1st Day of School

Where has the time gone?  I don't know but summer's almost over and it's been forever since I posted anything.


Today was X's first day of "school" (aka daycare).  I much prefer calling it school because daycare sounds so gloomy to me.  And for a Mommy who was grump-tastic as this day approached, school is the perfect moniker.


Anthony did the drop-off and I will be the picker-upper.  I much prefer being the picker-upper.  I can run in and scoop my little Boogers up and whisk him away rather than handing him over to someone else in the morning and ripping my heart out.


A few calls from the daycare to check-in about things and to let us know he was doing well.  I know every mother goes through this whether they have a child going to daycare, kindergarten, highschool, or college.  But you throw your child having special needs on top of that and it's a bit harder.  Will he eat enough, will he get enough attention, etc. etc.  I know that of course he will.  After all he's at a Kennedy Krieger run daycare so I don't think they are going to starve my child or sit him a corner.  Nonetheless it's hard after 17 months to let someone else take care of your baby.  Good Lord what am I going to do when he does go to school? lol


Here he is with his teacher:

Summer Fundays

Before it got ubearable outside, we were lucky enough to take a day trip here or there and even sneak in a mini-vacay to Ocean City.

Our first trip was to Sheperdstown West Virginia.  A cute little town not too far away.  The much loved Byrd pasttime of eating was a must so we had to hit Betty's Restaurant for a Rumsey burger (named for steamboat inventor James Rumsey).  After that yummy goodness we walked around town, went into a few stores, then stopped for some dessert.

X not very enthused about our trip so far.

X and Daddy looking out over the river.

 X and Mommy at the "Little House"

(Sheperdstown University was a teaching college and students used the "Little House" to observe children at play).

Doing what us Byrds do best.

We also took a trip to Mount Vernon.  We got to learn a lot of neat stuff about George Washington as well as tour the house, the grounds, and museum.

Mooommmyyy, it's too bright out here!

Out tiny revolutionary

And last but not least was our relaxing time in OC (special thanks to Aunt Linda & Uncle Steve).  We aren't beach people so we lounged around, went to the pool, to the boardwalk, and all and all just enjoyed ourselves.

Lounging with Daddy

Speedo or trunks?  Which one gets more babes?

Margarita at Harborside.  What?  Did I drink too much? lol

At the beach

Night at the Boardwalk

Happy Birthday United States of America!

Xavier proclaims: Hear ye hear ye, celebrate the birth of our nation safely this weekend!

Your stress affects your child: How to fight it | Washington Times Communities

Your stress affects your child: How to fight it Washington Times Communities

Post to Come

So for now enjoy a flying superbeastie!

10 Things Tuesday

Alas Tuesday has once again crept up on us!

1. Seizures suck!
2. X is having his first day with cousin Amy....here's to hoping he plays nice & doesn't scare her away lol
3. Toofy #2 is on the horizon
4. The Bean's dinner last night consisted of ice cream with apple & blueberry baby food on top...he ate it all so I'm OK with that
5. X got some demo equipment in the past week.  We are looking at a stander, a supportive seat, and hopefully the Leckey Squiggles Early Activity System
6. Damn these things are expensive
7. I really need to get better at uploading pictures!
8. After, oh, what 14 months, X finally has a car seat in Mommy's car.  Now we can zip around in the Focus and not Daddy's bohemoth.
9. X had his second session of CranioSacral Therapy.  It's really cool!
10. Can't wait to have a family getaway!

10 Things Tuesday

Because I got yelled at for slacking...(just kidding Amy!)

1. We've started our "no laying around summer"...2 trips down hopefully others to come
2. Our biggin is up to 17.5lbs, 28.5 inches! Back on the chart baby!
3. Mission sippy cup is in full effect; it's quite hard to find the 'right' one
4. I wish people would stop staring...evidentally they were never taught that it's rude or if you have a question to just ask.  Do I have to scream from the mountain top that yes my kid is different! (But aren't we all)
5. A certain little boy sure does love watermelon & cottage cheese
6. There's soon to be a new car so Xavier can ride around in style
7. A certain Mommy sure does want a cool new stroller for her cool new car
8. As Anthony put it, our basement looks like a baby training facility (pictures to come to prove this point)
9. We both believe someone is breaking into our house at night and wrecking it.  Two people, a little one, a dog, and a fish surely can't make this much mess right?
10. Going to the therapist and having nothing to talk about is a great thing!!

Does the end of this stick smell funny to you?

Some friends have mentioned the other blogs that I have listed. Believe me, I know they all tug at heartstrings.  While they might not always be sunshine and roses I read them because I can relate to them.  Sure we aren't all going through the same thing-Xavier doesn't have Prader-Willi Syndrome or Down Syndrome, he wasn't a micro-preemie, nor is he battling cancer.  But our family, along with those families, share the (unwanted) bond of going through things we never planned for nor would ever want.  In a strange, weird, voyeuristic way it helps to read about other families; both their happy times and ones that aren't so. 

I know our road has been far from smoothly paved.  But with all its potholes, detours, and maybe a flat tire or two the road has led us to a wonderful destination.  One of a growing, happy, smiley, little boy.  I would give anything to change the road he's had to travel (and will travel for the rest of his life) but I wouldn't change him.  Those big eyes when you can tell he's really interested in something, a huge smile when he thinks you're funny (word is still out on who's funnier-Mommy or Daddy), little puckered lips when something just isn't tasting too good.  And our destination is ultimately this--acceptance.  Which I think we've cruised into nicely if I may say so myself.

That might be a mish-mash of words above but it brings me to the title of this post.  Basically X and the children in the other blogs I read got the shitty end of the stick.  Yep, I said that.  I don't believe that things happen for a reason.  I believe in science, genetics, screwed up chromosomes and the like.  Children aren't born with syndromes or have to face cancer or go through surgeries because it's supposed to "be".  They are clean slates-perfect, untouched, pure.  And in no way do I believe my God or anyone's God chooses to put children through such a tough life.  That's where the science comes in for me.  I know this sounds totally opposite of the post below about the mother of a preemie.  I don't think God doles out cards so simply; we all have to play the hand we are dealt but I don't believe there's a big crappy pile just waiting to be shuffled.  For me, the heart of that post is that these children and us, their parents, are remarkable and strong.  And sometimes we (parents of these children) may forget that.  We have to give ourselves some credit sometimes too.

So, all that being said, shitty roads and shitty sticks aside, I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you choose to read our blog or any of the blogs I've linked share in the joys & sorrows.  Laugh with a funny post and feel sad with one that talks about set-backs.  In the end, that's what we've got--each other. 

Cover Model!

We did it! Xavier made the cover!  Thank you to everyone who made very generous donations to such a great cause.  Visual Concepts Photography raised over $10,000 for the AAMC NICU & Peds Dept!!  How amazing is that?!  Just from the voting of the 35 little ones!  We are so happy that Xavier can not only represent NICU babies but also children with special needs!

I will be sure to share when calendars go on sale. 

Preemie Moms

I read this on the Hope for Hunter Blog.  This ring so true whether you are the parent of a preemie or a child with special needs.  Not sure who wrote it but it really is written beautifully. 


How Preemie Moms Are Chosen

Did you ever wonder how the mothers of premature babies are chosen?

Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation.

As he observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint, Matthew.


Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron Saint, Celia.


Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity. "

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a preemie."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a premature baby a mother who knows no laughter? That would be cruel."

"But does she have the patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience, or she'll drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that sense of self and independence so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has a world of its own. She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."

"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."

God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect She has just the right amount of selfishness."

The angel gasps, "Selfishness?! Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't know it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a spoken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says momma for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see--ignorance, cruelty, prejudice--and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."

"And what about her Patron Saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in the air.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

X's 1st Year!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thoughtful Thursday aka The Head Cold Put A Smackdown On Me So I Didn't Post Wordless Wednesday

Boogies, Breezes, and Milkshakes

Let's start with boogies...poor Bean is sick.  Same thing he had a little while ago.  All nose/head gunk.  He started sounding like a bear in the middle of the night on Saturday so I figured some nose funk was starting.  Mother's Day it was in full force.  Runny nose, stuffy nose, crusty nose.  Poor thing.  He's been a trooper though.  He was so tired yesterday but was up all day then finally went to sleep around 10.  Today he is crashing as expected.  We think this could be tooth related as well.  I don't see toofy #2 anywhere yet.

Breezes. Not really breezes, more like WIND.  Brrr cold.  We went to have a nice day out on Saturday and it was sunny but the wind!  Had to shield the Bean from debris and he still wound up with a face full of dirt.  And it was cold in our house.  Being the lazy arses we are we tried to make it through the night with two little fleece blankets on our bed instead of walking oh so far to the basement and getting the real comforter.  The Bean's room was a nice cozy 75.  Shoulda gone in there and slept on his pile of clothes like Oakley does.

Milkshakes! Yum.  Feeling the urge to add a double dog and milkshake on TOP of our crab & avocado taco Saturday we went to Ann's Dari-Creme.  We somehow ended up with an extra vanilla milkshake that the boy got to parttake in.  He might not look anything like his mother but he sure does have her sweet tooth!

Vote for the Bean!!!

A few months ago Xavier posed for Visual Concepts Photography as one of their 'Angels'.  Visual Concepts creates an Angel Babies calendar every year with all proceeds benefiting the AAMC NICU & Peds Dept.  You all know that AAMC is very important to us!  In order for an 'Angel' to be in the calendar, they do a voting system.  The baby with the most votes gets the cover and so forth.  So here's how to vote!!

On Monday, May 10 at 9 a.m. we will go live to vote for your favorite angel. To do so, simply follow these steps:




a http://www.visualconceptsltd.com/

b click on "Portrait"

c go to "Sessions"

d Your session ID is angels_fundraiser

e Find your favorite angel (ID by number!)  Xavier is #34!!

f. Click on that number and place your order

g Votes are $1, $5, $10, $25, $50, $100

h We accept Visa or Master Card

i If you would like to send a check, write it to VISUAL CONCEPTS PHOTOGRAPHY and mail to 3272 Davidsonville Rd., Davidsonville, MD 21035 by Saturday, May 22 in order for it to count towards your angel.



At 9 a.m., Monday, May 24, we will close the voting and within the next few days we will tally the numbers to let you know who the winners are for the 2011 Little Angel Calendar. Remember, the most votes gets the cover, the 2nd most January, etc..



REMEMBER: YOUR CONTRIBUTION COUNTS AS A TAX DEDUCTION!

10 Things Tuesday

Boy Tuesday snuck up on us this time!

1. The Bean & I had a wonderful weekend filled with Mommy & Xavier time!
2. Naked Juice Protein Smoothie is thoroughly disgusting.  I really like their mango smoothie and this one enticed me with its coconuts and pineapples on the label (sneaky sneaky).  Not so much.  So my solution is to mix it with some heavy cream and test it on the Bean.  I know, pawn it off on my kid.  But instead of throw it away when it's 3x more protein I figure we'll give it a go.  Just because I don't like it won't mean he won't.
3. X had his first swim all by himself on Saturday!  I ordered a kit from Waterway Babies that is for therapeutic swimming.  It came with a pool and a neck ring.  The Bean really liked being able to move around all by himself!  It was so much fun seeing him push off the sides of the pool and be so indepedent!
4. It's HOT!  What happened to spring?
5. The Bean had his first taste of Rita's on Sunday.  He sure loved it!
6. He partied hard on Sunday...he got up at 8 and didn't crash (and literally he passed out) until almost 11 that night.
7. I hear that a Mother's Day present for a certain Mommy from a certain Baby came in the mail yesterday. I wonder what it is?  I can't believe this is my second Mother's Day!
8. Going back to last week's '10 Thing'...this boy has so many clothes that now he needs another bin just to put away winter things!
9. I got him a kickin pair of New Balance at the consignment sale.  They are ridiculously cute!
10. Every day the Bean is growing and it really is wonderful.  His development is slow but it is so wonderful to see the progress.  Every whole bowl of food eaten or quizzical look makes us just want to do a fist pump (a totally awesome Jersey Shore fist pump!).

Wordless Wednesday

10 Things Tuesday

If any of you read blogs, you know there are "theme" days..."Wordless Wednesday", "10 Things Tuesday", "Fishstick Friday"....ok well maybe not Fishstick Friday but fishsticks do sound some kinda good right now!  Anywho, here goes our first ever 10 Things Tuesday...

1. Today is my grandmother's birthday.  I really miss her and it still feels like I should be able to pick up the phone and say hi.  I know she's watching over on us but boy would I give anything to hear her tell me that my dog needs a needle. 
2. I am SO thrilled at how well the Bean has been eating lately.  I think he's finally realized that other things taste much better than formula.  Especially ice cream!
3. Pay it forward...Friday night someone at another table paid for our dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.  No idea who it was but it made us tear up a little.  At the same time a little piece of me doesn't want anyone to feel bad for us & the Bean.
4. I am definitely addicted to children's consignment sales.  It's like crack...seriously.  The rush of finding something you know is much more expensive.  There's going to be an MTV True Life  about me sometime soon.
5. Finally have decided on my next tattoo.  Yay!
6. The Bean has way too many clothes.  Way-too-many.  Please refer back to item #4.
7. Once again we have rogue squash/pumpkins growing in our yard.
8. Ain't nothin like a big ol' smile & laugh from the Bean.
9. Watching him bop himself in the head as he tries to get his hand in his mouth is quite amusing...and damn cute.
10. Small steps might be meaningless to some but they are leaps & bounds for us!

Welcome!

Hi Everyone! Welcome to our blog! As much as I loved Shutterfly, you couldn't post individual pictures quite as easy so we had to jump on the blog bandwagon. It's easier to get to and read too. ANNNDDD if we are good about it, maybe there will just be some new pictures of the little man (we have to admit we aren't good at uploading).

We are expecting this summer to be fun filled. We made a strict no sitting around vow. Time to get out and DO stuff. We've decided to make an attempt to go to some places of historical significance...Monticello, Mt. Vernon. Not sure how kid friendly they are but I guess we will see.

Oh, lest I forget...Happy Earth Day! Hug a tree, save a squirrel, RECYCLE!

And here is the Bean from last Earth Day when he had only been home for about a week!