Bright side of the road...

Well, we're 2 for 2 w.doc appts this week!

Went to our follow-up w.the ENT today to check John's tubes. He said they looked great :) The audiologist also said he did better on his hearing test. She did say that he's "too smart" b/c he kinda outwits the test, making it somewhat ineffective. I sent Seth in the testing booth w.him this time to play "keep him focused". I felt like such failure last time, didn't have the heart to put myself in there with him again. Seth didn't do much better. I told him he wasn't the one being tested - he kept explaining how hard the sounds were to hear to the audiologist...all his explaining makes me laugh thinking about it :)

I'm not really gonna talk about how our appt. was @ 9:10 & we didn't roll in till about 20 after. I'm not gonna say how the pissy receptionist made a point to look over her glasses at the clock on the wall for about 5 seconds too long after Seth said we were running a little behind. I'm also not gonna mention how she has a sign there at her desk that says, "I have flying monkeys & I'm not afraid to use them." I've seen the Wizard of Oz and I know what happens to the Wicked Witch at the end & how the monkeys turn on her as she cries "I'm meellllting, meellllttting." Yeah, the movie speaks for itself - so I'm not really gonna say much about about the pissy receptionist and her flying monkeys :)

I will say that it's a blessing to have had 2 great doctor appts. w.nothing less than "he looks great" & "everything's good". Even though these mornings have been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY & that's all before we even get to real work - it's been a joy to have these mornings at home together as a family. However, one family member did get put in his crib for a lil' power nap this morning at about 8:20 to regroup - a lil' preventative never hurts!

I did the daycare drop off on my way in after the doc & had a nice lil' chat w.Ms. Karen. She was giving me some 411 on John and his goings on at daycare. She said, "he just eats & eats" - "just can't believe how much he eats!". I just nodded along - he is quite the lil' eater when he wants to be. I did assure her that she needn't worry about overfeeding him! She also talked about his coloring/painting skills (they're into crayons & watercolor), saying that he's so concentrated in what he's doing. As she said, "He's not like the other ones who just bang on the paper, he takes his time - do you practice w.him at home?" I told her he has a chalkboard easel & some sidewalk chalk for the driveway, but that is something he gets from his Deddy - that diligence and concentration. I told Seth how she was raving about his coloring skills & concentration - I could hear in his voice, the pride was swelling. "That's our boy," he said. :)

And time seems to go by so fast
In the twinkling of an eye

Lets enjoy it while we can
Wont you help me sing my song
From the dark end of the street
To the bright side of the road

15 month well-check!

Just went to my 15 month well-check...

Here's my stats:
25.1 lbs & 30 in. tall

That gal, Dr. Shaw, wanted to know all the fun things I am up to these days. I was busy making sure all of the toys were equally distributed on the floor, so Mama & Deddy answered all her questions.

They told her that I am doing great since my tubes - talking more, walking better - just a big difference. She asked what words I was saying & they told her:

"Bah" = ball
"Doh" = dog
"Caa" = cat
"No" = spot on :)
"Ma" = Mama
"Deh" = Deddy
"Pishhhhh" = fish
"Up" = :)
"Bye, Bye" = you get the point!

Dr. Shaw said that was great! Mama & Deddy asked if the clarity mattered & she said as long as they understood it, it counts.

She gave them a nice segueway to talk about my lil' temper by asking if I'm understanding directions/requests. They unanimously nodded yes, following up that I understand, and I make up my mind whether or not I want to follow the instruction. And since we often don't agree on my choice, I usually end up throwing my lip out & proceeding to fall apart.

She said this was perfectly NORMAL & that re-direction is the most relevant tool right now. They told her how for giggles Deddy sent me to the corner of the kitchen for "time out" the other night. He sat me down, told me not to get up & said I couldn't look at him & mama. For some reason, every time I snuck a peek back at them they were laughing so hard they could barely breathe. But I stayed in my spot in the corner & just cried till I was "relieved".

Dr. Shaw said its good to practice some different things when I get out of control, but not to get their expectations too high till I'm around 2. They seemed ok w.that & that means I'm off the hook for a lil' while longer :)

I had 3 shots today : ( but I was brave & only cried for a minute. That said, I will be proudly wearing my Thomas the Train sticker today (front & center on my shirt, of course) so everyone at school will know what a big boy I was this morning!

All in all, it was a great visit & I enjoyed having the morning at home w.Mama & Deddy. I got my favorite for breakfast ~ an egg & cheese sandwich. Deddy holds it so I can eat it like a big boy - he's my best buddy by far!

“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh," he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, "I just wanted to be sure of you."”
~Winnie the Pooh

Taking time...

to appreciate someone who did their job & did it well, I sent the following email last week...

Good morning,

I had the pleasure of meeting one of your fine employees downtown last
night. The gentleman's name was Robert Hancock. A friend & I were trying
to help a foreign woman, visiting Raleigh, find an available bus. When one
couldn't be found, we called her a cab. Mr. Hancock was very helpful in
waiting in the rain with us till the cab arrived, talking to the cab driver,
making sure that the woman was safely in the cab and confirming the driver
knew her destination (he had him get his map out and everything).

Being a Raleigh resident, I was very pleased to know there are people
downtown who can provide this kind of assistance. It spoke very well for
our city that he was such a help to an out-of-towner - especially given the
inclement weather last night! Mr. Hancock should be commended for a job
well done. He made a wonderful impression and truly embodied above & beyond
what an ambassador should be.

Thank you for your time - have a great day!

In response to that, I received this:

Hello Traci,

Thank you for taking the time to write about Ambassador Robert Hancock. I
know Robert really takes pride in what he does and it is really important
for him to represent the Downtown Ambassadors in a professional manner.

The Downtown Ambassadors do everything possible to make downtown safe,
secure and hospitable for all visitors, workers and residents. I will make
sure Robert is acknowledged for his work. Thank you so much for letting me
know about his actions and all the things the ambassadors mean to downtown.

Sincerely,

Robert

Robert Rutten
Program manager
Downtown Raleigh Ambassadors

Long story short - out to dinner w.Allison, walking down the street to a coffee shop - a woman (probably older than my parents) w.a heavy Australian accent asked if we knew anything about the busline (as a bus was driving away). She was fumbling w.the bus schedule in the pouring rain w.no umbrella. We didn't have any information to offer, but she was so grateful we even stopped to try & help. With the rain beating down on her, I couldn't help but insist she take my umbrella - I could share w.Allison. She laughed & said she had hers in her bag, but just hadn't bothered to take it out.

I won't go into all the other little things that transpired between that initial conversation and me hugging her, w.her tear-filled eyes as she got into a cab about an hour later. It was one of those, "you just had to be there" kinda life moments. But I will say this - standing in the rain (under an awning, thankfully) waiting on that cab - I saw how the face of God can greet you in the strangest places. I'm glad that rain was pouring down, b/c if it hadn't been, I think it would have been easy to casually walk on by. Easy to be dismissive w.a stranger. And even though that is my "good" umbrella (and there was a moment of thinking, "I really don't want to give away my umbrella"), I'm glad God gave me that nudge to be gracious.

What good is anything if you can't share it - that's where good transcends to joy & that is best when shared :)

Oh, and the gentleman I wrote the email about - Robert : ). I can only smile when thinking of him. I think he was extra "special" and that further humbled me - he was gracious, helpful & kind. I never knew standing in the rain w.strangers could be so moving...

I should probably start carrying extra umbrellas & walking in the rain more...never know who I could meet :)

Our lil' Picasso...so proud!

Here are my hands Jesus! Please help me to use them for doing good.

Battling boogies & other goings on...

Wednesday ~

The aspirator is quickly becoming feared again this week. Punkin's crying louder & kicking harder than he ever has before. There's so much snot - it's just pitiful. From what Ms. Karen's been putting on his sheet, it's been a rough couple of days at daycare. Although she did say he enjoyed Play Dough yesterday (they really do some fun/neat things), she also said he's just not himself :(

He & I were up at 5:30 this morning - it's been a long day & I just keep wondering what kind of days he's having. I hope he's hanging in there. Saying lil' prayers, hoping this cold will soon subside so he can get back to being his joyful, big appetite-d, self. Definitely finding some comfort that we'll be at the Dr. twice next week. Tuesday for his well-check & Wednesday for his tubes follow-up.

The lil' sleep thief ~


Spent a great evening w.our good friend Allison last night - she's moving to DC next week. Allison's someone we're always happy to see - she definitely brings a smile to our face. Life only affords us a handful of "favorite" kinda people - she's up there on my list. Oh, and she can make her own beer - how cool is that?! Just a neat girl :) We're praying for her & the opportunity she's found in DC.



Thursday morning ~

Last night was not the best evening for John. He seemed fine when I picked him from daycare. Insert a funny about daycare: I had to 007 out of my car yesterday so John wouldn't see me out of his class window. 4 out of 5 days a week, when you pull in the parking lot, that lil' booger will be standing there watching the parking lot - in search of a mama or deddy figure. He gets frantically excited when he sees you (bangs on the window, smiling), but this excitement quickly dissolves into confusion as we make our way to the door, out of sight. By the time we get to his room, he's usually completely defeated - crocodile tears & all. I like to think I finally smartened up, although I'm sure I looked very gooberish, lurking down around the car to avoid a sighting. Your concern for how you look & what other people think is fast fading as a parent...if it's a means to an end, then any/all behavior becomes very rational & appropriate!

At any rate, supper was borderline disastrous (lots of food found its way to the floor) & John spent the whole evening fussing or crying - the degrees varied. Oh, and he got to throwing things - more like he's throwing his hands cause he's mad, but if an object's in reach, look out. He got in the most trouble last night cause he threw his hands at Salem. We're anxious to talk to the Dr. next week about his lil' temper & ways to curb it. Otherwise, a more strong-handed discipline tactic isn't far away. It's kind of the elephant in the room when he pitches these little tantrums - I try not to even look at Seth. His disapproving look may just as well be him saying, "He's SO your son". At any rate, we're hoping maybe it was us being away for a weekend, him being tired or the culmination of all that & not feeling well that's bringing out this not so bright side of him!

He did sleep good last night & this morning we brought him into bed with us about 6:30. I didn't even try & lie about why I was late to work today. Told the boss that the lil' one was laying between us & I was rubbing his back, the Fisher family was just enjoying waking up slow - I mean honestly, how could I jump out bed when I've got my 2 faves laying there w.me?

John seemed a lil' better this morning when we finally did get up & moving. Barely got any junk out of his nose, hopefully we're on the up & up w.that. It obviously makes me a little nervous to think of leaving Seth for the weekend w.him acting like a bear!

Speaking of the weekend, getting somewhat anxious. Not used to traveling so light (i.e. by myself) these days. I did kinda make sure I was leaving at a time when no one else was (much to Seth's dismay) cause I wanted to have some time in the car to myself. For the girl who once drove from Florida to NC in one day, ALL BY HER LONESOME - a short lil' jaunt to Emerald Isle's a drop in the hat! Solitary road trips are good for the soul :)

It's kinda cool, the beach house we're going to be at is just down the road from where we got married. Will definitely feel weird to be at EI & pass by Pebble Beach w/o Seth - never been there w/o him. Should be a good weekend, lots of estrogen - but I'm optimistic!


Hundred Percent
I'm of the opinion that people don't know what they're talking about 90 percent of the time, my grandpa said & my grandma smiled & said , O, you're too late. The 10 percent slot filled up a few minutes ago. & we could hear him muttering all the way back out to the garden ~Story People

Fun things about our anniversary trip...

Beachin', listenin' to music & adult beverages...

Lots of sugarz...

Puttin' our feet up, enjoyin' the view - lots of morning coffee...

Gettin' all dressed up - winin' & dinin'...

Laughing together...our favorite past-time!

While the cat's away ~ or in this case, the parentals...

John had a big ol' stinker time...

much of it spent being a lil' shadow!

The hint of fall...

I'm loving this not-so-humid weather. I'm loving this slight chill I feel in the air. I'm loving these days where feeling the warm sunshine on my face is actually a pleasant thing. Thus begins my biannual debate of whether I like Fall or Spring better. With the cooler mornings, Football in the air (literally, the NCSU band marches by regularly outside my window), knowing the State fair is less than a month away - I'm feeling a strong partiality to Fall. I will hold faithful to this right up until April of next year, I'm sure :)

Seth & I just returned from celebrating our 3 year wedding Anniversary. We spent almost 4 days at a lovely B&B on the NC Outerbanks, the Colington Creek Inn. We had a wonderful time! Whether we were sitting on the porch looking out at the water, sitting and relaxing on the beach or enjoying some wonderful dining experiences - it was a much needed time of togetherness, relaxation and the opportunity to re-connect. We've spent the last 15 months being parents first - it was nice for Mama & Deddy to enjoy a moment of just being Seth & Traci again :) We missed our lil' buddy terribly, but it was nice to have that time to really sit back & reflect on all the many blessings that fill our lives.

John stayed home w.his Nana & Pappaw & from the looks/sounds of things, a big time was had here as well! It looked like he grew 4 in. in the time we were away. I was anxious to get home yesterday & kiss his face. It didn't matter whether the sun was coming up or not - waking up to that lil' ball of sunshine was such a joy this morning.

Seth is back at work today, on a temporary basis, so we're saying prayers of thanksgiving for that. We know God's hand is over us, so we're definitely taking this setback one day at a time. We're faithful that we can only grow from this experience.

John's doing well after having his tubes put in on the11th - we're already seeing a great improvement in his sleeping both at night & for naps. He's either got allergies or a cold coming on right now - yellow snot & all, but we're resting a lil' easy in the fact that we're not really expecting an ear infection to follow. With ear infections being synonymous w.everything in the last 9 mos., we're thankful to hopefully be on the up side of things finally!

After my inaugural weekend away from John, I'm salting my wound by being gone this next weekend as well. My Women's Circle from church is retreating to Emerald Isle for a Son-filled weekend of devotions, sharing, sisterhood & I'm sure plenty of chit-chat, laughs & fun to boot. I'm leading the session Saturday night, which I'm excited about. I've spent a lot of time preparing, thinking and praying about my topic "What's on your plate?". I'm very excited to have the opportunity to contribute in this way to our retreat. In a related note, I came up with a great idea on the beach this past Saturday w.Seth that I wanted to incorporate. Being that it was after 4 & we'd been on the beach since about 11:30 enjoying our adult beverages, I don't know that either of us could remember what my GREAT idea was :) We'll see - I have a few days to ponder it...

Well, I got my 1st real post under my belt here, so MAYBE I'll do better keeping up with our goings on per the new site. If not, it won't be for lack of trying :)


Watching Ants

I would like to think more about baseball & small engines & the best weedkiller known to man, but I always end up watching the ants on my back porch, thinking we're not so different after all. ~Story People

Ok, only 1 more website...

to check - I know this is getting out of hand :)

Well, we have one for pics, one for thoughts, I have one, Seth sometimes has one - they've begun to add up. With the hopes of melding into a solitary site for the goings on in our lil' world here in Raleigh, I'm giving it one more shot. Shutterfly will remain the pic site (cause I can't post 100+ pics in a blog), but slack is an understatement for how badly I have been keeping up with the other sites. That said, here's to a fresh start - hello Blogspot, the Fisher's have arrived!