Dinobrush

Going on 3 and a half, I think we are probably overdue for Layla's first dental visit.  I asked a few friends for recommendations and unfortunately, none of them were covered by our insurance.  So, we're taking a chance on Dr. Bob, one of the two dentists located in Glenview that takes our insurance.  So far I am pretty optimistic.

I called to schedule an appointment last week for the second week of January.  The receptionist confirmed the spelling of Layla's name and said that she would be sending a book to prepare Layla for her first visit, as well as medical history forms, etc.

The book came the next day, thanks to our speedy postal service.  And, unlike much of my mail, was not completely mangled by my postman.  What I found surprised me.  This book is an original Dr. Bob creation, complete with personalization for the patient.  Layla, being quite the book enthusiast, was very excited to see her name on it.

The story is about a dinosaur/toothbrush creature who introduces the friends at the dentist's office and the concept of being there.   It explains how 'sugar bugs' get on your teeth and you have to floss and brush your teeth to keep the sugar bugs away.  Layla loves her books about scabs so was naturally enthusiastic about germs trying to get into her teeth!

First question after I read it for the first time: "Mom! I don't have any floss, can we go get some?  Right now?"

Second questions after brushing her teeth later in the evening (yelling, since I wasn't standing right next to her): "Mom!  Did I get all the sugar bugs?"

Apostrophes gone awry!

In American culture it seems impossible to combat the 'more is better' ideal.  We like big meals, big houses, more clothes, more shoes, more gadgets, etc.  We love to shop for lots of Christmas presents.  The more the merrier! This wonderful season also brings me a lot of cards, which I love.  It's so fun to have cute photos of our friends and family and see how everyone has changed over the last year.

One thing that is not good in abundance is apostrophes.  In a Christmas card would you say that you are "The Olsons" or "The Olson's".  Unless your card says "The Olson's Christmas Card" I think you should stick with the former.  I am distracted by card from "The Olson's", by trying to understand why these college-educated folks are using an apostrophe for a plural.

Also, if you are selling more than one sauna would you use an apostrophe?  Would you have a sign made up with this incorrect plural spelling like the Chicago Home Fitness in my town which is currently selling "Infrared Sauna's"? 

In our world of excess nothing makes me more crazy than the extra apostrophes that are gathering momentum like some sort of plague.  I gathered a few examples in case you are fortunate to live in a town that has not yet been infected.  (I know that printing companies are not in the business of correcting these things, but they should because they could make a fortune!)

I certainly would not bring anything to the sign company that can't even proof their own signs. 

As an aside, it is confusing to me why some Chicago folks call themselves and/or others "Cub" fans.  The team is the "Cubs", wouldn't you be a "Cubs fan"?  Or are you only cheering for one particular Cub?  I have asked a couple people this and cannot get answer they just look at me like I am crazy. Please email me if you know. 

 I don't know what is worse "Lady's" or "Ladie's".  UGH! 

p.s. My editor will be emailing me with any spelling or grammatical errors that I have made here and you should feel free to do the same. 

p.p.s. After a recent remodeling project was completed at our Dominick's they had many signs printed and hung up that said "NOW OPEN".   This reminds me of that episode of friends where Joey is trying to use the quotation marks.

JJ is Two Months Old!

This boy is so adorable, I am telling you.  I can't stop hugging and kissing him.  He's quite smiley and sweet.  I wil keep trying to get a good picture of his smile.   We discovered something new about Jayden this week:  his second and third toes are partially fused together.  I know, really what mother wouldn't have noticed this before their child was two months old!  In my defense, he's finally uncurling and stretching out.  He does, in fact have 10 toes, I did check that.  The doctor said there's no reason to separate the toes, unless they prove to be an issue physically or cosmetically in the future.  Maybe he'll be a fast swimmer! 

Here are the stats:  

Weight is up to 11 pounds, 10 ounces!  He is at about the 50% (started at 8% when he was born) so he's gaining some ground.  You'll notice his growing belly in the pictures.

Height is 24" He's grown a whopping 4 inches since he was born.  Can you imagine growing 20% taller in two months?  Babies are so amazing! 

 

 Still trying to catch the elusive smile!

 His "northwoods" outfit from Uncle Bob and Aunt Lynne

This is where he likes to sit and stare at the Michael Jordan photo.

This is how he likes to sit in the chair and stair at something in the closet.

  I have sat there and can't quite figure out what is so interesting.

All I want for Christmas

Layla's school had their annual Santa Breakfast this past Saturday.  The preschool had a short program and the kids sang a medley of Christmas songs.  Layla was very excited about the whole thing and did a great job singing.  She also got to see Santa.  At first she didn't want to sit with him, then she did, than she didn't.  Ultimately, she clawed at my neck, just like last year, and kept her distance from Santa.  Fortunately, we still got a nice smile out of her.  

In case you are looking for gift ideas for the kids for Christmas:  College money would be greatly appreciated or clothes for the coming year.  For Layla 4T clothes for any season (she loves dresses)and a winter dress coat.  For Jayden we will need some 6-12 month clothes and anything larger (i.e. 12-18 months for next winter).  I know, I know I am so boring.  But really, they don't need anything.  The best gift we can ask for is to spend time with our friends and family.  No gifts required.

 Layla with her classroom Christmas tree

Christmas Program Procession

 The program included Go Tell it on the Mountain and Silent Night.

Keep your distance, Santa!

Really?!?! Really!?!?

Being alone with a baby makes you a little starved for adult conversation.  Working alone in your office isn't much different except I talk back to the radio a little more.  I just have to vent a few things that make me say "Really?!?!".  You can imagine my voice kind of shrieking in disbelief/irritation.

1. John Boehner, Grover Norquist and the pledge of allegiance to the wealthy.  Really wealthy people.  We're talking about people who can afford to buy nearly anything they want, get Starbuck's every day, don't wear clothes or shoes with holes in them, and go on nice vacations.  Raising tax rates on wealthy people does not create a hardship for them.  Raising taxes on middle class folks, hundreds of dollars a month makes a big difference in our lives.  The wealthy people I have talked to about this (admittedly mostly my liberal-minded clients) feel the same way.  How much money is enough?   250k a year is probably enough for any family.  Sadly, I also know some people for whom more money is never enough. 

2. Lindsay Lohan:  Can someone please talk some sense into this woman before she kills herself or someone else.  Or is she waiting for the 27th year curse? She won't be 27 until July so I guess we'll have to wait to see if she can stay alive that long.  Maybe they'll finally put her in jail so she can dry out.

3. Nasty old man who dented the car of a possible renter as they were leaving our condo. Really?!?! I don't have much else to say about that.

4. Someone last week referred to me, in my presence, as a "stay at home Mom with a consulting business".  Really?!?!  Before my second child was born I was working close to 60 hours a week, maintaining one home and remodeling another and taking care of my family.  I really don't find that to be quite the same thing as a stay at home Mom.  No disrespect to the SAHM, that's not easy gig either. 

5. This weather.  Is it going to snow before Christmas? I appreciate the changing of the seasons, and it's nice to have a warm fall, but I actually like a little snow.  I can hardly find it in my heart to cut down my Christmas tree while wearing flip flops.  If I wanted to do that I would move to Florida.  Although they probably don't have pine trees in Florida. 

6. I talked to an old co-worker yesterday and he asked me, "So, what do you do now besides pop out babies?" Am I Michelle Duggar? Nuff said.

Back to Work

I am officially 'back to work' today, starting just two days a week.  We have several projects in the works, and a new house about to break ground.  There is definitely more than 2 days a week of work to do, so hopefully Jayden will be interested in some longer nap times soon.

Working from home is great, but I am distracted by the many other household duties.  Stay focused! Stay in your office!  Our new website is almost ready and I will link it here when it "launches".  Our facebook page is updated and I have lots more to add in the coming weeks and months as our new house gets underway.  Very exciting!

It was fun to get back to the baby room this morning.  The main teachers are the same as when Layla was an infant and one of the afternoon teachers spends the mornings in Layla's room, so she gets to see both kids.  Jayden's 'class' has a lot of younger siblings from Layla's room, so I think they will get to visit one another pretty often.

Next week we have Jayden's two month check up but Jason and I did a rough weigh in here at home and it looks like he is over 11 pounds.  How amazing our little peanut baby is growing.  Layla was 13 pounds, 9 ounces at two months and I don't think he'll be quite that big, but I am guessing he'll be close to 12 pounds and catch up with Layla soon.

 I caught a (almost) smile.  Real ones are coming more often, but still hard to catch with the camera.

Here's a few pics and what's been happening: 

Papa Steve was here Thanksgiving weekend to help Jason at the house. 

Kids on Monday 11/26

Tummy Time 11/26

Our boy rolled over on 11/15 at only 5 weeks old! 

Now, he's doing it every day. 

Auntie Rachel was here 11/27 for a short visit and we are so glad she got to meet Jayden.

We will get to see her a bit more at Christmastime when she and Victor are here for a long visit.