Go Twins!

We went to Addie's first Twin's game yesterday. She sat totally mesmerized the first hour, holding fists full of uneaten pirates booty. Too distracted to eat, talk, scream, or squirm. We made it 6.5 innings with great seats behind home plate. Thanks Wally! A few interesting learnings from the game:

• Addie doesn't like soft pretzel. Quick $4 lesson.
• Addie likes cotton candy, only after melting it in her hands/tongue (not in mouth). Really not messy at all.
• Diaper changing stations at the metrodome not sized for toddlers
• Although 19 mo. old still meets the "free" age requirement, Addie's legs may be too long to sit on lap and not kick the person sitting in front of you. Sorry guy in trendy black t-shirt, we did our best!
• Time from when Addie asks to go "bye-bye" to catastrophic meltdown <30 min
  

A few pictures from the game:

Addie's Classic Cheesy smile

Dad and Addie - more cheesy smile

Mom and Addie. Hmmmm...looks like we'll have to start working on the non-cheesy smile.

View from our seats

Sleep Baby Sleep

After a week of poor sleep for the whole Mit Mit Household, we're hoping tonight will be turning the corner. Please...please...please!

For 3 nights (Sun - Tues) this week, Addie has been having a rough go of it. We wrote-off the first 2 nights as teething (2 yr molars) and administered Tylenol. Tues night we reached an impasse. Cried all night long*. Refused Tylenol. Refused sleeping in our bed, reserved as a rare, last desperate measure. Spent the night on Daddy's shoulder walking around the house and rocking in my arms. I spent more time begging our 18 mo. old to stop crying than I should probably admit. "What can Mommy do to get you to stop crying? Please, Mommy really needs some sleep." (We'll work on negotiation tactics when she's a little older.)
*Parent time perception note: Yes, it really was probably only a few hours. But let's be realistic- a few hours sure feels like 'all night'.

Morning came and we decided to head to the Peds - something. not. right. Cannot face another night of this.

Diagnosis is....ear infection.

For a little lady with lots of words and the ability to identify most of her body parts by name (including 'ear'), we could have used a little help on this one.

Addison - "Addie Ow-Wow."
Me - "What's Ow-Wow Addie? Show Mommy"
Addison - "Addie Ow-Wow!" Points to herself

Started antibiotics on Weds. Nights gradually improving:

• Weds night still wanted to be held, but 'allowed' us to hold her sleeping in our bed. Toddler bed hours = 0.
• Thurs night started out in her bed. Woke and needed several resets. After 4th reset, gave in and slept in our bed rest of night. Toddler bed hours = 4ish.
• Fri night (tonight) - fingers crossed...

Then and Now

There are lots of changes which appear in your lives with children. Some loudly announce their presence and demand you attention - namely your baby/toddler. There are also those changes that sneak-in unnoticed, usually masked by the sleep-deprived haze:

• Meal time - Then: casual dinners, Now: "rapid-fire-eating" - getting in as much of your meal as possible prior to toddler meltdown.
• What defines a "good" restaurant - Then: small upscale bistros with foodie appeal, Now: any restaurants that have high chairs, serve grilled cheese, and won't flinch at the amount of food underneath your table. Yes Applebees, we love you.
• Date Night - Then: Dinner and "going out", Now: an Addison sleepover at Grandma's, Movie, dinner, and asleep by 10.
• What it means to "Do my hair" - Then: blow-dry, straighten, and style. Now: any hair style not involving a ponytail.
• Quality time with husband - Then: you know, Now: passing out together in front of the TV.
• Car ride - Then: how you got to the fabulous party you were going to, Now: the last desperate measure to put your kid to sleep, driving around the block in your pajamas.

Still, it takes just one "Mama mama!" smile to melt your heart and make it all worthwhile.