7 posts tagged “holidays”

I saw the saddest story on the nightly news last week, about Salvation Army stores pulling all toys from their shelves because they can't keep up with all the recalls. While it's nice on the one hand that they are making sure dangerous toys aren't just unloaded on the less fortunate, it's awful that they have no or fewer toys available. The Marines' Toys for Tots program has brought in extra staff just to check donations against recall lists. I picked up an extra wood non-Chinese toy this weekend during our holiday shopping for a local drive -- please think about doing the same when you shop!

If you haven't already seen it, a new site lists toy test results: www.HealthyToys.org. They test for multiple chemicals in addition to lead, like arsenic and mercury. (Why is there arsenic and mercury in toys?!?) I'm relieved to see a Melissa & Doug product on the "best" list (many of their products are made in China) -- and disturbed to see Circo shoes on the worst. Thanks Target!

Easter weekend was a little cold -- woke to a light dusting of snow Saturday morning -- but the baptism and party were fun and we had a low-key Easter Sunday, with a photo shoot at the park (see photo above). The party was small, as neither of our families could make it, but O's NY godfather came down and our local family of friends were in attendance. This is one of my favorite pictures from the baptism, O and his (DC) godfather checking out the flowers after the service.  I'd bought an adorable linen outfit for O to wear, and had to scramble to find a sweater when I heard it was going from 80 degrees last Monday to barely 40 on Saturday. Just a typical spring in Washington!

A busy week this week, with Passover seder last night and Owen's baptism on Easter Saturday. (Yes, he's bi-religious.)

We had a nice time in Oregon. Owen's 11 month older cousin Hailee warmed up to him a little. On Christmas she obligingly sat next to him for a photo shoot in front of the tree. He was fascinated by her and would reach out to pet her blond hair. And by the end of the visit she was bringing him her balls to play with.

Owen's hand-eye coordination improved just in time for the holidays. Rather than just thrusting his hands in the general direction of an object, he can now pick it up in both hands and put it in his mouth. He had quite the appetite for wrapping paper, in particular. He and Hailee had soo many gifts under the tree, we had to stop present opening TWICE for naps. My family makes everyone open presents in turn, youngest to oldest. Even with Hailee and Owen doubling up on their turns, this still took an eternity.

Flying went less smoothly than our first trip. Four hour flight to Denver + teething infant, not the most pleasant experience. He had a good 2 hour cranky session. I always cringed when I saw babies on my flights in my naive pre-baby days, so I felt terrible. Fortunately, as it was Christmas Eve there were lots of families and other babies on the flight. Somehow the woman next to us slept most of the flight, and the older couple across the aisle must have been parents because they never batted an eye. In fact the only negativity was from our super bitchy flight attendants! The second flight to Portland went much better. We were in the front row with friendly flight attendants with whom Owen giggled and chatted (even the pilot came out to say hello) until he fell asleep. And our flights home were smoother as well, with longer naps and a shorter fussy period on the last flight. There was a poop incident in Denver but nothing a change of outfit/purchase of new socks couldn't fix.

In new baby tricks, Owen groans/grunts violently as if to say "gimme!" in the direction of what he wishes to put in his mouth. And now that he can sit up on his own, he is so over the infant carrier. He digs in with his elbows to resist being put in. Once in, he still takes good naps in it, once he gives in and lets himself relax.

After a (surprise to mama) 3 day visit from Grandma and Grandpa L, we're off to Oregon tomorrow for Christmas with Grandmom and Grandpop R (& family). Flying through Denver (we hope), so wish us luck!

Owen's 4 month checkup stats:
Height: 25" (50-75th percentile)
Weight: 18lbs. 6oz. (>97th percentile)
Brains: 16 3/4" (50-75th percentile)

Happy holiday week everyone!