Daddy's Day

I'm a little late posting Father's Day stuff but it's been crazy around here. I seriously don't know where the days go and here we are on the first day of July! The year is half over.

We had a wonderful Father's Day. We had Joe's family over (his Dad and brother and the nephews) Jay had a great time with his cousins and was wiped out by the end of the day. And my Dad came by and visited for a bit too.

Jay had his 18 month check up and his dreaded booster shots. Our pediatrician says Jay is doing fantasic and although he cried for about a half a minute after the shots he was all smiles once we left. We've started supplementing Jay's diet with Pediasure and in two weeks he's gained one pound. So I think this is helping already.

And the best news of the summer... Jay's doc said it was A OK for him to hit the pool this summer!!! In fact he said it will be good for his muscle strength and development. I am so looking forward to playing in the water with my little family.

Joe watching you transform into a parent has been so awesome. Sometimes I feel like my heart is going to explode when I watch you with Jay. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made for our family. I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day and felt spoiled. :) And to my Daddy thank you for everything you do for me. (even the lectures) ;) There is no one in this world like you and I feel so lucky I got to be your daughter. I would not be who I am today without you.

18 Months Old

I seriously can not believe that our little boy has been in this world for 18 months. Everyone told me it would go fast and it is. I treasure every sweet preemie victory we have.

Jay never had separation anxiety. But recently, he's started crying when I leave him at the preschool. This is heartbreaking. But his teachers Ms. Dina and Ms. Dilini tell me that he gets over it very quickly. So that gives me some peace of mind. It still gives me guilt though.

At home our little monkey is all over the place! If it's in his reach expect it to come down. We had to block the XBox 360 because Jay loves to turn it off right in the middle of Daddy's online Call of Duty Game. Some people think I taught Jay to do that but I didn't :)

I had a great b'day. My Dad and Laurina watched Jay for the first time overnight. This was the first time I'd ever left him anywhere overnight without us. I honestly had no fears as my angel child sleeps peacefully through the night. And just as I thought he would, he did. We had a wonderful night out with out friends with no clock watching which was a nice change of pace for us. The next day was the Tustin Chili Cook Off. We went to this for the first time last year and it was pretty fun and kid friendly so we decided to go again. This time with Joe's brother Dan and his kids. Although we really didn't have much chili it was a great day. And Jay got to experience the Rolling Stones. (well the cover band at least) ;)


Mommy and Daddy's night out

Jay's cool sunglasses

My Heart Y

Black Friday

I know this blog is mainly about our family. But this is something near and dear to my heart as anyone close to me would know. I really don't have much to say as I am truly disgusted with the Sri Lankan government. If you are reading this I hope you will take the time to pray for the 1000's and 1000's of Tamil people who have lost their lives in this ongoing war. I hope that you will pray for my people who have been displaced and now have nowhere to call home. I was there for Black Friday in July 1983 (a day I will never forget..ingrained into my brain forever)
and today another Black Friday I mourn the loss of my people with the rest of the Tamils around the world, as the Sri Lankan Government celebrates the genocide of the Tamil people.
I honor the Tigers who fought so hard for freedom and I know have not given up hope. You have given me a reason to be proud to call myself a Sri Lankan Tamil. Thank you.








“The struggle for political independence is the demand of Tamil people, ... The question whether we accept the hegemony of the Sri Lankan government has not arisen.”
Velupillai Prabhakaran- Leader and Hero

Mother's Day 2009

Personally, I used to dread this day and would normally wander the malls or something only to see mothers and their kids celebrating a day I didn't have anyone to celebrate with. But my beautiful boy has given this day a whole new meaning and I can't tell you how wonderful it is.

Joe and Jay spoiled me on Mother's Day and my Dad and Laurina were nice enough to watch Jay in the evening so the Joe and I could get out on our own for a bit. Eating in a restaurant with the little man is not as easy as it used to be because if he's not eating or taking a bottle he wants to be on the go. And if you think he's going to sit still in a high chair, you are so wrong. ;)

Jay is now holding on to things and cruising all over. He has really made us proud. I make all his food now and that seems to be going really well. And he's handling the regular milk just fine.

Today we had a visit with Dr. Nankin, Jay's pediatric opthamologist and he told us we don't need to come back for one year!! As of now the surgeries he had when he first came home have healed well and the doctor does not feel he needs anything extra right now (ie glasses, treatment etc)



MOTHER AND SON

My son
I am here
I cannot protect you
From the world.

My son
I am here
I can only love you
No matter what

My son
I am here
My love unconditional
On this you can rely

My son
I am here
To guide and to teach you
And now you must fly

My son
I am here
Life can be difficult
I hear your cry

My son
I am here
Changes are painful
Never forget who you are

My son
I am here
Maintain the faith
In yourself and in God

My son
I am here
Self acceptance is yours
Do not fear

My son
I am here

Rose Falcone
September 8, 1959 / Brooklyn, New York

Help!

I was in the kitchen last week when I heard Jay squaking in the living room. It wasn't a cry or anything like that. This was a different sound. Turns out our little man had pulled himself to a standing position and didn't know what to do. He was stuck and was calling out for one of us to come help him. :)

And so goes the progress in the Schmetzer house. Jay is doing fantastic. This week we said goodbye to the formula and hello to regular milk. Jay's first real milk was Horizon Organic milk. And he seems to be liking it just fine. He also get's Yo Baby Organic Yogurt and he absolutely loves this stuff.

He's still having a few issues with swallowing anything chunky as far as solids go so I puree his food still. From what I understand this is a common preemie problem and something we will work on. Right now all that matters to me is he is getting what he needs to grow and be strong and healthy.

Know what today is??

Jay has been officially home for one year!!! And a year ago yesterday was my due date so Jay is officially a corrected age of one year.

He has adjusted very well to his preschool. And he gets along so well with the other babies in the "baby room". The teachers tell me he is a very mellow child and not agressive. Rarely fussy unless he is hungry or needs a diaper change. He usually takes a short nap there. And when we get home in the afternoon he naps again. Then he's up until bedtime.

He scoots everywhere and he's very fast so you have to make sure you keep your eye on him! Pretty soon I think the coffee table is going to have to go because he can pull himself up on it and it's freaking both Joe and I out.

So far we don't notice any separation anxiety. But that might change as he gets older we'll have to wait and see. It's also become very clear in our house Daddy is all about fun time while Mommy is the mean one who gets stuck doing the things Jay hates like getting the boogies out of his little nose.

I can not believe our little miracle has been home for one year. Joe and I are so grateful to everyone for all the good wishes and blessings given to Jay. Every parent believes their child is special. We obviously do too. We truly believe our son is a born fighter. He fought to be here and fought to stay alive. And he's grown from a mere 1lb 7oz micro preemie into a 17lb vibrant and energetic little boy. Jayan you are our heart and we will do anything for you. We love you so much.

December 2007


Home March 2008


March 2009 Jay and Baby Emily


Dinner with our family friends

Can you see my teeth?

My two bottom teeth :)


Jay and Pata




Jay's doggy from Uncle Yoga


Grandma Judy came to visit us