Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas!
If we send out Christmas cards this year, they won't arrive before Christmas, as we will only be taking a suitable picture for a holiday card on Christmas day. If the cards don't make it out, please know that we still wish you a very merry Christmas!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Girls' Night Out
Happy Birthday Kate!
To celebrate her birthday, Kate, Nicole, and I went out to dinner. Just us. No husbands and no kids.
Guess where we went to dinner?
To celebrate her birthday, Kate, Nicole, and I went out to dinner. Just us. No husbands and no kids.
Guess where we went to dinner?
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Tempus Fugit
Happy Birthday, my little koala bear! It has been a year already? The time has flown by. We brought you home from the hospital and you were such an alert, awake baby. You would nap during the day, and had to suffer through sleeping through the noises of a rambunctious toddler. I don't know how your nervous system was able to deal with it. You took a shine to your older sister right away.
In an effort to keep up with the pace and action, you were rolling over by 3 months of age and army crawling by 5 months. Mommy prompted your first baby grins, but your first genuine laugh was in response to your sister. We sat on the sunny deck one spring afternoon. Your sister was playing peek-a-boo with you from the top of the Little Tykes slide. You sat on my lap wriggling your arms and legs as you giggled with glee as she appeared and disappeared from view.
As you continued to grow and develop, you sat up unassisted the next month at 6 months but showed little interest in being fed any pureed or jarred baby food. We waited a little while to introduce any solids, and once we did, you were determined to do it yourself. Cheerios and bananas have been a staple in the house during the last year. You also love to dip your fingers into yogurt, guacamole, white rice, and noodles, be it spaghetti or lo mien.
You walked by 8 months of age and quickly mastered your skill. You enjoy getting in on the action and excitement around the house by playing chase. You also love to climb. Now that you are a year old, most days you manage to scale either the chair to the top of the dining room kitchen, or the toilet to the vanity to sit in the sink for awhile. Some days you achieve both together. You protest vehemently when I pick you up to safely deposit you on firm ground. You have amazing balance and uncanny climbing skills.
You began speaking around the same time you started walking. Your first word was "mama." You call me when you wake up from naps, and when you need help with your sister. You will also sigh contentedly and say 'mama, mama' when I pick you up, snuggle you, and carry you around the house with me. You also like to say Annie's name too. You tend to clap and laugh or cry and struggle when you say her name. You say "Daddy." You know all your family. You sign for 'more,' 'eat,' and 'bye.' And there are other words you sometimes use, like 'hi,' and 'this'. You are certainly able to make your wishes and needs known.
You continue to laugh and smile. You wake in the morning with a delightful smile on your face. Mama and you spend a few quiet minutes together, changing diapers, playing pat-a-cake or having a nurse, and getting ready to start the day. You continue to smile most of the day as you made various discoveries as you motored about the house. Dad loves to tickle you. You love to play pat-a-cake and have 'Frappe, Frappe' sung to you.
There are many people who love you.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Love Means Tickles
Last night Annie was getting settled for bed.
She slung an arm around my neck, nuzzled in and said, "Mommy, I love you."
I told her I loved her and I loved Elizabeth. Annie got excited about the idea of Mommy loving not one, but two people, so she started mentioning all the people she loved. It turned into a pretty funny litany.
"I love Mommy. She can tickle me.
I love Simon. He can tickle me.
I love Elizabeth. She can tickle me.
I love Daddy. He can tickle me.
I love Caitlin. She can tickle me.
I love Katherine. She can tickle me.
I love Baby Emma. She can tickle me.
I love Aunt Dawn. She c an tickle me.
I love Uncle Mark. He can tickle me."
So love means tickles?
She slung an arm around my neck, nuzzled in and said, "Mommy, I love you."
I told her I loved her and I loved Elizabeth. Annie got excited about the idea of Mommy loving not one, but two people, so she started mentioning all the people she loved. It turned into a pretty funny litany.
"I love Mommy. She can tickle me.
I love Simon. He can tickle me.
I love Elizabeth. She can tickle me.
I love Daddy. He can tickle me.
I love Caitlin. She can tickle me.
I love Katherine. She can tickle me.
I love Baby Emma. She can tickle me.
I love Aunt Dawn. She c an tickle me.
I love Uncle Mark. He can tickle me."
So love means tickles?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Quotable Quotes
"Mommy, do you like me?"
"Yes, I like you, Sweetie. So, do you like Mommy?"
"I like craisins, Momma."
"Yes, I like you, Sweetie. So, do you like Mommy?"
"I like craisins, Momma."
Friday, November 16, 2007
Craigslist
A few years ago, my dad bought for me a really nice goose down comforter from Costco. It was for a queen size bed. At the time I slept on a twin, and when I got married, I upgraded to a king. Never had a queen, and didn't have plans to get a queen in the near future. I feel really bad that I made Dad get it and it was sitting here unused.
I decided to list the comforter on Craigslist. Craigslist is an online classified website. I initially listed it as New In Package (NIP), excellent, unused condition, yada yada yada, for $50.00. Seemed like a fair price to me. No one was interested. I saw a similar and gently used (used, mine is new!) going for $60.00. I waited a week, then relisted mine at $60.00, NIP, excellent unused condition, yada yada yada. I had people lining up around the block for it when I raised the price by $10.00. Perhaps it helped that the cold weather finally set in? Is there some kind of psychological phenomenon that people expect to pay that much and are suspicious when the item doesn't cost the amount they thought they would have to pay?
It sold, and I have $10.00 more than I expected. I don't understand.
I decided to list the comforter on Craigslist. Craigslist is an online classified website. I initially listed it as New In Package (NIP), excellent, unused condition, yada yada yada, for $50.00. Seemed like a fair price to me. No one was interested. I saw a similar and gently used (used, mine is new!) going for $60.00. I waited a week, then relisted mine at $60.00, NIP, excellent unused condition, yada yada yada. I had people lining up around the block for it when I raised the price by $10.00. Perhaps it helped that the cold weather finally set in? Is there some kind of psychological phenomenon that people expect to pay that much and are suspicious when the item doesn't cost the amount they thought they would have to pay?
It sold, and I have $10.00 more than I expected. I don't understand.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Who bit you?
Tim was sitting at the breakfast table and was peering thoughtfully at his arm. He then rubbed it vigorously and said, "That was some bite I got last night."
With a two year old who is known to bite her little sister and a 10 month old who just cut a new tooth, biting is not uncommon, but I was surprised to learn that Daddy had been bitten after a pretty calm night.
I was incredulous, "Who bit you?"
"A bug."
It never occurred to me that he could possibly be talking about a mosquito bite. I was looking for a culpable party in the 2 and under set.
With a two year old who is known to bite her little sister and a 10 month old who just cut a new tooth, biting is not uncommon, but I was surprised to learn that Daddy had been bitten after a pretty calm night.
I was incredulous, "Who bit you?"
"A bug."
It never occurred to me that he could possibly be talking about a mosquito bite. I was looking for a culpable party in the 2 and under set.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Got your horrible coffee, right here
Tim brewed a pot of coffee for us Sunday morning. He poured the coffee, added the cream, and was interrupted by a crying baby, demanding his attention.
"The coffee needs sugar." he told me as I cruised through the kitchen.
I fetched the sugar from the dining room table (it had been left there by the company we had the previous night) and added it to the coffee. I emptied the sugar bowl. I was then interrupted by a crying baby, demanding my attention.
Tim went to refill the sugar bowl. I thought it was a terrific kindness after I emptied it. I busied myself with calming a crying baby and returned to my cup of coffee once the baby was calmed. I returned to Tim tipping in another spoonful of sugar.
"I already put in sugar!" I cried, much too late to save the coffee from sweetness overload.
Tim groaned. "Well, your coffee will be very sweet and mine will be horribly sweet. I added another spoonful to your coffee and two spoonfuls to mine." He chivalrously offered me the remaining coffee in the pot to cut the sweetness in the coffee and try to salvage the cup.
"I'll just add more cream to mine."
Tim pulled out, not creamer, but soy-milk. We have soy-milk because Annie is allergic to cow's milk. The carton of soy-milk and the carton of creamer are roughly the same size. While some people out there claim to love soy-milk lattes and the like, soy in coffee is not a taste Tim nor I prefer. Tim moves so quickly sometimes. I couldn't act or speak quickly enough to keep him from dumping in additional sugar and I couldn't keep him from dumping in a liberal dollop of soymilk to his coffee.
It was a horrible cup of coffee.
"The coffee needs sugar." he told me as I cruised through the kitchen.
I fetched the sugar from the dining room table (it had been left there by the company we had the previous night) and added it to the coffee. I emptied the sugar bowl. I was then interrupted by a crying baby, demanding my attention.
Tim went to refill the sugar bowl. I thought it was a terrific kindness after I emptied it. I busied myself with calming a crying baby and returned to my cup of coffee once the baby was calmed. I returned to Tim tipping in another spoonful of sugar.
"I already put in sugar!" I cried, much too late to save the coffee from sweetness overload.
Tim groaned. "Well, your coffee will be very sweet and mine will be horribly sweet. I added another spoonful to your coffee and two spoonfuls to mine." He chivalrously offered me the remaining coffee in the pot to cut the sweetness in the coffee and try to salvage the cup.
"I'll just add more cream to mine."
Tim pulled out, not creamer, but soy-milk. We have soy-milk because Annie is allergic to cow's milk. The carton of soy-milk and the carton of creamer are roughly the same size. While some people out there claim to love soy-milk lattes and the like, soy in coffee is not a taste Tim nor I prefer. Tim moves so quickly sometimes. I couldn't act or speak quickly enough to keep him from dumping in additional sugar and I couldn't keep him from dumping in a liberal dollop of soymilk to his coffee.
It was a horrible cup of coffee.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Quotable Quotes
Daddy gives Annie a kiss while she's sitting in her high chair. Daddy walks into the kitchen where Mommy is making breakfast.
Annie: Ew, Daddy.
Ew.
Ew, Daddy.
Daddy: What 'ew, Daddy'? Did you not like being kissed by Daddy?
Annie: Ew, Daddy.
Daddy reaches for Mommy and gives her a kiss.
Daddy: It's ok. Mommy likes being kissed by Daddy.
Annie: Ew, Mommy!
Ew, Daddy!
It's very yucky.
Kissing is yucky.
Annie: Ew, Daddy.
Ew.
Ew, Daddy.
Daddy: What 'ew, Daddy'? Did you not like being kissed by Daddy?
Annie: Ew, Daddy.
Daddy reaches for Mommy and gives her a kiss.
Daddy: It's ok. Mommy likes being kissed by Daddy.
Annie: Ew, Mommy!
Ew, Daddy!
It's very yucky.
Kissing is yucky.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Walmart acted like I was lying about my mom DYING
I went to Walmart today. I went to try to return some items of clothing my mom had puchased before she was hospitalized and her health deteriorated. They still had tags and I had the receipt. It was the only reason I was there.
The clerk said it was past 90 days and she couldn't process it. Essentially the manager said the same thing, and so did the supervisor. The supervisor was the worst though. What a rude, unkind, uncivil woman. Event hough they still sale the exact same items (color and everything) she refused to do anything to issue a refund or store credit. She talked down to me, to the point I actually told her, "please don't talk to me as though I were stupid." She refused to help, treated me like I was lying about why I was there with the return, was R-U-D-E the entire time she spoke to me, but then said, "we like to try to help people" after she absolutely refused to hear me.
I walked back out to the car with my girls, put my head down on the steering wheel, and just cried. Why would I lie about my mom dying just to get some help from Walmart's indifferent CS?
The clerk said it was past 90 days and she couldn't process it. Essentially the manager said the same thing, and so did the supervisor. The supervisor was the worst though. What a rude, unkind, uncivil woman. Event hough they still sale the exact same items (color and everything) she refused to do anything to issue a refund or store credit. She talked down to me, to the point I actually told her, "please don't talk to me as though I were stupid." She refused to help, treated me like I was lying about why I was there with the return, was R-U-D-E the entire time she spoke to me, but then said, "we like to try to help people" after she absolutely refused to hear me.
I walked back out to the car with my girls, put my head down on the steering wheel, and just cried. Why would I lie about my mom dying just to get some help from Walmart's indifferent CS?
More Potty Training Success
Annie pooped on the potty again today!
She wore padded 'panties' this morning until bathtime.
We finally found the Strawberry Shortcake underwear on Ebay. Advertised as unopened. I bid and we're waiting for them to arrive in the mail.
Is this what ordering from the Sears and Roebuck catalog was like back at the turn of the century?
Remind me to post pictures later. Not creepy potty pics, but cute ones.
She wore padded 'panties' this morning until bathtime.
We finally found the Strawberry Shortcake underwear on Ebay. Advertised as unopened. I bid and we're waiting for them to arrive in the mail.
Is this what ordering from the Sears and Roebuck catalog was like back at the turn of the century?
Remind me to post pictures later. Not creepy potty pics, but cute ones.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Potty Training
Is begun.
It's started with Annie finding peeing on the potty a great novelty.
We've had her pee when she's asked or when I remember to get her to the potty.
This weekend, she saw her cousin's underwear and stated that SHE wanted to "wear Strawberry Shortcake on my bottom."
Tim told her she needed to poop on the potty, then she could have the underwear. Sunday she talked about it, Monday she talked about it (but pooped in her diaper), Tuesday, I wanted her to be able to have the pants because she was so serious about it.
We spent five hours in the bathroom before she finally pooped on the potty. I was thinking it would be more like 40 minutes. I wasn't really prepared to go the long haul like that...be forewarned, you will need to live in your bathroom when you start potty training! Annie ate mac-n-cheese for lunch on her little potty.
She finally pooped and we went to Target to find the underwear. All of us were excited.
They didn't have Strawberry Shortcake in her size.
We are going to go check out other places for the underwear, but she hit her diaper again today. Tomorrow we'll try to hold out for another win on the potty.
It's started with Annie finding peeing on the potty a great novelty.
We've had her pee when she's asked or when I remember to get her to the potty.
This weekend, she saw her cousin's underwear and stated that SHE wanted to "wear Strawberry Shortcake on my bottom."
Tim told her she needed to poop on the potty, then she could have the underwear. Sunday she talked about it, Monday she talked about it (but pooped in her diaper), Tuesday, I wanted her to be able to have the pants because she was so serious about it.
We spent five hours in the bathroom before she finally pooped on the potty. I was thinking it would be more like 40 minutes. I wasn't really prepared to go the long haul like that...be forewarned, you will need to live in your bathroom when you start potty training! Annie ate mac-n-cheese for lunch on her little potty.
She finally pooped and we went to Target to find the underwear. All of us were excited.
They didn't have Strawberry Shortcake in her size.
We are going to go check out other places for the underwear, but she hit her diaper again today. Tomorrow we'll try to hold out for another win on the potty.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Happy Birthday Annie
Annie turned two back at the end of August. Here are a couple of pictures.
We had a lot of great pictures that I didn't post because the kids in them aren't my kids. If you were there and would like to see the pictures of your children, let me know.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
My obsession with Pachelbel continues...
I forgot about this arrangement of Canon in D. OK, I'm done with Pachelbel, I promise.
More on Pachelbel
If you clicked on the links in my last post, you understand the musical influence of Pachelbel's Canon in D. Of course, I found a song about family life set to the same song. Check it out here.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Quotable Quotes
Daddy: Annie, Daddy loves you. Do you love Daddy?
Annie: I love Mommy.
At least she didn't say "No."
Annie: I love Mommy.
At least she didn't say "No."
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Spelling test
I noticed a spelling mistake in the title of one of the blog posts "Annie Surives Bleach in the Face" should read "Annie Survives Bleach in the Face." Spelling mistakes are one of those things that, when I notice them, they really annoy me. Yet there are so many little blips and omissions that my brain glosses over or fills in the right letters so that I don't really see it, even though it's right there, just daring me to notice.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Our Morning Prayer
Lord God, Please give
Daddy a wise heart,
Mommy a patient heart,
Annie an obedient heart,
and Betta a joyful heart.
Amen.
The husband and I just finished reading Fr. Thomas Dubay's A Prayer Primer for our Teams of our Lady. In trying to make sure prayer is part of our daily life, I was trying to say morning prayer from the Office of the Hours. The girls must have had some innate sense that Mommy was trying to do something really important, and they would always get upset, fight, or cry. I knew I wanted to pray, I knew I needed to pray. I also had to make it something the girls would enjoy, so we made our own prayer.
I stumbled upon this prayer almost by accident. I was trying to get Annie to off the stairwell so I could put the baby gate up to keep Betta from climbing the stairs (yes, she is old enough to climb the stairs but not yet old enough to climb back down!). I realized I was grumpy and growing impatient.
I said to Annie, "Let's ask God to give Annie an obedient heart and give Mommy a patient heart?"
Annie immediately hopped off the stairs and said, "Here you go. Heart, Mama" and pretended to hand me a heart. I thought this kind of prayer could work on a daily basis. We've only been saying it for a couple days, but she seems to like it, and I certainly enjoy the grace and blessings of being able to pray .
Daddy a wise heart,
Mommy a patient heart,
Annie an obedient heart,
and Betta a joyful heart.
Amen.
The husband and I just finished reading Fr. Thomas Dubay's A Prayer Primer for our Teams of our Lady. In trying to make sure prayer is part of our daily life, I was trying to say morning prayer from the Office of the Hours. The girls must have had some innate sense that Mommy was trying to do something really important, and they would always get upset, fight, or cry. I knew I wanted to pray, I knew I needed to pray. I also had to make it something the girls would enjoy, so we made our own prayer.
I stumbled upon this prayer almost by accident. I was trying to get Annie to off the stairwell so I could put the baby gate up to keep Betta from climbing the stairs (yes, she is old enough to climb the stairs but not yet old enough to climb back down!). I realized I was grumpy and growing impatient.
I said to Annie, "Let's ask God to give Annie an obedient heart and give Mommy a patient heart?"
Annie immediately hopped off the stairs and said, "Here you go. Heart, Mama" and pretended to hand me a heart. I thought this kind of prayer could work on a daily basis. We've only been saying it for a couple days, but she seems to like it, and I certainly enjoy the grace and blessings of being able to pray .
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Annie Survives Bleach in the Face
Annie survived licking tylenol, she survived a bout of rotavirus, and now she's survived spraying a bleach cleaner into her face.
Fortunately I was right there when it happened and I immediately put her in the bath and started pouring water over her head until she stopped crying about her eye stinging and started complaining about so much water.
I then called the doctor. They told me to put her in the bath again, then bring her over immediately. They would work her in.
The doctor can tell if there has been any damage to the eye by putting in eye drops that glow under a black light. If the dye is anywhere in the eye, it indicates that there is damage. An intact eye won't keep the dye on it. Annie had the eye drops put in and the black light was turned on. It looked like someone had put a flourescent eyeliner on her, but her eye looked fine. She was well. Fortunately the doctor's visit took all of 30 minutes.
Since our girl narrowly escaped injury, we asked her what she'd like to eat for dinner.
"Pizza!"
Fortunately I was right there when it happened and I immediately put her in the bath and started pouring water over her head until she stopped crying about her eye stinging and started complaining about so much water.
I then called the doctor. They told me to put her in the bath again, then bring her over immediately. They would work her in.
The doctor can tell if there has been any damage to the eye by putting in eye drops that glow under a black light. If the dye is anywhere in the eye, it indicates that there is damage. An intact eye won't keep the dye on it. Annie had the eye drops put in and the black light was turned on. It looked like someone had put a flourescent eyeliner on her, but her eye looked fine. She was well. Fortunately the doctor's visit took all of 30 minutes.
Since our girl narrowly escaped injury, we asked her what she'd like to eat for dinner.
"Pizza!"
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Husband is Brilliant
We have a television. We keep it downstairs in the basement. Our basement is the family room, and computer area, and the laundry area. We switched things around to make it more family friendly, and that meant the cable was no longer hooked up to the TV. Husband said he could get it working, but he'd need to find the right length of cable.
For about three months, the only thing I've seen on the television are Elmo DVDs and Barbie's The Princess and the Pauper. No news, no soap operas. No "Dancing with the Stars." I forgot about programs geared toward adults. I forgot that Bravo will run all the episodes of a season of" Blowout" in a single day. I didn't miss it. The television was for the benefit of the children.
Husband hooked up the cable last night. I didn't realize how isolated from the world I'd become. A news program was on.
"Ooh, look. There's a hurricane?"
"Yeah, it's about to hit the coast of Nicaragua."
"Have there been a lot of hurricanes this year?"
For about three months, the only thing I've seen on the television are Elmo DVDs and Barbie's The Princess and the Pauper. No news, no soap operas. No "Dancing with the Stars." I forgot about programs geared toward adults. I forgot that Bravo will run all the episodes of a season of" Blowout" in a single day. I didn't miss it. The television was for the benefit of the children.
Husband hooked up the cable last night. I didn't realize how isolated from the world I'd become. A news program was on.
"Ooh, look. There's a hurricane?"
"Yeah, it's about to hit the coast of Nicaragua."
"Have there been a lot of hurricanes this year?"
Monday, September 03, 2007
Stay at Home Mom
My husband and I were discussing the future a bit...where we see ourselves, what we'd like to do, how we would get from here to there...and we started talking about after we raised our kids (with the plan being for me to stay at home until the youngest no longer needed me at home be it kindergarden age or college age). I just assumed I'd re-enter the workforce since it would help financially, when I mentioned this, I found out that my husband and I were thinking different things.
My husband said, "Your job is raising the kids. That will take years. After you are done, you can do anything you want. Work or not work. Take a class. Babysit grandkids. Please consider keeping up the work of taking care of me. But I consider it my responsibility, my gift to you to let you do anything you want to do after you've raised the kids."
What a generous gift.
My husband said, "Your job is raising the kids. That will take years. After you are done, you can do anything you want. Work or not work. Take a class. Babysit grandkids. Please consider keeping up the work of taking care of me. But I consider it my responsibility, my gift to you to let you do anything you want to do after you've raised the kids."
What a generous gift.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Consumer Report's Opinion on Buying Organic
I quote:
DO buy organic!
It pays to buy organic produce like apples, bell peppers, strawberries, and spinach, but if cost is an issue, you can save money buy not buying organic bananas, asparagus, onions and sweet peas because tests show they rarely have pesticide residue.
DO buy organic!
It pays to buy organic produce like apples, bell peppers, strawberries, and spinach, but if cost is an issue, you can save money buy not buying organic bananas, asparagus, onions and sweet peas because tests show they rarely have pesticide residue.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Happy Birthday Annie?
Today is Annie's Birthday. Her family party is this weekend, but I wanted to make the day special today. I figured I'd make today a 'yes' day. To let her do things she'd like to do (that weren't utterly dangerous like drown her baby sister Elizabeth in the tub) to try and celebrate.
We spent nearly an hour in the tub, met Daddy for lunch--late of course, because tub time extended itself 45 minutes--played on the play park in the mall (no outdoor activities because of the rain), napped, watched the Princess Movie (worthy of it's own post), had noodles for dinner, and went to have ice cream with the cousins to round out the day.
The pinnacle of the entire day was the Happy Birthday Well-wishes of family and loved ones.
Annie's Godmother Kate & her baby friend Simon spoke with Annie in the evening. Kate had been working on having Simon say "Happy Birthday Annie" most of the day. She was continuing to coach and encourage him to speak while on the phone.
Kate: [singing] Happy Birthday to you
Simon: silence
Kate: [singing] Happy Birthday to you
Simon: silence
Kate: [singing] Happy Birthday dear Annie
Simon: Ha Buu-day Lizabeth.
Yes, Happy Birthday Elizabeth.
We spent nearly an hour in the tub, met Daddy for lunch--late of course, because tub time extended itself 45 minutes--played on the play park in the mall (no outdoor activities because of the rain), napped, watched the Princess Movie (worthy of it's own post), had noodles for dinner, and went to have ice cream with the cousins to round out the day.
The pinnacle of the entire day was the Happy Birthday Well-wishes of family and loved ones.
Annie's Godmother Kate & her baby friend Simon spoke with Annie in the evening. Kate had been working on having Simon say "Happy Birthday Annie" most of the day. She was continuing to coach and encourage him to speak while on the phone.
Kate: [singing] Happy Birthday to you
Simon: silence
Kate: [singing] Happy Birthday to you
Simon: silence
Kate: [singing] Happy Birthday dear Annie
Simon: Ha Buu-day Lizabeth.
Yes, Happy Birthday Elizabeth.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Grieving
I've been getting sick a lot lately. A little bug here, a little bug there. I've been to the doctor's office a lot. The nurses love seeing Annie and Elizabeth. Annie gets stickers and the nurses hold Elizabeth and coo at her. Recently one of the doctors pointed out that I had been in several times recently. She asked if there had been any significant changes recently. "My mom died." After expressing her sympathies, she said, "Yep, that would make you ill." I guess this is part of the grieving process.
Another part of the grieving process is that I get so angry. Usually really big, strong emotions are difficult and exhausting to sustain, so they subside. Not this anger. It's big, strong, exhausting and ever present. The husband forgets to clear his dishes from the table and I seethe all day. Annie dumps her drink on the floor and I want to storm out of the house like a hormonal teenager. And while I'm feeling so irrationally angry, this small still-rational portion of my brain speaks to me and tells me that it's not a big deal. Annie is just being Annie. So I try so hard to maintain the positive discipline and not fly off the handle. Reigning in the anger seems more difficult than even feeling the anger. Acknowledging that I am feeling it helps diffuse it though. I wouldn't mind moving through this stage a bit more quickly.
Another part of the grieving process is that I get so angry. Usually really big, strong emotions are difficult and exhausting to sustain, so they subside. Not this anger. It's big, strong, exhausting and ever present. The husband forgets to clear his dishes from the table and I seethe all day. Annie dumps her drink on the floor and I want to storm out of the house like a hormonal teenager. And while I'm feeling so irrationally angry, this small still-rational portion of my brain speaks to me and tells me that it's not a big deal. Annie is just being Annie. So I try so hard to maintain the positive discipline and not fly off the handle. Reigning in the anger seems more difficult than even feeling the anger. Acknowledging that I am feeling it helps diffuse it though. I wouldn't mind moving through this stage a bit more quickly.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Slowly Coming Back
My mom died and we held her funeral. I feel like so much more happened but that really does sum it up.
My brother and his wife have been brilliant throughout all of this. My brother was appointed medical power of attorney and was listed as an executor of the estate. He and his wife have kept things organized and moving and I appreciate them so much for doing that, because I must confess, I would probably let it sit and sit.
My brother and his wife have been brilliant throughout all of this. My brother was appointed medical power of attorney and was listed as an executor of the estate. He and his wife have kept things organized and moving and I appreciate them so much for doing that, because I must confess, I would probably let it sit and sit.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Mom Update
Mom not doing so well recently. She's in the hospital and in critical but stable condition. Amid other serious issues, she had an episode where she was not breathing on her own. Doctors are taking blood work, cultures, and administering other tests to try to form an official diagnosis and prognosis. Please pray for her.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I'm on Facebook!
I'm a loser. At my sister's request, I joined Facebook. How long has this thing been around? And I'm a new member? Someone should revoke my permission to access the internet.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
When Daddy's Away The Girls Will Play
The Husband is away on another business trip. He left yesterday afternoon. Annie had a hard time settling to sleep with him gone and seemed at loose ends when she woke up. It seemed that a crucial fixture of her sleeping and waking routines was missing. Daddy was away at work.
We'd gotten too complacent with routine. We were allowing the man to keep us down! I decided a wild crazy week of baby party was in order. I scooped up the girls and took them to the supermarket for juice, milk, cookies,jarred food, diapers, and hot dogs. Freshly stocked for a wild week without the old man keeping us down we walked to Starbucks. I got coffee, prayed Morning Prayer, and Annie stood by my table pointing out various things.
Other plans for the week include a NINO meeting, playing with the cousins, a trip to Burke Lake Park, and maybe some other fun baby-friend time.
We'd gotten too complacent with routine. We were allowing the man to keep us down! I decided a wild crazy week of baby party was in order. I scooped up the girls and took them to the supermarket for juice, milk, cookies,jarred food, diapers, and hot dogs. Freshly stocked for a wild week without the old man keeping us down we walked to Starbucks. I got coffee, prayed Morning Prayer, and Annie stood by my table pointing out various things.
Other plans for the week include a NINO meeting, playing with the cousins, a trip to Burke Lake Park, and maybe some other fun baby-friend time.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
New Toy
Our camera broke. It stopped taking pictures. The digital screen went black. The Husband and I went camera shopping. We're such suckers for an up-sell. We went with the Canon Rebel XTi. We're going to cash in some credit card reward points to offset the cost of the camera--before you go thinking we're Richy Rich or anything.
The Husband was tring to get a feel for the settings the other evening. Even playing around, we managed to capture some lovely pictures. Take a look...
Annie is deciding to run head-long down the hill that is our front yard.
Annie telling Daddy that she does not want to smile for pictures, nor does she want to share her popcicle.
Betta peering intently out of the mei tai.
The Husband was tring to get a feel for the settings the other evening. Even playing around, we managed to capture some lovely pictures. Take a look...
Annie is deciding to run head-long down the hill that is our front yard.
Annie telling Daddy that she does not want to smile for pictures, nor does she want to share her popcicle.
Betta peering intently out of the mei tai.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Independence Day
Family got together for the Forth Of July. My sister from Seattle flew in that morning. Here she is, holding Betta.
Unfortunately, I don't have pics because the camera battery died, but the girls loved the fireworks display done by friends' HOA. Annie stood on the street shouting, "Boom! Boom! Fire up der!" and clapping and jumping around. She was heard down the entire street. Happy 4th everybody.
Unfortunately, I don't have pics because the camera battery died, but the girls loved the fireworks display done by friends' HOA. Annie stood on the street shouting, "Boom! Boom! Fire up der!" and clapping and jumping around. She was heard down the entire street. Happy 4th everybody.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
My Mom's Health II
Mom has weathered the amputation and hospital stay. She's now in an assisted living facility, getting ready to start her rehab. Her recovery is not without its bumps in the road, yet she is making progress.
Since she will be spending quite some time in a wheelchair, I had my good friend make her this lap quilt. I hope it will lift her spirits during her rehab.
Since she will be spending quite some time in a wheelchair, I had my good friend make her this lap quilt. I hope it will lift her spirits during her rehab.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
My Mom's Health
My mom has struggled with cardiovascular disease for many years now. I don't feel that it's appropriate to go into too much detail here, as this is her story to share and not mine. I will say that as a result of the disease, her lower leg was amputated yesterday. The procedure was necessary. Fortunately it went well. My mom is currently in good spirits and a plan for her physical therapy and care is coming together. I just wanted to put a note here to explain since this is such a big thing going on here.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Friday
Several moms and babies I know came over today to play. Several toddlers in one room is an excellent study on non-verbal communication strategies, sense of ownership in communal settings, and discipline. I'm glad we had a chance to get together to visit while we managed the hoard.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Tomorrow
Tomorrow we have people coming over to visit. I'm excited to have everyone come.
But guests also means that I woke up today more motivated to clean that I've been motivated in weeks. Fortunately the place isn't too bad, but you know I'm going to be busting out the mop and pledge.
But guests also means that I woke up today more motivated to clean that I've been motivated in weeks. Fortunately the place isn't too bad, but you know I'm going to be busting out the mop and pledge.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Glad to Have Daddy Home
Yesterday evening, both the girls woke up from a late nap just as Tim was getting home from work. The girls were in a great mood, I was in a great mood, and Tim was glad to be home.
Tim popped off to the bathroom and Annie asked to turn on some music-- "Thanks to God" aka a cd of Praise and Worship songs. Annie danced around the living room as the music played.
She then said "Betta dance." So I brought Elizabeth down to floor level and was bouncing her to the music. The three of us were laughing and dancing.
Annie stopped and then asked, "Where Daddy go?" Annie stopped dancing. She got a concerned look on her face and refused to dance, asking "Where Daddy go?" She was bothered that Daddy was missing out on the family fun. When Dad returned from the bathroom, she asked to dance again and was delighted to have all four of us dancing together.
Tim popped off to the bathroom and Annie asked to turn on some music-- "Thanks to God" aka a cd of Praise and Worship songs. Annie danced around the living room as the music played.
She then said "Betta dance." So I brought Elizabeth down to floor level and was bouncing her to the music. The three of us were laughing and dancing.
Annie stopped and then asked, "Where Daddy go?" Annie stopped dancing. She got a concerned look on her face and refused to dance, asking "Where Daddy go?" She was bothered that Daddy was missing out on the family fun. When Dad returned from the bathroom, she asked to dance again and was delighted to have all four of us dancing together.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Ten People That Make Me Happy
In no particular order, here are 10 people that make me happy--this is by no means an exhaustive list so No tomatoes please!
1. Annie--of course I have to list my kids first
2. Betta--yeah, both of them
3. The Husband--he really wouldn't like it if he didn't make the list
4. St. Paul--he's got an exciting life I tell ya
5. The Phelans--there are 5 of them, so they get the 5th spot
6. Joanna H.--I have such a girl crush on her
7. Nicole F.--she laughed at my story about being sick at Niagra Falls
8. Kevin Klien--all his movie roles just make me laugh
9. Dane Cook--have you seen his bit about the Eucharist as breakfast cereal?
10. All four members of Eddie From Ohio, and Julie's Dad.
1. Annie--of course I have to list my kids first
2. Betta--yeah, both of them
3. The Husband--he really wouldn't like it if he didn't make the list
4. St. Paul--he's got an exciting life I tell ya
5. The Phelans--there are 5 of them, so they get the 5th spot
6. Joanna H.--I have such a girl crush on her
7. Nicole F.--she laughed at my story about being sick at Niagra Falls
8. Kevin Klien--all his movie roles just make me laugh
9. Dane Cook--have you seen his bit about the Eucharist as breakfast cereal?
10. All four members of Eddie From Ohio, and Julie's Dad.
The Family Bed
I've been getting both of the girls settled to sleep in bed with me while Husband has been away.
Tonight, around 4:30 am Annie was snuggled on one shoulder and Betta was snuggled in on the other. From a sound sleep, Annie giggled. From an equally sound sleep, Betta giggled in reply.
Tonight, around 4:30 am Annie was snuggled on one shoulder and Betta was snuggled in on the other. From a sound sleep, Annie giggled. From an equally sound sleep, Betta giggled in reply.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Friday, June 01, 2007
XM Satellite Radio
The Husband recently purchased a new car. A Honda Civic SL I think, perhaps it's a different line, but it's definitely a honda civic. While I knew he was going to buy a car, I did not go with him to purchase it because we have two small children and negotiating the purchase of a car with two small children would not have gone well.
Once the husband came home with his new car, he proudly showed it off. A feature included is a GPS tracking system and an offer for free XM Satellite radio for three months. This is a pretty snazzy car for something that just needs to survive the daily commute.
I drove the car yesterday because the Husband took my Honda CRV to go on vacation. The Husband installed the girls' car seats in the back and showed me how the panel worked. The girls and I have been listening to satellite radio stations while we tool around on our various errands.
The satellite radio has a lot of stations that cater to specific audiences--sports channels, music by genre and decade, kids music, talk radio--leaning toward your political philosophy, history etc. It also lists the musician and song playing. I found the display of the musician and song title to be wonderful! I hear so many good songs on the radio, but can never remember who sang what. It has been especially useful listening to the kids stations. There are several kids musicians that I want to learn more about, like Dan Zanes and Laurie Berkner to name a couple.
The Husband has returned home from his trip and is eager to switch the cars back. I'm going to miss that satellite radio.
Once the husband came home with his new car, he proudly showed it off. A feature included is a GPS tracking system and an offer for free XM Satellite radio for three months. This is a pretty snazzy car for something that just needs to survive the daily commute.
I drove the car yesterday because the Husband took my Honda CRV to go on vacation. The Husband installed the girls' car seats in the back and showed me how the panel worked. The girls and I have been listening to satellite radio stations while we tool around on our various errands.
The satellite radio has a lot of stations that cater to specific audiences--sports channels, music by genre and decade, kids music, talk radio--leaning toward your political philosophy, history etc. It also lists the musician and song playing. I found the display of the musician and song title to be wonderful! I hear so many good songs on the radio, but can never remember who sang what. It has been especially useful listening to the kids stations. There are several kids musicians that I want to learn more about, like Dan Zanes and Laurie Berkner to name a couple.
The Husband has returned home from his trip and is eager to switch the cars back. I'm going to miss that satellite radio.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Down Comforter
The Husband and I used to sleep under a king-size, 100% cotton, goose down comforter. It needed to be cleaned and I dreaded the process that would entail.
First off, a king size comforter and my puny washing machine aren't a good match. In fact, it says on the comforter's tag, "Do not wash in your puny washing machine." Ok, in all honesty it says "dry clean only." Dry cleaning doesn't really treat the problem about why this comforter needs to be cleaned in the first place. It needs a good, deep cleaning because Annie pooped on it during her bout of roto virus. But still, my washer is small, this comforter is large and even if the washer manages to agitate the tiniest bit amid the giant blanket and not shred it to peices, the blanket is filled with down feathers that take a month to dry. I'm lucky if it drys before mold sets in.
While I don't want to clean it, I don't want it sitting in my laundry area even more. I just stuffed it into the washer. Right now the washer is thudding because it's becoming unbalanced. Dear Lord, let the spin cycle start soon! Then I can drape it across a couple wood chairs from the dining room and seti t up under an air vent. Hopefully the circulation will let it dry quickly. Then I can move on to washing important things, like the Husband's underwear.
First off, a king size comforter and my puny washing machine aren't a good match. In fact, it says on the comforter's tag, "Do not wash in your puny washing machine." Ok, in all honesty it says "dry clean only." Dry cleaning doesn't really treat the problem about why this comforter needs to be cleaned in the first place. It needs a good, deep cleaning because Annie pooped on it during her bout of roto virus. But still, my washer is small, this comforter is large and even if the washer manages to agitate the tiniest bit amid the giant blanket and not shred it to peices, the blanket is filled with down feathers that take a month to dry. I'm lucky if it drys before mold sets in.
While I don't want to clean it, I don't want it sitting in my laundry area even more. I just stuffed it into the washer. Right now the washer is thudding because it's becoming unbalanced. Dear Lord, let the spin cycle start soon! Then I can drape it across a couple wood chairs from the dining room and seti t up under an air vent. Hopefully the circulation will let it dry quickly. Then I can move on to washing important things, like the Husband's underwear.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Pentecost
is a great and holy day in the liturgical calendar. The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles and strengthens and binds the church together. We get to take part in Pentecost when we receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
While this is a good and worthy thing, that's not the reason why I'm blogging about Pentecost. It's important because it means no more daily mass readings from the Acts of the Apostles, or as I like to call them, the Adventures of Paul. I am continuing the daily mass readings, but I need to go finish Acts of the Apostles to find out what happens to Paul after he gets shipped off to Rome as a criminal. Television drama can't come up with better plot lines than church history, I tell ya.
While this is a good and worthy thing, that's not the reason why I'm blogging about Pentecost. It's important because it means no more daily mass readings from the Acts of the Apostles, or as I like to call them, the Adventures of Paul. I am continuing the daily mass readings, but I need to go finish Acts of the Apostles to find out what happens to Paul after he gets shipped off to Rome as a criminal. Television drama can't come up with better plot lines than church history, I tell ya.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Things That Make Me Happy
In no particular order, a list of ten things that make me happy:
1.Dogwood trees
2. American Girl doll hair
3. Tire swings
4. A good cup of coffee
5. A good playground
6. My warm robe
7. Office supply stores
8. Dark chocolate
9. Clothes that fit
10. Lip balm
1.Dogwood trees
2. American Girl doll hair
3. Tire swings
4. A good cup of coffee
5. A good playground
6. My warm robe
7. Office supply stores
8. Dark chocolate
9. Clothes that fit
10. Lip balm
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Evolution of a Babywearer
So when I was pregnant with Annie, I saw the Snugli's and the Bjorns at Babies R Us. I'd recently gotten a hands-free device for my cell phone and when I saw those carriers, I thought, "A baby hands-free device is brilliant! I will so need one!' And I registered for a Snugli. I got the Snugli at a baby-shower.
The idea of a hands-free device for a baby is brilliant, but a Snugli not-so-much. It wasn't comfortable to wear and the material that was responsible for keeping the baby attached to the straps kept coming undone. It was fundamentally unsafe.
My pediatrician recommended the Dr. Sear's Baby Book as good reading on the care and raising of a newborn. Dr. Sears goes on at length about his NoJo baby sling. The sling seemed to make sense, so I got one of those. It worked so-so for awhile. Here's one of the few pictures of me wearing the NoJo, although there are loads of the Husband using it.
Then a distant relative noticed that I was trying to wear the baby and turned me on to babywearing and all the wonderful options that are available out there. I stumbled across both thebabywearer.com as well as NINO. She helped me find a mei tai of my very own. A mei tai is an Asian-style baby carrier. It has a peice of fabric to support the baby's body, and long straps to comfortably and safely tie the baby to the mama's body. Below is a picture of Annie and I at Merrifield Garden Center.
I got pregnant around the time this picture was taken. I used the mei tai for another six months, until Annie started to walk and my belly popped. Once Annie could walk, she wasn't interested in being carried until she'd perfected her new skill.
With the second baby on the way, I knew I wanted a better ring sling than the NoJo. I picked out an Ellaroo lightly padded ring sling in Lilac passion and my mother in law purchased it as Elizabeth's birth gift. I have lots of pictures of the Husband wearing it, but none of me. It's currently on loan at the moment. When it makes its way back to me, I'll post a picture of me wearing it.
During the same time that I acquired the Ellaroo ring sling, I was looking at a forum called The Baby Wearer. I was learning lots of information about babywearing and parenting in general. There are avid babywearers on this forum, and some people even develop collections of carriers, or at least keep an eye out for beautiful carriers. I think the carriers are nice, but nothing ever made me think, "OOOh I want that" until I saw a Sakura Bloom ring sling.
The Sakura Blooms are double-layer duponi silk. The color combinations are eye-catching and breath-taking. And the silk is so luxurious. I sighed over these for months, thinking I would never have one. My mother-in-law offered to make me a double layer silk ring sling for my birthday (can you tell that I have a great mother-in-law?) and I busied myself looking at fabric samples to choose a great color combination.
The Husband suprised me with my very own Sakura Bloom as a birthday present. I wear it everyday.
You would think getting one of the most lovely things you've ever seen would create contentment, yes?
Weelll, the summer is upon us, and we'll be at the pool and at the beach. Doesn't it make sense to have a carrier that's waterproof? I've ordered a solarveil ring sling and it's on it's way now...I'm sure there will be more to my evolution as a babywearer as I continue having kids.
Maybe one day I'll even wrap my kids up in a long peice of fabric.
The idea of a hands-free device for a baby is brilliant, but a Snugli not-so-much. It wasn't comfortable to wear and the material that was responsible for keeping the baby attached to the straps kept coming undone. It was fundamentally unsafe.My pediatrician recommended the Dr. Sear's Baby Book as good reading on the care and raising of a newborn. Dr. Sears goes on at length about his NoJo baby sling. The sling seemed to make sense, so I got one of those. It worked so-so for awhile. Here's one of the few pictures of me wearing the NoJo, although there are loads of the Husband using it.
Then a distant relative noticed that I was trying to wear the baby and turned me on to babywearing and all the wonderful options that are available out there. I stumbled across both thebabywearer.com as well as NINO. She helped me find a mei tai of my very own. A mei tai is an Asian-style baby carrier. It has a peice of fabric to support the baby's body, and long straps to comfortably and safely tie the baby to the mama's body. Below is a picture of Annie and I at Merrifield Garden Center.
I got pregnant around the time this picture was taken. I used the mei tai for another six months, until Annie started to walk and my belly popped. Once Annie could walk, she wasn't interested in being carried until she'd perfected her new skill.
With the second baby on the way, I knew I wanted a better ring sling than the NoJo. I picked out an Ellaroo lightly padded ring sling in Lilac passion and my mother in law purchased it as Elizabeth's birth gift. I have lots of pictures of the Husband wearing it, but none of me. It's currently on loan at the moment. When it makes its way back to me, I'll post a picture of me wearing it.
During the same time that I acquired the Ellaroo ring sling, I was looking at a forum called The Baby Wearer. I was learning lots of information about babywearing and parenting in general. There are avid babywearers on this forum, and some people even develop collections of carriers, or at least keep an eye out for beautiful carriers. I think the carriers are nice, but nothing ever made me think, "OOOh I want that" until I saw a Sakura Bloom ring sling.
The Sakura Blooms are double-layer duponi silk. The color combinations are eye-catching and breath-taking. And the silk is so luxurious. I sighed over these for months, thinking I would never have one. My mother-in-law offered to make me a double layer silk ring sling for my birthday (can you tell that I have a great mother-in-law?) and I busied myself looking at fabric samples to choose a great color combination.
The Husband suprised me with my very own Sakura Bloom as a birthday present. I wear it everyday.
You would think getting one of the most lovely things you've ever seen would create contentment, yes?
Weelll, the summer is upon us, and we'll be at the pool and at the beach. Doesn't it make sense to have a carrier that's waterproof? I've ordered a solarveil ring sling and it's on it's way now...I'm sure there will be more to my evolution as a babywearer as I continue having kids.
Maybe one day I'll even wrap my kids up in a long peice of fabric.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
New threads
I mentioned in a previous post that I did a little shopping for the summer.
I don't want to illegally import a bunch of images so I'll post links instead.
From LL Bean:
Linen Pullover
Cable Knit sweater
Khakis
Navy Blue pencil skirt
From Eddie Bauer:
2 polo shirts
Navy Blue capris
other capris
and a pair of shorts
From Motherwear
a swimsuit
Edited to Add:
The swimsuit arrived from Motherwear (I ordered it online). The suit was not pieced together properly and I'm sending it back. Since the return is due to a manufacturing error, they will be covering the cost of return shipping. While I'm glad about that, I am disappointed that the suit didn't work out. I'll likely end up getting a regular swim suit for the summer and taking along a giant beach towel to cover up with when Elizabeth and I need to nurse.
I don't want to illegally import a bunch of images so I'll post links instead.
From LL Bean:
Linen Pullover
Cable Knit sweater
Khakis
Navy Blue pencil skirt
From Eddie Bauer:
2 polo shirts
Navy Blue capris
other capris
and a pair of shorts
From Motherwear
a swimsuit
Edited to Add:
The swimsuit arrived from Motherwear (I ordered it online). The suit was not pieced together properly and I'm sending it back. Since the return is due to a manufacturing error, they will be covering the cost of return shipping. While I'm glad about that, I am disappointed that the suit didn't work out. I'll likely end up getting a regular swim suit for the summer and taking along a giant beach towel to cover up with when Elizabeth and I need to nurse.
Monday, May 21, 2007
What did Paul do today?
I don't have any kids named Paul, nor a husband named Paul or even any friends named Paul, now that I think about it. The Paul I'm referring to is this guy. This Paul died nearly two thousand years ago, minus sixty years, so why am I asking what he did today?
I started reading the daily mass readings. The first daily reading has been from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts is the first book of the New Testament following the Four Gospels. Basically it recounts how the early church was established.
Paul is struck from a donkey and is blinded; Peter, the first Pope and to whom Jesus entrusted the leadership of his church, stands up to speak to all the Apostles and presbyters gathered together. Once he makes a decision, everyone is silent on the matter and rejoices Peter's decision. Paul is stoned and left for dead. Paul debates the ways of the Lord with the Greeks, the Jews, and a man named Apollos. Paul is imprisoned for his teaching when an earthquake shakes down the walls of the prison and the jailer is converted....I'm getting it all out of order and there's more but it's a thrilling tale told in short paragraphs.
It's like watching Must See Tv--I only read a paragraph or two and I'm left dying to know what happens next. Reading the mass readings is easier for me than watching tv these days because I can find a few quiet moments somewhere in my day to do the reading, but I never have an opportunity to sit down and watch a television program. I never get to watch tv regularly as the girls need to be settled for bed when anything interesting comes on anyway. Yet here is a fascinating, thrilling adventure story. The brief paragraphs are short enough to really focus on and have enough going on in them that I am occcupied thinking about it for the rest of the day, much like a good television episode. Acts of the Apostles rivals Heros!
I started reading the daily mass readings. The first daily reading has been from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts is the first book of the New Testament following the Four Gospels. Basically it recounts how the early church was established.
Paul is struck from a donkey and is blinded; Peter, the first Pope and to whom Jesus entrusted the leadership of his church, stands up to speak to all the Apostles and presbyters gathered together. Once he makes a decision, everyone is silent on the matter and rejoices Peter's decision. Paul is stoned and left for dead. Paul debates the ways of the Lord with the Greeks, the Jews, and a man named Apollos. Paul is imprisoned for his teaching when an earthquake shakes down the walls of the prison and the jailer is converted....I'm getting it all out of order and there's more but it's a thrilling tale told in short paragraphs.
It's like watching Must See Tv--I only read a paragraph or two and I'm left dying to know what happens next. Reading the mass readings is easier for me than watching tv these days because I can find a few quiet moments somewhere in my day to do the reading, but I never have an opportunity to sit down and watch a television program. I never get to watch tv regularly as the girls need to be settled for bed when anything interesting comes on anyway. Yet here is a fascinating, thrilling adventure story. The brief paragraphs are short enough to really focus on and have enough going on in them that I am occcupied thinking about it for the rest of the day, much like a good television episode. Acts of the Apostles rivals Heros!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Anniversary Fun
Today the family went to a softball game and BBQ to celebrate the 5th anniversary of some good friends of ours. The softball game was a rematch of the game the couple played as part of their wedding festivities. The softball series is now tied 1-1. Originally the wife's team had a capable win, this year the husband's team won. While a good time was had by all, I'm not sure that the teams weren't stacked a little. Come on Pat, is it really fair to make sure your one-time-semi-pro-baseball buddy came to play on your team? And to put the always late Schaads -minus Tim who showed up on time- on your wife's team? Really? Although there may have been a decided imbalance to the teams rosters, I have to say everyone played well. The bbq afterward was delicious and a great time was had by all! Congratulations Pat and Kate. I'm glad to know such a happy, loving couple.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
ELMO
Annie has an ongoing love affair with Elmo.
Gramma gave Annie an Elmocize DVD, which Annie watches religiously. While Annie asks for the video every day, every day she screams for me to turn off the exercising caterpillar that is in on of the segments. She's watched it so much, that she actually does the "workout in a chair" and gets excited by the dancing at the end. I am finally a little tired of it. I decided to introduce a second Elmo DVD into the mix. Since Annie had expressed an interest in potty training, I got Elmo's Potty Time DVD.
We watched it a few times, but Annie was so excited about it, she broke the DVD. It's a shame, because Grover and Elmo sing an excellent song about "Accidents Happen and That's Ok" which Annie was starting to sing in the car prior to her breaking the DVD.We were back to just Elmocize.
I tried turning Sesame Street on during the day so that she could get her Elmo fix and I could get a little variety. We have to watch Sesame Street when it broadcasts, so if we watch it, we end up watching it early in the morning, when she's too interested in other things, rather than the late afternoon, when she would enjoy the stillness. Annie enjoys Telly and Cookie Monster, but is disappointed that Elmo doesn't have enough exclusive face time in an average episode.
I immed my sister, to see if she would be willing to TIVO some episodes of Sesame Street for me. With a disk of episodes, I could put it on when it was a good time for us to watch a little TV, and I could use the menu options to head straight for the Elmo's World segment if Annie found the rest of the program boring.
My sister did me one better. She got her neice a brand new Elmo DVD. The Best of Elmo.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Shoe Shopping
Annie has been fated with the poor genes of both her mater and pater and is cursed with Big Feet. Since her feet are wide with a narrow heel, I've got to be careful about getting shoes with a good fit. We go to Stride Rite. She's been complaining that her toes hurt and she's been taking her shoes off every chance she gets. These are universal signs that she's outgrowing her shoes. So, we went to get summer sandals. I'm so glad it's sandal time--it keeps me from having to find matching socks. Vive la sandals!
Annie is fortunate that we were able to find two pairs fo sandals for her. A church pair and a play pair. We rarely get to go in and pick just any pair we like.
It has to be available in a wide width, and have a heel that can grip her very narrow heel. I'm glad we found two pairs since she'll be playing outside a lot this summer.Annie decided to wear the pink pair out of the store. Although she did try to run out of the store without paying in the white pair. Annie was initially afraid of the sales lady, but was delighted to try on shoes.
Yes, that is my daughter who enjoys shopping for shoes. Yes that is my daughter who puts on mommy's heels and walks around the house. My girl loves her shoes. Thank you Jesus for daughters who love shoes.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Second born
My sister pointed out that I'm neglecting my second born on this blog.
Here is my second-born in all her cutie-pie-ness. Elizabeth is rolling and drawing her knees up and dragging herself by her arms to reach toys. At five months she's mobile! We were trying to get a shot of her length-wise, but she kept moving to face the camera head-on. She's incredible, I tell ya.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Declutter Challenge
I belong to a parenting forum, and there's a challenge going on to declutter various spaces in the house. It's just getting started, so I voted for the master bedroom. I think it needs the most work in my house because:
--laundry manages to get clean, but never put away. I need a better system
--it's where we relax, and clutter isn't relaxing
--it needs some decoration too, so if anybody has any ideas, I'm more than glad to hear them.
Here's the clutter...
First off, we have the Husband's dresser, with several loads of laundry in front to be put away. All of this sits in front of the one reach-in closet we have. Not a lot of space to put away all the clothes that need to be stored. Husband's dresser also needs to be cleared off and dusted.
Next up is our bed. I actually took this picture after I started some initial cleaning, so there are clothes and shoes piled up on the bed. Usually it's just unmade with the kids in it.
Finally, a picture of my dresser. My dresser is a catch all of trash, things the kids shouldn't have, things we don't want to lose and then last but not least my earrings and other personal stuff. This space either need to not have any personal things on it or not end up being a catch all for everything. It doesn't do double-duty well. In the foreground of this picture, you see a big white thingy, with a dishtowel on top? That's our bassinet, filled with clothes to be put away. Once I sort, purge, and put away the clothes, I think I'll try to Craig's List the bassinet.
I will post decluttered pics soon so you can see how the challenge went!
--laundry manages to get clean, but never put away. I need a better system
--it's where we relax, and clutter isn't relaxing
--it needs some decoration too, so if anybody has any ideas, I'm more than glad to hear them.
Here's the clutter...
First off, we have the Husband's dresser, with several loads of laundry in front to be put away. All of this sits in front of the one reach-in closet we have. Not a lot of space to put away all the clothes that need to be stored. Husband's dresser also needs to be cleared off and dusted.
Next up is our bed. I actually took this picture after I started some initial cleaning, so there are clothes and shoes piled up on the bed. Usually it's just unmade with the kids in it.
Finally, a picture of my dresser. My dresser is a catch all of trash, things the kids shouldn't have, things we don't want to lose and then last but not least my earrings and other personal stuff. This space either need to not have any personal things on it or not end up being a catch all for everything. It doesn't do double-duty well. In the foreground of this picture, you see a big white thingy, with a dishtowel on top? That's our bassinet, filled with clothes to be put away. Once I sort, purge, and put away the clothes, I think I'll try to Craig's List the bassinet.
I will post decluttered pics soon so you can see how the challenge went!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Date Night Baby
So Husband has been traveling quite a bit. When he's home, we've been super-busy. Not only the usual "Grab that baby and strap a clean diaper on!" but also, birthday parties, first communions, team meetings, volunteering at CLC, Husband's regular Warcraft date with the boys and other general just places we're supposed to be. All of the scheduling and travel has combined into over a month-long period where we haven't just had an opportunity to relax.
Last night was supposed to be Warcraft with the boys. I had Husband nix it in favor of Date Night. He willingly agreed and headed off to work. I had errands and of course, Date Night to plan! Well, errands ran longer than expected, so Husband got home before me, but I did arrive with dinner, so Date Night was started.
We had Indian food for dinner. Husband loves rogan josh and naan so that's what I got for him, and I tried the chicken curry. Husband told me how much he loves Indian food and what a great choice it was. After we ate, then it was time for the entertainment portion of our date. I had stoped by the Game Parlour, a place that sells board games, and picked up Carcassone
for us to play. I had wanted to get a few other games, but didn't want to make purchases without Husband's input. So insteads of settling in to play Carcassone, we headed back to the game store. We picked out a second game to try, then headed home to put the girls to bed.
Annie settled with little fuss, and Elizabeth needed to nurse. Elizabeth took long enough to settle down that Mommy (me) fell asleep with her. Husband came to check on me and ask if I wanted to get up and play a game. I don't think I had a coherent response and fell back to sleep. Date night was officially over at 9pm. Husband, without a date, wandered down to the computer and met up with the boys to play Warcraft.
The next morning, as Husband was getting the leftover Indian food to take to lunch he commented, "That was the best night ever. Good food, we got to hang out, and I still got in a game of Warcraft! We should do this more often."
I suggested that next time he plan the Date Night to suit my interests. He countered, "I should also build in a 9 o'clock bed time for anything I plan, shouldn't I?"
That would be best, yes.
Last night was supposed to be Warcraft with the boys. I had Husband nix it in favor of Date Night. He willingly agreed and headed off to work. I had errands and of course, Date Night to plan! Well, errands ran longer than expected, so Husband got home before me, but I did arrive with dinner, so Date Night was started.
We had Indian food for dinner. Husband loves rogan josh and naan so that's what I got for him, and I tried the chicken curry. Husband told me how much he loves Indian food and what a great choice it was. After we ate, then it was time for the entertainment portion of our date. I had stoped by the Game Parlour, a place that sells board games, and picked up Carcassone
for us to play. I had wanted to get a few other games, but didn't want to make purchases without Husband's input. So insteads of settling in to play Carcassone, we headed back to the game store. We picked out a second game to try, then headed home to put the girls to bed.
Annie settled with little fuss, and Elizabeth needed to nurse. Elizabeth took long enough to settle down that Mommy (me) fell asleep with her. Husband came to check on me and ask if I wanted to get up and play a game. I don't think I had a coherent response and fell back to sleep. Date night was officially over at 9pm. Husband, without a date, wandered down to the computer and met up with the boys to play Warcraft.
The next morning, as Husband was getting the leftover Indian food to take to lunch he commented, "That was the best night ever. Good food, we got to hang out, and I still got in a game of Warcraft! We should do this more often."
I suggested that next time he plan the Date Night to suit my interests. He countered, "I should also build in a 9 o'clock bed time for anything I plan, shouldn't I?"
That would be best, yes.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Riches and Poverty
Here's what I had for breakfast the other morning.
A cup of coffee and a biscotti. A rich and savory breakfast indeed.
Here's what Annie wanted for breakfast:
A sweiback (dry teething cookie) and a cup of water. Oh, the povery of her life!
A cup of coffee and a biscotti. A rich and savory breakfast indeed.
Here's what Annie wanted for breakfast:
A sweiback (dry teething cookie) and a cup of water. Oh, the povery of her life!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
New 'Do
Debuting the new haircut:
Tada!
Edit to Add:
I like the cut, but I'm not going to keep the style. I'll be growing it back out after this.
Tada!
Edit to Add:
I like the cut, but I'm not going to keep the style. I'll be growing it back out after this.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
It's summer and I'm NOT pregnant?!
Two Monday's ago, I was running around trying to get ready to go to CLC. I was telling Husband over the baby monitor that I didn't know what to wear. He yelled back, "Shorts! The weather is great."
My response was, "I don't have shorts. I have been pregnant the last two summers. Nothing fits from pre-pregnancy. I don't have anything to wear."
I've done a little shopping to take care of this problem. Let's see if I can find some images of what I've picked up...
Oops, bedtime. Will update later.
My response was, "I don't have shorts. I have been pregnant the last two summers. Nothing fits from pre-pregnancy. I don't have anything to wear."
I've done a little shopping to take care of this problem. Let's see if I can find some images of what I've picked up...
Oops, bedtime. Will update later.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
I speaka da English
| Your Linguistic Profile: |
| 60% General American English |
| 25% Dixie |
| 10% Yankee |
| 0% Midwestern |
| 0% Upper Midwestern |
Makes sense living near an urban area, growing up in VA, with parents from the Northeast. How 'bout you?
Friday, April 27, 2007
Elizabeth's Baptism
Betta was baptized awhile ago...March 3. We asked good friends of ours, John and Nicole Freeman, to be godparents to Elizabeth Claire. I don't have too many photos, but here is one that shows off the gorgeous baptism gown.
My mother in law made the gown from my wedding dress. There is also a matching bonnet to go with the coat and gown.
The baptism was lovely. Many good friends and family came. We enjoyed having everyone. I really love baptisms. I love welcoming a new member into the Body of Christ; I love that the little one is now free from the stain of original sin; I love having a living saint in my house.
My mother in law made the gown from my wedding dress. There is also a matching bonnet to go with the coat and gown.The baptism was lovely. Many good friends and family came. We enjoyed having everyone. I really love baptisms. I love welcoming a new member into the Body of Christ; I love that the little one is now free from the stain of original sin; I love having a living saint in my house.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Root Canal Woes 2
Have the temporary crowns in and must go back in for the permanent crowns...
I show up for the appointment and the dentist appears rubbing his hands together gleefully. He says, "Good, now that I've got you here, I'm taking a full x-ray of your teeth."
My initial thought is, we've hit our cap, I'm out of pocket, what's the going rate for x-rays?
He continues, " You've been pregnant for the last two years, you know. Everytime you've been in, it's been for an emergency, so we've taken precautions and only taken a limited x-ray just to get a picture of the bad tooth. You've got a lot of old fillings and dental work. Some of it will need to be replaced, I'm sure. I want to see what I'm dealing with and devise a plan for treatment."
We get the full set of x-rays, and the visit progresses. They pop out the temporary crowns and put in the new ones. They also do a quick cleaning. No fuss, no muss.
Then we're almost done. The dentist shows me my x-rays.
"You see in these pictures you have a lot of old fillings. They look good, they'll hold up. We don't need to worry about them cracking or breaking until next year when your insurance will cover the work again. But look here..."
He points to the tooth that is sitting directly underneath the tooth that started this whole mess.
"You see this filling right? Underneath it is all cloudy. That's a cavity. I'm surpised you're not in pain right now. That will need a root canal, but because it is so deep and close to the jaw bone, the gum will need minor surgery to push it away so that the crown will cover the whole area and keep your tooth intact and your jaw safe from infection. You're young, so I would have to leave it untreated and have to pull the tooth. Then we're talking bridge-work."
He tells me a few more things about how long we could hold off on treating it and why that might not be a good idea; a good person to do the work. I'm sure I asked a few other questions but that's lost in thinking about what an out-of-pocket root canal and crown would cost.
The epic of the styrofoam teeth isn't over yet. We'll need to figure out the best way and time to treat this last tooth. After this, I think I'm going wood. All hardwood teeth throughout a la George Washington.
I show up for the appointment and the dentist appears rubbing his hands together gleefully. He says, "Good, now that I've got you here, I'm taking a full x-ray of your teeth."
My initial thought is, we've hit our cap, I'm out of pocket, what's the going rate for x-rays?
He continues, " You've been pregnant for the last two years, you know. Everytime you've been in, it's been for an emergency, so we've taken precautions and only taken a limited x-ray just to get a picture of the bad tooth. You've got a lot of old fillings and dental work. Some of it will need to be replaced, I'm sure. I want to see what I'm dealing with and devise a plan for treatment."
We get the full set of x-rays, and the visit progresses. They pop out the temporary crowns and put in the new ones. They also do a quick cleaning. No fuss, no muss.
Then we're almost done. The dentist shows me my x-rays.
"You see in these pictures you have a lot of old fillings. They look good, they'll hold up. We don't need to worry about them cracking or breaking until next year when your insurance will cover the work again. But look here..."
He points to the tooth that is sitting directly underneath the tooth that started this whole mess.
"You see this filling right? Underneath it is all cloudy. That's a cavity. I'm surpised you're not in pain right now. That will need a root canal, but because it is so deep and close to the jaw bone, the gum will need minor surgery to push it away so that the crown will cover the whole area and keep your tooth intact and your jaw safe from infection. You're young, so I would have to leave it untreated and have to pull the tooth. Then we're talking bridge-work."
He tells me a few more things about how long we could hold off on treating it and why that might not be a good idea; a good person to do the work. I'm sure I asked a few other questions but that's lost in thinking about what an out-of-pocket root canal and crown would cost.
The epic of the styrofoam teeth isn't over yet. We'll need to figure out the best way and time to treat this last tooth. After this, I think I'm going wood. All hardwood teeth throughout a la George Washington.
Root Canal Woes
Oh yeah, the continuing saga of my styrofoam teeth!
Had to retreat the tooth, wait 2 weeks and go to the dentist.
Went to the dentist. He did an Xray to make sure the treated tooth looked fine and could be crowned. The teeth right next to it also needed work. One needed a filling, the other also needed a crown. If this was a retail store, I'd be thrilled, go in for one crown, come out with two!
He took several molds of my teeth to make sure the temporary crowns (we're talking in plurals now) would fit. He applied the temporary crowns. He took several more molds of my teeth to make sure the permanent crowns would fit. None of this hurt, it just took time.
Then he puts in the new filling. The drill is the worst. The absolute worst. My root canal didn't bother me but the quick little filling did. I cannot abide the drill.
I must stay, my dentist is very good about being as gentle and as thorough as possible. He spent a lot of time to make sure the bite was good for the temp. crowns and filling.
The two crowns and fillings hit the cap on my dental insurance for the year. Everything else is out of pocket.
Stay tuned, there is more to tell...
Had to retreat the tooth, wait 2 weeks and go to the dentist.
Went to the dentist. He did an Xray to make sure the treated tooth looked fine and could be crowned. The teeth right next to it also needed work. One needed a filling, the other also needed a crown. If this was a retail store, I'd be thrilled, go in for one crown, come out with two!
He took several molds of my teeth to make sure the temporary crowns (we're talking in plurals now) would fit. He applied the temporary crowns. He took several more molds of my teeth to make sure the permanent crowns would fit. None of this hurt, it just took time.
Then he puts in the new filling. The drill is the worst. The absolute worst. My root canal didn't bother me but the quick little filling did. I cannot abide the drill.
I must stay, my dentist is very good about being as gentle and as thorough as possible. He spent a lot of time to make sure the bite was good for the temp. crowns and filling.
The two crowns and fillings hit the cap on my dental insurance for the year. Everything else is out of pocket.
Stay tuned, there is more to tell...
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
I feel loved
Always one thing coming right on the heels of another around here these days. I have several things to post about, both big and small, but never feel like I have the time to devote to it. So I'll do a quick small thing.
Annie likes me. She likes being in my lap. She let's me know by pulling on my pj bottoms and yelling, "Mama, sit down! Sit down! Sit down NOW!"
Annie likes me. She likes being in my lap. She let's me know by pulling on my pj bottoms and yelling, "Mama, sit down! Sit down! Sit down NOW!"
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tech Shootings
I live in Virginia, so it means I have family and friends that have or do attend Virginia Tech.
Everybody I know is OK, but I know someone will end up being involved some way, if only mourning and grieving for the death of a friend.
The latest from the Washington Post is here.
Everybody I know is OK, but I know someone will end up being involved some way, if only mourning and grieving for the death of a friend.
The latest from the Washington Post is here.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Little BLog
Little Blog oh how I neglect you. I must go on retreat this weekend and there are so many things to do to get ready. When I come back feeling restored I promise to sit down with you and tell you about so many of the interesting things happening here. I promise I haven't forgotten you little blog.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Oh, Happy Birthday to Me!
and my nephew Joey who turns one year old today!
I turn 26, but that isn't nearly as interesting as number one!
Party this weekend (for the one year old)!!
I turn 26, but that isn't nearly as interesting as number one!
Party this weekend (for the one year old)!!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Blog Neglect
I have been neglecting this poor little blog lately.
Some places my time has gone
1. In the hospital with Annie due to a bad bout of rotavirus
2. Sick in bed with a milder case of the same thing
3. My first ever NINO meeting
4. At Dawn's
5. Outside while the nice weather lasted
6. Worrying about my mom--health is a little topsy-turvy right now. Doctors are dealing with it, but we don't know the final outcome yet.
Some things I should post
1. Pics of Elizabeth's baptism
2. Websites were I waste too much of my time--so you can waste your time too!
3. ...
Some places my time has gone
1. In the hospital with Annie due to a bad bout of rotavirus
2. Sick in bed with a milder case of the same thing
3. My first ever NINO meeting
4. At Dawn's
5. Outside while the nice weather lasted
6. Worrying about my mom--health is a little topsy-turvy right now. Doctors are dealing with it, but we don't know the final outcome yet.
Some things I should post
1. Pics of Elizabeth's baptism
2. Websites were I waste too much of my time--so you can waste your time too!
3. ...
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Further Accountability
Ok, so the root canal is looking good. Just need to do the temporary and permanent crown with the dentist and this whole debacle is filed under Lesson Learned." Ask me next week if I've made the dental appointments so I don't drop the ball again.
Update:
Barring any Act of God, illness, death or destruction, I have dental appointments scheduled to take care of my styrofoam teeth
Update:
Barring any Act of God, illness, death or destruction, I have dental appointments scheduled to take care of my styrofoam teeth
Friday, February 23, 2007
Lent
Ash Wednesday was this week. The family went to mass. Husband and I got the ashes on our forehead. Annie was fascinated and kept pointing to Husband's head and telling him, 'yucky' over and over again. She thought it was great fun.
Since Lent is a time of penance in the liturgical calendar, it's common practice to sacrifice, pray, and do charity in preparation for Easter. This year for Lent I will
-give up soda
-pray a divine chaplet each day
-make a meal or baked good to give to one family each week
So far I've flubbed on the soda and I haven't prayed yet. I have baked some bread, I just need to deliver it soon. The flub on the soda was actually pretty funny. Went to the mom's group and picked up McDonald's afterward. Ordered a soda without even thinking about it. After lunch, I went to Giant to pick up a few things. I bought soda for Husband, thinking "It's not really Lent and I'm not really giving anything up if it isn't in the house and isn't a temptation" all the while completely forgetting that I'd been sipping on a coke the whole way to the store. It was only when I was unloading the groceries and the McDonald's wrappers that it occurred to me that I messed it up. I gave up computer use for that day to make up for it though. Feel free to ask me how I'm doing throughout Lent, keep me accountable to my Lenten promises people!
Since Lent is a time of penance in the liturgical calendar, it's common practice to sacrifice, pray, and do charity in preparation for Easter. This year for Lent I will
-give up soda
-pray a divine chaplet each day
-make a meal or baked good to give to one family each week
So far I've flubbed on the soda and I haven't prayed yet. I have baked some bread, I just need to deliver it soon. The flub on the soda was actually pretty funny. Went to the mom's group and picked up McDonald's afterward. Ordered a soda without even thinking about it. After lunch, I went to Giant to pick up a few things. I bought soda for Husband, thinking "It's not really Lent and I'm not really giving anything up if it isn't in the house and isn't a temptation" all the while completely forgetting that I'd been sipping on a coke the whole way to the store. It was only when I was unloading the groceries and the McDonald's wrappers that it occurred to me that I messed it up. I gave up computer use for that day to make up for it though. Feel free to ask me how I'm doing throughout Lent, keep me accountable to my Lenten promises people!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The Little Artiste
Annie really like to draw with markers, pencils, pens, crayons, and even my lipliner. She usually draws on paper, sometimes in her books, and as often as not, on herself. Today she took a pen and drew on the side of the trash can. I figure it's a short leap to coloring on the walls. I got the crayola tub crayons (basically soap and dye) but she doesn't seem to understand that these are just for the tub. She wants to carry them all over the house and let the soap drip on things, like the bedsheets.
Went out today and got her some Colorwonder markers and paper by Crayola. We'll see how it goes.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Don't Be Me
Remember this? So I had a root canal. There is the actual appointment for the root canal, with a couple more appointments to get the temporary crown and later the permanent crown. The temporary filling really shouldn't stick around for more than two months before the temporary and permanent crowns go on. I had appointments to take care of the crown, really I did. But for one reason or another (a good reason at the time, but since I can't remember why, it must not have been so good a reason) I cancelled the appointment. Then I had a baby and was really distracted for several weeks.
Finally got around to going to the dentist two weeks ago. Only I was way, way too late and the tooth had an infection in it. Treated the infection with an antibiotic but had to go back and have the tooth retreated. I'm not messing around this time and the appointemtns to finish the work are already scheduled. Don't be me and neglect your own medical care--even if you get busy by having a baby!
Finally got around to going to the dentist two weeks ago. Only I was way, way too late and the tooth had an infection in it. Treated the infection with an antibiotic but had to go back and have the tooth retreated. I'm not messing around this time and the appointemtns to finish the work are already scheduled. Don't be me and neglect your own medical care--even if you get busy by having a baby!
Monday, February 12, 2007
A Round of Doctor's Visits
I've noticed before that doctor's visits seem to happen all at once. We're in the middle of a marathon of doctor's visits now.
Last Thursday --We had the ER visit
Last Friday --We had to follow up the next day with Annie's pediatrician
Monday --Elizabeth's well baby visit and immunizations
Tuesday --Retreat my tooth
Next Monday --Annie's well baby visit and immunizations
Next Wednesday --Follow-up on the tooth
Next Thursday --Get a temporary crown put on
With other dental appointments for the permanent crown, then the cleaning, then any subsequent dental work.
I wish I got stickers like Annie does when I have to schlep to the doctors.
Last Thursday --We had the ER visit
Last Friday --We had to follow up the next day with Annie's pediatrician
Monday --Elizabeth's well baby visit and immunizations
Tuesday --Retreat my tooth
Next Monday --Annie's well baby visit and immunizations
Next Wednesday --Follow-up on the tooth
Next Thursday --Get a temporary crown put on
With other dental appointments for the permanent crown, then the cleaning, then any subsequent dental work.
I wish I got stickers like Annie does when I have to schlep to the doctors.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Emergency Room Visit
Had to rush to the ER Thursday afternoon. I woke up that morning with a sinus-headache that was painful to the point of distraction. Since I had to look after the girls, I took some Tylenol. Left the bottle on the bathroom counter & didn't think anymore about it.
That afternoon, I was settling both Elizabeth and Annie down for a nap in my bed. After both the girls went down, I also dozed off. Woke up a few minutes later to the phone ringing. I got up to answer the phone and was met by Annie coming out of our master bathroom, holding the bottle of adult tylenol with red dye all over her hands. The pills weren't spilled on the floor, no pills were half eaten. A single pill lay on the floor of the bathroom. She must have climbed up on the toilet, to the sink-top, across the sink, and grabbed the bottle. Also safely and noiselessly climbed back down.
I asked her if she'd eaten any, and she said, "Yucky Bottle." Not a direct answer to my question, but through deductive reasoning, how would she know the bottle was full of something yucky tasting if she hadn't at least tasted it?
Put a call into Poison Control. They said based on her age and weight, if she had consumed 4 tablets, she would be facing a serious overdose. Since there was no way to be certain that she hadn't eaten any pills, we had to treat it as a worst case scenario. I needed to take her immediately to the emergency room.
Called Husband, quickly gathered up the girls and went to the hospital. Husband was hot on my heels through the ER door. Annie was sent to triage very quickly.
The steps to treat a potential overdose of tylenol:
1. Drink activated charcoal to absorb the stomach contents & pass through the digestive system with nothing being absorbed into the body.
2. Take a blood draw to test Tylenol levels in the blood
3. Pump in IV fluids to make sure the body is well hydrated
4. Take an EKG of the heart to check for normal function
5. Take an x-ray of the esophogeal area to make sure no pills or tablets are still waiting to drop into the stomach
6. Take a second blood draw 4 hours after the Tylenol was first consumed to make sure there are still no traces of Tylenol present in the body.
Annie had to drink 60 ccs of activated charcoal, a black, sticky, chalky, sweet mixture. She cried and Husband and I coaxed her to swallow all but a few drops. The technicians then wrapped her in a sheet & held her arm to insert the IV and do the first blood draw. She cried and they put in the IV. She cried as they splinted her arm so that she could not bend it and pull out the IV. After this the technicians left the room. Annie put her head on my shoulder and dozed off. She wasn't deeply asleep before the technicians came back to do the EKG. She cried while they did the EKG. Again the technicians left for awhile. Annie perked up then and we were able to feed her a little food. The technicians came back & took her for an X-ray. She cried. They returned her to the room & the last technician came in to do the final blood draw. She cried while they did a second needle stick to draw the second blood test.
The ER doctor came, said neither blood draws indicated that any Tylenol what-so-ever was present in her system. The EKG was normal, and the X-ray was clear. We were free to go.
Annie DID NOT EAT Tylenol, but gave us a good scare. Fortunately things are now back to normal.
I'm so mad at myself for not being more careful.
That afternoon, I was settling both Elizabeth and Annie down for a nap in my bed. After both the girls went down, I also dozed off. Woke up a few minutes later to the phone ringing. I got up to answer the phone and was met by Annie coming out of our master bathroom, holding the bottle of adult tylenol with red dye all over her hands. The pills weren't spilled on the floor, no pills were half eaten. A single pill lay on the floor of the bathroom. She must have climbed up on the toilet, to the sink-top, across the sink, and grabbed the bottle. Also safely and noiselessly climbed back down.
I asked her if she'd eaten any, and she said, "Yucky Bottle." Not a direct answer to my question, but through deductive reasoning, how would she know the bottle was full of something yucky tasting if she hadn't at least tasted it?
Put a call into Poison Control. They said based on her age and weight, if she had consumed 4 tablets, she would be facing a serious overdose. Since there was no way to be certain that she hadn't eaten any pills, we had to treat it as a worst case scenario. I needed to take her immediately to the emergency room.
Called Husband, quickly gathered up the girls and went to the hospital. Husband was hot on my heels through the ER door. Annie was sent to triage very quickly.
The steps to treat a potential overdose of tylenol:
1. Drink activated charcoal to absorb the stomach contents & pass through the digestive system with nothing being absorbed into the body.
2. Take a blood draw to test Tylenol levels in the blood
3. Pump in IV fluids to make sure the body is well hydrated
4. Take an EKG of the heart to check for normal function
5. Take an x-ray of the esophogeal area to make sure no pills or tablets are still waiting to drop into the stomach
6. Take a second blood draw 4 hours after the Tylenol was first consumed to make sure there are still no traces of Tylenol present in the body.
Annie had to drink 60 ccs of activated charcoal, a black, sticky, chalky, sweet mixture. She cried and Husband and I coaxed her to swallow all but a few drops. The technicians then wrapped her in a sheet & held her arm to insert the IV and do the first blood draw. She cried and they put in the IV. She cried as they splinted her arm so that she could not bend it and pull out the IV. After this the technicians left the room. Annie put her head on my shoulder and dozed off. She wasn't deeply asleep before the technicians came back to do the EKG. She cried while they did the EKG. Again the technicians left for awhile. Annie perked up then and we were able to feed her a little food. The technicians came back & took her for an X-ray. She cried. They returned her to the room & the last technician came in to do the final blood draw. She cried while they did a second needle stick to draw the second blood test.
The ER doctor came, said neither blood draws indicated that any Tylenol what-so-ever was present in her system. The EKG was normal, and the X-ray was clear. We were free to go.
Annie DID NOT EAT Tylenol, but gave us a good scare. Fortunately things are now back to normal.
I'm so mad at myself for not being more careful.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sidebar Restored
I updated the format of the blog, using one of the templates provided by Blogger. I really like the design and color scheme of this template, but I was disappointed that this template did not include in it the sidebar headings with "Fun Links" or the like. Thanks to my brother-in-law Justin, he whipped out the HTML code so that I once again have more fun items in my sidebar than just the archive of previous posts. I still need to add a few links and headers, but the necessary code is there. Thanks!
Update:
I've added a few new headers with a few more links for you to clicky-click. Enjoy.
Update:
I've added a few new headers with a few more links for you to clicky-click. Enjoy.
Monday, January 29, 2007
New Living Room
Remember this?
I wanted to do a before and after shot, but didn't have any decent before shots that really showed the damage well. Instead, I'll share with you that the repair guys came. Fixed the hole in our ceiling, repainted, and cleaned the carpet. Since our old couch was soaked from the pipe leak, we also picked out a new couch. We went to Mastercraft Interior, which was liquidating all it's assests since it was going out of business Here's what our living room looks like now...
We went with color recommendations from my sister-in-law, Jen. Before anything was done in this room, we had the cranberry colored window treatments. She suggested that good colors to set the cranberry curtains off would be a warm-toned green or yellow/gold color. We ended up choosing a green for the living room, a yellow/gold for the hallway, and a trim that complemented both colors. She also suggested bringing the gold color from the hallway into the living room by selecting a couch in the same color. We followed her suggestions and are very happy with the end result. She's in business as an interior designer. Leave a comment if you'd like to get in touch with her.
I wanted to do a before and after shot, but didn't have any decent before shots that really showed the damage well. Instead, I'll share with you that the repair guys came. Fixed the hole in our ceiling, repainted, and cleaned the carpet. Since our old couch was soaked from the pipe leak, we also picked out a new couch. We went to Mastercraft Interior, which was liquidating all it's assests since it was going out of business Here's what our living room looks like now...
We went with color recommendations from my sister-in-law, Jen. Before anything was done in this room, we had the cranberry colored window treatments. She suggested that good colors to set the cranberry curtains off would be a warm-toned green or yellow/gold color. We ended up choosing a green for the living room, a yellow/gold for the hallway, and a trim that complemented both colors. She also suggested bringing the gold color from the hallway into the living room by selecting a couch in the same color. We followed her suggestions and are very happy with the end result. She's in business as an interior designer. Leave a comment if you'd like to get in touch with her.
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