likes and dislikes

Well, we made it home from Texas a week ago. The flight back was much like the flight down. Isaac fell asleep while they were de-icing our plane on the runway (yes, they de-iced our plane, in Texas, in March, during Spring break, where it SNOWED on our last day after a week of 70 degree weather!) before take off. He then woke up right as we reached cruising altitude, and was awake for the rest of the 3 hour flight. Lots of compliments were given at the end of the flight, but boy did I have to work for those compliments! I tossed him into Daddy's arms at the airport and said, "he's all yours!" Of course, about 10 minutes later, I was wanting to hold him all over again. Kids. They can really do a number on your heart.

So I have a few more fun picture to share with you from our trip. One morning, I came upon Amelia (A-mee) and Isaac playing in her room. Playing dress up. I couldn't help myself, so I grabbed my camara, got dressed up too, took tons of pictures, and then turned on Shakira and we danced and danced. (Ainsley - there was no make-up, but don't worry, I'm sure it will happen someday.) Keith was less than thrilled when he saw these pics and gave me the "i-can't-believe-you-let-our-SON-do-this" look. Whatever. I think it's hilarious, Isaac had a blast, and these pictures will definitely appear in his future someday...perhaps a rehearsal dinner slide show. Oh yeah. (besides, they can't be any worse than the pictures Lauren has of Grant dressed in high heels, a leotard, and a see-through black ballet skirt, with his feet perfectly placed in to first position and a big fat smile on his face.)





Isaac loved playing outside, as I mentioned, but he did not...I repeat, did NOT like swinging. However, he LOVED the slide. Lauren and I received so much joy from watching his face each time he scooched and scooched his way over the top to swoosh down, laughing and gasping all the way. Then, when at the bottom, he'd flip over and try to crawl back up. Except, his jeans would slip and slide and he never made any ground. He would keep trying and trying (bless his heart) until one of us would come to the rescue. I will never forget it. Now, I need you enjoy this too.

the sun on my face

Isaac and I boarded a plane last Friday to come visit family and friends here in Texas. While waiting to board, I noticed Isaac was the only, I repeat ONLY child on the flight. I instantly started to feel immense pressure thinking, "oh geeze, if my kid starts to scream or throw a fit, the entire plane will know it's Isaac and send me the can't-you-shut-your-kid-up stares." Well, thankfully, the flight was mostly uneventful...for every other passenger on board that is. To my delight, Isaac slept (only 45 minutes) and did not scream, cry, or throw any kind of fit or tantrum. To my exhausted dismay, I had to entertain him for the remaining 2.5 hours. He is just at the age (15 months old today!!!) that he can't just sit and color for half an hour, or watch a movie. His attention span is extremely limited. I fed him tons of snacks so he would stay seated, then we walked the entire length of the plane about 14.7 times, we changed diapers and hung out with the flight attendents in the rear, read books, and sang songs. Everyone was so complimentary as they exited the plane..."What a lovely little boy you have!", "He was such a good boy. I didn't hear a peep.", "He seems like such a delight." Well, all is true. He is a joy, a delight, and a good boy. However, after entertaining my "delight", I was exhausted, nauseous, and needed a large margarita!



Now that we are on the ground, we have been enjoying this warm, sunny Texas weather, which is a new experience for Isaac. And let me tell ya, he does not like the sun in his eyes at all. He has been riding forward-facing for the first time (which he does LOVE), but everytime the sun glares on his face, he squeels and wines. We're gonna have to toughen him up before we return for good. He's had a blast playing outside, especially with Grant and Amelia, who are beside themselves with glee that Isaac has come to visit. (I guess they're glad I'm here too.)

After play time, Aunt LoLo and Uncle Drew have put Isaac to work. He's been taking the car to run some errands, mowing the lawn, sweeping the porch, and fixing us all some dinner. (please note the oven mit that he refused to take off.) All of this hard work, and play, means Isaac's been taking some serious naps and sleeping later than ever in the mornings. Nice.



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Okay, that's all for now. Babe/Daddy...we miss you like you have no idea!!!! Sending you all our love.

love,

steph and isaac

the sun came out

We have been blessed by gorgeous weather here in CT this weekend...mid-fifties, blue skies, sunny, and slightly breezy. So, on our way home from church this morning, we stopped at the Green in New Haven to let Isaac romp around for a bit. He was all "oooo's" and "awwww's" (his latest thing), pointing at each new sight and sound. He especially enjoyed "arf-arfing" at every dog that strolled by. Once we put him down for his nap, Keith and I went back outside to cut his hair and then I lounged and read my book, basking in the warmth of the sun. What a luxury! Isaac and I leave for Texas this Friday and I am crossing my fingers for warm, sunny weather. I'll just go ahead and put in my order for that right now, thank you very much.








A few other things I would like to show and tell...

Isaac tried his first Clementine. Oh my darlin'....it was hilarious!!



Also, Grandma sent Isaac his first backpack. He looks like such a big boy when he struts around with his hands gripped on the straps.



And now, I shall leave you with a glorious photo of what we are going to eat for dinner tonight.



I'm not kidding! This is a steamed cheeseburger from Ted's Restaurant in Meriden, CT. Don't ask me how they do it, but whatever they do, it's juicy and DELICIOUS!! SO, we're off to pick up a couple burgers, go grab some chips and soft drinks, and maybe head to a park for a picnic dinner. Wish you were here!

look Ma, no helmet!

Last week we made our final trip to Clinton, CT where the only Cranial Technologies office in New England is located. Isaac was diagnosed with plagiocephaly in October and every 2 weeks since we have driven to Cranial Tech for clinic visits so they could adjust his helmet and assess his growth and change. We have altered our lives for the past 4 months to accommodate for this helmet, our evenings being dictated by what we fondly called "the helmet routine." Isaac was allowed to be helmet-free only 1 hour a day, which is when we had to clean the helmet and wash and dry his hair. It's not like it was that inconvenient. There were just those nights here and there that we really would have liked the flexibility to skip all that and just toss the kiddo in bed. Needless to say, Keith and I were absolutely thrilled to be saying goodbye to the helmet. Isaac didn't know what was happening.

This consult was much like our very first evaluation. They slipped on the panty-hose, which he tolerated just as well as the first time, smiles and all, to re-digitally scan his head. We got to see his heads (well, the virtual heads of before and after) on a screen to compare. It was truly amazing to see the changes. Then, they took all new measurements. Finally, they wet his hair down and snapped still photos from all angles...which Isaac did not tolerate as well as he did the first time around. I would say he shed tears of joy, but the blood curdling screams accompanying those tears definitely said otherwise. This may sound weird, but I missed his head and am so glad to have it back!! How wonderful it is to hold him, or rock him, and have his head snuggled and nestled on my shoulder instead of the hard, cold helmet gauging into my collar bone. So, enjoy these pics of our last experience at Cranial Tech.




We walked out that door and did not look back. Isaac has been rubbing his head a lot, sleeping like a rock, and experiencing for the first time what it feels like when his head slams into the door frame, kitchen cabinets, and crib rails. Lots of new tears that we didn't have before. But, look at our cutie cutie lovie, all big and grown up on the stairs, with his helmet-free handsome head!!! Blow 'im some kisses. Mua!!