A Dalrymple First.....

Well we made it until our third boy before we had our FIRST (I'm sure there will be many more in our future) ER visit!  We were having such a nice day yesterday.  I took the boys to the museum in the morning so they could run indoors and explore.  Everyone had such fun.  They took nice naps.

And then shortly after Ewan got up, just as I was getting his snack ready there was a crash and a scream.  Sean was on the floor with one of the end tables next to him.  It was just on the other side of the kitchen/hall wall so I didn't see it happen, but either he pulled up on the table and fell on him or he was already standing next to it and pulled it down.  Jack and Ewan did this also as babies, but yet they didn't get injuries.  Oh well!

Sean was screaming and nearly instantly the blood started gushing, just above his eye.  I immediately called Oma to watch the big boys so I could take Sean to the after hours doc myself.  By the time she got here the bleeding was much better and I could assess the damage.  The cut didn't look too deep, yet would require dermabond or maybe stitches.

We headed over to the after hours pediatrician and actually got there 5 minutes before they opened.  We were helped right away and the nurse thought he was a good candidate for dermabond.  The doc wasn't even in the office yet, en route from his regular office.  We waited a short while and he arrived.  He wasn't comfortable using dermabond, afraid Sean might scratch it off and it might not hold since the wound was starting to separate a little.

So off to the ER we went (right at the same place at least).  They looked at him right away, cleaned the wound.  He was admitted quickly (he was born there so everything was on record) and we waited more.  Everyone thought we were lucky that this was our first ER visit with 3 boys!!  Sean impressed everyone with his cheery mood and smiles. 

Finally we got a "room", yet this was basically another private waiting room.  The nurse cleaned the wound again and we waited.  FINALLY transferred to a real room.  The doc checked him out and decided dermabond was our best bet.  Far less traumatic than stitches, especially given the location. 

So after once more cleaning, he bandaged the wound so the blood would soak up in the gauze before he applied the dermabond.  Then the fun began.  Sean got wrapped up so he couldn't more his arms and the nurse held his head so he couldn't wiggle.  This was the worst part for him, the screaming was intense.  It's not that getting dermabond hurt, it's that they were holding him still!!

Then we waited for paperwork and finally were able to go home!!!  Sean and I were exhausted.  The accident happened shortly after 5PM, we got home shortly after 9PM.  We exhausted most of our emergency snacks (missed dinner after all) and I had to stand holding him much of the time as he didn't want to sit and I certainly wasn't going to let him crawl on the floors!  So my back and feet were sore too.  Also had to stop for gas on the way home...always something.

Notice the blood on his shirt.  Luckily none on the floor.  He got my shirt bloody too, not nearly as bad though.  Luckily he managed to keep the blood off my white shirt!!

So needless to say I didn't get dinner cooked.  Josh stopped by McDonald's on the way home (only place directly on the way home) and got them dinner (another Dalrymple first, we NEVER get them McDonald's).  I had mine after 9, obviously needing reheating!!

Sean fell asleep as soon as I put him in the carseat.  When we got home he had his bottle and was perked up.  He played for a while and showed off his wound!!!

Enjoy some pics of our tough little guy...

At home after the blood stopped gushing, before our departure.

Once again, happy little guy!!

In the waiting room at the after hours pediatrician (only the beginning of our adventure)!

Home sweet home again!!!!

Check out my fancy ID bracelet!!!!!!

The Movies

Monday Josh and I took Jack and Ewan to the movies for the first time.  We went to see Cars 2.  I planned on waiting until they were another year or two older before taking them to the movies, but with Cars 2 our figured they really should see it in the theater.

Jack was on the edge of his seat and had a blast.  Ewan was thrilled too.  They yelled every now and then when they recognized Lightening McQueen and TowMater.  They also got revved up during the races (probably since they already like watching Formula One)!

Ewan was a little restless towards the end.  He can only sit still for so long.  I'm amazed he lasted as long as he did!   Sean stayed with Oma and Opa.  He was a little cranky, probably because he wasn't in his own house and is teething, otherwise he had fun!

Pears Oh My!

Seems I'm going to be busy finding something to do with all these pears!!  Like last year they are rather hard and don't seem to ripen.  Must be the kind they are I guess.  We've found a few recipes we'll have to try out...pear bread,  chocolate chip pear bread, pear butter.   Hopefully something will turn out!

Summer Fete

Last night we had our summer fete to celebrate the house being off the market!!!  Also celebrating Josh's promotion and finally having a dining room table and chairs, so basically any reason to have friends over for eating, drinking and playing!

Jack and Ewan had a blast playing with their friends.  As usual everyone ran the loop downstairs!!  It was rather warm inside, especially with the crows and running kiddos (didn't help that it was 100+ outside or that I made pasta and had the oven on before everyone came).  Eventually the munchkins were able to play upstairs and even out in the sprinkler to "cool off" a little! 

I enjoyed myself too.  Got a chance to chat with friends and enjoy myself a little too.  It's nice to have the kiddos occupied and enjoying themselves.  The food was good and we'll be eating it for a while as we have plenty of leftovers!  Bonus was I got Sean to eat some of the rice salad today.  It's always nice to get him to try something new.  Of course after several bites he played with it and spit it out, but I'll settle for that, especially since it had quite a bit of cumin!

So now it's just on to surviving the heat...hopefully by September it will cool off a little bit, at least in the evenings and mornings!  Where to start on our long to do list for home improvement projects......kitchen, family room, garage, outdoors???  Sounds like Josh is going to start working on the tree house and zip line soon.  More than anything I am just enjoying the house being off the market...this past week for the first time I actually left for the gym at 8AM WITHOUT making Jack and Ewan's beds!!!  I must admit though, it is nice to already have such a clean house and be in the habit of keeping it clean and clutter free.

Camp Week Two

It was a bittersweet end to fun Friday, Jack and Ewan's last day of camp.  The absolutely loved going to camp.  Weekends upset them as it was not camp time!!  Sean and I certainly enjoyed our quiet time together.  I got to enjoy my workouts and then get some errands done or do things around the house.  Somehow though it seems like I still have so much to do....I never went to look at countertops, start more projects around the house (our honey do list is now over two pages long and includes every single room in the house now that we know we are staying)...  Oh well, my work is NEVER done!!

Last week at camp the boys saw another magic show, played outside and basketball inside, swam (Jack's absolute favorite thing now, like to put his whole head underwater), made popsicles, saw a Jewish rock concert (Sean and I saw much of it too as it went past their pickup time and it truly was GREAT kids music, plus we got a CD as a prize for Ewan's dancing skills which they like to listen to in the car), made tie dye shirts....

They also starred in a music video everyone in camp made their first week there.  I got the link to the video and found Ewan, Jack apparently was hiding and didn't want to be in it!  It did answer one question though...that week while I was working out I saw all the preschoolers walk by in their swimsuits with white cream on their noses...they were headed out to the playground and I couldn't figure out why.  That's apparently where they did their act of the video!

Next week will be tricky since the other kids will still be in camp and we'll see them while we're at the gym.  Hopefully Jack and Ewan won't go too hysterical.  I certainly wouldn't mind sending them longer but we must prioritize!  Besides, it was getting insanely hot picking them up at 1PM!!!  We'll see how it goes now that they won't be getting all worn out at camp and we'll be unable to play outside due to insanely hot weather.  Wish us luck!!

My Southern Boys

This morning we went to the farmer's market, our Saturday family tradition.  We try to get there most Saturdays.  We have breakfast there and pick up some local produce, bread, meat, whatever looks good and we need.

The breakfast in the beginning was usually a chocolate brioche which Jack and Ewan both love.  Then they discovered they like the scones even more.  We also get a hot breakfast from Rosso, a great little Italian restaurant here in town.  We usually get some sort of egg strata, grits, hash browns etc.  Well Ewan is my GRITS LOVER.  He would eat every last bite if we let him!!  I must say they are quite tasty.  And Jack is our biscuit and gravy lover.  He would eat the whole thing by himself...which is quite full of sausage. 

Sean had some grits today and enjoyed them too.  Even better, though, he LOVED the scone.  So we're discovering more food he likes.  Seems I have three grit loving boys.  Guess we'll have to add that to our breakfast routine on the weekend when Daddy cooks a big breakfast!

Camp Day Five

Today I saw Jack and Ewan during swim time.  Just as I was headed into the locker room I saw Jack on a potty break from the pool.  After I got out of the shower Ewan was there on his potty break!  Luckily neither one cared that I was there.  They both said "hi Mom" and went right back to the pool.  They do so love their swim time!

Sean and I headed home after the gym...planned on one errand but he really needed a nap.  So I mopped the downstairs and ironed.  Not too exciting, but must be done.

Jack was disappointed to find out that the next day was Saturday and he wouldn't be going to camp.  If only they were going the whole summer!!  Next week will be their second and final week, though I toy with sending them for another week.

Camp Day Four

Not much to report today.  The boys enjoyed a regular camp day...swimming, playing and lots of fun.  Jack melted down again when I left.  Ewan had an accident.  Great times!

After working out Sean and I headed to the car dealership to get my 15,000 mile servicing.  We were there for 1hr 45min just to get an oil change and tire rotation.  That blew my moring.  Got home to feed Sean and myself and rushed to pick up the boys.  I hoped to get more done but guess that was not meant to be today.  I did at least finish transferring pictures during afternoon nap.

I'm exhausted!!!

Camp Day Three

Another successful day of camp.  It was a rough start though as Jack melted down again when I left.  There really is no rhyme or reason to it, sometimes he gets upset other times not.  As soon as I leave he is fine so I'm certainly not worried!

After working out this morning Sean and I dropped off three trash bags for charity and went to the grocery store.  Then it was home to eat and time to pick up the campers.  Where does the time go??  Though I admit that is more than I can ever get done with all three kids!

The first thing Jack mentioned was that they didn't get to swim today.  He was quite upset by that.  I think I may need to start taking him to the pool once camp is over!  Wednesday is "field trip" day, which for the preschoolers is an in house field trip.  Today they had a magician come in for a magic show.  They enjoyed seeing a bunny come out of a hat, especially when they got to pet it!

Jack and Ewan napped VERY well.  Sean, however, woke up after about an hour so I didn't get nearly as much done.  I had hopes of transferring more photos from the camera to the computer.  Yesterday I transferred 1000 pics (September-December 2010).  Just 2500 to go for 2011 to date!!!  It is quite fun seeing all the pictures go by....some fun times we've had!!!  Should I have the time I'll have to post some flashback photos, especially the boys over the years.

Camp Day Two

Today we day two of camp and we all had fun again.  Jack and Ewan played hard, swam/played in the pool and wore themselves out. 

After working out at the gym Sean and I headed to a baby only playdate.  He had fun with his pals.  It was nice to have only one child.  I actually got a chance to socialize and Sean could have some fun with kids closer to his age.

Then it was off to Moe's to grab lunch before picking up our campers.  It was definitely strange being at Moe's without Jack and  Ewan...my Moe's lovers!!  BUT, Sean discovered he too is a Moe's lover.  Today he had his first Mini Masterpiece and liked it.

Food Revolution

We here at Chez Dalrymple try to eat well.  I am quite thankful that Jack and Ewan are good eaters.  I don't know if it's luck or just constant exposure to good food.  I know many children their age that don't eat well...only chicken nuggets, cheese and other "kid" food.  I try to avoid this though obviously sometimes we do have "bad" food. 

We recently finished watching the second "Food Revolution" with Jamie Oliver.  It certainly opened my eyes as to what children eat in public schools across the country.  That having been said, my children will of course be taking their lunches.  I can only hope that seeing other children's bad eating habits won't influence them.

Last night we tried our first recipe from the Food Revolution cookbook.  I made chicken korma and it was a huge success.  Jack and Ewan ate their entire dinner!!  Like I said, they are good eaters.  We also had homemade naan with it (thanks to Josh for that one).  It's always better knowing what's in you food, and the best way to do that is to make it yourself.

It's nice to have a family dinner at home and everyone discuss their day.  That having been said, in practice it isn't always that nice, YET.  Right now we're busy getting Jack and Ewan to behave at the table, eat nicely and keeping Sean from putting all his food in his hair.  All of this practice, however, will someday lead to nice family dinners!  I also look forward to the day the boys can help cook.  I know they would love to help, but right now they just get in the way!

What recipe shall we try next??

Chicken Korma, YUMMY

Camp Day One

This morning was Jack and Ewan's first day of camp at the gym.  They were both excited to go.  It's amazing the difference 30 minutes makes.  We usually leave for the gym at 8:30, but with camp we had to leave around 8.  So we hit some of the morning rush along the way.  Not too bad, but still a change in routine.

We got to the gym early enough to still drop off my bag in the locker room and then take both boys to the bathroom.  And then it was time to drop them off.  Ewan was perfectly fine and happy.  Jack, on the other hand, decided to cry and have a mini meltdown.  I left and took Sean to the babysitting room.  On my way to the gym for my workout I had somebody look in the room; Jack was perfectly fine as I suspected.

I enjoyed my quiet time working out.  Then it was off to the shower...again the 30 minutes made a difference.  Since I was in the locker room earlier than my usual I discovered I arrived when the water aerobics class let out so I had to wait for a shower.  It was quite entertaining though listening to all the old ladies and their stories!!

Sean was happy to see me...it was about his morning nap time so he was getting cranky.  I packed him up and we went to Oma's to pick up Chloe.  We took her to the kennel as my parents left for Montana EARLY this morning.  Sean cried the whole time, unable to fall asleep.  He just nodded off as we approached our destination.  Luckily when I woke him he was happy. 

Next it was off to Old Navy, World Market and the grocery store.  We got home, had lunch and then had to run off to pick up Jack and Ewan!  BUSY morning!!

The guys had a great time...colored, played with sidewalk chalk, played/"swam" in the pool, had snack, lunch and played a lot.  They were the only kids staying just half days, the other kids were either already napping or close to it!

We got home, settled in and fed Sean.  Then it was nap time.  Jack and Ewan took LONG naps!!  Yeah me! I got lots done...cleaned clothes out of the eaves and my closet.  Now I need to go to the charity drop off.

Such a busy day, I'm pooped too!

Happy Campers leaving the gym.

Adventures in Boyland

Just a couple pics of the guys.  Yesterday Sean enjoyed his first taste of Daddy's homemade grilled pizza!  Yeah, success eating solids.  He wants more finger foods but still only prefers crackers and cereal so this was good news. 

Also a pic of my dirty sweaty Ewan.  Needless to say it was hot here as always and he was busy playing outside after dinner.  He managed to find dirt, imagine that!!!

First Ice Cream

What is a holiday weekend without ice cream?!  Last weekend Sean enjoyed his first taste of ice cream.....coconut ice cream from Dolly's in Brevard.  Can't do much better than that for your first taste of ice cream!!!  Took longer to post this as I'm just now getting to retrieving the photo from my phone, though some of you saw the photo already as I e-mailed it right away!  He's too cute!!

Mountain Fun, Part 2

Sunday after breakfast we hiked Graveyard Falls.  It was supposed to be 30-90 minute hikes, depending on which trail you took.  We planned on doing the short one...it even for us it was too short with the boys.  So we decided to continue on all the way to the top of the falls.  It was a beautiful hike and I was especially impressed with Jack and Ewan.  They did extremely well.  They are great little hikers!!!!

We got to the top and had some fun playing in the water.  After snacks, a bottle for Sean and other adventures (aka me falling flat on my butt and elbow, covered in water and mud) we headed back.  Jack and Ewan still did well, despite it being nearly 1:30 and not having had lunch yet!!  Ewan was definitely getting tired though and after several falls, scratches and skinned knees I had to carry him.  I ended up carrying him most of the way back (1.6 miles).  Good thing I work out at the gym!!!  Sean took his nap on the way back.

Needless to say when we got to the car it didn't take long for all the boys to fall asleep.  Of course this meant no regular afternoon nap.  It was 3 by the time we got home.  So we had some snacks, took baths and showers and went out for an early dinner. 

We went to Marco Trittoria....one of my favorite restaurants in Brevard.  My duck risotto was heavenly.  Just like being back in Italy.  We also got a caraffe of wine....couldn't even finish it they filled it so full!!

After dinner we headed to the park to wear out the boys and then to Dolly's for some ice cream.  Sean enjoyed his first licks of ice cream.  He likes coconut ice cream, as do I!!!

Today we went to the Fourth Festival in Brevard.  Jack and Ewan enjoyed playing on the bouncies, though it was hot.  We checked out the car show and had lunch.  Then it was back to the house to clean up and pack.  All in all a great weekend, despite lack of sleep!  The boys just get so excited to be there they don't sleep much.

Mountain Fun

We went to the mountains for the holiday weekend and had an action packed time!  We left Friday at after 8PM with the boys in pjs in the car.  Figured we would miss major traffic by going later, which we did, yeah!  All three boys fell asleep after a little while.  Jack woke up when we stopped for gas right before the state line and stayed awake the rest of the way.  He was very busy paying close attention to everything.  Ewan woke up eventually too and was thrilled to be approaching the mountains.

I should mention that Jack and Ewan really appreciate Oma and Opa purchasing a mountain house for them!!  They keep calling it "my mountain house" or "our mountain house"!  Sean also enjoyed himself....he really loves checking out new places.  He was also mastering his pulling up skills.  He had pulled up a couple times at home already but was doing it everywhere in the mountain house.

While we did have tons of fun, we did not enjoy the sleep schedule for a while.  After we arrived around 11pm Friday Sean decided it was time to party hard and stayed up til 1:30am.  Not my idea of fun!!  Then Jack got everyone up at 6:15.  Having all three boys share a room isn't easy at this age....Jack kept waking up early and waking his brothers.  He was so excited to start the day and get hiking!!  Plus with big hikes during the day, afternoon naps were pretty much short, just the ride back to the house.  We did survive though!

Here are some pics from the hike on day one.  Saturday we went to the farmer's market, had lunch at home and then hiked Triple Falls and High Falls.  Sean really enjoyed riding on Daddy's back and checking out his surroundings.  He LOVED playing in the falls.  I think he may like the mountains more than the beach.  All the boys had a blast!!!  Jack and Ewan were excellent little hikers too.