One of the things I discovered upon returning to North Carolina is that B-Boy somehow acquired more teeth!
In a previous post, I mentioned that B-Boy had ten teeth... four in the front on the top and bottom, as well as 2 molars on the top. I am happy to report that he has two more molars on the bottom. How I missed them is beyond me. I bet he just found them lying around somewhere... because I never saw them come in.
One day there were gums there, and the next full grown molars!
And that is not all. His incisors are starting to come in on both the top and bottom. He had red bumps where the teeth should be, a sure sign. And now? Now the telltale little white peaks are starting to appear on the bottom. Yikes. Lets keep our fingers crossed that he is not a biter!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Snow arrives after Christmas
We woke on December 26th to a yard full of beautiful snow.
And no power.
Did I mention there was snow, and no power? It was beautiful, but chilly!
Neb cooked a nice camp-style breakfast in the iron skillet on the grille, yummy eggs and bacon! We had decided if the power did not return by 3pm, we would attempt to drive to Raleigh (if the roads would permit). Our fireplace is to be serviced next week, and so we were unable to use it.
Neb cranked the small generator up to power an electric blanket, the TV and the DVR. At one, the power returned. YAY! We had decided that we would not go out into the snow until the power was on, and since B-Boy was taking his nap when it came on, we waited to go play.
Sadly, the power went out a half an hour later. We eventually decided to pack up and head into town. The MacFamily said they had power and to come join them. We found the roads were surprisingly clear, (our streets here don't normally get plowed and is typically covered in ice) and so we made good time taking my mom home.
The MacFamily was so kind to let us bunk in for the night. B-Boy was so happy to see ChiggerButt again! B-Boy slept well in the pack-n-play although I am not sure how much longer that will be an option... he is almost too long for it! We loved the fantastic company of our extended family, and had fun visiting with them.
We came home the next morning, grateful for the hospitality of our friends, and for the power that was now warming our home. We got eight inches of snow, which was beautiful... it is just too bad we weren't able to get out and enjoy it!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas with B-Boy
Merry Christmas! It is B-Boy's second one, and it did not disappoint! My mom joined us Christmas Eve, so it was four of us here for the festivities.
We started with a yummy breakfast of pancakes... of which B-Boy ate four, and a small banana. Yikes. He ate almost as much as I did! I hate to think about what he will be eating as a growing teenager... but I digress. Once we finished eating, it was time for... PRESENTS!
We had fun opening our gifts, but had even more fun watching B-Boy play with his.
The first one he played with was a large yellow Tonka truck. B-Boy had fun pushing it from the Living Room to the Kitchen and back again. He also had fun filling it up with his blocks and then dumping out the contents!
One of the biggest hits was sent by AuntSly. When we were at her house, B-Boy discovered the kids' basketball goal. He kept putting a soccer ball in the basket, and thought it was such great fun. AuntSly sent one to B-Boy for Christmas, and he was SOOOOO excited.
Neb jumped to it and started putting the goal together. B-Boy could barely contain his enthusiasm... I think the paci helped!
Santa also brought B-Boy a basketball in NC State colors (or Texas Tech!)... and B-Boy put it to use immediately. We were surprised to see how tall he was in comparison, he had no trouble making his first basket.
The only thing was that it took batteries... and when Neb added them a loud odd noise was made whenever B-Boy made a basket. It wasn't long before Neb removed the batteries for all our sanity. B-Boy keeps trying to figure out what the yellow box was that is attached to the net. B-Boy (in true toddler fashion) also enjoyed playing with the box the goal came in, he kept trying to make it into a slide. We finally had to sneak the box out to the garage so it could be recycled. Sometimes the box can be just as fun, if not more, than the toy itself!
It was all just too much fun for B-Boy, and he took a nice long nap in the afternoon. When B-Boy woke from his nap, he joined us for Christmas dinner. It was the first time B-Boy has eaten in the Dining Room, and he thought it was really cool. He sat in his high chair and munched on a healthy handful of stuffing. He ate turkey with a gusto and enjoyed his Dad's mashed potatoes.
We had a great day, and hope that you did too.
We started with a yummy breakfast of pancakes... of which B-Boy ate four, and a small banana. Yikes. He ate almost as much as I did! I hate to think about what he will be eating as a growing teenager... but I digress. Once we finished eating, it was time for... PRESENTS!
We had fun opening our gifts, but had even more fun watching B-Boy play with his.
The first one he played with was a large yellow Tonka truck. B-Boy had fun pushing it from the Living Room to the Kitchen and back again. He also had fun filling it up with his blocks and then dumping out the contents!
And when B-Boy would get tired, he would use his new truck to sit on. It was so cute to see his little bottom resting on the truck. Then VROOM! off he would go again with the truck.
He got a Cookie Monster toy that talks, and draws out what he says if you shake him. My favorite saying is a tie between "HA HA!" and "Burp. Excuse me!". Not sure why it makes me it giggle, but it does. B-Boy wasn't a fan at first, I think it scared him. But then he started to get used to it, and now plays with it quite a bit.
One of the biggest hits was sent by AuntSly. When we were at her house, B-Boy discovered the kids' basketball goal. He kept putting a soccer ball in the basket, and thought it was such great fun. AuntSly sent one to B-Boy for Christmas, and he was SOOOOO excited.
Oooohhhh, Open it Daddy! I want to play!
Neb jumped to it and started putting the goal together. B-Boy could barely contain his enthusiasm... I think the paci helped!
I am going to play BASKETBALL!!!
Santa also brought B-Boy a basketball in NC State colors (or Texas Tech!)... and B-Boy put it to use immediately. We were surprised to see how tall he was in comparison, he had no trouble making his first basket.
I shoot... I SCORE!!!!! YAY!
The only thing was that it took batteries... and when Neb added them a loud odd noise was made whenever B-Boy made a basket. It wasn't long before Neb removed the batteries for all our sanity. B-Boy keeps trying to figure out what the yellow box was that is attached to the net. B-Boy (in true toddler fashion) also enjoyed playing with the box the goal came in, he kept trying to make it into a slide. We finally had to sneak the box out to the garage so it could be recycled. Sometimes the box can be just as fun, if not more, than the toy itself!
He got lots of toys (like a giant black truck to ride in from GranE and Pop-Pop, or a play house from Gator Grandpa, or a shape sorter from Mema and more!). He got a few peg puzzles from Mema and some clothes too. All in all, the boy made out like a bandit!
Oh, and I forgot to mention the toy I picked out for him called Potsy. It is a cooking pot with 5 foods and a spoon. The pot senses if you stir, put food in or out of the pot, and if you open or close the lid. It sings and talks and is fun to play with. B-Boy is engaged every time he plays with it.
 |
| Hi! I am Potsy! What's cookin' kiddo? |
It was all just too much fun for B-Boy, and he took a nice long nap in the afternoon. When B-Boy woke from his nap, he joined us for Christmas dinner. It was the first time B-Boy has eaten in the Dining Room, and he thought it was really cool. He sat in his high chair and munched on a healthy handful of stuffing. He ate turkey with a gusto and enjoyed his Dad's mashed potatoes.
Wait, where's Mema?
Friday, December 24, 2010
A Party at School
B-Boy and I were invited to a Christmas Party!
The party was in his classroom at the day care, and was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. When I got there, almost all the other parents were there with their kids, which caused B-Boy some distress. He just does not like crowds.
When I arrived, he was in the corner with one of the teachers, clearly upset but hanging in there. I went to his little corner and sat down on one of the bookshelves serving as a wall for a kitchen play area. B-Boy sidled up next to me and hugged my leg. I patted his back and we stayed like that for a long time, and he just took in what was going on in the room.
The teachers had arranged a table in the middle of the room and decorated it for Christmas. They served punch, cookies and B-Boy's newest discovered favorite snack, goldfish! I served up some goldfish on a plate for him but he refused to sit down at his little table. He cried every time I sat him in the little chair. (They usually have assigned seating, but they were able to sit wherever they wanted for the party.) B-Boy would have none of it, and would end up eating in my lap.
Eventually, his plate emptied, and I got up to get him some more Goldfish. When I returned, he finally felt comfortable and had sat down at the table, in KidN's spot. (KidN' was in his old room, and we were happy he would have a friend in the new room!) He ate there for a while, and then his teacher handed us a box with his name on it.
We opened his present, which was a cute canvas bag with red handles and his hand-prints and name in red paint. In the bag was a miniature hand-crank music box. It was made of acrylic, so you could see all the parts move. The box played "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider", and B-Boy just loved it! He is able to turn it himself with a little help.
We had a lot of fun, and were surprised to find out that one of the little girls in the room is the daughter of a man that Neb worked with seven years ago at a start-up. His wife works at my company, and we had not seen them in many years. What a small world, right?
I thought I would finish this post with a photo of B-Boy on Friday, December 24th. I usually work on Christmas Eve because I get a lot done... most people take the day off, so I am usually pretty productive. The company was closing early and so when I went to pick him up, it was in the middle of his nap. There were so few kids there that day, so they combined two joined classrooms into one room.
B-Boy was in the adjoining room, taking a nap in his cot. I thought you might like to see what it looked like, since I talked about it previously.
The teachers had arranged a table in the middle of the room and decorated it for Christmas. They served punch, cookies and B-Boy's newest discovered favorite snack, goldfish! I served up some goldfish on a plate for him but he refused to sit down at his little table. He cried every time I sat him in the little chair. (They usually have assigned seating, but they were able to sit wherever they wanted for the party.) B-Boy would have none of it, and would end up eating in my lap.
Mommy, when exactly does this become fun again?
Eventually, his plate emptied, and I got up to get him some more Goldfish. When I returned, he finally felt comfortable and had sat down at the table, in KidN's spot. (KidN' was in his old room, and we were happy he would have a friend in the new room!) He ate there for a while, and then his teacher handed us a box with his name on it.
We opened his present, which was a cute canvas bag with red handles and his hand-prints and name in red paint. In the bag was a miniature hand-crank music box. It was made of acrylic, so you could see all the parts move. The box played "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider", and B-Boy just loved it! He is able to turn it himself with a little help.
We had a lot of fun, and were surprised to find out that one of the little girls in the room is the daughter of a man that Neb worked with seven years ago at a start-up. His wife works at my company, and we had not seen them in many years. What a small world, right?
I thought I would finish this post with a photo of B-Boy on Friday, December 24th. I usually work on Christmas Eve because I get a lot done... most people take the day off, so I am usually pretty productive. The company was closing early and so when I went to pick him up, it was in the middle of his nap. There were so few kids there that day, so they combined two joined classrooms into one room.
B-Boy was in the adjoining room, taking a nap in his cot. I thought you might like to see what it looked like, since I talked about it previously.
Mommy, I can't sleep. Can we go now?
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Driving Home Sweet Home
We left Florida on Sunday the 19th, right around 1:30pm, just in time for B-Boy's nap.
I am sorry to say that the return trip was a repeat of the trip down for the most part. Did he nap? Uh, yes, but initially only a half an hour. Neb and I decided to get as far as we could before stopping for the night, but our goal was to drive the whole trip and sleep in our own beds that night.
I sat in the back seat with B-Boy after the first hour or so, in the hopes of calming him down. I am sad to say it was not the most comfortable ride, as the car seat was in the middle of the back seat, which took up a lot of space. The front seat lays flat which makes a handy place to put things and to let me stretch my legs.
We stopped at the Georgia Welcome center just as the sun was going down. We let B-Boy run around for about a half an hour, and even climb on a missile they had displayed out front.
We then got back in the car and drove for a little longer before we stopped for gas and dinner. The choices were tough for what B-Boy would eat, but we ended up at McDonald's where we ordered Chicken Nuggets and cut apples for him. I mention this because we had a revelation at that moment. I was breaking the slices of apples up into pieces for B-Boy. While I was doing this, B-Boy reached over, grabbed a slice and started munching.
He only gets them in slices now. He likes them much better that way. Same thing with pears. I had no idea! Happy revelation!
We decided to drive through the night, and made it home just after midnight. Ah, home sweet home!
B-Boy was so happy to be in his crib, he snuggled in and fell asleep. Neb and I unpacked what was necessary and went to sleep.
It was a good thing we didn't stop because around 2am, Neb got B-Boy's sickness. I took B-Boy to daycare on Monday and then went home to sterilize the house. It was futile because on Tuesday, I got sick. So much for my last two days off!
We are all fine now... happy to be home, sleeping in our own beds.
I am sorry to say that the return trip was a repeat of the trip down for the most part. Did he nap? Uh, yes, but initially only a half an hour. Neb and I decided to get as far as we could before stopping for the night, but our goal was to drive the whole trip and sleep in our own beds that night.
I sat in the back seat with B-Boy after the first hour or so, in the hopes of calming him down. I am sad to say it was not the most comfortable ride, as the car seat was in the middle of the back seat, which took up a lot of space. The front seat lays flat which makes a handy place to put things and to let me stretch my legs.
We stopped at the Georgia Welcome center just as the sun was going down. We let B-Boy run around for about a half an hour, and even climb on a missile they had displayed out front.
We then got back in the car and drove for a little longer before we stopped for gas and dinner. The choices were tough for what B-Boy would eat, but we ended up at McDonald's where we ordered Chicken Nuggets and cut apples for him. I mention this because we had a revelation at that moment. I was breaking the slices of apples up into pieces for B-Boy. While I was doing this, B-Boy reached over, grabbed a slice and started munching.
He only gets them in slices now. He likes them much better that way. Same thing with pears. I had no idea! Happy revelation!
My coworker Cat recommended that we take some DVDs to play for B-Boy to help pass the time. The Baby Einstein didn't really hold his interest. I had found a DVD called "Busytown Mysteries: The Biggest Mysteries Ever!" by Richard Scarry (I loved his books as a kid) before we left- he loved it. I put them on "PLAY ALL" and to be honest was really ready for them to end when we were done because each episode included the same song "Who-What-Why- How! Who-What-Where-When-Why-and-How!".
The DVD worked, and B-Boy slept for about two hours.
We decided to drive through the night, and made it home just after midnight. Ah, home sweet home!
B-Boy was so happy to be in his crib, he snuggled in and fell asleep. Neb and I unpacked what was necessary and went to sleep.
It was a good thing we didn't stop because around 2am, Neb got B-Boy's sickness. I took B-Boy to daycare on Monday and then went home to sterilize the house. It was futile because on Tuesday, I got sick. So much for my last two days off!
We are all fine now... happy to be home, sleeping in our own beds.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Doggies, which are now known as Kitty Cats
You may remember that I have posted about B-Boy's fear of dogs.
Well, my sister has a large sweet dog and so does my Dad. B-Boy was quite upset the first time he saw my sister's dog, Coral. Coral is a sweet dog, great with kids. She was outside on the patio on the other side of the sliding glass doors when he saw her.
He cried immediately.
After he calmed down, we played a game. B-Boy loves playing run up and run back, where you start to run toward something and then run backwards to where you started (oh yes, and you MUST bounce him up and down to make it more fun!). Then you run a little farther, and back. The process continues until you reach what you are looking for.
By the time we finished, B-Boy was not crying as we got close to the dog. He eventually would walk to the door, getting closer and closer. When he finally reached the door, I opened it a crack so he could touch the dog if he wanted to.
Keep in mind this did not happen immediately, this took place over several days. But when it came time at the door, B-Boy pulled it open and let the dog in.
Of course, he called her a Kitty Cat. We giggled, No B-Boy, that is not a Kitty Cat, that is a doggie!
He did really well with the dog after that- for the most part. Coral has a wicked long tail that she wags back and forth. It is a strong tail, and it knocked him around quite a bit. He learned to get out of the way of the tail. After that, he was cool with Coral.
And then Rocky came over. He is my Dad's dog, and is also a sweet big dog. B-Boy did great with both of them, and still called them both Kitty Cats.
The funny part is that my Dad started calling them Kitty Cats too. B-Boy can do that to you.
Well, my sister has a large sweet dog and so does my Dad. B-Boy was quite upset the first time he saw my sister's dog, Coral. Coral is a sweet dog, great with kids. She was outside on the patio on the other side of the sliding glass doors when he saw her.
He cried immediately.
After he calmed down, we played a game. B-Boy loves playing run up and run back, where you start to run toward something and then run backwards to where you started (oh yes, and you MUST bounce him up and down to make it more fun!). Then you run a little farther, and back. The process continues until you reach what you are looking for.
By the time we finished, B-Boy was not crying as we got close to the dog. He eventually would walk to the door, getting closer and closer. When he finally reached the door, I opened it a crack so he could touch the dog if he wanted to.
Keep in mind this did not happen immediately, this took place over several days. But when it came time at the door, B-Boy pulled it open and let the dog in.
Of course, he called her a Kitty Cat. We giggled, No B-Boy, that is not a Kitty Cat, that is a doggie!
He did really well with the dog after that- for the most part. Coral has a wicked long tail that she wags back and forth. It is a strong tail, and it knocked him around quite a bit. He learned to get out of the way of the tail. After that, he was cool with Coral.
I don't know what all the fuss was about... Coral is really nice!
And then Rocky came over. He is my Dad's dog, and is also a sweet big dog. B-Boy did great with both of them, and still called them both Kitty Cats.
The funny part is that my Dad started calling them Kitty Cats too. B-Boy can do that to you.
Rocky, you are a sweet Kitty Cat!
Time with Cousins
On Sunday, we were to head back home. But before we left, there were a few things that needed to be taken care of.
My Dad treasures the times that he has all three of his daughters in one place. It doesn't happen very often, so when it does, a photo MUST be taken. And we did, both at graduation and at AuntSly's house.
But now that B-Boy is in the picture, a new level is added to the equation. You see, my sister has 3 kids- two boys and a girl (ages 8, 6 and 3). So that means that there are now 4 grandchildren, that have NEVER been in the same place at the same time. And you know me. I take lots of pictures, I must get that from my Dad as he was always snapping photos when I was a kid. So, a photo MUST be taken. And we did.
Only we had to chase down Aunt Sly's youngest who did not want to participate in a family photo. After some talking and reasoning, he relented and the photo was obtained. My sister is still as playful as ever. Can you find her?
The kids also got to play together. The two youngest were most drawn to play with B-Boy as the oldest was drawn to playing the Wii his Uncle Neb fixed! (There was some color issue that caused his Pokemon game to be all pastels... Uncle Neb managed to fix it, and her oldest was fixated by the new picture. We considered ourselves lucky he came out for the family photo!)
They played with a Dinosaur for a while, and I have to share this amusing story. AuntSly's youngest was chewing gum. He decided that the Dinosaur would like to chew his gum instead, and placed it in his mouth. (Hey, I am just grateful he didn't decide B-Boy wanted to chew his gum!) AuntSly looked down and her mouth gaped open in shock.
Now this is where an experienced parent is different from a new one. Me? I would have fussed "No, gum doesn't go in your toy's mouth. You need to throw that away." which we all know would have escalated to "B-Boy NO!!!! No gum in the toy's mouth!" at a loud pitch.
But not AuntSly. Nope, she composed herself and said "Sweetie, Dinosaurs don't chew gum. Why don't you take that out and throw it away?" And he did, kind of. The gum went back into his mouth.
Heaven help me that I can be a bit relaxed like AuntSly because that was quite effective!
AuntSly's daughter took a shining to B-Boy, and kept hugging him. She is just too cute!
And, she has a lot of her Mom in her, check out what she sported!
Before we left to head home, I snapped another photo with B-Boy and his AuntSly...
When we walked outside, someone (gee, I wonder who might have done this??? hee hee) had used blue window chalk to decorate GatorGirl's windows on her car... heh heh.
And then we hit the road back home. But more on that later.
My Dad treasures the times that he has all three of his daughters in one place. It doesn't happen very often, so when it does, a photo MUST be taken. And we did, both at graduation and at AuntSly's house.
But now that B-Boy is in the picture, a new level is added to the equation. You see, my sister has 3 kids- two boys and a girl (ages 8, 6 and 3). So that means that there are now 4 grandchildren, that have NEVER been in the same place at the same time. And you know me. I take lots of pictures, I must get that from my Dad as he was always snapping photos when I was a kid. So, a photo MUST be taken. And we did.
Only we had to chase down Aunt Sly's youngest who did not want to participate in a family photo. After some talking and reasoning, he relented and the photo was obtained. My sister is still as playful as ever. Can you find her?
Are we done with photos yet?
The kids also got to play together. The two youngest were most drawn to play with B-Boy as the oldest was drawn to playing the Wii his Uncle Neb fixed! (There was some color issue that caused his Pokemon game to be all pastels... Uncle Neb managed to fix it, and her oldest was fixated by the new picture. We considered ourselves lucky he came out for the family photo!)
Mom, I gotta show you this!
They played with a Dinosaur for a while, and I have to share this amusing story. AuntSly's youngest was chewing gum. He decided that the Dinosaur would like to chew his gum instead, and placed it in his mouth. (Hey, I am just grateful he didn't decide B-Boy wanted to chew his gum!) AuntSly looked down and her mouth gaped open in shock.
Now this is where an experienced parent is different from a new one. Me? I would have fussed "No, gum doesn't go in your toy's mouth. You need to throw that away." which we all know would have escalated to "B-Boy NO!!!! No gum in the toy's mouth!" at a loud pitch.
But not AuntSly. Nope, she composed herself and said "Sweetie, Dinosaurs don't chew gum. Why don't you take that out and throw it away?" And he did, kind of. The gum went back into his mouth.
Heaven help me that I can be a bit relaxed like AuntSly because that was quite effective!
AuntSly's daughter took a shining to B-Boy, and kept hugging him. She is just too cute!
And, she has a lot of her Mom in her, check out what she sported!
Before we left to head home, I snapped another photo with B-Boy and his AuntSly...
I had fun with you AuntSly!
When we walked outside, someone (gee, I wonder who might have done this??? hee hee) had used blue window chalk to decorate GatorGirl's windows on her car... heh heh.
GatorGirl graduates
On December 18th, GatorGirl officially moved to a new phase in her life, one as a college graduate.
If you recall, her graduation was the reason we all made the journey to Florida. The ceremony was due to start at 2pm, which was in the middle of B-Boy's naptime. We decided that Neb would hang out with B-Boy in Tampa while the rest of us went to Gainesville. Good thing, because there is no way B-Boy would have made it through that ceremony.
The graduates proceeded in... GatorGirl was three seats from a girl we called Snowflake because she had an enormous white bow (like what would be on a large present) on top of her mortar board. GatorGirl had also decorated hers, but the large bow made it much easier to find her. She's two down from Snowflake! Look, Snowflake is coming... GatorGirl is nearby!
What? Don't see her? Ok, I'll zoom in.
Curious about her mortar board decorations?
AuntSly and I played a game during the ceremony, kind of like word bingo. We would text GatorGirl how it was going, and that kept her pretty amused.Afterward, we all met outside for a rousing game of PICTURES!!! Poor thing, she was a good sport posing for all those pictures.
I love this photo of GatorGirl with her mom and dad... hopeful and looking to the future.
And this one of GatorGrandpa and his brother with GatorGirl... they seem so proud of her, as we all are!
And where there is a GatorGirl, there is a GatorBoy... who has been really supportive of her while she was in school. Now it is her turn!
After all the photos were taken, we all headed to the Red Lobster, where GatorGirl had reserved a room. She and GatorGrandpa would go there before or after going to UF football/basketball games. GatorGirl's Aunt brought the coolest cake, don't you think?
After all the festivities were over, I called in to check with Neb on how they were doing. Not good. B-Boy threw up for the first time. Neb was the only one there and had to deal with it. Poor guys! B-Boy was fine afterward, but never really got his full appetite back after until we got home. It wasn't until we returned that I found out this was going through the daycare and one of his teachers was out sick the Friday before. Sigh. THAT would have been good to know, right?
(And yes, Neb and I both got it when we returned. Nice. Thanks for sharing B-Boy!)
If you recall, her graduation was the reason we all made the journey to Florida. The ceremony was due to start at 2pm, which was in the middle of B-Boy's naptime. We decided that Neb would hang out with B-Boy in Tampa while the rest of us went to Gainesville. Good thing, because there is no way B-Boy would have made it through that ceremony.
The graduates proceeded in... GatorGirl was three seats from a girl we called Snowflake because she had an enormous white bow (like what would be on a large present) on top of her mortar board. GatorGirl had also decorated hers, but the large bow made it much easier to find her. She's two down from Snowflake! Look, Snowflake is coming... GatorGirl is nearby!
What? Don't see her? Ok, I'll zoom in.
Curious about her mortar board decorations?
AuntSly and I played a game during the ceremony, kind of like word bingo. We would text GatorGirl how it was going, and that kept her pretty amused.Afterward, we all met outside for a rousing game of PICTURES!!! Poor thing, she was a good sport posing for all those pictures.
I love this photo of GatorGirl with her mom and dad... hopeful and looking to the future.
And this one of GatorGrandpa and his brother with GatorGirl... they seem so proud of her, as we all are!
And where there is a GatorGirl, there is a GatorBoy... who has been really supportive of her while she was in school. Now it is her turn!
Cheese! I am smiling cause I'm DONE! HA!
After all the photos were taken, we all headed to the Red Lobster, where GatorGirl had reserved a room. She and GatorGrandpa would go there before or after going to UF football/basketball games. GatorGirl's Aunt brought the coolest cake, don't you think?
After all the festivities were over, I called in to check with Neb on how they were doing. Not good. B-Boy threw up for the first time. Neb was the only one there and had to deal with it. Poor guys! B-Boy was fine afterward, but never really got his full appetite back after until we got home. It wasn't until we returned that I found out this was going through the daycare and one of his teachers was out sick the Friday before. Sigh. THAT would have been good to know, right?
(And yes, Neb and I both got it when we returned. Nice. Thanks for sharing B-Boy!)
Monday, December 20, 2010
Family is like the Zoo
While we were in Tampa, we decided to do another first.
We had arrived in Tampa on Thursday evening, and on Friday we wanted to do something to get out of the house and stretch our legs. My sister has recently started her own company and works out of her home, so we wanted to be sure she would be able to work without being disturbed. I also wanted my Dad to get some time with us, and so we proposed going to the Zoo. B-Boy had never been to the zoo, and Tampa apparently has a really nice one.
The zoo in North Carolina is in a small town that is a bit difficult to get to. I have been there once in the entire 13 years I have lived here, with MacMommy, ChiggerButt and Dash. Neb has never been there. It is just not close to where we live, and I honestly forget that it is there!
So, off to the zoo we went- Neb, B-Boy, GatorGrandpa and me.
We started our journey by receiving a cute cardboard set of antlers complete with a red nose. I find it amusing that after an entire year of making B-Boy wear costumes, he is the only one of the four of us NOT wearing the antlers.
When we first arrived, we were greeted by an Alpacka. B-Boy wasn't so sure about this large creature, but was in good spirits, for the most part.
We walked all over, and saw lots of animals. Or, as B-Boy puts it, lots of Kitty Cats. We saw two really big Manatees (Kitty Cat!), some camels (Kitty Cat!), and even got to feed a giraffe! The giraffe was almost successful in licking B-Boy with his big purple tongue. Neb moved him at the last moment to prevent said licking.
B-Boy and I rode on a Merry Go Round too! He did really well for the first half of the ride, but then got a bit fussy for the last part. He rode a Zebra that went up and down and I held him in place. We had fun, but I think he was happy to get off the thing. He then got to show GatorGrandpa how he can RUN AROUND!!!!
GatorGrandpa was great company, and B-Boy enjoyed getting to know him. We even stopped to take the cutest photo EVER.
When we had enough of the zoo, we headed back to AuntSly's house for B-Boy to take a nap. He was exhausted and fell asleep pretty quickly. When he woke, he had a visitor! GatorGirl drove down from Gainesville to see us!
It was really good to see her, and once B-Boy went to bed, we cracked open a couple bottles of wine and played a rousing game of UNO. GatorGrandpa's wife, GrandmaG joined us for the fun, and so the six of us played an amusing game. The wine made us silly, and the game took a new turn with every hand.
AuntSly and I played UNO with my Dad a lot when we were kids. It was a game that you could play without needing to read, once you knew the rules. We had a blast especially when it was two of us- the REVERSE card and SKIP cards meant that you just kept dropping your cards.
Neb had never played with us before, so that was an interesting experience for him! He had the unfortunate position of sitting between AuntSly and I, so he got dumped on quite a bit. Heh heh.
The end of the evening was great, as the three of us sisters got to spend some time together talking, just the three of us. It was a late night, but a great night!
We had arrived in Tampa on Thursday evening, and on Friday we wanted to do something to get out of the house and stretch our legs. My sister has recently started her own company and works out of her home, so we wanted to be sure she would be able to work without being disturbed. I also wanted my Dad to get some time with us, and so we proposed going to the Zoo. B-Boy had never been to the zoo, and Tampa apparently has a really nice one.
The zoo in North Carolina is in a small town that is a bit difficult to get to. I have been there once in the entire 13 years I have lived here, with MacMommy, ChiggerButt and Dash. Neb has never been there. It is just not close to where we live, and I honestly forget that it is there!
So, off to the zoo we went- Neb, B-Boy, GatorGrandpa and me.
We started our journey by receiving a cute cardboard set of antlers complete with a red nose. I find it amusing that after an entire year of making B-Boy wear costumes, he is the only one of the four of us NOT wearing the antlers.
All my relatives are crazy!
When we first arrived, we were greeted by an Alpacka. B-Boy wasn't so sure about this large creature, but was in good spirits, for the most part.
We walked all over, and saw lots of animals. Or, as B-Boy puts it, lots of Kitty Cats. We saw two really big Manatees (Kitty Cat!), some camels (Kitty Cat!), and even got to feed a giraffe! The giraffe was almost successful in licking B-Boy with his big purple tongue. Neb moved him at the last moment to prevent said licking.
Um, what was that?
B-Boy and I rode on a Merry Go Round too! He did really well for the first half of the ride, but then got a bit fussy for the last part. He rode a Zebra that went up and down and I held him in place. We had fun, but I think he was happy to get off the thing. He then got to show GatorGrandpa how he can RUN AROUND!!!!
GatorGrandpa was great company, and B-Boy enjoyed getting to know him. We even stopped to take the cutest photo EVER.
Wow GatorGrandpa, you DO love the Florida Gators, don't you?
When we had enough of the zoo, we headed back to AuntSly's house for B-Boy to take a nap. He was exhausted and fell asleep pretty quickly. When he woke, he had a visitor! GatorGirl drove down from Gainesville to see us!
What? I get my Mommy, my two aunts AND GatorGrandpa?
Sweet!
It was really good to see her, and once B-Boy went to bed, we cracked open a couple bottles of wine and played a rousing game of UNO. GatorGrandpa's wife, GrandmaG joined us for the fun, and so the six of us played an amusing game. The wine made us silly, and the game took a new turn with every hand.
AuntSly and I played UNO with my Dad a lot when we were kids. It was a game that you could play without needing to read, once you knew the rules. We had a blast especially when it was two of us- the REVERSE card and SKIP cards meant that you just kept dropping your cards.
Neb had never played with us before, so that was an interesting experience for him! He had the unfortunate position of sitting between AuntSly and I, so he got dumped on quite a bit. Heh heh.
The end of the evening was great, as the three of us sisters got to spend some time together talking, just the three of us. It was a late night, but a great night!
Meeting Aunt Sly and seeing GatorGrandpa
I mentioned in the previous post that we stayed at AuntSly's house and that it was the first time that B-Boy met her.
It was also the first time my Dad (aka GatorGrandpa) saw him since the day after he was born. Both of them were excited to see him, and I was too!
Here is a photo taken the last time GatorGrandpa saw B-Boy:
B-Boy looks a bit bigger now, doesn't he?
We arrived on Thursday evening, and were greeted at the door by AuntSly. B-Boy wasn't sure what was going on, but he sure was happy to be out of the car! We let him run around for a while, fed him dinner and then put him down to sleep. Since he did not have a nap, he conked out pretty quickly!
The next day, AuntSly was all ready for B-Boy.
She sat down and played with him, showing him some of her cool kitchen stuff.
She also brought in a sit-n-spin and showed him how it worked. B-Boy thought the toy was more fun to pick up and drag around. Oh well. At least it was amusing to watch her get on the toy and spin around!
More on how we spent the day to come, but I had to show you another photo of B-Boy and AuntSly taken soon before he went to bed. AuntSly had brought out a bunch of cool toys for him to play with... she said she saves the best of the best for when kids come over. She did not disappoint!
It was also the first time my Dad (aka GatorGrandpa) saw him since the day after he was born. Both of them were excited to see him, and I was too!
Here is a photo taken the last time GatorGrandpa saw B-Boy:
B-Boy looks a bit bigger now, doesn't he?
We arrived on Thursday evening, and were greeted at the door by AuntSly. B-Boy wasn't sure what was going on, but he sure was happy to be out of the car! We let him run around for a while, fed him dinner and then put him down to sleep. Since he did not have a nap, he conked out pretty quickly!
The next day, AuntSly was all ready for B-Boy.
I love you B-Boy!
She sat down and played with him, showing him some of her cool kitchen stuff.
Mmm, this is delicious B-Boy!
She also brought in a sit-n-spin and showed him how it worked. B-Boy thought the toy was more fun to pick up and drag around. Oh well. At least it was amusing to watch her get on the toy and spin around!
More on how we spent the day to come, but I had to show you another photo of B-Boy and AuntSly taken soon before he went to bed. AuntSly had brought out a bunch of cool toys for him to play with... she said she saves the best of the best for when kids come over. She did not disappoint!
B-Boy, let me show you the best toy EVER.
AuntSly, how come you get me? We just met!
This is SO cool.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)