Gorman Thanksgiving

The Gorman's celebrated their turkey day Sunday November 22nd. This happens to be my mom's birthday! Mom decided she wanted to celebrate early which worked great for almost everyone. Alicia had to work and joined us toward the end of dinner. Steve took a picture before dinner and when, and if!, he sends to me I will post the picture. It was truly a lovely dinner and nice to not be stressed about multiple obligations my married siblings have on Thanksgiving Day. Quinten developed an URI (upper respiratory infection) late Friday/early Saturday morning. He was still spiking fevers so Mark and Quinten had to stay home. This was the third Thanksgiving in a row where someone was sick (2 years ago-Mark; last year -me; and Quinten this year). Lets hope for an illness free year next year.

My parents came over on Thanksgiving Day. I made a nontraditional dinner of roast, red potatoes, carrots and cranberry bread. We are hosting Mark's family the Sunday after Thanksgiving and did not really want three turkey dinners in a week. Anytime I can have time with my parents, it is a good day. While Quinten no longer has a fever, he has been on an uproar. The tantrums and control have started and neither Mark not I are equipped to handle it! Quinten actually took a 2+ hour nap in our arms starting at 5pm!!! He has never slept in our arms even as a baby.

Bus Ride

Quinten has been asking to ride a "city bus" for months. It had to be a city bus -no other bus would do for him! On a Mommy and Quinten day, I took him on bus route #84 which had been highly recommended from a bus driver. Ironically, this is a route right outside my office building. It goes through part of campus and Upper Arlington/Grandview Heights and took approximately 30 minutes. Quinten was so excited! He sat and watched out the windows. He took my hand in his and was an angel. The bus driver said to me "I really appreciate what you are doing-creating memories for your son". He could not stop talking about it all day. To me, this was a wonderful moment. Creating fun and memories for him makes me see what life is really about. It cost us all of $1.50 but was "priceless" to me.

Grandparent Visit

Mark's mother and her husband came for a quick weekend visit a. When they come to Ohio they must juggle visiting family and friends which is not always easy. We were happy to spend some time with them. On Friday, they watched Quinten's Halloween costume parade. Saturday they spent the afternoon and early evening at Lauren's swim meet in Circleville. This was great for both the grandparents and Lauren. They must have encouraged Lauren as she won a medal! Sunday they took Lauren out for lunch and shopping. It was a combination of Christmas and us buying her jeans. With Lauren's long legs, this is not always an easy task! Mark and I made dinner and we had our inaugural dinner in our newly decorated dining room! As you can see from the picture, Lauren loves teasing Quinten and he does not mind it too much! Anytime with his big sister and grandparents is a good time for him!

My Little Artist

Quinten loves arts and crafts! He loves to paint, color and use play-doh. Since boys are not generally known for their artistic endeavors, I am encouraging this interest. What do we do with all the artwork is another question! If anyone reading this post would like an original, please let me know. Current catalog has a tote for artwork and I am hoping his grandma and pap-pap might buy it for Christmas. Already I have too much artwork! I refuse to be a packrat and some artwork has found it's way to the trash can. School does allow some really creative crafts. He has several hand turkeys (his hand are the feathers) which are really cute.

Dining Room

We purchased our 1st furniture as a married couple about 2 months ago! It is a beautiful dining room table, chairs and a buffet. Mark painted a few weeks ago this color which turned out gorgeous if I may say so myself! We have only had one dinner at the table but I am hoping to start having Sunday dinners out there. Funny how color turned the house into more of a home. Mark, who is fearful of any color, now wants to paint the office and mud room with this color! I think it will look beautiful. If only I could get him to repaint the bathroom which did not turn out as well! Yes, I picked the color so the blame falls to me. He has promised to repaint before the end of the year.

All you need is love

Quinten has moved into the sweetest, most loving phase yet. He gives so many kisses and hugs I can never be in a bad mood (well, almost never!). I think I am learning the lesson of love. Even when Quinten is upset about being disciplined, after the time out, he gives kisses and says he is sorry. He actually does not do a lot of time out as he learned quickly that we mean what we say! He does not hold onto a grudge and wants everyone to be happy. He is singing and I wish that I knew how to post a video. He is writing his own songs including a head banging edition of "God is your favorite" which sounds more like "God is your favor". It has a drum solo and we have been told it is Quinten's special song that only he can sing. He loves singing in Spanish. His teachers tell us they are blown away by his Spanish talents with memory and pronunciation. This makes me want to invest in more Spanish lessons for him.

H1N1 immunization

Due to Quinten's asthma, Janet really wanted Quinten immunized against the H1N1 virus. His pediatrician's office is not getting the vaccine which left the mass clinic's as the only option. Saturday a clinic came to the church literally down the street from our home. Given the long lines reported with all previous clinics, Janet opted to get there >2 hours early. She was already number 75 at 6:45! However, I brought my coffee, chair and a book. At the last minute I grabbed Lauren's coat which became critical as we waited outside in low 30 degree's. I assumed they would have allowed us inside-wrong! At 8:30, the line extended farther than you could imagine and there was no place to park. Mark brought Quinten to the church only to be literally harassed and screamed at bu the Gahanna police. The police allowed Mark to drop him off to me.

Quinten has an egg allergy but his allergist thought it was a good idea and wrote directions on splitting the dose to limit reaction. It took a few calls to his office and Mark driving over there to get signed orders. Janet then spent time on the phone confirming Quinten would be given the immunization as directed. That morning she saw a nurse in the restroom who confirmed they would do the split immunization. We get into the large room (after Janet had been waiting for over 2.5 hours) and up to the table only to be told no. I said "I have called and was given the ok". The supervisor relented and said the allergist should come to the clinic.

Quinten told me before we entered the church that he would cry. I told him that was ok and it would hurt but it was keeping him healthy. He was a real trouper until we started toward the immunization table. He became hysterical. The large crowds; the noise; the unknown got to him and he was screaming and trying to run away. It took 4 people to hold him down. I was on the verge of crying and trying to keep it together. I was really wishing Mark had stayed. We waited > 20 minuted as directed and then returned for shot number 2. A complete repeat of the 1st with many people holding him down and Quinten screaming.

When we returned home, Mark asked how it went. Quinten said "fine". Unbelievable! I had been through the ringer and he was fine! Love the toddler perspective!