All Elmo, All The Time

I'm sure somewhere out there, there is a wise person who has warned against going to crowded theme parks with young children. We didn't listen. Fortunately for us, Alexander had a blast.

A Day at the Zoo

We're trying to take advantage of the long Spring, and have been enjoying some outside adventures. As if the zoo can be considered an adventure. Fun nonetheless...

Never Again...

I walked in my MBA graduation ceremony today. And this is proof that no matter what you do, you just can't look cool in a cap and gown.

Alexander was quite the cutie following the ceremony and after a long nap...

Things That Go Bump...

I've been talking a lot lately to everyone about how much easier parenting becomes after the first year. I believe my last diatribe on this occurred just two nights ago while on the phone with my friend, Rachel, who is the mother to an adorable four-month old. And yesterday, I was talking to Rachel's husband, Joe, in the car on my way to pick up Alexander and kept saying, "it just gets so much EASIER after the first year."

I need to stop doing that.

When I arrived at Play and Learn yesterday afternoon I found Alex with a bump on his forehead; a bruised angry unhappy head bump that was caused, I was told, by a fall on the playground that morning. He fell into the play house in the yard (for those of you who know me well, this is yet more evidence that Alexander is completely my son and not at all Skip's).

I signed the requisite incident report and assessed the situation as basically a typical trip and fall, nothing to be concerned with, and Alex seemed to be doing well so not to worry.

Right.

Upon pulling into the driveway at home, Alex vomited. Fortunately, I know enough not to mess with mommy instincts and followed mine to call the pediatrician. The nurse I spoke with (who was really wonderful) said that one instance of vomiting was not to cause immediate concern, however if it happened again, I should immediately take him to the ER.

So we started out normal evening routine. A little bit of building with blocks, a few books, me chasing Alex around the house while I try to cook dinner. Around 6:45, he was finishing dinner, and adopted the same glassy-eyed stare that accompanies most of his stomach illnesses. I immediately started to panic inwardly, but just watched, and five minutes later the entire dinner he had just enjoyed was returned to the tray of the highchair.

So, I did the scoop and run, complete with a quick change for both of us, and off we went to wait in the Bryn Mawr ER for about five hours. Alexander was a complete trooper through the CT Scan, the nurses' and doctors' exams, through being up so way past his bedtime that I was literally praying to all the gods I know to please just let him fall asleep a bit before a complete and total meltdown. I don't think he ever cried. He really is a gem of a boy.

Last night we did the waking every two hours routine (and yet more evidence that Alex is comprised solely of genetic matter from me - his middle-of-sleep waking behavior, which involved repeatedly screaming "NO," and kicking me several times), and today we stayed home to rest and recoup. My little boy is fine, although he is a little unsteady on his feet and beyond-cranky, thankfully.

Here are some photos of his bump...

I'm Remembering My Grandfather

He taught me to spit and throw pennies down manholes, although my parents only knew about the pennies.
He managed the curtain for me for my many basement performances.
He fed me chocolate milkshakes for breakfast, and once had them remake my milkshake with vanilla ice cream because with chocolate it was too chocolately.
He let me gloat the first time I beat him at Scrabble (and the only time - on quince).
He never failed to make me feel good about myself, even when I was at my most awkward, most confused, most lost.
He treated my son like a prince and my husband like a king.

I will miss him terribly.

I love you Poppop.

(photos 1 and 2, courtesy of MBB)