Sweet Things

I usually don't post more than once a week, but I couldn't resist sharing a couple of sweet things that happened this past weekend.

First off, every morning I ask Daniel if he had good dreams the night before. He always answers with a resounding "Yes!", but never elaborates. I didn't expect him too, so imagine my surprise Sunday morning when I asked him the normal "did you have good dreams" question and he answered with a thoughtful "Yes!" and then continued on his own with "they put Clifford on the trailer."

It took me a second before I realized three things. One, he was remembering a dream. Two, he LOVES trailers that hook onto trucks so it makes sense that a trailer would be front and center in his dream. Three, Clifford is the big red dog! We don't watch much TV in our house and he's only seen a Clifford cartoon maybe 3 times total, but he sure enough dreamed about him being put on a trailer. We talked for a few minutes about how Clifford is so big that he has to go on a trailer since he can't fit into the truck and Daniel was just as fascinated with his own dream as I was.

Then yesterday I was out tying up tomato plants with Daniel's "help" when all the sudden he put one arm around my neck, kissed the top of my head and said "You're my baby." Awwwwwww!! I loved it! I stopped what I was doing and hugged him back and told him that I was happy to be his baby if he was mine forever too. Then the moment was over and he "attacked" me with the sprinkler!!

Sweet moments like those really make parenting worthwhile and it makes all the hard days disappear. It's funny how looking back over this past 15 months, that I can't remember any really bad days, but boy I sure can remember the good!!

Russian Mementos

When we traveled to Russia we did most of our souvenir shopping on trip one in Votkinsk, the city where Daniel was situated. Votkinsk was the home of Tchaikovsky and we were fortunate enough to visit his manor one afternoon and then the manor shop where we purchased really all of our souvenirs. Even though we walked to Red Square on trip one, we somehow missed visiting Arabat Street where everyone said all the great souvenir shops were located

On trip two we were able to come home early and chose to do that instead of taking the few extra days to tour Red Square with Daniel in tow. Since we didn't do that, we did not purchase any additional souvenirs except for a few toys for Daniel that I consider to be like souvenirs and which have since found their home in his memory box.

So imagine my surprise when Troy, Daniel and I stopped by a yard sale down the street from where my mother lives and find a salt and pepper shaker made like Matryoshka dolls. I snatched them up right away and started looking at them closely. Sure enough on the bottom is a sticker that states they were handmade in Russia!! Even more interesting was that inside the salt shaker was a Vodka liquor bottle with the label mostly in Russian. To top it off, the lady sold me the set for $1.00!! I have added the salt and pepper shaker to Daniel's shelf where his other Russian mementos have their home!!

Some may think I'm silly for frequenting yard sales, but look what we found for $15.00 one day (swing set) and then $5.00 (work bench) this past weekend...and just look at the smile on our son's face!!

Holiday Weekend

I hope everyone had a fantastic Fourth of July! We had a busy weekend (a recurring theme around our house these days) with Troy's parents visiting, a trip to the indoor waterpark at Massanutten, fireworks and a picnic.

Friday night we took Troy's parents to the Blue Ridge Buffet at Massanutten for all you can eat crab legs! Ian, our nephew, also came and he and I ate everything but crab legs, while Troy, his parents and Daniel got in on the action of eating crab legs. It was delicious and Daniel I think had more fun stealing olives and cherry tomatos off of my plate throughout the dinner! You can also overlook the indoor waterpark which Daniel loved watching.

Saturday Troy's mom, Ian, Troy, Daniel and I hit the indoor waterpark and we had a blast!! We tried hitting the outdoor portion as well but the water was still too cold! I can't believe in July I'm even saying that! I only have a couple of photos from my mother in law's camera, since all of mine are on an underwater disposable camera, but imagine some very soaked people going down lots of kiddie slides and there you have it. I don't think I've ever seen Daniel laugh as much as I did on the lazy river!! He would flop from one side of the innertube to another and just laugh and splash and laugh some more!

He CRASHED hard on the way home and I had to drag him out of bed at 6 pm!! We were glad he slept though so he could stay awake for the fireworks! This was his first time as last year he was sound asleep for the celebration. When the fireworks started going off, Daniel jumped off my lap and pointed, back arched, and yelled at the top of his lungs "LIGHTS!" every time a firework lit the sky for about the first 20. It was hysterical and he has several families in stitches!

Yesterday we took a picnic lunch to a local park and picked up my mom and had a nice time. Daniel played hard and we ate lunch, then came home. I even jumped off a moving swing - something I haven't done in ages!!

Enjoy some pictures from our weekend!

Revisiting Nap Time, Big Boy Bed and Raw Cauliflower

Remember my post that surprisingly I was enjoying Daniel growing out of his naps? Well, I think I might like to rephrase that particular paragraph of that post.

It seems like tiredness may bring out a certain little monster in a certain little boy that I love. In the last month or so we have had so many busy weekends including wedding weekend, birthday party, lake day Discoveroo, First Fishing Trip to name a few. Then Friday, a week ago, I took Daniel to the local mall to play a bit because I had some other errands to run. We walked into the mall and I let go of Daniel’s hand. Daniel has always stayed close and never really strayed from my side and I keep a constant eye on him, plus our mall is dead. I’m surprised they call it a mall anymore because I think there are only about 12 stores left in it. At any rate, Daniel shot off like a bat out of you know where and when I yelled stop, he laughed and kept right on going. It took me more than half the mall to catch up to him and when I did, I was stark raving mad. It was all I could do to sit him on his bottom next to a closed store and say “time out!”. Once time out was over I told him we were leaving since he did not listen. He decided to get really nasty and so I carried my child like a sack of potatos under my arm through more than half the mall kicking and screaming. It took me probably 10 minutes to get him in his car seat from all his bucking and wildness and then he continued to scream all the way home. Once home, I put him directly into his bed and he continued screamed about 10 more minutes before he finally fell blissfully silent. He slept for 3 and a half hours and woke up the child I know and love.

Since then he’s thrown 2 more tantrums, but thankfully they haven’t lasted nearly as long and the last one lasted about 30 seconds because I sent him directly to his room and I suppose he’s realized that I’m not putting up with it and he’s getting nowhere fast.

However, in the interim we have figured out that he only has these tantrums on days he doesn’t nap. This had not been a problem in the past and I can’t help but wonder if he’s going through a growing spurt. He’s suddenly eating me out of house and home – as in a grilled cheese sandwhich AND a another half AND a bowl of soup just last night. Well, maybe not out of house and home, but for him it is! Plus his naps have been lasting almost 3 hours and he wakes up so sweet.

So for now, nap time it is!!

And in honor of nap time, our big 3 year old now sleeps in his very own big boy bed!! We converted his crib last night and he LOVES it!! He went right down and stayed in his bed. He helped Troy with the “man work” while Mommy did the “girlie work” and took photos!! And by the way – a photo taking hint: ask your child to show their teeth instead of smile for the camera – it actually worked!! Now if only I had thought of that, say, a year ago…sigh!!!

In other odd and interesting news, I managed to choke on raw cauliflower this past Wednesday night. It took me maybe 30 seconds to cough it back up as it had broken into small pieces in my throat. I was fine but my throat hurt severely. I started a fever Thursday, went the doctor Friday with a 102.3 degree fever and they immediately sent me for a chest x-ray. Apparently it went down my bronchial tubes and into my right lung. There’s no cauliflower left, but my right lung is inflamed and my throat is severely scratched. When I went to the doctor it was taking me 3 swallows to get down one small sip of Gatorade. I was pretty scared. Thankfully after about a thousand Ibruprofen and an antibiotic, I’m better today, and living on mashed potatos, but I sound horrible. I have almost no voice and Troy likes to make fun of me! So word to the wise, or maybe I’m the only one who never gave it a second thought – be very careful with raw cauliflower – one of my favorite treats.

Enjoy some photos!

Here is Troy and Daniel doing the "man's work".

Here is Daniel "making" his bed! He will not allow a pillow case on his pillow. If I put one on, he takes it off once I leave the room. I try to sneak one on every week once a week and it always comes immediately off. One of these days....

Loving the new and improved big boy bed!

There's a story behind this motorcycle - I'll have to make it another post. Troy actually turned this motorcycle from a "regular" motorcycle into a "hardtail". He's so crafty! And he says I'm to let everyone know that it's not quite finished.

Tonight I walk into Daniel's room and both boys have their shirts off. I was informed it was shirtless play time and I was not invited. By the way, the racetrack we picked up brand new at a yard sale for one buck! Cha Ching!!

MRI Results – A Lot To Be Thankful For

Last night I received a call from Daniel's urologist at 7 pm to tell me that Daniel's MRI was clear! There are no spinal abnormalities or corded nerve issues which could have been causing some of Daniel's issues. Also the ultrasound came back showing that his left kidney is slowly shrinking. While that kidney is far from perfect, his right kidney remains perfect and the doctor is thrilled. We are now able to take Daniel off the antibiotic that he's been on for over a year. This means that a few minor skin conditions which the antibiotic was causing can finally clear up completely even though we have just about taken care of that on our own! We will have a follow up ultrasound in about 4 months (easy!) and then if things are progressing as they expect, they anticipate yearly follow ups to be sure the left kidney continues to function well. They believe his bladder issues will heal in time and hope to wean him slowly off his other medication (bladder relaxer) as he grows.

I can't even begin to thank all of you out there who have lifted Daniel (and us) up in prayer. We certainly have an almighty God and I can't wait to tell Daniel more about Him and show Daniel how we have seen Him work miracles in his own life.

One tidbit of information I haven't shared in the blog before, but that I think now would be the appropriate time is that on our second trip to Russia, we were supposed to fly out of Dulles to Atlanta to catch our flight to Moscow. When we arrived at Dulles, they had just, minutes before, delayed our flight, so that we would not make our connecting flight to Moscow. We stood at the counter in full panic mode and the lady behind the counter started working frantically to get us on another flight. After about 15 minutes, in which she walked way talking to a manager, she then came back and said they were going to give us a taxi to take us to Reagan National airport to catch a flight there. The only problem was that the flight left within the next hour and they weren't sure we were going to make it. They gave us the last two seats on the plane and rushed us out to the taxi. The taxi driver took one look at us and drove as fast as he could saying that he hoped we didn't hit traffic and that when we arrived at the airport we had to get in front of everyone in the lines to make the flight.

We did not hit traffic, which was God's work, and a miracle in it's own right, as Troy and I frantically prayed from the back seat that we would not. When we arrived at Reagan, there was a large line for Delta and we stood there momentarily trying to figure out what to do.

Now, this may sound completely corny, but as I was looking at the counters, my gaze fell on a lady standing behind her computer in a Delta uniform. Her line was closed, but it was almost like she glowed or maybe it was her blond hair, but either way, I felt drawn to her and I ran for her.

She might have thought I was crazy as I probably gave her the biggest run-on sentence of her life, saying that we were adopting a child from Russia, we couldn't miss this flight, or we would miss the connecting flight, that our court date would be cancelled, that it just couldn't happen and please, please, please help us get the plane on time.

But instead, I'll never forget her smile as she said "I'm from Russia, give me your papers," and she turned her computer on and whizzed us through saying how wonderful she thought it was what we were doing. She asked for pictures so while she was frantically checking us in, Troy was showing her photos from his digital keychain. She finished in record time. We whizzed through security also in record time and we got to the gate as they were boarding the plane. We barely made it, but we DID make it and I know God had everything to do with that.

I still think the lady who helped rush us through check in was put there by God and may very well have been an angel to help us on our path to Daniel. And of course I can't forget the first lady who helped us, her manager and the taxi driver also.

And now for a picture of my little "not so much" angel lately. More on that later!!

Now if only that mower really cut grass!

The Birthday Boy Turns 3!!

Today is my sweet baby's birthday! We had a great party Saturday for him with all our family and some friends. I wanted an easy going party outside with no structured events and it turned out to be a blast. We set up a canopy with tables, a pool, a lego table and a sandbox and the theme was construction. I think all the little ones had a great time. Daniel got a lootpile - thank you everyone! His cousin Parker came, his friend from school Mari came, another cousin Ian, and more friends, Hannah, Wyatt, Stevie, Eli, Jennyfer, and David, along with grandparents, aunts, uncles, second cousins and parents!! I'll leave you with some pictures!

Troy was a good sport and let me pull him through the sprinkler!!

Happy Birthday son!!

My Best Friend's Wedding and Daniel's Funny Sayings

My best friend of over 17 years got married this past Saturday. I was the Matron of Honor and Daniel was the ring bearer. It was a very BUSY weekend and Daniel did alright considering how crazed his schedule was. Daniel and I left in a rush on Thursday afternoon after I worked half a day, picked him up from day care as he was waking from his nap and then drove 3 hours to Kerri's place and dropped Daniel with a strange babysitter (which I was more nervous about than he was, more on that escapade later) and then rushed to the Bachelorette party which was held at a local restaurant with a lot of fun ladies. We were home by 10:30 pm (no wild party there, but a fantastic time with lots of gifts and a lot of giggling)!!

The next morning the sitter came back and Kerri and I left for the bridesmaid's luncheon, which was beautiful, followed by manicures and pedicures with all the bridesmaids (which is totally not me, but I enjoyed it!) and then back to pick Daniel up for the rehearsal. The babysitter had no luck napping Daniel and at some point in the day, Daniel got inside the house while they were playing outside and manage to lock her out with the deadbolt. We had given her a key to everything except the deadbolt. Thankfully she had the sense not to panic and call me, starting a new panic, but instead managed to talk Daniel into opening the door for her! He's a little stinker!!
Since he had had no nap, he was exhausted and fell asleep on the way to the rehearsal. Needless to say, I carried him everywhere and tried my best to wake him to no avail. I was able to lay him down in a dressing room and another mother watched him so I could at least practice. Then the rehearsal dinner. Luau themed and we had a great time. Several people rushed for Daniel and he got very nervous (awake at this point) and several times he would look at people and point to me and say loudly "That's my Mama." At one point we were playing and he fell and one of the bridesmaids and her sister ran for Daniel (I was standing about 2 feet away and I knew he was fine (he was goofing off) and when they ran for him, he was scrambling backwards to me. One of the girls felt so bad for scaring him. While I feel bad, I also feel good that he does these things, in reaction to other people trying to help him.

Saturday Troy finally arrived and took Daniel off my hands so I could pick up the bride to be and get her hair and my hair done. I felt like a princess. Between the nails, toes, hair and makeup (none of which I was allowed to pay for and instead was treated to by Kerri's mother) I felt like royalty. After hair I got to take the bride to be to the church. Then makeup was done.

The wedding was beautiful. It was in the courtyard of an old school buildings. Kerri is a guidance school counselor for a middle school and her husband is an art teacher at a high school so it was the perfect place. Daniel walked down the aisle holding my hand and then sat on the fountain which was behind the bridesmaids. During a prayer I walked Daniel to Troy and Troy took Daniel into the building because he wanted to run from me to Troy and back again! We didn't expect him to last and thought he did great the time he was up there.

The reception was gorgeous and everyone had a great time. There was dancing in the courtyard which I loved, but Daniel seemed a little overwhelmed by the loud music and the lights from the DJ. Eventually he fell asleep, once on Troy's neck and then finally in his arms. The bride and groom left the courtyard under all of us holding sparklers up at midnight.

Needless to say we were all exhausted and I'm still recovering!! Daniel did so well being that his schedule was so off. I think he's recovering today too!!

I am so happy for my best friend. She has waited for her special man for a long time and I wish them the most happiness ever.

There are pictures below, but I thought you might enjoy a few things that Daniel said over the wedding weekend.

SetUp: Daniel pinched his finger in the pack and play at 11:00 pm after arriving back at the hotel Friday night while I was setting it up. He sobbed, we got ice and he got Tylenol. He sleeps (thank goodness). The next morning.
Daniel: "My finger hurts."
Me: "I know. You pinched it, but it's alright."
Daniel: "I hurt my finger."
Me: "I know baby, Is there anything I can do to help?"
Daniel: "Get my finger off me!"
Me: No words, dying laughing.

Set Up: I'm sound asleep in the bed next to the pack and play. It's 7:15 am. (too many late nights.
Daniel from the pack and play: "Mommy, are you waking up?"
Me: "I am now," (groaning)

SetUp: Troy brings Daniel to me where we are getting our makeup done. I'm the third chair down the line and makeup is being put on at that moment. My hair is all curled in ringlets and half up.
Daniel: "Papa, where's Mama?"
Troy: "Right over there"
Daniel starts walking towards me, but I don't look over because of the makeup lady. Daniel stops, turns towards Troy. "Papa, where's Mama?"
Me: "It's okay, Daniel. I'm right here." I turn towards him.
Daniel: "Oh Mama, I LOVE your BIG hair."
Chorus of bridesmaids laughing hysterically! My hair wasn't that big!!

Bachelorette Party

Bridesmaid's Luncheon

Getting Mani's and Pedi's

Check out the back of my hair!

Look at the beautiful bride, during the ceremony!

YAY! Finally married!

Daniel - checking out my "big" hair and all the makeup that none of us were used to!

Daniel just wouldn't stop goofing of in this photo!

I love this photo of us though because it's sooo Daniel!

Isn't he sweet?

This was right before he threw my bouquet in the fountain and got a time out!

11:40 pm - I can't believe he made it that long and then he fell asleep on Papa's shoulders of all places!

P.S. We made it through the MRI and ultrasounds today. Daniel did great with the sedation and wasn't sick afterwards. Hopefully we'll hear something within the next 3 or 4 days.