Countdown to Albuquerque

I just have a few minutes before I need to hit the hay tonight... my home appraisal is officially scheduled for Monday at 11:00am and I am in panic/clean/organize mode around here! Needless to say I kicked into high gear today and am pretty tired tonight.
I decided to start my "Countdown to Albuquerque" officially tomorrow... April 1st and have to put one of those ticker things on my blog... note to self to do that in the a.m!! You may be wondering why the heck I am going to Albuquerque, New Mexico? To see Nate!! Though Nate is currently training in El Paso, Texas (Fort Bliss and Camp McGregor) the were allowed to choose to go to Tuscon, Albuquerque or stay in El Paso for their pass dates. We decided on Albuquerque as Nate did an AT in Tuscon two summers ago and wasn't all that thrilled with it (sorry Tuscon fans and residents), we didn't want to stay in El Paso as the majority of families are visting their soldiers there and felt it might just feel like an extension of training for Nate not a vacation to run into everyone the whole time... so Albuquerque it was. I have been to Taos and Santa Fe and enjoyed my trip there so I figured we could have a good time in Albuquerque. I am really tired of typing Albuquerque now... so that is the plan. Finley and I fly out of Mad-town on April 18th and stay till the 22nd (those are Nate's pass dates... he will be picking us up and dropping us back off at the Airport). I have booked my flight and our hotel and am just putting the finishing touches on our trip. Yeah!!
Sidenote... Nate is actually in Little Rock, Arkansas this week for a week long "class" he is taking as part of his training. He and two other soldiers are attending this and though they are learning and in class everyday, it's also a little break and change of scenery from thier daily grind at Bliss and McGregor. He has been to this Nat'l Guard base in Little Rock for training before and it's pretty nice. He has a much nicer place to stay than his quarters at McGregor so there's a bonus (his own bathroom...not the dormatory style shared bathroom like his quarters at McGregor- just thinking of my college dorm bathroom sharing days gives me the creeps!! lol) He will be heading back to Texas on Friday. Enjoy your quasi-freedom for the week Nate!!

Mortgages and Babysitters

About a week before Nate left for Texas we decided to apply to refinance our house since the rates are at historic lows and the plan is to keep this house as a rental property in the future. Well, I was able to lock a great rate and have to close in 45 days. This also includes having another appraisal on the house, aka making our house look shiny and nice instead of a dump...ok, I know it's not a dump but that is how I feel with almost NO time to clean like I used to! Organization has also gone by the wayside? Finley consumes the good part of my days and it's very hard to scrub tile floors and do windows with my little peanut crawling around getting into EVERYTHING! Did I mention he's pulling up to standing on ANYTHING that will hold his weight and sometimes things that don't? I keep thinking about all the time I must have wasted before having a baby- even working 40 hours a week had nothing on having a baby all day and night all by myself? Being a stay at home mom is definitely the hardest job I have ever had, not to mention sometimes I work around the clock! Anyway... I also had to complete a bunch of paperwork and get things together for the mortgage officer today. We are doing this all via me signing on behalf of Nate as his POA so that makes for even more paperwork!
The second big thing I did today was post an ad for a Babysitter and Mother's helper on the UW Madison student employment website. With things being so nuts the last month I am realizing I need some help and can't do everything all of the time! This and Finley has been less than happy going anywhere these days. He does not enjoy sitting in a shopping cart or a stroller (it's the crawling and standing thing- that's all he desires to do). I basically have to run around in record time at stores getting only what's on my list before the meltdown! Though our families are great and help out as much as they can- I really need someone to watch Finley here and there during the weekdays so I can catch up on things and run errands. I was shocked that less than 24 hours after I placed the ad I already have 9 responses, all of which seem promising! I am sure the right person is out there and we will find someone wonderful that can provide great care for Finley and myself some much needed time! Update to come...

Standing Up!

Well, Mr. Finley has decided his latest trick should be standing up at the baby gates. On Thursday morning he decided to try to awww me with his new skill. It's as if he went to bed that night thinking about how he would do this the next day because low and behold, right after he woke up and waiting for his bottle to warm, he was standing. This new skill also equals falling to the ground from higher up! What's a mom to do? Since Thursday though Finley has learned to fall on his butt in sitting position when he lets go of the gate... whewww! I did get a video of him pulling up and standing however I am having trouble with my loaner laptop posting videos to the blog at this time. I will try to post some of the videos I have been taking at a later date (aka- when I get my computer back!!) . Oh and his check up with the Doc on Thursday went great. The ears are all good and clear of infection although I hate to say it but I see he is having a runny nose again... let's hope it's not another cold! I hope it's just due to teething...I feel a little lump coming through his bottom gums... I think the first tooth is FINALLY making it's debut!
Here are some pictures of my little standing boy tonight as well as a few others from the last few days.

Not entirely happy here?


Tonight waiting for his bottle


Getting into Howie and Opsec's toys

Happy boy with his OWN toys

One VERY messy dinner!

A Finley Favorite... eating Mommy's iPhone (don't think the Apple people built it for this!)

Mommy's little helper

Jailbird

This is a common site for me these days. Finley is obsessed with trying to get on the other side of the baby gates. He will sit there and hold on... shake them and even bite them... metal, yum!? I guess he figures he'll try anything to get through even if it means he has to eat them!


And sometimes, this is the result of trying too long with no success (and when Mommy picks you up!)


Today Finley and I finally got back to the YMCA after almost 3 weeks of not being able to go!! Due to his being sick (they don't allow sick kids... though I think that is where he got his cold? hmmm) and his ear infection thereafter I just felt it wasn't good for him to the childwatch until he was feeling better, and that meant me missing the gym but such as life. I guess I have to work out extra hard to make up for it?? Ahhh!
These are just some pictures of Finley playing this afternoon when we got home.

He loves his Dinosaur Ball...




Eating his stacking rings Grandma Patti got for him (and sporting his cute Old Navy fleece set my parents gave him)

Were Back!!

Yes! So glad to be posting this right now. I am going to post a bunch of pictures from the last few days I was unable to blog. Finley has been up to SO much. I have been baby proofing like crazy since last week. I have had the baby gates and finally had the chance to get them up, not a moment too soon! Finley is everywhere, ever-increasing his speed at crawling. He is also pulling up on EVERYTHING and has NO fear!! I am pretty sure motherhood has just turned a sharp corner!! Yikes! I busted him in his crib pulled up on one knee, one foot, one hand on the edge of his crib and he had his other hand on his crib camera monitor attached to the wall above his crib!! So yes, I also lowered his crib to the lowest level it goes… no fooling around with that. My little acrobat will probably still be trying to figure a way out of it soon enough. Finley has also been eating so much better now that he is feeling well. He has a check up on his ear infection on Thursday so cross your fingers all is healed!!

Just a little Stinker

Pre-Baby Gates to the Kitchen


Pulling up on the laundry

Mmmm... a blanket!


Let me in there!

Sitting around

Naughty boy! Pulling up on the bathtub...

Enjoying a yummy Barley Teething Cookie


Can't fit it all in?

Please Stand By...

We are experiencing technical difficulties!! On top of all the other fun challenges we have faced this week, my laptop also pooped out on me. I was actually without a computer pretty much for the last 4 days or so and for me that is INSANE!! I am addicted to google, blogger and Facebook to name a few. I also love to shop online or just browse... my computer is pretty much a lifeline. Not to mention paying bills, checking our bank account and handling the lovely healthcare issues...
Today my father in law Greg brought me up a loaner and took my little HP that couldn't away to be ultimately fixed and back to me soon. I am SO grateful that Greg is the head of IT for his company and #1 knows a thing or two about computers and #2 is able to provide me with things like this loaner laptop... Thank you Greg!!
I will be back to posting Finley's adventures soon!

The Up and Up

I think things are officially on the “up and up” around here. Finley seemed to be feeling better today, I got some things done around the house that have been needing attention for some time. The healthcare thing isn’t quite square but my hopes are for soon! It was a beautiful day and Finley and I did take a walk around the neighborhood which I think he enjoyed… I know I did. Nate’s mom came up this evening to help me out and give me a little break and play with Finley. Patti and I also played with Finley outside on our patio while we ate dinner. Here are a few pictures of Finley enjoying the nice day. He was obsessed with trying to get his walker into the garage via the little side door. Typical boy I guess? Wanting to tinker around in the garage? Definitely his daddy’s son. Too funny.

Finley trying to figure out a way into the garage…

Silly Face

Sun in his face!

The Great Outdoors

Chillin

Finley just wanted me to add that the shirt he is wearing is a shout out to his man Cooper... sorry for throwing up on you yesterday...

Manic Monday!

I am really not sure when the chaos around here is going to stop but I am MORE than ready!! After not taking any of his bottle before bedtime yesterday, Mr. Finley did sleep until 3:30am... I actually was up half the night just hoping he'd wake up and eat something... I have a video monitor but that wasn't good enough... I was so worried about him I kept creeping in his room with my flashlight to check him! What a crazy mom! I was just worried sick. He woke at 3:30am and took a bottle and went back to sleep until about 6:45am...he took another bottle when he woke up then and about 15 minutes later he proceeded to projectile vomit all over!! I have never seen anything like it! Formula was just pouring out of him and he would stop for a second... I would try to pick him back up to change him and he would just start again... he even puked on the cat... poor Cooper (note to self... wash Cooper better tomorrow-I just wiped him down in a hurry). Out came my trusty Hoover Steam Cleaner at about 7 am...what a way to start a Monday. I was steam cleaning the carpet before I even had coffee. I called the Doctor promptly at 8 am when they opened and the nurse agreed I should bring him in again so we scheduled a 2:45pm appt. Dr. Yu declared Finley ok... he didn't think he was dehydrated. He told me to keep giving him his medicine loyally (regardless of how hard it is) and that I could give him Pedialyte instead of formula. He said his ear was actually looking ok and the medicine was probably already helping. Finley also was heavier on the scale since Saturday so that was relief to me. The vomiting was most likely just due to all the snot draining from the cold--mmmmm. Sorry for all the graphic descriptions! The pedialyte would be better than the formula for this reason. Well, I wasn't convinced Finley would even drink Pedialyte and turns out I was right. He would have nothing to do with it. I will try again tomorrow but I did not deny my little boy his bottle that he DID want tonight. I think after this horrible morning I do see some improvement in Finley's health and attitude today. It was also a beautiful day here so we played outside and that cheered him up.
This isn't the only chaos around here... it turns out the Army royally screwed up on Nate's deployment orders and never submitted the correct orders to DEERS so I found out that it's been like we have had no insurance since January... the statements and bills just rolled in on Friday as Tricare is always at least 3 months behind. This has also been a HUGE thorn in my side all weekend and today I tried to get it fixed. I wanted answers and also my insurance! Geesh... I am taking my kid to the Dr. left and right? Well, turns out we aren't the only family it happend to for this deployment. It seems there was a major problem when they decided to monkey with order dates and this is the outcome. Thanks Army... I don't mean to be bitter but haven't you done enough to wreak havoc on our family for awhile?? I know mistakes happen but this is just very frustrating!! I also know everything will get turned around so I will just try to be patient and understanding till then!!

As Good As It Gets…Today

Here is the picture I promised… it’s pretty stinky considering Finley is feeling pretty stinky.  Poor guy.  Today Patti and Greg came and picked up Ms. Packer to go home.  They had a nice trip to Mexico and back to normal things shall be.  I am sure Packer will be glad to be home though I think she did enjoy her stay with us for the week.  My sister and I then did a little shopping this afternoon to get me and Finley out of the house… thought some fresh air and change of scenery would keep his mind off his pain and distract my sis for a bit?? My sister has had a pretty awful week as her doggie, Gus, has been at the Emergency Vet and UW Vet School after being newly diagnosed with Diabetes and having a terrible episode and complications due to it.  He is on the mend though and should be coming home tomorrow!!  As for Finley… we had our own episode this evening after everyone had gone home. Ours was a poop episode.  My first up to the neck and head blow-out! Everyone has warned me about how fun those are… thanks Mom’s…at least I was warned but nothing can do it justice till you see it and have to clean it up yourself! It’s the antibiotics doing their other glory to Finley’s backside!! Finley is not doing well at all and I may have to get him back in the Doctor tomorrow. He didn’t want to eat anything tonight, including his medicine.  He just fell asleep on my shoulder.  Here’s hoping for a better tomorrow.

Finley in the chair (7 months and 1 day!!) …obviously not feeling well.

Playing earlier today

7 Months and First Ear Infection

Well, today Finley turned 7 months old.  Who would have thought he’d ring in his 7th months with his first official ear infection??  I noticed yesterday afternoon that he seemed to be acting worse despite having his cold for over a week. His runny nose and cough just didn’t seem to be any better, nor was his temperament.  He has basically been very whiny, crying more than usual, extremely cuddly- wanting to just be held and rest his head on my shoulder and sleeping A LOT!  Usually Finley is go go go and not cuddly and sleepy?  He also starting have terrible diarrhea since about Thursday night. I thought at first it was just a fluke but on Friday and two outfits later I was starting to think this is definitely a new symptom.  Sure enough he woke up today with a diaper full of surprise for me!  Time to call the Pediatric after-hours clinic at UW health.  Why do these things always happen at the worst times?  They had one last opening for me at 2:00pm… Thank You!! Sure enough our little guy has a nasty infection in his right ear and possible sinus infection… she wasn’t sure but since he’d go on antibiotics it would cover both.  His throat was just really irritated and with his cough and extreme snotty discharge it seemed likely!  Fun times I tell you.  He also has actually lost weight since his 6 month appointment – most likely due to being sick.  This is Finley’s first time on antibiotics and it’s the gross amoxicillin you remember from being a kid. The pink smelly stuff? Yes, Finley is not real fond of it either.  So far I am not even sure he really got half of his doses since his immediate reaction is just to spew it out!  The next 10 days should be a blast.  Everything he owns will probably be stained pink too.  So here’s to 7 months and hoping my little boy is on the mend!  I just want him to be out of his misery and back to being himself and feeling better.

I didn’t get the “chair” photo in all the chaos and sickness- I will try tomorrow. Here is the only picture I took of Finley today playing with Packer after the Doctor. 

Cooper in the Box?

Cooper is our BIG...I mean 22 lbs big, orange tabby cat. He's a great big gentle giant though with a full set of giant claws that he rarely uses (thank goodness!)
One of the things on my to do list is sorting through Finley's outgrown baby clothes to what I am going to keep and what I will try to sell or give away. I just know there is WAY too much to keep it all so I must part with some. I have been keeping the big diaper boxes for my sorting...and here is my help and one of the reasons I don't seem to check things off my to-do list as fast as I would like. What a funny guy!

Broccoli Boy

A little update on Finley’s eating… he has been eating better as of a few weeks ago. He went through a spell where he wanted nothing to do with food.  One thing still stands for him though, he HATES fruit!  I have tried baby food fruits of all kinds and I have made him fresh fruit cooked and strained and he likes neither.  Nope… Finley loves his vegetables…well, carrots aside (he still doesn’t like carrots). His favorites so far are broccoli, green beans and squash. He has also decided he no longer likes rice cereal so we switched to whole grain cereal.  I admit I sneak some fruit into his cereal on most days.  Honestly after his picky spell I resorted to feeding him tastes of whatever I was eating that was ok for him and that seems to be going well. My theory on food and allergies and all is that everything in moderation helps them build tolerance to things. We are careful with the major allergies risks but other than that Finley is really starting to taste what the world has to offer! 

Pictures of our little Broccoli Boy…

Wake Up Sleepy Head

Here are some pictures I took of Finley waking up from a nap today… notice the crazy hair?  His hair is getting thick and wavy like mine but he has Nate’s hairline for sure!! He is usually pretty happy and smiley when he gets up from sleeping.

Getting Better?

 

Here is a video of Finley crawling today. Though still pretty sick he has managed to be himself and play some today.  We stayed in pretty much the whole weekend due to both the rainy/snowy weather and Finley’s cold. I am afraid I am coming down with it too now.  A few more pictures from our lazy weekend.

Getting in trouble behind the chair!

Isn’t nice that Packer lets Finley lounge on her?

Smiley yet snotty…

One Busy Week

This is going to be a long post as I haven’t posted anything all week since we have been pretty busy! Nate was kind of disappointed to not see anything new so here it is in one big post!

Sunday…Finley and I just hung out and did the norm until my sister came over with dinner.

Finley with his Aunt Chris…

Monday… Finley and I cleaned the house up visited the Y…nothing special. I was trying to capture a good picture of our dog Opsec for a picture frame I have to put up with all 5 pets…

Here is one shot I took…

For some reason we don’t have that many pictures of Opsec because he is very un-photogenic and we always delete them because they are so bad!  I think I did get a few good ones this time.

Tuesday…. My mom came down to stay with us for 2 days.  After she arrived we ran out to the grocery store and that was about it. 

A photo of Finley and I… he was crabby in this one

Finley’s new talent of climbing into your lap

Wednesday… Mom and I went shopping for a few hours and just enjoyed the day with Finley.

Wednesday Night… Finley started getting extra fussy in the evening and I was wondering what was going on. He didn’t settle down and go to sleep till 10:00pm (normally by 8 pm) and of course he was up just screaming at 1:00am.  It appeared my little guy had come down with a rotten cold (and is teething to boot). I guess it’s a YMCA Childcare Center initiation because I have no idea where else he would have picked it up. I feel fine?? Well, Finley was up several times that night and was just restless in his sleep even after Tylenol. He also woke up nice and early the next morning. Aye!

Thursday….Finley was feeling better mid-morning after some more Tylenol.  My mom watched him for me while I ran a few errands and before she took off for home around 2pm.  Here are a few pictures before Grandma left.

My mom and Finley

 

Playing with Grandma’s help

Lounging with the pets

The rest of Thursday was ok… I was gearing up for another rotten night. Poor Finley was sniffling and had a constant stream of snot dripping from his nose… sorry for the graphic description! Through all of it though he was a trooper and still managed to have fun in his walker.  We also had a visit with “Cyber Daddy” via the Video Chat on Gmail. Nate was thrilled to see Finley and Finley the same. He kept trying to touch Nate on my laptop and was smiling away at him. Too cute!

Finley went to bed on Thursday night around his normal time of 8 pm and to my shock (I was prepared for the worst, hoping for the best) he slept straight through the night till 7:45am! He was somewhat restless but I kept waking up every time he coughed or if I didn’t hear him for a bit I would check the video monitor I keep on the nightstand. Obviously I was very worried about him!

Friday (today)… Finley woke up after his long night with green boogers crusted to his face and hair! Gross!! I had to clean my poor guy up.  He was just a big mess but seemed to be feeling a little better.  He then took a 3.5 hour nap from 9am-12:30pm. Totally unheard of in Finley’s world. I guess he was still feeling pretty crappy.  This afternoon he wasn’t interested in doing much.  My sister stopped by as well as Nate’s dad to drop off their dog Packer whilst they vacation in Mexico for the week.  It’s a full house around here for the next week… 3 dogs, 3 cats and 1 very active baby! We are up for it though. Packer is doing well besides the incident where Howie (our dog) peed on her in the back yard! Boy dogs can be naughty!  A little bucket bath was in order and now I am sure to monitor the situation when they all go out.  Finley is in love with the dogs and keeps crawling to Packer and petting her.  Well… hopefully Saturday will bring more fun, and a better Finley!  He is all over the place now and I hope to post some crawling videos soon.

PS… Nate is doing well and I am in the midst of planning our trip to see him in April… more on that soon!!