Glors Galore: holidays

Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts

Easter 2012

They didn't notice they didn't get candy in their basket ;)

On the way to church

Right before the photo shoot goes bad

Going

Gone

Sexy NeeNee

Before the photoshoot gets really silly

Careful you can pull muscles doing that

Whoa. Hold on just a minute. I need to sit down. No, nothing crazy, no exciting news. I just need to find a chair and relax for a bit. I haven't stopped in the last month and a half, baking, visiting, hosting, holidays, parties, crafts, cleaning, mopping, washing, shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, frosting, mailing, who knows what else. I've done so much, thought about everything, got things for everyone and thought about everyone, except me. In all the hustle and bustle, I forgot about me.

The holidays were great, amazing really. I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas. It was really, truly, joyful, happy, calm, (well- a little chaotic with kids and gifts, but you know) just enjoyable. So much I had hoped for, but was afraid to ask for. Everyone was happy, (well until they started throwing up the next day) and it was probably the best I could ask for after all the changes we've all endured the last few years. It was sincere. It wasn't pretending that it was how it used to be. It was taking it as it was and just enjoying the day, the season, the people, the gifts, the food (until that food came back up 12 hours later I suppose, hehe).
*Somehow 3 of 10 people we saw Christmas eve, got sick, along with 5 of the 12 we were with on Christmas day, got sick throwing up the following day. But, we did not. And no, I did not poison the food!*

I am, by nature, a "giver", a "doer", a "helper", so I want to, really want to, give. Be it in forms of cooking, cleaning, hosting, gifts, something that makes that person think, or just feel, thought of, or noticed, or taken care of. And I truly enjoy finding gifts and ways to make people feel that way. Throw a party for everyone and make food, taking days to shop and wrap and feed you all I got? No problem, love it. Until...I'm dead on my feet. Until it's over. Until I feel "gived out" (the past tense Kian prefers). And, then I don't know how to convey that. I get antsy, I get claustrophobic, I get irritable. I want my house and my house only and no one else in it. It's my refreshing time. Some people get refilled by being out and about and with other people. Not me, I get my refilling and refueling by being in my house with just my little family and not having to answer anything or do anything. Of course, then I feel lazy and start doing things around the house....I just can't stop.

I have a problem getting Kevin to understand it. He does the homebody and the social butterfly equally well. He has no problem having company or going somewhere and doing things every single day of the week. Sometimes twice a day. I do. We';re different in how we recharge. He gets annoyed at me, and I get mad at him for not letting me just be, just stay home, just not have people around. Tomorrow will be the first day in over 2 weeks, that we will not have company or somewhere to go. Two weeks. Every day for about 16 days, people here, some place or function to be at. It's making me batty, I was starting to get a tic last night until Savannah brought me a bottle of Strawberry Arbor mist! I'm so thankful I can just have that day tomorrow. Nothingness. Playing with Christmas toys. Enjoying the last few days of the Christmas tree. Reading the paper. Eating leftovers yet again. Possibly even savoring that last glass of wine in the bottle...

Today, we took down most of the Christmas decorations. I hate to see them go, but at the same time I'm ready. I can only handle so much garland drooping yet again, so many knocked over tin snowmen, so many nativity pieces losing heads or ears and finding little glass lambs in my baking cupboards, Mary under Karter's crib, ornament hooks in my sock...you know what I'm talking about. I'm also trying to think of ways to fit in more time for myself this year. It's not easy, I feel guilty doing things for myself. The most I've really done is take that boxing class over the summer. How I miss it. I hate spending money on myself, I hate feeling indulgent... Is it a firstborn thing? Is it a me thing? How do I balance it? I have no problem buying and doing for others, why not myself? Seems selfish I think. But, I'm seeing that when I don't take that time, I get anxious and irritable and I lose my patience and I'm no good for my family. When I don't just splurge a bit and buy the stupid jeans that actually fit me, instead of being miserable pulling and hiking up the ones that are too big, complaining all the while, I actually feel better about myself and my attitude changes.

We've also realized how little time Kevin and I have made for each other in the last year. The guilt thing again, I tell ya. Of course it's more challenging when you're nursing a baby, you can squeeze in short amounts of away time. Now that Karter is older, even though he's still very much a mama's boy, I can get away for a bit. It's the sitter part that was holding us up, but I think I've now found one and can't wait to use some of the gift cards Kevin received from his clients. So lovely of them, we'll have a few nice dinners thanks to them! That's when we start getting crabby with each other. It's good we're realizing this, yes, and working on ways to prevent meltdowns with each other or the kids or whatever. It's just never easy. But, we're also seeing the reasons for vacations and downtime and I think we'll be planning something this summer that is more than just a weekend thing. It will be good for all of us.

So...here's to a new year. A new year of realness, of being in the moment; of enjoying life; of not letting life pass me by while I'm busy washing another pot or floor or worrying about refilling the food instead of enjoying my friends, family and company. A new way of being. A new sincerity in every aspect of my life--my family, my kids, my husband, myself!, my health (exercise!), my faith. Worry less, hold onto less negative and hold onto more positive, inhale life instead of exhaling with so many sighs. To not put off for tomorrow, what I should be enjoying today. I hope you do too.

Merry Merry Merry!

We're so excited. This house is bustling with Christmas activity and we are loving it. Kian's figured out Christmas and gifts and he's over the moon. Trying to reign in the receiving part, can be tricky. But, seeing the boys' excitement is making me so excited.

The last couple years of holidays have been...transitional. So, this feels good. I'm not worrying about anything (except if my cinnamon rolls are going to rise right, or I remember to turn the oven on) just enjoying things.

Well, enjoying as much as I can being the hostess on Christmas day, bringing lots of goodies and food for Christmas Eve, another family party for the in-laws on the 26th, more food to bring, being the sole shopper and wrapper...uhh yeah but that's another story.

I'm a bit sad that the 26th won't be our usual, annual, stay at home together, do nothing, hang out with Jon day. Boo! Feels like a lot of running around crammed together! But, I'll take it.

Of course everyone likes getting gifts, but this year I haven't even really thought about myself, thinking of a list for Kevin was hard enough, because it's just so fun watching the kids and getting things for them and making things with them and just being and doing and discovering Christmas all over again!

Enjoy a blessed Christmas Day!

Busy, busy, busy

I'm sick. I don't have time to be sick. This evening I was actually able to get off the couch for the first time without thinking I was dying. Karter started it. Last night, he was walking around the kitchen, stopped and just threw up his dinner and milk. Then again. And again. And almost every hour until 3:30 am. That was fun. At first I thought it was his major intake of all things dairy over the weekend (pediasure-which he doesn't drink, cookies and baked goods made with real butter, frosting, cheese, pizza, macaroni and cheese-yeah so much for introducing it slowly. Sorry kid!) But, then I started feeling really yucky about 5 am. I didn't throw up, I tried not to, but really I probably just should have and then my stomach wouldn't have felt like the Civil War cannons pounding around inside it. Ugh.

After 6 hours worth of naps, Karter was feeling considerably better. Some crackers, drinks and more drinks and he could play for half hour here and there. Finally, I am starting to feel better. I'm hungry but afraid to eat. I just can't really afford this time to be sick. I have a cape I want to sew Kian for Christmas. I've resigned to the fact that Karter's won't be made by this Christmas. Easter? Birthday? Something. I've been doing, doing, doing and on the go for the entire month really. Shopping done, wrapping in process, baking like crazy, cleaning, laundry, every day stuff...you name it. And yet, still more to do. I had plans this week, not sickness.

But, as Mary knows, somethings just can't be planned on, can they? (Nice segue, eh?) I love this time of the year, my favorite holiday-right with Easter. I often find myself identifying with Mary, since becoming a mother. To hear the stories of Jesus, the conception, the birth, the life, the death and crucifixion as a person is one thing, but to hear them from a mother's heart, is completely different. It has changed my view, finding deeper meaning and connection at times. The obedience of a servant girl, giving birth in a stable, amazes me. Maybe if she had known the details she might have hesitated? Giving birth with all the luxuries and amenities and technology at my fingertips in what was essentially a hotel room, I can't even begin to imagine. But, she said yes. And a world was saved. (Well the ones that want to be...)

We are pointing first to the Christian beginnings of the holiday for the boys, with the traditional customs following behind. Reminding them the reason for the season, then the fun that follows. It's magical. Each and every ornament brought a sparkle to someone's eye. Each tree we looked at was "the one". Each cookie, each sprinkle, fascinating. And of course, each toy wanted. Even the wrapping paper was awe inspiring. Perfect. Wonder how long this phase lasts? Karter was a tiny baby last year so he was just amazed when he woke up from a nap one afternoon to see trees and ornaments and decorations everywhere. They've both been pretty good about leaving things put, even the dog. Save for the nativity sets, but they are ones they're allowed to play with. Kian collects the 3 baby Jesus', some end up in Lego castles, some in shape sorters. Karter just carries them around everywhere he goes.

Each morning Kian wakes up and says "Mommy, it's Christmas!" Sadly, it's not. So, I am excited for Saturday when he does wake up and yell that and I can say "yes! it is!". And, like every year when I was younger, we will read the Christmas story along with the gift opening. And, I really can't wait!

quick update from the snow-blasted state

I can't say I miss all the lake effect snow up in Rochester. While they were getting pummeled with it the last few days we haven't had half as much...plus it has been so windy it just blows away into a drift on the one side of the yard. I had to drive up through it all, one particularly bad spot near East Rochester/Pittsford exits of 490, were so snowy I couldn't see well and the roads were terribly covered. One lady spun out a few cars in front of me and ended up smashing her back end into the guard rail. But after that, it was fine.

I ventured up on this snowy, freezing, crummy day for Karter's 15 month check. Uhhh. Got there with time to spare, even though it was slow going. But the usually timely doctor was late getting in our room. It is very hard to entertain a 1 and 3 year old in a 10x10 room for very long, with only 2 toys and 3 books. Yeah. And because he was now running behind, I don't feel I got to talk and discuss as much as I would have liked to, or usually get to.

The stats: Head size-26th perentile, fine. Height: 30.25 inches-25th percentile, fine. Weight: sigh. 19lbs. Not even near the chart. Like, more than 5% under it.

So we discussed my concerns--not eating much, sleeping too much during the day, not sleeping at night well, how it's related to food, possible reflux, my thoughts about delayed gastric emptying (something I've wondered about since he started solids, which is when all these problems surfaced) blood work, tests, etc.

We decided to do some more food allergy testing (blood tests) for egg, corn, soy, wheat (since Kevin is also being tested for Celiac's after his hospital stint and colonoscopy and tummy troubles, probably not it, but you never know). Problem is he might not be allergic to foods, but just intolerant or sensitive, which will not show up on tests. Ugh. And that might mean he can have small amounts but not large amounts, etc. Also in that blood tests, which they took 5, yep that's right, 5! vials will be: thyroid, celiac's, iron, general inflammation in his body, general blood counts, other allergy flags, etc.

He asked if we wanted to try prevacid again for the reflux but I said I'd like to know if that's really what we're dealing with or something else in his digestive system. So we're doing a Scinta scan (spelling?) which is where Karter will swallow some dye stuff, and we will see if it goes up for reflux and how long it takes to go through his system, if it's delayed, too fast, etc. They also want me to bring a dirty diaper for testing for malabsorption issues, etc.

Until then and until results, I continue to play with his diet. I find a high protein diet with low carbs, no/very low dairy, with fruits and vegetables that he likes and won't have ill affects (citrus, etc.) seem to do the best with him and he's happiest those days and sometimes sleeps better. His sleep is such that he prefers to really eat around 8:30, which is usually after he's gone to bed, then eat/nurse a few times in the late night, and then sleep soundly from like 3-9am. I suppose it's probably reflux related as by the early to late morning all acid would be gone from his system and allowing him to sleep. Not fun at all.

Okay I said this was going to be quick....besides Karter who has now added a few words to his vocab-uh oh, cookie, tree, Kee (Kian) and another I don't remember...and has gotten his 2 top molars and working on the bottom (backwards from Kiain and most other kids I think they usually get bottom first)... we put up 2 trees. The nice artificial one my grandparents left--that's our "pretty" one with ribbon and just silver balls and crystal ornaments. Then Sunday we picked the coldest, windiest day of the entire year to get a tree on the windiest, coldest hill on Canandaigua lake with Patrick and Savannah. Karter was fine in my Ergo carrier on my back in a snowsuit. Kian was fine at first but cheeks got pretty frozen and he got pretty tired from running in all that snow. Finn came along and he and Zoey and Duke ran around like maniacs in and out of the trees. He slept the rest of the day I think, tired dog. He loves the snow! Loves running, rolling, eating, jumping, digging in it, it's fun to watch.

The boys are loving the Christmas decorations-especially the "activity sets" as Kian calls the Nativities. We have 3 or 4 and they play with them all the time. Kian collected all the baby Jesus' and then put them in little present boxes under the tree. I think that's a fitting thing for the real reason for the holiday actually...

My shopping is almost done. We can't do a lot this year, as I would like to, but with 2 houses still on our plates, blah! I did mostly online shopping using www.ebates.com (I get cash back for everything I buy through that site! It's sweet!) and all the free shipping, coupon codes, etc. it was just so worth it to not drag 2 little, sticky-fingered, getting all crabby and tied and hungry boys, who will see their presents, or see things they want, or hate getting in and out of the car a billion times. Directly to my door with one click and it's done. I think I only had to go to Target for one thing and BJ's for another. Score. Kian still found my hiding spot and saw some of his. I wonder how long he'll buy the "it's for your cousin" story? Especially since he only has 2 so far! ha!

Well...that's my "quick" update, after a very long, busy day all over 2 counties...I'm off to bed!

Independence Day

Still catching up on my photos!

Could this BE any cuter?

Charlotte

Yep, that'd be the milk allergic baby mooching a bite of ice cream...oh well =)

Too hot for shirts

One more time with the American Flag babylegs

Hot Holy Day

Egg hunt, since it was finally warm enough to have one, in oh about 3 years.

A little basketball...

Future point guard for the Cavaliers...
(he sunk every shot he made!)

Aunt Neenee is fun...

Not sure about this too big hat thing...

Finally, got it off!

Oh yeah, I do exist...

And Aunt Neenee is crazy...

March: review in Pictures

I just realized that I didn't post one single picture in March. Oops. So, here's a post full of them. I think I was slightly busy getting all my work caught up and going insane...

First we went to the Museum with friends:

Seth

Mya

Don't judge me. It's sad that the best picture taken of me in years is one I took myself in the museum bathroom while waiting for Kian...sigh. Karter happily sleeping in the Action Baby Carrier.