Friday, February 24, 2012

A Big Month

February has been a big month for us! The trip to Puerto Rico, the boys' first trips to the dentist...

I took them each one at a time, and was really dreading each time. I had no idea how they would react. Gage's was the first trip, and wasn't I surprised when my "big little boy" ("I'm not a big boy Mama, I'm a little boy") was right at home in the dentist chair!

He knew just what to do with the air-sucking thing, and he even smiled and giggled! I was SO proud of him! The awesome pediatric staff was wonderful and helped a lot I am sure.

Eli's trip was on Valentine's Day and he amazed me too! I did have to hold him so I didn't get any pictures, but there was no screaming, no tears, and lots of cooperation. He did clamp his lips shut a few times (which didn't surprise me at all) but overall he was a trooper!

While we were there the dentist talked to him about his beloved paci. She told him that "paci's are for babies, and you're not a baby anymore...", which actually caused a lump to form in my throat as I pondered that fact. But it was a very good talk, and perfect timing then to tell him later that "The dr. said no more paci..."

So away it went as soon as we got home. And 10 days later it is still gone. (We were down to just 1 after all the others had disappeared and I refused to buy more. Where do they all disappear to anyway??)

We have been paying for it these last 10 days honestly, even though he has hardly said a word about it. He has had a terrible time getting to sleep; it reminds us of the old days of letting him cry himself to sleep as a baby to teach self-soothing. It dawned on me that that is exactly what he needs to do, learn to self-soothe again without paci. And it breaks my heart for him! But it is slowly getting better and I know he will be completely over it soon.

It is definitely a relief to now know the answer to: How are we going to get rid of that paci??!!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Puerto Rico!

Taking a business trip to Puerto Rico hardly seems like "work"... at least for me, the lucky wife who got to tag along! When Craig told me about his upcoming meetings in San Juan, I jumped at the chance to go along! Thanks to my mom, and Grandma and Grandpa E, it was possible! My mom stayed with the boys for the first 2 1/2 days, then Craig's parents took over the last 3 days. This was my first trip away from the boys that I truly relaxed and didn't worry about them. It helped that they are 2 and 3 now, I think. And the gorgeous views didn't hurt either.


We arrived a few days before Craig's meetings. One of those days we took a tour of the coast and rain forest.
Along the way we stopped at a local artist's gallery, and then a little hut across the road where a local woman was selling her goods.

I love the bright colors!

One day while lazing by the beach, I looked over and saw this:

How startling! After that we saw iguanas and lizards of various sizes everywhere! (Thankfully none in our hotel room...)

On our last day in San Juan, Craig had the morning off from work stuff and together we toured a nearby historical fort.

My honey and me. My favorite co-adventurer. I am spoiled.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Winter Picnic

I think we can all agree that this has been an amazing winter! I mean, to be able to have a picnic on February 1?!Incredible! I couldn't even get a very good picture because the sun was so bright!

They really would much rather prefer the snow though - crazy kids!