Happenings

Sadly, I can hardly remember where I left off last.  We have been going nonstop around here.  We are in crunch time with the house -- getting so close the end is in sight, but far enough away that we can also see all the work that has to be done to get there.  Others besides John and Ray are able to help now -- lots of painting to be done! -- and we have been doing so as much as possible.  Mom stayed until almost midnight the other night working on the nursery.  John has been working night and day and making so much progress.

The thought of fall being right around the corner gets us even more excited to dwell in our new home.  I have been taking advantage of babysitters as much as possible (even though I hate leaving Rudy so much, I keep telling myself its only a short time and then we can all be together like a "regular" family again and it will all be worth it).  For the first time in months, we finally got some much needed rain this weekend.  I took a break to get lunch and go to the bathroom (one caveat to more work being done on the bathrooms -- so long operating toilet!) and as soon as I walked back in the door, it started pouring down.  I was alone at the house so I took 15 minutes to sit in the library and eat and watch the rain come down on the courtyard.  Sounds beautiful, huh?

Well...here was my view

...and my seat (almost literally because I cleaned up some dust while sitting)

It was the most peaceful and relaxing 15 minutes I have had in awhile.  I love our house so much, even as it is now, I can't wait to watch the rain and the leaves change all fall long.

Other things I am looking forward to --  Pumpkin scented candles (or any fall scent really), pumpkin muffins, pumpkin butter (hoping Dawn will be as good to me this year as she was last...hint, hint :)), visiting the pumpkin patch with John and Rudy, warm apple cider, carving pumpkins at the kitchen counter, lazy Sundays watching football, being outdoors in sweaters, new fall shows, old favorites returning, fall colors, pretty much everything that comes along with fall and I'm so excited that I can be excited about all of this, because we can just "be" and not have five hundred and one things to do.  (I think the baby is excited, too because she is awfully active right now!)  The anticipation I usually have for fall is 100 times greater because I get to add to it the moving into our new house.  We are so fortunate to be able to have had the opportunity to do this house, which we would not have been able to do had we not had all the help we have had along the way.  I'm just ready to be done now!  (And I pray I didn't just jinx us and something comes up that pushes back our timeframe)

So I'm guessing you might want pictures??  Here goes:

First things first... the winner of our bet goes to...

Half bath with tile 

 Vanities with painting in progress (turquoise for the kids' bath and moss for the half bath)

 John installing the vanities in the playroom bath

 the tile in the kids' bath

 Complete vanities and tile in the playroom bath

 Master bath vanities installed with just enough tile to do so (and no we are not painting the vanities, those are the colors we want them!)

 Half bath with installed vanity (waiting on the doors to dry)

Kids' bath with the vanity installed (waiting on the doors to dry)

Hard to say, really.  Technically, the guy came to measure for our countertops on Friday morning and the nursery was not done.  HOWEVER, mom spent 2 full days last weekend helping John clean and prime walls so that he could advance with his part.  AND not to mention, 2 evenings painting vanities so they could be set before the measurements were done.  But yesterday we finished the nursery (and Mom was BY FAR the MVP on the job!!!).  I'm calling it a tie.

 Left wall

 Back wall

Right wall 

John has moved on to the bamboo flooring now.  Compared to the Greenbriar house, I can't put into words how nice it is for John to install it and then be done (I can only imagine how John feels).  It's been going well and looks great!  I'm so happy we went with the "dream house" pick!

Rudy loves being a part of the action.  He lights up when we pull up to the house and he is so happy once inside.  He's never been grumpy or in a bad mood there.  So much to do!

Master bedroom 

And just a few other pictures...

The kitchen

The front door that was delivered recently

And our other doors

Some other things we have been doing with Rudy...

Grandma Cicci put together the car track.  It is motorized but Grandma hasn't figured out how to charge it yet, so she pushes Rudy around and around and around in circles.  They have to stop every few laps because she gets dizzy!  And Rudy also has to have his turn at pushing it around (of course).

He's still a fan of teeth brushing.

We also celebrated Grandparent's Day this weekend.  Rudy and I made a special project for his grandparents.

I signed Rudy up for a music class that starts in a couple weeks.  We go together every Monday at 4 for 14 weeks.  I'm really looking forward to it.  The class description for "Bouncing Babies" reads, "This Fall the Babies class will use a delightful collection of songs and activities (simply called "Babies Music 2").  In this 30 minute class, adults have the opportunity to play musically with their baby so that their well-being and total development might be served. Parents, or caregivers, will learn many songs for touching eyes and ears, hands and feet - to help baby learn about the body and to build body awareness; songs for wiggling and tickling - to help baby enjoy the delight of music; songs for movement - to allow baby to feel the flow, beat, meter, phrase, and nuance for music.

This class is rich in interactive songs - bouncing, rocking and dancing songs - to express the joy of playing together. We sing rocking and quiet songs, to help baby calm him/herself. We explore various rhythm instruments that baby can use and manipulate as he/she learns about sound, timbre, and vibration. There is much repetition from week to week because repetition of simple songs and rhymes enhances memory, oral expression and later written language.

Our goal is to awaken baby's natural curiosity and response to music, to develop aural perception, a musical sense, and a sense of beat, and to encourage pleasure in listening to and making music together at home.  Come enjoy a wonderful playtime with your baby, and meet other moms and dads!"

Sounds right up Rudy's alley!

We ran into Jenna and Nolan at Lowe's last week and we all went to the park afterwards.  Rudy liked the slide the best!  (No pictures, though)

John and his friends had their fantasy football draft on Sunday.  Rudy and I went to visit for a bit and met Jenna and Nolan there, too.  Rudy and Nolan took quite a liking to the coolers.  They spent a lot of their time passing out beer.

And annoying Gus.

It was raining and Rudy was loving playing in it.  He kept making a run for it out of the garage.  Grandpa hung out with him in the rain for awhile and Rudy looked like he had just had a bath he was so wet!  And when it was time to leave, Rudy was so upset.  Dad promised him some day he could stay and hang out as long as he wanted (while Mom went shopping, even).  

I've finally wrapped up a few projects (although my "after" pictures are legit "afters" because they aren't hung/installed in their home, you get the idea for now).

The measuring board:

Before

After

Rudy's alphabet wall:

Before

After

Rudy's canvas:

Before

After

I ordered fabric for the baby bed I've been working on and with just a few more finishing touches it will be ready for an "after" picture.  And I've gathered supplies for a few more projects to be started soon.

Moving right along!

Next up for the week...John is going to keep going with the floors and whatever else comes up and we are meeting with a couple closet people to work on the closet layouts.  We are headed to the Chicago area this weekend for a quick trip to pick out the granite slabs for the kitchen and bathrooms and make a stop at Ikea (Tony's favorite store -- just ask him about it).

Never a dull moment here!

One-year Wellness Check

One-year stats:  

24 lbs, 3 oz. (86 percentile)

32 inches (99 percentile)

teeth count: 10

clothes size: 18 months

shoe size: 6

walking: absolutely

words: mama, dada, and lots of babbles

Rudy had his one-year wellness check last week.  For the most part, all things are great and he is perfectly healthy.  He is developmentally right on track, if not ahead of the track.  

Unfortunately, Rudy has been having some constipation issues again.  So frustrating!  After talking to the doctor and nurses, they think it may have to do with the introduction of milk (even though he was normal for several days with the milk...hence, my frustration).  Last Tuesday was his first "bad" constipation poop and since then, we have not given him any dairy besides his milk (and loaded him up on prune juice, water, warm sitz baths).  As of Thursday evening (when I spoke to the nurse because it had been several days of tears with every dirty diaper...poor baby), we have had to cut out all dairy completely, even milk, until he gets "regular" again.  Then we will slowly work it back into his diet and see how it goes.  Good, then great.  If the same thing happens, he will get tested to see if it is an intolerance or an allergy and where to go from there.  (Please be good)  When I met with the doctor on Friday I asked lots of questions.  It seemed so odd to me to be able to cut out milk completely, considering that has been his "main source of nutrition and calories" up until this point.  He explained that at this point, the milk is more or less just for calcium and another possibility is that he just doesn't tolerate milk very well but other forms of dairy may be fine and he can get his calcium from that.  Or, the doctor pointed out, there are several juices that are calcium fortified that will fill his needs.  

And the other not so fun lecture I got was how he needs to be off of bottles.  

Great...no milk and no bottles.  I wondered if the doctor wanted to come over and try and get him to go to sleep without either of those two things.  

After talking it all over with John and explaining it all very wordy along with all my questions and doctor's answers, John says, "so basically we need to not treat him like a baby anymore."  And that's exactly it, simply put.

So we have spent a weekend without milk and without bottles and guess what?  He's alive and happy as ever.  It was awful at first but every nap time and bedtime has gotten easier and easier and tonight was a breeze.  Rudy is a good baby.  I mean toddler.  It is definitely not as easy getting him to drink as much liquid as when he would take it from the bottles, but we are just sure to always have a sippy cup handy.  

Unfortunately, he still isn't back to "regular" yet.  Fingers-crossed he gets all worked out soon.  I'm sure he is missing his favorite macaroni and cheese!  

Another new habit to start -- teeth brushing.  (Maybe this all wouldn't have come to such a shock or seem like information overload had I been keeping up with my books!)  So far, so good.  Rudy actually likes brushing his teeth and is pretty good at doing it himself, too.  Now whenever we go into the bathroom he reaches up for his toothbrush.  He likes doing whatever we do.   

The doctor did help put my mind at ease with Rudy's latest eating habits (or lack of vegetables).  He was in no way concerned and said this is very common at his age (and for mother's of children this age to be worried).  He said to just continue offering them as much as possible and one day he will go for them and ditch something that was a good go-to for me.  As long as we continue to work on variety and keep vegetables available, it will all work out.  Phew!

And Rudy was, of course, hamming it up at the doctor's office.  He was cheesing big time for the doctor and when the nurses came in to give him his shots, he was dancing.  Everyone kept commenting on a) how big he is and b) how happy he is. 

All things considered, we are incredibly blessed to have such a happy, healthy baby (whoops, toddler)!

Illinois State Fair

Parking: $7

Cost of admission: $6

Petting zoo: Free (woo-hoo!)

Jumbo corn dogs: $10

Lemon shake-up: $5

Funnel cake: $5

Being with Grandpa when he won 1st place in red chili: Priceless

Obviously, we took Rudy out to the fair this past weekend.  He really enjoyed himself, to say the least. We started out at the petting zoo and he loved it.  He was pointing at the animals, squealing and trying to pet all of them.  Fearless. 

We made some pit stops on our way to the Miller tent to load up on some food and Rudy chowed on some corn dogs (well, just the breading technically, but he loved it all the same).

Rudy made himself at home at the Miller tent.  He walked around, checked it all out, and made new friends (or at least tried).  He walked right up to any child around his size and would try and make friends.  Most were a bit timid around him.  A dad of one of the children gave Rudy a small stuffed animal.  Then later Rudy went and got it to try and give to another little kid.  He even walked up to strangers' tables and made himself known.  He is one social baby (although technically I should say "toddler" -- with time I'll accept that).  And busy.  I don't think he stopped moving the entire time we were there (which means either did John or I)!

He loved hanging with the guys, right in the middle.  They all had red cups, so of course Rudy had to have a red cup.  

Now that the fair is over and schools are all back, I guess it's safe to say summer is over...which only means football season is just around the corner!

Rudy is ready! 

Our little helper bee (yet, another bug)

Bug

Snuggle bug

Stink bug

Love bug

Silly bug

Tickle bug

Crazy bug

...just a few of the affectionate names we use to refer to Rudy

And soon to join our family...lady bug :)

Rudy has been such a helper these days.  Whatever we do, Rudy wants to do, too.  John and my Dad drove to Iowa last week to pick up lots of furniture Nicolette graciously gave to us.  When they came back and were unloading one particular piece, a huge, very heavy hutch that they were attempting to carry upstairs, Rudy was fixated.  I was trying to distract him in the other room, but he kept running back to the stairs to check it out.  When they decided to try a different angle and set the hutch down at the bottom of the stairs and break for lunch, Rudy was found pushing against the side of the hutch grunting "ughhh, ughhh" -- just like Daddy.  

I also started a couple more projects for the new house and Mom was working on some furniture outside this past weekend.  Rudy got out his "hammer" and "screwdriver" and banged on the boards and inspected everything we were working on.  

 My Goodwill find ("after" picture coming soon...well, hopefully)

 

 Measuring board for the kids ("after" picture coming soon...again, hopefully)

We have tried to visit John and whoever else is at the house any chance we get.  Rudy loves going there.  It's his favorite part of the day.  He gets excited when we pull up and he walks around the place like he owns it.  So much stuff to check out!

 Here Dad, do you need this?

  Helping Grandpa with the cabinets

Rudy has had some more extra special quality time with his Grandpa's.  Rudy spent an entire day with Grandpa Ray while LeeAnn was in Iowa and Rudy was one happy camper.  Dad has also been helping out and watching Rudy for a couple hours here and there so I can work on the house or he will pick him up for me after work so I can go straight home.  

Dad learned real quick why we call Rudy "Stink Bug" at times.  He had a few days of some serious blow-outs.  One day I was home and Dad was trying to help but kept gagging (like serious gagging).  The next day, he had Rudy alone when he had a repeat performance.  A few days later, he brought this mask home.  He's prepared for anything now!

I had another "idea," this time for the nursery, over the weekend that might be my most intense idea yet.  Thankfully, Mom has agreed to help!  We started on Sunday...

 It involves tracing this stencil over and over (and over and over and over) again on the walls of the nursery and then painting in the design.  We did a rough calculation, and we estimated that we would be drawing that stencil approximately 1,000 times.

 Once painted, it will look something like this (I don't like the white color so we have to re-do the part we painted already -- if we are going to invest this much time, I want it perfect!)

  Once done, it will be very subtle and delicate, perfect for our little girl.

John can't believe we are doing it, along with every other person that has caught a glimpse.  He spent some time on Sunday trying to find wallpaper that was the same (as-if!) and keeps commenting on how long it is going to take us.  So I made a wager... maybe idiotically...but I bet John that we would have the nursery walls done before he had all the cabinets and vanities set (the part we need to get done to get the countertops all measured and ordered).  Needless to say, Mom and I are on a mission!  And it's sort of like our back porch at Greenbriar...sure it's a lot of work, but what else do we have to do at the house??

And speaking of house, as you could see from the pictures above, the kitchen floors and cabinets are underway and the drywall is just about done being hung. 

 Master bath, laundry room, half bath corner

 Master bath with drywall!

Working on the laundry room

But back to Rudy...

He is loving being 1!  Especially his new ride

He is completely off of formula.  Starting on August 5th, we started mixing his formula was 2% milk and for about a week now, he's been straight milk.  He still is using bottles though, I'll work on that transition soon. 

We had his 1-year pictures on August 6th.  He did great and I can't wait to see them all.  The photographer is a bit backed up, but she gave us this "sneak peak"

Gran and Rudy released all the balloons one day they were home together and we are still partying!  I can't believe how well the helium is holding up in those things!

Rudy is getting faster and quicker and constantly getting into more and more.  I swear I turn my head for a second and he is up the stairs or has emptied an entire cabinet.  The other morning he dumped out a box of Cheerios.  He was so pleased with himself, I couldn't help by laugh (and snap a few pictures before we cleaned up). 

I'll be taking Rudy to the doctor later this week and something tells me he won't like being one when he gets his one-year shots.  I'll report back his one-year stats then!

To Our Baby

I'm all about traditions and starting them in our family.  One I came up with that I thought we'd start this year with Rudy was to write our children a letter on their birthdays.  So here they are...

Dear Rudy,

     Today you are one-year old.  When I think back to one year ago, I can't believe how much you have changed and how much our lives have changed right along with you.  I will never forget the day we welcomed you into the world and every special moment since.  This has been the happiest year of my life.  I didn't know it was possible for my heart to swell so much, somedays I think it might explode.

  

     You bring me more joy than I could have ever imagined.  You are such a happy little man.  Every morning you wake up with a smile on your face and a "let's party" attitude.  It's infectious.  Staying mad or in a bad mood is near impossible when I see your little face light up (or even when I see it in tears)  Being with you makes me happy.  Your energy is nonstop, even down to the last minutes before bed or a nap.  Ever since the day you were born, you never seemed to want to miss anything.  For being one, you sure are busy.  It is difficult to keep up some days!

     You are smart, happy, independent, determined, funny, lovable, ticklish, a picky eater, active, brave, and definitely a people-person.  You love your family, books, dancing (hip hop music especially), the outdoors, playing ball, cell phones, remotes, being surrounded by people, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and macaroni and cheese (and your dad is working on you loving the Patriots).  You don't like naps, being confined or restricted, vegetables (which your mom is trying very hard to change), not being the center of attention, or being told "no."

     Your dad and you are like two peas in a pod.  So much about your personality, expressions, and overall demeanor remind me of your dad (and I'm not going to lie, it makes me very nervous for the years to come -- and also incredibly excited).  You two have a very special bond.  Your dad takes care of you effortlessly.  He just seems to "get you" and always knows just what you need.  He loves you so much and I love seeing the two of you together.

     Rufus will come around.  As soon as you stop pulling his hair, he'll learn that you will be his best friend because you absolutely can't get enough of him.  He stays close when you are eating meals -- you are confined to your high chair and you drop him food often -- pretty great place for him to be.  And he looks after you.  He always has to know where you are and make sure you're ok.

     You also have the best grandparents and family around.  They will spoil you rotten and if you're smart, you'll take full advantage of it.  I hope you realize how much you are loved.  

     Every night I rock you to sleep I pray to God to protect you through the night (and your daddy and mommy, too).  I thank Him for bringing you into our lives, and not just any baby, but specifically you.  You compliment our lives so perfectly and you make us complete.  I thank Him for your health and happiness and ask for another day of health and happiness for you and everyone in your family.  And as of lately, I also pray that He protect your sister from harm and bring to her your same happy spirit and health.  You are one very special little boy. 

   

     When I think about whats to come and what has been, I find myself reciting this to myself (and quite often lately):

I'll love you forever, 

I'll like you for always, 

As long as I'm living 

my baby you'll be.

-Robert Munsch

     I first read this story right after you were born.  I was in tears and could hardly finish the book.  It's such a simple story, but it couldn't be more true.  Today you may be one, and next year you'll be two, and the year after that you'll be three, and one day you'll be all grown up and taller than me...but you'll always be my baby.  No matter what.

I love you beyond words and I'm so proud to be your mom.  Thank you for being you. 

Happy birthday, Rudy.

Love, Mom

Rudy,

Happy Birthday!  I'm writing you this letter because you just turned one today (and your mom told me to).  Can't believe you are one already.  Your first year has been crazy.  Your were born into the greatest family ever.  You are surrounded by so much love!  You have the greatest mom in the whole wide world and just for that you should be thankful.  

You have grown to love many things: balloons, mac n cheese, Rufus, baseball bats, golf balls, actually any sort of ball, dancing, running around like a crazy man, and pretty much doing anything but sleep and staying still.  Hopefully when you are older and understand you will grow to love New England Patriots and Iowa Hawkeye football, but if you end up liking other teams better I will still love you just as much.  

I want to wish you a Happy Birthday and many more happy ones to come.  Also, I want to tell you thanks.  Thanks for bringing us so much joy.  Thanks for being the greatest kid in the world.  Thanks for making me a better man.  You mean the world to me and I would do anything for you and always will.  I couldn't imagine a life without you.  Thanks Rudy and I love you!

Love, Your Dad

PS you got a little sister on the way, be good to her.