes to get babies ready for an outing. Thanks for visiting Clune family..as always it was so great to see you.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
we're back
I have been seriously slacking with posting lately! I am still adjusting to life with 3 kids and a new baby and we just returned from a week in Columbus. It was so nice to be back for a visit and get a break from the heat here. I have almost gotten used to it being so hot out and forgotten what 70 degrees feels like. Pure bliss let me tell you! We did some shopping while we were in town, had dinner and lunch with friends, spent a lot of time with family and even drove through campus. I hardly recognize it anymore :( It was a great visit but it's nice to be home too. That being said, I am completely over summer. Bring on fall! I'm ready for some football.
We resume all activities next week and it's full speed ahead that is for sure. Bella loves to be on the move and was upset that I wanted to limit her activities this fall. She gets bored easily (I don't know where she gets it from) and asks me every day "where are we going and what are we doing". So per her request we have dance, soccer, gymnastics and three days of school each week. Amelia is also in school two days a week, dance and gymnastics so it is going to be a busy year for all of us.
We resume all activities next week and it's full speed ahead that is for sure. Bella loves to be on the move and was upset that I wanted to limit her activities this fall. She gets bored easily (I don't know where she gets it from) and asks me every day "where are we going and what are we doing". So per her request we have dance, soccer, gymnastics and three days of school each week. Amelia is also in school two days a week, dance and gymnastics so it is going to be a busy year for all of us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)