Fuzzy Wuzzy was a Bear
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.
Fuzzy Wuzzy Wasn't Fuzzy was he?
Fuzzy Wuzzy Wasn't Fuzzy was he?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Our soggy house
When we got the opportunity to move into this house; it was a total God send. Our other house was making our kids sick; Aiden was getting constant migraines (which are under control now.) and Grady almost died from a silent asthma attack after I ripped up a piece of flooring. He was having 3-4 asthma attacks a week at that point as well.
This house is what we always wanted. No carpet for Grady's asthma. Nice sized rooms. A big, fenced in back-yard and best of all, right across the street from my Mom; where I grew up! It was wonderful moving back to V-town. My kids getting to do the things I did growing up, going to to the same schools, living in a safe quiet community. I still love this house. It is perfect for us.
But one very big downfall.
The Basement.
3 weeks after we moved in, we had a sewage backup in the basement cause by the tree roots clogging the sewer. We lost A LOT of stuff; including about 100 books and my boys baby books. Damaged photo albums etc. It was a nightmare.
But we trudged through. Turned the basement into Aiden's "man-cave" where he could get away from everything and listen to his music, do his legos, play his games etc. without having a little brother bugging to play.
Then our sump pump backed up. Aiden's man-cave carpet was ruined but luckily, that was about it. So we had to clean the pump and once again shop vac up the mess.
When we moved in, we were told the basement it totally water proof. They have had work done. It's been freshly sealed. Never had leaking issues. I don't know whether it's just our luck or someone wasn't telling the whole truth because this spring has been the spring of rain and leaks.
It has rained 37 of the last 41 days.
A huge crack has appeared in the front wall and every time it rains, leaks. It is now to the point where there are tiny fountains spraying onto the floor when it rains. I have constant puddles in the basement now. Sometimes small, most times huge. I've gone through dozens of towels trying to keep the flow under control. I've shop-vaced the day after but I'm dealing with this alone because Brett is on the road and there is only so much I can do at 22 weeks pregnant. It is very very frustrating.
This house is what we always wanted. No carpet for Grady's asthma. Nice sized rooms. A big, fenced in back-yard and best of all, right across the street from my Mom; where I grew up! It was wonderful moving back to V-town. My kids getting to do the things I did growing up, going to to the same schools, living in a safe quiet community. I still love this house. It is perfect for us.
But one very big downfall.
The Basement.
3 weeks after we moved in, we had a sewage backup in the basement cause by the tree roots clogging the sewer. We lost A LOT of stuff; including about 100 books and my boys baby books. Damaged photo albums etc. It was a nightmare.
But we trudged through. Turned the basement into Aiden's "man-cave" where he could get away from everything and listen to his music, do his legos, play his games etc. without having a little brother bugging to play.
Then our sump pump backed up. Aiden's man-cave carpet was ruined but luckily, that was about it. So we had to clean the pump and once again shop vac up the mess.
When we moved in, we were told the basement it totally water proof. They have had work done. It's been freshly sealed. Never had leaking issues. I don't know whether it's just our luck or someone wasn't telling the whole truth because this spring has been the spring of rain and leaks.
It has rained 37 of the last 41 days.
A huge crack has appeared in the front wall and every time it rains, leaks. It is now to the point where there are tiny fountains spraying onto the floor when it rains. I have constant puddles in the basement now. Sometimes small, most times huge. I've gone through dozens of towels trying to keep the flow under control. I've shop-vaced the day after but I'm dealing with this alone because Brett is on the road and there is only so much I can do at 22 weeks pregnant. It is very very frustrating.
These were taken last night between storms.
The towels kept the water slightly at bay but under is about an inch of water and they are totally saturated
Some run off on an opposite wall
Our basement fountains.
More run off on an opposite wall.
I'm sure it's much worse today because we had 2 more major rain storms after this picture but I've been trying really hard to NOT go in the basement. The sight is only going to frustrate me and there's nothing I can do on my own right now.
Our land lord "promises" to re-seal the basement and even put grooves in the floor leading to the sump pump (since we have no drain in the floor) so puddles like this won't happen again. But they want to wait until it's dry and well, the way this spring is going, that might not happen until July! I'm frustrated with the entire ordeal.
Now, I know I am lucky. We are blessed to only have this kind of damage when so many people in the mid-west have lost everything to the killer tornadoes. And I'm trying to be grateful I'm only dealing with a basement full of water instead of a pile of rubble.
Now, I know I am lucky. We are blessed to only have this kind of damage when so many people in the mid-west have lost everything to the killer tornadoes. And I'm trying to be grateful I'm only dealing with a basement full of water instead of a pile of rubble.
But I'm still frustrated.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Another wonderful day
We had another wonderful day at Cedar Point today (yes, we totally take advantage and get our moneys worth out of our season passes!!!) We started the day with a bit of adhd drama but the rest was great!
The weather was in the 80's and beautifully sunny! The park was pretty slow and all the kids were on pretty good behavior! Aiden rode Top Thrill Dragster for the first time ( 410 ft at 120 mph!!). I'm so proud of my brave boy; he loves all roller coasters (except Mean Streak because he says it's too shaky and feel like his brain is going to fall out). Grady was just happy and giggly and excited to everything he rode!!
I didn't get any pictures this time, sorry. Maybe next time. My pregnant brain forgot the camera.
As for now, I feel grimy and pretty darn tired so I think a shower and bed are in order. Aiden only have 8 1/2 days of school left before he finishes the 2nd grade!
The weather was in the 80's and beautifully sunny! The park was pretty slow and all the kids were on pretty good behavior! Aiden rode Top Thrill Dragster for the first time ( 410 ft at 120 mph!!). I'm so proud of my brave boy; he loves all roller coasters (except Mean Streak because he says it's too shaky and feel like his brain is going to fall out). Grady was just happy and giggly and excited to everything he rode!!
I didn't get any pictures this time, sorry. Maybe next time. My pregnant brain forgot the camera.
As for now, I feel grimy and pretty darn tired so I think a shower and bed are in order. Aiden only have 8 1/2 days of school left before he finishes the 2nd grade!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
My Grady
~Since I wasn't blogging when Grady turned 3 in February, I thought I'd do a Grady post now~
We almost lost Grady twice in his short 3 years. Once was to H1N1 (the above picture was after the danger passed at the hospital) and the second to a silent asthma attack. I couldn't imagine life without my sweet angel in it.
Grady also keeps me quite busy. He has been in pediatric therapy since 9 months of age; involved in one therapy or another. Officially, Grady is diagnosed developmentally delayed with a motor planning delay. He has made amazing strides in the past year and is only about a year to 6 months behind his peers developmentally. Currently he is involved in speech therapy (but may soon be discharged) and Occupational therapy. He also does home therapies through the school system with his IEP; PT, OT, Speech and home preschool (because of his weaker immune system, I chose to do home preschool instead of exposing him to so many germs)
We have been to neurologists and developmental specialists. Seen tons of therapists and doctors. No one can tell me why Grady is delayed. There is no "reason" that anyone could find. Which has been a very big frustration to me in the past. We also do not know if it's genetic; so the chances of the new baby having delays as well are probably 50/50.
But my sweet, sweet Grady makes everything worth it. He is the happiest, easy going, hard working child you will ever meet. Everyone falls in love with him. He has a huge grin and a tiny "hi" to everyone he meets, even walking through wal-mart. We can go anywhere and do anything and he's good to go (as long as I bring the fruit snacks!) He works so hard at his "work", he is always impressing his therapists. He is funny, has an amazing sense of humor and sarcasm. My Grady has the best laugh you could ever hear. His giggle could melt the hardest heart.
My Silly Wonderful Grady
He loves to be outside. He always travels with his irish hat.
He is very tiny for his age and was finally big enough for the "big kid" rides at Cedar Point this year
Such a silly silly boy
He is growing up WAY too fast for me.
Like his brother, he's a bit of a pirate.
And soon, he gets to be the Big Brother too!
My beautiful Angel, don't let the t-shirt fool you
He's usually a pretty good eater
He LOVES Toy Story
Meeting Buzz was one of the happiest times of his life!
Grady LOVES ice cream!
Grady also keeps me quite busy. He has been in pediatric therapy since 9 months of age; involved in one therapy or another. Officially, Grady is diagnosed developmentally delayed with a motor planning delay. He has made amazing strides in the past year and is only about a year to 6 months behind his peers developmentally. Currently he is involved in speech therapy (but may soon be discharged) and Occupational therapy. He also does home therapies through the school system with his IEP; PT, OT, Speech and home preschool (because of his weaker immune system, I chose to do home preschool instead of exposing him to so many germs)
We have been to neurologists and developmental specialists. Seen tons of therapists and doctors. No one can tell me why Grady is delayed. There is no "reason" that anyone could find. Which has been a very big frustration to me in the past. We also do not know if it's genetic; so the chances of the new baby having delays as well are probably 50/50.
But my sweet, sweet Grady makes everything worth it. He is the happiest, easy going, hard working child you will ever meet. Everyone falls in love with him. He has a huge grin and a tiny "hi" to everyone he meets, even walking through wal-mart. We can go anywhere and do anything and he's good to go (as long as I bring the fruit snacks!) He works so hard at his "work", he is always impressing his therapists. He is funny, has an amazing sense of humor and sarcasm. My Grady has the best laugh you could ever hear. His giggle could melt the hardest heart.
My beautiful, amazing, wonderful Grady. I love you SO much. You bring so much joy to everyone you meet.
I am such a LUCKY LUCKY Mom to have such amazing boys. They are the biggest blessings in my life. I wouldn't trade them for anything in this world or beyond.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Opening Day at Cedar Point
Yesterday Cedar Point (finally) opened!!! We went with our good friends and had an awesome time! Aiden was big enough to get on all the big coasters, except 2 and Grady was finally tall enough for the "big kid" rides. The rain held off but we had a ton of fog! Except for a trip to first aid for motion sickness (Aiden got spun way too fast on the whirlybirds) we had a very fun filled day. Can't wait for another one!
First ride of the day!
Monday, May 9, 2011
IT'S A........................
Beautiful Baby........
AND
Yep, Baby Boy number 3 will be joining the Gottfried Family in September!! And although I wanted a girl; I was very happy to see this healthy, wiggly little guy. Can't wait to figure out a name!!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Just ZOO it
We went to the Cleveland Zoo today to see the new Elephant Crossings Exhibit that they have been building for three years. I was very impressed! It's a beautiful facility, 5 great elephants, naked mole rates and (soon) meerkats. It was a lot of fun with some great friends and we had beautiful sunny, non-rainy day!
Grady was super excited to see the Elephants!
This is Willey, one of the new elephants. He came from Disney's Animal Kingdom. Poor guy had to leave beautiful Florida for soggy (usually cold) ohio. At least they built him a beautiful new home!
Sheep!
Four times the trouble! Grady, Paige, Aiden and James
Elephant! Elephant! Elephant!
Paige and Aiden
We all had a sliding good time!
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