Touch a Truck!

Ivry had a ton of fun blasting the horns and turning on sirens on so many different kinds of trucks. Help! I think I need ear insurance. :-)

Let's Go To Earth!

Ivry is a nature and earth nut - all kids are. No wonder I had to say to him, "You're part of mommy's world!" when he presented me with this sea-green watercolor of earth. Beautiful, isn't it!

He's a bird lover too!

I'm An Usborne Educational Consultant!

It's a great website - Usborne books with plenty of great books. Click here to see my website. You can catch up on the posts on my new teacher resource center and read about the great books. Plus I'm having a lot of great specials and deals. Enter the free $50.00 drawing. Earn free books for your family!

Here are the pictures of my first Usborne Books home show! We had a great time.

Going to "Space" with Ivry's Ear Surgery

We just came back from Children's hospital. Ivry needed a quick 10 minute ear tube procedure. There's fluid still stuck in his ear which doesn't allow his ears to drain properly. As a result, he has frequent ear infections every 2 months - usually during winter. We were kind of hoping that they would drain naturally, but on his last follow-up, the doctors weren't too optimistic and a surgery date was secured.

We were lucky with our doctor today - he is one of the best ear specialists for children on the east coast. In fact, I heard today that families come as far as the UK. That makes me proud to know that I have access to some of the best child health care in the country!

So here I leave you with some pictures today. Ivry was produly showing off his car as he was getting ready for the "space room." His dad accompanied him where anasthesia was given to him through a mask. Daddy had so much fun wearing his space suit (we can recycle it later) and Ivry loved his toy car and "space cap" and gown. The nurses could help by saying, "He's too cute!" *smile* *grin* *I know, I know*

The waiting was two hours too long to put the tubes in. I was wrong - they are put in through the ear - not the mouth - silly mommy!

All in all, Ivry was just a happy (as always) child. Contrary to what I thought, he didn't complain once, he didn't say "I'm hungry." or "I'm thirsty" which was my nightmare. No drinking or eating allowed.

His alacrity allowed us to be joyful with him as we took our space buddy to various destinations all throughout the waiting room. But the best destination was home after quickly finding the doctor waiting for me to tell us it was all over (10 minutes) and that we could come home. Our affable driver was already waiting for us out front.We were given transportation because we don't have a car.

I am so proud of my son today. And the best part ? We made it through as a family.

NYC Trip - Part 5 - April 2009

And last but not least, my mom - she's doing well. She doesn't recognize Ivry (due to Alzheimer's) but her face lights up when he talks. Who wouldn't - with this cutie??

NYC Trip - Part 4 - Washington Square Park

Okay - I admit it - I'm crazy about NYC Park. This was the second nice spring day we had while in NYC. We spent it with Uncle Elan who flew in from San Diego to be with us and Claire.

NYC Trip - April 2009 - Part 3

While at Chelsea Piers, Ivry met Malcolm, a sweet little boy half his age who Claire babysits for. Claire is my old childhood friend from Westbeth. They had a great time looking at the indoor fountain and spring (slippery!). Of course, Chelsea Piers is an indoor market (expensive!) which is alongside the Hudson River. The weather in NYC was so gloomy (not much different than Pittsburgh) but luckily, we were able to find some family oriented places to pass the time.

NYC Trip - Part 2 - April 2009

Abingdon Park in Greenwich Village, NYC was THE park we went to as kids growing up in NYC. Now it's Ivry's turn only the bad weather turned so many moms and caregivers away - I don't understand it. What's wrong playing in the sand during a ten minute snow flurry in April?? All the others ran off, but Ivry was as content as could be....

I love watching him play....He's so special to me.

NYC Trip - April 2009 - Part 1

Since there were only 2 really nice spring days during our trip to NYC, we opted to go to Central park - there Ivry met a cute little boy named Simon. Central Park is a great place to just walk around, watch the ducks, regroup as a family, hang loose and just forget about life for a while.

Whee - I'm Off On the Blue Slide in Frick Park!

April 2009 - Ivry's New Friend and Trip to Amish Countryside