Summer Fades Away.....

We went Apple Picking with Friends at Phantom Farms. It was so much fun!!! Landon had a blast running through all the trees!!!

Edaville 2009- Day out with Thomas with Daddy & Mommy. He loved the train ride and we can't wait to go back in December.

Edaville 2009- we went on a mini roller coaster!! Landon was having a blast as it went up & down and round & 'round!

Block Island- August 2009 Landon's 1st boat ride and he was in love! WE had so much fun in the water at our own little private spot!

Cape Cod, July 2009- ZooQuarium- this is the place we discover Landon's love for reptiles!! He loves his turtles so much!!!!!


Landon's 1st haircut- July 30th 2009- Yes- he is almost 2 and has only has his hair cut once......Look at it?? Why would you want to cut his locks off!!!!


Dinner out with Mommy & the Mouse! Chuck E Cheese...we had so much fun. We went one day that Daddy had to work in Boston! He loves the pizza and the rides are a plus+ !


Here was a brief look at the end of the summer (July & August). We have many things planned for this month- hayrides, pumpkin picking, Halloween party & trick or treating, Landon's 2nd Falltastic Birthday Party, Feeding the animals and so much more!

Hope you all had a nice summer and hope you enjoy all Fall has to offer- we sure will!!!!

Nighty - Night

Landon- No- means NO!

So - what to say...well these past 2 1/2 weeks have been tough. Landon has learned a new way to express himself- particularly his anger and frustration. Guess? Biting himself! Isn't that just lovely! One day- I said "no" to something he was doing- and he grabbed his hand and bit down...and I mean really hard. He has little bite marks for days on his hand. One time he even broke skin! The he wanted me to kiss it and make it "better", but I was told to ignore it and not give in to this type of action. So I have been- it's been almost 4 full days and no biting incidents. I hope its gone away....he gets so mad at me for saying No- that I know one of these days he will do it again. I know it has a lot to do with his lack of works. He can't express to me when he is mad or what he wants. I feel bad for him- but at that time...I like not having a kid who can talk back- LOL. His educator and doctor say that biting themselves is a normal way for kids to show anger when they can't speak.......I just don't like seeing him be so mean to himself. The second he starts to bite someone else- or something else-It's all over. Not sure what I will do- but I won't have that.

Other than that- summer is over- but we are still jam packed for the next month with lots of fun activities! And we are having Landon's birthday party a month before his actual date of birth- It is going to be so much fun! I can't wait!!!

I will post some more info on what we did the remainder of the summer with some pics- Until then- Night all!!!!!

A Nutty Day

May 31st 2009 was a day that I will never forget. A day that will inherently make Landon's allergy worse ( the next reaction) and a day that I became truly fearful of eating out with my son ever again.

It was like any normal day...Landon had his breakfast and snack and lunch time rolled around quickly. I was in the mood for some French Onion Soup so immediately " Panera" popped into my head! Panera has the best French Onion Soup.......and I mean best! So Landon, Jesse and I got into the car and headed to Panera on Bald Hill Rd (the one next to Trader Joes- for all you Rhode Islanders). We have been here so many times- and almost 90% of the time we ask what their policy on working with nut products is and if the items we order have any nuts in them. WE always order the same things- every time. We feel safe with these items because we know that there are no nuts in them. This time- we didn't ask about their policy- since we knew what it was and we were there just 4 days ago and was not veering off from the same items we always ordered.

Things went wrong- really wrong. Someone must have made something with nuts, or handled a pastry with nuts and grabbed my baguette without changing their gloves. Something that takes only seconds to do- could have cost Landon his life. That is unacceptable to me. They have a policy regarding "nut products" for a reason. They were supposed to change their gloves anytime they handle nuts-Period. No excuses...if they are busy- running low on gloves etc...
They were not busy that day...and it was early in the day that there should have been plenty of gloves...so what was the excuse- Laziness and not doing their job right.

Long Story Short- we ended going home & placing Landon in the tub as discussed with our Doctor to try and clean off any allergen on his skin.....About 2 minutes into the bath Jesse called me in to look at his eye...no Ladies & Gentleman- not his surrounding skin of his eye- his actual eyeball. It was swelling right out of his head. I almost passed out...and immediately my heart went to the floor- I felt weak, dizzy and couldn't even talk. I called my mom and all I kept saying was, " His eye is coming out of his head", over and over again....Jesse Called 911 and they were here in about 3 minutes and rushed him to Hasbro.....
When we got there his breathing was getting worse and his eye literally looked like it was about to fall out of his head. They gave him so much medicine in hopes to avoid the Epinephrine because it is very painful and has its own risks. But No- my poor baby had to get the Epi shot. We were there about 8 hours and sent us home because his breathing was stabilized. Landon as on 3 drugs for about a week to try and get the allergen out of his system...and had a black eye for about 2 days after.

I can't explain what this was like. This shouldn't have happened. I know mistakes happen- but that's why they have policies out there.....A mistake had already happened for them to enact this policy. Please- if you work in the food service industry- as your boss what their policy on nuts is...and if they don't have one- contact your local town council and enact one. It saves lives.

We have only been out to eat 4 time since this incident and only 1 time did we allow Landon to eat anything form the restaurant. This is something that Landon will have to learn when he is older to understand. But for now- the burden is on my shoulders to make sure this NEVER happens again. A burden I don't mind as long as my son is happy & healthy.

I am not Nuts.....I hate Nuts!

Joy
A.K.A Landon's Watchdog

This Picture was at the Hasbro- after all the meds.......he was hooked up to many machines and was such a good boy considering the circumstances. His eye looked like this for about 2 days and then was black & blue. This picture is in the bath- the eye hadn't even started to come out yet...Picture this 10 times worse..the bottom lid was folding over itself because the eye was expanding and protruding out.....We called 911 immediately after we saw this.....

Summer Lovin'

Its hard to believe its almost August!! This summer has been very wet- but Landon & I have still had lots of fun finding things to do! I actually don't like the hot, icky weather- so having some cloudy rainy days are great for me!!!! But I would like a good beach day every now & then. Here are some of the highlights of Landon's summer so far.....



Landon at Oakland Beach...loved watching all the boats!



Landon & friends( Jack & Mya) at a home playdate.
This was his 1st real lesson in sharing!! He did GREAT!!!
Not so much anymore!!!!!!!

Landon learning to golf with Daddy in
Eastham, Cape Cod when we went to visit Mimi & Poppy!


Landon feeding a deer @ WWII Memorial Park

Landon & Jack having some Sandy Fun in the Sandbox
at Capron Park Zoo. He also feed a goat, Llama and saw a
baby lion cub which he calls CAAAA (for Cat!)!
What a great day and lovely Zoo!

Landon has had so much fun this summer...I am sure he will enjoy himself even more in August- we have so many great trips planned with the family and the Moms group! Davis Farmland, Roger Wheeler Beach, Cape Cod and so much more.....He is also becoming a bit more attentive to us. He is listening to Mommy & Daddy so much more....He still doesn't have many words verbally- but knows what many things are....... He is just a bit lazy with his words!!!! But to each his own- he will speak when he is ready ( I have to keep telling myself that otherwise I think something is wrong-LOL). But seriously, he has made great accomplishments these past 2 months! We are very proud of him and can't love him more for who he is!!


Hope you all are enjoying your Summer!!!

God Bless Our Troops

May 25th 2009- Yesterday was Memorial Day and while most of us were either at a BBQ with Family and friends or just relaxing at home........many men and women were fighting for our county and some have lost their lives doing so. God Bless all those who have died while in military service and all those who are still fighting for us everyday! May your God bless you...and keep you safe. For whomever you believe in- may he/she keep you in his/her prayers and keep you safe & warm. This war on terror is a very controversial one and has many people angry and upset. I will not nor ever BELIEVE in this war or think it was the right step to take. However, that doesn't mean that I don't respect and love everyone who is fighting for me and my family. Please- even if you believe in the war, PLEASE RESPECT the men and women who are serving for us. They deserve our utmost respect and admiration. I truly hope you all took a moment yesterday to realize the importance of yesterdays holiday. If not, Please do so now..........................
The troops need our love and support. I hope you had a wonderful Memorial day! Summer is here!!

Night- Joy

Mommy, Am I Fat???

Are you kidding me??? This is what a 4 year old girl asked her mother.....Is she fat?? Is she fat?? I can't get over it. I was thinking about tackling a post on body issues with children for a while now. I wasn't sure if I should, since my opinions on this matter seem to be very strong. BUT- I actually just bought my Woman's Day June Issue this morning....and what do you know-
a 3 page article on Banishing Body Issues. Beautifully written if you ask me! To read the full article click here: http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Health/Momfidence-Banish-Body-Issues.html

We all know society has a big part in the way we see ourselves, however when it comes to our children- the most influential people are the adults in their lives. I personally know parents who tell their young children that they can't have a certain food because they are getting fat....you don't say that to a child- PERIOD. Shame on you. Even backhanded comments can do more damage than good.....Like- are you losing weight? You look so skinny in those jeans.....that is setting them up for thinking negatively about the way they looked prior.... just WRONG! Better comment- you look great or beautiful dress!

Psychologist Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke has got the fix. Rachel Ray had her on her show in June 2007 and discussed the topic of Kids & Body Image. "I think what we want to teach kids is that there is a lot of different, great-tasting foods out there," says Dr. Kearney-Cooke. "You want them to enjoy them but to also pay attention to when they're hungry, when they're full, and to see their body as a source of information". http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/kids-and-body-image/

Look into your cupboards ladies.....are there candies and cookies and chips and crackers? Juice and soda and Ice cream too?? That's OK! It is!! Having more options for children makes them feel like they have the choice...and you can help them choose wisely. Taking certain foods away from them because you think they are fat- is wrong and only makes them want it more. Snacks are good! Everyone deserves a yummy cupcake! Why not? In my house- these foods are not "special" or "once in a while" foods. There are no Bad food VS Good foods. . Food is food...I am so glad someone else has said it. Its food for crying out loud. If you are the type of parent who harps on looks and weight..you are more likely to raise a child with poor body image. Avoid negative statements about food, weight, looks and shape. Avoid them all together...don't say to your husband- do I look fat? your little girl may overhear you. Just drop the negativity. You are what you are. Some were born with big frames, short and stout frames or tall and lean frames. It is what it is. For some- no amount of diet and exercise will change how they look. Its genetics. For those of you who think happiness is from looking your best....I feel sorry for you. Take it from someone who was "thin" in my younger years....... I strive to eat right, exercise, wear the right clothes etc....I decided not to listen to my family's words about weight/looks anymore. It only matters what you feel inside. I feel great. I am happy, have a husband who adores me, have a wonderful home, beautiful son and some great new friends....Feeding your own self esteem and feeling great emotionally and physically is what it really means to be beautiful. Totally believe that.

Some ways you can help: Have your home be a "no teasing home" and stick to it. Also, of your child is teased at school- do something about- it is unacceptable. Encourage your school to enact policies against size and sexual discrimination, harassment, teasing, and name-calling; support the elimination of public weigh-ins and fat measurements. Lastly, change the way you think about yourself (if it is poorly) and realize that happiness in the root of all beauty!

I leave you with this- "Nobody can be perfect in anything-much less everything"- Paula Spencer



Side note: While not as common, boys are also at risk of developing unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders. Body image becomes an important issue for teenage boys as they struggle with body changes and pay more attention to media images of the "ideal" muscular male.

Thank goodness I am only having one!!! Landon- I love you the way you are & for the Man you will become...No matter the shape, size, color or anything else.

Pictures Tell A Story....

Easter 2009- We went to New Jersey this year to Nana & Papa's House..... Landon loved the Easter Bunny...he kept petting his fur like he does to Chaco & Prince!

That's my Boy!!! He is feeding a deer.....That's right- A Deer!!! This is at WWII Memorial Park in N. Attleboro. They had so many animals there....I am so proud that my little man was not scared!!!
Landon has made many new friends. Here, Mattis, Jack and Landon are looking at the animals at Capron Zoo. They had a blast! Truly a great zoo for little ones!
This is Landon at ImPossible Dream Playground in Warwick. He loves this place. One of his favorites at any playground is Steering Wheels!! He just loves to make them S-P-I-N!
This is Landon in the tunnel at Hasbro Playground at RWPark. He was scared at first...but then loved it!