Watching you grow up

It's so strange to notice the subtle changes you go through as you grow up. It's been only a month since my last post and you seem to have grown so much. Your expressions and mannerisms are become more defined and, well, you.

It's been a quiet month except for your new school. We've moved you from the facility near my work to one closer to home. It's the same service but different location. This way your mother can drop you off in the mornings and I can pick you up.

I took you to the library last week to get some books, you weren't too interested in the books, more in the wooden train set. We picked up some classics and some newer books.

This next week you start to transition from your current room to the 2 to 3 room. This is actually for the better because your previous room you were essentially already in this group.

2nd Birthday

Your second birthday was a blast! We had all family, we were trying to keep it a little more low key than your first birthday which was insane. We had lots of family here, you had a blast opening your presents and running around like a crazy person. I don't think you really stopped until we had to carry you upstairs for bed kicking and half attempting to cry.

I made a chocolate cake, the same kind that you had for your first birthday trial smash cake. You ate most of the piece I gave you along with some ice cream. We think your molars were coming in around the same time because you weren't eating much of anything really. That night though you were cry/fuss/cry/fuss all night long. We finally gave in and got you some motrin around 5am and I think you passed out.

The beach! New School

July was a busy month for you and we're not even half way through! We went up to your Great Grammie's for the 4th which you absolutely loved! It was a pretty long ride up and back, we could tell on the way back you were done with this whole car and travel thing. Your butt'll get used to it :)

After getting back from Grammie's we packed up and headed for North Carolina. We stayed at your Aunt Shana and Uncle Bobo's place in Elizabeth City. We managed to make it to the beach one day and the pool another which wasn't too bad considering the drives and the rain we had to deal with.

Near the end of the trip you had an allergic reaction to something, we're not sure yet if it was cashews, bug spray, or the culmination of sunscreen, ocean water, and other bits of insanity going on that day. Regardless you woke the next morning and were red in the face, back, neck, and legs. It didn't seem to bother you much, you were your normal chipper self.

The end of the trip you were starting to wear a bit, I think you're like me in some respects that if you don't get your normal peace and quiet then you get a bit grouchy ;)

Summer Fun

It's been a good summer so far peanut! Well, you're no longer really a peanut, and far from a baby! You've come quite a long way. You're talking a lot, forming sentences and really doing great with your words. I am proud to hear you saying "Read a book?" over and over, even when I am trying to make breakfast or dinner.

You aced your swim class, if you were older they would have passed you on to group swim. It takes you a bit to get out of the pool on your own (you haven't done it yet.) I suspect that's more because of your current motor skills, mostly due to age.

We've been rocking the kiddie pool on the deck almost every chance we can get. You just love jumping in and out of it, trying to lift buckets of water to dump outside of the pool, only to dump it on yourself and fall back in.

School's been treating you well, although the teachers keep emphasizing listening ears. I guess it's what I get though, you're Uncles and I suffer form selective hearing, it appears you've got it too!

Moments never to forget

School called me on Monday to come get you, you were running a fever. I warned them in the morning that you had a fever the evening before but it had subsided somewhat. When I got there everyone at school was concerned because you were not acting yourself. You were not dancing to the songs that you liked and were very sad towards your favorite teachers. They knew something was not right.

By the time I had come to pick you up, you were just about asleep on your cot, this was the first time I did not see you jump with joy to my arrival. Finally after waking you, you were so very tired and pitiful looking. You just snuggled your head on my shoulders and attempted to go back to sleep.

We finally arrived at the doctors office and got you checked in. Right Time Medical Care was good with getting us in as soon as possible since Maryland Primary Care was not taking phone calls till after we would have gotten there, did not want to risk not getting an appointment and having you wait longer than necessary.

All the while we waited through the nurses to look at you, you just laid your head on my shoulder and just snuggled up. I could feel your burning fever but I could also see the goose bumps on your arms. It is so sad to see you sick but its a rarity that you'll just snuggle up on my shoulder and take a nap.

We got you some meds and got you home to take another nap. Now I'm here watching you try to get comfortable in your crib on day two of strep throat. Sleep well peanut!

Moving on up to room 10!

Well Isla you graduated to room 10! This room consists of the 18 month to 3 year kids. The first couple of days the staff and teachers said you were doing great. I would drop you off in the mornings and after washing your hands, you'd run off to play with your new friends. This morning was a little different though, you cried a bit, it's heard to leave when that happens. The teachers look at you with a reassuring glance of "it's alright, she'll be fine" but it is very hard to leave a crying child, especially when it's your daughter!

When I came to pick you up, you were standing there crying at a picture of your mommy, you and me. It was suggested to bring in a family picture because it helps with the transition, but I guess it kept reminding you of us. The staff mentioned they were keeping you busy with reading books and play. You were fine when you were outside, but then again, when you're not cooped you, you usually do.

Speaking of books, you are one voracious reader! Your Mima and Granddad baby sat a few weeks ago, as soon as Mima came in, you ran to her, grabbed a book and proceeded to have her read through about 15 or so. As soon as Granddad came to relieve Mima, you grabbed the same books and had him read you those too!

Well spring is almost here, there is one more scare of possible snow and then we should be in the home stretch. This will involve you being able to go out on the deck, play in the common area, and just about stretch your legs far away from the 2nd floor of the town home we live in. It's been a long winter but its almost finally over!

Can't Seem To Get Enough Snow And Sickness

We're expecting probably 6 to 10 inches of snow tonight. Work has already closed for your mother and me and it hasn't even started yet! We took you for your third swim class, this was a makeup since we missed last weekend. You loved it! We got there a little late, between picking you up from school, running to Severna Park, sitting down to eat, and then making it over to the swim place, it was...well...complicated. You're just a regular ol' fish though! No stopping you from enjoying that water.

Next week you start your new class at school. You're moving up with Evelyn and Sophia, both of whom usually greet you at the gate when we get in, in the mornings. Evelyn and you seem to hang out a bit more than most though. We have your orientation for your room tomorrow, however that's probably not going to happen if it snows.

Mr. Eric, who you'll learn all about, offered to let us sled at his house with his daughter so maybe we'll do that tomorrow if we can get out of the neighborhood!