and now: a recap
We're home!
So, you might be wondering, what the heck have they been doing all this time? And how's Peter? And is Lucy rolling over yet? Lest I leave you in suspense, read on.
On the mend
Peter might have started his recovery from his 11 days of 103+ fever and mysterious spots on the drive to the Philly airport. He certainly showed more signs of life in the airport food court than we'd seen in many, many days. He took a few more days to return to normal...but to normal did he return.
All aboard!
Our visit with my father could probably be summed up in a few words. Chief among them: trains. Peter took his general interest in trains to a new level as we eagerly went in search of "more...more train!"
at the train show; at the Children's Museum
Zoolife
We also took advantage of a reasonably warm day* to visit the Indianapolis Zoo. The animals were crazy active: we saw all sorts of cool things, from peeing-on-people lions** to charging rhinos*** to baby baboons.
carousel rides; helping elongate some coins
* It was 40. I was freezing. Holy cow, I might not ever reacclimate to the north.
** We didn't see this ourselves, but we heard that it happened.
*** Well...charging toward the water.
Children's Museum
Once we were certain Peter was well, we visited one of my favorite childhood haunts - the Children's Museum. Unfortunately (for me), the museum has changed quite a bit over the years and some of my favorite exhibits no longer exist. This doesn't mean we didn't have a great time, though.
In fact, one of my favorite memories of this vacation is from the Children's Museum: the sight of Peter, nickel in hand, patiently waiting for his turn to ride the horse.
supertoddler + his grandfather; horsie ride
We finally did it
The haircut. We did it. His hair finally had become too hard to manage, which, in the end, was the deciding factor.
In a move that should surprise no one, I took a pair of scissors to his head and hacked a few inches off the back.
Kevin: I didn't realize Mommy wanted your first haircut to be a hack job.
So, we took him to a children's haircutting place, where even Elmo on the TV and the racecar seat and the endless supply of lollipops and the balloons couldn't help.
But holy cow is he a little boy now.
before the cut; during the cut; ice cream heals all wounds
Don't you have a daughter?
We do! Thanks for remembering. Lucy's mild-mannered nature allows her to be overlooked at times. But she spent the vacation furiously at work on several projects, including "Operation Roll-Over" and "I Need a Manicure."
Before we left New Jersey, Lucy managed a full back-to-front roll-over, complete with the difficult freeing-of-both-arms. She's accomplished it a few times since, but seems content to spin around, lazy-Susan style, rather than flip over again. (Besides, since she hates being on her stomach, why exert the effort?)
Also, her hands are the most fascinating things on earth. They must be, if she can spend 12 hours a day staring at them. Yep, we've entered that period of infant development I like to refer to as "stoner hands." I just wish there were something that simple that could keep me entertained for hours.
Despite her brother's mystery virus, her two trips to the ER, and a few long flights, Lucy escaped our vacation as healthy as she left. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
We've been working on sitting up. The thing is, she hates it. You kind of have to force her into a sitting position. Standing? Sure. She loves to stand. But if you try to get her to sit, she'll buck her body against whatever she's leaning upon and make herself stiff and straight. This might be why she hates her carseat and the stroller so much.
She also came back from our vacation at least 2 pounds heavier and quite a bit taller, too. Both she and Peter suddenly outgrew their clothes, leaving them in a precarious situation, clothing-wise. (Peter's all "Huck Finn" with his too-short jeans, and Lucy's pants have suddenly become leggings.) Luckily, many generous gift-givers have ensured the kids will be back to their stylish selves in no time.
And other things, too
We made sure to stop in and visit my grandmother, or "GeeGee" as she's now known. I'm not sure which Peter liked more: the endless supply of potato chips or his Christmas present from GeeGee.
Lucy and GeeGee, sitting pretty
Speaking of potato chips, we managed to subsist on a diet of Christmas cookies and candies, potato chips, pizza in all of its many forms, and several milkshakes (often, two or three a day). Yet not a pound did I gain. So, there.
Our children were spoiled rotten by Santa and by grandparents and aunts and uncles, but I assure you they're very appreciative of their gifts. We too were surprisingly spoiled by parents and sisters and others, and now have several dozens of hours of television-on-DVD to enjoy.
We spent today getting things on order: grocery shopping (especially necessary for someone who repeated "more milk" 700 times before 10 a.m.), a new car seat for Lucy, and a trip to the post office to pick up our mail.
As much as we'll miss spending time with our families, we're looking forward to the return of the routine. It's nice to be in our childproofed house with our 57 degree sunny days. Oh, yes. It's nice to be home.
I'm glad to see you home safe and sound... and without a nasty fever! I am quite envious of your 57 degree days (we're lucky in Alamosa if this time of year it gets to be in the double positive digits).
I'm sure the hair cut was just as hard for you as it was for Peter... but you're right! He really looks like a miniature man now.
Posted by: Jenna | January 08, 2009 at 12:51 PM
My gosh he looks like such a little boy! The curls were adorable, but now he just looks like he's ready for mischief.
Thanks for the Christmas card/photo - Peter and Lucy are such cute kids.
Posted by: Liz | January 08, 2009 at 04:21 PM