Saturday, August 05, 2006
me? a photographer?
I'm not a professional photographer, but I do love taking pictures of my kids. They both needed portraits done (Little Boy's 4 year portraits and Little Sister's any-age-between-12-months-and-now-since-her-mother-hasn't-had-any-taken portraits) and money is a little tight right now, so I decided to give it a try myself. I'm no Alissa or Misty, but I am very pleased with the way these pictures turned out. Who knows...maybe one of these days I'll buy a good fancy camera and try my hand at photography. I really enjoyed this.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
dare i say it?
Little Sister is potty trained! Now that I've said it, I'm knocking on wood and hoping it lasts!
She's only 21 months and this was something she started on her own. I thought the UTI she had nipped the whole idea in the bud, but it was just a setback and she continued not wanting diapers and to use the potty.
She tells me when she needs to go even at the playground! She wears diapers when she's sleeping, but panties during the day and has only had two accidents in the past week. I won't be surprised if she regresses at some point, but I'm crossing my fingers (and toes) that she doesn't.
Way to go, Little Sister!!
She's only 21 months and this was something she started on her own. I thought the UTI she had nipped the whole idea in the bud, but it was just a setback and she continued not wanting diapers and to use the potty.
She tells me when she needs to go even at the playground! She wears diapers when she's sleeping, but panties during the day and has only had two accidents in the past week. I won't be surprised if she regresses at some point, but I'm crossing my fingers (and toes) that she doesn't.
Way to go, Little Sister!!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
redecorating
"He's the next Martha Stewart!"
It's not what you want to hear about your son. Even if it's true. It seems Little Boy has developed an interest in interior decorating and event planning. I get lovely centerpieces created on my kitchen table on a daily basis. Sometimes it's a dinosaur theme. Other times it's a rock and pinecone theme lovingly donated from his private collection. My personal favorite is the dinosaur theme with a bit of whimsy thrown in by adding Monster Trucks crushing cars.
One day Little Boy woke up insisting that we were having a party that day. I repeatedly talked him out of it, but he just kept saying "Okay, we'll do it tomorrow." All my hopes that he would forget about it by tomorrow were dashed when I woke up to find that Little Boy had the table all set for his Party:
It's not what you want to hear about your son. Even if it's true. It seems Little Boy has developed an interest in interior decorating and event planning. I get lovely centerpieces created on my kitchen table on a daily basis. Sometimes it's a dinosaur theme. Other times it's a rock and pinecone theme lovingly donated from his private collection. My personal favorite is the dinosaur theme with a bit of whimsy thrown in by adding Monster Trucks crushing cars.
One day Little Boy woke up insisting that we were having a party that day. I repeatedly talked him out of it, but he just kept saying "Okay, we'll do it tomorrow." All my hopes that he would forget about it by tomorrow were dashed when I woke up to find that Little Boy had the table all set for his Party:
(I added the table cloth to hide our horribly scarred table top and helped him minimize his centerpiece to just the two trucks, but the rest was him.)
I couldn't think of any really good reason to say no, so we called up some friends and invited them over and picked up some cupcakes for the kiddos and some watermelon for the adults. 
little Boy declared it "A Silly Party" and wanted to decorate with streamers, balloons, and a silly party sign. I nixed the balloons and streamers, but gave in on the sign. He decorated the letters himself.
It was a really fun time and Little Boy was completely thrilled with it. Since then, he's been throwing parties and decorating all over the house nearly every day (and I'm sick of it thrilled with his creativity!)
Right now he's trying to talk me into throwing a birthday party for "his brothers" (no, he doesn't have any brothers, but he insists he does. His brothers are his imaginary friends. There are three of them and they live in a striped monster truck in the mountains). He wanted to buy toys for them (I said no), make a cake for them (I said no), and has been wrapping presents (putting his toys in grocery bags and piling them on the fireplace) for days. At what point do I say enough?
If you see a dinosaur/monster truck centerpiece on the cover of your favorite decorating magazine in 20 years, you'll know that Little Boy has fulfilled his true potential. I'm going to encourage him and let him become the next Martha if he wants to---as long as he stays out of jail and doesn't become this guy.
Friday, July 28, 2006
i have needs you know.
Thanks to Brooke I am now beginning to understand my needs. Want to know what you need? Google holds the answers for you. Just search your name and then "needs." Here's what I need...
*Alicia needs more funky beats and innovative tunes in her music. (Well don't we all?)
*Alicia needs a GREEAATTT guy who is good enough for her. (Need already fulfilled, thankyouverymuch)
*Alicia needs a very special environment in which she will be protected. (Eerily true.)
*Alicia needs a little bit of persuasion (but just a little bit.)
*Alicia needs the music and the music needs her. (Ya hear that, music, you NEED me!)
*Alicia needs urgently a heart transplant. (Wow, I better get on the list!)
*Alicia needs your help spreading the word about everything going on in her world! (So there you go...try this fun little google game and figure out your needs. Link to me because google told you to help spread the word. And google is all knowing, you know?)
The word "needs" all of a sudden looks very funny to me. Needs Needs Needs. Neener neener neener!
*Alicia needs more funky beats and innovative tunes in her music. (Well don't we all?)
*Alicia needs a GREEAATTT guy who is good enough for her. (Need already fulfilled, thankyouverymuch)
*Alicia needs a very special environment in which she will be protected. (Eerily true.)
*Alicia needs a little bit of persuasion (but just a little bit.)
*Alicia needs the music and the music needs her. (Ya hear that, music, you NEED me!)
*Alicia needs urgently a heart transplant. (Wow, I better get on the list!)
*Alicia needs your help spreading the word about everything going on in her world! (So there you go...try this fun little google game and figure out your needs. Link to me because google told you to help spread the word. And google is all knowing, you know?)
The word "needs" all of a sudden looks very funny to me. Needs Needs Needs. Neener neener neener!
Saturday, July 22, 2006
an emotional week
It has been one thing on top of another this week. I've worried and prayed a lot.
Our friends had their twin baby girls, but they are eight weeks early and will have to spend a lot of time in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. They weighed less than 8 pounds combined, but are doing well so far. We pray for their continued improvement and hope they'll be able to join their parents at home soon. The parents are doing well and excited to welcome their two sweet girls.
My 20-year-old neice was on vacation with her family when she passed out and had a seizure. She has never had any medical problems before so this was very unexpected. Testing revealed some abnormalties so she'll need to undergo further testing to find out what's wrong. I am very worried about her and I'm praying that everything will come out normal.
My good friend's daughter got pneumonia and got very sick very fast. Luckily she is doing much better now and on the way to recovery.
My dad had a heart attack last summer and was having some problems recently. He underwent a procedure yesterday to make sure the stints he had done were still doing their job. Thankfully they are and everything is fine. I am glad I didn't find out about this until after his procedure yesterday so I didn't have to worry about him. But, it is still scary.
And last and perhaps most upsetting, my friend, CC, lost her husband, John. They were newlyweds and new parents to a little boy born in May. They went to bed one night and John didn't wake up the next morning. CC woke to find him not breathing and attempted CPR, but John had already been gone for a few hours. An autopsy revealed an enlarged heart which caused cardiac arrest. My heart aches for CC and for her little boy who will grow up without his father. John was a great person and will be very missed.
I can't stop thinking about all of these situations and about how fragile life is. Those we love can be taken at any time. All we can do is love each other now, pray for each other, and put our faith in the Lord and accept his will. I am thankful that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ and that I know that death is not the end. I pray that our friends and family will find comfort and know that the Lord is watching over them.
Our friends had their twin baby girls, but they are eight weeks early and will have to spend a lot of time in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. They weighed less than 8 pounds combined, but are doing well so far. We pray for their continued improvement and hope they'll be able to join their parents at home soon. The parents are doing well and excited to welcome their two sweet girls.
My 20-year-old neice was on vacation with her family when she passed out and had a seizure. She has never had any medical problems before so this was very unexpected. Testing revealed some abnormalties so she'll need to undergo further testing to find out what's wrong. I am very worried about her and I'm praying that everything will come out normal.
My good friend's daughter got pneumonia and got very sick very fast. Luckily she is doing much better now and on the way to recovery.
My dad had a heart attack last summer and was having some problems recently. He underwent a procedure yesterday to make sure the stints he had done were still doing their job. Thankfully they are and everything is fine. I am glad I didn't find out about this until after his procedure yesterday so I didn't have to worry about him. But, it is still scary.
And last and perhaps most upsetting, my friend, CC, lost her husband, John. They were newlyweds and new parents to a little boy born in May. They went to bed one night and John didn't wake up the next morning. CC woke to find him not breathing and attempted CPR, but John had already been gone for a few hours. An autopsy revealed an enlarged heart which caused cardiac arrest. My heart aches for CC and for her little boy who will grow up without his father. John was a great person and will be very missed.
I can't stop thinking about all of these situations and about how fragile life is. Those we love can be taken at any time. All we can do is love each other now, pray for each other, and put our faith in the Lord and accept his will. I am thankful that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ and that I know that death is not the end. I pray that our friends and family will find comfort and know that the Lord is watching over them.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
our camping trip--a photo blog
Eighteen hours traveling, three nights of sleeping on the hard ground, and nine loads of laundry* later...
We are back and almost fully recovered from our vacation! We had a fabulous time! The Sierras are so beautiful and it was wonderful to spend a few days in the cooler air with such beautiful surroundings. The time spent with family was wonderful for all of us, but especially for the kids---they love all their grandparents and cousins!
I took a ton of pictures (like I always do) and will just let them do the story telling...
We are back and almost fully recovered from our vacation! We had a fabulous time! The Sierras are so beautiful and it was wonderful to spend a few days in the cooler air with such beautiful surroundings. The time spent with family was wonderful for all of us, but especially for the kids---they love all their grandparents and cousins!
I took a ton of pictures (like I always do) and will just let them do the story telling...
Little Boy & Cousin AJ working on some massive suckers:
The girl knows how to relax, what can I say?
Little Sister & Daddy:
Mommy & Little Boy being very squinty:
Little Sister & Cousin MA exchanging stories: When Nature Calls: Uncle D showing off his mad casting skills: Aunt S trying to keep two crazy toddlers (where are these kid's mothers!?) under wraps: Great-Grandma H being an art teacher to Little Boy: Little Boy and Cousin AJ made quite a cool road with sidewalk chalk all over a huge rock: Eating S'mores with Grandpa H I LOVE S'Mores!
Little Hiker girl: In the campground, there was a really cool old fire engine, so of course I had to snap some pictures on it!Our last evening, we went out to a pizza place for dinner and then went to Steve's Grandparents house nearby to take a family picture. I had the only camera and we had no one extra to take the picture. So, I arranged everyone on the steps, mounted the picture on a ladder and used the timer. I'm pretty pleased with it! I have a few things I want to photoshop on it and fix, but overall, I think it's pretty frameable. We weren't ready to come home by the end, which is saying a lot when you're sleeping in a tent with two small children. Both of them loved the camping experience and look really cute while covered in dirt!
*All nine loads of laundry came very clean despite large amounts of black dirt. My sister-in-law introduced me to a wonderful product called Borax. It's my new favorite laundry product!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
tidbits
*My kids smell. They each have a signature scent. It is best enjoyed when going into their rooms at night after they have been in bed a few hours. I check on them at night before I go to bed to make sure they are happy, healthy, and comfy. But more so that I can breathe in their special scents. In a few years Little Boy's scent will turn into stinky gym socks so I am enjoying it while I can.
*Little Boy drew this picture and I was concerned. Mom, Dad, and Little Sister in orange smiling and Little Boy in brown frowning. Is my little boy depressed? Does he think he's not good. Is he unhappy? Does my little boy need a therapist at age four? So I asked him about it. He said, "That's not me. That's Little Sister. She always cries." Silly mommy.
*The Higglytown Heroes came to our house last night. Little Boy has excellent dreams every night. He comes out of his room in the morning excited to tell us about his dreams. Last night he dreamed that the Heroes they came over and helped him make a bird feeder. I'm so glad that he has fun while he sleeps. I just dream about wierd things.
*We are headed camping tomorrow! We are going camping in the Sierra Nevadas for four days. I'll be back next week with pictures, pictures, pictures!
Adios!
*Little Boy drew this picture and I was concerned. Mom, Dad, and Little Sister in orange smiling and Little Boy in brown frowning. Is my little boy depressed? Does he think he's not good. Is he unhappy? Does my little boy need a therapist at age four? So I asked him about it. He said, "That's not me. That's Little Sister. She always cries." Silly mommy.
*The Higglytown Heroes came to our house last night. Little Boy has excellent dreams every night. He comes out of his room in the morning excited to tell us about his dreams. Last night he dreamed that the Heroes they came over and helped him make a bird feeder. I'm so glad that he has fun while he sleeps. I just dream about wierd things.
*We are headed camping tomorrow! We are going camping in the Sierra Nevadas for four days. I'll be back next week with pictures, pictures, pictures!
Adios!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
the amazing dr. S
Would your kid's pediatrician play with her for an hour? I never thought mine would need to.
Little Sister has been potty training---this was her idea, not mine! She's only 20 months old! She cries when she wets her diaper and wants to be changed, tells me before she goes, and initiated going in the potty. She did great for a couple days and then stopped. She didn't have a lot of accidents, she just didn't go at all! She sat and she sat but she never went. I've never seen a kid hold it for so long! Soon she started crying when she did pee and said it hurt. Uh-oh! I was pretty sure she had a urinary tract infection.
Off to the pediatrician we went. All they needed was a urine sample. Oh sure---I'm going to get her to pee in a cup. I coaxed and I prodded, I bribed and I begged. No pee. The nurse taped a bag thingie on her and put her diaper over it. She kept saying she needed to pee, but cried and wouldn't go. So we walked the halls. We walked to the toy room and played with the germ infested toys. No pee. Dr. S decided that her medical expertise was needed here and she had Little Sister chase her up and down the halls. No pee. Dr. S decided it was time to bring out the big guns and produced a medical grade bouncy ball and tossed it down the long hallways and Little Sister chased it over and over. She was giggling (and so were we...if you've ever seen Little Sister run you would too!) and having a great time. No pee. Dr. S and Little Sister played catch. They played throw-the-ball-in-the-basket. No pee. It was time for more extreme measures. Dr. S pulled out the circle stool on wheels and laid Little Sister on her belly on it and gave her rides all around the building. Surely all that pressure on her tummy would make her pee. We laid her down to check the pee bag and discovered it had become untaped and if she had peed it would not have landed in the bag. What's next? A catheter?
BUT WAIT. What's that? Is that a tiny drop of pee on the inside of the bag? NURSE COME QUICK! We have a drop of pee! She confirmed it was enough for the sample and I let out a sigh of relief. Little Sister would have let out a huge sigh of relief if she had any idea what a catheter was and how it was inserted. She was just happy with her sticker.
I already liked Dr. S, but this puts her in the Pediatrician Hall of Fame. She was so patient, seemed to genuinely enjoy herself, and never exclaimed "come on, just PEE kid!" like I did. She totally won Little Sister over. She also knows how to win a mommy over--She told me when all was said and done that Little Sister was a really fun girl and very smart.
Thank you, Dr. S. You are amazing!
Little Sister has been potty training---this was her idea, not mine! She's only 20 months old! She cries when she wets her diaper and wants to be changed, tells me before she goes, and initiated going in the potty. She did great for a couple days and then stopped. She didn't have a lot of accidents, she just didn't go at all! She sat and she sat but she never went. I've never seen a kid hold it for so long! Soon she started crying when she did pee and said it hurt. Uh-oh! I was pretty sure she had a urinary tract infection.
Off to the pediatrician we went. All they needed was a urine sample. Oh sure---I'm going to get her to pee in a cup. I coaxed and I prodded, I bribed and I begged. No pee. The nurse taped a bag thingie on her and put her diaper over it. She kept saying she needed to pee, but cried and wouldn't go. So we walked the halls. We walked to the toy room and played with the germ infested toys. No pee. Dr. S decided that her medical expertise was needed here and she had Little Sister chase her up and down the halls. No pee. Dr. S decided it was time to bring out the big guns and produced a medical grade bouncy ball and tossed it down the long hallways and Little Sister chased it over and over. She was giggling (and so were we...if you've ever seen Little Sister run you would too!) and having a great time. No pee. Dr. S and Little Sister played catch. They played throw-the-ball-in-the-basket. No pee. It was time for more extreme measures. Dr. S pulled out the circle stool on wheels and laid Little Sister on her belly on it and gave her rides all around the building. Surely all that pressure on her tummy would make her pee. We laid her down to check the pee bag and discovered it had become untaped and if she had peed it would not have landed in the bag. What's next? A catheter?
BUT WAIT. What's that? Is that a tiny drop of pee on the inside of the bag? NURSE COME QUICK! We have a drop of pee! She confirmed it was enough for the sample and I let out a sigh of relief. Little Sister would have let out a huge sigh of relief if she had any idea what a catheter was and how it was inserted. She was just happy with her sticker.
I already liked Dr. S, but this puts her in the Pediatrician Hall of Fame. She was so patient, seemed to genuinely enjoy herself, and never exclaimed "come on, just PEE kid!" like I did. She totally won Little Sister over. She also knows how to win a mommy over--She told me when all was said and done that Little Sister was a really fun girl and very smart.
Thank you, Dr. S. You are amazing!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
all-american family
I'm happy.
It's the Fourth of July and this happens to be one of my most favorite holidays. I love the displays of patriotism, the parades, and I'm proud to be an American. Add in many of my favorite things: Summer, Family, Friends, Picnic, BBQ, Watermelon, Old Glory, and Unity. These things make me proud, happy, and content.
We have spent a lot of time as a family the past few days. We went and played at a State Park yesterday and enjoyed a little beach there. Today we went to a BBQ picnic with co-workers and friends. These are moments that I cherish with my little family. I have the perfect family (for me). We as individuals aren't perfect: we fight, we argue, the kids throw fits and pick at each other, I yell more than I should, and I have less patience than I ought to. But, at the end of the day we make up, we love each other, our kids give each other a kiss goodnight, we work hard to forgive each other of our trespasses, and we are living a life that we wouldn't trade for anything. I've learned that being the perfect famiy doesn't mean that we don't make mistakes or have problems. It means that we get through those mistakes and problems and become closer and stronger as a result.
Tomorrow, I'm sure I'll lose my patience at least once, raise my voice at least once, I'll say "you're driving me crazy!" at least twice, and I'll want to take a long nap. But today, I'm happy. This is a great life!
It's the Fourth of July and this happens to be one of my most favorite holidays. I love the displays of patriotism, the parades, and I'm proud to be an American. Add in many of my favorite things: Summer, Family, Friends, Picnic, BBQ, Watermelon, Old Glory, and Unity. These things make me proud, happy, and content.
We have spent a lot of time as a family the past few days. We went and played at a State Park yesterday and enjoyed a little beach there. Today we went to a BBQ picnic with co-workers and friends. These are moments that I cherish with my little family. I have the perfect family (for me). We as individuals aren't perfect: we fight, we argue, the kids throw fits and pick at each other, I yell more than I should, and I have less patience than I ought to. But, at the end of the day we make up, we love each other, our kids give each other a kiss goodnight, we work hard to forgive each other of our trespasses, and we are living a life that we wouldn't trade for anything. I've learned that being the perfect famiy doesn't mean that we don't make mistakes or have problems. It means that we get through those mistakes and problems and become closer and stronger as a result.
Tomorrow, I'm sure I'll lose my patience at least once, raise my voice at least once, I'll say "you're driving me crazy!" at least twice, and I'll want to take a long nap. But today, I'm happy. This is a great life!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
works-for-me wednesday: playing with food
It's fun! It's edcuational! It convinces Little Boy to eat! He loves it!Works for me!
Hint: Use kitchen scissors on quesadillas. That also works for me!
Monday, June 26, 2006
behind the makeup
Rachelle, the host of My Life Monday, has left today's topic open for us to choose our own. I have changed my mind about the topic I have picked about a dozen times, but in the end I decided to go forth with it. Today: Behind the Makeup.I've worn makeup since my mom started letting me. I was excited to wear it and I always have. It was fun, flirty, sassy, dramatic, and unnecessary. I could easily not wear any (especially in the summer when I was tan) and be just fine. Then Lupus came into my life, wreaked havoc on my face, and makeup became necessary. In fact, that was my very first symptom of the disease--the characteristic red butterfly shaped rash across my face. I have high hopes of the medications taking it away, but so far no luck. So I use makeup and lots of it every day to cover the rash. Most of my friends say they don't notice it that much, but they also don't know that how much I'm covering it up!
Behind the makeup is a very red face that may or not fade. I'm still getting used to it and trying to accept it. There is some permanent damage that will never go away, but I'm looking forward to the day when we find the right cocktail of medication that will make most of it fade and makeup can be fun and unnecessary again. This is me, behind the makeup:
After the full makeup regime:
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
a monster of a night
You can hold your ears, but you can't stop the rumble!!!
Little Boy, BIG tire!
Our fabulous monster truckin' family (minus Little Sister who was at home in her bed)
This is so cool!
" Arachnaphobia"
"Natural High"
And Little Boy's new favorite monster truck: "Jurassic Attack!"
That's right, we had an awesome time at the monster truck show! It was way past Little Boy's bedtime and he was tired, but he thought it was great. The noise the trucks made? Not that fun. I didn't follow the advice of all of you and take earplugs, but a very nice grandma sitting next to us offered Little Boy a pair when she saw him holding his ears. I have never seen Little Boy sit so still and quiet for so long. We can't wait until next time!Tuesday, June 20, 2006
happy birthday little boy!
Just so you all know, I tried to blog this all day yesterday and blogger wouldn't let me post more than three pictures. Blame blogger!!
First the business: Steve is doing better and we made it home from our trip in one piece. His official diagnosis is that he has a Bulging Disk. He's still hurting a bit, coming off the vicadin, and he's going to physical therapy. Thanks for all of the well wishes.
Now to the fun! Little Boy turned four over the weekend! We had his Monster Truck birthday party and went to the Monster Truck Show. To quote Little Boy, "It was so fun!" This will be a two-part blog because I can't fit it all into one!
First the party.
Little Boy's friends, the three siblings from Katy-did-What, and the super-heros from Erin's Third Law joined us at the park where we had a Monster good time playing, eating, busting open a Monster Truck pinata, and trying to shield the candles on the cake from the wind. Little Boy had a great time and I hope his friends did too--if they didn't, the massive amounts of sugar we forced upon them was sure to remedy that.
A party in pictures:
First the business: Steve is doing better and we made it home from our trip in one piece. His official diagnosis is that he has a Bulging Disk. He's still hurting a bit, coming off the vicadin, and he's going to physical therapy. Thanks for all of the well wishes.
Now to the fun! Little Boy turned four over the weekend! We had his Monster Truck birthday party and went to the Monster Truck Show. To quote Little Boy, "It was so fun!" This will be a two-part blog because I can't fit it all into one!
First the party.
Little Boy's friends, the three siblings from Katy-did-What, and the super-heros from Erin's Third Law joined us at the park where we had a Monster good time playing, eating, busting open a Monster Truck pinata, and trying to shield the candles on the cake from the wind. Little Boy had a great time and I hope his friends did too--if they didn't, the massive amounts of sugar we forced upon them was sure to remedy that.
A party in pictures:
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
wish you were here!
"It will be fun, right?"
Famous last words.
I hadn't planned on blogging while we are away on our trip, but I've got plenty of time on my hands now.
All my worry about getting to the airport, luggage checked, and to the gate should have been the least of my concerns. That part was the easiest part of the trip thus far. Our flight left right at naptime. I fooled myself into thinking that Little Sister would nap through the flight while Little Boy colored happily next to us. Ha ha ha. Little Sister did not nap despite the Benedryl I gave her (ya, I drug my kids, what's it to ya?). I saw a new side of her that I don't care to ever see again. Little Boy did not color, but he was very well behaved most of the day. We were all very happy to see Daddy when we finally arrived.
My kids sleep a lot. Little Boy averages about 12 hours a night and Little Sister about 13 hours a night with a 1 1/2-2 hour nap every day. They need sleep and they sleep well. Not so away from home this time. They both got about 8 hours of sleep last night. Guess how happy they are? Not very. Oh, but keep reading...you're still at the easy part of the trip.
We went out to see some sights and about 20 minutes into it, we stop and as Steve leaned down to get Little Boy out of his carseat, I heard "aaahhhhh! Oh no!" Steve fell to his knees on the pavement and was holding in back. He couldn't get up and said he was in severe pain. Finally, I got him to the passenger seat and back to the hotel where I had to get a wheelchair to get him to our room. Wanting to avoid the cost of the Emergency Room, we found a medical center and made him an appointment for a couple hours later--right during naptime. Instead of settling Little Sister down for a much needed nap, I loaded two tired kids and one hurting husband into the car and headed to the doctor. A demerol shot, a steroid shot, some Vicadin, a muscle relaxer, an MRI, and five hours later, we made it back to our hotel.
The next two days should prove to be interesting. May I have some of that Vicadin, please?
Famous last words.
I hadn't planned on blogging while we are away on our trip, but I've got plenty of time on my hands now.
All my worry about getting to the airport, luggage checked, and to the gate should have been the least of my concerns. That part was the easiest part of the trip thus far. Our flight left right at naptime. I fooled myself into thinking that Little Sister would nap through the flight while Little Boy colored happily next to us. Ha ha ha. Little Sister did not nap despite the Benedryl I gave her (ya, I drug my kids, what's it to ya?). I saw a new side of her that I don't care to ever see again. Little Boy did not color, but he was very well behaved most of the day. We were all very happy to see Daddy when we finally arrived.
My kids sleep a lot. Little Boy averages about 12 hours a night and Little Sister about 13 hours a night with a 1 1/2-2 hour nap every day. They need sleep and they sleep well. Not so away from home this time. They both got about 8 hours of sleep last night. Guess how happy they are? Not very. Oh, but keep reading...you're still at the easy part of the trip.
We went out to see some sights and about 20 minutes into it, we stop and as Steve leaned down to get Little Boy out of his carseat, I heard "aaahhhhh! Oh no!" Steve fell to his knees on the pavement and was holding in back. He couldn't get up and said he was in severe pain. Finally, I got him to the passenger seat and back to the hotel where I had to get a wheelchair to get him to our room. Wanting to avoid the cost of the Emergency Room, we found a medical center and made him an appointment for a couple hours later--right during naptime. Instead of settling Little Sister down for a much needed nap, I loaded two tired kids and one hurting husband into the car and headed to the doctor. A demerol shot, a steroid shot, some Vicadin, a muscle relaxer, an MRI, and five hours later, we made it back to our hotel.
The next two days should prove to be interesting. May I have some of that Vicadin, please?
Sunday, June 11, 2006
five things i have learned this week
Things I've learned this week. Hopefully Emily doesn't mind me stealing her format for a day.
1. It's very sad to live so far away from Grandparents. Steve's parents were here for a few days and Little Boy was entertained and had so much fun. Little Sister was thrilled to have someone who would read to her whenever she wanted. Both were very sad and cried when we dropped Grandpa and Grandma off at the airport today. An airplane was taking off as we left and Little Boy said "That's Grandpa and Grandma's plane!" I told him he should wave goodbye to them and he lowered his head, started crying again and said "I don't want to wave. I miss them." He breaks our hearts.
2. Lite Brites are much cooler now than when we were kids! Little Boy got one from Aunt K for his birthday and it's a hit! I highly recommend it.
3. Blogging is time consuming. I guess I already knew that, but it was reaffirmed this week. It's been really busy and while I love doing it, sometimes I just don't have 3 hours to sit down and think of something witty to write. I also haven't had the time this week to read all the blogs I'd like to read. There are many of you who haven't heard from me on your blogs in awhile and I'm feeling bad about that. And when I do read and want to comment, Blogger decides it hates me and crashes. I'm going to reform next week, though and go on a blog reading and commenting spree. Just you wait.
4. Traveling with children is so much more complicated because of carseats. The kids and I are accompanying Steve on a business trip this week, but he flew out today and we're to follow tomorrrow. As I sat this morning still trying to figure out the logistics of carting two small children, two huge carseats, and luggage from the parking lot to check-in I had a brilliant idea. Forget parking...I'm getting a shuttle to come to my house and pick us up. He can drop us off at he curb and we can use the skycap service. Problem solved, but it still sounds a bit hairy. Oh well. It will be fun, right? I'll be back to report on that.
5. Emily looks SMOKIN' with her new hair cut. People, I've seen it in person and it's truly hot. Snap. Crackle. POP.
That's all there is, there is no more.
1. It's very sad to live so far away from Grandparents. Steve's parents were here for a few days and Little Boy was entertained and had so much fun. Little Sister was thrilled to have someone who would read to her whenever she wanted. Both were very sad and cried when we dropped Grandpa and Grandma off at the airport today. An airplane was taking off as we left and Little Boy said "That's Grandpa and Grandma's plane!" I told him he should wave goodbye to them and he lowered his head, started crying again and said "I don't want to wave. I miss them." He breaks our hearts.
2. Lite Brites are much cooler now than when we were kids! Little Boy got one from Aunt K for his birthday and it's a hit! I highly recommend it.
3. Blogging is time consuming. I guess I already knew that, but it was reaffirmed this week. It's been really busy and while I love doing it, sometimes I just don't have 3 hours to sit down and think of something witty to write. I also haven't had the time this week to read all the blogs I'd like to read. There are many of you who haven't heard from me on your blogs in awhile and I'm feeling bad about that. And when I do read and want to comment, Blogger decides it hates me and crashes. I'm going to reform next week, though and go on a blog reading and commenting spree. Just you wait.
4. Traveling with children is so much more complicated because of carseats. The kids and I are accompanying Steve on a business trip this week, but he flew out today and we're to follow tomorrrow. As I sat this morning still trying to figure out the logistics of carting two small children, two huge carseats, and luggage from the parking lot to check-in I had a brilliant idea. Forget parking...I'm getting a shuttle to come to my house and pick us up. He can drop us off at he curb and we can use the skycap service. Problem solved, but it still sounds a bit hairy. Oh well. It will be fun, right? I'll be back to report on that.
5. Emily looks SMOKIN' with her new hair cut. People, I've seen it in person and it's truly hot. Snap. Crackle. POP.
That's all there is, there is no more.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
if the shoe fits...
I have about ten pairs of shoes (pair, pairs?). About five of those are considered nice enough to actually wear in public. I was a bit Lest you think I'm wasteful, only one pair of these shoes cost more than $10 and they were for Easter and I couldn't find any white dress shoes for any less. The majority were about $5 each. How can I not buy a pair of cute shoes when they cost less than a trip to Carl's Jr (and don't contribute to childhood obesity)?
I already have in mind a couple of pairs of shoes that I'd like for her to have, but luckily the store has been out of her size each time I've gone. These cute little rubber clogs from Payless have been calling my name (and hers...she tries to wear Little Boy's blue ones) and she must have pink cowgirl boots this winter.
Maybe I live a little vicariously through Little Sister. I've accepted this and I'm okay with it: I'd love to be in her shoes!
the baby formerly known as fat girl
My dear Aunt J from Texas emailed me recently and told me how much she enjoyed reading my blog. However, she had a concern about me calling my precious daughter 'Fat Girl.' She reminded me that the girlie will be older soon and will be able to read these things. You know, she's right (as the older, wiser generation most often are) and Fat Girl needs a new name. She has all sorts of nicknames...Sister, Princessa, Bella Beautiful, Bella Roonie, Funny Bunny, Silly Sue, Bug, Baby Girl...the list goes on and on. From the day she was born, Little Boy has called her by her first name ________ Sister.
From here forth, Fat Girl shall be known as Little Sister.
Thanks for the reminder Aunt J! And happy reading!
From here forth, Fat Girl shall be known as Little Sister.
Thanks for the reminder Aunt J! And happy reading!
Friday, June 02, 2006
somebody loves little boy
Little Boy loves Monster Trucks! We don't know where this love came from since dad is into a much smaller mode of transportation, but the love of these trucks is big! Little Boy has been talking about his Monster Truck birthday party for months now. I've tried to talk him into something else for the theme, but he has never wavered. Apparently, this is a popular age for this kind of theme because the party ideas I've found have all been posted by moms of three and four year olds.
I have been wishing that there was a Monster Truck show sometime soon because I know how much Little Boy would love it. Today we heard on the radio that there is a show coming to our town...ON LITTLE BOY'S BIRTHDAY! We are buying tickets today---but SHHHH---Don't tell Little Boy! It's a surprise!
Somebody loves Little Boy!
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