Merry Christmas, part 2!

After Pop and Grammy left, Jordan went down for a nap and the dogs came in for a visit, too. They were pooped from pacing the porch all morning, so they promptly passed out in the floor.

I wanted to illustrate Jordan's present opening technique. One of us would have to get the paper started because she had a hard time seeing where the "seam" was. Then she would tear a piece of it off and turn to whoever was in the recliner and give it to them. It didn't really matter who was sitting there, but that person was the designated paper collector. This worked pretty well except the paper size was a touch small...

Nana and Papa Carroll arrived while Jordan was still sleeping. We visited for a while and Nana was happy to bound up the stairs to retrieve the Peanut when she woke up! After opening presents and stockings, we sent a video e-mail to the family in Florida. Jordan has yet to put it on her head, but thanks to Nana for the cool hat she knitted!!

Merry Christmas, part 1!

Christmas Day occurred for us in 3 different stages. Each wave was celebrated with different parts of the family. The dogs were the only losers in this event because they were relegated to the porch. Poor babies couldn't even go outside (nor did they want to) because it was raining for most of the day!

Pop and Grammy came over first. Grammy didn't even get in the door before she wanted Jordan to start opening presents. We finally got her to at least let everyone get a seat before we began the festivities. Auntee Cheryl was with us in spirit as she was not able to travel down from NY. Jordan got a great introduction to the world of Dr. Seuss with some books and stuffed animals. Grammy set the tone of the day by giving her a box of raisins. She commenced to "nack" (snack) ALL day long!

ice cream!

I had to do some last minute running around for Christmas and decided to bring home a treat! Kenneth loves cookie dough ice cream and Jordan really wanted a bite, so Daddy shared...

Jordan is a lover now, too!

trip to NJ

We had a big day today! It started at 4:30 when I got Jordan out of bed and into the car to go to the airport. What would possess me to do such a thing, you ask?!? Well, you'd actually have to take that up with Jordan's Nana! She got a great deal on some air travel to New Jersey for the day (yes, one, single day) to see her Dad and his family. None of us have been up there in years, so it was time for a visit. The whole trip was a Christmas surprise. Mom and I didn't finalize plans until Monday afternoon and Rob and his family were the only people in NJ to know we were coming! I think we make for a pretty good present!

Jordan behaved really well, all things considered. We had a short layover in Charlotte and she slept for a few minutes on our flight to Newark. Uncle Rob picked us up and had Madagascar playing for Jordan's viewing pleasure for the ride to Poppy's house. She was fun and interested at Poppy's and really took to everyone as if they were not people she'd never met!

Poppy, Pat and Rob all got to hold Jordan as she made her way around the room. Of course, Nana is always a hit, so if in doubt, to Nana she went! She did sit still long enough to read a book or 2 and play with Nana's water bottle.

Megan and Matthew got out of school early to bring lunch over and visit. They brought Jordan a baby doll and a stuffed puppy, too! Jordan really enjoyed going outside and all around the yard with Megan's help.

After about 4 hours, we got in the car and headed back to the airport. The trip home is not worth writing about because of lack of sleep on all sides. :)
Let's just say we made it home safely and it was all worth it although I'm looking forward to not travelling any great distance any time soon...

a priss pot in the making?

Jordan is always the first friend to arrive in her room at school. I have to be in my room to receive babies, so Jordan gets to hang out with her teachers. I like to hang out for a few minutes to chat with the teachers because I don't get to do that much any other time during the day. Her teachers usually bring Jordan to me in the afternoons because they are ready to go and I still have moms chatting about the day. But, I think that's the difference in infant moms and toddler moms--much more to talk about with infants because they are changing practically every day!

Anyway, Miss Tiffany was telling me this morning about an incident on the slide in their room earlier this week. Apparently, Jordan fell going up the steps and Tiffany was on her way to her anticipating the meltdown that seemed to be looming. Instead of crying, Jordan stood up, looked around and said, "Bow, bow?!?", seemingly distressed because her hair bow had fallen out when she fell! Yep, she's a girl... :)

18 month well check

We went back to the doctor today. Jordan was in a surprisingly good mood considering I had to wake her up from her nap to go. Doc thinks she is right on track and maybe a little ahead with language and fine motor development. She has about a 30 word vocabulary (average is 15-25), knows 7 signs and can feed herself yogurt (and a few other things) from a spoon. He is thinking that she might be around 5'10" tall, but they'll check that again at 2 years. She is currently 33" tall (86th %ile) and weighs 25 lbs., 9.6 oz. (69th %ile). He said to expect that between now and 2 for her to become picky with what she eats and that she will become more and more defiant as she tests her limits. I'm not sure she can really be too much pickier, but as long as she eats a little at each meal time and a couple of snacks in between, we'll be all right. In terms of testing the waters, I like what he said...Pick your battles carefully, but win the battles you pick.

still in search of a tree picture

I am really wanting a picture of Jordan in front of the tree for our Christmas cards. Time is running short and these cards may turn out to be Happy New Year's cards instead of Merry Christmas cards--everyone please make note in case you don't get your card anytime soon! :)

In the perfect world, Mackenzie and Ash would be sitting on either side of Jordan in front of said tree, but I'm not sure that's going to happen...
I guess I can settle for sweet moments like these, but I'm not sure this is what folks want in their Christmas card!

the tree is up!

Our Christmas tree went up this weekend. It's been fun to watch Jordan explore the tree, look at the lights and peek at ornaments. I thought it would be a great time to get a "tree picture" worthy of going in our Christmas cards. If I wanted a picture of the back of her head, we would have had no problem. But, playing with Daddy was more fun!

Home alone with daddy!

I was out this afternoon, so Jordan was home with Daddy. This is really not an uncommon occurrence since Kenneth picks Jordan up on his way home on Wednesday nights, but this afternoon was special...and captured on film! :)
Apparently when I'm not home, Jordan eats wherever she wants, her hair is out of control and she doesn't behave much like a lady!

more turkey!!

Because we didn't eat enough turkey yesterday, we decided to do Thanksgiving again today! Seriously, my Dad (Pop) flew in yesterday and my brother and sister-in-law were down in GA, so we did a repeat today. Heather cooked up a storm and everything was delicious. Grammy (my grandmother) and Pop brought over some bubbles for Jordan and she kept everyone busy with them. She just wants to do everything on her own, so she wanted to dip the wand in and blow bubbles. Only problem was that she put it right on her mouth, so when she did blow there was rarely any bubble stuff left with which to make bubbles. It was fun for her all the same and I think Grammy and Pop didn't mind helping her "blow" bubbles anyway!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We went to Rock Hill to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Manning's today. Traffic was not bad at all, so we made it in regular time and Jordan slept about an hour during the ride. The food was wonderful, but it was more fun to see Jordan follow Nathan around wanting to do everything he did...outside, play with the ball, play with the Legos, etc. And Nathan ate it up! He didn't seem to mind too much even though I think he was a little disappointed when she took some of his Lego creations apart. They hugged on each other, though and really seemed to enjoy each other's company...

monkey see, monkey do!

Tonight we ate dinner at Doc Chey's (yummy Asian food!). They bring chopsticks along with the silverware and also bring "beginner" sticks for the kids. Jordan loves the rice, but was having a hard time getting rice into her mouth from her hand without most of it ending up on her. I broke out the chopsticks to see if that would be any better. She loved eating anything I put on them. She also took the plastic straw out of her milk and made her own chopsticks! She wasn't very successful getting any food on them because one was a lot shorter than the other, but it was entertaining to watch her try!

visit with the Manning's

Yesterday was Tio Chanchi's birthday, so we went to Rock Hill today to visit with everyone. Jordan was in a good mood, despite only sleeping 40 minutes on the way there (she refuses to sleep in RH, so we don't even bother trying!). The Manning men enjoyed a strangely modified game of kick ball and Jordan hung right in there with them. She had a great time carrying around her small orange ball and trying to keep up with Nathan. Tio Chanchi started to make friends with Jordan (even though this picture doesn't really show it!) as he gave her a demo cell phone to play with during her visit.

yet another ear infection!

I noticed yesterday afternoon Jordan seemed a touch out of sorts, but I didn't really pay that much attention because I figured she was just tired or hungry, but didn't really want to sleep or eat--the usual stuff. Well, this afternoon she was running a temperature and her teachers at school said she wasn't quite herself. She was a little more clingy and needy than usual. Kenneth and I had already talked about taking her to the ped. to check her ears, so I called when they opened after lunch. We were able to get an appt. right after school with our favorite doctor, so we took off! And even though she has a cough, her lungs sound clear but there is an ear infectino brewing in her right ear. Thankfully, our favorite doctor had antibiotic in his closet, so I didn't even have to go to the drug store! Woo hoo!

a chapter ends

So, it's been an interesting week! Kenneth wasn't feeling the best starting Sunday until Tuesday night. Jordan spent the night with her Nana Monday night because I went to Atlanta for work. Because Kenneth was still in and out of the bathroom, J stayed an extra night at Nana's because I didn't get home until 10ish. I drove to Mom's this morning to pick her up, go to school and try to get her routine back in place. It's nice to have her back in her bed tonight!

There are many varying opinions in the world about nursing and I would venture to say that how long one chooses to nurse is probably the most controversial topic. If this subject is bothersome to you, I would stop reading now! :) You see, I have been thinking for a while that J might be ready to give up her morning nursing session. She seemed pretty uninterested Monday morning. With her being gone 2 mornings in a row, I figured I could use today as the real test. As I was changing her diaper, she asked (signed) to eat. I didn't even ask her if she wanted to nurse because it was obviously not the first thing on her mind. The good news is that I'm not the least bit engorged even though she hasnt nursed in 3 days. The bad news is that I'm a little sad. But, considering today is her 17 month birthday, I am pretty proud of what I consider a great accomplishment!

a side note about Kenneth

The last couple of weeks have been crazier than normal. Kenneth has been diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot) behind his knee. His leg had been bothering him for about a week before he went to the doctor. Bothering him is actually an understatement--he wasn't comfortable doing much of anything. She took one look and sent him for an ultrasound which confirmed the DVT. The initial treatment is shots of an anti-coagulant in the stomach and a blood thinner (orally) once a day. And, be careful what you eat (Vitamin K interferes w/ the blood thinner) and if you feel short of breath, get to the hospital because the clot might have moved to your lungs and could kill you--is what they sent us home with! It was a VERY stressful and confusing weekend. The next Monday we went back to his regular doctor with a long list of questions about what in the heck was going on. The most important thing we learned was that he wasn't going to just fall out and die! The density of his blood has to be checked each week until it is within a certain level.

The following appointment Kenneth learned that there was nothing he could have done to prevent the clot. He has 2 genetic factors that make him prone to clotting. One of those factors has to come from both parents! Jordan has to be tested at 13 to see if she's inherited something, too. Aren't we the lucky ones!?

Thankfully, all is well now. After 2 1/2 weeks of shots, the levels have evened out and he doesn't have to go back for another month. He will stay on the Coumadin for the rest of his life, but that's better than the risk of another clot!

Jordan's first trip to NYC!

We just got back from a trip to see my Dad in New York. We had a ton of fun. The weather wasn't the best, but a good time was had by all. Jordan adjusted to the time change well, slept on the plane (up there and back home), and made her Pop pretty happy!

We went into the city Saturday and had lunch. The original plan was to go to the petting zoo at Central Park, but it was pretty wet, so we roamed around Grand Central instead. Sunday afternoon we went to a little park just down from Dad's place and she had the time of her life on the slide. It was really windy, so we had to stay bundled up and J didn't quite know how to maneuver with mittens on.

She had THE best time anticipating the free fall down the slide. She would just sit at the top and ever so slowly lean far enough over that she would start sliding. She wouldn't make eye contact with any of us until she was actually sliding and then she would crack up laughing. Our hands practically froze helping her up the steps and making sure she didn't fall off the slide, but it was worth every minute!
This picture doesn't do it justice, but Jordan really did have a good time. We just figured this picture truly captures real life with a toddler--unpredictable at best!!

Boxes ARE the best toys!

Jordan really enjoyed playing in this carseat box. It had previously been used as an aid in containment when she actually played in her playroom. Since that is no longer amusing, she has taken over the whole downstairs! She had a great time closing herself up in the box and then popping the sides out, but I thought this was the cutest when she fell back!

home with daddy

I have a pretty crazy schedule right now. Aside from work during the week, I am taking a class (required for work) on Tuesday nights and working on Wednesday nights. Tuesdays I leave from home with usually just enough time to stuff something in my face and race to class when Kenneth gets home. Wednesdays he comes by church on his way home and picks up the princess. I don't get home either night until after bedtime.

Kenneth tells me that the last few times he has been "on duty", that she has asked to go to bed! She will grab his finger and lead him over to the steps (which are gated). He asks her if she's ready to go upstairs and watch her Baby Einstein DVD (bedtime ritual), to which she signs "please". So they go upstairs and do the get ready for bed thing. Typically, we hold her on our shoulder for the last few minutes of the video to make it easier to scoop her up and take her to her crib when it's over. One night recently when he tried to do that, she fussed and fidgeted, so he asked her if she just wanted to sit in his lap like she had been doing. She signed "please". And then when she was ready to go to bed, she turned up and looked at him and when he asked her if she wanted to go to bed, she signed "please"!

That's definitely my girl because she loves bedtime just like me! :)

Firetruck visit, Part Deux!

The firetruck visit was rescheduled for today since we got rained out last week. Kenneth was able to visit, too! Jordan really enjoyed the visit and interacted a little more with the truck and the firefighters. In fact, she is flirting with one of the guys in the bottom two pictures. The ff noticed that Kenneth was trying to get her attention so we might actually have her looking at the camera in the picture. Instead, she was totally preoccupied with him and just smiled coyly and waved when he waved. She's becoming such a flirt...

No, ball & Nanna

So, I remember being concerned at her well check about Jordan's lack of vocabulary--at least words that didn't need interpretation by Kenneth or me! Like the good doctor said, there was no reason to be concerned! I think I've read that children go through a word "growth spurt" where they learn a word a day. We might be hitting that!

This morning on the way to school, Jordan said "no" about 100 times. She didn't shake her head with it, which I thought was interesting because she's been doing that and knowing exactly what it meant for a while now. I would say "yes" and shake my head and she would just tell me "no"!

Then, after breakfast, she found the balls that were on the floor for the babies and told me about them..."ball, ball, ball"!

And as we were going through pictures from Nanna's visit at school yesterday, she lit up with delight and said "Nanna"!

Exciting times around here, folks--exciting times!

Bubbles!

Today was supposed to be Day 2 of the firetruck visit, but was postponed due to rain. Nanna was already pretty much at school, so she stopped in to say Hi! Miss Tiffany was blowing bubbles for the friends and their families that were visiting, too. Next thing you know, Jordan is saying "bubble, bubbles, bubble!"! She was very excited about it and just giggled with delight in between saying her new word!

Firetruck visit!

One of the local fire stations comes each year to visit the kids at school! Since Jordan attends 4 days, she will get to see it twice! She didn't really know what to make of it and since we were on the playground, was really more interested in playground stuff. As you can see by the picture of the 2 of us, she really just wanted me to let her play in the street! I finally found that she was happy if she thought she was in control and driving the truck. It was time to get her out of there when she started leaning around for buttons to push! Maybe she'll be more interested tomorrow!

Tigers win!

In honor of Clemson's beautiful defeat over Florida State last night, she wore her orange dress today! These pictures are just too darn cute not to share...

15-month well check

Just a quick note about our doctor's visit today. It was nice to not have to wait! I'll have to remember that the first appointment after lunch is a great time to go. There was not a soul in either waiting room!

She weighs 24 lbs (70th %ile) and is 32 1/4 inches long (95th %ile). I speculated at her last appointment that the nurse may not have gotten her length correct because she was only in the 50th %ile then. I mean, how accurate can it be when they lay her down on a piece of paper that gets wrinkled because she's writhing around!?! Her weight has been in the same range, too, so I would think that if she really shot up in height, her weight would drop a little. Who knows; doesn't matter, anyway, Dr. S. thinks she looks great and is very happy with her development.

We go back in 3 months for another check and then she's done until she's 2. Doc told me that in the next 9 months I can expect behavior challenges and feeding changes. Translation: she's going to get more independent and become a picky eater. I think the independence is already peeking through. And, when all else fails, she'll eat fruit!!

Oh yeah, she also had 3 shots! Thankfully, those are done until she's 2 because she did NOT handle them well today...

MMMooooo...

Wednesday evening, one of the other teachers asked me if Jordan had any words yet. Words that anyone could understand without interpretation from me. Uuummm, not really. We also talked about her lack of verbal response to questions. "What is this?" while pointing to the ball yields no response. Apparently, Jordan likes to prove me wrong because while we were playing this afternoon, Kenneth asked her "what does the cow say?" and without hesitation she belted out "mmmoooooo"! Assuming we all consider Moo a word; it's official!!

Princess Mimic

It has really hit home how interested Jordan is in each and every move we make. This morning, I had a bowl of cereal while J ate her waffle. Around lunchtime, Kenneth had a bowl of soup. We both tipped our bowls up to drink the last bits of liquid. Jordan tried to "drink" the vegetables out of her little bowl at lunch, too! It was really cute, even though she did spill vegetables all over the front of her. Even after we thought we got them all out of her lap, Kenneth still found vegetables jumping out of her clothes.

I don't remember the context of the conversation, but the word "jerk" was involved and Yep, you guessed it, Jordan attempted to say "jerk". Everyone on their P's and Q's around the Princess, please! :)

in the pool!!

Jordan received this pool for her birthday from Titi Cassie. I'm embarrassed to say this is the first time we've put it up, but it was tons of fun, so it will happen again soon!

It took Jordan a couple of minutes to get used to the water temperature (not bath temp), how much water was in the pool and walking around. The back yard is not level anywhere, so we did the best we could! After she warmed up to the idea, she really enjoyed circling the pool, tossing toys over the side and watching Daddy stick his face in the water and blow bubbles. She tried it, too, but inhaled instead of exhaled, so she came up sputtering!

Today was an interesting experiment, though. She took a nap for about an hour around the same time that she has been sleeping at school. We played in the pool afterwards and then she did go back to sleep for another hour and 1/2! Tonight was so much more peaceful! She wasn't grumpy, she played and led Daddy around by his finger. I think we may stay at school and play a little while before we come home for a nap. It can't hurt--it's not like she's sleeping now, anyways! If that doesn't work, then we'll just see if we can find something else that does.

Tonight was too cute! I don't have a picture, but J was sort of playing with Mackenzie. Mack has these hard bones that J loves to pick up. J brought the bone over to Mack and was trying to give it to her. Mack was being so gentle and really wanted it, but J was holding it smack in the middle, so there wasn't enough room on either end for Mack to get a grip without getting J's fingers. Then when we could convince J to just leave it on the ground for her, Mack would only play with it for a second and when J came back her way, M would just leave it for her. Mackenzie never acted possessive about the bone or anything--it was so sweet!!

Why won't you sleep?

So, if my post about school made it seem like the 3 hour nap was going to be a regular phenomenon, let me just clear that up right now!! To date, that was the only day that she took a nap after we got home. She sleeps at school, which is great, but it's not enough. She's sleeping 45 minutes on average. If we weren't at school, she'd be sleeping 2-3 hours. And it shows because she is grumpy before and after school. Either that, or it's true that your kids really are just better for other people. I mean, she fusses at me on the way to school, fusses at me on the way home, fusses at me as I watch her on the monitor because I keep thinking if she lays still long enough, she'll fall asleep! I need to give it some more time, but the majority of people I've talked to say that I should still put her in the bed after we get home so that she knows that I think she needs a nap.

On another note, Kenneth and I have been so amazed over these things that just start happening and we don't know why, how, or when! The best example is that Jordan is now shaking her head NO (emphatically, I might add!) and knowing exactly what she is trying to tell us. I will go to put Goldfish on her tray while something is heating up and she shakes her head NO! Someone will come up and just act like they are going to pick her up and she shakes her head NO! I don't have a clue how that happened.

playing in the kitchen

Jordan received a play kitchen from a fellow teacher at school. Her daughter had outgrown it and offered it to us. I have been looking for some plastic dishes and food to go with/in it. Well, Mimi Patty to the rescue!! She found a cute set with cups, food, milk, etc. Jordan loves it. The milk carton has a cow on it and she picks it up and says "Moo!". I couldn't get to the camera in time, but one of the cutest moments was when she and Daddy were sharing a cookie--Daddy had the cookie half out of his mouth and Jordan bent over and bit it to take it out of his mouth!

(Please excuse the dinner on the dress and dissheveled hair--it's been a long day!)

1st day of school in Toddler A

Today was our first day of the new school year. My room has 9 new infants each day and Jordan has a new room all together! I'm not sure who I was worried more about--her or me! I shouldn't have worried about either of us as we all did just fine. Miss Judy and Miss Ann had just as hard a time as I did watching Jordan happily play at the sand table while I walked out of the room. I only went down and checked on her a time or two (seriously!) and she was just playing and having a good time. One of the progress reports I got was after quiet time and Jordan was the only one they didn't have to "hold down" on her cot. She laid there and slept for just a couple of minutes. When it was time to get up, she happily gave up her paci and square and kept on going! She slept for a solid 3 hours this afternoon, so I know she gave it her all today.

Yikes--we are the parents of a Toddler!!

tu-ttle

My grandmother is up from Florida, so my Mom came by after work to pick Jordan up for a surprise spend the night party. I'm sure after all that driving, the thing Grandma wanted to do most was keep up with a toddling Jordan! :)

Mom and Jordan hadn't been gone a couple of minutes and the phone rang. I wondered what we could have forgotten, but Mom proceeded to inform me that Jordan was correctly identifying the blue plastic turtle that was in her carseat in Nana's car! I could hear her in the background "tu-ttle", "tu-ttle". WAY too cute!

Jordan's well, Daddy's sick

Today was a day of doctor's visits for the Manning family! Jordan had a recheck for her ears from her most recent ear infection. She checked out great--no bacteria, no fluid! Kenneth, on the other hand, is about to fall apart. He had been feverish off and on since Thursday. Random headaches started over the weekend. Surprisingly, he went to the doctor without much fight, so you know he feels bad! The diagnosis is sinusitis. He recently finished antibiotics for a sinus infection, but we're thinking it never really cleared up and grew into this. Another indicator that something is wrong--Kenneth didn't want to wait on his prescription at CVS because he was really cold inside the store--when have you known Kenneth to be cold?!? He came home and got in bed and I went to CVS...Ay, ay, ay!

play date with Brooklynn

We made it over to Joy and Brooklynn's today to get the girls together for a play date! Joy and I have been talking about this for quite a while, so we were very proud to make this happen. Joy and I talked "girl" stuff of our own while the girls played...but not necessarily together. Jordan is not quite at that interactive play stage quite yet. Brooklynn, however, was quite interested in reading a book to Jordan. She wanted to sit in her lap and show her the pages. The only problem is that there was no room for that to happen since Jordan was straddling a riding toy. It was a much appreciated effort! And, though they were in the same space, we could not get them to look at the camera at the same time. I probably gave up too easily, but I lapped the room several times and only took 3 pictures, so we'll just have to do this again so we can try for some better shots! :)

another haircut

We went for a back to school trim today at Jelly Beans. Jordan got the works--shampoo, blow dry, a braid, curling iron and hair spray! The braid is precious! I took some pictures, but they don't do it justice! I know how to french braid, but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to replicate this...

first trip to the dentist!

Yes, she only has 2 teeth (with more just around the corner), but I read that children should go to the dentist by their first birthday. So, we went to the pediatric dentist this morning. We were doing OK until we laid her down so the hygienist could look in her mouth. That went over like a lead balloon. I wasn't expecting a cleaning anyway (there are only 2 teeth, after all!), so it was no big deal, but they really wanted the experience to be positive. There was a little more screaming when the dentist looked in her mouth, but for the most part, it was OK. The dentist says that everything looks OK and she's a little late in starting the teething process, but it's still within reason. I got a great look at the 4 top teeth that are going to come in about the same time. She has a 15 month molar that is breaking through on the bottom, but it is being about as slow as Christmas!

visit with Pop

My Dad was in town this weekend. He got in Friday and we met him downtown for dinner at Sticky Fingers. Saturday night we went to Wild Wing and we met Grammy at the Ham House today after church. Jordan was really good for each of these visits. She is just starting to use sign language for "more" and "milk". It is a little more difficult to take milk with us everywhere because it needs to stay cool, so I typically just take water with us. Well, in the middle of dinner Saturday night, she starts emphatically signing "milk". This is the one that has been giving us some trouble because she uses "more" for everything. 'I don't want this (whatever it is), I want "more" (translated as something else).' So, when she does sign "milk", we really try and give her just that immediately. Well, I felt SO bad because I had to flag down a server and get it for her, etc. Oh well, live and learn!

I think Pop had a happy visit, though. He walked Jordan around before and/or after dinner. She really responded to him and even showed off her "touchdown"! I have to figure out a way to get her to a game this season. They just all seem to be in the middle of naptime or will keep her up later than bedtime. We'll figure it out.

another stupid ear infection!

Actually, we're not convinced the original ear infection ever actually was really gone. Jordan has had a cough and runny nose for about 1-1/2 weeks and just doesn't seem to be quite herself (to me). So we went to the pediatrician again. I was really thinking they were going to tell me I was crazy and that it would just go away. But, no, right ear infected again/still. At least this time we're on the higher strength antibiotics and that should take care of it! And, she was such a trooper--our appointment was "lost" (and I don't want to tell you how long we waited before I asked a nurse what was going on), it was getting to be lunch time, and they had to pick more wax out of her ears to see the eardrum to see that it was infected! She didn't even cry until the very end--such a good girl! :)

aren't you a little young for that?

It's the end of an era--I think Jordan is outgrowing her morning nap! I have mixed emotions. This should mean that her afternoon nap will be longer and it should be easier for her to "hang" in the Toddler A classroom as they don't do morning naps--just quiet time after lunch for 1/2 hour. It just also means that running errands, etc. will have to be done before lunch. But a lot of places don't open as early as we can be ready to leave, so we'll just have to learn to be very efficient! :)

last day of Summer ITP!

Yesterday was the last day of school which means it is the last time that Jordan will be in the Infant room with Mommy at school. It's a sad day, but exciting all the same. She's gotten so big and is just doing so much that I can hardly believe it's been over a year since she has entered our lives! I know she will miss Ms. Ann and Ms. Judy, but she'll have great teachers in Toddler A, too.

Kenneth and I have been talking about cleaning out the garage as one of our next "big" projects. His old engine is still in there along with a whole bunch of car parts and tools, etc. from when his engine blew. It's hard to get just about anywhere, but we had been putting it off and putting it off. We kicked it into gear tonight as we have discovered that we have a visitor of the furry kind--a mouse! Kenneth noticed droppings on the steps a couple of days ago, so it's time to find the source of the problem. Mom came by after work yesterday and picked up Munchkin for the night.

We got a lot done last night, including confirming the presence of a critter. 2 traps were set and while Kenneth was in the shower, I was downstairs and heard a SNAP! come from the garage. I went upstairs really hoping that Kenneth had dropped something in the shower; but no. I made him go look because I have no desire to see a mouse dead or alive. The mouse was sitting beside the trap just happy as you please. Kenneth managed to get a bowl almost over him when he scurried away. Yuck! Traps are reset, so we'll see what happens...

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Kenneth's Mom's birthday is Monday, so we went to Rock Hill today to visit. It is nice to have Jordan back to almost full capacity. She seems to be feeling pretty good--good enough that she did not take her afternoon nap at Grandma and Papa's. I guess it was just too much fun petting Grandma's hair and laughing at us during dinner!


She's really not pulling Grandma's hair--
she's being very gentle. (Surprisingly!!)












She had us all rolling after dinner!
If you look REALLY close you can see 2 teeth :)

ear infection/teeth update

I did not give Jordan enough credit about being at school this week. She was still feverish Tuesday and Wednesday, but since I knew the fever was from her ear infection, it was OK to take her to school. I expected that she would be miserable, but she really did pretty well, all things considered. She can't walk as well as she was because I think her equilibrium might be out of whack. She also isn't eating very well, but I sort of expected that.

Today while she was fussing at me about something, I noticed a third tooth on the bottom! It looks like a molar because I can just see one little point as opposed to the line that I saw with the other two. Time will tell!

She stopped running a fever Wednesday night and got a little more appetite yesterday. Thankfully, she's in a relatively good mood and her afternoon naps have been record breakers!

silly ear infection!

Ay, ay, ay!! It's been a rough few days! I went to the lake Saturday to get Jordan and she was a little grumpy, but it was about nap time, so I didn't think much about it. The teeth have broken through the gum, so I also attributed some of it to that. She also had a runny nose. I put her down for a nap when we got home, but she had napped for 30 minutes in the car, so I think she thought she'd gotten enough sleep. Kenneth was holding her and noted that she felt really warm. We took her temperature and it was 102. I thought that was a little high for teething, but we gave her some Tylenol and waited to see what the night would hold. She slept pretty fitfully and woke up feverish.

I went on to work and left Jordan and Kenneth watching Baby Einstein in our bed. When I called to check on them on my way home, Kenneth reported that she was only happy laying around doing nothing. We just kept giving her Motrin and tried to get her to eat and sleep. She also had goopy eyes--the same color as her runny nose! After two calls to the pediatrician, her temperature was up to 103.7 (underarm, with no adjustment)! I was freaking out! Jordan slept with me Sunday night while Kenneth slept with the dogs. When Jordan sleeps with us now (which is RARE!), she takes up the whole bed between me on one side and all the pillows propped up on the other to keep her from rolling off the bed.

I was dressed and ready to walk out the door when I called the doctor at 8am Monday morning. After a quick was removal, he discovered otitis in her right ear. I can't believe an ear infection could cause such a high fever. Dr. Wylie did a great job of making me realize that everything was OK. He told me exactly what to expect over the next few days and everything I could do to make her happy.

Poor girl--new teeth AND an ear infection! It ought to be an interesting week! :)

picture of a sick little girl!

If you've wondered what a sick girl and her worried Mom look like, here they are. You know Jordan doesn't feel good when she just climbs up in my lap and lays her little head down. This is just before we determined her fever was pushing 105!

Happy Birthday, Dada!

Today is Kenneth's birthday! I had to remind him that we turn 32 this year! Jordan will be staying at the lake with Nana and Papa tonight. Kenneth and I went to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. It was really good and it was nice to be out with just us!

the teeth are coming!

I know that we've cried wolf many times before, but I promise Jordan is teething! She woke up mad from her morning nap (highly unusual). While she was screaming, we were at just the right angles that I could see her bottom gums and plain as day were these two clear lines. We even went to see Daddy at work so he could see them, too! I just wonder how long it will take them to actually break through the surface?!?

visit with Titi Mireya and Ann!

So, we survived camp! Jordan and Reece both did very well considering they were totally out of their elements. Kenneth came and got Jordan last night. They left this morning and went to Rock Hill. Kenneth's aunt who lives in Miami was up visiting the Manning's. I drove to Rock Hill after camp and arrived mid-afternoon. I was pooped, but it was so good to see everyone. Stephen, Gianna and Andrea were also there to visit, so the house was full of folks!

Here's a picture of Jordan and Reece at camp. I'll have to get pictures of the family and kids from today in Rock Hill...

Jordan's off to Camp!

Camp Opportunity starts tomorrow. Jordan will be with me almost all week. The kids leave Friday, but Kenneth will come pick her up Thursday night and then they will go to Rock Hill Friday. I'll meet them there because Titi Mireya and Ann will be there. It's going to be a long week, but it's always well worth it!

Jordan will be spending a lot of time with my Godson, Reece, and his Mom, Laura, while Ivan and I are out taking care of camper and/or counselors challenges. Our cabin has 5 individual rooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2 window a/c units! What more could you ask for!?!

a weird week!

Jordan has really not felt 100% most of the week. Kenneth stayed home with her Tuesday and she didn't run a fever after Tuesday, but she still had the cough, runny nose, etc. She's definitely on the mend, but it just made for a weird week. Tuesday was the first time that I've been at school without her! It was just too strange!

My stitches come out tomorrow! Yay!

to the pediatrician we go!

So, while I am trying to figure out how to maneuver life with my currently defunct finger, Jordan wakes up with a fever! I did think it was kind of weird because when we got home from Rock Hill, Jordan had a cough. She slept the whole way home and had not coughed at all before then. I didn't think much of it. I am pretty sure she developed the fever during the night because she woke up a few times (not usual) and felt warm, but again I didn't think much of it. Well, it was 102, so I called the doctor and they said we should probably go ahead and bring her in. Of course, her fever was down to 99 by the time we got there (I hadn't even given her any Tylenol or anything yet) and the doc said it was just viral, so no antibiotics. But, he did give us some good OTC stuff we could give her. She doesn't act like she feels bad, but she sure is warm...

Happy Father's Day!

Thankfully (or unfortunately, depending on who you are!), I wasn't planning on too much for Father's Day. I only say that because of my finger. Jordan had already made Kenneth's present , so I just got the cards together and brought it all upstairs. The unfortunately part is that Kenneth was so excited because he saw the tray and thought I had made breakfast! Oops!

We are off to Rock Hill today to see Kenneth's Dad. I am looking forward to driving with my hand up above my heart so my finger won't throb, with this stupid looking "finger sock" which will probably lead people to believe I'm giving them the one finger salute! :)

Happy Father's Day, everyone!!

trip to the ER

You know, today started out to be a great day...we went to IHOP for breakfast, planned to come home, make guacamole and head to the lake for an early Father's Day gathering. That is, until I picked up a knife! The dogs were outside and Jordan was in her walker in the kitchen. Kenneth was in the shower and I was trying to make slices in a lime to make it easier to juice for the guac. Kenneth loves our knives sharp and they really are because the paring knife I was using went right through the lime and into my left ring finger! As soon as I cut it, I knew it was bad. I grabbed a paper towel, threw my hand above my head and ran upstairs to get Kenneth. I am not going to lie--I was freaking out! It was bleeding lots and I couldn't look at it to see how deep it was.

We pretty much threw Jordan at our neighbor and headed to the hospital. A couple of hours and 6 stitches later, we came home to finish the guac and get to the lake. I was glad to have some other folks to occupy Jordan because I spent my time holding my hand above my heart so that my finger wouldn't throb quite as much!

So, I'm going to live and Jordan survived us dumping her in the pack and play next door. I think I'll leave all knife handling to Kenneth, though!

1 year check up

Yet another trip to the Doctor! At least it was a well check and not a sick visit...

As usual, Dr. Stoeber says that Jordan is doing beautifully! She weighs 22 lbs. 9 oz., which puts her in the 70th %ile. I don't remember her length right this second, but it is in only the 50th %ile. The Dr. and I were both surprised by that, but he's not concerned about it. They will try to predict her height at age 2. Of course, we ended an otherwise pleasant visit with 3 shots and a finger prick to check hemoglobin! She did fine with the finger prick and her hemo is great. Her feelings were a little hurt by the shots, though. Kenneth bailed on me for this appointment. (hee hee!) The nurses have done this a few times before because they asked me if I wanted to leave the room while they did the shots. I stayed--I'm getting better at handling it!

Happy Birthday, Jordan!

So, today is Jordan's actual birthday. I spent parts of the day thinking about what was going on "this time last year". It's crazy to think about everything that has happened in 12 months. I think it's crazier how time is going by SO much more quickly the older I get. I imagine that is only going to be exacerbated by having Jordan around!

We celebrated by going to Guadalajara's for dinner. Jordan had her favorite--spinach quesadilla!

Happy Birthday, little girl!!

I'm sorry, what did you just do?!?

It's official--Jordan took steps today. She just picked up and started shuffling those feet around! We are still recovering from the busy past few days, so Ken and I were a little late with our dinner plans, so we were all in the playroom. And then, in the middle of a bite of rice and beans (of which Jordan had already eaten from, even though she just finished her dinner!) she took a step...and I cried. Then after I calmed down, I got the video camera and we got 3 steps on tape! Not only is she about to be one, she's about to be a walker! Yikes--what happened to our little girl?!?

cake pictures

I had to put the cake pictures in a separate entry because Blogger limits the number you can put in each post...just in case you were wondering! :)

"Aaahhh, what an adorable cake!"

"Hhhmmm, this looks VERY interesting!?!"

"This is how you ENJOY your food!!!"

"I'm done. Take it away, please..."

Happy 1st Birthday Party!

Although Jordan's birthday is not until next Friday, a lot of family was in town for Uncle Trey and Aunt Heather's wedding last night. With their permission, we decided to have her party today so that we could maximize the family's visit. Jordan was in a great mood coming off a full 24 hours of undivided Mimi Patty's attention! Junebug wore her signature lady bug dress, although the matching hat was never gonna make it!

She visited for a little while and then opened her presents. After many cute outfits,

books and even her own adirondack chair,

it was time for the main event--the cake! Publix not only makes great cakes, but also provides a free "smash cake" for the first birthday. Complete with ladybugs, it only looked pretty for a minute or so before Jordan figured out that it tasted REALLY good! She dug right in and proceeded to shovel it in her mouth fistful after fistful. I think she could have eaten the whole thing! Even with all that sugar and hype, she managed to take a 2 hour nap and only got to bed a little later than normal. There was so much going on that most of the day is a blur for me, but I do remember when we were singing Happy Birthday and holding the big cake with the candle, all these flashes going off. I think everyone there had a camera. So, if you were at the party, you probably already have these pictures, but for everyone else...we missed you!!

Uncle Trey and Aunt Heather's wedding

Friday was such an exciting day! Trey and Heather officially tied the knot at the Ryan Nicholas Inn. Jordan was along for some of the excitement thanks to our lifesaver, Mimi Patty. Jordan made a brief appearance at the rehearsal before chauffeur Patty picked her up for lunch, playtime and a nap. Then, dressmaker and stylist Patty brought Jordan to the ceremony looking more adorable than usual! Jordan had a sleepover at Mimi Patty's house and then was dressed and ready for her birthday party debut today (more about that later!) The only sad news that I have is that in all the hullabaloo (sp?), we did not get a picture of Jordan at the reception, much less one of Jordan and Patty! Don't get me wrong, the photographer and some disposable cameras took many pictures of Jordan, but not a single family camera was clicked. I will be getting those pictures from Heather soon, but in the meantime, here's a picture of Ken and I (best man and maid of honor!)...