Zoo

Finally I get to tell everyone about our visit to the zoo. I hadn't uploaded my pictures and wanted to wait until I had them.

The Zoo was GREAT! We had so much fun. We weren't sure how it was going to turn out, so we got a slow start and figured we'd stay until nap time, giving us about 3 hours at the zoo. Much to our surprise, that turned out to be much too little time. Leo loved it! He enjoyed everything so much. The flamingos of all things were his favorite. However, the gorillas were a close second. I was really proud of him, because for all his fear of people, he has no fear whatsoever of animals. We took him into the petting zoo and he got in all the faces of the goats and brushed them without any hesitation.

The zoo has changed so much from when I was a kid, and is very different from how I remember it. They have put a lot of work into updating things, and keeping the exhibits really nice. We noticed they had a lot of "sanctuaries" now, rather than just plain old exhibits like in the old days.

We are planning a return trip and might even opt for the San Diego Zoo, but I don't know, I really enjoyed the LA zoo. It only cost $12/adult to get in and the parking was free. Getting there is extremely easy, with immediate access to the freeway. We loved it, it really was the best day!

18-Month Check-Up

So I am about 1 month late in getting Leo his 18-month well visit. You may recall I had cursed my previous pediatrician vowing never to return. It took me longer than I had hoped to get a replacement, but I am happy to report, that we met with our new pediatrician today, and I very happy. I even think, that perhaps, it was worth the 5-week wait to get in. Now that I am a regular patient, I should be able to get in right away when ever its needed.

I spoke with the Pediatrician today at length about my concerns with my last doctor. He was so convinced that Leo was showing the beginning signs of autism because of delays with his speech and inability to properly identify all the parts of his face -- I was horrified and it had me in a tizzy. I realize now looking back that I got so upset about it because of two things. A) Momma Bear protects her cub and B) The doctor failed to properly communicate his concerns to me and left me with a horrible misconception.

I was expressly clear at this visit with our new pediatrician, that if there is something to be concerned about, I want to act quickly and get him the help that he needs. I will not act as though nothing is wrong just because I am afraid to admit something is wrong with my child. I am not that parent, I am my child's advocate and will do all that I can for him. As I sat discussing this and all my concerns with my new pediatrician, she took her time and thoroughly explained precautionary steps to be taken at the 18-month well visit based on recommendations from the American Pediatric Association. My fears were calmed, and we proceeded with doing an Autism evaluation for Leo just to be safe. She felt that it was important to do, since a concern was raised previously from Leo's caring physician. She concluded her evaluation quickly, saying that I have nothing to worry about. Luckily, he displayed not even one symptom or characteristic of an autistic child. She said if she had found anything that might have concerned her, she would insist we conduct further evaluations every 6-weeks -- she doesn't think that will be necessary for him. We'll check back at his 2-year visit and take it from there.

I was very happy with my visit. Not just because Leo has been cleared for the time but because this doctor took her time with me. She listened to my fears and addressed each concern seperately. She is going to do some research on some vaccines I am not comfortable with and discuss it with me at our next visit. She worked hard at trying to make my son feel comfortable with her and her staff did so as well.

Best of all, she is 4-miles from my home! I won't be making a half hour drive in traffic anymore. I think we will be very happy here.

Monkey Tail

Tomorrow, we are going to take Leo for his first visit to the zoo. It is big Leo's birthday, and like the incredible father/husband that he is, he decided to take a vacation day and do something that his son would enjoy.


With that being said, I stumbled across some animal clip-on tails at Michael's. I had to have one, and if Leo would have worn the corresponding hat, I would have gotten him one of those too. I can't just send my kid to the zoo in a pair of overalls like every sane and normal person would, I'm apparently the mom who has to go get him something to do with animals, so that he could "blend".


I tried on his monkey tail this morning to see how long it is on him. He was pretty interested in it. I've included a short 30-second video of him with the tail, if you're interested. It's nothing you've gotta see, so if you pass on it, I won't be hurt.

The "Ladies" Man...

My boy...what can I say about him? He is such a boy through and through. He cracks me up each and every day. Today, he and I were playing in the backyard together. I was finding a lot of ladybugs in the yard, and thought how fun would it be for him to have a ladybug crawl on him?

So I pick up a ladybug and have it crawling around in the palm of my hand. I call him over and sure enough, he gets so excited and repeatedly asks, "what is that?". I keep trying to tell him it's a ladybug and keep saying "It's pretty" and "It's our friend".

Suddenly, out of no where he reaches down and pinches the bug between his two fingers and the ladybug dies a horrible death. He then continues to dissect it wing by wing.

I was right though, he loved the ladybug experience.

Slow to start

According to my books, by 18 months Little Leonard should be speaking approximately 15 words and a few simple sentences. According to my old pediatrician he should also know the parts of his face in addition to the aforementioned. I've been more than a little worried about this...I've been totally preoccupied with his development and have been trying to expend more and more efforts into getting him "caught up".

I hate to admit that I've even begun comparing him to other kids his age, who seem to do a whole slue of things ranging from counting to knowing their ABC's and doing puzzles and speaking much, much more than the expected "15 words". I never wanted to do this to him. I want him to be an individual with his own accomplishments. I don't want to be one of those psycho parents who push and push with no regard to the benefit and well being of their child. Sadly, however, I think that part of parenting is natural to an extent. I mean that it is only natural to compare and evaluate your child based on his peers. It must be a natural thing to want to help your child to get ahead or even just keep up.

Both of my sisters have assured me that Leo is fine and that I don't have anything to worry about. They both have said, he is just slow to start, which is common for boys. In addition, Leo is learning 2 languages and both, again, have assured me is part of his delays. I trust my sisters 100% when it comes to raising kids. They both are so wise and I eat up every bit of knowledge they have to impart on me. Slowly, I am beginning to see that they were right about his delays. Leo will be 19 months on Sunday and just recently he has begun speaking....like saying a lot of words in both languages. It is such a feeling of sweet success. It reassures me that in the long run, I am doing the right thing for him by teaching him 2 languages. I know in this new global society that we live in, speaking a second language is going to put him so much further ahead. I have struggled for so long to learn Spanish, and I am glad for him that he wont have to overcome those obstacles.

So now he is speaking the following words and simple sentences:

1. "What's that?"
2. "What's this?"
3. Momma
4. Dada
5. Mas (more)
6. Agua (water)
7. Dog
8. Car
9. Truck
10. "Kota" (which is Dakota, our dog)
11. Hi
12. Boo

He has also learned where his eyes are, and knows that his cheeks, mouth and nose are all parts of his face, although he points to his cheeks for each one. So, it's not quite a success yet, but it's something and while he's not quite at the "15-word" minimum I think he's off to a great start!

What do you think?

I've been saying for months that I was going to chop off my hair. I really wanted to chop it off like to my chin...but I chickened out and just chopped off 4 inches in length from the bottom and many more in layers. It needed it though, my hair was snarled and dried up. I made it dark again, although, it really wasn't all that light to begin with. I just prefer my hair dark. Really dark.

I went to a new stylist today. I had an appointment with my regular girl, but she canceled on me 15 minutes before my appointment. I was so upset, I walked in to a salon nearby here and took the first appointment available. It turned out to be this gay guy who wanted me to call him "Sasha-Fierce". I told him I couldn't do that until I saw his work and even then, only if I liked it. It turned out well, I called him "Sasha" and we were both happy.

Abuela

Today we went and had a nice little visit with Abuela. Leonard just adores her and gets very excited each time he sees her. Of course the suckers, juice, cookies and mate she gives him doesn't hurt her cause.

The Reflection in the Mirror

This morning I went to the gym to do my usual Saturday morning classes. I got a spot right up against the mirror which I almost never set up there. As we started class, I naturally began checking myself out in the mirror and do you know what I saw? Much to my horror I saw a woman who while she wasn't old, she did not look like the youthful 21-year old she feels like. When did this happen? How is it that I can feel so young inside, yet outside I have the beginning signs of crows feet, puffy eyes and sun spots.

A few weeks ago when we gave Kailey her shower, I picked her and her girlfriend up from the airport. She obviously had been telling her friend about the family because she asked how old I was. When I informed her I was the "dirty-30" she was surprised by how old I was. She said she didn't know I was that old already.

I remember as a teenager, being 30 sounded so old and so far off. It almost sounded alluring, but now that I'm here, I wonder, what all the hype was about? People call you "Ma'am" instead of "Miss" and parts of your body hurt that never did before. Leonard was teasing me last year as my birthday approached that he was going to turn me in for a newer model and now I almost wish I could. Now I wear a brace on my knee when I do my step classes, and I swear I'm getting arthritis in one of my knuckles. Is this all in my head? Am I overreacting or does this stuff really happen like clockwork when you turn 30? Granted, the brace is a result from an injury but I never used to get "injured" in my 20's! I was youthful and could stay out all night...now a night out on the town is going to dinner with my husband and if we're really getting wild and crazy we'll throw in a movie too. What happened to going dancing and knowing where all the hot spots were and who to talk to at the door? Now when I dance, it is with my son in the living room while "rocking" out to the Wiggles.

It's not a bad thing, where I'm at in life, because I am genuinely happy. It just went so fast. Somebody needs to tell "30" that they are the new 20 and let "40" know that when I get there I expect to feel as though I'm 30.

Hand-to-Hand combat

When Leonard first began attending nursery is when he learned to push. Since then, I dare to say, my kid is somewhat of a bully. However, there is one major difference between him and most bullies, that is when bullies are confronted they often cower away and don't do much. Leo isn't that way. He'll stand up for himself.

Today, we went to play group and there was an older boy who just kept picking on him all morning. Every where Leo went to play, this boy would soon follow and push him, hit him and various other insults. Each time, Leo would just brush it off and go play elsewhere. That was until he got upset.

At one point, Leo had just gotten bullied off of the slide (his favorite thing in the whole world) and just slunked off to play in the big bin of balls. Sure enough, a moment later that same boy came and began bothering Leo. He took away the ball he had in his hands and began kicking Leo. I decided it was time to intervene and as I began walking over there I could see Leonard's face as he was thinking something over and making a big decision. I saw it when he decided to go for it. I knew what was coming and sure enough, Leonard's temper blew up like a volcano and he turned and lunged at the kid. Making some kind of "attack" noise he jumped on top of the kid and started to squeeze his arms. Luckily, he didn't think to hit him, but the intent was there. I literally had to pry my son off this kid who was quickly being buried into all the balls.

I don't know if I should be concerned about how eager he is to fight or proud of my kid for not being pushed around.

It's been a week

It has been a week since my brother Spencer came over to block the entrance to the birds nest...there is still no smell, but I do hear occasional fluttering. I think though, that it is birds trying to get in from the outside. Each time I go out to investigate, there is a bird in the nearby vicinity. I think they are the culprit. I really hope nothing gets in. Pesky birds!

Spring Spectacular

We have some good friends who live in a master developed community nearby us. They unfortunately do not have any children of their own yet, but that didn't stop them from inviting us to join in their fun. Each Spring their HOA puts on a "Spring Spectacular". You bring your families, and there are Egg hunts, face painting, balloon animals, a petting zoo, the Easter Bunny, lunch and arts & crafts too. It was such a great day.

First, Leo participated in his first-ever Egg hunt! It was very exciting for me to watch him do this big-boy activity. Of course, Leonard joined him at the starting line and helped him to find as many eggs as he could. I included a short video blurp but like a ding-dong filmed it side ways. If you care to watch it, just tilt your head. :) You'll see Big Leo and Little Leo in the center of the screen, just past the lady in purple once the video starts.

Then, we stopped by the petting zoo and I quite honestly don't know who enjoyed it more. My son or my husband. Leonard has been talking about buying a horse ever since we got home. I keep trying to tell him that the dog-run will not make a suitable living area for a Shetland pony. LOL! I know he is joking but I also know that a part of him secretly wishes he could buy a regular horse for himself.

Lunch was provided by Chick-Fil-A...we ate at this great picnic area right off the playground. Leo inhaled his nuggets so that he could quickly get on the slide.

We tried the Easter Bunny, and while Leo was curious, there was just no getting him to sit on his lap. He did "High-5" him though.

Lastly, we swung over and got him a balloon sword and then headed on for home. This event was such a great experience for our family. I am impressed by all that the Preserve does for its community. It was an awesome afternoon.

Thanks George & Wendy for thinking of us! We had a great time.

It's time...

It's time to take away the beloved bottle. My goal is to have him drinking cold milk from a cup by July 4th. I plan to work him up to the change slowly, since change is difficult for my stubborn little guy. He adjusts quickly though. I know that sounds like a contradictory statement, but it makes sense to me.

I just think he is very dependent on his pacifier and he loves a good bottle any day. I know when the day comes for his pacifier to go, it will be a terrible, terrible thing for him. I don't plan on making that day come any time sooner than it has to. I'll wait till we have a sibling on the way to do that one. But for now, he doesn't like to drink milk from a cup, period. Nor does he like it cold. So I figure I will slowly shorten the amount of time that I warm his bottles making it become gradually cooler. Once I have him drinking cold milk in his bottle, I will then go for the big change--bottle to cup.

Leonard and I are trying to have another baby right now, and I would hate to throw a lot of change at him all at once. Come September, I hope to begin potty training. I just think there are a lot of things coming up for him, it's best to start now, and work slowly than to be forced into too much all at once. This way, I can do it in a way that won't be traumatizing for him. Who knows when I'll actually become pregnant? If it's anything like last time, I am really getting a head start on things, but you never know and I want to be prepared.

Ketchup...

Finally, I get to "ketchup" with you. After a week full of wedding invitations, tying bows, and typing address labels it's nice to finally see the end of the road. I have lots to share with all of you, so let's get caught up, shall we?

First, I have to send a HUGE thanks out to my brother Spencer...I know he silently cyber-stalks me and I just want to tell him how much I appreciate him. He is my hero this week. First, he stopped by on Saturday, just to say "hi". We had a nice visit, but best of all was that Leo got to take a picture with his Uncle "on duty". I've been wanting to get a picture like this for so long and am glad to finally have gotten it.

Back to why Spencer is my hero this week. I noticed last week that I was finding a lot of insulation around the side of the house. I quickly began to investigate because any time you find insulation lying around when you are not remodeling has to be a bad sign.

Sure enough, I found an opening in the eaves under my roof where some birds were building a nest. I knew I was going to have to get rid of them quickly but put it on the agenda for next week...that was until I heard the birds inside my walls pecking around trying to break through. I called a Pest Control company because I didn't want to bother any body and I figured how much could that really cost? $250.00 is how much that could really cost to have some body come out and rid me of those pesky birds. So for that amount of money, I figured I would call Spencer and ask for a favor even though I hated the thought of bugging him when he has much bigger projects and things to do at his own home. But like the brother that he is, he came right over, and literally within a half hour of my call he had the job done! I was dying as he set up his ladder to reach up to the nest though! Holy Toledo...I was so scared he was going to fall. I literally had to say a prayer for his safety. He just laughed at me and said I was over reacting.

Thanks again, Spence! You rock!

Let's see...then there is Leo. Mimicking is a big deal right now. He is starting to copy hand gestures or different little things that he finds amusing. A few nights ago, he and Leonard were playing together and Leonard taught him "on your mark, get set, go!" I LOVE THIS! He crouches down, getting into position, and when you say "go" he takes off running. I just think it is so cute and demonstrates one of the many ways in which he is no longer a baby by any means. Sigh.

Then there is my backyard projects. Leonard and I made a goal to make the yard a more inviting place this Spring. Since we've got the baby who loves the great outdoors and would stay out side all day if he could...we figure it'd be nice to be able to enjoy the space. We've got the yard, we might as well use it, right? A few weeks ago, you may remember we worked on the flower beds and spruced that up.

Well Leonard's sister gave us her old patio set that was left at her house from the previous owner. We quickly jumped on it when she offered it to us -- those things are expensive! It needed a lot of work though, but I was up to the task. After 2-days of scraping, prepping and painting it looks really good, and truly doesn't even look like the same set that we were given. I'm really proud of it. Take a look at the before and after photos.

Lastly, we got to squeeze in a visit with my girlfriend Sharla. She was the friend who was pregnant during the same time as me and we shared the same due date. She is originally from Seattle, her husband has been attending Cal Tech for the past 7 years. Sadly, she is preparing to move back home and we are trying to get in as much play time as possible while the opportunity is still available. I love Sharla, she is a dear friend and I will miss her when she goes. Her daughter is such a cutie! Well that about does it for us since I last posted. You are all caught up, thanks for reading.