Crazy Two weeks

Let's start with some pictures!!!


Peas and cheese sandwich time!



Vinnie likes to use his feet as his bottle holder :)



The sick boys.


Cheetos!


Our nanny Brittany.






We've had what I would classify on an eventful August so far.

Our nanny Brittany returned to college the second week of August. I guarentee there is not a better caregiver out there. She was always early, helped us out when ever needed, stayed after we got home if she was in the middle of playtime or working with Vinnie, and was just an overall good fit Vinnie. It is comforting to know there are still people like this out there after our less than pleasant experience with our first nanny. We'll miss you Brittany!!!

That being said Vinnie started daycare on August 10th. The daycare he is attending is also a learning academy so he would be able to attend preschool there as well if we choose. The staff so far has been great. You can tell when you first walk in the door that everything is well structured and secure. We can watch Vinnie in his classroom via webcam, sign him in and out daily with fingerprints, and you must be buzzed in the front door to enter. Also at this daycare we see the director AND the owner daily.

We knew that Vinnie would eventually get sick when attending daycare. Also more often. We just were not quite prepared for it to happen after the first week! At the start of his second week Vinnie had a mild cough every once in a while.

In the wee hours of Wednesday morning it became full fledge. Unfortunately I was leaving for a business trip to Nebraska this morning and would be gone until the following Monday. I discussed with Joe and we decided I should still go. We looked Vinnie's symptoms up online and croup was the closest fit. Joe took Vinnie to the pediatrician that morning. She confirmed it was croup and put Vinnie on a three day steriod treatment. I almost think it has been harder on us than Vinnie. He has still been happy while recovering and eating/drinking well. If you have ever heard the cough assosiated with croup it makess you cringe everytime.

The following day after Vinnie was diagnosed with croup Joe got sick as well! Luckily I was able to come home on Friday rather than Monday to help Joe out so he could recover as well. Knock on wood I have not caught anything yet.

Croup is:

Croup is a condition that causes an inflammation of the upper airways — the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). It often leads to a barking cough or hoarseness, especially when a child cries.

Most cases of croup are caused by viruses. Those involved are usually parainfluenza virus (which accounts for most cases), adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Croup is most common — and symptoms are most severe — in children 6 months to 3 years old, but can affect older kids, too. Most cases of viral croup are mild and can be treated at home, though rarely it can be severe and even life-threatening.


Vinnie is recovering well. Today (a week later) he just has a little bit of a weeze and a normal cough that is not so high pitched.

Grandma Vickie returned from Michigan late last week. It went fast since we were keeping busy, but Vinnie just smiled when he saw her Monday. Of course she spoiled him with all types of goodies. He also got birthday gifts from his great Aunt Lynn and Aunt Mary Beth. It was Christmas at our house on Monday :)

We've been trying one new soft solid food a day. Amoung Vinnie's favs are peaches, cheese sandwiches, and peas. Not making the top three were spagetti O's and hot dogs. In fact he made the "This is the most awful thing that I have ever tasted. Why are you giving this to me? Are you nuts?" face. He has four teeth now. Two on the top and two on the bottom.

Vinnie is gearing up to go on his first out of state travels. In October we are going to Nebraska for my friend Kim's wedding. We are still undecided if we will drive or fly. In November we are going to Florida for Thanksgiving to visit Joe's dad, step mom, and his little brothers and sisters. Vinnie has not met his uncles and aunts yet so we look forward to it!