Sleepness nights and teething woes.

Heya all,

I'd like to say that things are going very well for the Vinoverski Japanese Branch!

However, things are much harder now than they've ever been. Gavin was settled into a good sleeping pattern before we left Japan, and now he's reverted back to his old ways! At first, I thought it was just jet lag, but now I'm not so sure. He's been having a really hard time sleeping, and late at night, his teeth are hurting him much worse than before. We've got some organic pills that dissolve in his mouth, and they're great, but it takes a while to kick in. The baby orajel doesn't do much, either. He has a good 1-2 hour hysterical cry every few nights now, usually about a half an hour after he's gone down for bed. It's hard to deal with, especially being that we've got work in the morning (I have the AF, Jenn has baby duty!), and we can't blame him! We've got no scapegoat, so if anyone would like to fill that role and let us yell at you (You won't hear us, we're in Japan), we'd appreciate it.

He's so sweet...his crying makes us cry!

But on a light note, we've got a lot of great things going for us, no small thanks to Mr. Gavin Riley!

On a recent trip to the farmer's market (Mommy knows what we're talkin' about), the old Japanese ladies were ohhhing and ahhhing over Gavin, and one of them went to no small measure to let us know that Gavin looked just like his daddy! It was really cute. I also noticed something peculiar about his eyes when he smiles:

His left eye is always just a little bit more squinted in his pictures!

Just like his daddy!

Okay, actually, daddy's right eye is always more squinted!

Anyway, the point is, both of us have squinty-eye syndrome. Hard to notice, I know, but I definately did! He's so much like me...and he's definately got Jenn's fire!

Gavin's also making a lot of progress is other areas. I finally got to see him flip over, all by himself, from his back to his belly. Hard work...totally worth it! He also likes to lay on his belly and watch Baby Einsteins, and he can keep his head up for a good long time. He's kicking off things with ease, and I think he'll be scooting along the floor unassisted within a month. He can hold onto our fingers and actually walk (not just stand up on his own anymore)...just a few steps, though. He can grab things out of the air, even when they're moving (like if I let his chain links swing above him). He seems to be able to tell who's talking to him better, and he's talking a lot more himself. He's starting to make discernable sounds, and he is laughing and laughing!! I think he was laughing a bit before we left, but he laughs at me all day! He likes tickling and peek-a-boo, and he even tries to sing along with me sometimes when I make up silly songs. He's also sitting up with a lot less support!

I'm probably leaving some things out, but he's doing so well. It's so touching to see his advancement...but I wish you were all around to help him with it! We miss you all so much.

First toy!

Allen is starting to actually play with toys.

This is his favorite toy right now!

This monkey gets more smiles from him than Dave and I combined.

And now it's getting kisses, too!

I didn't have the camera when I first showed him this monkey. He talking to it for a few minutes and then insisted it needed to be put in his mouth. He will stare at other toys, but only the monkey gets lovins from him!

Tiny Teeth

Baron acts like he's being tortured when I attempt to brush his teeth. He wrenches his head from side to side, clamps his mouth shut, and tries to wiggle free. He likes to hold the toothbrush himself, but he only gums the bristles.

I've tried brushing my teeth at the same time, hoping that he'll mimic me. I've allowed him to use his toothbrush to brush my teeth. But nothing seems to convince him that tooth brushing isn't scary. I suppose it makes sense that he has this fear, since I remember well how terrified I was of visiting the dentist as a child.

He already has some yellowing on one of his upper incisors, so it's important for me to solve this problem before his teeth get any worse. Any advise?

Let's get the ball rolling

School Days.........

I thought I'd start by talking about what my family is living right now.

My daughter just started kindergarten a few days ago (seems like days, but she's actually in her second week!) and my son will be starting preschool tomorrow. I decided this was a good topic to kick things off because it has really illustrated to me how quickly time goes by and how important it is to cherish all those firsts along the way. I'm so happy that I got out the camera and took pics/video of special moments in my kids' lives. Now that they are getting older, I have more time to look back on those moments and cry like a big baby.

I know it's tough when they are little to grab the camera at every moment, but those moments will be gone before you know it.

I will never forget my daughter's first days at each of her schools but with the videos and pictures on my computer, I can relive those days and share them with friends and family any time.

(If you would like to see the video of Bella's first school days, drop me a line and I'll get you a copy of her slideshow. I'd post it here, but it has copyrighted music in the background.)

All you co-authors, tell us about your little one(s) firsts that you will never forget.

Welcome!!!

At the urging of my baby sister, a first-time mommy, I've created this blogspot. It is a quick and easy way for us veteran moms to share our stories with those scared newbies out there. This is also a place for all those first-timers to get answers to the millions of questions that come up each and every day as you learn to be a parent.

I fully believe that we all have some basic instincts for parenting, but there is a lot that we have to learn along the way. I think this idea that we should all know what to do just because we created a new life (no small feat, I know!) has stopped parents from asking for help.

I am the proud momma to two amazing kids, but I still call my mom at least once a week with questions/concerns. It is reassuring to hear from someone who has been there, a voice of experience. That's what this blog is all about.

So, please share the anecdotes, the I-was-so-proud-when tales, and the in-over-my-head moments we have all gone through while trying to raise our kids.

Thanks for reading and thanks for your input!!