To Riley, From Sophie With Love

Last night our doorstep was graced by the UPS man ... something that seems to be happening every night recently since I've increased my online buying for this Christmas season.  I was so excited to see what arrived (just ONE day after ordering it from Amazon!).

Riley's "I love you big sister" gifts from Sophie.  At the suggestion of a person I work with, we ordered Riley two gifts that will be given to her 'from Sophie'.  Not that a two-year-old will be able to grasp who a gift came from - or necessarily care - but I do want her to feel special during all of the baby hoopla that I assume will be taking place. 

She has recently really, really been into playing mommy to her Baby Stella doll that my brother bought for her last Christmas. 

Now that all of the baby items are out in Sophie's room, Riley loves to put Stella (or just "Baby", according to Riley) in the bouncy chair and sing 'Rock-a-bye baby' to her ... or lay her down for a nap in the bassinet.  Seeing as how I hope she'll want to mimic me and be mommy's helper rather than jealous of a new sibling, we ordered her two gifts.  This first one she'll receive from Sophie when she comes to visit us in the hospital; a diaper changing kit for her own baby!

The second she'll receive when we come home from the hospital; a baby carrier that also doubles as a diaper bag for all of her baby accessories!

Both are so adorable and I can't wait to give them to her!!

Someone is going to be TWO!

It's hard to believe that my week this week is consumed with last minute birthday party plans. For my soon-to-be 2-year-old. TWO YEAR OLD. Did you get that? When did two years pass me by? This cannot be possible!


This year we're hosting a Minnie Mouse-themed birthday for Riley ("Mimi", according to her) and I am very excited. She is understanding things so much more now and I am most excited to see the look on her face with all the decorations and guests and presents. And I can't leave out the birthday cake and ice cream ("birt cake and tweem", according to her).


With Sophie's arrival just under three weeks away, I am still not completely sure that Riley understands what is going to happen ... nor can we expect her to. She is definitely enjoying seeing all of the baby items out, though - and using them. Such as the Bumbo chair or the bouncy seat. We even found her hiding in the Pack and Play bassinet the other day - tight under the shade that comes up. I had NO idea she could climb into it on her own, but she found a way. Little stinker! She likes to kiss my belly and push on my protruding belly button and say "Ding dong!" and then laugh really hard!


What else has Riley been up to recently? We went to her first circus. She saw and recognized Santa Claus at the mall for the first time. She gets super excited over seeing the Christmas tree and all of the lights. She recognizes a lot of letters and can tell you the sound almost every single letter makes. She can count to three. She loves to sing and does a great job singing "Rock-a-bye baby". While we aren't actively potty training yet (as I have made the personal choice to wait until after Sophie is born and things have settled down a little), she loves to go pee-pee on her potty each night after her bath. We've done this for four nights in a row now and even went poo-poo on there two days ago before nap. She is SO proud of herself when she does this and, of course, Daddy and I make a huge deal over her and she gets to pick a prize from her "Potty Chest" that I made for her.


She's amazing. She's the light of our lives. She's my single constant thought and focus through the day. She's my everything.

All Better ... Just in Time for the Choo Choo!

Once the experience with croup passed, and Riley felt better, everyone felt better.  In fact, she got better just in time for us to continue with our plans for Kevin's birthday a couple weeks ago!  We always take off work each year on one another's birthdays, and this year was no exception.

Riley is a big fan of "choo choo's" ... and Kevin has talked here and there about taking a ride on a passenger train at some point.  So thanks to the suggestion of a coworker, I was able to snag some tickets for us to go on the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad on his birthday.  It was so much fun boarding the big train and watching Riley look excitedly out the window while yelling, "Choo choo ride!  Choo choo ride!".  There was even a concession car and a souvenir shop.  We rode it down to Akron - about a 80 minute train ride that included 5 stops along the way.  Once in Akron we got off the train and got onto a bus waiting at the station and headed to the Akron Zoo.

We spent 2 1/2 hours at the zoo and Riley walked and/or ran the entire time.  I knew ahead of time that this day would mess with her nap schedule and was praying she'd sleep on the train ride back.  We basically had the zoo all to ourselves, so it was great getting to see her run and explore without the concern of losing her in a crowd or her getting knocked over.  We enjoyed a picnic lunch together that I had packed the night before, and it gave Kevin and I great laughs watching Riley chase birds around the picnic area with a chip stretched out to them, yelling "Ere burd - ere burd!"

By the end of the afternoon she was definitely getting tired and once the bus dropped us back off at the train station, it was just minutes before she was sound asleep in Kevin's arms.  Moments like this are rare now - where we get to hold our sleeping baby.  When I walked over to Kevin to see the two of them, I found him with tears just welling up in his eyes.  He said this was the best part of his birthday and that he knows he won't get to hold her like that forever.  It was such a raw, tender moment that I'll never forget, nor will he.

Riley only slept about 45 minutes, thanks to the man across the aisle from Kevin on the train, who yelled something loudly at us and woke her.  He felt badly, but still ... think!  He redeemed himself we we got to our destination and he chased us all the way off of the train and into the parking lot with Riley's blankie that I had left behind on our seat.  Thank God for him - it would not have been a fun evening without blankie!

And we finished the night off with a bang.  Although she was so tired, Riley was a little trooper, running on pure adrenaline ... and sugar ... through the party here at our house with Kevin's family.

What a fabulous, fabulous memory.

The Croup

When I picked Riley up at my in-law's after work this past Thursday, I was greeted by a red-faced, fevered baby ... not the normal running, jumping laughing little girl that I normally see after work.  Sure enough, when we got home I took her temperature and saw 101 degrees.  She definitely wasn't herself and just sat still in a little curled up ball on my lap that evening as we watched cartoons and ate popsicles.  She went to bed really well and slept nearly 13 hours that night.  The next morning the fever had dropped (99 degrees) but through the entire day she had good and bad spots - going from playing and running to hitting rock bottom.  This continued through the day on Saturday as well, but wasn't as drastic.

On Saturday night we kept hearing her cough over the monitor.  I'd watch her and she wasn't seeming to be too disturbed by the cough, but like all babies and children with coughs, it just sounds so pitiful and heartbreaking.  On Sunday she continued the high and low trend, as well as a cough and a hoarse, raspy voice.

Last night - around 11pm - was the worst part.  She had been coughing pretty consistently since she went down at 8pm, but at 11pm she was standing and crying very hard, and coughing - and we couldn't let her continue on.  Making it only the second time in our house, we pulled her in to bed with us.  She continued to cough and squirm, but seemed to be more comforted.  I decided through the night, though, that a trip to our pediatrician was absolutely a must in the morning.

This morning I was able to get a 9:30am appointment and in we went.  After hearing me describe the past four days and hearing Riley's little, scratchy voice, Dr. K immediately stated that he was sure she had Croup.  He said he has seen a lot of kids with it recently and she fit the bill.  I had always heard of croup, but didn't know anything about it.  I quickly learned that it is common and a viral infection where vocal chords swell, resulting in a restricted airway and a hoarse voice. 

I was so surprised when Dr. K suggested leaving her bedroom window open during naps and the night so that the cold air would come into her room and lungs.  That is exactly what I had been trying to avoid all weekend!  He said to also keep her elevated when asleep - either by raising one end of her mattress or by simply holding her in a recliner.  And if she is really having a tough time at night, to wrap a warm blanket around her and go for a walk outside.  If she is really gasping for air, of course, we'll simply head straight to the ER.

He said the second or third nights are normally the peak.  Last night was our second night so either it was the worst, or tonight will be - but at least it sounds like we're rounding the corner.  I hope so.  Poor little thing.

22 Months at a Glance

I feel like an awful Mommy award should be handed over to me right now.  My intention behind this blog was to create a digital baby book for Riley to look back on ... and I feel as though I've missed documenting so much over the past few months.  Thank the Good Lord I have everything in my memory ... but I need to do a much better job of stopping in here and jotting down some updates on her little life.

She is 22-months old now and - just as I have said every single month prior to this one - this is my favorite age.  I love that it clearly just continues to get better and better.

Animal sounds, the alphabet, colors, and counting are big right now.  Riley will be happy to tell you that the bird says "Chuurp", a lion, tiger and bear all say "Wooar", a cat says "ME-ow", and a dog says "woof woof" (but in a whisper).  She has been loving the LeapFrog Letter Factory DVD and I am amazed at how quickly she has begun reciting what sound certain letters say (her favorites are 'H' and 'F'), as well as recognizing certain letters.  She readily recognizes the colors pink and blue and just tonight asked Daddy to draw a "blue house" in the bathtub with her bathtub crayons.

We are trying our best to prepare her for the arrival of her baby sister, Sophie Noelle, who will be joining our family by December 20th at the latest.  Riley tends to think mommy's belly looks like it would be much more fun to bounce on than to, say, give it a gentle kiss and tell her sister she loves her.  We talk about the baby a lot to her, and show her where Sophie's room will be, etc ... but I assume she only 'gets it' as much as a 22-month old can.  It'll be interesting to see how she'll handle it once Sophie has arrived.  I must admit that there are days when I get very sad thinking that 100% of my love and attention will no longer go to just Riley.  That is how it has been for nearly two years and it is what I have grown accustomed to and what I love.  But I know - and trust - what others tell me and that your love is not divided ... that it multiplies. 

I am excited to get back to this blog.  I can't wait to add some pictures from our adventures we had this past summer.  Tomorrow we head out for our annual apple picking at a local orchard, followed by picking out pumpkins.  This is our 7th year doing this on the third weekend of October and I think it will be the first where Riley participates really well.  She proved this summer to be a stellar strawberry and blackberry picker, so I doubt she'll disappoint!!

It's Good to Be Back!

Now that all the chaos with selling a house, building a house, and temporarily living with my in-laws is over, I hope to get back to much more consistent posts on this blog.  It's good to be back!  My poor, sweet Riley deserves it!  I feel as though I've missed out on documenting so much that she has done over these past several months.

She is now 20 months old - it's absolutely unreal to me that in less than four months we'll be celebrating her second birthday.  I feel like in this past month she has changed faster than she has in any previous month.  Her vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds and she'll try to pronounce just about anything that you ask her to, including Albuquerque (which comes out "Que kee", all while making a very confused face). 

We've just lived in our new house for a little over a week and she already knows the lay of the land really well.  She has the biggest playroom that I've ever seen and loves going in there and having her own space.  While we temporarily lived with my in-laws, my parents kept our dog Wendell ("Nennel", in Riley-speak), and she is out of this world elated to have him back in her life.  Even when she wakes up in the morning and calls out to us ("Mama?  Dada?"), she'll call for him as well.  She loves for me to put the leash on him in the house so that she can take him on walks from room to room.

We've definitely landed in the "What's that?" stage, as she asks this for just about anything and everything and it is simply adorable. 

I've attached a few pictures, since it has been a while since I've shared her beautiful face!

Riley at 19 Months

Riley is now 19 months (and 10 days) old.  It's incredible where the time has gone and I am certain that it will never slow down moving forward.  Here is a peek into what Riley is like at 19 months:

- Most Popular Question:  "Where go?"
- Most Popular Statement:  "Eyes" (while either nearly poking out your eye or her own)
- Most commonly spoken words through a day:  "Mama, Dada, Papa, Mamaw, Papaw, Car, Beep Beep, Where Go?, Night night, baba (sippy cup), wa-wa (water), Two, Three, Eye, Ear, Hands, Hair, Nose, Mouth, Ball, Baby, Wow
- Favorite Cartoon:  Wubbzy is slowly being edged out by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
- Favorite Pasttimes:  Playing in water, sandbox, and taking walks
- Body Parts She Can Identify:  Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, Teeth, Hair, Hands, Head

 

Summer Time Fun

I feel like I've been so caught up in having a blast with Riley this summer that I haven't taken the time to blog about it.  So here is a sneak peek of some of the enjoyment we've had in pictures ...

And Baby Makes Four ...

That's right - there's a baby on the way!!

I've come here several times to share the news, and last fall's miscarriage still haunts me and makes me hesitant to get too excited. But at this point I am 15 weeks along and have to let myself relax and trust that this baby is here to stay!


So, to answer the common questions that come along with such news:

• What is the due date? December 27th, 2010
• Will you find out the gender? Of course; we're impatient.
• Do you have a gut feel one way or the other? Nope! I've had a few dreams in which the baby is a girl, but that hasn't made me feel more strongly in that direction.
• What are you hoping for? Aside from the obvious (Healthy baby and safe delivery), I am really torn! Half of me pictures another girl because I can completely see Riley growing up with a sister close in age, playing dress up and having tea parties. Plus, taking care of a girl is all I know, so it is familiar and comfortable. But the other half of me wants the experience of a son ... I just feel at this point that I'd have no idea how to take care of a boy! :)
• Do you have things ordered? Not yet. I can't help but laugh, but I was looking at my pregnancy journal from the first time around. At 16 weeks, the nursery furniture arrived. That means we ordered at about 6 weeks! We haven't even looked at furniture together yet! (I've looked and think I've picked things out, but want Kevin's agreement.)

So there is obviously a lot going on with the Balaban household. My main focus has been on the house, but once we're in and settled, I'll be able to put more attention on the pregnancy. One thing is for sure, this has all helped it go very fast.


And my sweet Riley? She has no idea. I tell her at night that Mommy has a baby in her belly. She'll look at me with a questioning look and ask, "Baby?". I tell her "Yes, baby" and then she pulls my shirt up excitedly - but then I think she is disappointed, as she expects to see a baby or baby doll right there. She'll get it eventually. :)

And Baby Makes Four ...

That's right - there's a baby on the way!!

I've come here several times to share the news, and last fall's miscarriage still haunts me and makes me hesitant to get too excited. But at this point I am 15 weeks along and have to let myself relax and trust that this baby is here to stay!


So, to answer the common questions that come along with such news:

• What is the due date? December 27th, 2010
• Will you find out the gender? Of course; we're impatient.
• Do you have a gut feel one way or the other? Nope! I've had a few dreams in which the baby is a girl, but that hasn't made me feel more strongly in that direction.
• What are you hoping for? Aside from the obvious (Healthy baby and safe delivery), I am really torn! Half of me pictures another girl because I can completely see Riley growing up with a sister close in age, playing dress up and having tea parties. Plus, taking care of a girl is all I know, so it is familiar and comfortable. But the other half of me wants the experience of a son ... I just feel at this point that I'd have no idea how to take care of a boy! :)
• Do you have things ordered? Not yet. I can't help but laugh, but I was looking at my pregnancy journal from the first time around. At 16 weeks, the nursery furniture arrived. That means we ordered at about 6 weeks! We haven't even looked at furniture together yet! (I've looked and think I've picked things out, but want Kevin's agreement.)

So there is obviously a lot going on with the Balaban household. My main focus has been on the house, but once we're in and settled, I'll be able to put more attention on the pregnancy. One thing is for sure, this has all helped it go very fast.


And my sweet Riley? She has no idea. I tell her at night that Mommy has a baby in her belly. She'll look at me with a questioning look and ask, "Baby?". I tell her "Yes, baby" and then she pulls my shirt up excitedly - but then I think she is disappointed, as she expects to see a baby or baby doll right there. She'll get it eventually. :)

Great Wolf Lodge, Here We Come!

Riley is going to be sooooo excited. I just got off the phone with the reservation desk at Great Wolf Lodge. Kevin, Riley and I are headed there next weekend for two days of family fun in the water!

There is so much for a toddler to see and do there and I just cannot wait. Our little water baby can't get enough of the wet stuff, so she is just going to be in heaven! Better stock up on the Little Swimmers this weekend - I have a feeling she'll just about be living in them for 48 hours!

A Recipe for an Amazing Weekend

Recipe for an Amazing Weekend

Ingredients:

1 adorable, happy daughter

1 amazing, fun husband

4 beautiful days of weather

2 trips to the zoo
1 morning at the Strawberry field
A dash of walks
Hugs and kisses to taste

Directions:
1. Plan for a day off work with the hubby on an amazingly beautiful, comfortable day.

2. Pack picnic lunch for the zoo.

3. Enjoy every second of hysterical giggles at the monkeys and kisses being blown to the animals.

4. Purchase zoo membership once realizing that this memory must be repeated.

5. Repeat steps 1-3
6. Drive to Patterson's Farm

7. Watch in amazement as your 18-month old picks strawberries on her own

8. Pause, close eyes, and commit everything you can see and hear with her to your memory forever.

9. Hug, Kiss, Hug, Kiss

10. Repeat step 9 until exhaustion sets in.
11. Fill remainder of time playing ball in the front yard and taking walks.

A Perfect Memorial Day

What a great day to remember those who fought and are fighting to protect our wonderful county.  God bless the USA!

Yes, This is Nancy ...

Awwwww yeaaaaaa.  I received the phone call this morning that Riley's water table is in!  I can't wait to pick it up tonight!  I am also very thankful that I remembered to say, "Yes, this is Nancy" when they called to inform me. 

You see, when I went to get the raincheck the other day, the woman asked me my last name. 

"Balaban.  B like boy, A-L-A, B like boy, A-N like Nancy". 

This is the standard way I spell my last name for anyone who asks.  I kept wondering when she was going to ask my first name, but she never did.  Then she said, "Thanks Nancy!  We'll call you when it arrives!".  I felt too guilty to explain that my name wasn't Nancy ... and that I simply said Nancy because sometimes I make my 'N' sound like 'M' and that's probably my own fault for not learning to enunciate better when I was in elementary school because back then I was sure that I was going to grow up to become a professional cheerleader and who really needs to differentiate 'M from 'N' when shouting "De-fense!!  De-fense!!"  Anyhow ... I digress.

So I was nervous that I'd forget to say that I was, in fact, Nancy when they called me and that I'd then lose my only shot at the world's coolest water table ever.

But I didn't.

So this was a long post for no reason.  Other than to say that the table is in.  And that I now go by Nancy.

A Mommy-and-Me Afternoon

It has been a beautiful, hot day here today - reaching 90 degrees - and Riley and I have had the afternoon all to ourselves.

Whoa!  Water!

Having fun!

Trying to catch it.

Trying to drink it.

Brrr... cold water on a 90-degree day can still make me shiver!

Mommy brought out two baby popsicles - I thought that meant they were both for ME!

Daddy's golfing ... and Mommy's a sucker!

These Are the Moments ...

... that melt my heart.  The moments where I walk into a room, no one knows I am there, and I catch a glimpse of such a precious moment between Daddy and Daughter.

But it's HEALTHY! At least my mom says so ...

Last night was 31-cent scoop night at Baskin Robbins.  If you haven't drawn the conclusion yet, Riley is becoming quite the ice cream monster.  I was hesitant to attempt to get her the cheap-o treat, remembering driving by Baskin Robbins last year on this same night and seeing the sea of people in the parking lot and busting out of the doors and windows, all to get their 31-cent cone.  But I tried.  And I succeeded!  In fact, when I pulled into the empty parking lot, I wondered if I was there on the wrong day.  I walked in, saw about 10 eager ice cream scoopers staring back at me, and just one woman at the register.

"One scoop of Wild and Reckless Sherbet, please" ... for my wild and reckless 16-month old.

As my mom pointed out, "Sherbet?  Well that's healthy for her, Meg!".  Maybe healthy wasn't the right word ... but the point was true that it was healthier than the ice cream I was eyeing up.  So hey - it's healthy.  At least my mom says so.

And moments after walking through the front door, a wild and reckless Riley charged at me, full speed, with arms stretched out in front of her as far as they would go.  And the rest is history.  Healthy, sloppy, messy, sherbet history.