Life is back on track and looking up here in the Hochberg house. We finally got some sleep this week, no one is sick anymore- except mama, but that's manageable, and we had a good Friday complete with a friendly gathering in the back yard with adult beverages and yummy desserts with friends.
Graeme got put on the scale this week when we took Mikaela for her follow up exam and he's 23 lbs. He's now wearing 18-24 lbs clothes and is too cute for words. I wish all of you could meet our little billy goat. He's such a happy, smiley, snugly little guy.
Do you catch that reference to the billy goat? I've decided to start calling Graeme this because he likes to suck on all kinds of apparel. Actually I shouldn't say likes I should say LOVES.
The other night we went to dinner and he got a little fussy (mommy forgot a bottle) and since the Houston Hochberg babies do not take pacifiers I had to be a little creative about something for him to suck on. He loves sucking on his burp rags- gross, and so I soaked the one I had in water and he went to town. Now, he seems to want to suck on all the cotton he can get his little hands on- blankets, wash clothes, his sleep sack, my shirts, pillow cases. It's pretty funny.
I hope that our little billy goat discontinues this habit when he gets teeth. I don't actually want him to start eating stuff like a goat. Although, maybe that would help him sleep straight through to morning...
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Gripe Water
Wikipedia defines gripe water as "a home remedy for infants with colic, gastrointestinal discomfort, teething pain, reflux and other stomach ailments."
Both my babies got a lot of gripe water in their 1st three months, but now it's rarely used. However, I decided this morning that I should start taking some. Graeme woke up at 430am for the day again. These early mornings (they are more frequent than not) are really starting to work my nerves. Both my children are early risers and I used to think that I was, but apparently 7AM is not really early.
Gripe water probably won't help, but I need something to help me cope with the fact that this will be my life from here on out, at least for the next couple of years. It's not going to be much fun for me.
Right now I have to focus on making life fun for them and get over the fact that I have had to stop having any wine during the week, no more dessert after dinner, limiting my self to one or two drinks on the weekend and always getting to bed between 930-10pm, pretty much anything that may interrupt my sleep anymore than it is already is on the list. This makes vacations less fun, nights out dancing non existent, it even limits my ability to read, watch movies/tv, etc... To be honest, my spirit is feeling a little wilted with this prospect.
I know, I shouldn't complain about this one thing. I have so many things to be thankful for wonderful children, a great husband, good health all around, a supportive, loving family, lovely house, lots of friends, ability to travel, etc..., but it's really hard for me to focus on the positive when I'm up so early every day. I just don't want to play when it's still dark out. I'm not built that way.
Both my babies got a lot of gripe water in their 1st three months, but now it's rarely used. However, I decided this morning that I should start taking some. Graeme woke up at 430am for the day again. These early mornings (they are more frequent than not) are really starting to work my nerves. Both my children are early risers and I used to think that I was, but apparently 7AM is not really early.
Gripe water probably won't help, but I need something to help me cope with the fact that this will be my life from here on out, at least for the next couple of years. It's not going to be much fun for me.
Right now I have to focus on making life fun for them and get over the fact that I have had to stop having any wine during the week, no more dessert after dinner, limiting my self to one or two drinks on the weekend and always getting to bed between 930-10pm, pretty much anything that may interrupt my sleep anymore than it is already is on the list. This makes vacations less fun, nights out dancing non existent, it even limits my ability to read, watch movies/tv, etc... To be honest, my spirit is feeling a little wilted with this prospect.
I know, I shouldn't complain about this one thing. I have so many things to be thankful for wonderful children, a great husband, good health all around, a supportive, loving family, lovely house, lots of friends, ability to travel, etc..., but it's really hard for me to focus on the positive when I'm up so early every day. I just don't want to play when it's still dark out. I'm not built that way.
103.7
You remember I said Fridays were no fun anymore partly because of the looming possibility of sleepless weekend nights.
Poor Mikaela got sick this weekend. Friday night was actually great. Both kids slept until 630am on Saturday. Of course, Dave, Graeme and I were up from 4-5am listening to baby babble as our little guy practiced his new found "words," but at least everyone was in their own beds. Saturday Zoya got shipped off for a vacation with grandparents in Virginia and Mikaela, Graeme and I went to miniature horse camp (super fun).
Saturday evening went just fine everyone went down for bed as usual and then Sunday we were up early and Mikaela was cold, very cold. She had a fever, but it wasn't horrible so we just went about our day staying mostly at home. By 4pm though things had taken a turn for the worse. We could no longer keep her temp down and it had risen to 103.7.
Dave rushed her immediately to the ER. They actually went to an ER clinic called Choice ER. It's a freestanding, accredited ER facility in a strip mall. They can treat minor and major illnesses and injuries and if you need hospital treatment they take you and bypass the 4 hour wait.
Mikaela did great. She loves the doctor and felt so terrible that she was more than happy to go. They gave her some meds, observed her for a bit and then sent her home with a prescription.
She did pretty well sleeping considering she's so sick, but Dave had to sleep with her starting at midnight. He's a great dad. Mikaela sleeps in a full size bed on a antique frame that squeaks a little so he's tired today, but our little angel got some rest so she can fight the bugs that have taken up residence in her ears and throat.
Poor Mikaela got sick this weekend. Friday night was actually great. Both kids slept until 630am on Saturday. Of course, Dave, Graeme and I were up from 4-5am listening to baby babble as our little guy practiced his new found "words," but at least everyone was in their own beds. Saturday Zoya got shipped off for a vacation with grandparents in Virginia and Mikaela, Graeme and I went to miniature horse camp (super fun).
Saturday evening went just fine everyone went down for bed as usual and then Sunday we were up early and Mikaela was cold, very cold. She had a fever, but it wasn't horrible so we just went about our day staying mostly at home. By 4pm though things had taken a turn for the worse. We could no longer keep her temp down and it had risen to 103.7.
Dave rushed her immediately to the ER. They actually went to an ER clinic called Choice ER. It's a freestanding, accredited ER facility in a strip mall. They can treat minor and major illnesses and injuries and if you need hospital treatment they take you and bypass the 4 hour wait.
Mikaela did great. She loves the doctor and felt so terrible that she was more than happy to go. They gave her some meds, observed her for a bit and then sent her home with a prescription.
She did pretty well sleeping considering she's so sick, but Dave had to sleep with her starting at midnight. He's a great dad. Mikaela sleeps in a full size bed on a antique frame that squeaks a little so he's tired today, but our little angel got some rest so she can fight the bugs that have taken up residence in her ears and throat.
Friday, May 20, 2011
The great berry caper
It's Friday and in our house Friday's are never good anymore. It used to be that Friday was always good because it signaled the end of a long week and a couple of days of relaxation and fun.
Friday's now are still the end of a long week, but everyone is very tired and not acting like their normal self, anxious for Daddy to get home so there is another person to provide attention, and for Dave and I the looming possibility that we'll have another weekend with no naps and nighttimes from hell because of the change in routine. Ugh... is all I have to say about Fridays.
This Friday started out fine, but quickly progressed to the usual when Graeme's morning nap came around. I've told you that I left Mikaela to her own devices one day and she wandered into the garage. These days she's back in the playroom with the gate locked. This morning putting her there caused a tantrum complete with very loud screaming.
Of course, due to the screaming Graeme did not fall asleep so I put him in his crib to sort it out on his own and went to deal with my Emme. Graeme didn't think this was fair so he screamed for a bit and then I decided that I should go attend to him. I left Mikaela at the kitchen table with some watermelon as a snack not wanting a repeat of the 1st round.
Leaving her alone always bites me in the A#$. After Graeme had drifted off to dreamland (maybe took 5 minutes) I went back to the kitchen and did not see Emme at the table. I called out and up she popped. She was on the floor. I said, "Emme, what are you doing?" She said, "Cutting strawberries, Mama." What?
Yes, she was really cutting strawberries. She had taken the strawberries off the counter. Put them on a cutting board on the rug in front of the sink and was using one of her plastic forks to cut them. She did a pretty good job actually and I was thankful that she has used a cutting board.
Thank Goodness Friday's almost over.
Friday's now are still the end of a long week, but everyone is very tired and not acting like their normal self, anxious for Daddy to get home so there is another person to provide attention, and for Dave and I the looming possibility that we'll have another weekend with no naps and nighttimes from hell because of the change in routine. Ugh... is all I have to say about Fridays.
This Friday started out fine, but quickly progressed to the usual when Graeme's morning nap came around. I've told you that I left Mikaela to her own devices one day and she wandered into the garage. These days she's back in the playroom with the gate locked. This morning putting her there caused a tantrum complete with very loud screaming.
Of course, due to the screaming Graeme did not fall asleep so I put him in his crib to sort it out on his own and went to deal with my Emme. Graeme didn't think this was fair so he screamed for a bit and then I decided that I should go attend to him. I left Mikaela at the kitchen table with some watermelon as a snack not wanting a repeat of the 1st round.
Leaving her alone always bites me in the A#$. After Graeme had drifted off to dreamland (maybe took 5 minutes) I went back to the kitchen and did not see Emme at the table. I called out and up she popped. She was on the floor. I said, "Emme, what are you doing?" She said, "Cutting strawberries, Mama." What?
Yes, she was really cutting strawberries. She had taken the strawberries off the counter. Put them on a cutting board on the rug in front of the sink and was using one of her plastic forks to cut them. She did a pretty good job actually and I was thankful that she has used a cutting board.
Thank Goodness Friday's almost over.
Push Up
Dave and I were just discussing how we have so many recorded moments of Mikaela as an infant. Everything was so amazing because it was our first baby. Not that Graeme's first are any less amazing because he's our 2nd, but we just don't have the same amount of time.
And well, there's also Mikaela who is doing things for the 1st time still and now can talk, scream, kick, etc... to make sure that we don't miss them.
I did happen to have the camera out one night when Graeme did his 1st real push up. This is an amazing feat for our little man because he is so huge. I have been so worried that he would do everything late, but he's right on track. Good job buddy. We love you so much and are looking forward to all your 1sts.
I for one am really looking forward to the day you walk because my back hurts!
And well, there's also Mikaela who is doing things for the 1st time still and now can talk, scream, kick, etc... to make sure that we don't miss them.
I did happen to have the camera out one night when Graeme did his 1st real push up. This is an amazing feat for our little man because he is so huge. I have been so worried that he would do everything late, but he's right on track. Good job buddy. We love you so much and are looking forward to all your 1sts.
I for one am really looking forward to the day you walk because my back hurts!
Twinkle Toes
Sometimes it's hard to believe that Mikaela is only 2.5 years old. I know every parent thinks their child is advanced, but Mikaela really is in some areas. She has great balance, an awesome vocabularly, and sometimes I'm shocked by her fine motor skill.
The other night she asked if she could paint her finger nails and I said "Sure, why not." It was gonna keep her busy and we're running on fumes around here again so this week she's been able to do some things that I wouldn't normally allow.
Well to my surprise, there was no nail polish anywhere except her fingers and then her toes. Wait, that's not true. There was some on her Daddy's nails, but I didn't photograph that. I didn't think he would appreciate capturing the moment.
The other night she asked if she could paint her finger nails and I said "Sure, why not." It was gonna keep her busy and we're running on fumes around here again so this week she's been able to do some things that I wouldn't normally allow.
Well to my surprise, there was no nail polish anywhere except her fingers and then her toes. Wait, that's not true. There was some on her Daddy's nails, but I didn't photograph that. I didn't think he would appreciate capturing the moment.
Last Day of Preschool
Little Miss M is officially done with her first year of preschool. It went by so quickly, too quickly. I remember her first day of school, both of us nervous, and the tears when I dropped her off. Then the 2nd day of school she just said "Bye Mommy" and that was that.
Mikaela loved all her friends at school. She was the first kid in the class to know everyone by name. She loved her teachers Miss Lisa and Miss Vicki, the music instructor Miss Donna, the playground, the dress up, the babies, I could go on.
Her last day was Wed and I was in charge of organizing a little party. It was an under the sea theme. We served pizza, fruit salad, and cupcakes with blue frosting from our favorite dessert joint here in Katy.
I don't think she realizes that she won't be going back for a few months just yet. Monday is going to be a tough day for all of us. Luckily I've invited a few of her friends from school over for a play date. I hope that will take her mind of missing school.
Mikaela never misses a chance to bottle feed someone. Her little friend here was a very willing participant. I mean, who can resist our little goldielocks.
Of course, I was too busy party planning to get pictures of the actual "event" and I also had a shadow attached to my leg.
Mikaela loved all her friends at school. She was the first kid in the class to know everyone by name. She loved her teachers Miss Lisa and Miss Vicki, the music instructor Miss Donna, the playground, the dress up, the babies, I could go on.
Her last day was Wed and I was in charge of organizing a little party. It was an under the sea theme. We served pizza, fruit salad, and cupcakes with blue frosting from our favorite dessert joint here in Katy.
I don't think she realizes that she won't be going back for a few months just yet. Monday is going to be a tough day for all of us. Luckily I've invited a few of her friends from school over for a play date. I hope that will take her mind of missing school.
Mikaela never misses a chance to bottle feed someone. Her little friend here was a very willing participant. I mean, who can resist our little goldielocks.
Of course, I was too busy party planning to get pictures of the actual "event" and I also had a shadow attached to my leg.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The 3rd child
Zoya came first actually, but she's been demoted in this house by two children. Anyone that knows us knows that Zoya is loved, but sometimes disliked because she's a barker and demands ALOT of attention.
Lately, however, we've come to appreciate her more than we have been these past two years. She's been so good. She still barks at the slightest unrecognized noise, but now she listens when you tell her to stop.
She's also been awesome with the kids. Last week Mikaela gave her a good whack between the eyes (for no reason at all ) with her princess flashlight. Zoya just looked at Emme like, "oh dear, it's you and I just have to deal with this, but I wish that you would just snuggle with me or even climb on me." Good girl for keeping yourself under control Z, cause if Emme whacked me I might get a tad more upset.
Dave has also been playing soccer with Zoya in the yard. She's a pretty good defender; nothing like an 80 lbs dog standing right in front of the ball blocking your kick. Zoya can always be counted on when noone else will play chase with Mikaela. It's great entertainment all around.
Of course, one can't forget that she's not to hard on the eyes either.
Lately, however, we've come to appreciate her more than we have been these past two years. She's been so good. She still barks at the slightest unrecognized noise, but now she listens when you tell her to stop.
She's also been awesome with the kids. Last week Mikaela gave her a good whack between the eyes (for no reason at all ) with her princess flashlight. Zoya just looked at Emme like, "oh dear, it's you and I just have to deal with this, but I wish that you would just snuggle with me or even climb on me." Good girl for keeping yourself under control Z, cause if Emme whacked me I might get a tad more upset.
Dave has also been playing soccer with Zoya in the yard. She's a pretty good defender; nothing like an 80 lbs dog standing right in front of the ball blocking your kick. Zoya can always be counted on when noone else will play chase with Mikaela. It's great entertainment all around.
Of course, one can't forget that she's not to hard on the eyes either.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Changing of the Season
The weather doesn't change much here in Houston. In the winter is kind of cold, in the spring and fall it's warm, and in the summer it's HOT. Once it hits 80 in most places you can say it's summer, but here you have to do something to mark the changing of the season because it's 80 a lot.
Last week we hit 90 and I decided to throw in the towel and say it's summer and we're about to get hot. We've already had one record breaking day of 94, yes that's right 94 in May. You know you want to move here, you'll have a great tan cause the only thing you can do in the afternoon is get in the pool.
That's exactly what we did.
Of course, Emme is a true South Texas girl now and was cold within 20 minutes. I'm not sure if you can tell in these photos but her lips turned blue. Blue in 90degrees. Guess she's gonna HATE the cold like her momma.
Warming up
Last week we hit 90 and I decided to throw in the towel and say it's summer and we're about to get hot. We've already had one record breaking day of 94, yes that's right 94 in May. You know you want to move here, you'll have a great tan cause the only thing you can do in the afternoon is get in the pool.
That's exactly what we did.
Of course, Emme is a true South Texas girl now and was cold within 20 minutes. I'm not sure if you can tell in these photos but her lips turned blue. Blue in 90degrees. Guess she's gonna HATE the cold like her momma.
Warming up
The Princess & the Frog
Ok, so Graeme isn't exactly a Frog Prince. He's actually pretty darn cute for a baby if I do say so myself. Any princess would be lucky to be kissed by him. Wouldn't you know it that little Princess Ariel was given the honor.
Graeme is grabbing everything these days and Mikaela's baby Princess Ariel was in his line of reach one night at dinner. He decided he would practice his smooching technique with her so that it's perfected by the time he's ready for his real first kiss.
Graeme is grabbing everything these days and Mikaela's baby Princess Ariel was in his line of reach one night at dinner. He decided he would practice his smooching technique with her so that it's perfected by the time he's ready for his real first kiss.
Music to my ears
This morning I was singing to my children as we snuggled on the couch and Emme said, "Sshhh, Mommy."
I've sung to Mikaela every night of her life (except for when someone else puts her to bed) since she was born. Dave sings to her too. I'm sure that Nana and Grandma do and I leave notes for the babysitter that this is the end of her bedtime ritual. So, it was a shocker that she basically told me to shut up. I guess she's growing up.
Too bad for her that I will continue to sing all through the day to her and Graeme. If she doesn't like it anymore she's just going to have to sing louder than me or leave the room.
My voice is no longer music to Mikaela's ears but I still love her tinkling little voice. And now I have Graeme to provide me with some background music. He's a little louder than Emme ever was (which I hear is just how boys are) and he also is a screecher, but in the middle of the night (sometimes 2AM, sometimes 4AM) after he's been changed and fed he sings his little baby coos to me before I put him in his crib.
Last night I didn't want to put him back to bed. I thought I could just sit there rocking and listening to his song until morning. He's such a great, easy going baby. I almost want him to stay this age forever, but I know that his songs will just get better over the years.
I've sung to Mikaela every night of her life (except for when someone else puts her to bed) since she was born. Dave sings to her too. I'm sure that Nana and Grandma do and I leave notes for the babysitter that this is the end of her bedtime ritual. So, it was a shocker that she basically told me to shut up. I guess she's growing up.
Too bad for her that I will continue to sing all through the day to her and Graeme. If she doesn't like it anymore she's just going to have to sing louder than me or leave the room.
My voice is no longer music to Mikaela's ears but I still love her tinkling little voice. And now I have Graeme to provide me with some background music. He's a little louder than Emme ever was (which I hear is just how boys are) and he also is a screecher, but in the middle of the night (sometimes 2AM, sometimes 4AM) after he's been changed and fed he sings his little baby coos to me before I put him in his crib.
Last night I didn't want to put him back to bed. I thought I could just sit there rocking and listening to his song until morning. He's such a great, easy going baby. I almost want him to stay this age forever, but I know that his songs will just get better over the years.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Drawer
This morning Mikaela went to her school drawer. This drawer is in essence a junk drawer with no organization and packed full of all kinds of stuff. The only common denominator is that everything in it has to do with school. It contains progress reports, calendars, artwork, etc...
This morning she started pulling all of her artwork from the drawer and running into the bathroom, where I was dressing, saying "look at this Mommy, it's beautiful."
I thought to myself, what a shame that I have not organized the art that she loves so much and is so proud of.
So, I have done something that I never thought I'd do (again). I made a scrapbook of her first year of school complete with all her art projects, daily progress reports (yes, I kept them all), curriculum for the year, and misc other information that was given to me that I thought she would appreciate looking at when she was older and wondering about the years she cannot remember.
It was a nice journey through a year that has gone by so quickly. We're so proud of Mikaela. She's a delightful little girl: sweet, sassy, smart, and silly. Life would be so dull without her.
This morning she started pulling all of her artwork from the drawer and running into the bathroom, where I was dressing, saying "look at this Mommy, it's beautiful."
I thought to myself, what a shame that I have not organized the art that she loves so much and is so proud of.
So, I have done something that I never thought I'd do (again). I made a scrapbook of her first year of school complete with all her art projects, daily progress reports (yes, I kept them all), curriculum for the year, and misc other information that was given to me that I thought she would appreciate looking at when she was older and wondering about the years she cannot remember.
It was a nice journey through a year that has gone by so quickly. We're so proud of Mikaela. She's a delightful little girl: sweet, sassy, smart, and silly. Life would be so dull without her.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Crreeeeaaaakkkk
Graeme just went down for his morning nap. Mikaela, being the "big girl" that she is, is left to her own devices while I put him down for his naps. I usually close the gate off our game room so she's safe and sound in the playroom, but today she asked me not to close the gate. I thought that was a reasonable request since she's been so awesome lately.
Graeme went down easily and I didn't hear any strange noises while I was in his room. Whew...Yeah, right!
As I walked out of his room, I hear Creak, creak...
Mikaela has a new fascination with the garage because it is currently housing a rental car. It's something NEW. She wants to go zooming all day long in our little shitty rental.
When I caught her in the garage she had two purses and was looking for her keys.
"Where's my keys, Mommy?" I don't know Mikaela, but they're definitely not in the garage so out you go.
Graeme went down easily and I didn't hear any strange noises while I was in his room. Whew...Yeah, right!
As I walked out of his room, I hear Creak, creak...
Mikaela has a new fascination with the garage because it is currently housing a rental car. It's something NEW. She wants to go zooming all day long in our little shitty rental.
When I caught her in the garage she had two purses and was looking for her keys.
"Where's my keys, Mommy?" I don't know Mikaela, but they're definitely not in the garage so out you go.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Never will you ever
Happy Monday! We had a good weekend although it went by too quickly. Friday night was spent in our back yard chasing Mikaela around. She loves being chased these days. 1,2,3, GO...
She is also very keen on hiding things. Last night we were relaxing in the living room and out of the blue she grabbed the baby monitor and ran out of the room mumbling something. Dave said, "did she just say you'll never find it?" I said, I don't think so how would she even know that phrase.
Well, she knows it and now it's a favorite game. Later in the evening just before bed, she put on a pair of my shoes. This is nothing unusual so we didn't pay much attention until she started walking very quickly (these were heels) towards the office saying (very loudly) YOU'LL NEVER FIND IT!
I am shocked that my sweet little angel is purposely hiding things from us. Although she hasn't quite figured out that in order for us to "never find it" she can't answer the question- "Mikaela where is it?"
She is also very keen on hiding things. Last night we were relaxing in the living room and out of the blue she grabbed the baby monitor and ran out of the room mumbling something. Dave said, "did she just say you'll never find it?" I said, I don't think so how would she even know that phrase.
Well, she knows it and now it's a favorite game. Later in the evening just before bed, she put on a pair of my shoes. This is nothing unusual so we didn't pay much attention until she started walking very quickly (these were heels) towards the office saying (very loudly) YOU'LL NEVER FIND IT!
I am shocked that my sweet little angel is purposely hiding things from us. Although she hasn't quite figured out that in order for us to "never find it" she can't answer the question- "Mikaela where is it?"
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Did someone say Easter?
It's officially May and I feel like Easter came and went without much fanfare in our house. We're not church goers these days, but Mikaela goes to a faith based preschool and is very interested in going to church so I told her that on Easter we could go just like Christmas. Well, Graeme foiled that plan with a very bad night and an extremely early morning. Let's just say his morning nap started at 6AM...
Lucky for Mikaela she still had some goodies from the Easter bunny to distract her from the let down of not going to celebrate in the "castle" aka church (that's right, even the house of the Lord gets put in princess terms). She also had an Easter egg hunt with her friends at school.
She did a GREAT job collecting eggs. I did a great job opening them and eating the treats. Of course, I shared a few things with her, but she doesn't really need all that sugar. It's better used to provide a sugar high to a sleep deprived momma.
Mikaela & friends (Elizabeth & Maria)
Before the hunt-
Lucky for Mikaela she still had some goodies from the Easter bunny to distract her from the let down of not going to celebrate in the "castle" aka church (that's right, even the house of the Lord gets put in princess terms). She also had an Easter egg hunt with her friends at school.
She did a GREAT job collecting eggs. I did a great job opening them and eating the treats. Of course, I shared a few things with her, but she doesn't really need all that sugar. It's better used to provide a sugar high to a sleep deprived momma.
Mikaela & friends (Elizabeth & Maria)
Before the hunt-
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