Poor Pete Monster

That's what we kept saying all last week and through the weekend.  After a fun filled weekend with his girlfriends, Peter came down with a cold.  The night we got back he slept terribly.  I thought it was just teething until he woke up the next morning all sniffly/snotty and coughing.  That evening he conked out snortingly slept hard. The next morning he was still miserable and was super clingy.  He didn't have a fever yet and wasn't obviously pulling at his ears a ton, but I just felt like something wasn't right.  We took him to the pediatrician that evening and sure enough - double ear infection.  I felt so bad for Peter, he was so uncomfortable.  That night we got him started on antibiotics and gave him some tylenol, but it didn't seem to do anything for his discomfort.  We finally got him to sleep in the BOB stroller and then brought the stroller into his room so he could sleep.  We even took him for another walk at midnight to help him fall asleep.  Thank you BOB, you saved our life and helped Pete monster sleep - even if it was only in 2-3hr chunks.  I ended up sleeping with him lying on my chest in the recliner and propped up in our bed for the remainder of the night and the following night as well.  Any time I tried to lie him flat he woke up screaming (fluid in the ears I imagine?)

Thank goodness for Amoxicillin.  It is nasty, pink, thick and gross, but I am very grateful.  I know antibiotics are often over prescribed and lead the development of super bugs.  But I am still really grateful that we put PEter on them.  He is a different kid today.  Much much better.  Still snotty and coughing, but MUCH happier.  He is back to sleeping in bed and is sleeping better.  Still not through the night, but I can actually console him now and get him back to sleep vs. last week.  I do look forward to not having to syringe it into his mouth 2x a day.  A few more to go!  I'm also so thankful for Jake - he was such a rockstar dad and helped me stay calm when I was freaking out not being able to console Peter.  Jake is so calm with him and always gets him to relax.

This is the saddest picture - poor Peter!

Napping inclined in the BOB - the elevation of his head made it easier/more comfortable to sleep I imagine

Sleeping/napping in the recliner with Grandma

Another nap in the BOB - the expression on his face just makes me cringe!

I'm feeling better!!

And eating again!  Dad made banana pancakes

Snotty but happy!

Still taking my antibiotics, but much better.

WR 2013

We did it! Husbands and babies in tow, and we had a really good time.  This weekend was the 9th annual gathering/"women's retreat" for my best girlfriends from UPS.  We typically get together and have a girl's weekend, but this year we brought our spouses and babies. We met in Hood River, OR and stayed in a 6 bedroom house. Did I mention we had 5 babies spanning from 2mo to 14mo? It really was remarkable. I can't speak for anyone else, but it really was an incredibly fun weekend.The only   person missing was Kathleen.  It wasn't the same without you Kathl! 

It was so great to meet everyone's babies and share stories. We got out on some walks/hikes/runs....some went skiing, played golf, explored the local brew pubs...and we ate very well. However mostly we sat around and chatted, which us what we do best. Such a blast! Joanna even made our kiddos matching UPS Logger outfits. Priceless. 

Highchair heritage

Peter's great great grandfather, Knut Clifton (1884-1970), was a woodworker who built this highchair for his son (Peter's great grandfather). It doesn't meet modern safety standards, but Peter wanted a chance to be the 4th generation of his family to sit in it!

Three generations

Jake, Peter and I went up to the Crescent Lake cabin with Jay.  We had a great time and went on a really nice hike Saturday early evening.  Three generations of Clifton men!

Jay, Peter and Jake

NOW we know who taught Peter to stick out his tongue

Family portrait

Loving the backpack!

What a face!!

Totally exhausted after we got home. 

Cheerio!

Another milestone! Seems to preference his L hand so far....












I got a new chair too! Mom is digging my good posture.

Hey girlfriend

We had a visit from our buddies the Closes last weekend. It was so much fun. We went to another baby shower for Anna and Brook Waldman and then hit up the Bierstein, and Prince Puckler's ice cream. Does it get any better?!

Fancy Francie and Peter Monster - Francie is waving hi to Peter.  So cute!

Saying hi for the first time - it was priceless

Let's play!

"Just one more kiss Peter!"

Swings!

Cant wait to meet baby Waldman!

Mama's Day

I had a great first mama's day. Peter and Jake made me banana pancakes and coffee, then we hiked Mt Pisgah. Then we had dinner with Pam, Jay and my dad!

Peter has been so affectionate lately - snuggling and hugging. It's the best.

The best Mother's Day gift I got though was knowing that my grandma is doing so well. She had open heart surgery last Thursday and we have been sending her strong energy all week. Go grandma go!

My mom is amazing and has been up with grandma for support. I can't say enough about her - its sort of beyond words. She is my idol in every way.

A big shout out to Pam. She is more than I could ask for in a mother in law. Thanks for taking care of Peter and thanks for taking care of me! (and our lawn, and our garden, and our house, and everything!)