Naylor News

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Cleveland Trip: 3 of 3

Our final trip north was a special one - it was to have Max baptized! But there was a lot that I wanted to do before the big day, so we headed up on Thursday. Mom and Dad greeted us with our first corn on the cob of the season - and Leah's first ever!

That evening we went to Memphis Kiddie Park - a tradition from my own childhood. We had gone to the Kiddie Park during our first trip, but Leah had so much fun that I wanted to take her again - and get pictures. Leah's favorite rides were the Merry Go Round, Silly Jeeps and driving the race car. Even Max took a spin on the Merry Go Round.

The next day we took Leah to Rocky River Park - a chance for Leah to play in the sand and get her feet wet.

Saturday was Max's baptism. We were so greatful that Father Craig was able to perform the service, as he is the priest who married us and also baptized Leah. It was a quiet day with just our immediate family and Max's Godparents, Natalie and Sean.

photo by Donna Lindsey

photo by Connie Naylor

photo by Donna Lindsey

photo by Connie Naylor

Godfather Sean is already trying to influence Max...

photo by Donna Lindsey

photo by Connie Naylor

Monday, August 9, 2010

Cleveland Trip: 2 of 3

Our second trip north actually started in Bowling Green for a wedding, our cousin Matt and Toshia. It also marked the first time that we did not have Max for a night. We enjoyed the wedding - and a full night of sleep! Connie sent me some pictures, but they are not transferring well.

After a night in Bowling Green we went to Cleveland. We were first treated to dinner by Nana- it was a celebration of anniversaries. Pat and I were celebrating our 4th anniversary, Uncle Darryl and Aunt Pam their 20th and Connie and Rick their 40th. Dinner was delicious. I think we were having too good a time that we did not get a chance for a picture. After dinner, Dayna and Paul invited everyone back to their new home for dessert.

Sunday was the 4th of July and Max had been to his second parade in as many months.

The 4th of July was also the start of a parent's worst nightmare. Max was running a bit of a fever, became lethargic and was not taking his bottles. I called our pediatrician in Cincinnati and I was instructed to get him to a pediatrician in Cleveland right away. Fortunately my parents live about 10 minutes away from Fairview Hospital, which is a part of the Clinic, which has a pediatric ER. We were seen pretty quickly. His fever and a urine test indicated that he may have had a possible bacterial infection - which meant we were spending a few days in the hospital. We were lucky to be so close to my parents - they were able to care for Leah during the day while Pat and I were at the hospital. Max had a spinal tap and after a few days all cultures showed no growth - which was great news. He was diagnosed with viral meningitis and we were able to go home on the third day. Unfortunately I had to bring Max back to Cincinnati the following day for a follow-up with our own pediatrician, and then back north for Dayna and Paul's wedding - what a week!

While my mom and I were back in Cincinnati for the night with Max, Pat and Leah headed east to Conneaut to spend some time with his parents. The day was spent playing in the lake and blowing bubbles!

photo by Connie Naylor

When Max, mom and I returned from Cincinnati, my mom took the kiddos and Pat and I went out to Conneaut for the wedding festivities. Friday night was the rehearsal dinner at Ferrante's Winery. Pat needs to learn that wine is not like beer and should not be chugged.

photo by Connie Naylor

Saturday morning I went to get my hair done with Dayna

photo by Connie Naylor

The ceremony was held outdoors in Conneaut- it was a beautiful day and service.

The reception was held in Mentor. We all had a great time - especially Leah who was in the center of the dance floor doing the Hokey Pokey - unfortunately no pictures of moment - but it is a moment I will never forget.

photo by Connie Naylor

After the wedding we were very happy to head home - it was a busy week!

Cleveland Trip: 1 of 3

Right after Leah's birthday weekend, Leah, Max and I headed north for our first of three trips to Cleveland. Pat followed later in the week (he simply cannot miss a round of Monday night golf). This was Max's first big car ride. We almost made it without stopping, but Max got hungry with only 20 minutes left of the drive. I had to stop. Thank goodness we have a DVD player!

Our first Cleveland trip was great! We spent the week in Rocky River hanging out with Memaw, Hippa, Uncle Bub, Aunt Jamie and Addie. We were able to see our great friends Natalie and Sean, Leah and Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Chojnacki. Leah and Mrs. J were babysitters for an evening so we could all go out for an 'adult only' dinner to celebrate dad's 60th birthday at Pier W.

photo by Donna Lindsey

Sean and Natalie came over for an evening. It was a fun night of good food, drinks and dessert, and even better conversation! We wish we all lived closer - but our quarterly visits will do for now :)

Natalie took some great pictures of Leah and Max:

Jamie also took some fantastic pictures of Leah and Max:

Leah Turns Two

Our first big event of the summer was Leah's birthday. I can't believe she is two! It is hard to remember when she went from being a baby to a little girl - complete with a fun personality and a stubborn temper! We celebrated Leah's birthday all weekend. When Leah turned one, Pat and I purchased a brick in Leah's name to be placed in the entrance at the zoo - so we first headed to the zoo to see her brick (it took almost a year for it to be installed)

Memaws, Hippas (grandmas and grandpas) and Nana made it into town and we went to Oxford to Mac n Joe's for dinner.

The next day was Leah's birthday and her party day. Her special gift was a Radio Flyer tricycle. She is still learning how to pedal on her own, but for now she is satisfied with the streamers and bell. Her favorite little friends all came to celebrate and fun was had by all. We completed the weekend with a brunch before everyone left town. Unfortunately I was too busy socializing that I did not get pictures. I'll post what I have - hopefully the Memaws have some to share!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Catching Up

I can't believe it has been so long since the last post. So much has been happening in the Naylor household - maybe that is why it has been awhile since I have posted an update! Let's see if I can get everything down in order! And since so much has been happening, I will update in a few posts.

I enjoyed being home with Leah and Max for the remainder of the school year. Pat was able to stay home for two weeks, and then he had to go back to work for the last two weeks of the school year. While he grumbled about it, I think he was glad to go back. It was the final two weeks that Cleveland Elementary would be Cleveland Elementary. Cleveland Elementary was torn down right at the start of summer break. He was able to get a few bricks as a reminder of the four years that he taught at Cleveland. Next year he will remain at the same sight, but the new building is called Brookwood Elementary.

Those two weeks home alone with the little ones were quite an adjustment for me - on the first day I had to take Max to the doctor for a 'sick' visit. Pat was working, my babysitter was on vacation and all family had left to go back to their homes. So my first adventure out on my own with Leah and Max was to the doctor. I made sure to pack lots of snacks and books for Leah and a few bottles for Max. The trip was a success. Max had thrush and Leah was very well behaved. Since then the three of us have had numerous trips out and about - the Diner, Target, Kroger and the zoo to name a few.