17 Months

A little over a week ago, Haeden turned 17 months old. I can hardly believe he will be a year and a half next month. We all know that infancy, toddlerhood, childhood... life, it all goes by so fast. But these past few months have just been insane. I have so many plans to capture his little personality, his sweet smile and infectious laugh. It seems that every time he does something new or funny (usually both) I say, "We have to record this!" But, honestly, most of the time it doesn't happen because we're out and about, or the camera isn't near by, or somebody would just die if there were photographic evidence of the way she looked at that moment. The good intentions just tend to fall by the wayside, overshadowed by the daily grind and usual routine.

I hope to get better at this. And I hope that blogging continues to motivate me to do so, because I don't want to forget anything about life with Haeden right now. Except, maybe, that high-pitched scream. That has got to go soon.

I'm an Angel

No, really! It's true. I recently became a Chemo Card Angel, and I think you should, too. I don't know a single person whose life hasn't been touched by cancer. Chemo Angels is a program dedicated to supporting people with cancer by matching them with their very own "Angel". As an Angel you are asked to send little notes, cards and sometimes a small gift on a weekly basis. I try to send a little something to my own twice a week.  It doesn't take much time or money and yet it brings a lot of joy to a lot of people who are otherwise going through a very difficult time in their lives.

The hardest part for me has just been trying to figure out what to write. I don't lead the most exciting life and most of my days can sort of be summed up into one little acronym... SSDD (same shit, different day)! ha! And so, I usually end up talking about Haeden. I told my patient that it was either that or work, and I figure Haeden is a lot more interesting!

If that wasn't convincing enough, read on. Here are a couple of patient testimonies:

"My son was signed up with your program until he died. I wanted to let you know that your organization was the best thing for my son. If you could have seen his eyes light up when he received things in the mail! You really lit up his life and I wanted to thank you myself. Thank you for all your organization did for him."


" I love my Chemo Angel! I believe she has to be a true Angel. She ALWAYS knows exactly when I need some cheering up! I don't know where you found her, but I want you to know I love her!"
 
If you think you have what it takes to become a Chemo Angel... sign up here!

Big Baller

Yesterday was the official start to the Jags football season. A few members in this household are very excited (hint: they're all boys). We decided to take Haeden out for some practice throws in celebration. You've got to start them out early, right?

Here are a few of my favorites. You can already tell he's a natural, no?

Lookey what I made!

About a month or so ago I bought a clever little machine called a Cricut. It basically cuts out shapes, letters, animals, and pretty much anything you can think of as long as you have the cash to throw down for their cool, but expensive, cartridges. I had been coveting one of these since I saw the invitations and banner that a friend of mine made for her granddaughter's birthday. So, when it went on sale ($100 off!), I couldn't resist!

And holy WOW! This thing is pretty awesome once you figure it out. I may or may not have wasted a ridiculous amount of paper before the light bulb went on and I realized that although this thing doesn't come with nearly enough directions, I had the entire interweb at my disposal! There is a plethora of information on these things, of course. Even pictures of and instructions on how to create amazing cards. I don't really have the time (or patience) to sift through all of that though. I only have maybe an hour and a half increments to play with the darn thing, since anytime I try to do this when Haeden is around, he becomes obsessed with the electrical cord.*

A couple of weekends ago I came up with the idea to make a mobile using the Create-A-Critter cartridge. I ordered up a clip mobile that is meant for photographs or flash cards (also very cute idea) and spent Saturday night after Haeden went to bed and nap time on Sunday creating this:

Please excuse the crooked picture frame. Haeden can juuuuust about reach that now. But as for the mobile, I'm fairly proud! I could never have created this with scissors. I probably would have tried and then stabbed myself in the hand about halfway through from sheer (pun intended!) frustration. There are just so many things you could do with this machine. I'm thinking these little guys would look adorable framed, too! Maybe even print off the first letter of the animal name and make your own flashcard-inspired art!

* Will this child ever learn "NO!"?

Daycare Woes

A week ago Friday Haeden was being watched, as always, by my mom and grandmother. Mom starts work at one o'clock and Grandma comes over to take care of Haeden. They generally take a little snooze together and then have a snack and play until we get off work and pick him up. Actually, she usually leaves around 4:30ish and Mom takes a  lunch break until we arrive. She's a saint like that.

Anyway, last Friday I received a phone call from my step dad while I was at lunch. I missed the call originally and when I realized it was he who called, I didn't know whether to freak out or laugh. There are only two reasons to get a phone call from John. Emergency or accidental butt-dial.

I immediately called him back and had to choke back the tears while he told me everyone was on the way to the ER. Grandma had fallen (again) and not only had she broken her wrist, she had knocked Haeden over in the fall and was pretty much in shock. The paramedics were having a hard time getting a reading on her blood pressure, which was usually high. Although he was quite calm, I could hear the fear in his voice.

Fifteen minutes later, I arrived at the hospital. In fact, I ended up right behind the ambulance as I drove into the hospital parking lot. I hurriedly jog-walked over, hoping to catch them before they took her back. Being that I looked like a bit of a mad woman, the paramedic noticed me and told her I must be there for her since I had a very determined look on my face and I was coming right for them. Much to my relief, they waited and told me that her bp was under control now and she'd be just fine. And other than the fact that she's pissed she can't play tennis for a while, she is.

All of that just to say we have to put Haeden in daycare full-time. We found a licensed in-home daycare that will hopefully be a home away from home until he starts kindergarten. Or, better yet, until we win the lottery and Mama can quit her job! No more shopping sprees until then, I can tell you that much! But we all know that sweet little face is absolutely worth my lack of a stylish wardrobe!

Haeden goes to "Nana's" (that's what the kids call her) Tuesday. Wish us luck, please. This story is to be continued...