Clean carpets and 2 DQ blizzards for $3.25

First, an update about Grayson's trial on Zantac...
After a week of trying Zantac, we think it is helping. He has spent more time awake and happy versus awake and crying(screaming). He still gets pretty fussy, especially in the afternoon. After talking with the doctor, we are going to start giving him his doses closer together. We might also try gas drops in addition. Hopefully we'll have him feeling better soon.

Despite his tribulations with acid reflux, he is doing great at night! A few nights this week we enjoyed Grayson sleeping from 7pm - 4am without waking up! We hope this pattern continues as it sure helps us get a few things done in the evening. I especially enjoy being able to eat an appropriately temperature supper at the same time as Tanner (we eat after Grayson is asleep).

Being a temporary full-time mom, I spend nearly all my time at home. It doesn't take much to entertain me these days. I was so excited to learn that Dairy Queen had an awesome deal this week of Buy a blizzard get the 2nd for $.25. Needless to say, we had our share of DQ this week! (Tanner has had some type of ice cream 7 times in just 6 days). I was also excited that I got our livingroom/hallway/stairs carpets cleaned for free! You can do it too, and here's how:
1. When the Kirby Vacuum sales person knocks on your door and says they will clean the carpet of your main living room to "promote a local store opening", go ahead and invite them in.
2. Make sure you are in a comfortable spot to sit, then sit through an hour of vacuum and shampooer demonstration, and at least pretend to be a little interested.
3. Remember to say "NO" very firmly each of the 16 times they try to get you to purchase the vacuum...even when his "boss" happens to "stop by" and give you the "manager's special".
4. When they are thoroughly convinced you aren't going to buy one, they clean the carpets!
5. Be sure to point out that they will also want to clean your hallway and stairs as they don't want to leave a visible line.

It was an exciting day that day! Clean carpets and 2 DQ blizzards for $3.25.

Today was a fun filled day for us...
This morning Grayson spent some time with his Daddy and away from me. I've found it VERY difficult to spend time away from Grayson, not only because it's emotional for me, but because I don't really have a reason to be away from him. I have been trying to find opportunities to do things without him. Today I went to a few garage sales (which are difficult to do with him, and he hates going in and out of the car). Tanner and Grayson went to the store to get a few groceries. It doesn't help knowing that Grayson was crying for the previous 25 minutes before I got home and was perfectly fine when I got there. We're working on it...

Grandpa and Nana Juilfs, and Cousin Chance (Travis and Kerry's son) stopped by to visit today. Nana was hoping to spend a little time with Grayson when he was awake and happy, but Grayson slept the entire time. Chance and Grayson decided to play dress up...


We also had some friends visit- Brad and Wendy and their two kids Addison and Blake came over for pizza. It was great to finally catch up with Brad and Wendy! We've each added to the family since we saw each other last. We hope to make the trip their direction to Dubuque soon.

Zantac

What does Grayson have in common with his great-grandpa Roos, grandpa Roos, uncle Tyler, aunt Autumn and his cousin Alexa? Acid reflux. My dad recently told me that it runs in our family. Somehow it missed me, but it didn't miss my little guy. Last week Trina and I took him to the doctor for his 2 month checkup. Everything went well. Grayson was just above the 50th percentile for both his weight and height (would that be length if he can't stand yet?). When we told the doctor about how much he cries and spits up, she suggested getting a stomach ultrasound. As it turns out, Grayson is full of air and he doesn't like it one bit. We were given a prescription for Zantac with the hopes that this helps relieve some of his pain. After a week we will talk to the doctor to see if this is helping him. If you want to see more pictures of Grayson smiling, keep your fingers crossed that this works. We told you in a previous post that we were going to post his picture in the same outfit every month for the first year. Remember, this is a 18 months shorts outfit.

0 Months

1 Month

2 Months
As you can see, he is growing into that outfit quickly. Soon you might be able to see his knees and elbows.

I also wanted to let everyone know that I received my official notice that I will not be teaching at Grant Wood next school year. Due to various reasons, the Cedar Rapids Community School District has had to eliminate many jobs. A large number of the jobs that were eliminated were in the Art, Music and Physical Education fields. Originally I was told that part of my teaching contract would be cut. I was assigned to teach at Van Buren Elementary School, with 0.76 FTE. The other 0.24 FTE of my contract was surplussed. A few weeks later I was told that I had been given a full time placement. Friday I officially found out that I will be splitting my time between two schools. Hiawatha Elementary School and Wright Elementary School. I think I will teach two days at Hiawatha and one day at Wright during the three day rotation. I am going to be the only PE teacher at Hiawatha and I will share the PE responsibilities with another teacher at Wright.

My Ugly Car!

On Wednesday, Trina and I were interviewing someone to watch Grayson. While at her house, I watched someone back their truck into my car. I'm sure everything will be okay, but I'm still a little upset. Sometime in the next week or so, we will know how this is going to be fixed. I hate walking up the car. It makes me think I did something wrong. Here is Grayson on Opening Day 2010. As you can see, Grayson is a Cubs fan. Mommy's current favorite player is the first baseman, Derrek Lee. My current favorite player is the shortstop, Ryan Theriot. I'm guessing that Grayson likes Mike Fontenot the best. We Roos' like Cub infielders such as Ryne Sandberg and Mark Grace. Here is our little man all dressed up for Easter. We went to Wellman for a Juilfs/Holtapp family gathering. We had a lot of great food and conversation.

Here is a photo from the Easter egg hunt at Nana and Grandpa Juilfs house. All of the little boys that can walk participated in the annual event. Maybe next year Grayson will find one?

Last week we were invited to Tyler and Taya's for supper. As you can see, Paige loved to hold her cousin. I know that she is going to do a great job looking after and helping with her newest little sister.

Half way...

First, I want to start by saying THANK YOU to Tanner for maintaining our blog. I find myself constantly prioritizing. When Grayson takes a nap (which is much less frequently these days) I have to decided what is most important to get done at that time, whether it be a shower, eating lunch, checking email, doing laundry. It seems blogging is the very last thing on the list, right before cleaning.

Today is my half way point. I've been off work for 6 1/2 weeks and I have 6 1/2 weeks left until I return on May 17 (2 days before my birthday). The past several weeks have been a rollercoaster or learning and emotions, I have enjoyed it immensely! In a different economy, where we don't have to be afraid of Tanner loosing his job, I would stay at home full-time with Grayson in a heartbeat! It makes me cry just thinking about leaving him for 8 hours a day M-Th. Heck, I've had a hard enough time the whopping 2 times I've been away from him- 1 time for 10 minutes and last night for 2 1/2 hours at bedtime.

I know Grayson is less than 2 months old, but I've already come to realize how quickly our babies grow up. I feel like my "baby" is not going to be a baby much longer...We are long done with the Newborn sizes and 0-3mo are getting a little tight. Soon he'll be sitting, growing teeth, eating real food, etc.
Grayson only a day old


Grayson on 3/20