Friday, February 11 4:45 pm

We are supposed to have a big thaw next week with the temp getting up to 50 degrees! I really need to take a picture of our deck while the snow is at its highest (I hope!) Quinn lost his 2nd tooth today. As he described it, he yanked it and yanked it and YANKED it until it came out. Then he got to go to the school nurse and she gave him a special tooth box. Hope we all remember tonight at bedtime and later to get ready for the tooth fairy. Quinn thinks that he gets more money for yanking it out himself....not sure how he came up with that one!

I subbed 2 days at Tariffville this week and loved it. It's getting to be that time when everybody is speculating about next year and what will happen with the librarian situation. I hope they're considering me in that mix!

Quinn has a hockey jamboree tomorrow with Avon and he is so excited! He and Drew really want to win their games. I found out that Drew, Nathan and James are all signed up for lacrosse. Drew is actually signed up for lacrosse and T-ball, so we'll probably do the same thing. Lacrosse is either going to be extremely muddy, or it won't start until Memorial Day with all this snow. I can't wait to see when we actually get in the pool. Last year, Matt and Quinn were in by May 15th. My bunco friends want me to host a pool bunco party with floating dice for the water. That could be fun!

Monday is Valentine's Day, so Quinn has started writing out his valentines. It is like pulling teeth, although from what I wrote before, that's not a good analogy because he enjoys pulling teeth! So writing out valentines is much worse. I think our jigsaw puzzle phase might be over...it was fun while it lasted. We have been back working on mazes a little bit. Right now for books, we are reading Arnold Lobel books in addition to rereading a "Diary of a Wimpy Kid". Quinn loved "Big Nate," so we need to look for another of those. We also read an entire "Wallace and Gromit" graphic novel which was pretty involved. I would like to try Tin-tin sometime. Mixed in with those books we are rereading the Mercy Watson series, and reading whatever Quinn brings home from the school library. I am trying to get through the 2012 Nutmeg nominees. So far, my favorite book is "Masterpiece".

I am looking at several feet of snow piled up outside my home office window and wishing I was looking out at the Caribbean Sea as I was last week on our Norwegian cruise. I guess this year (2011) is a record in many ways for snowfall and cold.

Our cruise from Jan. 22-29 was wonderful and the combination of the Brookes, Grammy, the Huckers and ourselves worked out great. Quinn and Madeline got along perfectly for the whole vacation. They were always in sync with wanting to do the same thing. The DS systems really came in handy at times...it was great to have them at dinner, so the grown-ups could relax with their wine and desserts. The water slides were fantastic (although I confess I don't have first hand experience). Chris went down the Epic Plunge three times with the help of some great crew members.

Other highlights of the cruise included:

--Mouthwash happy hour

--The shows: Legends, Blue Man Group and the comedian/magician. Also, the Howl at the Moon pianists were really talented, and played all of our requests right away!

--Going bowling

--Getting the daily crossword puzzle....it was just the right level for me...I could almost finish it every day; it wasn't my fault that a few of the clues were lame.

--Eating, eating, eating!! I'm not sure what my favorite was in this category. It could be the eggs benedict, or the great french fries, or the feeding of the animals (I mean passengers) the chocolate chip cookies at 2:00. I loved how our cabin was so close to the buffet...we could grab morning coffee and happy hour cheese and crackers with no problem. The dinners were great and we loved every restaurant we tried. I think the most pleasant surprise was Cugino's. It was a great meal for a $10 surcharge...well worth it! And Matt got us off to a great start on the cruise by sending us to the sit down restaurant for lunch instead of fighting the crowds on deck.

--Playing roulette at the casino. Although Matt and I lost, we kept it going for a while and our numbers came in occasionally. I always look forward to playing for at least a little bit. Unfortunately, we couldn't find any of the roulette machines that we've had great luck with in the past.

--Roatan, Honduras. What a pleasant surprise we had from this island stop! The beach was incredible and we had a great tour guide for the day-- "Ronnie" who was with us for the entire excursion. Lee set up our ride and I am sure that this is the way to go...to find our own excursion as opposed to setting up the same thing through the cruise ship for twice the $$. Ironically, Matt was close to not even joining us for the day, and he agreed it was one of the best parts of the trip! I have never seen a more perfect beach. White sand, perfect water temperature...blue blue blue water and sky, and just enough teeny tiny seashells to beach comb through. The banana boat ride was a blast and I enjoyed getting a peek at the end of the island where it looks like they're building a beautiful resort. I wonder how prices compare to stay there as opposed to something like the Ritz Carlton on St. Thomas?

--I wasn't that impressed with Costa Maya, but I'm so glad Jackie signed us up for the dolphin encounter. Quinn didn't last too long in the cold water, but I made it through and so did Jackie and Madeline. There wasn't too much else to see here, so I'm glad we did it!

--My last favorite was the spa! I loved spending a little bit of time in the "stations" hot tub, although I fell in at first and almost lost my swim suit in the waterfall. I think it's impossible to go to a spa for the first time and not make at least a little bit of a fool out of yourself. Oh well, by the fourth visit I had it down pat. I really loved the scented steam room; it helped sooth my nasty dry cough.

Those are the highlights: If the weather had been a little better, and we didn't have a cold and cough bug running through us, I would rank this vacation a 10. But in spite of those two minor complaints, I give this vacation a solid 9.

January 15, 2006

Quinn is now nearly 14 months old! Here's a few of the neat things he's doing:

This morning at breakfast, he sat in his high chair with his hands clasped...he looked like an altar boy! I was able to feed him his oatmeal without too much of a mess. Yesterday I was showing hin that one of his trucks was an ice cream truck. He immediately went into the kitchen and stood by the freezer. In other "food news," dark meat chicken is back in favor...baby food is out! And tell Luna pizza to keep sending those deliveries.

Last night, the Leylands came over for dinner. We made veal from D&D market. Max and Charlotte spent time with Quinn and rode around the upstairs in his two toy cars. Max wants the BMW!

Quinn now gives big mushy kisses to Kirby, Mommy, Daddy and the Christmas bear. He loves having his favorite books read to him over and over. His top bestseller list right now includes "Cliffords Hiccups," "Bob the Builder" and "Miffy". He also likes "Corduroy at the Zoo."

But his favorite toy is still BALLS which he will throw all day long. Too bad he can't seem to figure out how to catch them!

We had breakfast at Grammy's today early to see Kathleen before she went back to school. Weather was cold with enough snow to snowblow. We finally are back to two cars in the garage. The Maxima is gone. I had hockey practice tonight and Matt watched Quinn...he hobbled around after him on his recuperating ankle.

Quinn made it through his second Christmas! (But it felt like his first). HIghlights include: walking down the church row in the parish center to see Grammy; entertaining Laurie Cases' parents; and being the center of attention on Christmas morning. The big Quinn present was a  BMW model car. Here are a few of Quinn's latest achievements and developments:
* At bath time, he "barks" Ar Ar Ar because I always show him the doggie on the shower curtain and make a barking sound.
* He got seven wooden stacking blocks on a stick and he can slide them on and off.
* He can now stack up to four plastic blocks.
* His car seat now faces forward!
* He "helps" me unload the dishwasher by handing me the utensils
* He has at least two more teeth (lower right)
* He will watch TV and sit still for ten minutes or so
* He will sit still while I read him a short book.
* He now pretty much stays still when I'm actually changing his diaper. (not so much for dressing).
* He is constantly trying to reach new shelves and tabletops (especially in the kitchen). We may have to barricade the pantry.

Well, the new car is great (Pacifica) -- it feels very safe and solid. It seems to take a while for the heat to come on...but that may have to do with the fact that it's been RECORD COLD at night! Quinn seems to like the car despite the fact that we ditched his two favorite kiddy music CDs when we made the switch.

Quinn is now walking freely all around the house. On Monday (for my birthday?), he all of a sudden seemed to "find his balance" and sort of stands up straighter with his hands up..now he can walk much more balanced, although we have still had many slips and mishaps. He is so proud of himself!

He has also been climbing in and out of the toy car that Dale brought over. He doesn't seem to care that it doesn't really move...he just likes being i it. He is still having fun with his blocks and occasionally some of his books, but the big thing now is walking, walking, walking!! Too bad it's too cold to practice outside at the playground!

Our tree is all decorated and I think it looks especially pretty this year with some new garland. Quinn has only grabbed a couple of bottom ornaments that are meant for him anyhow. He got to sit on Santa's lap at the McLean party for the residents and staff. He cried (who wouldn't for the first time being plopped into the arms of a strange bearded man?) But he loved the sweet Adelines and their a capella music (so did I!) He was an angel for the whole concert. That will be his only Santa visit for this year! Tomorrow night Aunt Dale is coming over to babysit so I can go to Matts Christmas party at Spris. Should be fun...not as cramped as last year's Buono Apetit adventure!

I am busy trying to ...finish our Christmas cards (Dear Santa letter), make some greens arrangements, and finish Mindy's painting. Plus it would be fun to make cookies (and finish shopping early!)

One sad note: Mr. Mathewson died this past week. He was such a nice and funny man. We stopped by and saw all the brothers and Mrs. M. I think she was happy we brought Quinn by. I hope she's doing alright...I can't imagine being a widow and alone, especially when much of her time was spent taking care of Mr. M. I hope she can move out of her house without too much difficulty.

Well, a year ago today I was waiting to have Quinn! I have no idea what I did...probably went to church (it was a Sunday). Now we have this 11 month old fireball downstairs...how can a little person become such a personality in just a year? It's truly amazing! He laughs all the time; but he also cries pretty easily when he's frustrated. Today we went to the playground because it was beautiful out for November. I glto brave enough to push Quinn down a couple o fthe smaller slides. He loved it! But he got frustrated when he tried to crawl back "up" the slide.

Quinn now likes to walk and run with us holding his hand. And he took two steps Sat. night to get from the coffee table to the chair. Today at the playground he also turned around and backed down many different stairs. I give Grammy credit for teaching him "turn around, feet first". Aunt Dale is taking credit for his dancing when music comes on. He sits with his feet out to either side, and then bounces up and down. And does he love to fool around up on the couch! He has shown us his goofiest moments while standing and pounding on the leather couch in the family room.

Aunt Dale and Uncle Lee brought over a giant plastic car and Quinn seemed to like driving it1 Too bad the frot alignment is a little messed up.

Quinn's party is coming up this sunday sandwiches between church and hockey. I hope he has a great time! I have to admit, I can't wai tto see his presents. I've been putting off buying anything for him until we see what he gets.

Hockey has been great for Mommy and the boys have managed without me. Poor Matt had a rough time though, last week with the throwing up and then a power outage! Thank God it was Grammy to the rescue. Speaking of Grammy, Quinn's stocking is looking great! All of the kids will want their own Whaler's stockings...we should go into business!

From May 2005

Quinn is almost six months! He now rolls over, eats mush (carrots, squash and rice)...sits in a high chair...blows lots of bubbles...laughs in the bath...reaches for everything -- especially the remote...and grabs his feet. He still likes his pacifier and sleeps through the night (usually). He is not scooting on his back as much as last month. He eats five times a day.

Things Mommy loves about Quinn:

1.    How he tilts his head back and forth and laughs when he is getting changed.
2.    How he loves to watch Kirby.
3.    How he loves new faces and nearly always smiles at friendly strangers.
4.    How he laughs when I bounce him on my knee.
5.    How he uses his beautiful hands and fingers.
6.    How peaceful he looks when he is sleeping.
7.    How he stops crying when I sing ABC or blow in his face.
8.    How he balances in a "bridge" pose on his back on his head and feet.
9.    How he loves to play with Daddy!
10.  How he puts one finger in his mouth to look really cute!