Thursday, April 25, 2013
We're on Spanglish Baby!
I like to joke that I "stalked" my new friend María Jose of Very Busy Mamá. I first read her posts over on Spanglish Baby and realized that she was a local mom! We recently had a blind mom date and luckily she wasn't weirded out by my idea to meet up. I quickly discovered that we have a ton in common and probably could have chatted it up a lot longer than our combined four kids would allow us to. Not only is María José dedicated to raising bilingual children, I absolutely love her blog. Her focus on real style as a mom totally resonates with me. More on that in another post. I was so thrilled when she asked if she could feature us on Spanglish Baby! Of course I was much obliged. Check it out here.
Monday, April 22, 2013
A week to forget
A week ago today I blogged a bit about our weekend, and I mentioned that Jack had been feeling feverish, but how I thought he would be fine with some rest and back to normal in no time. Never in a million years did I think that just that afternoon everything would turn upside down-- and not just here in my house. That afternoon, while two young men were changing the lives of many forever by exploding two pressure cooker bombs near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon, my boy suffered what I am fairly positive was a febrile seizure. While lying on the couch, he sputtered, and then proceeded to go stiff and twitch. What remains with me most a week later was the look in the eyes-- or lack thereof. I can't describe it any other way but to stay that he just looked empty. Like there was no one inside.
Needless to say, this was by far the scariest moment of my life. Without a doubt. Somehow I managed to call the pediatrician office while screaming his name, desperate to get some kind of response. Nothing. He couldn't even look at me. The office was closed. After unsuccessfully dialing the wrong 800 number to get the on call nurse a couple of times, I finally got through. Meanwhile baby Nora is screaming and my two year old still looks like a ghost. I am screaming at the operator, desperate for someone to jump through the phone and just HELP me. That is what I was screaming. Help me, please, something is wrong with my son. I know this all sounds dramatic, but I don't know how to put it any other way. With the help of my neighbor that happened to be standing outside, I managed to load both kids into the car and head off to the hospital. Jack was just starting to come out of this horrible spell, or whatever you want to call it. It was confirmed in the ER that he had a fever, and most likely did experience a febrile seizure.
I felt the need to share this because I learned from the ER doctor that febrile seizures are fairly common, but many parents have never heard of such a thing. Well, they need to know. I have since read that they can be genetic, they are caused by a rapid spike in temperature, and they have no long term affects. The rest of the week was a challenging one for John and I as we nursed our little man back to health. Not to mention the world's events around us; the Boston marathon bombing, the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion, earthquakes, floods.. I mean seriously: WHAT is going on?
It shouldn't take scary or catastrophic events for us to take pause in our lives, but sometimes it does. I don't have much time during the day to really stop and think about much of anything, but during little Nora's midnight feedings I do. (If I'm not zonked myself). I don't pray enough. I realized that as I was pleading with God on the way to the emergency room to fix my baby. So many people need prayers right now. My little guy is OK. As a matter of fact, he's more than ok. We have moved from fevers to tantrum city, and we're learning one day at a time how to deal with those, too. But you know what-- I'll take a tantrum any day over an ER visit. Here is some photographic proof that we are just fine.
Needless to say, this was by far the scariest moment of my life. Without a doubt. Somehow I managed to call the pediatrician office while screaming his name, desperate to get some kind of response. Nothing. He couldn't even look at me. The office was closed. After unsuccessfully dialing the wrong 800 number to get the on call nurse a couple of times, I finally got through. Meanwhile baby Nora is screaming and my two year old still looks like a ghost. I am screaming at the operator, desperate for someone to jump through the phone and just HELP me. That is what I was screaming. Help me, please, something is wrong with my son. I know this all sounds dramatic, but I don't know how to put it any other way. With the help of my neighbor that happened to be standing outside, I managed to load both kids into the car and head off to the hospital. Jack was just starting to come out of this horrible spell, or whatever you want to call it. It was confirmed in the ER that he had a fever, and most likely did experience a febrile seizure.
I felt the need to share this because I learned from the ER doctor that febrile seizures are fairly common, but many parents have never heard of such a thing. Well, they need to know. I have since read that they can be genetic, they are caused by a rapid spike in temperature, and they have no long term affects. The rest of the week was a challenging one for John and I as we nursed our little man back to health. Not to mention the world's events around us; the Boston marathon bombing, the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion, earthquakes, floods.. I mean seriously: WHAT is going on?
It shouldn't take scary or catastrophic events for us to take pause in our lives, but sometimes it does. I don't have much time during the day to really stop and think about much of anything, but during little Nora's midnight feedings I do. (If I'm not zonked myself). I don't pray enough. I realized that as I was pleading with God on the way to the emergency room to fix my baby. So many people need prayers right now. My little guy is OK. As a matter of fact, he's more than ok. We have moved from fevers to tantrum city, and we're learning one day at a time how to deal with those, too. But you know what-- I'll take a tantrum any day over an ER visit. Here is some photographic proof that we are just fine.
 |
| Mami y sus bebés |
Monday, April 15, 2013
Two years
My dear Jack-
Today is April 15, 2013. You turned two years old 8 days ago, but I feel like we have been celebrating for weeks! I don't take the time nearly enough to put into words how I feel about you-- or ever, really. Much less do I broadcast my feelings on the internet, so I may surprise myself if I even choose to publish this post. I'm rambling now. I will try to be more coherent from this point forward.
Yesterday we had a little party for you and four of your friends at a rec center. You played in the soft playroom then ate pizza and queque, your favorite. I noticed you seemed a bit out of it and by simply placing my hand on your forehead I knew you were a bit feverish. You were so quiet on the way home. You didn't even want your leche, which is so very uncharacteristic of you! Your dad and I put you to bed, but I worried throughout the night, especially when I was awake feeding your sister.
I use this short story to illustrate my point. I love you so much, baby boy! Te amo! You are my big, healthy, strong little man. You never get sick, so when you do, all my worries come to the surface. Then I realize-- your dad and I are too blessed for words. Every night when I have a little bit of time (what's that?) to reflect, all I know how to do is to give thanks. Gracias a Díos. I thank God for my healthy baby boy, and now, for your sister Nora Elizabeth. I thank God for every little thing about you. I thank Him for the way you get so excited about every little thing. You pump your little arms and get this very serious, intent look on your face. I pray that you never lose that enthusiasm for life's little things-las cositas-for that is what really matters. I thank God for your gentle manner, for the way you have welcomed baby Nora into your life with the least amount of fuss possible. You love to lay next to her on her playmat and watch las luces. You will always love her and protect her, Jack. I just know that. I thank God for your beautiful blue eyes and your big round cheeks! I know the cheeks won't be there forever, but everyone comments on them because they are so cute!
I write this note en inglés, because I do communicate better in English. However, over one year ago while we were living in Denver I made the vow to myself to speak to you only en español. I made it a personal commitment, that I would take one day at a time. I am proud to say that I have spoken only en español to you since you were eleven months ago. Jack Jack, you are doing so, so well. You really are talking a lot, both in Spanish and English. You are already learning who speaks Spanish and who speaks English, and you are effectively learning how to code- switch, or speak the right language to the appropriate audience! It's pretty amazing. Thank you for not only being my son, but my student! Raising a bilingual child is not an easy feat, but I continue to hope and pray that I can do my best each day to give you an appreciation for other languages, cultures, and people. That is my hope.
I love you so much baby boy. You are so sweet. I love the way you hug me. You love mis piernas (my legs) for some odd reason. When you see flores, (flowers), they aren't just any flowers, they are always las flores de mama. That is what you say. You are fiercely independent, but you sure do love your dada. Lately you two have spent a lot of time outside with la manguera (water hose) desperately trying to make daddy's grass seedlings sprout. Your dad is the absolute best daddy. I really think I would be lost without him! Es todo por ahora, mi amor. I love you so much. You are the best.
Today is April 15, 2013. You turned two years old 8 days ago, but I feel like we have been celebrating for weeks! I don't take the time nearly enough to put into words how I feel about you-- or ever, really. Much less do I broadcast my feelings on the internet, so I may surprise myself if I even choose to publish this post. I'm rambling now. I will try to be more coherent from this point forward.
Yesterday we had a little party for you and four of your friends at a rec center. You played in the soft playroom then ate pizza and queque, your favorite. I noticed you seemed a bit out of it and by simply placing my hand on your forehead I knew you were a bit feverish. You were so quiet on the way home. You didn't even want your leche, which is so very uncharacteristic of you! Your dad and I put you to bed, but I worried throughout the night, especially when I was awake feeding your sister.
I use this short story to illustrate my point. I love you so much, baby boy! Te amo! You are my big, healthy, strong little man. You never get sick, so when you do, all my worries come to the surface. Then I realize-- your dad and I are too blessed for words. Every night when I have a little bit of time (what's that?) to reflect, all I know how to do is to give thanks. Gracias a Díos. I thank God for my healthy baby boy, and now, for your sister Nora Elizabeth. I thank God for every little thing about you. I thank Him for the way you get so excited about every little thing. You pump your little arms and get this very serious, intent look on your face. I pray that you never lose that enthusiasm for life's little things-las cositas-for that is what really matters. I thank God for your gentle manner, for the way you have welcomed baby Nora into your life with the least amount of fuss possible. You love to lay next to her on her playmat and watch las luces. You will always love her and protect her, Jack. I just know that. I thank God for your beautiful blue eyes and your big round cheeks! I know the cheeks won't be there forever, but everyone comments on them because they are so cute!
I write this note en inglés, because I do communicate better in English. However, over one year ago while we were living in Denver I made the vow to myself to speak to you only en español. I made it a personal commitment, that I would take one day at a time. I am proud to say that I have spoken only en español to you since you were eleven months ago. Jack Jack, you are doing so, so well. You really are talking a lot, both in Spanish and English. You are already learning who speaks Spanish and who speaks English, and you are effectively learning how to code- switch, or speak the right language to the appropriate audience! It's pretty amazing. Thank you for not only being my son, but my student! Raising a bilingual child is not an easy feat, but I continue to hope and pray that I can do my best each day to give you an appreciation for other languages, cultures, and people. That is my hope.
I love you so much baby boy. You are so sweet. I love the way you hug me. You love mis piernas (my legs) for some odd reason. When you see flores, (flowers), they aren't just any flowers, they are always las flores de mama. That is what you say. You are fiercely independent, but you sure do love your dada. Lately you two have spent a lot of time outside with la manguera (water hose) desperately trying to make daddy's grass seedlings sprout. Your dad is the absolute best daddy. I really think I would be lost without him! Es todo por ahora, mi amor. I love you so much. You are the best.
 |
| John Joseph, "Jack", two years old |
I think I'm getting the hang of this..
Nora turns six weeks old tomorrow. SIX WEEKS. I have discovered that parenthood really does suck you into some strange time warp where the days just whiz by. John and I like to say that every time we look at the clock it's 5 pm. Time for dinner, baths, and bed. For everyone. This newborn phase, however, has felt very different than it did with Jack. I have managed to avoid the weird, hazy, "baby blues" feelings I had when Jack was brand new. I think so much of it has to do with a sense of confidence when it comes to taking care of baby. Not to mention that like her brother, baby Nora is a good little baby. She cries perhaps a bit more than Jack did, but as long as her needs are met she is a pretty happy camper.
This weekend we had a visit from Tía Nene! Here are a few pictures from the beautiful spring weekend.
This weekend we had a visit from Tía Nene! Here are a few pictures from the beautiful spring weekend.
 |
| Jack walked entirely around the tidal basin. No stroller for this guy. |
 |
| It's rare I get to spend anytime with both my siblings. Here we are with Jack, Nora..even Teddy! |
 |
| Rene is in love with her goddaughter Nora Elizabeth |
 |
| We were able to catch the end of the cherry blossoms in bloom. |
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Sweet baby girl
Well, I suppose it's safe to say a major life event has occurred since the last time I posted. I know I don't post often enough. I suppose you could say I'm busy, but I still love the idea of documenting these special moments-- even if just for me.
On Monday, March 4 I decided to take Jack outside to walk around the yard and up the street. As we were walking, I felt what can only be described as.. A small gush! I wasn't quick to believe it was my water breaking, because I didn't want to get excited-- or panic, for that matter! So I calmly took Jack inside, much to his dismay. Meanwhile, my mom was trying to cook us a casserole for dinner while simultaneously trying to get stubborn Teddy to come inside. It was a bit chaotic!
Obviously I called John to let him know what might be happening, and proceeded to call my doctor who then informed me we should head on in to Labor and delivery. John somehow was home in about 15 seconds, give or take. The poor guy was panicked-- I think movies had given him a false impression that delivery would be immediate.
I thought that I would be an emotional disaster upon leaving for the hospital. I thought that leaving Jack behind to bring his sibling into the world would reduce me to a pile of tears. Instead, my crazy little boy was full of hugs and kisses for me. He was so happy and distracted playing with "titi" that it warmed my heart. So.. Off to the hospital we went, me calm as can be. John.. Not so much.
To move this story along, lets just say that my water had broken, we laid around the hospital for quite a while, and on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 11:23 am Nora Elizabeth arrived weighing in at 6lbs 11 oz and 20 inches long. I was in SHOCK that I -we- had a daughter. She's beautiful and perfect in every way. God is good!
On Monday, March 4 I decided to take Jack outside to walk around the yard and up the street. As we were walking, I felt what can only be described as.. A small gush! I wasn't quick to believe it was my water breaking, because I didn't want to get excited-- or panic, for that matter! So I calmly took Jack inside, much to his dismay. Meanwhile, my mom was trying to cook us a casserole for dinner while simultaneously trying to get stubborn Teddy to come inside. It was a bit chaotic!
Obviously I called John to let him know what might be happening, and proceeded to call my doctor who then informed me we should head on in to Labor and delivery. John somehow was home in about 15 seconds, give or take. The poor guy was panicked-- I think movies had given him a false impression that delivery would be immediate.
I thought that I would be an emotional disaster upon leaving for the hospital. I thought that leaving Jack behind to bring his sibling into the world would reduce me to a pile of tears. Instead, my crazy little boy was full of hugs and kisses for me. He was so happy and distracted playing with "titi" that it warmed my heart. So.. Off to the hospital we went, me calm as can be. John.. Not so much.
To move this story along, lets just say that my water had broken, we laid around the hospital for quite a while, and on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 11:23 am Nora Elizabeth arrived weighing in at 6lbs 11 oz and 20 inches long. I was in SHOCK that I -we- had a daughter. She's beautiful and perfect in every way. God is good!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Lazy day..
35 weeks pregnant and feeling real sluggish. So grateful that both my guys, furry and non, are excellent playmates!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Year in review continued
 |
| Rocky Mountain National Park |
 |
| Jack frolicking with cousin Bridget, 11 months older |
August brought more crazy hot weather, a visit from the Romanos, and at the end, our much anticipated 9 day adventure to Ireland to see the Irish kick off the season against Navy. It was so hard to leave Jack behind, but knowing he was in good hands helped. It was certainly an overall success.
 |
| Jack, Tía Nene, and Nick |
 |
| Riding the carousel at the Denver Zoo |
September 1st was the Irish vs. Navy game in Dublin. The excitement in the air all over Dublin was palpable! I absolutely loved Ireland. It completely exceeded my expectations. It was almost surreal to me, like I felt like I had been there in a past life or something. My only regret was not having more time to see more of the beautiful country.
 |
| 12 weeks and already making an appearance. |
 |
| Notre Dame sings their alma mater post victory. Aviva Stadium, Dublin |
Oh! I almost forgot. At the end of September we bid farewell to Denver. Our last weekend we headed up to beautiful Aspen and hiked a portion of Maroon Bells. What an absolutely perfect ending to a very memorable seven months in Colorado. I want to go back.
With October came a cross country trip including a two week stop over at Grandpa and Grandma Scully's, several visits with old friends, and finally on to Virginia and our new rental house. Phew.
Okay, I'm combining November and December because I'm getting tired of this post. For Thanksgiving we ALL got together at Casa Romano for Thanksgiving Day. I volunteered to cook all the sides and loved it. Luckily Turkey Day foods are pretty foolproof. For Christmas we loaded up and headed to Grandpa and Grandma Scully's house. Lots of good Christmas memories were made. Jack knows and loves all his Grandparents and cousins now. Christmas with little people is truly magical. Here are a few pictures.
 |
| Jack and cousin Nick playing at Thanksgiving |
 |
| Jack helps Daddy lug in the Christmas tree |
 |
| Out of order, but I had to sneak in a Miami Pic (January, 2013) |
 |
| Tough loss, but we sure had fun. Go Irish! |
 |
| Jack absolutely loved "la playa" |
 |
| Jack gets a gift from Aunt Ann |
 |
| Bed head on Christmas Morning |
 |
| A "Jack in the Box" for Jack |
 |
| Helping Jack open gifts on Christmas Eve |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)