July 28, 2010
July 24, 2010
A room fit for a...toddler
It's not that I wanted to say goodbye to the elephants. We loved them and they were a perfect fit for his nursery.
I think the room just needed some "big boy". And anyone who really knows me, knows that I like to change things. A lot. So I did.
I decided to go with a transportation theme because at the time I started (which seems like forever ago, I've been piecing it together for awhile now) Nathan was really into cars. Bought the blanket hanging over his crib and some matching sheets from Target.
He's also REALLY into letters and numbers so I got Eric Carle prints of both from Amazon and framed and hung them on the back wall. Dark blue curtains from Target have proved to be a good choice, they block out the light better and Nate seems to be sleeping longer in the mornings! :)
Found the circle stickers at JoAnn Fabrics and just added them to the already painted border.
Then it was time for the fun part...painting a mural! A friend totally inspired me to do it and although I was hesitant because I thought it would turn out terrible, I just decided to go for it. Following the transportation theme I painted a plane, sailboat, truck and police car. Had to go with the police car, since daddy is a policeman! Also decided last minute to add his name over his bed-tried to make it look like the plane spelled it out. Saw it in a Pottery Barn Kids catalog as a sticker decal, which could be personalized for just $149! Uh, no thanks.
These are finger paintings Nathan did on his 2nd birthday. I think he did a fantastic job! (Another idea from my inspiring friend!)
And finally, the one thing I wanted to make sure I got in there. I stumbled across this quote at some point and just knew it needed to be in his room. Words to live by, in my opinion. Dr. Seuss had such a way with words! Found the vinyl decal on Amazon for about $10. Bought the canvas at JoAnn, painted the striped border, and added the vinyl letters.
Although we were sad to see the elephants go, I'd say the mission of "adding a little big boy" was accomplished!
I think the room just needed some "big boy". And anyone who really knows me, knows that I like to change things. A lot. So I did.
I decided to go with a transportation theme because at the time I started (which seems like forever ago, I've been piecing it together for awhile now) Nathan was really into cars. Bought the blanket hanging over his crib and some matching sheets from Target.
He's also REALLY into letters and numbers so I got Eric Carle prints of both from Amazon and framed and hung them on the back wall. Dark blue curtains from Target have proved to be a good choice, they block out the light better and Nate seems to be sleeping longer in the mornings! :)
Found the circle stickers at JoAnn Fabrics and just added them to the already painted border.
Then it was time for the fun part...painting a mural! A friend totally inspired me to do it and although I was hesitant because I thought it would turn out terrible, I just decided to go for it. Following the transportation theme I painted a plane, sailboat, truck and police car. Had to go with the police car, since daddy is a policeman! Also decided last minute to add his name over his bed-tried to make it look like the plane spelled it out. Saw it in a Pottery Barn Kids catalog as a sticker decal, which could be personalized for just $149! Uh, no thanks.
These are finger paintings Nathan did on his 2nd birthday. I think he did a fantastic job! (Another idea from my inspiring friend!)
And finally, the one thing I wanted to make sure I got in there. I stumbled across this quote at some point and just knew it needed to be in his room. Words to live by, in my opinion. Dr. Seuss had such a way with words! Found the vinyl decal on Amazon for about $10. Bought the canvas at JoAnn, painted the striped border, and added the vinyl letters.
Although we were sad to see the elephants go, I'd say the mission of "adding a little big boy" was accomplished!
July 23, 2010
Lucky Duck
Continuing our Independence Day fun, we headed out west to Lile, IL and the Eyes to the Skies Festival. Unfortunately, due to the weather there were no hot air balloons to be seen. After a brief downpour (during which we were lucky enough to be sitting under a large tent, eating delicious Greek food) we headed over to the carnival.
I just love carnivals. Everything from the food,
to the rides,
to the games,
to the bright colors,
to the weird carni people (okay, maybe not that last part).
Except this time was a little different. I got to experience it in a whole new way - through my little one's eyes. Although he wasn't too fond of the loud noises, he loved the lights and excitement. And even riding the carousel for a change!
And then we saw the game I remember playing at every carnival as a little girl. The Ducky Game (don't know if that is the official name, but that's my official name for it). So of course we had to stop and let Nate play his first official Ducky game!
He wasn't so sure about it at first, but with a little coaxing from dad,
he came around!
Not that I'm wishing time away - but I can't help but think about all the things he is just going to get this year. Pumpkins, trick or treating, apple picking, not to mention the holidays. I just love experiencing all this stuff with him!
I just love carnivals. Everything from the food,
to the rides,
to the games,
to the bright colors,
to the weird carni people (okay, maybe not that last part).
Except this time was a little different. I got to experience it in a whole new way - through my little one's eyes. Although he wasn't too fond of the loud noises, he loved the lights and excitement. And even riding the carousel for a change!
And then we saw the game I remember playing at every carnival as a little girl. The Ducky Game (don't know if that is the official name, but that's my official name for it). So of course we had to stop and let Nate play his first official Ducky game!
He wasn't so sure about it at first, but with a little coaxing from dad,
he came around!
Not that I'm wishing time away - but I can't help but think about all the things he is just going to get this year. Pumpkins, trick or treating, apple picking, not to mention the holidays. I just love experiencing all this stuff with him!
July 18, 2010
July 4th, in retrospect
July 4th weekend was a weekend of firsts. It was Nathan's first parade. Of course we picked the parade with the longest string of fire trucks from about 10 different towns.
Not exactly the most fun for our auditory-sensitive little boy. However, Ryan and I (in conjunction with his OT) have decided that it's best to not avoid these situations. The more he is exposed to loud noises the more he will learn to tolerate them (or so we hope). In hopes of preparing him for the parade, I picked up a book about parades at the library and we read it several times that day. We also played with his emergency vehicle puzzle that makes sounds and talked about what fire trucks, ambulances and police cars sound like. Lastly, we brought ear protection.
There was lots of flag-waving,
band marching,
rooting for candy-throwing,
flag saluting,
did I mention flag waving?
Oh, and lots of ear covering.
But Nate made it through the entire parade with no tears. So proud of my little guy! The fireworks on the other hand-well, that's a different story. Attempt #2 went much better (we sat in the car).
It was also a special weekend because it was our first time going to Independence Day fireworks as a family. Ryan has worked the 2nd shift for the past few years (even before Nate was born) so we have missed out on seeing fireworks together. This summer he is working midnights so we were able to enjoy them as a family.
And most importantly, we didn't have any trips to the ER or scheduled shunt revisions like the previous two July 4th weekends!
July, 2008
July 2009
July 2010
Here's to many, many more revision-free July 4th weekends!!!
Not exactly the most fun for our auditory-sensitive little boy. However, Ryan and I (in conjunction with his OT) have decided that it's best to not avoid these situations. The more he is exposed to loud noises the more he will learn to tolerate them (or so we hope). In hopes of preparing him for the parade, I picked up a book about parades at the library and we read it several times that day. We also played with his emergency vehicle puzzle that makes sounds and talked about what fire trucks, ambulances and police cars sound like. Lastly, we brought ear protection.
There was lots of flag-waving,
band marching,
rooting for candy-throwing,
flag saluting,
did I mention flag waving?
Oh, and lots of ear covering.
But Nate made it through the entire parade with no tears. So proud of my little guy! The fireworks on the other hand-well, that's a different story. Attempt #2 went much better (we sat in the car).
It was also a special weekend because it was our first time going to Independence Day fireworks as a family. Ryan has worked the 2nd shift for the past few years (even before Nate was born) so we have missed out on seeing fireworks together. This summer he is working midnights so we were able to enjoy them as a family.
And most importantly, we didn't have any trips to the ER or scheduled shunt revisions like the previous two July 4th weekends!
July, 2008
July 2009
July 2010
Here's to many, many more revision-free July 4th weekends!!!
July 05, 2010
A celebration of life
Yes, I know I'm a little late. But this super-megapost is going to make up for it, I promise! June was a big month for us. Nate turned 2 on the 9th and we had his party on the 26th. And it was big, because birthdays are big around here. They truly are a celebration of life. And that's just what this whole month was. A celebration of two years with our little boy. (Yes, little boy-he's not a baby anymore, let me tell you. Or, actually, he'll tell you. In some loud fashion).
On his actual birthday the three of us visited the Michigan City zoo. Nate enjoyed checking out the animals and riding in his wagon. His favorite were the bears. It was fun seeing him so interested (and talking so much) this time around.
After the zoo we went home where we had a little mini-party with grandmas, cousins and aunts. Thanks to my mom who made dinner for us!
After dinner it was time for the main attraction...
It has a push button on the steering wheel and a handle that you can control from behind. Really just perfect for him to get around in!
After Nate was done driving around town it was time for some cake. And since he is in love with Elmo lately, I just had to!
Okay, so he's not much on the whole singing "Happy Birthday". For some reason it kinda freaks him out. Not unusual that we get tears. But fear not, they didn't last long!
All in all a fantastic day!
*********************************************************
I probably put way too much on myself when it comes to his birthday parties. I just can't help myself. I like to think I am creative (um, I am an art teacher after all) so I like to put a little extra effort into them. I just want it to be the most perfect, fun, right-down-to-the-very-last-detail kind of day.
And that celebration of life thing I was talking about? Well, it wasn't just about the birthday boy.
And as for a theme-well I think I picked the perfect one. What could be better for a little boy who thrives in the water and has a birthday in June?
Another round of singing "Happy Birthday" which was received much better this time. No crying!
And oh, how this little boy loves his cake!
We rounded out the evening with Nate opening a few presents.
I have to say, this party was so much fun! It was so nice having Nate be able to partake in the activity with everyone else. He really shines in the water. He really enjoyed himself, too. Just soaked up every minute of it. It truly was a perfect day filled with family, friends, splashing and laughter all to celebrate the life of one amazing little boy!
On his actual birthday the three of us visited the Michigan City zoo. Nate enjoyed checking out the animals and riding in his wagon. His favorite were the bears. It was fun seeing him so interested (and talking so much) this time around.
After the zoo we went home where we had a little mini-party with grandmas, cousins and aunts. Thanks to my mom who made dinner for us!
After dinner it was time for the main attraction...
It has a push button on the steering wheel and a handle that you can control from behind. Really just perfect for him to get around in!
After Nate was done driving around town it was time for some cake. And since he is in love with Elmo lately, I just had to!
Okay, so he's not much on the whole singing "Happy Birthday". For some reason it kinda freaks him out. Not unusual that we get tears. But fear not, they didn't last long!
All in all a fantastic day!
*********************************************************
I probably put way too much on myself when it comes to his birthday parties. I just can't help myself. I like to think I am creative (um, I am an art teacher after all) so I like to put a little extra effort into them. I just want it to be the most perfect, fun, right-down-to-the-very-last-detail kind of day.
And that celebration of life thing I was talking about? Well, it wasn't just about the birthday boy.
And as for a theme-well I think I picked the perfect one. What could be better for a little boy who thrives in the water and has a birthday in June?
Another round of singing "Happy Birthday" which was received much better this time. No crying!
And oh, how this little boy loves his cake!
We rounded out the evening with Nate opening a few presents.
I have to say, this party was so much fun! It was so nice having Nate be able to partake in the activity with everyone else. He really shines in the water. He really enjoyed himself, too. Just soaked up every minute of it. It truly was a perfect day filled with family, friends, splashing and laughter all to celebrate the life of one amazing little boy!
July 04, 2010
Full circle
In February of 2008 my world turned upside down forever. I was told that my baby boy had a birth defect called spina bifida. I was scared, sad, and felt like I had nowhere to turn. Although family and friends were very supportive, I didn't feel like they could really understand what I was feeling.
Throughout the rest of my pregnancy I was able to find peace in God's word and tried to rest in knowing that he was in control. We named our baby Nathan, which means "gift of God" because we truly believed that no matter what he was a gift and a blessing.
After Nathan was born and I entered (or was forcefully thrown into) the world of medical terminology, specialists, tests, procedures, and surgeries for my brand new baby I started to lose that peace. With every night that passed that he wasn't able to be off oxygen, every test that was run with undesirable results, and every milestone that wasn't met on time I began to withdraw to a dark place. The feeling that no one could really understand what I was going though returned. I wasn't sure how I was going to handle all this, how we were going to make it.
So I started searching. And that's when I found Owen and his mom Jen. I had randomly come across a video of him on you tube. Then I found his caringbridge website that chronicled his whole journey with sb and a bi-lateral cleft lip and palate. I'm pretty sure I read his whole 2 and a half year story in about 48 hours. He was (is!) such an amazing little boy and the way Jen wrote his story and captured his joy in those videos inspired me. I reached out to her and she reached right back. And things started to get better. The more I learned about Owen and Jen the more renewed I felt.
Fast forward to Memorial Day weekend, 2010. Jen and I had already spent a short weekend together at a conference for mother's of children with special needs. But Nate and Owen had never met. On their way through to Chicago, Jen, Owen and the rest of their family stopped for a visit. And this is where my whole (long-winded) story comes full circle. Nate and Owen were able to meet each other! It was such a wonderful experience to have Nate meet someone who was "just like him". And Owen was excited that they both love the Cubs! It was truly a very special time for me. And Jen, I hope you know how grateful I will always be that you chose to share Owen's story. I have since found such a large and amazing support group. I am thankful for each and every one of you!
Jen and Nate
Nathan and Owen playing together :)
The whole gang: Owen, Liam, Zane, Nate and Kate
Cubbie buddies
This one just melts my heart!
Throughout the rest of my pregnancy I was able to find peace in God's word and tried to rest in knowing that he was in control. We named our baby Nathan, which means "gift of God" because we truly believed that no matter what he was a gift and a blessing.
After Nathan was born and I entered (or was forcefully thrown into) the world of medical terminology, specialists, tests, procedures, and surgeries for my brand new baby I started to lose that peace. With every night that passed that he wasn't able to be off oxygen, every test that was run with undesirable results, and every milestone that wasn't met on time I began to withdraw to a dark place. The feeling that no one could really understand what I was going though returned. I wasn't sure how I was going to handle all this, how we were going to make it.
So I started searching. And that's when I found Owen and his mom Jen. I had randomly come across a video of him on you tube. Then I found his caringbridge website that chronicled his whole journey with sb and a bi-lateral cleft lip and palate. I'm pretty sure I read his whole 2 and a half year story in about 48 hours. He was (is!) such an amazing little boy and the way Jen wrote his story and captured his joy in those videos inspired me. I reached out to her and she reached right back. And things started to get better. The more I learned about Owen and Jen the more renewed I felt.
Fast forward to Memorial Day weekend, 2010. Jen and I had already spent a short weekend together at a conference for mother's of children with special needs. But Nate and Owen had never met. On their way through to Chicago, Jen, Owen and the rest of their family stopped for a visit. And this is where my whole (long-winded) story comes full circle. Nate and Owen were able to meet each other! It was such a wonderful experience to have Nate meet someone who was "just like him". And Owen was excited that they both love the Cubs! It was truly a very special time for me. And Jen, I hope you know how grateful I will always be that you chose to share Owen's story. I have since found such a large and amazing support group. I am thankful for each and every one of you!
Jen and Nate
Nathan and Owen playing together :)
The whole gang: Owen, Liam, Zane, Nate and Kate
Cubbie buddies
This one just melts my heart!
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