Thrusday

Grandma went to church this morning and got to pick up Raina who was very excited that they had a Halloween party at school. She got a little bag with m and m's inside and a plastic ring, which she calls her hair band but wears on her finger. Grandpa made her waffles for lunch and she had yogurt and raisins too. Liam ate a big breakfast...a whole thing of bananas with his cereal and for lunch he had a whole thing of carrots and some regular apple sauce that we had. Everyone seems happy and noses not so full. Will put grease around Raina's mouth as it is all chapped. (if she'll let me)

Wednesday sick day

Liam seems in good shape. Ate a robust breakfast of rice cereal and very berry banana and a 4 oz bottle early. He was a little fussy about 8:50 so I went ahead and fed him. He has had tummy time and is now sitting with grandpa. Raina didn't want to eat, but did have about 3 bites of bagel, half a cup of applesauce and a sippy cup of hot chocolate made with milk. We'll push oj in a little while and see if she'll eat a little more. Quiet play and fairly good attitude.
Liam down for nap at about 10:40. Raina has had her oj and watched Little Einsteins. I'm not giving Liam any more of his medicine, since it says once a day only. Will give Raina more of hers in an hour or so. She had one melt down when I wouldn't give her a popsicle. I said it's only for after naps and she tried to get her own and did the lay down thing, then tried to kick me, so she sat in time out for about 2 seconds and it seemed to get things righted around (and she had her juice instead)
Liam zonked until noon, as did grandma since I had trouble sleeping last night (runny nose, etc.) Raina perked up when she and grandpa designed and cut the pumpkin. He is smiling, per her request. Nothing scary here. Then she swung, came in hungry and ate a whole little yogurt, finished her breakfast applesauce and ate the rest of the mac and cheese from yesterday and had OJ again. Now she and grandpa are off on an adventure to buy food for the poor people in Pelzer. Shouldn't take but an hour and she seems much more perky. Has gone potty several time (when cajoled) and seems much more behaved.

Tuesday

Liam arrived about 8:30 sans morning bottle. I had to use that blue suck thing on his nose to get it going, but then he gulped it down ( 6 oz) and he's now happy in his cart. We do need food for him. Does Brian have it in his car? I'll have dad pick up a veggie on the way home from Samaratin House. I have a fruit, but we are out, otherwise.
Don't worry Brian, we'll get it in the morning or tonight...you have a lot on your mind with two semi-sickies on a Tuesday morning.
Liam was so cute after breakfast...we read some books and then he squawked once and I put him down and he fell right to sleep.
Good lunches eaten by both. Raina seemed tired and didn't sleep. She sang and hummed, etc., and Grandpa even went in and told her to stop and sleep but she didn't. She got up very mopey and had her popsicle and some orange juice. For lunch she had yogurt and mac and cheese and milk and apple. Liam had bananas and sweet potatoes. He seems very happy and eats well!

Last Monday of October...

Lovely children arrived and Liam had a 6 oz bottle immediately. He's a little stuffed, but could drink without any help. Raina had hot chocolate (made with milk) orange juice and a few bites of cereal. She asked for yogurt but only took a bite. She did have her 5 chocolate chips after going to the bathroom. Grandpa and she just left for kindermusik. We debated whether or not she should go (re: infect others) but we are quite sure it's not flu, since she doesn't have other symptoms and should be H1N1 protected since she was immunized 2 weeks ago. When it comes in baby form at the pediatrician, we would gladly drive Liam over. Anyway, Liam had bananas in his rice cereal and a 4 oz bottle about 9:30. He seemed hungry...giving his little yelps beforehand. We had a weird experience...a mixed berry kind of blew up in the pantry, leaking out. He had had the other one in the 2 pack last week and it seemed fine. I'm not sure what happened. Just strange. Raina and I had another game of Candy Land this morning. All the guys hopped along to the end and we high fived when they all got there. She loves the cards and arranging them just so. She also says, "take a card from the top" which I guess we learned our first time out. I love it!!!

Lunch was sweet potatoes and bananas for Liam and 4 oz. of milk. He ate with gusto...I don't think his runny nose has impeded his apetite. Raina was fussy and had watermelon, raisins, yogurt, juice and I don't know what else (grandpa was in charge) She had an accident outside, so I'm washing her clothes. I had put pink sweat pants on under her dress so she'd be warm. Then she pooped in the next diaper. Yuck. She asked if we were happy and we said no, and she said she was happy, so we said good, we like a happy girl. (no punctuation, since I'm free thinking here) I think they will both like their naps this afternoon although Liam got about an hour in this morning while his sister was gone.

Friday

Kiddos are such super people~ Raina ate an extra apple. Liam had cereal with very berry and his 4 oz. He said he wanted more, so I gave him a little water. Lunch is coming soon at 12:15.
We went to the library and had a great time. I think Liam enjoyed it as much as anyone. Raina was a little jealous I fussed with him and ended up sitting in my lap for the last story. This is usually "our" time. She made sure I was up and dancing...I had wanted to sit quietly with Liam. He only slept a little on the way back, waking up as soon as we pulled in the drive. She is having watermelon (her grandpa spoils her!) and left over mac and cheese and a roll and she asked for yogurt. We'll see what she actually eats. Liam is having berry stuff and carrots and bottle. Yum! Then I'm making the squash soup for tonight.

Thursday

Liam arrived about 8:40 and immediately finished his bottle...with relish :) He ate cereal and bananas about 9:30 and had another 4 oz. of formula. He acted disappointed he didn't have more bottle, but was a little put off that I kept trying to give him cereal, but he finished it. He stayed up till about 10:45 and I'll be getting him up to go get sister about 11:30, so we are definitely fazing out the morning siesta. A couple more weeks of shortened naps and then we can go from there. Tomorrow I'm going to try Raina library with him.
Yes, grandpa is teaching math again.
Liam had bananas (the only fruit I had) and sweet potato and corn mix (too thin...we got it all over) and 4 oz bottle. Raina is beautiful in her picture dress and so far won't take it off. She ate a whole little yogurt (mixed berry) and a small bagel with nothing on it. I went over to put peanut butter on it and she had already eaten half. And some mac and cheese and o.j. and now is watching Little Einsteins with her Halloween cup with 4 vanilla wafers inside. Life is good!!!

When a Wednesday is a Monday!

Liam and Raina woke up late and needed breakfast about 8:15 or so. Liam had a 6 oz. bottle immediately. Then at 9:30 he ate applesauce and rice cereal (all the apple sauce) and a 4 oz. bottle followed by some water since he wanted more bottle and I didn't want him getting too much formula. (He needs more fruit for the rest of the week---veggies are fine)
Raina doesn't really like breakfast, I think. She ate some oat squares in milk and licked the peanut butter off a bagel and had a few bites. And some apple juice...and then half an apple, so she's good to go. She and grandpa went potty and then out to get groceries since we are all out...no orange juice for the girl this morning :( Liam and grandma are off to excitement later. Since he slept in, we are going to try Mother Goose on the Loose at the Simpsonville Library. If he sleeps through it, fine, but I think he'll like seeing other baby type people. More on this later!

Liam loved the library...so many babies to laugh at, and I enjoyed them too. He was not the youngest, but of course couldn't "do" anything but I moved him around and he smiled appropriately. He ate sweet potatoes and banana for lunch. Raina had a pot pourri of things including peanuts, bagel, apple, milk...not interested at all in spagghettios, unfortuately. I had thought she might like them. But little miss did not. We are in the process of baking....rising going on while some sleep.

Friday fly day

Liam and Raina arrived about 8:30--Raina has on a darling blue plaid jumper that looks like the uniform at the private schools. Too cute!!! Is she 5 or what?
Liam had had his morning bottle. Gave him breakfast about 9:30. 1/4 cup rice cereal mixed with water and some banana. Also 4 oz. bottle. He went down for nap about 10. Seems in jolly good form!
Raina has played with play doh and now we're going to get out the Dora cards. She had only had juice. She played with a banana and ate a few oat squares. I've left them out for her to return to when she feels hungry for them. She seems a little sluggish today. Pooped once in her pull-ups and then put on underpants and has gone potty alone (and unsuggested) and washed hands. Very proud of herself. She is having a tired day I think. Her dad suggested she nap when she wants. I wonder if she would lay down by herself? I'll take them over about 1 or so for naps.
We are all packed. Had a furnace malfunction at 6 which set off the smoke alarm and a bad smell. The man is coming before noon. We are warm...it is just zone 3. Very complicated system, but he seems competent.
We just played the most hysterical game of Candy Land ever. She wanted all the guys to play, not just the two colors we chose. And everyone had to get to the candy castle. She won easily but didn't get it that SHE won; she wanted all the guys to get there. She sorted through the cards and found the same color as the guy and that's how he went. We finally quit (because it was pointless...) and she said it was really fun. I can see this game thing has a long learning curve. But I like it that everyone has to get to go to candy land, not just a lucky one. Don't we all deserve it?????

Wednesday Rain

late start today...Liam ate peaches and rice cereal (big bowl) and 4 oz. bottle. Raina watched some Little Einsteins and played upstairs with grandma. We played with the animals and drew pumpkin faces. Liam had a hard time going to sleep but was obviously tired. When I picked him up, he shut his eyes...Now he is sleeping and we are waiting for him to wake up so we can go on our adventure to Pete's for lunch. Some good sliding and playing there. We are taking apple. She is drinking a little juice as a morning snack. She went to the bathroom alone and washed her hands. All by herself. That's a key with us...to keep our hands off and let her take her own time. It's hard, but since we have nothing else to do, we can be patient. More later after lunch.
Pete's was great! But, alas, no more children showed up. Raina kept asking where the children were. I guess everyone is in daycare or their parents don't have money for lunch out. So she climbed and slid to her heart's content. We took Liam's little cart and he went around the empty room and had fun. He ate sweetpotato/chicken combo and applesauce. That's a nice fall luncheon. He loved the applesauce, and I think would have like thicker jar stuff. I may mix in a little cereal next time. Now we're waiting for naptime. Oh, Raina ate a waffle and a half. Seems that Pete's waffle order is two plate sized waffles. She said she was hungry and meant it. AND came home and went potty alone. Hurray!!!

another tuesday

I just realized I haven't written in a week. I like to keep this little commentary going to trace our progress. Kids arrived sans breakfast. Raina ate a half a chocolate chip bagel and some oat squares with milk and o.j. Liam downed a 6 oz. bottle. Then at about 9:30 he ate his rice cereal with pears and about 4 oz. more. He seems to love his cereal and bottle. He signals when he wants the bottle...must not like to have his mouth too gummed up with the cereal!!
He went down to nap about 10. Raina played on the computer...moving the mouse herself to navigate the Bob the Builder activities all by herself, including lots of clicking. Good practice! Then while I was feeding Liam, she decided to go see what grandpa was building out back. He knew she might be coming, so I said fine and she let herself out the garage door. Not 5 minutes later (still with Liam in high chair) she returned, naked from the waist down. She said she got wet and would change from her drawer in the bedroom. By the time I got there (and called grandpa to help) she had on new underpants and outer pants, socks, and spare shoes. She said she wanted to keep THESE shoes dry???? It would be interesting to see how she thinks. I'm off now to find the wet clothes, someplace outside.
Raina and I went up to the church to do some errands and take some food to Samaratin House. She was very helpful and good while I talked to Father Bob and she talked to the secretary and drew pumpkin faces for her. She went to the potty before and after our trip. Lunch was peanut butter sandwich, yogurt and peas and an apple. She ate all the apple, most of the sandwich, but not much of the other two at all, informing me she didn't like strawberry yogurt. Go figure~!
Liam ate a whole chicken and vegetables and the rest of his pears.
I'm not sure his coordination would allow use of a sippy by himself. I think he'd still need guidance, but you never know.
Raina is helping grandpa with his building project right now. Then it will be nap...

Tuesday, doctor day

Drank his bottle in a single gulp, sighed and burped. Didn't seem sleepy so he played in his cart and around till about 11 and then went down without protest. Looked on one chart for weight percentile and he was off the 95% chart. Will look for height later.
Liam slept for about an hour and then got up. Lunch about 12:30 was a whole sweet potato carton and the rest of the berries from yesterday. 4 oz. of formula. He is now racing around in his cart and talking to me.
Grandpa picked up Raina at school (good day) and went to McDonalds and then to pick those muscadine things at a friend's house. He better be home soon since I have a dermatology appointment and have to leave at 2.

Another Monday!!

Today the kiddos arrived in the rain. Raina finished her toast and then ate about half a banana. She and grandpa left about 10 after going potty and putting on shoes. Liam was hungry for breakfast a little after 9. He ate rice cereal and a whole bananas dish. I gave him about 3 Tbl. dry, mixed with milk and some of the banana. He also had 4 oz. of milk, which seemed to satisfy him just fine. Down for nap about 9:50. I noticed he has a little rash going on his tummy with two bigger spots that might be bites? I'll look again after nap.
Little girl played with me on the computer a while and drew more pumpkin faces...her new specialty with pen on paper.
Kindermusik was another hit...and Liam slept an hour and a half.
For lunch, Raina ate her weight in watermelon. and had peanut butter and crackers and milk. She asked to take some watermelon home to her mommy and daddy who she said love watermelon!
Liam had a whole carrot and apple mix and half a mixed berries and 4 oz. of formula.
He still has the rash on his tummy. I think it is a "contact" allergy...his bare tummy has been on something that gave it to him. I can't find any rash any place else on him.
Note on doctor's appointment tomorrow. If they won't innoculate him then, just make an appointment and we'll take him for shots. You will want to talk at the check-up, but if he just needs shots later, we can handle that (a special at grandma and grandpa day care!)

Thursday

Grandpa was in charge of Liam this morning. He (Liam) seems to have another cold and is congested. We were so careful with him yesterday, we even took hand sanitizer in with us to use after our flu shots because we were afraid we'd touch something germy. Dad said his first nose discharge was greenish but now it is clear. He ate well, big lunch.
Raina had a good day at school. She couldn't bring her finger painting home because it was still wet, which was a little disturbing to her. No tears or yelling, just a momentary sadness. She has been sweetness and light until 2:15 nap time. She had a giant bm, not very firm, so I guess she's OK. We walked down to the horses after lunch which was fun...and got to walk on the new driveway. I'm washing some pants and such that got wet or pooped on today...