It is seriously starting to sound like we've got sheep at home! Shane's been into "ba" words lately and in the last 12 hours has added two new words to his vocabulary:
Ball
Bath
Way to go little guy! Keep it up!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
New "Word"
SSShhhhhh!!!!
Aunt Kate watched Shane yesterday afternoon because our regular daycare lady took the afternoon off.
Aunt Kate and Shane picked me up from work and Shane was watching a Wiggles DVD in the backseat. Kate looks at me and says "listen". So I do.
And from the backseat I hear the sweetest little sound ever - "ssshhh, ssshhh, ssshhh" as he's singing along to The Wiggles "Rock-a-bye Your Bear" song. Sweetest damn thing you'll ever want to hear!
"ssshhh" counts as a word, right?!?!
Aunt Kate watched Shane yesterday afternoon because our regular daycare lady took the afternoon off.
Aunt Kate and Shane picked me up from work and Shane was watching a Wiggles DVD in the backseat. Kate looks at me and says "listen". So I do.
And from the backseat I hear the sweetest little sound ever - "ssshhh, ssshhh, ssshhh" as he's singing along to The Wiggles "Rock-a-bye Your Bear" song. Sweetest damn thing you'll ever want to hear!
"ssshhh" counts as a word, right?!?!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Truer Words . . .
My new "words to live by":
"The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow, for children grow up, we've learned to our sorrow. So quiet down, cobwebs, dust go to sleep. I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep."
-Author Unknown
And here's the proof:
May 3, 2006
Less than 2 years later:
Monday, January 28, 2008
Through the Eyes of a 7 Year Old
I received this as an email and thought it was just WAY too cute and WAY to accurate to not share. I think this pretty much sums it all up!
Answers from second graders:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
Answers from second graders:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Birth to Three
Two (very nice) women from the CT Birth to Three program came out today to evaluate Shane to see if he would qualify for services for his (probable) speech delay.
After an hour of playing with Shane and asking us questions, they came to the conclusion that he, in fact, does NOT qualify. To qualify for services you either need to have a significant delay in one area or a slight delay in two areas. The conclusion was that he does have a slight delay in expressive communication, but in all other areas, he's "scoring" age-appropriately.
It's good to know, that for the most part, he's where he should be. They feel he will talk when he's ready. And if we're still concerned in another three months, we can request another evaluation.
I think Chris and I were both pretty surprised to see how thorough the evaluation was and how sincere the evaluators seemed (the state and their services don't always score high marks!) We were even given a pamphlet for a "follow up service". Questionnaires will be mailed to us every few months until Shane turns 5. They will ask about progress and his current state of development. We will even receive tips, projects, suggestions and activities on things that we could do with Shane at that point in time to help with the next stage of development.
Very impressed.
We'll see what happens in the next three months.
Until then, let's hope Shane's list of words continues to grow:
Ma-Ma
Da-Da
Juice
Shoes
More
Dis (this)
Deeeeeeeeee (dog)
Geeeeeeeeee (truck, or really, anything that moves and is bigger than a car)
After an hour of playing with Shane and asking us questions, they came to the conclusion that he, in fact, does NOT qualify. To qualify for services you either need to have a significant delay in one area or a slight delay in two areas. The conclusion was that he does have a slight delay in expressive communication, but in all other areas, he's "scoring" age-appropriately.
It's good to know, that for the most part, he's where he should be. They feel he will talk when he's ready. And if we're still concerned in another three months, we can request another evaluation.
I think Chris and I were both pretty surprised to see how thorough the evaluation was and how sincere the evaluators seemed (the state and their services don't always score high marks!) We were even given a pamphlet for a "follow up service". Questionnaires will be mailed to us every few months until Shane turns 5. They will ask about progress and his current state of development. We will even receive tips, projects, suggestions and activities on things that we could do with Shane at that point in time to help with the next stage of development.
Very impressed.
We'll see what happens in the next three months.
Until then, let's hope Shane's list of words continues to grow:
Ma-Ma
Da-Da
Juice
Shoes
More
Dis (this)
Deeeeeeeeee (dog)
Geeeeeeeeee (truck, or really, anything that moves and is bigger than a car)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Cheerios
Shane was intently watching me eat my cereal for breakfast this morning. He kept trying to put his little fist into my bowl - the problem with that was that my cereal had nuts in it - something he can't eat yet.
But, we thought, why not? So Chris got Shane a little bowl of Cheerios with some milk - and Shane had his first REAL bowl of cereal this morning. And he loved it!
But, we thought, why not? So Chris got Shane a little bowl of Cheerios with some milk - and Shane had his first REAL bowl of cereal this morning. And he loved it!
Monday, January 21, 2008
KidCity = KidSleepy
We took Shane to KidCity on Saturday and we had such an incredible time. KidCity is a children's museum in Middletown. It's literally a place where kids can run around, play, yell, touch EVERYTHING in site and NOT get yelled at for doing it! While he was a little apprehensive at first, he quickly came around and really ended up having a great time.
It's really neat to see him develop and to try and figure out how something works and what he can do with it. Of course his favorite things were the elevators and the "geeeeeees" (trucks) but he was into exploring everything and checking it all out. He loved running up and down all the long hallways and loved climbing into all the window seats to look out the REALLY big windows. He was also into climbing up and down all the stairs/steps to get into/onto some of the "exhibits". It's still so weird for us to think that this time last year he was still an infant and was just learning how to crawl. Amazing. Totally Amazing.
Ummmm - where are we and what exactly do you want me to do here?
Ok, well this is kinda cool! Check me out!
I get it! I play here! I can run around and touch things and they won't try to stop me!!!
Yeah!!!! Finally! Freedom!!
Washing dishes
Driving with Daddy
Such a big boy!
Come on, Mommy! Let's go over here
You eat the pear, Mommy. I'm going to have this onion.
Making friends while out driving around!
Looking a little tired towards the end of the morning!
Night-Night, Baby Boy . . .
It's really neat to see him develop and to try and figure out how something works and what he can do with it. Of course his favorite things were the elevators and the "geeeeeees" (trucks) but he was into exploring everything and checking it all out. He loved running up and down all the long hallways and loved climbing into all the window seats to look out the REALLY big windows. He was also into climbing up and down all the stairs/steps to get into/onto some of the "exhibits". It's still so weird for us to think that this time last year he was still an infant and was just learning how to crawl. Amazing. Totally Amazing.
Ummmm - where are we and what exactly do you want me to do here?Ok, well this is kinda cool! Check me out!
I get it! I play here! I can run around and touch things and they won't try to stop me!!!
Yeah!!!! Finally! Freedom!!
Washing dishesDriving with DaddySuch a big boy!Come on, Mommy! Let's go over hereYou eat the pear, Mommy. I'm going to have this onion.Making friends while out driving around! Looking a little tired towards the end of the morning! Night-Night, Baby Boy . . . Thursday, January 17, 2008
Christmas in CT (Finally!)
I realize I've been promising to post Christmas pictures since December 26 and I'm just now finally getting around to it. Let me say that I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I would've hoped (especially since I got a brand spankin' new dSLR as an early birthday present) but being the mom of the ONLY kid in the family and being a novice at the Manual (I refuse to shoot in Automatic) dSLR world, I suppose I should be happy with the pictures I do have. I'm disappointed that I don't have any family pictures from Shane's 2nd Christmas, or even just a Shane and Mommy picture for that matter, but at least there are some pictures to mark another special holiday in the life of a very special little boy.
We enjoyed having both sides of the family over for dinner on Christmas Eve and we spent Chrismtas Day at Grandma Lin's house with everyone. Santa was especially good to all of us this year! Chris and I can't wait for Shane to understand Christmas and to see the excitement in his eyes and on his face as the day approaches and then is finally here. It really is the greatest of holidays, and I don't think anyone enjoys the holiday more than parents of young, innocent, believing children. Remember what it felt like to believe? I can't wait to go to that magical world again!
The O'Connor Family Christmas Tree - 2007
Two of my favorite ornaments - both happen to be baby related!
Shane with Santa - and without tears!!
Daddy helping Shane open his first Christmas present of the season at the Darrah's on December 23rd.
Shane doing a pretty good job opening the gift all by himself on Christmas Eve morning!
We enjoyed having both sides of the family over for dinner on Christmas Eve and we spent Chrismtas Day at Grandma Lin's house with everyone. Santa was especially good to all of us this year! Chris and I can't wait for Shane to understand Christmas and to see the excitement in his eyes and on his face as the day approaches and then is finally here. It really is the greatest of holidays, and I don't think anyone enjoys the holiday more than parents of young, innocent, believing children. Remember what it felt like to believe? I can't wait to go to that magical world again!
The O'Connor Family Christmas Tree - 2007
Two of my favorite ornaments - both happen to be baby related!
Shane with Santa - and without tears!!
Daddy helping Shane open his first Christmas present of the season at the Darrah's on December 23rd.
Shane doing a pretty good job opening the gift all by himself on Christmas Eve morning! Chris opening a present on Christmas Eve morning - Chris LOVES opening presents. Probably even more than Shane does!
The three "wise men" keeping warm out by the fire - this became a recurring thing - everytime the three of them were together. Notice how not even one of them is wearing a coat! 
Shane riding in his new car from Uncle Jay!
Look at all those great presents from Santa!
Even a tricycle! Complete with matching Elmo helmet, knee pads and elbow pads - seriously SO cute!
Shane dazed and confused on Christmas morning
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Special Time With Mommy
Our new bedtime routine (where I sit in Shane's room while he falls asleep), which has been working perfectly for the last week, didn't work last night.
He was fine for 10 minutes, but then he started getting fussy and that fussiness turned into all out screaming in no time at all. My first reaction was "Oh, Shit". I was thinking that now I was going to be spending the next 2 hours trying to come up with a creative scheme to get this kid to fall asleep. I tried taking him out of his crib and reading him a few more books, only to have him start crying when I put him back in the crib. I tried taking him out of the crib again and this time, just held him. No good. He wanted down. I put him back into the crib again and he started to cry again.
Finally, at the suggestion of my Mom (thanks, Mom!), I pulled him out and took him into our bedroom. I put in "Elmo Saves Christmas" (the only movie we have on VHS) and Shane and I layed on our bed for 30 minutes watching Elmo. I loved every minute of it. What started out as an "Oh Shit" moment turned into one of my most precious memories. We cuddled, we "talked" and we watched Elmo. And at 9:00, I picked him up, carried him into his room, gave him a kiss, said goodnight, laid him in his crib and sat down in the chair beside him. He was asleep 15 minutes later.
As I sat there watching him fall asleep I thought of the special Mommy and baby time that we just shared, and I thanked Shane for it as he laid there in his crib with drowsy, heavy eyes. He must've known that Mommy needed that special time. He must've known even before Mommy did.
He was fine for 10 minutes, but then he started getting fussy and that fussiness turned into all out screaming in no time at all. My first reaction was "Oh, Shit". I was thinking that now I was going to be spending the next 2 hours trying to come up with a creative scheme to get this kid to fall asleep. I tried taking him out of his crib and reading him a few more books, only to have him start crying when I put him back in the crib. I tried taking him out of the crib again and this time, just held him. No good. He wanted down. I put him back into the crib again and he started to cry again.
Finally, at the suggestion of my Mom (thanks, Mom!), I pulled him out and took him into our bedroom. I put in "Elmo Saves Christmas" (the only movie we have on VHS) and Shane and I layed on our bed for 30 minutes watching Elmo. I loved every minute of it. What started out as an "Oh Shit" moment turned into one of my most precious memories. We cuddled, we "talked" and we watched Elmo. And at 9:00, I picked him up, carried him into his room, gave him a kiss, said goodnight, laid him in his crib and sat down in the chair beside him. He was asleep 15 minutes later.
As I sat there watching him fall asleep I thought of the special Mommy and baby time that we just shared, and I thanked Shane for it as he laid there in his crib with drowsy, heavy eyes. He must've known that Mommy needed that special time. He must've known even before Mommy did.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Better Blogging in 2008
Ok, so I wasn't so great at keeping this blog updated in 2007. My goal for 2008 is to make a conscious effort at updating this blog on a regular basis. I really want to have this blog be a record of our life together as a family, and that isn't going to happen if I don't write it!
Shane is 20 months old now. Totally amazing to me that time can go by so quickly. He's so smart and so fun and so cute - I am completely in love with this age. Sure he's also crazy and into everything -but it's incredible to see him develop and figure things out while he's exploring. I can almost see his brain working and it completely sucks me in.
Shane's having a "mommy phase" right now. All Mommy, all the time. Secretly, I love it. I love that he not only needs me, but wants me, as much as he does. It warms my heart. I know the day will come when he'll want little to do with me, so I'm cherishing these moments and these days while I have them. I cried leaving for work this morning because it was 9 hours that I was going to be away from him and away from him wanting me. It made me very sad.
Our little guy is having a rough time falling asleep at night. Two weeks ago it was taking us 3 hours to get him down and we would end up having to go for a ride or two to get him to either fall asleep in the car or to become drowsy enough to fall right to sleep once we put him in his crib. At the suggestion of our pediatrician, I've pulled the chair in his room over so that it is right smack next to the crib. I sit in there with him while he falls asleep at night. The first night didn't go very well, at all, but now he lays there quitely and drifts off to sleep in 30-45 minutes. And I'm lucky enough to get to sit there and watch it. I'll miss these days when he's older.
Christmas update, and pictures, to come tomorrow!
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