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December 30, 2004

crah-kuh

It's over.

Gus not only knows what he wants, he can ask for it!

This has been an incredible week of language growth for Gus:

-He's learned that shaking his head back and forth means 'no' (!no, I'm not ready for that one!)
-He tries to nod 'yes' but it ends up looking like his head is doing circles
-He's now signing Papa, Grandma (we think), fish (we went to the Shedd Aquarium on Monday), drink (which seems like he made up himself...for those of us who grew up in the 80s, it's strikingly similar to 'gag me', except his head is thrown back). Milk is still going strong, and Cheerios is making a comeback. He may sign Mama, but it's very similar to blowing kisses or possibly 'eating', so I can't tell yet.
-It sounds like he can say Grandma, but we're still working on that one. He definitely knows who Grandma is, especially when we ask him where she is. He always looks at her!
-He's saying CRACKER... Cracker this, cracker that, give me the damn cracker already, lady! I feel like I'm going to say this with everything he says or does, but cracker is really cute. A couple of days ago he was simply pointing in the direction of the kitchen and grunting. Yesterday and today he's pointing and saying cracker. How does a word decide to stick?

Here's a pic of Gus with is friend, Abby. Abby just moved a few blocks away, but that's not going to stop us! She's the one that's just a month older than Gus.

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Shots from the Aquarium... I should note that whenever Gus saw dolphins or whales, he signed 'Zeppo'.

Here you can see the hack job I did on his bangs (don't tell... I'll never do it again!).
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It has been so wonderful having all this time with Gus over the holidays. I feel like I've been hugging him just a wee bit more, a wee bit tighter, a wee bit longer after watching all of the destruction in Asia. The thought of all these children being separated from their parents, the terror and fear of that, I just can't fathom it, don't want to ever have to fathom it. We do have the TV on sometimes while we watch the footage, we talk about it a lot too, and it makes me wonder... at what point (if not already) do we shield Gus from the information overload? I already worry that he can sense that something is upsetting us, so I try and hope that our conversations aren't too emotive. When he is older and understands more, how much do you reveal? How do you explain without scaring?

I don't believe in putting Gus in a bubble (I think with the Internet and other technology that it would be impossible without removing all of those sources), but I also don't want Gus to 'catch' what I grew up with, which was the uncontrollable urge to plan for how I was going to deal with tragedy once it hit. Now, granted, I never actually had to follow through on any of my plans, but I had them. I like to think that the planning actually enpowered me, made me feel like I could 'surive' anything that I could imagine happening to me. Was I scaring myself or was I preparing myself?

In the case of the Tsunami destruction, may we all do what we can to help, and may this remind us to appreciate what we have.

Posted by janna at 11:54 PM

December 25, 2004

Merry Christmas

Who loves Elmo?
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We can be booked for weddings or parties of any type. Gus has the voice of an angel, I swear.
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Lovin' the Tio.
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Everybody's signing SOCKS!
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Joyous Auntie Ali and Tio Emilio
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"This will come in handy, honest!" says the Great Grammy Shirley.
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Uncle Bob, Aunt Gail, and cousins Eric and Catherine
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Relaxing with Granny
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It's TOTALLY time to go home, Grandma Shirley.
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Again, we're availalbe for weddings and parties. We're a lot of fun, you won't be disappointed.
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If I eat one more Christmas cookie, I tell you...

good night!

Posted by janna at 10:45 PM | Comments (1)

December 24, 2004

Oh yes, I did.

It's Christmas Eve. Obviously, people, Santa is on his way. But where is he? How's Rudolph doing? Has the weather been a hinderance? I knew it was only 9 am, but it was Christmas somewhere in the world.

I just had to find out. Seriously.

I went to NoradSanta.org. Do you know what NORAD is? From them, and I quote, "NORAD is the bi-national American and Canadian military organization responsible for the aerospace defense of the United States and Canada." On their website you can get a map of where Santa is, or you can call. I had to call.

Yes, I called NORAD. I thought I would get a recording.

Ummm, it's ringing. Why is it taking so long? Why did the message just say someone will be with me shortly? Someone? You mean I have to talk to someone?

Before I could hang up, a woman answered the phone by saying, "Norad, can I help you?"

Can you help me? Ummm... I was wondering, do we need to worry about some kind of nuclear attack on Christmas?

No....I asked, "I was wondering where Santa was?"

"Well, Santa is currently over ->some peninsula in Russia that I don't remember and could probably never pronounce<-."

"Ah, okay."

"Do you have a boy or a girl?"

*pause... oh God, is she going to think I'm crazy for calling when my son is only one and really has no idea who Santa is?*

"Um, a boy."
*please don't make me lie and tell you my son is six or something like that*

"Where are you from?"

"Chicago."

"Well, tell him that Santa should be there at midnight tonight."

Maybe I should introduce Santa to Gus before I go talking about how some guy in a red suit with a huge beard is going to show up at our house in, oh, twenty minutes.

-----------------------------------------

We've been spending a lot of time at home these past two days, and it's been fantastic. The artic cold is responsible for this, but we don't mind. We took Gus out for about an hour today, just to pick up some brown sugar, gifts for the dogs (we're suckers, sue us) and a coffee/tea treat. Between stores, we covered the already-snowsuit-bundled Gus with a blanket. After we left Whole Foods, we could hear Gus chomping on the cracker we 'sampled' from the cheese section, we just couldn't see him.

Tomorrow we'll have our own little celebration here and then make our way to Granny Janice's home, where we'll have our biggest Christmas yet with Auntie Ali and Uncle Emilio, Great Grammy Shirley, John's uncle Bob and aunt Gail and cousins. Full house.

Merry Christmas to all!

Posted by janna at 11:44 PM

December 22, 2004

News Flash!

Five, count 'em, FIVE teeth!

Oh, and I think I'm falling more and more in love with this boy. How is that possible? He is gobble-up cute.

Grandma Shirley is here... I can only imagine there will be some new signs learned!

Posted by janna at 08:31 PM

December 21, 2004

Green Eyes

(and a sneak at the new hairdo)

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Grandma Shirley comes tomorrow!

Posted by janna at 10:40 PM

Have you ever seen a baby sign 'SOCKS'?

Heart-melting.

I'm sorry, but seeing Gus sign socks is the cutest damn thing I've EVER seen. Hands down.

For those of you wondering what's so special about the sign for socks... take the pointy fingers from both hands. With both fingers facing in a downward direction, take your right pointy finger and act like you're sawing off the left pointy finger at the knuckle. That's the sign for socks. Now look at how big your hands are. Think about how cute and pudgy and tiny a one-year old's hands are. Imagine those two-inch fingers doing this sign. Imagine Gus hearing me open his dresser drawer over the monitor, then looking at John and signing 'SOCKS'. Imagine us sitting in the car tonight, me in the back with Gus, him emphatically signing ZEPPO (where the hell is Zeppo, already???? Home, Gus. Home. We need to teach the sign for home...). Imagine him then signing MILK (I must mention that all of this is spontaneous, it's not John nor I saying these words and then having him sign them). I said, yes, I know you want milk. He whined. (!) Then imagine him signing SOCKS.

Socks.

Upfront, I must admit that I always balked a little bit inside when I heard so many people going on and on about how great it was to teach babies sign language. I was a baby signer, I grew up bilingual, it was part of my life. I balked inside because it made me mad that my Mom, who is deaf, was often discouraged from signing for fear it would prevent her from speaking or learning English. Yet, today, we want all the hearing babies to learn sign.

Sorry, I'm just 60+ years bitter.

Things have changed, a lot. You see ASL being taught everywhere, the babies are learning it... I just hope that that all translates to us teaching our deaf babies sign, too, and not reverting back to the old fears that signing will prevent English proficiency.

My main goal in teaching Gus to sign is so that he can communicate with Grandma Shirley...the fact that he can communicate with us is an amazing bonus.

I mean, look what signing can do... I already know that Gus loves ZEPPO to infinity and beyond, loves him some MILK (and MORE of it) and man, SOCKS rock.

__________________________________________________

Soon to come... tales from the harrowing haircut hoobala. Part 1 was on last Saturday, where we (yes we) trimmed the sides and back of Gustav's hair. Part 2, for someday, is the bangs. I'd take pictures, but my camera is in the car freezing its butt off with a dead battery. Just imagine...after we trimmed the sides, for about five minutes he had the best mullet ever.

Posted by janna at 12:05 AM | Comments (2)

December 14, 2004

I'm thinking to myself, "NO, NO, NO!" but on the outside...

...I'm as calm as.... a liar.

Teeth. Grinding. On purpose. Horrible,horrible,horrible,horrible sound. Let me repeat and be very clear: grinding your teeth on purpose, regardless of age, is never cute, is worse than any fingernail-on-the-chalkboard offense, is chill-inducing and should just not occur.

I would never tell this to Gus, because I know in my heart of hearts the minute he sees me freak out (or the minute he sees me freak out AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN) when he grinds his FOUR teeth together he will decide that it is the most hysterical Mama he's ever seen. And he'll decide that he wants to see that side of me. Again. And Again. All the way until he's fourteen, when instead of strong-arming or charming me into buying him that ultra-hip invisible cell phone that floats above your head (two inches, of course), yes, instead of that he will grind his teeth until I swear I'll get it, just to make him stop.

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That's how much I hate it. I hate it so much I stuck my finger in his mouth. I hate it so much I immediately got on and Googled "baby teeth grinding help me" and found out that a) it's normal for toddlers to grind their teeth as it's one way they're discovering their teeth, b) it rarely does major harm (to the toddler, that is), and c) there's another set coming some day anyway, chill the heck out. And John told me he thought we should try to be okay with it rather than react with such fervor as I was. He's right.

So I chilled out. I still got chills when he did it, but I didn't react. Hello, worst acting job I've ever had.

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And for all that, he didn't do it today. Phew. I was certain it was the new thing.

Pictures from Gretchen, our neighbor...she's Emily's Mom.

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To end my whiney, "I can't handle it" tirade (I know, this is nothin'!), allow me to list the cool things that Gus is doing...and these things don't make me cringe.

Gus doesn't just sign Zeppo when we say Zeppo. He now has taken to signing Zeppo when he's looking for her but can't see her. Language, people, language!

Gus is babbling up a storm... I just don't know if it's Spanish, English or Guslish. I don't care. It's the sweetest, most assured words I've ever heard. I agree with almost all of what he says (except the part about teeth grinding and how it affords him comfort, blah blah blah).

Our nightime routine has really helped Gus get to sleep with little crying, if any at all. He also has a new bedtime friend, Curious George, from Aunt Deb. We asked George to be not-so-curious at night. Let's not encourage the sweet Gus anymore than he is.

Yesterday at daycare Gus did not like what was being served for lunch (very unusual for him), and he let Cristy and Elodia know it. Loudly.

Posted by janna at 10:59 PM

December 10, 2004

I'm confused.

Gus plays with his ears ALL the time. I thought he was having ear infections, but the doctor most often (except once) said the ears were fine. So this time, when he was tugging on his ears, I thought, how sweet, it's comforting to him because I play with his ears when he's nursing.

Am I delusional?

Gus had his one-year check up today.

He has an ear infection.

Now, how can I decipher this in the future?

I could:

a) wait for his language skills to improve, at which point Gus will say something like, "Mummy, I believe there might be some fluid and pus building up. Perhaps it's time to go to the doctor."

b) teach him the sign for 'pain' or 'hurt' and try to associate it appropriately, hoping he doesn't sign 'hurt' every time I try to feed him carrots.

c) STOP being delusional and sentimental and take him to the doctor!

Argh.

The good thing is, he's still a pretty happy guy, doesn't really complain much. In fact, he slept through the night last night for the first time in maybe a couple of weeks. We've started a new evening routine that seems to be working. Pajamas, then playtime. Then brushing teeth (when we say 'brush your teeth', he does his version of the sign by 'plucking' his lips). Then book time. Sometimes we read a book more than once. Then we say, "It's time for rest." Everytime I say that he does squawk a bit, but then while saying goodnight to Zeppo, Papa and the room, he puts his head on my shoulder and is ready to go.

Wait, I forgot to mention his stats...

22 lbs (50th percentile)
30 1/4 inches (75th percentile)

This explains why Gus is wearing 18 month clothing and why it fits him perfectly now.

He had a chicken pox vaccination (who knew? apparently doesn't prevent it, just lessens its impact), and his iron tested. The doc asked if I had had chicken pox as a child... the memories flooded back.

Seventh grade, math class, I sat behind Dave Wulff. He was gone for a week with chicken pox. I had it the following week. Mom put a sheet on the couch, put some kind of baking soda concoction on my sores, and left me to sleep in the dried powder that fell from my body. Thanks, Mom. (tee hee)

Posted by janna at 05:28 PM

December 06, 2004

Happy Birthday, Gustav

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Gus, today you are one. ONE! A whole year has past, which feels both long and short. Look how you've changed!

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Gus, you've gone through three hair colors (and baldness).

You've gone from gray eyes to bright blue eyes to green/brown eyes.

You've gone from looking like your Papa to looking even more like your Papa.

You started by nursing every two or three hours, to gulping ounces and ounces a time, to pureed sweet potatoes, to Cheerios, to this evening, where you ate salmon, peas and rice.

You went from sponge baths, to baths where you were lying in a net, to baths where you sit and splash, to baths where you stand up, flashing your cute butt to the world.

You went from being carried around in a carrier, to being carried to your rear-facing car seat, to today sitting forward for the very first time, the joy of newness evident in your face.

Gus, we thought you were going to have teeth at four months, but they went back in and then waited another six or seven months before your first teeth came through. Teething has not been fun, and now the teeth are coming in more frequently.

You've traveled to Iowa by plane twice, by car three times. You've been to Washington DC and Cinncinnati. You've been all over the city and the suburbs, too. Is there a beach with a big umbrella in your future? I hope so!

You've gone from cooing, to babbling, to saying Mama and A-Da, to signing Zeppo.

You love to point and inquisitively ask what things are by saying what sounds like "What is that?"

You went from sleeping in your cradle, to sleeping with us, to waking up through the night, to finally sleeping through the night at seven months. That was a beautiful night for us!

You've gone from scaring Zeppo to being her best food friend. She is your partner in meals, there to pick up after you. She totally has your back.

You've beccome quite the snuggler and hugger. When you're in bed with us in the morning, you'll crawl up to my head and snuggle your head against my neck. So precious.

Ah, your hands. Once you discovered them, they became your teething ring of choice. You are either chewing on your finger, pointing at something, or crawling over to something to climb.

Speaking of climbing... you went from no movement to rolling to commando crawling to actual crawling to pulling yourself up. In fact, you stood without holding on to anything for a few seconds the other day. I had a heart attack. I'm not ready for walking yet, although you love to walk and run when we hold your hands.

All of these things are facts. They are part of your natural progression into toddlerhood. What is harder to capture, harder to quantify, is the enormous impact you've had on our lives. Gus, I simply can't imagine life without you. Thinking back on this day a year ago, it was full of hope, full of the unknown. We had no idea what it would truly be like to be parents. We did a lot of reading in preparation, but in the end it just comes down to being there for you and making sure we're doing right by you.

We love you, Gus. Thank you for coming to us this day a year ago. You've been the best thing to happen to us. We can't wait to see what will be next with you.

xoxo
mama + papa

Posted by janna at 10:35 PM

December 04, 2004

Happy Pre-Birthday, Gus!

Today we had a bunch of little kiddies, with a smattering of adults, over to help Gus celebrate his very first birthday! Despite being completely sleepy due to no morning nap, Gus held his own and took in all the excitement.

Starting to get ready...We hung some snowflakes and wrapped the table.

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Happy Birthday, Gus! When we started singing, Gus looked all around, he couldn't believe what was happening.

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Then it was time to dive in...

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Gus, Michele and Becky. Gus loved taking in the scene on Michele's lap.

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Gus, Evie and Abby

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Gus and Emily

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Theo and Gus

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Emerson aka Emie

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Luke trying out the hats. I forgot to put one on Gus! Thank goodness we still have time since it wasn't truly his birthday yet.

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Gus and Danny

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I don't think we could have fit one more person in our living room. We've had more people than that before in our house, but I think now that we have kids and toys (oh, and the fact that it's December and you can't go sit outside) may contribute to the tightness!

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Opening gifts... who is more excited, me or him?

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Gotta brush that sugar out... check out those NOT-blue eyes! Any predictions?

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It was a great lunch, and so fun to see all the kids together as many of them are not far in age.

What I learned:

1. All kids really want to eat in the end are the cupcakes. The other stuff they eat is like paying a toll to drive on the highway. I'll eat this, but only because I know there's goodness to come!

2. Dense, small cupcakes only make you eat more because you think you haven't eaten very much. This may cause a sugar high, and subsequent sugar crash. Beware.

3. Cream cheese does come out of rugs. And besides, when you have the new Bissel bagless vacuum, it's just another excuse to vacuum. We're still enamored by our lovely purchase.

4. Gus really should have napped before all of that. If only he had an off button...


I've been reflecting on this year...but I'll save that for Gustav's birthday.

Good night, dream sweet cupcake dreams. I know I will.

Posted by janna at 10:43 PM | Comments (1)

December 02, 2004

Number Three

The third tooth is definitely out, folks, and it looks like the rest of its bottom neighbors are not far behind. Could be a rough week for Mr. G, stay tuned.

We need some more cheeks because they're delicious and good for you. More, Gus, more!

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I failed to mention earlier that Gus had a practice birthday party on Thanksgiving since Grandma Shirley won't be in town to celebrate. How could I forget to mention that, particulary after Mom gave Gus three new pairs of pjs (much needed by the fast-growing boy who is getting close to the end of the 18 month clothing already). Gus went through three pairs the next day... after christening them. I should drop the vomit stories, sorry. Mom enjoyed going in the toy aisles for fun things and Gus had fun opening them!

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Things I've learned on my new commute:

ALWAYS carry an umbrella. It's imperative (more on that another day).
Beware the flock of seagulls (literally...not the band...have I said that already?).
Don't sit next to people who stare at you the entire ride, unless its your husband...but even then, that's creepy!

Things I've learned today, in general:
The Bissel Lift-Off Bagless vacuum is changing our lives. We've actually found a vacuum that John enjoys and went crazy with tonight, going all over the house, and showing me (by request) the canister full of stuff. Amazing! (And the man has historically hated vacuums and vacuuming. This is the same man that would wear headphones while he vacuumed because it was too loud. Thank goodness my old one broke.

Oh, and while I'm enjoying writing this right now, I realize that I am victim yet again to the dreaded second wind as it's 12:12 am. Toodles.

*I just cursed myself. Gus just woke up!*

Posted by janna at 12:13 AM