After months of talking about it, Rob and I finally enrolled Igor in art school. Igor has painted numerous canvases. He loves to paint and seems to be gifted in this area so we thought Igor would love the idea. When we mentioned the class to Igor he was really upset, he really wants a break from school on the weekends. We explained it won't be the same as school, he will get to draw and paint for 90 minutes without Henry interrupting. He agreed to try one class.
This morning I took Igor to his art class. The teacher reminds me a little bit of Ms. Joya, his nursery school teacher, except she is more animated. She uses the following words: nurture, imagination, create, explore, sensitive.... I knew Igor would love the class. The teacher plays classical music in the background while the children draw a picture to warm up their fingers then they paint or draw with charcoal or pastels.
Today Igor started painting a green meadow with a brilliant orange sky. I was really impressed. The teacher helped him match the colors for a striking contrast. She said that Igor is painting in the Picasso style- meaning layering of colors. I'm not a fan of Picasso's painting but I don't think Igor's painting will look anything like a Picasso. I cannot wait to see the finished piece next month.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
This and That
In my last post I used the phrase "orphanage dust". I didn't make the phrase up, I wish I was that creative but I'm not... I am pretty sure I read it on Apryl's blog last year.
The orphanage dust bunny is still here but it's no longer the size of Kansas. thank goodness.
I went to the doctor- great news, I do not have a hernia!! I have torn a muscle in my stomach. The doctor said it will heal on it's own.
Henry is still having tummy troubles which is now causing him to scream in pain. This happens during the day and in the middle of the night. We are all very tired. I think the medicine Henry took made the parasite angry but it didn't kill it. Rob took him to the doctor yesterday. Henry will do another round of medicine for giardia. In the mean time, my mother-in-law bought us medical gloves for bathing and changing Henry. I wasn't sure if we'd like them but I LOVE them. They keep our hands clean (although we still wash our hands) but there is much less chance of us contracting giardia with the gloves on.
My friend and blogger pal Susan has started making body butter for her son. She inspired me to make butter for Henry since his skin is so dry. I didn't have Aquaphor but I did have Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream so I decided to modify Susan's recipe.
I mixed 6 oz of raw Shea Butter and 3 oz of Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream in my KitchenAide and wallah, the mixture is like body butter and it keeps Henry's skin from getting ashy. I love it. Thanks Susan for the recipe!
While I'm on the subject of things I love, I thought I'd share two products I really enjoy. Other moms might like them too?? I LOVE the Kiddopotamus Place mat check it out if you have a toddler! We received this at Igor's toddler shower and it's an item I have treasured (it's the simple things!). Henry uses it daily. It's portable so you can take it with you to a restaurant but we use ours at home. Why do I love this product?
Igor keeps reminding me that Henry's birthday is this week! We will celebrate this weekend. Pictures to follow.
The orphanage dust bunny is still here but it's no longer the size of Kansas. thank goodness.
I went to the doctor- great news, I do not have a hernia!! I have torn a muscle in my stomach. The doctor said it will heal on it's own.
Henry is still having tummy troubles which is now causing him to scream in pain. This happens during the day and in the middle of the night. We are all very tired. I think the medicine Henry took made the parasite angry but it didn't kill it. Rob took him to the doctor yesterday. Henry will do another round of medicine for giardia. In the mean time, my mother-in-law bought us medical gloves for bathing and changing Henry. I wasn't sure if we'd like them but I LOVE them. They keep our hands clean (although we still wash our hands) but there is much less chance of us contracting giardia with the gloves on.
My friend and blogger pal Susan has started making body butter for her son. She inspired me to make butter for Henry since his skin is so dry. I didn't have Aquaphor but I did have Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream so I decided to modify Susan's recipe.
I mixed 6 oz of raw Shea Butter and 3 oz of Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream in my KitchenAide and wallah, the mixture is like body butter and it keeps Henry's skin from getting ashy. I love it. Thanks Susan for the recipe!
While I'm on the subject of things I love, I thought I'd share two products I really enjoy. Other moms might like them too?? I LOVE the Kiddopotamus Place mat check it out if you have a toddler! We received this at Igor's toddler shower and it's an item I have treasured (it's the simple things!). Henry uses it daily. It's portable so you can take it with you to a restaurant but we use ours at home. Why do I love this product?
- It sticks to the table so Henry cannot slide the place mat with his food on it.
- The surface of the place mat is not slick so the plates/bowls do not slide
- It has a scoop to catch spills
- It's durable
- It's easy to clean
Igor keeps reminding me that Henry's birthday is this week! We will celebrate this weekend. Pictures to follow.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Orphanage dust
Please read this blog (at least the first two paragraphs) then come back to read my post.... It's important that you read this mom's perspective before you read what is next.. so, if you skipped the blog, please Click here now.
For over 18 months we have prepared our hearts and mind for Henry. We have tried our best to prepare Igor. We were not sure how Igor would deal with a sibling but we've talked to him, prayed, read books to him, let him be part of the preparations, he was paired with younger child at his nursery school, etc. We did what we could to prepare him for a family that included one more.
Igor was adopted at age 3 1/2, so he has still spent more time in an orphanage than with us. Occasionally we deal with remnants of "orphanage dust" that seems to creep up when we least expect it. We knew that Igor might regress a little bit when Henry arrived but how can you prepare for that?
We've only been home two and a half weeks and we are still in the honeymoon phase with Henry but so far I haven't seen his orphanage dust. The orphanage dust that has settled into our house is not Ethiopian but Russian.
Igor loves his little bother, he plays with him and he is kind to his little brother but our family is in transition. This issue is not with Henry but with Igor. Igor likes order, routine, he needs things to be constant. Right now there is a lack of order in our house. A new order is being established in our house and Igor is unsettled. The orphanage dust in our house is a dust bunny the size of Kansas. It's going to take time to get all the dust out... but we will love Igor through the cleaning and reordering process.
For over 18 months we have prepared our hearts and mind for Henry. We have tried our best to prepare Igor. We were not sure how Igor would deal with a sibling but we've talked to him, prayed, read books to him, let him be part of the preparations, he was paired with younger child at his nursery school, etc. We did what we could to prepare him for a family that included one more.
Igor was adopted at age 3 1/2, so he has still spent more time in an orphanage than with us. Occasionally we deal with remnants of "orphanage dust" that seems to creep up when we least expect it. We knew that Igor might regress a little bit when Henry arrived but how can you prepare for that?
We've only been home two and a half weeks and we are still in the honeymoon phase with Henry but so far I haven't seen his orphanage dust. The orphanage dust that has settled into our house is not Ethiopian but Russian.
Igor loves his little bother, he plays with him and he is kind to his little brother but our family is in transition. This issue is not with Henry but with Igor. Igor likes order, routine, he needs things to be constant. Right now there is a lack of order in our house. A new order is being established in our house and Igor is unsettled. The orphanage dust in our house is a dust bunny the size of Kansas. It's going to take time to get all the dust out... but we will love Igor through the cleaning and reordering process.
No school today!
There is no school today so let the sledding begin!
This is Henry's preferred method of sledding... nice and easy!
This is Henry's preferred method of sledding... nice and easy!
Igor likes to go a little faster.
Henry being brave with daddy
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Snow, blood work and Igor returns
It's snowing outside! I wish Igor were here because he pines for snow and it rarely snows here. Igor will be home tonight!!
This morning Henry was up at 4:15 AM so we had plenty of time to play in the snow before we went to the hospital. Henry was not impressed with the snow. He stared at it, walked in it, then decided he wanted to go back inside where it was warm.
After a few pictures I made a few calls to the hospital but no one answered.
I gave up on reaching the Goth Guy because we really needed to get Henry's blood drawn today. We decided to take Henry to the Women's and Infants Hospital. Because most of our town shuts down when it snows, I wasn't sure if there would be anyone at the lab. We were able to get rock star parking which is a rarity at the hospital. When we arrived at the lab no one was at the desk but we waited until a nurse arrived and registered us.
There was a sign saying only one parent could go in with the child but Mary, the phlebotomist, said she wouldn't do that to us, we could both go in. Mary is a grandmother and loves little children. She was a sweet woman with a gentle touch. She quickly took Henry's blood... there was some crying and gnashing of teeth but they were able to get the five vials of blood! As soon as they took the needle out we gave Henry a bottle and all was right with the world. Henry fell asleep in the car before we got home.
This morning the pediatrician confirmed Henry has giardia. I am so glad they found it! It can be hard to detect. I think Henry will feel so much better once the giardia is gone.
This morning Henry was up at 4:15 AM so we had plenty of time to play in the snow before we went to the hospital. Henry was not impressed with the snow. He stared at it, walked in it, then decided he wanted to go back inside where it was warm.
After a few pictures I made a few calls to the hospital but no one answered.
I gave up on reaching the Goth Guy because we really needed to get Henry's blood drawn today. We decided to take Henry to the Women's and Infants Hospital. Because most of our town shuts down when it snows, I wasn't sure if there would be anyone at the lab. We were able to get rock star parking which is a rarity at the hospital. When we arrived at the lab no one was at the desk but we waited until a nurse arrived and registered us.
There was a sign saying only one parent could go in with the child but Mary, the phlebotomist, said she wouldn't do that to us, we could both go in. Mary is a grandmother and loves little children. She was a sweet woman with a gentle touch. She quickly took Henry's blood... there was some crying and gnashing of teeth but they were able to get the five vials of blood! As soon as they took the needle out we gave Henry a bottle and all was right with the world. Henry fell asleep in the car before we got home.
This morning the pediatrician confirmed Henry has giardia. I am so glad they found it! It can be hard to detect. I think Henry will feel so much better once the giardia is gone.
Monday, January 19, 2009
TB test and a Hernia?
Over the weekend I did something to my stomach. I have bulge less than an inch long and some bruising just to the right of my belly button. It doesn't hurt, it burns. I scheduled a doctor's appointment for this afternoon but 3 hours before the appointment the doctor had an emergency call so I will go Thursday. I looked online (always dangerous!) to see if I could self diagnose (also very dangerous!). One google search and "hernia" came up. Of course, I immediately pictured myself having a hernia operation AND trying to deal with a son who is a barnacle! Not to mention the number of stairs in our house.... So what did I do? I went to work in the yard because once my hubby finds out I have a hernia, I'm sure I'll be on restriction. It's January- we need to prune the apple trees, weed, get ready for a truck full of mulch this spring, etc. Ah, but really, what are the chances I have a hernia? I'm guessing really,really small. I did a lot of yard work, just in case.
This afternoon I took Henry for his TB test. One of my favorite nurses did the test. The burning pain on my stomach drove me to ask her about hernias. She shut the door asking to see the spot. After she saw the bruising and felt the bulge she said, "Let's get the head nurse in here." So here I am in the pediatrician's office having them look at my tummy! Have I no shame??? Well, clearly not! The head nurse comes in, takes a look and then says you've torn something, do you have an appointment with a GP? She tells me that it doesn't look like a hernia but I need to have it looked at this week. So, I don't have a hernia, whew!
I've got to go google "tear in the stomach muscle".... uh, just kidding...
One last thing, remember- When lifting heavy objects (such as your 25 lb child) it is important to lift correctly, with knees bent and your back and abdomen straight.
This afternoon I took Henry for his TB test. One of my favorite nurses did the test. The burning pain on my stomach drove me to ask her about hernias. She shut the door asking to see the spot. After she saw the bruising and felt the bulge she said, "Let's get the head nurse in here." So here I am in the pediatrician's office having them look at my tummy! Have I no shame??? Well, clearly not! The head nurse comes in, takes a look and then says you've torn something, do you have an appointment with a GP? She tells me that it doesn't look like a hernia but I need to have it looked at this week. So, I don't have a hernia, whew!
I've got to go google "tear in the stomach muscle".... uh, just kidding...
One last thing, remember- When lifting heavy objects (such as your 25 lb child) it is important to lift correctly, with knees bent and your back and abdomen straight.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
No luck and Igor takes a break
The Goth Guy was off on Friday so I wasn't able to speak with him. The lab is closed on Monday so I will try again on Tuesday. If I cannot reach him Tuesday we will go to the Women's and Infants Hospital to have Henry's blood drawn.
Schools are closed Monday and Tuesday so Igor decided he wanted to go to Papa and Babushka's house for a vacation. He is growing up too fast! I didn't know 6 yr old boys needed a vacation from their parents. Or maybe he needs a vacation from little brother? I asked him what he was going to do while he was at his grandparents house. Igor replied, "I'm going to take a long rest, take long baths, eat and play." Inside I was chuckling - take a long rest? Has my son turned into an old man? I have to give him credit, he thought it out, he knew he wanted to go and his grandparents were more than willing to have him stay with them so he's on vacation until Tuesday. While Igor is gone I have a few hours to myself while Henry is napping. I have missed my alone time.
I thought we were on the verge of a great sleeping streak- Friday night Henry slept from 6:30PM until 7AM the next morning!! Last night he woke up at 2AM and was up for the day at 4AM. I hope tonight he will sleep straight through.
We haven't had much of a language barrier issue. When Henry wants to play outside he gets his shoes and points to the door. When he is hungry or thirsty he smacks his lips. On Friday he decided he was interested in books so I have added reading books to our routine. Yesterday Henry started waving me over so I would sit down with him. When he is upset he yells- MAMA, MAMA! to express his displeasure. Generally, he is a very happy little boy. We are so grateful he is our son.
Schools are closed Monday and Tuesday so Igor decided he wanted to go to Papa and Babushka's house for a vacation. He is growing up too fast! I didn't know 6 yr old boys needed a vacation from their parents. Or maybe he needs a vacation from little brother? I asked him what he was going to do while he was at his grandparents house. Igor replied, "I'm going to take a long rest, take long baths, eat and play." Inside I was chuckling - take a long rest? Has my son turned into an old man? I have to give him credit, he thought it out, he knew he wanted to go and his grandparents were more than willing to have him stay with them so he's on vacation until Tuesday. While Igor is gone I have a few hours to myself while Henry is napping. I have missed my alone time.
I thought we were on the verge of a great sleeping streak- Friday night Henry slept from 6:30PM until 7AM the next morning!! Last night he woke up at 2AM and was up for the day at 4AM. I hope tonight he will sleep straight through.
We haven't had much of a language barrier issue. When Henry wants to play outside he gets his shoes and points to the door. When he is hungry or thirsty he smacks his lips. On Friday he decided he was interested in books so I have added reading books to our routine. Yesterday Henry started waving me over so I would sit down with him. When he is upset he yells- MAMA, MAMA! to express his displeasure. Generally, he is a very happy little boy. We are so grateful he is our son.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)