orlando again...

home

We are home… for now. Of course, we had a fantastic time down south. Here are some of the things we enjoyed… in no particular order:

· A return visit to the shoppers’ Mecca
· Yummy bacon, eggs and grits
· Brian receiving his early graduation gift (his JS ring)
· Sleeping in
· Naps with Ammon
· Target
· Midnight runs for chocolate shakes
· Cookout with family
· Snuggling on the couch
· Dinner for two at House of Blues
· The Starting Line amongst others
· Kids climbing with the grapefruits
· Rainy, cold, delicious weather
· Being lazy
· Swinging in hammocks
· Giggling
· Having fun with our family… a treat any time of the day

We had a very enjoyable trip, as always; however, this one didn’t go quite as effortlessly as the last. Getting ready to leave was a chore, as I developed a migraine early Friday morning. This headache welcomed blurred vision and nausea, among other things. Once we were finally on the road, the motion of the car made matters worse. I was now car sick on top of everything else. Not a good way to start a nearly 360 mile trip.

Ammon didn’t do as well in the car as he did before – he was still very good, but he was awake for a good chunk of the drive and a wee bit cranky. Let’s just say this: He acted how I would expect a four-month-old to act on a long road trip – none of the “too good to be true” stuff that we had before, but Ammon, “true to life”. This, of course, added a bit to the drive. We left nearly three hours earlier than we did two weeks ago, but between stopping for Ammon and me, we got there at exactly the same time.

We enjoyed lots of down time while we were at Balboa Drive. Lots of lazy, much needed, days. We got to spend some time with most of our family one night – and Ammon really enjoyed the extra attention. He especially loved the girls helping me with his bath… such fun watching him splash and squeal.

Despite the fun time Ammon had during his baths, he didn’t sleep well at night… not the twelve hour stints we thoroughly enjoyed during our previous visit. He ended up sleeping with us all three nights. Of course, this way we didn’t get any sleep. But it isn’t about us, right?

The real reason for this trip was so that Brian could see his favorite band in concert one last time before they go on hiatus. We have seen them several times before… and it always proves for a grand time. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any pictures from the show itself. No cameras allowed – and since HOB’s security is so good, we couldn’t even sneak one in… just like last time. But we do have pictures from previous shows at other venues, so we aren’t too terribly disappointed. It was so nice to be able to spend some time together as a couple. So nice to have fun together.

The drive home yesterday was fairly better than the drive down; however, Ammon was still awake for most of it. Thank heavens for portable DVD players. And Muppets. We did get home earlier than we did on the last trip, making it a little better for Brian to go back to work today. We’ve been home for a day, and all of our belongings are still strewn all over the living room; pieces of luggage littered all over the house; dirty laundry at the base of the stairs; etc., etc. etc.. I look at it this way: It will still be there tomorrow.

Ammon has now mastered his “A” sounds. Now, instead of saying lots of “Whoo”, “Ohh” and “Ooo”, he is saying lots of “Aaa”, “Arr” and “Ack”. He thinks that this new skill is the cat’s pajamas… so this is all we hear all day in the Thomas home. “AaaaaArrrrAaaaWhooooooAaaaaArrrrAckAcckAcckkAAACCCKKK!”. He has also discovered that his feet are not only attached to him – they are functional. He likes using his feet to “pick up” things and bring them to his mouth. So exciting to see him learning new things.

All in all, we had a wonderful trip. Always do. We look forward to going back down in two weeks. We look forward to creating more memories. We look forward to feeling the love we all share for one another… always do.

so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu

And we are off again. Off to the same place we just left twelve days ago. Who in their right minds would make such a journey twice? Well… we would. And will be again in two weeks. Have I begun to get ready to leave? No. Is it because I have been preoccupied with two crabby boys? Certainly. Is it because I have not found the time? Absolutely. Or could it be that I just don’t feel like it? Most definitely. But, we are leaving tomorrow – whether I am ready or not. I’m not looking forward to the laundry, packing, cramming and sitting. Not one bit. But despite all of this, we couldn’t be happier about spending more time with our family. Couldn’t be happier about creating some more memories. Couldn’t be happier about going down south… truly.

for the love of mosquitoes

Ammon and I had a fairly good day. Ammon’s fever has gone down… and he is acting like his normal pterodactyl self. We travelled to Enterprise today – having lunch with my mom and visiting with my dad for a while this afternoon. Ammon did very well… considering he skipped his morning and lunchtime naps. He screamed only a little on the way home, before finally falling asleep. Thank heavens I had a few cds in the car as I left my iPod at home… Beauty and the Beast (Broadway) to lull Ammon to sleep; some Harry Connick, Jr. to keep me awake!

Our afternoon and evening, however, were not so pleasant. Ammon fussed and screamed up a storm. I think I am glad that he can’t talk… judging by the look on his face I hate to think what he would have had to say to me. But, we survived… and he only got to bed about an hour late. Now to see if he sleeps through the night…

Brian has had a pretty horrible week. You see, he is severely allergic to a few insects – having minor allergic reactions to all others. Sunday evening he sustained two nips on either side of his leg from a very loving Culex quinquefasciatus – commonly known as the mosquito. He always swells up like a balloon and develops nasty looking puss pockets. However, he had a very difficult spell this time around… the worst I have ever seen him have. His leg was so swollen that he could hardly walk; he couldn’t bend his foot – not to mention being in a lot of pain. One of his puss pockets burst a couple of days ago and has looked completely nasty ever since – blackish/yellowish/greenish, inflamed and infected. At the request of me and his mother, Brian finally broke down and went to the doctor this afternoon. After doing some blood work, the doctor discovered that his white blood cell count was high – being a sign of infection. Once his doctor saw his bites, confirming his belief that they were infected, he popped the second puss pocket. Brian is now on an antibiotic to prevent him from developing a staph infection, and has an additional topical cream to use. We all hope that he starts feeling better soon… especially with our upcoming trip.

I asked Brian what the doctor had told him. His response: “Ewww…”. He then said, “He also said that I should be pampered. That I need leg rubs, and back scratches, and Transformers…”.

now that he is four months old...

Yes – it is time for another one of these very rewarding and yet very depressing posts. Rewarding in that we have another month of parenthood under our belts; depressing in that our sweet boy is another month older. Yes – Ammon turned four months old yesterday. It’s true. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here it all is in black and white:

He LOVES: to be held – when his daddy comes home – to be sung to – his changing table (yes, he still likes this for some strange reason…) – books – dogs – his Horton elephant – to be bounced… hard and fast – his swing... cranked up as fast as it will go – to be “super-boy” (i.e.: held up high in the air) – to “stand” on your lap – to “sit” on your lap or on the floor – for you to blow in his face – to blow bubbles – zerberts – to snuggle – to be outside – to eat – to watch others eat, while having a look of longing on his face (we think that he is going to be a bit of a foodie) – tummy-time on the floor – Fraggle Rock (especially Wembley, Junior Gorg and Madame Trash Heap) – Sesame Street (especially Big Bird, Bert and Count) – for that matter, anything that is on television – music – to dance – his Great-Aunt Kaye’s house (this has been newly discovered) – to talk – his family

He HATES: to tell you the truth… we couldn’t really think of anything. Surprise! While he does get tired of some things, I wouldn’t say that he completely dislikes anything at this point in his young life. He is beginning to enjoy bath time a little bit more – he is beginning to tolerate his car seat a little bit more – he is beginning to go down for naps and bed better. I'll just say it... he is growing up.

Ammon continues to find great joy in “pouting for laughs” – I don’t think that this will ever change. He enjoys vibrating his tongue while blowing bubbles – causing him to spit and make a very fun noise. His new "thing" is to rub his face with his blanket (or any cloth item) when he is tired - it puts him to sleep. He now arches his back when he is offered something that he does not want – like his bink or bedtime – causing him to look something like a parenthesis. He continues to babble and giggle for most of the day. He is sleeping so much better – taking fairly good naps during the day and, on most days, sleeping through the night. He is trying very hard to roll from his back to his tummy. He mimics most faces and sounds. When on his tummy, he still scoots backwards with his arms – he also gets his knees up under him and tries very hard to scoot forward. He loves to read books – actually getting upset when his books are put away. He puts everything in his mouth.

He still never ceases to amaze us. We always knew that he would be adorably cute and do endearing things – but never in our wildest dreams would we have thought that he would be this charming. Like always, the most important thing is that he is happy and healthy – growing more each day.

Ammon’s four-month appointment was also yesterday:

Stats: 11 pounds 10 ounces, 24 inches
Dr. Brown said that he was very impressed with how well Ammon is developing. He is on the smaller side (not a surprise since his mom and dad were, and are, small) – but is growing well, and is very strong. He is growing in length more rapidly than in weight.

Honestly, Ammon had a more difficult time with this appointment than with the last. However, he did as well as could be expected – especially since he had to get his four-month shots… which his mom had forgotten about. Luckily, I had some Tylenol in my bag, but it wasn’t in his system in time. He was already mad when he received his oral vaccine – and ended up choking on it. As I was by myself this time, I had to assist in holding him down for his four shots. Because Ammon is so strong, the nurse and I had a very difficult time keeping him pinned down long enough for her to do what she needed to and get Band-Aids on his legs. I couldn’t even finish getting him dressed to go home. So sad. I felt terrible about forgetting about his shots, but was proud of myself for only getting a little teary eyed. I was even prouder of Ammon – for even though he was a little difficult, he was still such a big, brave boy.

Ammon didn’t seem to have the same amount of swelling with this round of shots, but he has still had a slight fever since yesterday afternoon. We have been indulging in some “not usuallys”, like no bath, lots of movies and no real structure to the day. We have been doing lots of cuddling – and I think that Ammon enjoyed being a “true boy” – being completely dirty and running around in just his diaper. We hope he will be back to his normal self again very soon. His mom is ready to be back to a “normal” routine. We’re all ready to have some fun… real soon.

Note: My normal monthly photo shoot has just not happened. Stay tuned for the latest pictures of the most handsome man.

april showers

paint on our hands

Today was a positively beautiful day – despite the gloomy skies. Ammon and I travelled to Enterprise this morning. My dear friend, Kristy, and I were going to have a girl’s day out – childless. My willing-as-ever mother watched Ammon and Kristy’s husband watched their daughter, Kate, so that this was possible. Kristy and I were so determined to make this happen – so determined to have some adult conversation and relaxation – that we even braved the monsoon that hit lower Alabama this weekend. However, I do not know how the rain could have been a shock – every time Kristy and I do anything… it rains. And when I say rain, I mean it pours. It positively floods – but never washes away the possibility of a grand time. And we did have a grand time. We grabbed some lunch and then headed to I Create – a fun little pottery shop downtown. We always go in this place with a plan of what we want to make… but once we get there and see all the goodies… we can’t decide. I decided to finally follow through on something, and decided to paint what I had decided on prior to going in – a (huge) piggy bank for Ammon. Kristy decided to paint a fairy for Kate. Both things, hog and pixie, proved to be very daunting tasks – the pixie for its detail; the hog for its sheer mass. But, even though I don’t personally know any fairies or lime green pigs, I think we did a first-rate job at capturing our respective characters most charming personalities – can’t wait to see the finished results after they are glazed and fired. Most of all, we enjoyed each others company. Always do. So nice to get your hands dirty on a rainy day.

Brian stayed close to home while Ammon and I braved the weather. He helped out with Ammon last night so that I could get some rest – so he probably enjoyed a nice, quiet house for the day. He also had the priesthood session of general conference to attend this evening – so grateful that he is such a loving husband and father – who works so hard at his job and school – as well as an honorable, worthy priesthood holder. We love him so.

Ammon hasn’t really felt that hot the last few days – not really sure what might be wrong. We think that there might be a little conjunctivitis in the works (aka: eye funk). Hopefully his doctor will be able to shed some light on the subject at his 4-month – yes, I said 4-month – appointment on Monday.

We have had a wonderful start to our weekend. So much to be grateful for…

i've been tagged...

Yes, that’s right. I’ve been tagged. I was wondering how long it would be before I had to do one of these thingamajigs. Two posts in one day... now that's something. Well, here goes… most of these things aren’t news to most of you guys:

1… When I am mad I rearrange furniture.
2… When I am home by myself I have to have the television on. I don’t have to have the volume turned up and I don’t have to be in the same room – I can hear the humming of the television and that somehow calms me down (I don’t like being by myself at night).
3… I have a very vivid imagination and good memory. If I have watched something even remotely scary or start humming a scary sounding tune – I will freak myself out. I will see things that are not there. This can happen months or even years after I see something scary – if the mood catches me just right, that’s all it takes for me to remember.
4… I have super-sonic hearing. I know when people are talking about me – I don’t even have to hear my name mentioned and I can be in a completely different part of the house.
5… I love textures. I once made my mom stop the car so that I could feel a freshly paved road (she will be so proud of me for sharing this).
6… I love the flavor combination of pretzels and sharp cheddar cheese. I have figured the perfect ratio of pretzels (it has to be pretzel sticks) to cubes of cheese.
7… My dreams come true. I have dreams that document a normal day (i.e.: sitting on a couch, eating a certain food in a certain place, saying a certain thing) and a few weeks later – it will happen. Crazy déjà vu.

I don’t even know who to tag in return… most of the folks I know have already done it. I’ll tag Kristy, Becky, Kim, Hila, Stefanie and Tiffane.

feeling calm and sleepy… all at the same time

I feel much better now. I am still upset about all those missing-in-action pictures. But after averting my mind from the situation for a while and later looking through the photos that are still on my memory card I am feeling calmer – more confident that I can still document this time in a special and memorable way. After all – the true essence of Christmas isn’t something that you can capture in a photograph – it is something that you carry in your heart. Photos are wonderful, but my words hold value also.

We are so very sleepy here in the Thomas home. Ammon’s good sleep habits at his Aunt Kaye’s house have proved to be just that: good sleep habits at his Aunt Kaye’s house. He has been a terrible sleeper since we have been home. My mom is going to drop by this evening and keep a weather eye on the horizon for me… so that I can get some rest. At least that way I am better prepared to handle the very playful Ammon during the day.

Brian and Ammon are downstairs watching Shark Week (Brian has these on DVD now...). So glad to see them having such a good time. I am deathly afraid of sharks – so it's needless to say that I have been spending quite a bit of time upstairs. The one time I actually decide to watch with Brian – I ended up seeing the stomach contents of a shark while we were eating spaghetti. Such a lovely thing.

Ammon has been in a fairly good mood today. He has mastered the "vroom, vroom" noise while blowing bubbles – apparently this is his new favorite thing. Brian's mom stopped by today and commented on the uncanny similarities between Brian and Ammon – Ammon is Brian’s twin in almost every way. If this is an omen as to what I will be looking forward to when he gets a little older… I just don’t know.

My plan is to finish the holiday page for Ammon’s book tomorrow – here’s hoping that I am able to keep this new sense of calmness, as well as get some rest. I’m anxious to see the results – it’s nice sometimes to make lemonade out of lemons.

sick and madder than heck

Seriously, that title does not even remotely come close to what I am feeling right now. I am working some more on Ammon’s first scrapbook; having decided to complete his Christmas and New Year’s page today (I had already started it weeks ago). I went to print all the pictures that I needed – and cannot find the pictures from these two holidays anywhere. Anywhere. I kept myself from doing something rash – like yell and start throwing things – by telling myself, “I’m looking on the wrong disc.”, or “Maybe I had them in more than one folder in my editing program.”. No. No such luck. Never in my life have I been so upset. The pictures from my child’s first Christmas are gone – GONE! Strangely enough, when I did the disc for December and January’s pictures, they were on the disc. I always double check that everything transferred correctly before deleting my pictures off my hard drive. Always. I am paranoid about things – like something similar to this – happening to my precious photographs. Again, these pictures were on the disc when I checked – I even wrote “Chrima/NewYr” on the disc when I labeled it afterwards. Brian came home and very sweetly tried to help – I think that he was fearful of what I might do (probably what I would do to him) should these pictures not be found. He looked on our external hard drive where we back everything up. Not there. Another strange happening: I had already formatted the pictures that I wanted to use weeks ago – putting them in a collage format in a Word document – and that is gone also. So strange - I am pure sick. It is almost as if some outside force does not want me to document these memories! (Coincidently: This is my third attempt at making this post. Someone is having fun messing with my head today – and they do not know what they are getting themselves into!)

I had a nightmare that something like this would happen. And for all of you folks who have been told that my dreams come true: this is living proof. Just thinking about it is making me even more upset...

One good thing: I still have some of our holiday pictures on my camera’s memory card; however, I have deleted a lot of them. I guess that is better than nothing – and all is not lost.

On a lighter note: Ammon likes trying to sit up. His new thing is to sit on the floor and try to balance by putting his hands on the floor. He only took one nose dive today trying to reach for his duck. Such a big boy. He is also continuing to give the appearance of teething (i.e.: drooling, chewing and sticking everything in his mouth to munch on). Let’s hope that this is just a premature thing – he’s growing up far too quickly for his mom’s own good.