Trip to the Zoo

We often go to the zoo, since we have an annual pass, but we don't often take many pictures. This past week we went with some friends and did whip out the cameras! Our little toddlers have been growing up together and it is so much fun!

Left to right: Etta, Gregory and Lici. This is Etta's wagon and she was kind enough to share it - good thing Greg is still small or he wouldn't have fit in the middle!

From 2008 09 16

Nurse that toddler - any time, any place!

From 2008 09 16

The newest exhibit is a butterfly house, which was so cool! The most beautiful butterflies and moths everywhere you looked!

From 2008 09 16

From 2008 09 16

Whoa, one flew right in front of us - see it on the left! Still loving the babywearing!

From 2008 09 16

In the aquarium - I was trying to get him to do his fishy mouth impression - he did it for a second, but he was really pretty distracted in the awesome shark tunnel.


I do have to tell you, I had a bunch of awesome pics and videos that accidentally got erased a few days ago - I was nauseous over it! I am working on replacing the videos since they were of things he does a lot, like his signs. We are headed to Minneapolis this weekend so there will no doubt be many great photo ops!

Last but not least, the developmental news. We went in for Greg's 15 month check up yesterday. He weighed 19 lbs 4 oz, which was a gain of about 3 lbs in 3 months - pretty good! He was a generous 28 inches tall, up only a half inch (if that.) So that puts him just barely under the curve for weight and pretty far under for height - I guess he takes after my side of the family in that dept! He might catch up later, but there's nothing wrong with being short! I bought him some footie pajamas since we've had a couple of cool nights, and they are 12-18 month size - they fit him totally fine except his feet only make it about down to the knees! Oh well!!! Also it seems I have forgotten to mention it, but you may have noticed the absence of the binki in the photos for a while now - thats because he gave it up! We have been binki-free for a couple of months now - what happened was that we actually lost them all, and then I realized we hadn't used it in a day or two so we just decided to see if we could survive without. Lo and behold, it was no problem at all! Since then, I have actually found them again and even offered one back to him to see what he'd do, and he played with it a little and then threw it on the floor. I have to say, I am so relieved we got that over with so easily - I was afraid I'd be bribing him to give it up before he went to kindergarten!

The Story of Stuff

I know this blog is supposed to be about Gregory. And this is not directly about him, but really, if you think about it, it is. Its about what I want to teach him and about what kind of world he will inherit.



So go! The Story of Stuff

More About Baby Sign Language

Well I want to try to get some videos of Gregory doing his signs, but in the meantime, check out these promos for the new Baby Signing Time series - I am posting them as part of a contest to win a set of DVDs and CDs. Grandma Bonnie actually gave us a few episodes of the original Signing Time on VHS, and we are really enjoying them - it would be awesome to have the whole set that is especially designed for babies!

Some of you may know that Gregory's Grandma Bonnie is a deaf educator. She grew up signing with her deaf grandparents, so sign has been a family language for a few generations now. Not only is it convenient and fun to teach Greg, I also feel like I am giving him a little piece of his family history. And there is actually more and more research coming out showing that sign can help hearing children improve their language skills and learning aptitude, so there are just so many good reasons to keep on signing!! Gregory has already reduced his whining a whole lot, and is so happy when he signs to me and gets the results he wants, and he only knows a few signs! I can't wait to keep teaching him more and more and find out what he has to say!

Maybe a little something about the Boy!

Well, time has flown by and I haven't posted at all about Gregory in ages! Heck, this blog is supposed to be about him! Sorry! There are many new developments you will be delighted with, as we are. My sister Claire was here for the first 3 weeks of August, and my other sister Audrey was with us for the remainder of the month. What a blessing they both were, helping us out so that I could work on BOLD. I could not have done it without them, and we had a lot of fun and I think Greg really enjoyed spending the time with his Aunties.


We got a new toy - a rather big toy - from a friend who didn't use it anymore...a ball pit! Gregory loves it, but it is a little hard to keep Lucy from destroying the balls...as you'll see, Greg isn't much help in that department. So we only take it out on occasionally, which actually helps keep up the fun value.




Greg has really come a long way in motor and language skills. He figured out how to do some of the baby signs we have been trying, and once he figured it out, he has been picking them up like gangbusters. He learns a new sign every day or two. He also tries to say the word that goes with it sometimes, and he can get the beginning sounds a lot of the time. He is learning the names of things and pointing a lot more too. It is so much fun to see how he shows us that he knows what we are talking about. He's a smart kid, if I do say so myself!

From 2008 08 27

Also he doubled his number of teeth in the last round of teething, so can now eat basically anything he wants... it really opens up the culinary world for him and he is eating like a grown man - and has the belly to show for it!

From 2008 08 27

From 2008 08 27

From 2008 08 27

A couple of other cute things he's been doing are "talking" on the phone and playing around with sitting on the potty seat. We are not potty learning in earnest yet, but he has shown some interest in pretending, and we have successfully caught a couple of number twos in there, which is always good.

From 2008 08 27

From 2008 08 27

From 2008 08 27

We have also been going for walks every morning with our friends, and we often stop at the playground afterwards. Greg has discovered the joy of playing in the sand, and also loves to go down the slide. Its been really good for me and Lucy too - its good to start the day off with some fresh air, sunshine and activity, and it seems to be helping Lucy with her loneliness as well...since Giggles has been gone, the poor girl has been pretty whiny and mopey...to be expected I guess.

From 2008 08 27

From 2008 08 27

From 2008 08 27

One less cute thing he has learned is how to turn the tv on and off...that does get old pretty quick, but we are glad he is clever.

From 2008 08 27

OK, I promise I will be updating you more frequently now that the busiest part of BOLD is over... 3 more shows to go: Norfolk tomorrow, Grand Island on the 14th, and Lincoln on the 24th. Please pray for a good turn out for us!!

BIRTH play opening in Omaha Aug 30th

Hi all - I know many of you who read this blog are not in Omaha, but I am posting this information everywhere I can!! Spread the word to anyone in NE and please consider becoming a sponsor and purchasing an ad in our program. Your regularly scheduled blogging will resume sometime soon - can't promise when - I've been a little busy... But I do have pictures and milestones to share! :) In the meantime, check out www. boldaction.org to see if Birth is performing in an area near you!

Please share, repost, and forward this to as many people as you can! We are also accepting ads for the program through Monday Aug 25th. Thanks!!!

Birth a play by Karen Brody - touring NE Aug/Sept 2008
www.freewebs.com/boldnebraska

Birth is a dramatic, funny, touching, and thought-provoking piece that examines the importance of giving birth in the lives of women and families. Performances are followed by a talkback panel discussion, which will provide an opportunity to explore the important issue of maternity care in our own community. This program will be valuable to anyone who is interested in honoring mothers and babies by making sure the care they receive at the time of birth is safe and respectful of the sacred nature of this life event. Please share the following information with your members and clients. Let us know if you would like to receive an advertising flyer for display - contact Holly Fix at (402)659-6734. Also please add this event to your weekly newsletter or bulletin, including contact information.

Thank you sincerely!

Holly Fix
BOLD Nebraska Organizer


Performances:

Omaha – UNO Eppley Auditorium
Saturday August 30th 6:30pm
Sunday August 31st 2:00pm

Norfolk – Lifelong Learning Center at NCC
Saturday September 6th 1:00pm

Lincoln – The Loft at the Mill
Wednesday September 24th 7:00pm

Kearney - TBA

"This play must be seen by everyone – parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts. It’s life-changing.”
– audience member, BOLD New York City

Birth is a critically-acclaimed documentary-style play that tells the birth stories of eight women, painting an honest picture of how low-risk, educated mothers are giving birth today.

BOLD is a global arts-based movement inspiring communities to create childbirth choices that work for mothers. Since BOLD’s founding in 2006, education about the issue of options in childbirth - through watching the play Birth and the post-show talkback – has been at the heart of BOLD’s efforts.

Visit our website at www.freewebs.com/boldnebraska for ticketing and sponsorship information.

To obtain an advertising flyer, reply with FAX number, or call Holly at (402)659-6734.

In Memoriam: Giggles 12-23-97 to 8-7-08

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of our dear Giggles. A few weeks ago she was affected by what seemed to be a UTI and a minor cough. Our worst fears were realized when the vet told us she had fluid in her belly and lung, caused by heart failure. Medications kept her stable and comfortable for a while, but her condition deteriorated. While we were in ND, she and Lucy stayed with Caroline, as they usually do when we go out of town. She couldn't keep the fluid under control and her belly grew to twice its already bloated size and though she was hungry, she couldn't bear to eat. The vet was able to remove some of the fluid and she felt some relief and ate again, but within a few days, went downhill again. The medications couldn't help her advanced state of heart failure. Caroline and I comforted her and said our goodbyes as she went to Heaven today.

Giggles was an angel in fur...the most loving, loyal, wise and beautiful dog you would ever have the fortune to meet. She lived a full life, traveling the country participating in (and winning!) many dog shows in her youth. She bore several large litters of beautiful puppies, several of whom have gone on to have show, obedience, agility, and hunting careers. She came to live with Lucy and us and gave us her devotion unconditionally. She accompanied me to puppy classes, where she taught youngsters about proper doggy etiquette. She went to schools and nursing homes, bringing joy and love to all she met. She showed in Junior Showmanship even as recently as the end of April, where she helped her handler, Bridgette, win first place as usual. Everyone was impressed at how she enjoyed going around that ring even at her age, and how beautiful she still was. She loved walks and especially chasing tennis balls, rolling on top of them in the grass, dropping them in her water bucket, and chomping them, busting them in half! She loved to give hi five. She got so excited to eat that she danced around in circles with a huge grin on her face. She loved to cuddle and be pet for hours. She tore up tissues if you left her alone. She loved nylabones, and even though she was bigger and stronger, she often left Lucy take the one she was chewing, just because she wanted it. She was endlessly patient with Lucy, who could certainly be obnoxious at times, pestering her to play tug...she usually obliged. She was a benevolent queen. She loved children and never minded their intrusions into her ears, nose, eyes and mouth. She was so easygoing and trusting, we joked that you could probably do minor surgery on her and she wouldn't mind - which we actually did put to the test once. She had a skin thing removed under local anesthesia when most dogs would have been put under, and she held perfectly still the whole time. She was steadfastly by my side, wherever I went in the house or outside. I will miss her smiling face and her calm, angelic presence probably more than I even realize right now.

Giggles, you were a perfect companion. I, for one, will never forget you, and look forward to seeing you in Heaven some day. Enjoy your treats and tennis balls in the meantime. I love you!




This was in the old days - they used to have fantastic up-side down wresting matches. Giggles always won, but she allowed Lucy to get her shots in to make her feel good! The one on the left is Gigs.


This was just in April, they went on sharing this bone for what seemed like an eternity - probably at least 10 minutes!

ND Family Reunion

We took a long weekend and went up to ND to visit Dan's family. The Fix side was having a reunion and relatives from all over the country enjoyed the cabin on Lake Sakakawea together. It was so great to hang out with Dan's extended family and for the kids to play together. We are truly blessed by such wonderful relatives. We went for a boat ride on the lake, but Greg's enjoyment of that was quashed by his irritation with the life jacket. Grandpa Mike did manage to get one or two little smiles out of him... We also went swimming, which he liked better once he got used to the cool water. But the majority of the time, Greg spent playing with rocks in a bucket of water, and on the slide and swingset, and he was having a ball! Walking is really serving him well, opening up a whole new realm of play opportunities!

We also got to spend some time with the Hogan side, visiting the great grandparents and 2nd cousins on that side too. Its amazing, Gracie is the youngest of the 3 babies, but she is the biggest!! They're all growing so fast! We had fun seeing Grandma Bonnie's new horse, Lily - Greg was a little nervous around such a big creature! They are getting the farm ready to move next year after Bonnie retires, so Rod has been busy with a lot of organizing projects and the place looks good. Up and back, it was a long drive both ways, but Greg was a real trooper, sleeping a lot, and reading a lot of books. He got creative with them and did take a bite or two out of them as well! All in all, it was a great trip!