Tuesday, September 7, 2010

preschool

Tomorrow (Wednesday) preschool starts for the two big Bugs.  Last Friday we had "Open School," which is when the parents go to preschool with their child(ren) for 40 minutes to meet the teacher, become familiar with the classroom,etc.  Last year The Bugs' Daddy took off work to go with Bugman because I had just started school.  This year we both got to go since I am home and he took a vacation day. 

Bugman's time was first and he was excited to go back to school and to see his best friend from Miss Kim's house the past three years.

Photobucket


He met his teacher, and in true Bugman fashion said exactly zero words to her the whole time.


Photobucket

He also introduced us to the school pet, Coco (the guinea pig), who isn't allowed out of her cage when the kids are there because "she gets scared."

Photobucket

He quickly found his bestie and they sat together, played together, and stood in line together all morning.

Photobucket

Everyone also got a hug from Mrs. W's puppet (whose name I don't remember.)

Photobucket

Of course during playtime there were plenty of blocks and cars to be investigated.

Photobucket

We made a quick trip home to feed Benny and switch preschoolers and then it was back to school with our new preschooler!

Photobucket

Our second round didn't go quite as smoothly as the first one.  Kel-bug is VERY nervous about starting preschool.  He has Bugman's teacher from last year, who he already knows from dropping Bugman off last year.  We are hoping that this will help his transition, because we anticipate tears tomorrow at drop-off.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Monday, September 6, 2010

Nissan Altima: Kidzilla

The Bugs' Daddy and I saw this commercial today and both agree it fits our household quite nicely... make sure to listen to the background music as well :)

Sunday, September 5, 2010

swimming

First, it must be said before you see these pictures, that yes my children are really this pale.  Ghostly pale, vampire pale, half-albino pale.  We keep them slathered in sunscreen, hats it they are out for a long time, and spf 50 swimsuits (including shirts).  

Both big Bugs were signed up for swimming lessons at the "remimasburg" pool.  (They still have a rough time correctly pronouncing our town's name).  Being Kel-bug's first experience in a "class" we weren't really sure how he would do.  We did know that he wished he had been out on the field during Bugman's ragball season, and that having his brother in the same class would be comforting.

Well... on the first day of lesson the instructors walked the kids to the pool while the parents had a quick meeting.  When I made it over to the pool, Kel-bug was hysterical with one of the instructors, wanting me.  He ended up sitting out and watching... everyday for the entire two weeks.

Amazingly enough, when he went to the pool with his Grammy he told her EVERYTHING the big kids did in swimming lessons, including the words to the songs they sang AND he did everything for his Grammy.  Maybe next year he'll get in during lessons

Bugman, on the other hand, did fantastic.  I think his year of preschool, on top of also playing ragball in the spring has made him much more comfortable with "teachers."

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

busy

Photobucket

We are having our first crazy-busy week since the Benny bug was born.  In the grand scheme of three Bugs, I'm sure this is nothing compared to what we're in for in the next few years, but it's a lot for us!  Here's a little peak at our week:

Monday:  Bugman - soccer game
Tuesday:  Preschool Open House
Wednesday:  "Meet the baby shower" for Big T (the cousin);  Bugman and Bitty - First tumbling class (sounds more masculine that gymnastics)
Thursday: Dr. Appt. for someone (I think its Bugman's 5 year check-up), Bugman - soccer game
Friday - Open School w/mommy for the two big bugs.

Add grocery shopping, cricket buying, cake picking out, laundry, etc... and that's a busy week!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Jinxed

Do you know what you get when you brag about your littlest bug's sleeping skills?  A little bug that wakes up to eat at 4:45am two days later...

Photobucket />

Early this morning I woke to Benny Bug's chatter over the monitor. I assumed that it was around 7:00 because it still seemed very dark and Daniel wasn't up for work yet. I rolled over, squinted at the clock (you know I'm blind without my glasses) and realized it was only 4:45. I decided to give the little guy a few minutes to fall back to sleep, but after about 5 minutes his chatter started to sound whiny, so I went down to get the little stinker.

He ate and promptly went back to sleep until 8:00 and then ate again and slept until 10:00.

The moral of this story:  You won't be hearing any more sleep bragging from me anymore :)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

training wheels

Bugman's "big kid bike" makes him fast, lightning fast - if you ask him.  Poor Bitty was still riding his little trike this summer, pedaling as fast as he could and going, well, nowhere fast.  I scoured Craigslist looking for a bike for the little guy, but didn't find what I was looking for.  The Bugs' Daddy mentioned that maybe, the kid who never gets anything new, deserved a brand new bike for once in his poor, hand-me-down life. 




Photobucket


As we were doing a weekly cruise through Target I noticed they had a perfect little 12" bike.  It was yellow and blue, and matched our already owned dinosaur bike helmet.  Buying it ensured that we would spend at least $80, when all we really went in for was, well, nothing in particular.  Does this happen to anyone else at Target??  That's what I thought. 

Photobucket


It took a total of about 30 seconds before he was comfortable.  His mommy, well, it took her a good 15 minutes of running next to him, barefoot, with a baby in one arm and holding his handlebars with the other, until she calmed down.  Meanwhile, the neighborhood had a good chuckle.

Photobucket


"Adex!  Adex! Wait for me Adex!"  Now when he pedals he actually goes somewhere, even if he still isn't as fast as his big brother.

Photobucket


And yes, he is wearing yet another backwards shirt.  Sigh.

Photobucket

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

ten on tuesday

1.  Tomorrow is the first day of school for PVS (my building).  I won't be there.  It has been crazy to have an August without the rush of back to school preparations.  There is a new teacher in "my" classroom.  While I'm a little sad that I won't get to see all of my work friends each day, I can't say that I regret the decision to stay home with the bugs this year.  I am incredibly excited to get to be mommy and only mommy 24 hours a day/7days a week for the next 12 months.  Then, it will be back to school time for me :)

2.  Speaking of back to school, the big bugs start preschool after Labor Day.  Bugman will be in a pre-K class on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.  Bitty will be in the Beginners class on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.  Bitty has the same teacher that Bugman had last year.  I was relieved to hear from her and know that he will have a great time in her class. 

3.  I am finally completely at peace about deciding to wait until next year to send Bugman to kindergarten.  Even though the decision to send him to kindergarten when he turned 6 was made before he was born, I waivered when registration time about.  Academically, Bugman has the skills that he needs to start school... BUT I've taught a lot of August boys in the past seven years and have seen how much difference a year can make socially, emotionally, and academically.  So, we're waiting, and I know that he will do fantastic a year from now.

4.  Since I've been home this summer we've been (very casually) working on some reading skills.  Today, while reviewing "-an" words, we read the word "Jan."   Bugman read the word, looked at me and said "Jan.  Liking janning... that's what we did in Grammy's car today."   Ummm, how about jammin' buddy.  Then again, maybe janning works just as well when your talking Grammy and two bugs dancing and singing in a car :)

5.The big bugs have been sleeping until 9:00 or 9:30.  Benny bug has been getting up to eat around 7:30 and going back to sleep  until 9:00 or 9:30.  Preschool starts at 9:00.  Getting up, fed, dressed and there on time is going to be rough.  Did I mention Benny Bug wakes up happy?  He chats to himself until Daniel or I go down to get him.  I tell you, this little bug is too good to be true.  I'm pretty sure we're going to be in trouble when he starts teething.  Daniel is our designated night time baby rocker.  I do the feeding and he does the rocking if they won't go back to sleep.  Wanna know how many nights he has been up with Benny bug??  Exactly ZERO.  This kid has gone back to sleep after every nighttime feeding since birth.  Oh, and we don't have nighttime feedings since this kid goes to bed by 9:00 and doesn't get up until morning.  And yes, I've just cursed myself. 

6.  I just added a new blog to my daily must reads Nice Girl Notes polite with bite.  Hysterical and definitely worth a stop.

7.  There's a new blogger in town.  I'd link you over, but, ummm, there is nothing there yet.  But there will be... soon, and I'll let you know as soon as there is.Wanna know who it is?  I give you a hint or two.  1.  She's my close relative.  2.  She just had my nephew.  

8.  I actually have a blog with pictures going up tomorrow.  No, hell hasn't frozen over.  At least I don't think it has.

9.  I've been doing the C25K (Couch to 5k) program.  My ankles and feet are pretty angry.  I think my already flat feet may have gotten flatter with this last pregnancy.  They scream at me every morning as I hobble down the stairs to the bathroom.  I'm thinking of looking into a good pair of running shoes for these ridiculous feet.

10.  I got a Nook for my birthday.  (It's an e-book reader).  I LOOOOVE it!  I can read one handed, while holding the baby.  A new book is never more than a few clicks away.  I did quite a bit of research on the Nook and the Kindle (and by "I" I mean my mom).  I actually did read some reviews.  The choice seems to be 6 of one, half dozen of the other.  I did find that Kindle owners HATE the Nook and their owners, while Nook owners just love their Nook.  I went for the happy side :)  Oh, and Barnes and Nobles lets Nook owners read e-books for free while in the store (you know, while the kids are at the train table).  AND sometimes gives out free STARBUCKS coffees to Nook owners.  WHAT!! 

Monday, August 23, 2010

movie monday - alex rides his bike

Things to note:

1. Yes, Bitty's shirt is backwards, but at least he is dressed.
2. No, Bittybug does not match. Backward shirt with a giant pea and khaki shorts with farm animals. Again, at least he is dressed.
3. My camera work will most likely make you sea sick today.
4. We need to put the seat up higher on Bugman's bike.


alex rides his bike from Leanne Alldred on Vimeo.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

ten signs you still have "baby weight" to lose

Photobucket

10. The first magazine you get in the mail post-baby has a headline of "Shrink Your Belly." You read it while eating your husband's Double Stuf Oreos.

9. You promise yourself you will get up and workout before The Bugs wake up... or even better, you'll go jogging before the hubster leaves for work. You know, starting tomorrow, only you've been saying this for three weeks and it hasn't happened yet.

8. Your pre-preggo jeans fit! ... with a rubber band around the button.

7. Your sister had a baby a week ago and her stomach is already giving yours a run for its money. Sigh.

6.  While visiting said sister in the hospital you pray that the nurses don't mistake you for a patient on the maternity floor.

5. You leave the house only with the baby in tow, so no one will ask you when you're due.

4. You try to convince yourself of the possibility that you were actually pregnant with twins and one forgot to come out.

3.   You prefer to get on the scale while holding the baby... and then pretend that he weighs 30 pounds.

2.  Weight Watchers sent you not one, but two free registration passes, and you're pretty sure someone must have tipped them off.

and the #1 sign that you still have "baby weight" to lose - The Bugs ask you why your "bunnies are eating your unnerpants."

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

the answer

Did you love my riddle yesterday??  Very cryptic, wasn't it??  Well, here's the deal:

Bennett was born seven weeks ago today on May 5, 2010 or 5/5/10.  So, 5 + 5 = 10.  Yesterday was June 22, 2010 or 6/22/10.  Again, 6 + 2 + 2 = 10.  Any ideas??

Well, just call me Aunt Leanne from now on!  Turner Douglas was born yesterday around 4:30 (I'm not sure of the official time) and was 5lbs 13oz and 20in long!  He's long and skinny and looks EXACTLY like his daddy!

Photobucket

Mommy and baby are doing well.  Little man had a little trouble maintaining his body temperature and spent some time under the heat lamps in the nursery, but is keeping temps up on his own this afternoon!  

So far I am his FAVORITE Aunt.  What?!?!  I'm his only aunt you say??  Well, I still got the first smiles and I'm pretty sure that counts for something :)

Photobucket

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

a riddle

Seven weeks ago tomorrow, 5 + 5 = 10.  Today, 6 + 2 + 2 = 10... and we're pretty flippin' excited about it!!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

ten on tuesday - one month

Photobucket

Bennett is one month old!  Well, he's a little over one month, but I didn't get this posted last week.  In honor of his one month b-day I thought we'd do a TOT of our little man.


At one month, Bennett...


1.  Is looking more like "himself."  I think the first thing you do when you have kids is try to figure out who they look like.  Do they look like mom, or dad, or a big brother.  I thought Bennett looked like Kellan in the hospital, but quickly changed my mind and decided he looked more like Alexander.  Now, the little man just looks like Bennett.  He is definitely developing his own look, and his own unique expressions.

2.  Fits perfectly into our family.  I told Daniel that it seems like we brought him home yesterday, but it also seems like he has been with us forever.  He looked at me like I was crazy, but I know the other moms out there know what I mean :)


Photobucket

3.  Rolled over from his belly to back (once).  I'm sure this was a fluke, but still exciting!  

4.  Seems to be growing like a weed!  While he still fits into most of his newborn sized clothing, he is fitting into quite a bit of his 0-3 month clothing as well.  

Photobucket

5. Is (was) sleeping one 6-7 hour stretch at night, followed by another 2-3 hour stretch (more on the "was" part of that statement later this week!)

6.  Moved up to size 1 diapers (again, seems to be growing like a weed).

Photobucket

7.  Spits up like its his job.  I'd even go as far as to say he is giving Alexander a run for his money.  Anyone who remembers Alex as a baby, knows that is quite a feat.  It doesn't seem to bother him though and like a said before, he appears to be growing!  It does create a lot of laundry though!

8.  Pretty much hates his swing, and his crib, and laying flat on his back.  He loves his bed in our room, being held upright, and being swaddled.

9.  Is very loved by his two big brothers (who are getting much better at loving him "nicely."

10.  Watches too much reality TV and is loving The Real Housewives and The Bachelorette with a little Keeping up with the Kardashians thrown in for good measure.  He even thinks he might miss the crazy "weatherman" and his amazing uncomfortableness :)

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

the magic word

Photobucket

Yesterday, this guy was bothering his baby brother.  Here is the conversation that we had:

Me:  Kellan, leave your baby brother alone.
Kellan:  What the magic woooorrrrddd???
Me:  Please.
Kellan: No, that not the magic word!
Me:  Then what's the magic word?
Kellan:  Abracadabra!
Me: Abracadabra!

...and off he ran.

Monday, June 7, 2010

I might be in trouble...

but luckily, since she's still pregnant and I'm not, I'm pretty sure I can outrun her ;)

My sister (who is due with my nephew in a few weeks) asked if I would take a few maternity pictures before she pops.

Photobucket

OK, so she actually asked for A picture to send to Erik's out of state grandparents.

Photobucket

...but what fun would that be??

Photobucket

Erik made one request, which was "I'm not making a heart on her stomach with my hands."  Sooooo....

Photobucket

If I've never mentioned it, my sister got most of the good genes.  She has the better hair and has had ~1 pimple in her life.

Photobucket

She also has a little preggo belly that barely shows up in pictures.

Photobucket

... or maybe that has more to do with the fact that she takes Lucy Lou on a walk everyday, whereas my pregnant self preferred putting my swollen feet up, and having a bowl of ice cream instead.

Photobucket

Thursday, May 27, 2010

so, we live at the doctor's office

Bennett has been attempting to set some new records in trips to the doctor's office (or perhaps doctors' offices would be more appropriate).  Before we were released from the hospital on May 7th, the pediatrician wanted another bilirubin level done, as apparently little man's levels were a little high the day before.  Depending on the results, we were either going home, or staying a little longer.  They came back at a 12, so we were able to go home, but instructed to go to the office in the morning for another check.

Photobucket

Appointments 1 & 2 - pediatrician and blood lab

Saturday morning (May 8th) we heading to see Dr. E. to have a bilirubin recheck.  We were then sent to a blood lab with the understanding that if the results came back above 15 that Kettering would come to our house to set up a bilirubin blanket.  We were hopeful that this would not happen, but thankful that we wouldn't have to return to the hospital, but could treat it at home. 

When Dr. E called later that afternoon, Bennett's levels were 13.5, so they had gone up, but not into the danger zone.  He wanted me to continue to nurse, but only 10 minutes on each side, and then follow up with an once of formula.  The goal was to get him to the "shooting poop across the room" stage as quick as possible to rid his body of the extra red blood cells. Success!

Photobucket

Appointment 3 - One week checkup

Our pediatrician sees babies for "well check-ups" at one week, two weeks, and then not again until two months (unless your an Alldred, apparently).  We saw Dr. C for Bennett's one week appointment.  She said that his color looked fabulous, which was a relief to hear.  He weighed in at 8lbs 4oz (he came home at 7lbs 11oz), which meant that he was back up to his birth weight (typically a two week goal!)  I wasn't surprised, as both Alex and Kellan gained almost two pounds in their first two weeks home.  (Alex went from 6lbs 13oz to 8lbs 13oz, and Kellan went from 8lbs 12oz to almost 11lbs.)


During his newborn screening at the hospital the doctor noticed Bennett had a "clicking" hip, which meant that his hip joint was loose.  He said that this can be caused by one of two things.  First it can simply be loose ligaments from all of the excess estrogen (that loosens women's ligaments for childbirth), or it could be a problem with the formation of the joint.  Dr. C noticed that it was still loose a week later, so we were referred to Children's for an ultrasound on his hips (thank goodness for the new Children's in Springboro... it saved us some drive time!)

Photobucket

Appointment 4 - Two week check-up

Last Wednesday we went in for Bennett's two week well baby appointment with Dr. C again.  Daniel and I made guesses at what his weight would be.  I guessed 9lbs even, he guessed 8lbs 12oz.  Little man came in at 8lbs 9oz, making him the smallest of all three boys at two weeks.  I was a little concerned that he had only gained 5oz (typically babies gain ~1oz/day at this age), but Dr. C wasn't concerned, as he had already reached birth weight the week before.

Dr. C. felt that his hip was not as loose as it had been the previous week, but still wanted us to go for the ultrasound that was scheduled for the next day.

She also dabbed his belly button with a little silver nitrate, as his cord stump had fallen off, but he still had a nodule that had not completely dried up.

Photobucket

Appointment 5 - What the...

When we got up last Thursday I took Bennett's PJs off to change his diaper and was shocked by his belly button.  Not only was it oozy, (which the silver nitrate had appeared  to dry up) but a big piece of skin had fallen off and he had a VERY red and raw spot. 


Before I called the pediatrician I called Daniel for his opinion (I might tend to over-react... occasionally) on whether to call or not, he agreed that I should.  Luckily they had a AM appointment available so we dropped Alex off at preschool and Kellan and I took Bennett back to see Dr. C. 


Dr. C. said that she had never seen this happen before, but his baby skin is so sensitive that the silver nitrate ate/burned the skin off.  Poor little munchkin :(  She prescribed an antibiotic ointment (to the tune of $110... thank goodness for insurance!) to prevent infection since it was so close to his explosive, unpredictable bottom half.

A week later I am happy to say that his belly button is completely healed up.

Later that day...

Appointment 6 - Ultrasound

That afternoon was his hip ultrasound, which I really felt was precautionary at this point.  (Along with the dr. feeling it was tighter, he didn't have any of the risk factors.)  Friday morning I was relieved when a nurse called from the peds office, thinking they had a nurse call because everything was normal.  In reality, the nurse called to give us information about the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon they want us to see because the ultrasound was abnormal.  And that is all of the info we have at this point... well, except for what I found on Google, which is usually a bad idea.

This leads us to appointment 7 tomorrow morning.  I'll update when we know more!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

meeting the brothers

My babies tend to decide to make their appearance when we have other plans, or on days that are slightly inconvenient.  Alex arrived hours before Aunt 'Cole left for a trip, Kellan arrived on the day Aunt "Ashy's" state teaching evaluation, and I anticipated that this little guy would show up the day of Aunt "Ashy's" baby shower.  He held off four more days and arrived on the day of the big kids' hair appointment, which was really no big deal.  Daddy left the hospital, ran into work for a few minutes, picked the boys up at Miss Kim's and took them for their haircut (and thankfully got one for himself as well!) 

After a quick dinner, they headed over to the hospital to meet their new brother.  Kellan was immediately elated.  He climbed up onto the bed with me and wanted to hold "Baby Benny the Jet Rodriquez" (he may be a little obsessed with the movie "The Sandlot.")

Photobucket

We quickly learned that while he was immediately in love with this new little brother, that he would love him to death if given the chance.  He wanted to "help" him open his eyes, carry him across the room "all by myself," and get as close to his little face as possible.


Photobucket

He also didn't want to give anyone else a turn holding the Bennett.  The only thing that came in a close second was Mommy's "bandaide" (from my IV), and the five hospital bracelets on my right arm. (My favorite being the "fall risk" yellow bracelet from my epidural.)


Photobucket


"Kellan, whatever you do DON'T smile at Daddy!"  ... works like a charm :)


Photobucket

Alex was a little more apprehensive about holding his newest little brother.  I think it was mostly "Stage fright," as Aunt 'Cole, Uncle Josh, and Uncle Nick were also visiting.  Anyone who knows our biggest kid knows that he does not like to be the center of attention.


Photobucket

He was eventually coaxed into visiting with Bennett with the promise of a Hotwheel.  Yep, that's my kid :)