Birthday

We went to Disneyland! And really I must say it is the best thing to do for your birthday, if you like birthdays. I really don't mind them. So I had a blast!!!

We are currently at my parents house hanging out. Raffi is running amok and running more amok. It is neat to see his discipline skills maturing. He responds to a possible or actual time out and I've actually seen it curb his bad behavior. So amazing!

He is mimicking so many more words now. "Trash" is the most recent new one I can remember. When he hears a siren, he cups his ear with his hand and says "Listen." He is still obsessed with garbage trucks and gardeners.

Back to Dland: We went on the Carosel 3 times. That was hands down Raffi's favorite ride, we also went on the Train 3 times. Also another big fav. We went on Snow White, Dumbo, Jungle Cruise, and Small WOrld. Raffi wasn't a big fan of the small world(see picture). Cried and danced almost at the same time. We went around Toon Town and near the end of the night we went on the Pirates of the Caribean. And he did great. I was soo impressed. He was shocked at the drop parts of the ride but didn't even cry. So crazy.

Thomas the Train Ride

On Saturday, the whole family went to the Railyards and rode Thomas the Train for a 20 minute trip. Raffi couldn't stop saying "choo choo." And we got a bonus because we directed to park in the far parking lot and got to ride a "shuttle" train to the actual park area. I think Raffi liked that train the best. But he has looked at the pictures and said choo choo. I know he remembers it. He also tried the bounce house, got a little scared so didin't last long and he also painted with tempura paints for the first time. He of course is a natural!

Kill the cold with cookies.

I'm sitting in my lazy boy chair while Raffi is taking a nap and pattering away at the computer and doing my devotional. I have another cold, I got it just when Raffi was healing from his last one 5 days ago. And of course Raffi's nose started running today! AHhh. This winter sickness season is killing me. It is nonstop relentless. Once fall came I might as well put a sign on my front door, Out sick for Season see you in May! So what good am I doing to help my cold, Girl Scout Cookies. A nice plate assortment of thin mints, samoas, and my homemade oatmeal cookies. I'm trying to suffocate the cold with sugar.

The pic above is me at one of my mom's groups annual luncheon. We get all dressed up and go play without the baby! yeh. I had a blast although I was bummed I did not win any fabulous raffle prizes. But it was all worth it, and I found a new tea I'm in love with; it is from Pete's Coffee and I'm pretty sure is is Xio's Blend. It blends chamomile and peppermint and it is fantastic.

Well, ok I guess I will talk about my lovely son. He is quite the chatter box this past week. He is utilizing some action words such as "See" when he wants to see or do something. He also says "brush" for brush teeth, etc. Last night he brought me a toothbrush container and said "brush, brush." At the moment, he enjoys getting his teeth brushed, I'm not sure how long that will last. He loves to watch the gardeners outside mowing the lawn and blowing all the leaves around. It is great to see a jump in his language development. We had a lot of great plans this week, but I'm unsure as to what we will be able to manage. Oh well. Back to my cookies....

Walking before the Storm

This morning, Raffi and I went for a quick 20 minute stroller hike to our favorite spot. It was raining a bit before we got there, but was a bit sunnier than the picture of the oak tree suggests. Raffi was interested in the rushing stream, the sound of it grabbed his attention.The scenery was beautiful and I delighted in God's creation. I love the drama in the sky when a storm is approaching. It is just amazing. I can say that I don't like the drama in my life when a storm is approaching, here or on the way out. I'm in a stormy spot at the moment, but I'm not sure what time frame I'm in. Surprisingly, I have joy. Which has been lacking for awhile. I know how easily that joy can dissipate from the simplest annoyance. I'm praying ever more fervently, trying to practice spiritual breathing. So that I live every second for God.

What A Day!

Today, Raffi and I had are first meeting for the MOPS Group. Raffi went to childcare at the church and I went to the group meeting with food, introductions, quick devotional and other such talkings that go along with moms meeting each other for the first time: talking about our kids. I didn't see Raffi cry myself because I slipped out of the room while he was playing. But another mom said he was crying while she was dropping off her crying child. But he and I made it through the 2 hours without any rescuing!

When I picked him up from the "toddlers" room, he was playing with a chair and didn't notice that I was calling his name. But the look on his face was amazing. He was not happy about the situation, he would play(it said), but gosh darnit, he wouldn't like it!

Then we ran over to a birthday party at park in the hills. I nursed him for his lunch and then off we were to his 15 month well baby checkup with the Doc. He is 19 1/2 pounds and 30 inches long. The Doctor gave us the blessing to use our front facing car seat and I think it is time. Raffi's feet easily hit the back seat in front of him. He may not have the weight, but he is a little tall for his current seat. The conversation made me remember Raffi coming home from the hospital at 4 1/2 pounds!
Also at the Doc's, he received the OK for health and all that and as a parting gift received four vaccination shots (including MMR) and had his blood taken to check his iron level. Of course he screamed like a banshee! He fell asleep in the car but I couldn't get him to go back to sleep once we got in the house. So his entire nap amount for the day was around a half an hour. So for all that he was such a trouper!

After all that I had a glass wine at home. So we traversed through some milestones today and I feel good about it. Thanks for praying for us Mom!

Yipee!

All-Points-Bulletin! White Female, approximately 30+ years of age, has escaped her home and her 13 month old son. She was last seen carrying golf clubs. Please approach with caution, she has been attached to her infant for a year. She is considered crazed and possibly delusional. End.

Yes. I had mommy time out! Yeh, thanks Hubbie. This actually wasn't the first time, but really it has been close to the 2nd or 3rd time. And this time I feel like I actually used my time well. I went to the driving range and smacked some golf balls, ate some tacos, ice cream and sat at a coffee shop and mulled over some writing ideas. Raffi did great for his daddy, too. Raffi has been very attached to me, basically since November, so it has made it difficult for me to get away. This was such an answer to prayer. Thank you God.

Regular Days

This week has been full of regular days. Good days, nonetheless. Some of the things Raffi and I have done this week are: Lunch with the mom's group, gymboree open play time, lots of laundry and those fun old doctor visits! Today we are going to a playdate at a mom's house and the developmental specialist comes this afternoon. Tomorrow, we hopefully will make it to the a park playdate with my church's mom group. Geesh! I don't think I knew how busy one can get with a baby.

Next week, we head down to So. Cal to be with family for a week. I'm looking forward to showing off my boy. Doug suspects that he will start walking while he is down there. We shall see.

Oh, I'll post a funny pic of raffi at our lunch out the other day. What a noodle!

Moving and Falling

Raffi is crawling, standing and falling. His favorite thing to do is stand against a wall and then lose his balance and go head first into the wall. I think it is easier to guard the President then to protect a baby from himself!

I went to my first playdate yesterday with my new moms group. There were about 10 other babies/toddlers there. Raffi did pretty good, he stayed pretty close to me as he analyzed the situation. But he didn't get overwhelmed and freak out, so it was a big win in my book.

Today we just got back from a picnic with other moms/babies from my yoga class at a local winery. Umm, fun. One mom cut up fruit in portions for adults and another smaller portion for the babies! Quite talented she is. So Raffi dined on some watermelon, cantaloupe and a pickle. Yesterday, he had some beef and white rice, so his food repertoire is coming around nicely.

I'm definitely enjoying the "mom" social life. The mom's group has something almost everyday from playdates at someones house to a park, walk or gymboree play. It is good to have some sort of social life. I never imagined it could be so busy.

This weekend we are "babyproofing." Wish us luck!

Getting out of the house.

Yes, today we got out of the house. Raffi, my friend Julie and I went to a local food festival with a Cajun theme. We ate breakfast at a local diner and strolled around to view all the booths selling items that I wanted to buy but had no actual need for. I enjoyed the sun on my skin and even better; Raffe was spectacular. He fell asleep in the stroller while we cruised around and didn't even get upset at some Harley Motorcycles that were making lots of noise. It was a great day out. Yeh!