Timothy Arlen

Timothy's Birthday Pictures

2010-02-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

We finally received some pictures from his birthday party!! Blame it on mom's camera breaking and now relying on everyone else to take pictures (and forward them to me) for record of this awesome day with Timothy.

Pictures from Andrea Leoncavallo

2009-12-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

Here we begin with Apple picking with Andrea and Lindsay down the way from our old house. We were hoping for u-pick but couldn't find anything. However, we ran into a pirate festival and it just so happens, Grandma Amo knit a skull and cross bones. Timothy fit right in. We also found apples bigger than Timothy's head.

Sauvie Island has several pumkin patches and we picked out many pumpkins for carving.

Halloween was warm as well. We trick or treated with Andrea in her neighborhood and watched movies before Andrea graciously watched Timothy after he went to bed so I spent Halloween out with friends. It was a wonderful night, except Timothy and I only made it to four houses. Then the neighbor with the pitbull unnerved me and we retired to handing out candy. Timothy still enjoyed that and by the middle of the evening was a pro at handing candy out and calling after everyone, 'Happy Halloween!'

Peacock Lane Christmas lights with Tom and Andrea. We strolled the sidewalks on a warm, dry evening.

Wow- It's been that long?!

2009-12-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize my posting have become few and far between. Thus my entry to remedy the issue. Timothy is close to two years old and he amazes me everyday with his sponge like brain and sense of adventure.

In August, we traveled to the east coast to visit Grandpa and family as well as a stop in New York for Niki's graduation, Jesse's sister. Jesse's family was very proud of her and her accomplishements and wanted the whole family contingent there to celebrate. The day began with a red eye flight where we thought giving Timothy some benedryl would help him sleep and we were dead wrong.. The reaction was the opposite: hyper activity, agitated and maybe two hours of fitfull sleep at our feet on the plane. Beyond the plane we took a short nap after breakfast in a hotel in NYC and onto the ceremony.

Although he was a little agitated, Timothy was still a sweetheart and a ham for the camera. He patiently sat through the ceremonty, we introduced him to many new faces including Jesse's other sister so he would be comfortable with her while we went to a broadway show. But that was hours away. First, a dinner with 20 others.

At this point, Jesse and I maybe slept for 3 hours within the last 36 hours and made our way to the Manhattan for a quick drink with Decker, Jesse's best friend from college whom I had met the previous year. I felt it time for some sort of reinforcement to enjoy the show, so the equivilant of a Red Bull was drink of choice.

We saw Phantom of the Opera. It was absolutely amazing. And then we got stuck on the subway platform for an hour and a half before finally hopping a bus to meet Becka and - DRIVE TO UPSTATE... I'm not sure at what point any of this was a good idea, nonstop travel, no sleep and marathon family visiting.. I made Jesse pull over at around 4am. I was beyond my limits as I am still required to perform mom duties when Timothy wakes and I needed some sort of sleep before meeting the rest of the family...

We spent the next two days in St Lawrence County and played on the farm before dropping Jesse off and driving to Ct. to spend the rest of the vacation sleeping, reading and site seeing along St Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands area at Grandpa Etherington's house.

Connecticut this year, was several days of spending time with Grandma and Grandpa Etherington with cousins to play with and a visit to the Aquarium. Timothy had the most enjoyable time running around the aquarium, impressed with all of the Nemos, sharks and sea lions. However impressed, he was also extremely alarmed when the sea lions barked at each other to get off the rock. It startled him and he was DONE with them... It began to rain as we walked from place to place.

One of the most interesting features at the Aquarium was the submarines they used to find the Titanic. We explored the inner 5' in diameter. The other attractions would have taken the entire day. That evening there were plans for a play to attend: Camelot.

Timothy played with his cousins for several days, ate dinner at the kid's table and wreaked havoc throughout Ct. with three other boys. Too much fun!

September we spent a weekend for a friend's Thanksgiving dinner pig roast, rode horses, quads and used the Element as a bed..

October was pumpkin patch adventures, hikes and accepting a new job acrossed town. I now work for IMS Capital Management in operations.

November was a move to a new daycare and a new home for Timothy and I and a wonderful visit from Amy and Liv.. Timothy had his firt slumber party and we quickly found that when one wakes in the middle of the night, so does the other. Since the move, I have started commuting to and from work on mas transit. I can walk Timothy to his daycare in the hiking pack or stroller. It's such a relief to spend 20 or so minutes relaxing on the Max on the way to pick up Timothy than sit in traffic with the same amount of time it would be by car..

And now we are into December. It's cold outside and I'm laying in my bed while Timothy plays in his room and the living room. My new place is a one bedroom apartment with a basement. Timothy has his own room while I utilize the sleeper sofa in the living room. The set up is working quite well. Timothy loves his room and when we are home, Timothy is very happy with the space he plays in and the walks we enjoy together.

I hope all is well with everyone!

~Sandra and Timothy

Timothy's Big Head Strikes a Balance! sort of

2009-07-10T11:47:00.001-07:00

Although Timothy is growing into his head size as he gets older, his last few months in reaching one and a half years of ages has proven difficult. Difficult to explain all of the bruises.. He tumbles onto the floor and smacks his forehead. He independently climbs stairs only to miss his footing and whacks right above where he got too close to a shoe on a swing. This most recent smackaroo was in Hells Canyon at an information booth at the half way point of a fire tower. He didn't even see it and ran right into it... Poor Mister...

He is now 23 lbs and growing very well now that he has been clear of any lung issues for two-three months. He is the apitomy of a little boy playing in the dirt, with trucks, likes to watch bikes whizz by and finds it especially amusing to play games of stop and go! Goooooo and he runs right into your arms and colapses onto your lap! This also helps when close to a road since the concept of danger isn't as cool as stopping for a game..

Grandpa came for a track meet and Timothy clapped for the competitors. We enjoyed the company of Geoff and Marie for entire afternoon and finished with a very nice dinner.

Grandma also made it down for breakfast and some play time and charmed Kathleen into buying him a dump truck! Lucky boy!

I have sent out some wonderful pictures recently to all of the family. Day care had a wonderfull woman come in and not a single picture of Timothy wasn't perfect in capturing peices of his inquisitive nature and simple happiness!

I don't have them in electronic form so if you didn't receive one and would like to, give me a call.

In other news, two of Timothy's family members have passed away. My last remaining grandparent in Pennsylvania and my aunt in Aumsville passed within weeks of each other. We also packed Jesse up to start fire season this year only to visit him over Fourth of July weekend. Beyond the startling deaths and sadness, we took a little time to adjust and then start to have fun again. I floated Timothy down a section of river with the fire crew on the Grand Ronde. Everyone rode and walked their inner tubes, while I navigated in my play boat with Timothy on my lap. He loved it! This was a momentous occassion since this was the very first time Timothy has been on moving water. We were carefull and focused on a great experience for him and I don't know if he has worn himself out more trying to paddle with the paddle himself than any other activity we shared! Such a great time!

Happy Summer and see some more family soon!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

Timothy would like to wish everyone a Happy Father's Day! If you're close, you might even get him to lean in and kiss you!

Thank you, Kate H. for the wonderful pictures during your visit!!

Springtime fun!

2009-06-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Timothy and I have been adventurous in the months of April and May. We took advantage of the Element's ability to act like a less hippy mobile version of a Vanagon and more like a sleek mobile tent. Better gas mileage than the hippy mobile and more fun to look out the back moonroof for constelations.

His social skills are off the charts! He is getting smarter everyday. A barbque at a friends house showcased Timothy's two comand sentence with "Hey Timothy, grab that stick and go hit Porter with it.." Unbeknownst to Jesse, he would follow those exact instructions, passing several friends he could have struck, and once he reached Porter, Timothy swung the stick and smacked him with it! We shall be more mindfull of our instructions we give him!

He now gives knucks but can't blow it up... Babysteps, people! We've added to our vocabulary, exponentially. He understands so much now and his words are coming along just as well. His newest word is helmet. His newest body part is his knee. We have about 15-20 animals, 10 body parts learned and he loves to play with the Wii's life sabers for the Lego version of Star Wars my roommate and his son have come clost to conquering.

Timothy at Cannon Beach

2009-04-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago, we had a beautiful day at the beach. Here are some pictures Jonas took... Timothy was having so much fun being buried, we couldn't get him to break out and stand up.. He just gawked at people walking around on the beach and pointing out kites and doggies! Cutie pie!

Cheers!

Happy Easter to Everyone!

2009-04-17T09:36:00.001-07:00

This year's Easter was a hoot! We drove to Aunt Molly's house for the Egg Hunt and potluck and like any family gathering, we split our pants by eating so much. What's a really good plan is making sure Timothy just eats from my plate versus getting a separate heaping pile of food on his own plate. His appetite is back and since he lost about a pound and a half from being sick for the last eight weeks, right after his second DTaP shot in his life because of complications after the first.. His shots were Feb 16Th and 19Th and either the DTaP shot specifically is causing issues or he just has a hard time with his immune system after such high doses of vaccines.

Anyhow, we enjoyed Saturday by watching friends at a local kayak competition and ran around a vast property close to the river with a park like setting. We did have an injury from a tricycle accident, however, Timothy came out with a bit of bruising on his foot, then went back to running around the yard with two other little boys I babysat in order to get boaters on the river together.

All in all, he's such a little cutie. He is starting to communicate more each day and I try to get him to express anger in any way other than hitting and biting, which I correlate with the time around other daycare kids.. Timothy also is such a caring little person, affectionate and sweet as well, it's puncuated with occassional outbursts of frustration like anything else. Daycare has it's benefits... This particular daycare has a curriculum and so far, he is learning more than I could cram in after I get home from work so I feel easier about parting with money every month now I can reap the benefits of Timothy learning more than I can teach.

Happy East everyone and have a wonderful spring!!

Pictures!!!

2009-03-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

Here are the links to pictures and the like. There are a few different sets. Please enjoy!

Andrea Leoncavallo pictures

www.diannnebentzphotography.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the birthday and one year pictures!!!

Sandra

Timothy Hits the Ground Running

2009-03-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have lots more to share, but here is just a smidgen of Timothy for the month! more to follow!

And today we have here, the cutest little tyke running around, making all sorts of converstaional noises and generally wreaking enjoyment at every turn. He is quite the sponge and continues to immitate people around him.

His new sounds are J and G sounds. Juice, Jesse, Ga-Ga. But most funny is when he quacks like a duck or reves the engine of his plastic Tonka Truck!

Walking has come with ease and a new curiousity of every room in the house, careful to check if anyone's watching and defiantly crosses the 'off limits' room of my roommate's son's room. All sorts of choking hazards in there! He's nearly tall enough to reach the door knobs, yet our liitle 44 percentile genius is still not able to wrap his little hands around it to open the door. Closing them is sure fun though!

We taught him how to sign a few words and use them in context. Daycare is now teaching him and reinforcing it as well, which it makes me very happy and it's easier to part with the tuition now I see such positive influences and teachings. He can sign the following: more, please, thank you, finished. We are working on kitty, tree, hungry. He can point to his nose, mouth, eyes and toes. His head and hair are a great request when changing his diaper since he found his penis. He waits ever so patiently with his hand ready was the diaper velcro tears away from the diaper. And before I have a chance to give him a wipe to play with, he's already inspecting! In order to get away from this, we have started to distract him with games to point to objects, body parts and find his hair!

He's the cutest and sweetest little guy! Until next time!

Timothy Turns One!

2009-01-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

Follow the link for the online photo album. He is too photogenic to choose only a few to share!

His birthday celebration was fantastic. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful little one.

At this time, we are celebrating his uncle's birthday and recelebrating his birthday with Grandpa and Grandma in Texas. I will have more pictures from his birthday celebration with friends and a pony (keg) when I have access to the pictures!

Timothy and I send our love!

Sandra

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

Greetings to you this very fine December! We are very excited for the Christmas season and had a great Thanksgiving with friends and family. I think the total of T-day and preT-day dinners tally 6 that Timothy and I attended. He likes turkey from a drumstick! We did find a bit of disturbing news... My late grandfather's property that was in the family sold to a builder who built an enormous house plus a detached 4 car garage where there used to be a corral, haybarn, paddocks, detached garage, small house and several fruit trees on many acres of grass hay fields. It was quite a shock that Timothy wasn't going to know the hours of fun that barn can be. All of the days of creating hay forts, running in between the horses' legs, chasing cats and jumping into the mud pits in the corrals that the draft horses made. I loved Grandma and Grandpa's house. All that's left is the old mail box, but that's not quite the same. It's no longer lined with lush flower boxes, the wagon wheel or have shade from the trees.. I decided to preserve what I could with pictures of Timothy next to the mailbox, being sure not to include the monster house in the background.. I walked from the mailbox to my aunt's house where we have celebrated our traditional Thanksgiving day , potluck style. This year was the 39 year anniversary they have hosted ever since they moved next door to my grandparents. The pies lined the laundry room; 17 in total. Three turkeys, two hams and a vat of mashed potatoes.. Man, I missed that the year before, however, the food was still amazing last year. Timothy has two distant cousins born within a few months of him with one more on the way from another second cousin of mine. Hand me downs work well in my family. We have two boys older than Timothy and one younger to pass down hand-me-downs. There are several things I chose to keep for keepsakes. Most of them are handmade items given to him by his grandma, Kathleen, distant family in England and a few friends that knit. From my family gathering, I joined my friends for an east coast transplant Thanksgiving, of which I am not eligible to attend if it weren't for Timothy's charisma.. He gets invited to the best events! Here is where we discovered his love for the ping pong ball and a paper towel roll center.. I showed him once how to roll the ball through the roll center and he entertained, explored and learned for a half hour, chasing the ball, placing it back through and playing a healthy and accurate game of 'catch'. He bounces the ball to you and expects you to return it.. It's brilliant. I showed Jesse and now he has added problem solving skills with a tool to dislodge the ball if it sticks within the tube from littel hands squashing the tube by accident.. At home, Timothy greets my roommates kitties with a kkthhh sound that has now turned into two sylables and clear 'kitty' word... His vocab is developing. He says 'yeah!' when excited, 'nana' for banana, 'mama' when upset and pulling on my pantleg, 'da da' for bye bye, with a waving motion. He freely gives hugs and lays his head on you. He giggles and expects to laugh with you everyday. He appreciates books when he can turn the page. Timothy also loves the little walker he can push around the room. I honestly think he's more proud of his accomplishments than anyone (but me) and he shouts out with glee with every new discovery.. He's absorbing so many great things right now.. Love and Light!

Sandra and Timothy!

2008-11-14T16:11:00.000-08:00

We have hit the rainy season here, which means I crave kayaking. I manage to get out about twice, sometimes three times a month right now. A good friend of mine is back in town and loves to spend time with Timothy and I drag him along to spend time hiking and walking around with Timothy. Logistically, it doesn't make sense for Grandma or Auntie to watch him if I am just an hour east of Portland.

I bought a hiking pack with intention to hike with Timothy on the weekends, but it truly helps with trips to Costco. He seems to like being perched so high above his normal stature! The short hikes I take breaking it in have been very nice and as soon as I feel good enough to take him for the entire day, we will hit a trail from a book my friend purchased for me.

Update on Timothy: We had a check up the other day and he has his first ear infection. It's in both ears. He is fairing well so far. He weighs 18# 8 oz, His head circumference is in the 71 percentile, yet his overall weight is 12 percentile. He's a bit top heavy. :)

Timothy is so curious with his surroundings since becoming more mobile. He crawls very well, and took two fulls steps without help. Sheila made him a duck costume Halloween. We walked a few of the blocks in her neighborhood. I'm surprised at the amount of candy I, I mean he, got from each house. I even asked for only one piece from each of them and they insisted on the handful they unloaded on us.. We recycled a good amount of it back at the house to other trick or treaters. I suspect many cavities in his future unless he continues to be attached to his toothbrush. I can't get him to set it down! He has four teeth on his top row coming in at the same time, as well, so it is good training for him to chew on the toothbrush..

My friend Kristen hand knit a blanket for me and it seems like this one in particular is now his woobie. No other blanket makes him squeal with delight when he sees it! It's truly amazing.

I received the boxes of hand me downs from the east coast, and I thank you! He is still a slight bit behind the proper sizes for his age and so things seem to last longer. For that, I am happy! Thank you so much for those!

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment!

Cheers and until next time!

Sandra

Recent Pictures

2008-09-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

Timothy set out to meet and visit his family members in August. His trip took him to Connecticut where he met two uncles and an aunt. He spent time with Grandma and Grandpa Etherington. His favorite moments include: being fed in his chair outside at the patio table, walks around the yard with Grandpa and checking out the beach on the east coast.

Although he had a fair amount of trouble readjusting to the time zone when we arrived back in Portland, it has not stopped him from reaching new developmental heights. Three milestones are accomplished as of the last month:

· Pulling himself to a standing position (very dangerous! Too close to full mobility..)
· Taking his first crawl step (8/21)
· Action/reaction, cause/effect relationship (banging a spoon against a metal bowl, etc.)
· Full fledge crawling, standing, and baby steps with my help as of three weeks ago.

He also has developed a few babbles. Uhdudududa, thu thu, and a few other screechy sounds, yet still keeps from the piercing screams. He continues to motor boat, which is highly entertaining!

Timothy officially started on solids. He eats a variety of items that I boil or bake down and puree. I am proficient at the process to make his baby foods and confident he is getting the best available without purchasing expensive, prepackaged foods. His solid food list consists of carrots, butternut squash, green beans, apples, plum, broccoli, cantaloupe and cereal. Juices are a little difficult, but we continue to work with Timothy with what he will drink. I buy regular juices and he turns his nose to most except for some flavors of room temperature Gatorade, Prune, or Apple/Cranberry juices.

My favorite new toy for him is a wooden rattle in the shape of a frog. I have been a frog fan for many years and this bright green wooden rattle jumped out at me. It’s small enough to promote a more exact motor skill for grabbing and loud enough to keep his attention. Yet his favorite toy remains anything that makes noise when he shakes it.

A few toys I have made recently include taking a small canister, similar to a Pringles can, covering it with solid and striped paper, adding dry noodles and plastic caps. Viola! The can rolls across the floor and rattles when he picks it up. This is the perfect item for him! When he misses his reach, it rolls just out of his reach forcing him to move toward the object. What a great inexpensive invention from the Healthy Start counselor that meets with us once per week!

I’m putting together a little video with his stages soon. Expect it within three weeks or so. I uploaded a great amount of video last night.

Love you!

Six month photos

2008-08-01T21:48:00.001-07:00

Here are some shots we took in the backyard with Dianne once again! I'm so pleased with them!

Her Blog

Happy Viewing!!

-Sandra

Timothy Lunges!

2008-07-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

It's been a short road to mobility.

Timothy picked up rolling quickly and now he is onto a downward dog into a full lunge forward!

Last night, while picnicking in the park, he practiced several yoga moves on the blanket and to all of our surprise, thrust himself forward by a good couple of inches. What a fantastic feat for our little guy!

I'm getting ready to run after the squirt. There will be a bit of adjusting to do in our room. First and foremost, locks on the rest of the cupboards for the bathroom.

I'm Six Months Old!

2008-07-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report:

15# and 10 ozs. 24' long and Timothy is learning to eat solids.

Our first adventure in eating any solid was this last Sunday night while sitting at the dinner table. Timothy sits in his high chair as we converse and share our meals. He imitates us with his plastic, kid sized utensils and empty bowls. He tests gravity with any toys from the astounding height of three feet.

My roommate razzed me a bit, asking why I was teasing Timothy, teaching him how to use a spoon with NOTHING on it. It spurred me into action, finding natural applesauce in the cupboard, I added some to the bowl we were playing with. Without a doubt, Timothy enjoyed every bit of apple sauce I placed on the plate... The next day, I bought the standard fare: rice cereal.

We tried the rice cereal and he certainly exceeds my expectations with how well he is swallowing all of it!

I do lay him down for naps in his crib, however, in the evenings I have been placing him in the crib. When he stirs around feeding time, I snuggle with him for the rest of the night. At six months, I had a goal to place him in his crib for the entire night. Our first night of sleeping in the crib all night also went well. I checked on him every couple of hours, waking to any and all sounds coming from his crib. The slightest thrashing through a dream or heavy sigh woke me. Sometimes no sound at all elbowed me hard enough to wonder if he was still breathing.

I enjoy him sleeping with me. I enjoy waking with him next to me smiling. I read posts regarding children who never ween from their parent's beds and hooray for Timothy's even keeled demeanor and ease into the crib. I will still have him sleep with me on occasion, but it is beautiful to sleep alone once in a while.

Enjoy the latest pics!

Memorial Day Wenatchee Camping

2008-06-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

A few of my friends and my mom drove to Cashmere to play in the sun and boat a bit. My main goal was to get on the Big Air Ramp they made, but I was saddened to see it was built off scaffolding and it frightened me to try it. I decided not to compete and spend that day with my mom in Leavenworth and on Icicle Creek.

Timothy had an amazing time and met some more friends from the Seattle area. Our camping trips have been successful so far!

Check out this link..
http://www.jacksonkayak.com/articles07/article.cfm?article=200806012

Here are some wonderful picks from the several photos we took!

Our First Camping Trip!

2008-05-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

The weather turned beautiful and hot for the weekend of the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Fest, which is located just an hour down the road. It was my first attempt at camping before heading hours away from the house. We picked up Jessie and Dave, carpooled out to the festival and began my competition. I did really well again this year, but this time I wasn't in the throws of morning sickness and generally feeling weak.

We pitched our tent and sacked out with the occasional sleepy feeding. We all slept in a bit longer and it certainly was wonderful to know that Timothy is laid back enough to camp.

I learned just how useful a stroller is. I used it for the second time in a week. (First was Timothy's first baseball game) Thank you, Shane and Carrie! I love you both!

Timothy Goes to Texas

2008-05-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

For my first Mother's Day and my birthday, I traveled to Texas with Timothy to meet his only great grandmother, more aunts and uncles and remeet his grandparents. I was a bit apprehensive with the flight and received some great advice from other parents on how to fly with a young one. I heeded that advice, prepared for complete meltdowns and hoped for the best. Jessie was kind enough to drop us two off at 5 am. I was quite tired from the night before with preparing for the trip and discovering that it truly takes three hours to do what used to take 45 minutes. That shouldn't surprise me, afterall, I'm notorious for thinking something will be quick.

Our trip was wonderful! I enjoyed my time with my family and I sure miss every one of them.

I'm four months old!

2008-05-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

I grab things with my hands, talk to people when they talk to me.
I get excited when I recognize people.
I can roll from my stomach to my back.
I know where my toes are. My hands are AWESOME!
I get kisses from doggies and kitties rub against me and purr.
I play in the grass and love to touch soft blankets.
My favorite toy is a dragonfly with a bell in it. I can hold it with both hands.
I like the dancing stars and moons lamp that someone gave me.
I giggle in the bathtub and in the pool!

My lungs are still congested, my eyes get goopy. But I am strong.

Some more videos!

2008-04-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Dad, here is the video that validates my theory of whooping cough.. Timothy coughs for a couple of minutes. It's diturbing to feel so helpless, but we've turned the corner. Yay!

A Bit of Fresh Air!

2008-04-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

Last week, Timothy was placed on steroids to help open his air passages. Still, the doctor will not recognize him as having whooping cough. I am switching doctors to someone who will take me seriously. I have a video of one of the fits he had that fits exactly the symptoms of whooping cough. The doctor prescribed some fresh air and away we went to hang out with friends at the kayaking event I raced in last year. The sun was out, or Timothy would not have been! My friend power boated a group of us on flatwater to the race sight. We weren't able to see the finish line like we had hoped but I wasn't willing to take TAEE any further than the rock we landed on. The terrain was too steep and the power boat didn't want to strike the prop on rock at the next outcropping.

We had a wonderful time anyway. Timothy was introduced to a handful of friends that hadn't met him yet. He wore his sunglasses his Aunt Jessica bought and mailed to us. What a fantastic present!

It's Thursday night and he hasn't had a coughing fit with me all night! It's a blessing that he is getting better. He is now 14 weeks old and weighs less than he did when he was 8 weeks, which is exactly when this all started..

And here's what I did on Sunday.. First time back since November and within the first 50 feet, I huck myself off a ledge again and again... I dropped it 7 times with the guideance of James. Worked on technique and timing. Only landed it poorly once.. Ah, I'm a happy girl!

Whooping Cough

2008-04-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Timothy is being treated for Whooping Cough with antibiotics, however this is his second dose and he had a coughing fit last night that lasted over twenty minutes. He threw up four times, mostly phlegm. I'm calling the advice nurse to see at what point he needs to be admitted to the hospital. He seemed to have been getting better. Yesterday, he turned a bit and I am not sure if he is passing it to me and I'm passing it back, or not.

I will be scheduling a follow up appointment to see if his lungs have cleared out. The pnuemonia may not be resolved.

The pnuemonia is a complication of the Whooping Cough. Luckily, with all of his coughing fits, we have been proactive to get him to breathe again.

I would say this is a very serious issue and I'm monitoring him closely to see if he needs to go to the hospital again.

Our First ER Trip

2008-03-26T12:59:00.001-07:00

Since, well, close to his shots, Timothy has been fighting a cold. His congestion worsended by last friday. I became increasingly concerned with his health. Upon my sister's suggestion, I took Timothy to the emergency room in Salem.

We had chest xrays that came back negative for any fluid in the lungs, however, the rattle was distressing.

Conclusion: Upper respritory infection.

Saturday and Sunday, his symptons were the worst of colds, sore throat, achy. But my sister helped me by giving me a few hours to myself. I came back to the same sick little one. Along with all of these routine complaints was a refusal to eat. By Monday, he had only eaten a recorded two ounces all day. He refused to eat when I visited on my routine lunch feeding. That night, as I worked around the house, I decided he was showing too many signs of dehydration. I drove to an urgent care facility where I was turned away. They require someone younger than four months to go straight to a hospital.

Once at the hospital, we were taken up to a room where I tried to feed once again. He latched on this time and within five minutes of eating, he threw up. He was prepped to be admitted for IVs, but this hospital requested to do another set of chest xrays and they found him to have pnuemonia. His dehydration was from the original cold he acquired. Another few hours went by and we tried to feed again, thinking it was all of the coughing that aggrivated him and led to him throwing up. This time, he kept everything down. We monitored him and he seemed to do a little better.

So, with that, they sent me out the door requiring me to follow up with my doctor. We got to the grocery store and he then threw up all of what he had eaten.

We visited the doctor yesterday and we are on a regimen of one ounce of fluid force fed once an hour. So far, he has kept most of his small meals down. If he doesn't, he will have to be admitted into the hospital and monitored for several days with IVs for fluid.

I am currently off work at home force feeding the little bit I can. The medicine for his pnuemonia will be finished within four days. He has had two wet diapers and has eaten, thrown up and eaten some more. But his sore throat is almost gone and he seems anxious to feed. I believe we are on the mend.

Pnuemonia has been developing quickly from the colds going around this year in healthy adults.. We are very lucky to have caught it so early in our little man!

Signing out...

Talkative

2008-03-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a small video of Timothy talking away last weekend at home. He is doing well, however we are all sick at the house. He's the most chipper one of us all.

His last appointment was a four dose vaccination and the next day, I met a lady who has twins that were strong and healthy until their first shots. They are both now autistic... Luckily, TAEE has seemed pretty normal after his fever broke and the swelling in his legs subsided.

Visual Growth

2008-02-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

We can assume TAEE is getting bigger, but when you can visually compare with pictures... It puts it all into percpective..

Love and Light
-Sandra and TA

Silly Little Video

2008-02-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

Something to giggle at...

I'm ten and a half pounds now!!

Centerfold Shots

2008-02-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

Timothy Update

2008-01-31T16:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I have posted for you all across the States. Timothy has been doing well for a three week old. He is also telling me when he is overwhelmed and then can't calm down. He doesn't know exactly how to calm himself if he melts down. Fourth trimester is underway and we are working on calming him based on a book called The Happiest Baby on the Block.

He is over his first cold. His diaper rash is finally under control, thanks to warm water spray downs, lanolin products for healing cracked skin and diaper rash creams. Did I fail to mention cloth diapers are helping with this as well? It's more breathable than traditional disposable diapers and with his sensitive little butt, we needed to try anything and everything. I really am an ameture at being a mother, but with the proper guideance, we will all step up into our roles.

Timothy is starting to track you and is very interested in men's beards. My friend, Mike, held him for a half hour and nearly the entire time, Timothy was enthrawled with his facial features. Then in the distance, heard a familiar friend's voice and turned to listen intently. Lisa spent a lot of time in my prep class and talking to my stomach here and there. And since he can pick out familiar voices now, he looks around much more in the direction of familiar things. Very cool to watch!

I visited a chiropractor and my sacrum is completely shifted and pulling the muscles on my left side from my neck to my knee. Therfore, I am in need of a little assistance.. I was referred to a woman right down the street from my office and she worked on me yesterday for two and a half hours. I do feel better, but now I'm bruised and swollen from her!

Enjoy some of the new pictures I took the other day under the same link! I update it every so often.

Love and Light!
Sandra

Pictures

2008-01-15T18:58:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures at random times during the last week. Can you believe he is already a week old?

Tomorrow is the first official day of just he and I relaxing at home, getting to know one another and then a round of friends are coming down for dinner and to meet their new 'nephew'.

Yay, I have a name!

2008-01-13T17:40:00.001-08:00

I'm here and I'm healthy

2008-01-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

Doctor visit

2007-12-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

I have had another visit to the doctor and this routine visit came with news that I am dialated 1 centimeter and 80% effaced. I have contractions here and there, which isn't to say it's going to happen now, versus in a week. It only means that I am close and could happen at any time. If I have him early, it's only by two weeks of the due date.

My goal is to stay as calm as possible from here on out. I'm nervous, scared, calm anxious all at once. My yoga class is saving me from melt downs. :)

The next post will be an announcement of a healthy young boy. Hold your breath and think good thoughts. Bring him in with as much support as possible. Texts and calls will go out immediately.

Ej will take care of his side of the family, unless otherwise planned.

Take care everyone and Merry Christmas!
Sandra

Etherington Christgiving

2007-11-30T22:57:00.000-08:00

The crew met in Bellingham for their version of the holidays before the snow bird, Kathleen, headed to New Zealand. I had the opportunity to meet Tim and Charlie for the first time after a gruelling holiday traffic infested drive from Portland. I had only heard about them from Ej and Kathleen and I was greeted warmly at the door by the doggies and soon to be uncles. We chatted over dinner and broke any tension that would have existed. I am extremely proud of myself for venturing outside of my comfort zone and surrounding myself with Ej's family for my favorite holiday. And thankful to Kathleen, Tim and Charlie for welcoming me. :)

Tim, EJ, Kathleen and I compiled wonderful holiday dishes, complimenting each other on our cooking prowess. Ej exercised his sweet tooth with sugary deserts, Tim prepared turkey and veggies and also allowed me to make my stuffing and cranberry sauce. Kathleen contributed a family tradition platter and we had a colorful feast. Charlie took charge of the dishes, the noblest of contributions to clean up after messy cooks. I, for one, can destroy a kitchen, let alone four of us in one kitchen in shifts..

I spoke for the first time with Leah over the phone, as she could not make the gathering. She sounds like a sweetheart! She commented on Tim's ability to turn over the kitchen to me and I quickly realized that we had several control freaks cooking. Good thing my stuffing and sauce turned out. I could have been banned from the kitchen for eternity!

My favorite Thanksgiving weekend activity had to be the drunken Apples to Apples tournament Friday night! Of course, the reigning queen of that game would be Kathleen in her sparkly crown and sceptor of wrapping paper! Had we taken out the camera once to capture any pictures, we would have been blinded by the glare of her enormous crown.

After several games and one polished off bottle of fine liquor between them, we started to retire. It was well passed midnight and I had fallen asleep in conversation with the boys.

Ej had already left for a boating adventure, Charlie was leaving in the morning. Tim, Kathleen and I ate a wonderful breakfast before I moseyed back home.

Kathleen, thank you again for the gifts, Tim for the haircut, Charlie for the laughs. I'm happy to have spent the holiday with the Etheringtons and Ratte.

Ultrasound Findings

2007-11-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

El Nino is officially 4 pounds 1 ounce as of Thursday, November 15th. He is in the 51% for size and looks to be exactly on target for a regular birth weight, as opposed to small. I was small, Ej was small.

The doctor was very please over the ultrasound. So pleased that I am in the clear with all of that talk regarding my diet. I just keep eating. So.. Bring on the Turkey and stuffing, potatoes, yams, pie, veggies and anything I can get my hands on! Ah, my favorite holiday!

Sandra

Pregnancy Paddling

2007-11-18T08:46:00.001-08:00

I have had a very hard time staying away from the water over the last couple of weeks. I had taken safety into account and the wishes of Ej's to steer clear for the baby's sake. But I am taking a mental beating. Not having a productive way to relieve the stress I am under creating a life and dealing with this very complicated situation has really taken a toll. I have taken up Yoga, but it's not the same. I don't get the physical exertion. I walk for exercise, but I can't clear my head.

And here I am, telling my doctor and Ej that I am going to paddle anyway. I spoke candidly to my doctor regarding the motions I take while paddling. The most dangerous aspect to paddling while pregnant would be to wet exit and expose my baby to anything in the water capable of piercing my gear or jarring my body hard enough, creating placental separation. I am confident in my skill level, safety on the water and judgement. I still have my roll, great mobility and a wonderful crew willing to give me my two hours of breathing and exercise on the river.

Class two and flat water are my options. I am unwilling to endanger myself or the baby on anything else. I take into account the length of the run, the character of the river, the remoteness as well as levels.

My crew is well versed in river safety, CPR and also confident in my ability to make sound choices. I started making plans regarding different runs by asking fellow paddling enthusiasts what runs they would suggest they would be comfortable on. The list was quite extensive from some people and others wouldn't support my endeavor at all.

My choice originally, for length, exercise and safety was the Dead Cow run on the Santiam. Firstly, there is enough draw for my class 3-5 paddling buddies to entertain themselves on the play wave while I shoot video from the banks. Secondly, the run is long. This means I would be exerting myself in my barge of a boat. Safety being a concern in any run, and cell phones, proper safety equiptment, and knowledge of the run was a crucial aspect. The run is lined with private property, fields and such, but the kicker is the hospital, in case anything happened, being within a mile of the take out.

However, high water this weekend forced me to change my plan and head to Barton to Carver... Cell phone service, housing lined river, but very short. I can't have it all!!

We picked up an extra boater, shuttled on up and pretended that there were rapids on the stretch of river we have only done as the Clackamas Clean Up effort throughout the years.

Fantastic to be on the water, with wind, rain and great people all bundled in Gortex! The run was extremely uneventful, however in every way shape and form, a release on every level for me, which really was my goal. I feel a bit more relaxed and ready to tackle the stress eating away at me. Maybe this clearing of the mind will make room for a bit more understanding.

I will also participate in pool sessions with my friends here and in Corvallis. If you are interested in bobbing around in flat water, class two and pools, give me a call.

Ultrasound

2007-11-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

My ultrasound, from what they can see, was normal, other than my growth still being of concern for my doctor. I have been reassured, however, I am reluctant to say that I am healthy, only because, no matter what I eat or how much, I have yet to really gain weight. El Nino is 4 pounds at this time, which is great!

Over the last two weeks, I have gained another two pounds, so I am only slightly off track from what my doctor requested from August. I plateaued for a short time without any increase in October and Novemeber is only slightly better.

I am rounding the last 8 weeks. You'll be meeting the little man soon!

Sandra

Baby Showers

2007-11-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have had one baby shower that my ex-boyfriend, Shane, and his sister Carrie threw for me. We have kept a great relationship as friends and as soon as he heard the news of my soon to be mommy status, he pulled together a planning committee to throw an outlandish, completely inappropriate baby shower that I wouldn’t invite my own mother to. And didn’t. I actually went as far as letting Ej know that he would be uncomfortable there too. Not only was it my old boyfriend , it was also the type of party he always rolls his eyes at. You know, the one where we talk Kathleen into whacking a baby piñata and drinking a shot of Patron….

I did, however, email the both of them and explain that the baby shower put on by my sister is the one they would be invited to attend since they would feel unwelcome or at least extremely uncomfortable at Shane and Carrie’s.

That being said, here are some absolutely insane photos of what my friends had in store for me:

more to come with the other photographer..

There were casualties everywhere! There were three trikes for relay trike races. Two of them broke. The egg-tossing contest with eerie baby faces glued to each egg splattered around the field. The battered and mangled baby piñata with candy and whistles.. And just as we finished up, the cops drove by the elementary school and everyone darted back to the house. Each prize was a bottle of alcohol they broke open and distributed shots from. By the end of the night, everyone was obnoxiously drunk, but it was soo much fun for my friends, and me I forgave their behavior.

I know Kathleen couldn’t make the more appropriate one. She assured me that this one was a good time. And I really did have to warn her of how crazy it would be. I don’t know if any of my friends that start having children will be able to do anything but a deranged coed party.

El Nino: 7 months

2007-10-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have an alter ego that comes out with my particular set of friendsin the kayaking community and it liberates me. I only do it around this one set of friends I met in 2004. They are all more eccentric than I and we certainly bring out the best in each other! So anytime they have a party, I am free to express myself with reckless abandon as they always involve a theme.. It happens to be Halloween and I was trying to figure out a costume this year. The option I was leaning toward was a Pregnant Homeless Girl with a cardboard sign, a cup for contributions and ragged clothes, but that was a bit too close to home. Instead, I purchased primary colored paint and commissioned a fantastic artist, Ms. Lisa, to do the work. I was hoping I wouldn't have any skin reactions.

This is my globe:

It extended all the way around, almost all the continents fit except for South America. N. America was our first continent and we ran out of room! If you look through the plastic protective layer (my friends like to rub my belly and would have destroyed the artwork) you can see the depth of the design and complexity of the continents with the appropriate colors for the geography, at least as much as a rush job could have hoped for! Lisa finished within an hour! I can't believe it turned out this well!

Happy Halloween and hope all is well! Enjoy the picture of my belly and little El Nino cookin inside!

Sandra :)

Two baby showers

2007-10-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Let me know if you would like an invite for one or both showers. I have a very inappropriate shower thrown by two good boater friends of mine and then a bit more traditional from my sister and a good friend.

Both are coed and will welcome anyone to join in!

Sandra

Getting over my fear of pregnant women

2007-10-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

It's taken three sessions of a yoga class, surrounded by round women, to cure me of my unfounded fear of pregnant women.

They did scare me at one time, with their shape and my unfamiliarity with what it feels like to be them, but I have since embraced them. I am finally joining them in their roundness and knowledge of the hithc hikers we have looping around in our bellies, elbowing our kidneys and changing our ever strong yet feminine shape to welcome their growth. I do feel the density growing as he accumulates bone. he is around two pounds, healthy and active. Very active..

I do still wear my regular pants to work by crafting an extension from rubber bands for my buttons to latch to. I still wear the same pair of jeans at home (low rise), but there has been changes to my wardrobe for the season. I'm so happy to be in sweaters and cozy, soft garments. Although I will miss the whitewater this season, I am reminded of the short amount of time this will be until he will be on the water with us, showing us the latest moves..

I am meeting a photographer friend of mine and dropping a few bucks for commemorative pictures of the little man in utero. I wish to remember what my body has morphed into and savor the quiet moments while they last. :)

Friday, will be an update on health, weight and my 27th week. I don't have many more to go.

24 week check up

2007-09-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you counting calories, I have been as well. Multiplying them.. And how troublesome it is to eat all of them when my stomach is in my throat, choking on it's restricted space. Still, my doctor insists that I gain weight.

It paid off, the switching to milk over cereal, adding protein powder to the milk, the fatty plain yogurt for granola and lots of red meat.. I gained four pounds! A one pound per week diet from here until what feels like eternity.. But a goal worth having for a healthy pregnancy.

I attended my first prenatal yoga session today. Breathing techniques, concentration, normal yoga positions with a bunch of pregnant women bending and stretching their very pregnant bodies.. Did I mention my fear of other pregnant women? Well, this is the place to help me get over that phobia.. It's truly a ridiculous phobia to have anyway.. Regardless, I enjoyed the class and plan on attending while I live here in NE Portland and then finding another location close to where ever we land. Certainly to have another form of release now that kayaking is not as much an option any longer.

I have yet to stop kayaking but it was suggested that I stay off runs that might jeopardize myself or the baby. I heed the warning and consider my days of even easy class three numbered.. One more this weekend and then I'll call it.. Class two, flat water from then on out. I might dry up if I stay off the water entirely..

Geoff, you wanted to see some pictures of me while kayaking? I don't have any real spectacular photos, but I do have my blog you are welcome to visit. Sandra's blog. It hasn't been updated for a while, but at least there are some recants of a few splashy adventures and stealing my new boat's virtue..

Baby E is over a pound, healthy and looping around. It's noticable from a distance of across the room and very entertaining to let someone feel the movement between my abdominal wall. You are feeling straight to the uterus and the little man...

Till next time...

Mary is a boy!

2007-08-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ej and I were introduced to a son yesterday via ultrasound! We attended the ultrasound late afternoon and Ej made faces at me to help me relax. I was nervous. There's nothing like applying pressure to an already sensitive region of body in the name of science. I endured an hour and a half of pressure from 'the wand' to check heart chamber growth, look for abnormalities in developement, etc. So far, the measurements are correlating with 19 weeks and there will be no change in the due date. Results are presented to us today.

The money shot confirmed maleness. So, Tim, get cracking on some names! It seems this is both Geoff's and Doug's first biological grandchild. Top name for me is a family name: Arlen... my father's middle name... work that in and we may have a deal..

Sandra

Happy Birthday, Jackie

2007-08-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

How about a kick from the little one on your birthday, yesterday! My very first kick felt with my hand last night as I lay in bed!!

Yesterday was Jackie's birthday. We talked that morning over a few items, including the blog writings. Little did I know I would be calling her today to share with her the news of the first kick on her birthday! What a special moment!

Also, I have a few hand me downs from another mom that I have started to store. I have a bassinet, a few toys, videos, clothing items, a hiking back pack, receiving blankets and tye dye burp rags. I do plan to be a bit of a minimalist and everything I received will be completely useful. Thank you, Kim!

First Flutters

2007-07-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

Short and Sweet:

Last week was the first time I felt any real movement and it has continued.. I imagine it to be similar to a small balloon filled with liquid and an object suspended inside. It's the shift of the liquid that's most prominent. Very strange feeling, but exciting!

Gaining percpective

2007-07-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

Ball up your fist, look at it long and hard. Hold it below your belly button and imagine that it's Mary. She's not really a bean anymore, the lima bean shape is gone. My hands aren't monsterous, are yours? I'm 16 weeks as of today. She is nearly 4 inches in length, next Monday I will be 17 weeks along and she will be 4.5 inches in length..

For as much confusion that comes along with planning and how overwhelming things can be, I'm gaining more and more percepctive one day at a time. Kyle mentioned to me over the weekend that you can't even imagine the love you have the moment that you hold your baby for the first time. If it's half as much that I'm already beginning to feel, my heart will be completely overflowing by the time January rolls around.. I think about her day and night. I admit, there are times I want to just relax and go boating, not think about anything but the moment and my friends afford me that pleasure for a short time. I come back to reality, refreshed and thankful for my friends and family.

Week sixteen begins refreshed..

First meeting of the doctor

2007-07-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

I visited with the doctor for the first time and had the usual rundown of exams and testing. Poked, prodded and then they whipped out a contraption with a microphone.. This was not what I was expecting! I thought this would be at the next appointment. The heartbeat is strong and easy to find! Luckily, still only one. :) My mother informed me that my aunt Judy didn't find out she had twins until the eighth month. Yes, twins do run in the family. The ultrasound only showed one because they were perfectly side by side during the exam and when they checked the heartbeat in month 8, they heard two small heartbeats.. Surprise..

I am hypoglycemic and that explains the extra sensitivity to simple sugars. I have lost a total of 8 lbs since 'The News'.. But this could also be normal. I am continuing to eat healthy. I added 2% milk to my diet of nearly no milk at all. I'm still nauseous if I don't eat every couple of hours, however, I do have more energy than in previous weeks. This means I can lift my creek boat again... Ahahaha! Lower Wind is calling my name..

The ultrasound on August 16th at 4pm will be the appointment I'm dragging EJ to find the sex of the little one. This should prove to be a momentous occasion!

Love and Light.

Contact info

2007-07-16T23:28:00.001-07:00

Hey all-
I am trying to tabulate contact info from members of both families so all names and emails and numbers etc are know... AND pet names, or other names that should be avoided. Please get back to me and let me know and I'll have something prepared in a week or so.
Cheers!

ejether@hotmail.com

My First Gift

2007-07-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit shy when it comes to overall change. Usually something prods me along..

My first gift has been the most appropriate gift for my sense of humor and for my relaxation into this new reality. My family knows that baby making was going to be for everyone else, not Sandra.. Eh, well, things change.

So Jessica texts me for my address, she promptly sends a card, a book, and a onesy. I think that's what they are called.. The onesy is key here.. It's void of any signifying baby color... no pastel, no gender role.. It's white with black block letters..

INSTRUCTIONS- NOT INCLUDED

Perfect.. I'm getting used to it.. But where do I find an essentials list? I'm really a utilitarian yet I make decisions based on cool factor too.. So, of family out there, email me a list of essentials?

Here I am...

2007-07-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

The due date will fall on January 10th, give or take.

~Sandra

12 Weeks, First Ultrasound

2007-06-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

My next appointment, and first meeting of the doctor will be July 19th.

The ultrasound was really unusual from my percpective. The wand giving away the safety of not being seen or heard, the little bean moved around in protest from being disturbed. I saw a teency little beating mass and was told that was the bean's heart. My umbilical cord is thinner than a hair. There are two legs, two arms, a head and a body.. Very surreal looking. Very HUMAN looking. I wasn't expecting to see an outline of features, for example a face when it curled up towards the wand pressing on my stomach.. Eye sockets, nose, mouth, curve of the cheek.

When I show Ej the picture, I will then send the scanned copy that I have for you to see. I just want him to see it first. I found myself in a panic when I couldn't find the pictures when I cam home and totally started to cry. It turned out to be in the book I had put it in, but just wasn't as easy to find through the hundreds of pages. One thin photograph, so many emotions.