School Day #4 - TGIF

Well, yesterday proved to be interesting. Mommy & Daddy took Owen to the doctors. We have grown increasingly frustrated and concerned about him not being very willing to eat. Well, at least this time his food strike might be justified. Between transition to a new school routine, he also has an ear infection, AND he's getting 5 teeth - 4 molars and an eye tooth. 2 of the molars have poked through, and that is seeming to have provided Owen a little relief. Although he's still biting everything - EXCEPT FOOD - he can get in that little mouth... The antibiotics (and Tylenol) are kicking in too, which is helping the pain from the ear infection.

Owen took a 3+ hour nap yesterday which really helped him feel better. Oh, and in true Owen form, the stinker came home from the doctors, and just to prove me wrong - he ate more than 1/2 a grilled cheese with tomato soup. And he ate pizza and fruit for dinner. The nurse practitioner Jennifer - we saw suggested we really stick to softer foods while Owen is breaking these molars and dealing with the ear infection. Then once he's feeling better (aka Daddy's in California) we really need to break him from just resorting baby food. Mommy and Daddy have been giving in and when Owen won't eat, giving him baby food, and that isn't what the doctor ordered. Owen needs to learn to eat what is being served, and they swear he will not starve himself, that he will eventually eat what we serve. (Albeit it's age appropriate ....)

So, now to School Day #4. Since Owen is not contagious, and to protect him (and other kids) further he's been on antibiotics for more than 24 hours, we decided it was OK (and the doc said OK too), to send him to school. We felt it was best to keep him in the routine, especially since Daddy will be gone all next week.

Drop off again was rough, but we seem to be making forward progress. Owen cried when I put him down to take off his coat. Another boy his age Elliot started today, he's walking, and so I tried to engage Owen with him. Owen will sit and play with me, but doesn't want to leave my side. Finally Ms. Kathy came over and took Owen from my arms, and he cried hard, and I had to just walk out the door. This is really challenging emotionally for both of us.

But today he calmed down much faster. I think the teacher knows that she needs to give him a little extra attention and get him engaged, and that definitely works. He has fun once he gets going, but it's the initial push to having fun. Right now he only associates the school with me leaving him, he doesn't remember all the fun stuff he is going to do.

I stood outside the door for about 10 min, one of the teachers walking down the hall said that he was playing, I'm always afraid to peek back in the window, because if he sees me he'll start all over, and that's not fair to him. The other piece of news is that since it's a new school, they are still adjusting the teaching staff, and so Owen's teacher Ms. Rebecca will actually not be his teacher, she moved to the baby room, and he'll have a new head teacher, Ms. Kristine, who will start on Monday. I guess these are just the growing pains of new schools... At least Ms. Kathy, who adores Owen, will still be one of his teachers.

When I called at 10:30, they checked on Owen and reported that he was not crying, he was playing on the floor with the other kids, dancing and having fun. That phone call always makes me feel so much better. He had a really good time today, and so we ended the week positively. He even ate his snack today.

When I picked him up, the teachers reported that he did EXCELLENT. I felt very good about that. I could also tell from looking at Owen that he'd had a good day, he was playing well with the other kids, even walking a little. He didn't have red eyes, or snot crusted to his face, so I know that he had a better day. We survived the first full week.

And Owen is getting more and more confident walking around. He's really getting strong and standing and walking from place to place. I'm not ready to say he's officially walking yet, but it shouldn't be long now...

School Day #3

Dropping off Owen today was still a little rough. Not nearly as bad as Monday, but still very tough. Owen started to cry before I could even take his coat off. It really breaks my heart that he's so upset. I know today that we did a little better. I gave him his sippy of milk and his woobie, and I also saw some cool things that he'd love - a bottle filled with rocks, and one with shells, he was laughing and enjoying that. Then I kissed him and started to stand up, and he jumped into my lap, I told him "Mommy loves you and I'll be back at 11:30 to pick you up. You're going to have so much fun, you'll do another art project..." He was starting to get hysterical, so I picked him up, calmed him down, then the teacher came over, and I kissed Owen and handed him to her. Ms. Kathy is very nice, and really adores Owen, and he is warming up to her too. I left the room, and stood outside listening to him cry and I couldn't help myself, I just got so emotional. Then the other kids started crying too.

It's not easy for any of the kids in his room, according to the Assistant Director, they are all new to day care and having transition issues. By the time I left, about 15 min later (I was waiting out of view outside the door to hear Owen settle down), Owen had calmed down and was engaged in an activity with one girl and the teacher. That made me feel a little better, but doesn't cure the guilt!

I think since all 6 kids are having a rough time adjusting, so it's not easy for any of them or the poor teachers who must leave with migraines from crying kids. The kids feed off each other when they cry... it sounds like an orchestra warming up...

I called the school at 10:30 to check in on Owen, and the Director, Anne was right by his teachers. They were taking a ride in the stroller in the hall since it was so windy outside, I heard her ask the teacher - How's Owen doing?... From the background noise they seemed all the kids seemed quiet and content. Teacher said Owen was signing "More" in the stroller, so he seems to be having a better day. I'm sure each day is going to have it's ups and downs until he realizes this is just part of his new routine.

When I picked up Owen at 11:30, he was much better. The teachers reported that had a very good morning, and overall much better experience. They had circle time and sang songs. They took a walk in the strollers through the hallway. Owen then had his diaper changed, and he decided to pee all over himself and the teacher. Thank goodness for spare clothes. (My first reaction when I walked into the classroom was OH NO, because he was in his spare outfit, but the teacher told me about the incident...) He didn't even notice me when I first came into the room, he was pushing around a school bus with his woobie inside it. It was cute. He had played with play doh today, and enjoyed that. They danced and played music (which the teachers also commented made Owen much more at ease).

So maybe we're on the right road to transition here. Hopefully Friday will be as successful as today was, although it could go up and down for days.

To top it off our already tough week, we're back to having feeding issues. Between the school transition and then having 2 molars trying to break through, we're having a diffcult time at the table again.

We had a miserable dinner last night, Owen wouldn't eat anything, even though we knew he was really hungry. He did seem to like his new high chair, which puts him perfectly positioned at the table without a tray. It's really nice. But dinner wasn't. He had been at Gymboree Sign Language and also open play and we had had a play date in the morning... So he'd been very active - maybe too active for one day... But he wouldn't eat a thing. Daddy finally gave him a container of baby food and he fed himself. He looked like he'd been slimed. He ate applesauce (fairly civilized - in his hair but undetectable) but when he got to the green beans, he had them in his eyes, hair, ears, up his nose, shirt, hands, everywhere. I can't even imagine he hate any of it, but he was trying to feed himself and was content, so who knows what he ate...

Give me a kiss!

This is a bumpy week...

School Day #2

Today was rough. Boy do we miss Aunt Lizzie... After such a good start to the school experience on Friday, we had to realize it was too good to be true, to start this without any tears. So today we all had our share of tears... Owen cried all morning, Mommy has cried all day. I hope that we're making the right decision and not rushing this "school" on him. I am so conflicted, but only hope that it will just take a few days before he really likes the school and enjoys the time he has there.

Today, when I dropped Owen off, he got very tense as we walked into his classroom. There were a few new kids today, and so the teachers were learning about them, and welcomed Owen at the same time.

I took off Owen's coat, and got his backpack and coat situated in his cubby. We went over to join his class on the carpet, and he turned and started to cry. I kissed him, told him I loved him and I'd be back at 11:30. I then left the room and he crawled after me, the teacher, Ms. Rebecca came and picked him up and I stood outside the door and listened to him cry for about 10 min. He settled down a little and I knew I had to leave, as I was crying in the hallway and I didn't want him to see me.

I called the school at 10:15, and they said Owen was still upset, not screaming anymore, but would play then fuss, then play then fuss some more. After morning snack (which Owen wouldn't eat, but he did drink his milk), they did their art project. This time they glued pictures on a poster to make a collage. Owen started engaging then and had fun. He loves the art projects. I arrived a few minutes before 11:30, and Owen was finally calm and having fun.

When he did see me, he flew across the room, he dove over the teachers legs and nearly knocked a little girl down who was in his path. I decided to stay in the classroom with Owen for a little bit, and talk to the teachers about how to make this transition easier for Owen. We came up with a few techniques for me to try - 1- to bring his woobie to class - 2- to bring him a cup of milk, so he can drink that when he arrives at school and that is similar to how I would leave him with Aunt Liz. So, we'll try that on Wednesday morning.

Transition is difficult for everyone, and our hope is that Owen will eventually love his morning school and the whole afternoon with Mommy... but only time will tell.

Play Wise Kids

I know we're busy and having lots of fun, when I'm posting every day! Today we ran some errands in the morning - a big stop at Baby's R Us, and bought a second car seat for Daddy's car at BJs. Then after a nice 2 hour nap, we ventured out to Columbia to a kids play zone called "Play Wise Kids". The place is huge, and has a ton of rooms and places to play. We had a ball. It was really crowded, but we made the most of it, and found rooms where it wasn't busy to play in. Owen's favorite area was the fire truck. They had a real engine in the play room, and the kids could climb, play and drive the firetruck. It was great.


They had a large area with train sets that the kids can play with and build. Owen liked pushing around the cars on the tables.

Daddy and Owen playing with trains.

Owen's favorite area was the firetruck. The real engine had working parts, a hose, a ladder, and steering wheel. It was neat to see Owen so engaged and attentive to playing with it.

The wheels were taller than he is!

Owen and Mommy in the front seat.

Owen is driving!

These levers are cool!

Riding on the back of the truck.

Grocery shopping. Hmm, I seem to have a lot of veggies, where are the cookies?

I also enjoyed the see saw!

This place is huge!

Daddy, do boys play with dress ups?

Do I have a flat?

After such a fun day, I thought Owen would be exhausted, but he was still raring to go, and was showing off all the practice walking he has done. See how well he navigates around objects in this video while pushing his firetruck.

First Day of School

Owen's first day of school was today. Because we had a late night last night, Mommy had to wake him up at 8:30. He got dressed, and he had breakfast. He's been dining at the table, we removed the tray to his high chair, and he's enjoying being up and with us at meal time rather than being separated. It's very cute.

After a good breakfast, it was time to head to school.

He drank his milk in the car on the way there.

When we got there, Daddy was waiting for Mommy to cry. But Mommy was strong, we walked Owen in and got him situated, reintroduced ourselves to his teachers, Ms. Rebecca and Ms. Kathy. Ms Jordyn is another teacher, but she doesn't come until the afternoon, so we probably won't know her as well. Owen is now in the "Amazing Orioles" classroom. They re-arranged the classes to have children with closer birthdays together. We met a few of the other kids, but the class isn't completely full yet, it will be in a few weeks, as the other kids come.

Owen was a little stunned when Mommy and Daddy backed out of the room, but the teacher engaged him in an activity, and when Mommy peeked back in the classroom, he was fine. The teacher said he only cried when they changed his diaper. They took a walk outside, they sang songs, worked on signing and saying "thank you". They had a snack around 10:15, and Owen even did his first finger painting, art project. I can hardly wait to bring it home and hang it up.

It was a good first day, and hopefully the next few will go just as smoothly, and we'll get a better routine done. But for now, we're very excited and proud of Owen.

Tonight we ventured out to the mall for dinner. After a stubborn start, Owen ended up eating well. He loves to watch the carousel, and after he ate, we took a ride on it. Owen loves to ride the carousel, and he now giggles and laughs the whole time. Then we did a little shopping, and Owen pushed the stroller a good chunk of the way through the mall.

He did really well today, other than a very stubborn lunch performance, he had a great day. It was his first school day, he only had one nap, and really was a pleasant boy all day. It'll be interesting to see if he wants 2 naps tomorrow or just one.

More play dates

Today we had another play date. This time with Sofia and Sophia. They came over early afternoon. Sophia is from Owen's Gymboree class, so we invited them over too. It was Sophia's first official play date. She's also the age (she was born Dec 14). And of course we know Sofia well, Owen and Sofia showed Sophia how fun a play date can be!

We had a nice time, we played upstairs for a while, and then ventured downstairs to the ball pit. It's officially one of the kids favorite toys. Everyone who comes here just loves to play in it.

They also enjoyed playing with the wedges.

Sophia didn't stay very long, but the other Sofia played for a bit longer and really herself. We came back up stairs, and Owen pushed around his pooh car all around the first floor.

Mommy read some books. I don't like it when other people sit on my Mommy's lap.

Ms. Robyn caught a really funny picture of Owen and Sofia from outside the front door.... It's as if Owen is asking - PLEASE LET'S PLAY OUTSIDE!!!

He's really learned how to steer his Pooh car well. So he no longer just rams into the walls. It's so cute, he'll lap around the kitchen, dining room, living room and back to the kitchen 5 or 6 times in a row, smiling away. It's so cute.

After everyone left, Owen went down for his nap, and then we went to dinner at the country club. It was a great dinner. Owen looked so cute, and he ate really well too. He also did quite a bit of walking around, he's getting very steady, he'll hold my hand, but he really doesn't even need too.

We got him home entirely too late given that it's a school night, but it was worth it.

Baby Signs and Fun Time

We've had a busy week already, gosh I fell I say this nearly every blog lately! Monday, I caught up on getting the house back together from the weekend festivities. Because it was a holiday, Mommy didn't have to go to work in the afternoon, so we used the time that our babysitter Laura was here to run some errands, and have a quick, early dinner. Daddy had to leave in the evening to head to Fairfax, Virginia for a business meeting Tuesday morning.

Owen had a very difficult time eating dinner Monday evening, but he didn't have any problem eating snacks with Daddy before he left and bedtime.

Tuesday we started our baby signs class at Gymboree. He did really well, he's already learned the sign for "more" and we're working on "drink" and "all done". If we can get Owen to communicate these signs, that maybe it will help alleviate some of the frustrations at mealtimes. Some people feel that introducing sign language inhibits speech for babies, but the studies that I have read indicate babies that can use sign language have reduced frustrations and a higher vocabulary (that of a 4 year old) by the time they are 3. No matter what, we're working on the signs, and the class and his school will help. Baby signs is timed perfectly, because immediately after the class, there is an Open Gym. So he gets double the fun and makes the class really worth it, because we can stay and play. It's a great opportunity for us.

He has been getting his first molars, so some evenings dinner is more challenging than the other meals. Tuesday however, he did eat a great dinner, he tried nearly everything we offered, including bell peppers and chicken with salsa (we had fajitas). So, after a great dinner, we gave Owen a Popsicle. It was blue, and he got it everywhere, but he loved it. He's been enjoying them, to soothe the pain, especially with the molars.

Today, Candace and Tyler (2 1/2 years old) came over this morning and had a play date. Tyler loved our ball pit, and he and Owen got along quite well. I think they had a blast and despite our busy schedules, we have to do this again soon. It was really nice to catch up and talk with Candace (talking to the Mommy is my favorite part of the play date). Overall, I think Ty, even 18 months older than Owen, enjoyed himself. He's such a nice boy. I think once Owen starts walking, he and Ty will have a little more in common, the both love cars and trucks, balls, and to play. It's nice to have Ty and Candace to get together with.

Football Playoff Party

Today we had a lot of people over for the football playoffs. Daddy picked up his friend Dave at the train station around noon, and we did some prep work getting ready for everyone else to arrive. Owen had his first try of one nap, and it worked out very well. He was a champ all morning, very plesant and even helpful. While Owen is always very quick to help Mommy with the dishwasher, today he also was so much fun while we were cleaning up the house, he followed Daddy all around the house with the vacuum cleaner.

John and Whitney Wingerd with their sons Nate (4) and Cole (14 months) arrived just after Owen woke from his nap. Nate and Cole jumped right into Owen's ball pit, Owen kinda held back and watched. They were so fun, and were so well behaved. I think they all had a blast.

Then Debbi and Patrick Wood also came. It's been quite a while since we've seen them, and they hadn't seen Owen since last spring, so I know they were shocked with how big and fun he is.

Then Robyn, Jaime and Sofia also came and joined the fun. Sofia and Cole are both walking, so they walked all over, especially enjoying the tub full of ice keeping the beverages cold. Owen is getting closer to walking, but is still the fastest crawler around.

All the kids loved the tunnel, and Owen and Sofia even got all tangled in it, one going one way and the other going the other way. What you can't see in this picture was that Cole was right behind them!

Owen the lucky kid he is, even scored a few extra birthday presents!

Overall, it was amazing how good all the kids were, really allowing everyone to have a great time.