Oops, We Did It Again.

Another trip to the dentist for a chipped tooth!  Boys!  At least it wasn't Small Fry again -- this time it was Fawn's turn.  This happened back in March, so it's old news.  But for posterity's sake, here goes.

After naps one afternoon, we headed outside to play.  We have a big, flat area of our driveway where the boys love to ride on riding toys.  I got comfy on the ground filling Easter eggs for Fawn's school Easter party while Small Fry toddled around and Fawn pushed a huge bulldozer.

I heard a scream and looked up to see Fawn in a heap on the ground.  The "blade" of the bulldozer got stuck in one of the seams of the driveway sending him flying.  He had scrapes on his shoulder, wrist and knee which were not too bad -- easily treatable with neosporin and bandaids.  But his poor face looked pathetic: big bump on the forehead, bleeding/swollen lip, and bloody mouth.

I didn't know what to do with Small Fry while I got Fawn cleaned up, bandaged, and iced down.  Not only is he into everything but he freaks out when I pay sole attention to Fawn at his exclusion.  Must be a survival skill of the second child.  Buck was working fishing with friends on a gorgeous Spring afternoon.  So, I immediately called my dad, my mom, and my mother-in-law.  No answers -- what?!?!  I am so used to my village always being available.  My sweet mother-in-law almost immediately called back; she was picking her dog up from the vet but would head over as soon as she got the dog dropped off at home.

I sent Buck this picture in a text:

My text: Severe fall to face.  Bleeding mouth.  Skin torn off lip.  Doctor?  Dentist?

The response: Neither.

(Don't ever accuse him of being a man of many words.)

Not satisfied with a one word response during my obvious distress I interrupted Buck's man time called him to discuss.  Then I called the dentist -- twice because there was no answer the first time.  I never left a message because I think I just didn't know what to say.  No less than five minutes later I got a return call from them asking if I needed anything.  I made an appointment to bring him in the next morning.

Not to be out done by my picture text, I received this from Buck:

So glad someone had a relaxing, stress-free afternoon :)

When morning came, Fawn was still a bloody, bruised mess but we got good news at the dentist -- although there was a slight chip of his tooth, there was no root damage.  Yippee!  We left with instructions to eat soft foods until the bruising and swelling went down -- and to call the dentist's cell phone the next time we had an incident.  Ha!  He must know we will be great customers in the year's to come!

After the good report, I drove the boys to Krispy Kreme for their first donut shop experience.  It was the softest breakfast food I could think of -- sugar and fat that basically dissolves in your mouth.

All smiles with his hat and chocolate-covered, sprinkled donut.

Then it was off to school.  Thankfully, one of his teachers got him out of my car in the carpool line so I was able to explain that although he looked like he'd been in a fight (this picture does not do justice the bruising on the left side of his face and the huge, swollen lip), he was fine.

And, this little fellow was on a sugar high:

Wondering what on earth he did to deserve such a yummy treat!

Wasn't the first, and certainly won't be the last of the injuries that come with raising two boys.  Just thankful that the only damage is a chipped baby tooth!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes.

Small Fry is (Finally! Finally!) sleeping through the night.  Can I get an amen?  We're in week two of blissful, full, uninterrupted nights of sleep.  I think Buck, Small Fry, and I are soaking up every minute of sleep we can now that we know what it feels like to go without!  It was a long 14 1/2 months, but on this side of things really wasn't too bad.  The body has an amazing way of adjusting.  (And to all of you mamas out there who read Facebook updates and hear friends talk about babies sleeping through the night at 8 weeks...ignore them!  Your baby will reach every milestone exactly when he or she is ready to.  It might not be when a book or a well-meaning friend says they should -- and that's fine.  Just don't let outside expectations of your baby get you down (said advice was much easier to follow this time around than with Fawn because I was such a nervous first-time mama).)  

This guy will be sans tonsils this time next week.  He has been through the ringer since Spring Break battling a nasty case of tonsillitis (or maybe multiple cases).  Prayers for him to stay healthy until surgery next week and for a speedy recovery are very much appreciated.  (And, any tips you have on foods, beverages, entertainment during recovery please leave a comment or email me!)

We finally had some work done on our house that we'd been putting off -- the removal of a second story balcony.  It took two weeks and while the men doing the work were fabulously respectful and clean, I am so happy to have my house back.  Fawn's tonsillitis was in full swing during the same time which wasn't fun; plus, although I carted Small Fry to my parents' house every day to nap he never takes a good nap anywhere but here.  Needless to say, long two weeks.  But, it looks great (and it's done!).

And, if you noticed that you didn't have to sign in to view the blog, you're right.  We are back public. While I LOVE a private blog, two sweet cousin and a dear friend have all been unable to access even though they were on my allowed list.  Needless to say, since one of the points of this is to keep out of town family and friends in the loop on our lives we went back public to accomplish that!

Outdoor Photo Shoot.

On days Fawn is at school and the weather is nice I try to capture Small Fry in action in the great outdoors.  These were too cute not to share!

Easter 2013.

What a wonderful Easter!  Although last year was so precious to have a newborn, this year was meaningful in its own way because we could really focus on the Lenten season and prepare our hearts for Easter.  Easter Sunday was lovely.  We started with early church.  We let Fawn sit with us in the sanctuary for the first half of the service; not only did he do great, but it was really special to have him experience the Easter service.  He doesn't read yet, but pretended to follow along to the words of the hymns -- he would hum and sing words he deemed appropriate (Jesus, Lord, God, Amen, Alleluia).  It was sweet.  And, he was fascinated watching his children's choir teacher singing in the choir -- he kept his eyes on Mrs. Casey the whole time.

After church and Sunday school we headed to my parents' house for a little Easter Bunny action, egg hunting, and brunch.

Found the ball first!

He's been waiting all year for a chocolate bunny.

Satisfied customers.

Chocolate and a new Transformer.  Bliss.

Who are you accusing of stealing brother's ball?

Typical Small Fry -- huge mess.

Sweet Easter baby.

Serious fellows.

My brother and his wife.

"Best" family shot.

Favorite family shot.

The Patriarch.

The matriarch and my cousin from Atlanta.

The chef.

The hubs.

Finally interested in eggs (when he realized they were quite ball-like).

Double-spooning dessert.

When the boys faded, they faded fast.  So we headed home for naps -- and all the boys (Buck included) got some shut-eye.  When they woke up we quickly regrouped and headed to Buck's sister's house for more egg hunting and dinner with Buck's family.  The threat of rain kept the festivities indoors, but the boys didn't know the difference and had a ball.

Literally.

Happy hunter.

He is risen!  Happy Easter!

My Four-Legged Son.

Sweet Hank.  You almost drove me batty as a puppy.  And you definitely delayed our having kids because we could hardly raise you!  But you are a great dog.  Loyal.  Loving.  Adorable.  Fabulous with my kids.  Thanks for making me a dog person.

Spring Break Staycation and Easter Fun.

If you've been reading this blog since the beginning, you will know that I was not a fan of Spring Break for the basic reason that everything was always so crowded.  But, I'm a changed mommy.  I now look forward to Spring Break and wouldn't do anything to trade our Spring Break Staycation.  This year was no exception -- it was a blast -- and I can't wait to spend the summer with my kiddos.  Don't get me wrong -- it was tiring and I was exhausted by bed time.  But, it was fun!  We had play dates, went to a Lego build event at the library, went to Leeds Memorial Park, went to Spain Park, played at the Brookwood Forest playground and fields, and had some good play time at home.  We even got to enjoy Daddy being home early most evenings.  It really was a great week.  (I didn't take any pictures to memorialize the fun, though.)

Another activity sans pictures was our attempt at Resurrection Rolls.  It's a sweet way to help children visualize the Easter story.  So, armed with a Bible (I used The Message for Fawn -- I just think it's easier for him to follow) and the ingredients we followed the instructions.  ONLY OUR MARSHMALLOWS DIDN'T DISAPPEAR.  

Fawn: Mommy, our Jesuses didn't raise from the dead.  Do you think I'm eating Jesus' head or hands?

Not my finest parenting moment.  Our crescent roll dough popped open just slightly but enough that the marshmallows didn't disappear.  (I think it may have been because I used reduced fat dough...who knows?!?!)  Anyway, they were tasty and Fawn heard the Easter story another time.  So it wasn't a total failure.

But egg dying, egg dying I can handle.

So excited.

He must be really happy with Mommy to give such a great smile!

Patience is a virtue sweet thing.

They turned out gorgeous!

Keeping Small Fry occupied while egg dying?  

Started out great -- with a cup and plastic straw that makes a super-entertaining noise.

Later, the come-apart when it just wasn't cooperating.

You win some, you lose some.  But we have fun trying!

Fourteen Month Update.

Even though he's a month older, our sweet Small Fry is up to his same antics.  He goes, goes, goes.  He's starting to pick up the speed with his toddling -- it's a pretty cute little toddle/run.  He still thinks he can jump and has even started attempting to jump on the bed.  He's trying very hard to walk down steps but his chubby legs are just too short.  He's also trying to climb on furniture and climb into the bathtub by himself.  We've got our hands full with Small Fry!

He's learned two new tricks -- shaking hands and giving a high five.  He is so proud.  He's talking a little more, and doing more imitating of sounds.  His favorite to imitate is "shh."  He has started shaking his head no.  He said Fawn's first name for the first time this month -- and pointed to his picture.  It didn't come out right but it was cute.  He also loves to find pictures of Daddy in the house and point to them while saying "da da da da."

He is fiercely independent.  When we are out in public, he doesn't like to be held or even hold hands.  It's like he's proving he's a big boy!  At home, he's much more of a cuddle bug and is in a bit of a Mommy faze.  He does not like his big brother to sit on Mommy's lap and will push, hit, kick and scream until big brother removes himself.  And, at home he loves to be held.  

He loves to be outside more than anything (just like Fawn).  And, he's perfectly content to wander around exploring, picking up nature's treasures, and just being.  He still loves balls (of course!) and is also really starting to enjoy Fawn's big boy toys that Fawn is willing to share.  His current obsession are his Crocs (hand-me-downs from Fawn).  He loves them and tries (but fails) to put them on himself.  Many days he toddles around our house in a nothing but a diaper and Crocs.

As for food, he's developing his preferences and will scream until we comply.  Probably just because of what's in season, but current favorites are oranges, pineapple, and mango.  I've introduced a bit of juice, and the kid can down a smoothie (he will point at the blender and start screaming if that's what he wants).  He's starting to dislike his highchair so he's got to be really hungry to happily sit and eat.  We are doing more grazing and snacking -- and he continues to grow and thrive so it's working!

We love our funny, energetic, sweet boy!  We can see the changes daily and are blessed to be along for the ride.