Happy New Year

We've been in a semi-hibernation mode the last month or so. Sam and Ada were on winter break (Sam still is!), and we've been huddled in the last few weeks.

We've been talking and thinking and making plans for the New Year.

Ada got a new chore and reward chart. Girl has some things to get done around the house now.

After a trip the allergist to confirm dairy, tomato, citrus, and cantaloupe allergies, and a prescription for melatonin, Quentin has been doing a bit better, although with 4 molars coming in we haven't quite solved the overnight sleep issues. Even so, he is still the life of the party.

Lee is getting fat and happy, and while very demanding in the evening, he mostly smiles and eats -- a good combo. 

I have to keep this short and sweet, as life with three children these days has proven to be a challenge, but wanted to post something so you all will know we are still here.

I am not a slacker

I know it is Nablopomo, and that I am supposed to post something every day this month...but after 4 years of blogging, I guess I have used all of the space allowed to post pictures.

Surprising? No.

There is simply no more room.

I will be working on upgrading so that there is more space for more pictures!

Little Bug

Poor guy picked up the bug going around the house, fever and all...

...and it just isn't fair for such a sweet little baby like him to be sick.

A spirited boy

Sam and I can count on one hand the number of nights we have slept all the way through in the last 2 years. 

Our sweet boy has a hard time sleeping, whether it is falling asleep, staying asleep, or going back to sleep. His poor little body is unable to calm itself down enough to get a decent night of sleep. 

He is an expert at what we call the "crocodile roll." 

Bedtime has traditionally taken us several hours, only to have Quentin wake up every 2-3 hours during the night, and then he generally ends up crawling in bed with Ada, or with Sam and I, usually not to our knowledge.

For the first 16 months, Quentin was unable to consume any dairy. Once he was done nursing, we moved him to Rice Milk. For 12 months I consumed no dairy products, and for an additional 4 months, he consumed very little dairy -- only during the times I tested it out to see if it was OK. 

I thought we were in the clear at month 16. I stopped cow's milk again about a month ago. 

You see, I think he's still having trouble, and I have a sneaking suspicion that this, along with his temperament, is robbing him of feeling well, and resting well. 

I was tucked in between these two boys. Q snuggled up behind me while I was nursing Lee, wrapped up in my shirt and fell asleep.

I have read just about everything you can think of about sleep disorders, sleep deprivation. Sleep, sleep, sleep! I have bored my mother and sister to tears with my daily theories. Have burst into tears myself for many reasons as we try to figure out what is going on, and try to get our boy some good rest.

He deserves good rest, and good health. 

We visited his Pediatrician on Friday, and in addition to prescribing melatonin (a supplement to aid sleep), she really listened to me and is sending us to an allergist to see if we can get to the bottom of this. I like his Doctor, and am grateful she didn't brush me off...I mean, what parent doesn't complain about lack of sleep?

This is different.

She also listened when I talked with her about his temperament, and that while he's not so much interested in sitting down to look at a book, I can see in his eyes that he is scheming a way to get on top of the fridge...and you know what, he could totally do it. 

I recently found two books that changed my entire perspective on raising this little man: Raising the Spirited Child and Sleepless in America. I feel like the author wrote a book about our intense, sensitive, perceptive, and energetic boy. 

What a joy to live with this exploding personality.

All I can say is what an amazing person he will be someday -- and I have no doubt that he will climb mountains, bungee jump, and do incredible things. 

Color Swatches

We've been sick around here the last few days, hence my inability to keep up with Nablopomo. 

Thursday was Ada with a runny nose. 

Friday was Mom with the chills and a sore throat. 

Saturday was Quentin with a runny nose and red eyes. 

I'm hoping Sunday is truly a day of rest. 

Ada's self directed "Man for Quentin," using her Dad's electrical (?) tape and recycled paper

After raiding the color swatches at Loews today with her Dad, Ada became very frustrated with me when she was unable to create the rainbow she'd imagined in her mind into something real and tangible. I told her to just keep trying, but she was clearly stuck.

After a somewhat difficult conversation, in which she was taking her frustration out on me, I finally asked, "What is it you need from me?! How can I help?"

It stopped her. She then said, "Nothing! My brain just won't let me think." 

She finally got over her own hurdles and started cutting, and gluing, and making things that made her happy.

Quentin's original masterpiece -- rocking those fine motor skills

I'll post the final piece when she has completed it.

Ordinary days

Ordinary days are filled with homework, and grading, and breakfast at the table. 

Hanging out with baby brothers 

And eating sandwiches on our walks

Talking Back

It's 10:42pm and I am ready for bed, but am determined to participate in Nablopomo (National Blog Posting Month). 

There is so much I want to say about this girl, but will have to another day.

Until then, I leave you with these pictures which capture the two aspects of her personality:

The quiet, compliant, easy-going girl that we hear about from her teachers.

And the sassy girl with an attitude who likes to talk back, stand her ground, and take her Dad and I for a ride once in a while.

Pretending to "be a man."

We hit the jack pot with this little lady.