A Work in Progress

The last time I posted, I was overwhelmed and trying my best to make light of it all, but geez this kid wears me out!

However, we went to the doctor the other day to address a persistent cough (which appears to be related to a cold/allergies/teething- but his lungs, ears, etc are clear), and to mention the lovely bruises covering his head. Fortunately, after a list of questions about his communication- what words does he say, his socializing- yes he has his issues being clingy, but is he aware of his surroundings and interacts with others, and several other questions that were trying to figure out the root of the behavior. Ultimately, it was confirmed that it seems to be largely related to his frustration in attempts to communicate- and of course catch my attention- and he has discovered the method works. If you consider the first year I spent undivided attention 95% (or more) of the time. Then the past few months I've added in school, volunteering at Winnie, the whole weaning/not weaning process and trying to spend more time with Kaely. So I'm sure although "it's only a few hours" to us- but to him it's been a huge change.

Since we got back from the doctor, and I was reassured of the reasons- with the suggestion to throw him in the pack n' play when he does it to keep him from hurting himself- but he's been so much better. Maybe it's just that I relaxed a bit. Or perhaps because I finally finished that research paper, or I'm trying to talk to him more and go back to sign language (not sure why I was slacking in the first place?). I'm also trying to play more... I used to be so good at doing that, but man, if the days don't just take over sometimes.

Yesterday I helped out over at Winnie at their "Mother & Baby TEA"- which is an educational and support group for new moms (up to 8 weeks of age)... once again, the whole process helped me (selfishly) in feeling good again in what we went through. It also reaffirmed my goals to continue to stride towards a career in health and education- just still haven't decided where I will end up. However, I know in my heart that this is where I need to be.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

(Oh yeah, Kaely and I went to see Taylor Swift in concert Thursday night... it's been a long time coming. A very awesome experience I really hope she remembers when she's older... good times!)

Dear Chase...

my sweet, cuddly, even-tempered, ummm, ummm... full of character love...

I wanted to take the time to thank you, thank you for breaking the charger to the camera so I can no longer take pictures (again!).

Thank you for knocking off the original camera that broke in the first place that led to using the current camera that will not work because the battery cannot be charged...

Thank you for breaking the phone that could have at least given me decent pictures as an alternative to the camera. I really had fun trying to send messages with half the keys not working, and the phone continuing to turn off.

Thank you for throwing all of your cups and dishes so food flies across the room, and there is milk all over the carpet.

Thank you for using my hair brush on the dogs.

Thank you for paying attention to all the bad habits we have- and learning how to use things like bottle openers...

Thank you for screaming bloody murder every time I have to change your stinky butt- or try to remove the snot from your nose- I'm sure the neighbors are ready to call backup on us. Oh- but it is reassuring that you will use the suction bulb on your own nose, then proceed to put it in your mouth.

Thank you for getting into your sister's Easter eggs- and eating all the "Robins eggs" in there- getting blue slober all over the living room.

Thank you for continuously banging your head on stuff to get my attention- resulting in bruises covering your forehead, making it look like I am an abusive mommy.

Thank you for being a "boy"- sigh... I love you so much, but I do believe it's going to take an army to survive this childhood. LOL! AHHHHHHH

***Updated
Thank you for eating part of those neon gel crayons in Kaely's room- I loved having neon green spit everywhere and having to call Poison Control this afternoon, I didn't have any more exciting going on after all...