Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
What a Week!
The first week of summer vacation was filled with many fun activities and events, as well as our first trip to the emergency room with Lauren!
Mommy and Lauren on the city bus.
Last Sunday, June 14th we went down to an art fair in the city to spend some time with Aunt Steph and Uncle Jon. Lauren enjoyed her first bus ride that day.
Monday was a very busy day for us. We started with a trip to the Rec Center. Lauren went to Kid Fit and loved it, while I worked out. After her morning nap, we took a quick trip to the local pool and then it was time for Lauren's afternoon nap. When she woke up we went grocery shopping and then ended our day by meeting Daddy at the train.
Lauren with Mommy on her 29th birthday.
Tuesday was my 29th birthday, so Geoff took the day off to be with us. We rode our bikes to a fantastic breakfast spot in the morning and then went to the Kohl Children's Museum in the afternoon, as it was raining. Steph planned a wonderful birthday dinner (and arranged a babysitter for Lauren) for us and some friends at Hub 51 that evening. The food was delicious and I really enjoyed my time with friends.
Lauren enjoying the Dancin' Sprouts at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
On Wednesday morning Lauren spent some time at Mariah's while I worked in my new classroom. It really felt good to get everything arranged and put away. After Lauren's afternoon nap, we went to the Botanic Garden to listen to music and dance in the grass. Lauren now claps her hands on her own and bounces up and down with music. It is super cute. (I took a video, but it's sideways and I can't figure out how to get it right side up.) When the music finished we met Geoff at the train and went to the local farmer's market again. This has become our Wednesday evening tradition.
Thursday was another busy day. Lauren and I went to our friend Jillian and London's house. London is one year older than Lauren and the girls enjoyed playing and eating lunch together.
At dinner Thursday night, Geoff and I decided to let Lauren try some watermelon and that's when the scariness started. As Lauren was finishing up the watermelon she threw-up all of her dinner and probably some of her lunch. That scared me, as Lauren has never thrown up before so I took her temperature only to find out it was 104.6. Geoff called the doctor's office, they didn't answer but were supposed to be open until 8, so we jumped in the car and drove over there. We didn't make it in time, but the hospital was on the way home, so we went to the emergency room. After many hours of tests and waiting with a sick baby, the doctors realized Lauren's white blood cell count was really high, but they couldn't figure out why. We were sent home around midnight with instructions to give Lauren Tylenol every 4 hours to keep the fever down.
We already had Lauren's 9 month check-up scheduled for Friday morning, so we used that appointment to take her back in to see the doctor. Her fever was still really high and so was her white blood cell count, but again the doctors couldn't figure anything out. So Lauren was given a shot of antibiotic and again we were told to monitor her temperature closely. Lauren spent all day Friday in her diaper and only her diaper to keep her temperature down and slept a lot. My parents came in to town Friday night for Father's Day weekend and it was so nice to have their help. Lauren loved the extra attention and spent lots of time on Grammie and Grandpa's laps.
On Saturday morning my mom and I took Lauren back to the doctor and this time she was diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. The doctor found a big blister in the back of her mouth and that's how she knew what was going on. I was very relieved to know what the problem was. Lauren is now on an antibiotic and has been fever free since Sunday morning. We are going back on Saturday morning to try again for her 9 month check-up. I am so happy to have my healthy little girl back.
Reading a book about tractors with Grandpa.
A "father/daughter" photo on Father's Day.
Our weekend ended on a wonderful note with an afternoon BBQ in our backyard. Geoff and my dad went golfing Saturday afternoon, while my mom and I stayed with Lauren at home. Steph and Jon came up in the evening for a special Chicago-style hot dog dinner and bonfire. Sunday started with Dad bringing back donuts and coffee for everyone and then we headed to church. We relaxed for a little bit in the early afternoon while playing bean bag toss in the backyard and then enjoyed ribs, steak, pork chops, and many side dishes as part of our Father's Day BBQ. AFter a delicious meal, we opened many thoughtful gifts for Father's Day and my birthday. After Steph, Jon and Dad left my mom, Lauren, Geoff and I went on a wonderful walk around town as closure to a special weekend spent together as a family.
Mommy and Lauren on the city bus.
Last Sunday, June 14th we went down to an art fair in the city to spend some time with Aunt Steph and Uncle Jon. Lauren enjoyed her first bus ride that day.
Monday was a very busy day for us. We started with a trip to the Rec Center. Lauren went to Kid Fit and loved it, while I worked out. After her morning nap, we took a quick trip to the local pool and then it was time for Lauren's afternoon nap. When she woke up we went grocery shopping and then ended our day by meeting Daddy at the train.
Lauren with Mommy on her 29th birthday.
Tuesday was my 29th birthday, so Geoff took the day off to be with us. We rode our bikes to a fantastic breakfast spot in the morning and then went to the Kohl Children's Museum in the afternoon, as it was raining. Steph planned a wonderful birthday dinner (and arranged a babysitter for Lauren) for us and some friends at Hub 51 that evening. The food was delicious and I really enjoyed my time with friends.
Lauren enjoying the Dancin' Sprouts at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
On Wednesday morning Lauren spent some time at Mariah's while I worked in my new classroom. It really felt good to get everything arranged and put away. After Lauren's afternoon nap, we went to the Botanic Garden to listen to music and dance in the grass. Lauren now claps her hands on her own and bounces up and down with music. It is super cute. (I took a video, but it's sideways and I can't figure out how to get it right side up.) When the music finished we met Geoff at the train and went to the local farmer's market again. This has become our Wednesday evening tradition.
Thursday was another busy day. Lauren and I went to our friend Jillian and London's house. London is one year older than Lauren and the girls enjoyed playing and eating lunch together.
At dinner Thursday night, Geoff and I decided to let Lauren try some watermelon and that's when the scariness started. As Lauren was finishing up the watermelon she threw-up all of her dinner and probably some of her lunch. That scared me, as Lauren has never thrown up before so I took her temperature only to find out it was 104.6. Geoff called the doctor's office, they didn't answer but were supposed to be open until 8, so we jumped in the car and drove over there. We didn't make it in time, but the hospital was on the way home, so we went to the emergency room. After many hours of tests and waiting with a sick baby, the doctors realized Lauren's white blood cell count was really high, but they couldn't figure out why. We were sent home around midnight with instructions to give Lauren Tylenol every 4 hours to keep the fever down.
We already had Lauren's 9 month check-up scheduled for Friday morning, so we used that appointment to take her back in to see the doctor. Her fever was still really high and so was her white blood cell count, but again the doctors couldn't figure anything out. So Lauren was given a shot of antibiotic and again we were told to monitor her temperature closely. Lauren spent all day Friday in her diaper and only her diaper to keep her temperature down and slept a lot. My parents came in to town Friday night for Father's Day weekend and it was so nice to have their help. Lauren loved the extra attention and spent lots of time on Grammie and Grandpa's laps.
On Saturday morning my mom and I took Lauren back to the doctor and this time she was diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. The doctor found a big blister in the back of her mouth and that's how she knew what was going on. I was very relieved to know what the problem was. Lauren is now on an antibiotic and has been fever free since Sunday morning. We are going back on Saturday morning to try again for her 9 month check-up. I am so happy to have my healthy little girl back.
Reading a book about tractors with Grandpa.
A "father/daughter" photo on Father's Day.
Our weekend ended on a wonderful note with an afternoon BBQ in our backyard. Geoff and my dad went golfing Saturday afternoon, while my mom and I stayed with Lauren at home. Steph and Jon came up in the evening for a special Chicago-style hot dog dinner and bonfire. Sunday started with Dad bringing back donuts and coffee for everyone and then we headed to church. We relaxed for a little bit in the early afternoon while playing bean bag toss in the backyard and then enjoyed ribs, steak, pork chops, and many side dishes as part of our Father's Day BBQ. AFter a delicious meal, we opened many thoughtful gifts for Father's Day and my birthday. After Steph, Jon and Dad left my mom, Lauren, Geoff and I went on a wonderful walk around town as closure to a special weekend spent together as a family.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day
Daddy with Lauren at 5 days old.
Daddy with Lauren at 8 1/2 months old.
Thanks for always cuddling with me Daddy! Love, Lauren
Daddy with Lauren at 8 1/2 months old.
Thanks for always cuddling with me Daddy! Love, Lauren
Sunday, June 14, 2009
As promised...
a photo of Lauren's first two teeth. She finally smiled while showing her teeth this afternoon and I was able to quickly snap this picture.
I can't believe how much Lauren looks like Geoff in this photo!
Saturday evening Mariah, Lauren's daycare provider, hosted a picnic for all of the children and their families. It was wonderful to meet all of the parents, as I normally only run into a few of them when picking up and dropping off Lauren. Lauren had a great time riding in the car and was happy to pose for a photo with Mariah. Last night as we were putting Lauren to bed we realized that without her we wouldn't have been invited to the picnic. It sure is amazing how many different paths your life can take in such a short amount of time. We couldn't be happier with the path we are on right now!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Books!
This afternoon as I was cleaning the house, I noticed Lauren becoming interested in her bookshelf. Enjoy!
So...on Monday afternoon we went to the library, checked out some books, and signed up for Lauren's first summer reading club. Some of the activities include reading, (of course) singing, trips to the library, nursery rhymes, and finger puppet shows.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Life's Grand!
What a beautiful evening Geoff, Lauren, and I just enjoyed together! The school year is starting to wind down so being in the classroom has been quite a bit easier these past few weeks. I can't wait until the week of June 15th when Lauren and I are able to spend all day together again. Many summer activities have begun in our area and we enjoyed two of them this evening.
After I picked Lauren up from Mariah's today we went to the Chicago Botanic Garden to listen and dance to a children's band; Jim Gill. Lauren was so excited to see all of the other children and loved dancing with me. The band was fantastic, and even though the temperature was in the high 50s, the sun was shining and the views across the lake were spectacular. We will be going back in a few weeks when they host this event again.
Around 6pm we packed up and left the Garden to meet Geoff at the train station. As we were walking over to the station, we met our friend Katie coming down the street. Katie, her dog, Miley, Lauren and I walked over to the train to meet Geoff and Katie's husband Dhruba. All five of us and Miley walked over to the 1st Annual Highwood Evening Farmer's Market. Geoff and I have been saying for a while now that Highwood needs more family activities like this so we were so excited to attend. Turns out this wasn't a farmer's market with fruits and veggies, but a market with many of the local businesses present. There was homemade pasta, baked goods, honey, gelato, wine, Greek desserts, fresh flowers, food from the Irish Pub, and taquitos from the local Mexican restaurant. Even though the atmosphere was inviting and the jazz tunes from a three-man high school band were jamming, the temperature sent us home to eat our taquitos inside. We will absolutely go back to the market next Wednesday!
As we were enjoying our dinner on the couch, Lauren sat between us in her Bumbo seat and just babbled away while tipping her head from side to side. It seems as if she is starting to discover the world from different angles! :) Then Geoff and I gave Lauren a bath where she spent a lot of time playing with her squeeze toy dogs and washcloth. Geoff fed her wild blueberries and pear baby food, read her a book, and sent her off to sweet dreams. What an all-around fantastic evening!
Just a quick update on how quickly Lauren is developing. Last week we noticed she cut her first tooth. Just 5 days later I discovered another tiny tooth. She now has her two middle bottom teeth and is doing very well with them. She loves her teething biscuits, as shown in the photo at the top of this post. Lauren can sit up completely on her own now and loves this new ability to grab at the toys that interest her. Playing peek-a-boo and clapping her hands are two of Lauren's new favorite games. She has also mastered holding her own pacifier and putting it in and out of her mouth on her own. Many mornings I wake up to Lauren hitting her pacifier on the sides of her crib. Do we see another drummer in our future? :) She tried two new baby foods; green beans and wild blueberry and pear and loves them both. Mariah has also started feeding Lauren Cheerios and cheese during the day. Lauren has been very vocal for quite a while, but she now says, "dadada" and "DaaaDeee," all of the time and mamamama (which just melts my heart) once in a while. All of these developments, as well as the warmer weather and many scheduled events, make me so excited to spend this summer at home!
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