Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Here we go....
...so my idea of having Bree take all of her volume of food she needs in the day time hours is not working so well. She can't seem to handle the volume of food, and if we go over 200 cc's a feed, it all comes back up. She needs 240 cc's a feed 4 times a day in order for her to get her reccomended amount of calories for the day. We've tried breaking it down into more feeds a day, but for us as parents, it's not feasible. It takes an hour to feed her and then she gets down from her seat for an hour only to go back into it if she gets fed every two hours. That doesn't leave time for naps, doctor visits, therapies, anything. She doesn't even really get too much time to play like a normal kid would do. And without that normal play time she falls farther behind developmentally than she already is.
Sooooo....after talk between me, Adam and my best friend Anneke, we decided to order an Angelcare monitor. Anneke has one for each of her kiddos and she swears by them. They monitor the breathing and movement of the child and if they stop breathing (or moving) for more than 20 seconds, it will alarm and wake you. We decided to go with the deluxe version because it has two pads for monitoring instead of the usual one because Bree is a wiggle worm sleeper. She moves all over her bed, and sleeps in many different positions. This will allow me the peace of mind that I need in order to sleep while giving her a night feed. We hope to be able to give Bree 3 feeds of 200 cc's of formula during the day, and give her a shortened night feed of 280 cc's of formula. I am not sure how that will work out but I'd like to start it around 8 at night and have Adam turn it off around 12 or 12:30 before he comes to bed.
I hope to reduce the amount of time she has with a night feed, but also be continuing to supply her with the nutritional benefits that her body needs. We worked so hard for every little ounce that is on her cute little self, that it pains me to see her throwing up because we are trying to cram so much into her. I think any mother who loves their child is willing to try anything before causing them discomfort and pain.
(On a side note, Bree is an amazing, odd child and is getting all four molars at once. So, that does attribute to some of the throw up and discomfort that she is having. However, if we can help her...we need to.)
Sooooo....after talk between me, Adam and my best friend Anneke, we decided to order an Angelcare monitor. Anneke has one for each of her kiddos and she swears by them. They monitor the breathing and movement of the child and if they stop breathing (or moving) for more than 20 seconds, it will alarm and wake you. We decided to go with the deluxe version because it has two pads for monitoring instead of the usual one because Bree is a wiggle worm sleeper. She moves all over her bed, and sleeps in many different positions. This will allow me the peace of mind that I need in order to sleep while giving her a night feed. We hope to be able to give Bree 3 feeds of 200 cc's of formula during the day, and give her a shortened night feed of 280 cc's of formula. I am not sure how that will work out but I'd like to start it around 8 at night and have Adam turn it off around 12 or 12:30 before he comes to bed.
I hope to reduce the amount of time she has with a night feed, but also be continuing to supply her with the nutritional benefits that her body needs. We worked so hard for every little ounce that is on her cute little self, that it pains me to see her throwing up because we are trying to cram so much into her. I think any mother who loves their child is willing to try anything before causing them discomfort and pain.
(On a side note, Bree is an amazing, odd child and is getting all four molars at once. So, that does attribute to some of the throw up and discomfort that she is having. However, if we can help her...we need to.)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The end of a ritual
Since having her NG tube placed in February of last year (can you believe we've been tube feeding her for a year now??) Bree has always had a feed of formula that ran overnight. We were told this was to help get in her needed calories and volume of liquids. Also, while sleeping children secrete a hormone that promotes growth, and by feeding her at night we are helping to encourage that. The rate and amount of the night feed has always varied and grown as she has grown. The last night feed she had was running at 38 mls/hr for a total of 380.
Wednesday night found me doing my usual ritual of taking a shower before I go to bed. When I got out of the shower, I heard Bree sounding like she was having a bit of reflux. This sounds like little gasps or little burps. I decided to check on her before I settled into bed. (It's about a 50/50 chance I check on her when she is like this as it is very very common). Am I ever glad I did check on her.
When I got into her room she was laying on her side with her tubing wrapped around her belly. I figured I would "unroll" her and get everything right. As soon as I rolled her onto her back I noticed the tubing wrapped tightly around her neck. I quickly unwrapped it and looked at her. She had a red mark on her neck from the tubing and she was very pale in her face. I picked her up and started rubbing her back vigoriously in order to get the blood circulation going again. After a very long minute or two she started squirming and whining. After another minute she started crying and woke up. She seemed fine so I laid her back down in bed and unhooked her night feed.
It will never be hooked back up again. I do not want to lose Bree simply because the doctors tell me she "needs" a night feed. We have re arranged her feeding schedule, and while it is hard to find time to go anywhere (she always seems to need to eat now), it is well worth the effort. I'd rather have her smiling face here with us than have it pale and dead from being strangled from her feeding tube cord.
The nightime ritual of preparing her feed for the night is ended.
Wednesday night found me doing my usual ritual of taking a shower before I go to bed. When I got out of the shower, I heard Bree sounding like she was having a bit of reflux. This sounds like little gasps or little burps. I decided to check on her before I settled into bed. (It's about a 50/50 chance I check on her when she is like this as it is very very common). Am I ever glad I did check on her.
When I got into her room she was laying on her side with her tubing wrapped around her belly. I figured I would "unroll" her and get everything right. As soon as I rolled her onto her back I noticed the tubing wrapped tightly around her neck. I quickly unwrapped it and looked at her. She had a red mark on her neck from the tubing and she was very pale in her face. I picked her up and started rubbing her back vigoriously in order to get the blood circulation going again. After a very long minute or two she started squirming and whining. After another minute she started crying and woke up. She seemed fine so I laid her back down in bed and unhooked her night feed.
It will never be hooked back up again. I do not want to lose Bree simply because the doctors tell me she "needs" a night feed. We have re arranged her feeding schedule, and while it is hard to find time to go anywhere (she always seems to need to eat now), it is well worth the effort. I'd rather have her smiling face here with us than have it pale and dead from being strangled from her feeding tube cord.
The nightime ritual of preparing her feed for the night is ended.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Playdates
Pros:
1. Riley gets to play
2. Bree gets to play
3. Mommy gets some adult interaction
4. Riley goes to bed early
5. Bree goes to bed early
Cons:
1. Mommy wants to go to bed early.
1. Riley gets to play
2. Bree gets to play
3. Mommy gets some adult interaction
4. Riley goes to bed early
5. Bree goes to bed early
Cons:
1. Mommy wants to go to bed early.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Take two
Today we started on take two of the fish tank. Our previous attempt resulted in one of the fish (the upside down catfish) dying and apparently being sucked into the filter and getting stuck. We thought we had gotten him out, but we must have missed some because about a week later all the other fish started to die. Seventy dollars of fish down the drain...literally. (we flushed em)
So, this time around we went with the cheap fish at Petsmart.We've got about 6 zebra danio fish (they look like striped tetras), 5 beautiful male guppies with orange tails, 3 Australian rainbow fish, and one albino sucker fish thing. (Don't you love how I am so technical with the other fish, then can't remember that one?)
Just to spoil ourselves we got some new decorations for the fish tank. It has been about 3 years since we got new decorations so a change of scenery was in order. Adam approved my picking out of an old WWII plane that looks like it crashed and sunk. I picked out the super cool bridge/river piece that makes it look as though there is a river running under the bridge by having the bubbles hook up to it, run under some plexiglass and then up and out of some plants on the side. Last but not least, Riley picked out a T rex tank decoration. She has been obsessed with dinosaurs as of lately. But that's for another post.
We are excited about the new fish in the tank...it has been vacant for over a month, and it was looking pretty lonely over there. Now it's full of movement, bubbles and life.
Isn't life great?
So, this time around we went with the cheap fish at Petsmart.We've got about 6 zebra danio fish (they look like striped tetras), 5 beautiful male guppies with orange tails, 3 Australian rainbow fish, and one albino sucker fish thing. (Don't you love how I am so technical with the other fish, then can't remember that one?)
Just to spoil ourselves we got some new decorations for the fish tank. It has been about 3 years since we got new decorations so a change of scenery was in order. Adam approved my picking out of an old WWII plane that looks like it crashed and sunk. I picked out the super cool bridge/river piece that makes it look as though there is a river running under the bridge by having the bubbles hook up to it, run under some plexiglass and then up and out of some plants on the side. Last but not least, Riley picked out a T rex tank decoration. She has been obsessed with dinosaurs as of lately. But that's for another post.
We are excited about the new fish in the tank...it has been vacant for over a month, and it was looking pretty lonely over there. Now it's full of movement, bubbles and life.
Isn't life great?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
New things, new life, new priorities
Not having the requirement to blog every night has been a great stress relief for me. My kids are great, but there is not always daily stories to be told or information to tell. Sometimes I was feeling like I grasping at straws when it came to writing a blog every day.
Now, I need to get into a new rythym of blogging when there is something to tell. I need to take the time to write it out so the story is fresh and new in my mind and you, my readers, will be able to read every detail and/or funny expression from whomever the story is about.
So, what's going on with us you ask? Well, we've been spending more time with our friends Felix and Anneke and their two kids lately. It's great for me to feel like I have a best friend again. Someone I can tell everything to and not feel judged. Anneke and I are very similar in the way we think, (are both overly paranoid), and it is nice to have a fellow NICU mom who understands the therapies, appointments and worries of our kiddos. I am so appreciative to have her as a friend.
Riley is still becoming smarter and smarter day by day. She is very specific in her speech, and in her demands. She is getting a little attitude and we are trying our best to stop it in it's tracks. Some days I feel like we are doing a great job, then there are days that Riley has 9 to 10 time outs in a day.
Bree is a crawling crazy kiddo! She has pulled herself up on the coffee table once, but has not since then. She is capable, she just chooses not to in typical Bree fashion.
I am doing okay, I have good days, and I have bad days. I recently got a number of a psychiatrist that accepts Tricare and who is reccomended by a friend. (I need to re-get (is that a word?) that number from her since I deleted my text messages without thinking about it today) I hope to be able to make an appt soon so that I can get help.
Adam is doing well and has been helping me out very much with the girls so that I can do my teacher observations that I need.
Life is good. Hectic but good.
Now, I need to get into a new rythym of blogging when there is something to tell. I need to take the time to write it out so the story is fresh and new in my mind and you, my readers, will be able to read every detail and/or funny expression from whomever the story is about.
So, what's going on with us you ask? Well, we've been spending more time with our friends Felix and Anneke and their two kids lately. It's great for me to feel like I have a best friend again. Someone I can tell everything to and not feel judged. Anneke and I are very similar in the way we think, (are both overly paranoid), and it is nice to have a fellow NICU mom who understands the therapies, appointments and worries of our kiddos. I am so appreciative to have her as a friend.
Riley is still becoming smarter and smarter day by day. She is very specific in her speech, and in her demands. She is getting a little attitude and we are trying our best to stop it in it's tracks. Some days I feel like we are doing a great job, then there are days that Riley has 9 to 10 time outs in a day.
Bree is a crawling crazy kiddo! She has pulled herself up on the coffee table once, but has not since then. She is capable, she just chooses not to in typical Bree fashion.
I am doing okay, I have good days, and I have bad days. I recently got a number of a psychiatrist that accepts Tricare and who is reccomended by a friend. (I need to re-get (is that a word?) that number from her since I deleted my text messages without thinking about it today) I hope to be able to make an appt soon so that I can get help.
Adam is doing well and has been helping me out very much with the girls so that I can do my teacher observations that I need.
Life is good. Hectic but good.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Downsizing
I am trying to downsize my list of things I have to do. This is to help with the stress and anxiety issues I am having. I will be posting when I feel the need to, or have something to share. I know you all will understand. Don't worry, I won't leave you in the dark! I will post at least once or twice a week. I love you all. :)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Personal
I have a few personal issues going on. Some are physical, some are mental (yeah, yeah...crack the jokes) but I am being serious. Since Bree was born I have struggled with postpartum depression issues. I thought that I was over it and done, but I guess not.
About a month ago I discovered a lump in my right breast. I monitored it for a week or so, then called the doctor and scheduled a visit to the gynecologist. (I needed to have my 'well woman' checkup anyways) The doctor that I had was not very open to hearing about the issues that I had, and didn't even take the time to check out the said lump. She told me that with the location and my age it was "probably nothing". I wasn't happy with that answer.
So I made an appt with my primary care physician on base (which was today), and upon asking me many questions, doing a very thorough exam, and sending me to get blood drawn decided that my hormone levels are still off from when I had Bree. The 'lump' I felt is an enlarged duct which is caused from the hormone imbalance. The anxiety issues I have been having are also related to the hormone imbalance.
So, I am still struggling with a form of postpartum depression that is manifesting itself in anxiety. I do need to go see a psychiatrist as it does affect my daily life and interaction with my kids and husband. I just want to be myself again. I need to be myself again. I can't wait to be myself again.
About a month ago I discovered a lump in my right breast. I monitored it for a week or so, then called the doctor and scheduled a visit to the gynecologist. (I needed to have my 'well woman' checkup anyways) The doctor that I had was not very open to hearing about the issues that I had, and didn't even take the time to check out the said lump. She told me that with the location and my age it was "probably nothing". I wasn't happy with that answer.
So I made an appt with my primary care physician on base (which was today), and upon asking me many questions, doing a very thorough exam, and sending me to get blood drawn decided that my hormone levels are still off from when I had Bree. The 'lump' I felt is an enlarged duct which is caused from the hormone imbalance. The anxiety issues I have been having are also related to the hormone imbalance.
So, I am still struggling with a form of postpartum depression that is manifesting itself in anxiety. I do need to go see a psychiatrist as it does affect my daily life and interaction with my kids and husband. I just want to be myself again. I need to be myself again. I can't wait to be myself again.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Two year olds
...are wonderful, joyous, inspiring, silly, crazy, energetic, exhausting, playful, tiring, jumping, singing, dancing, running, hopping bundles of fun. They are like a little bi polar person wrapped up in this tiny little body. One minute they are dancing and yelling happily, next minute they are pushing their sister over and trying to stomp on her hand. Oh the joys of two year olds!
Riley is getting in her two bottom back molars so she has been especially fun lately. She really does have a great sense of humor and can be as cute as a button, but when bedtime rolls around...oh boy! We've tried keeping her up later but nothing seems to stop the hour long yelling and crying that occurs every night. I've been sticking to my guns about the bedtime routine though....she can only have her little lamp on if she needs reading light and once I am out of her room...I don't go back in. (unless she's doing something dangerous of course...like climbing her dresser drawers) I am hoping that these molars come in soon and I can have my usual two year old back. I don't mind the 2 or 3 timeouts a day..but the 9 to 10 everyday are starting to wear on me.
Riley is getting in her two bottom back molars so she has been especially fun lately. She really does have a great sense of humor and can be as cute as a button, but when bedtime rolls around...oh boy! We've tried keeping her up later but nothing seems to stop the hour long yelling and crying that occurs every night. I've been sticking to my guns about the bedtime routine though....she can only have her little lamp on if she needs reading light and once I am out of her room...I don't go back in. (unless she's doing something dangerous of course...like climbing her dresser drawers) I am hoping that these molars come in soon and I can have my usual two year old back. I don't mind the 2 or 3 timeouts a day..but the 9 to 10 everyday are starting to wear on me.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Naptime
Oh how I love naptime! Today we have an extra kiddo because our friends are bringing home their second baby, a boy, home today! Even with an extra kid, I still have all three down for naps at the same time. My two are actually sleeping because they are used to this time, but Grace is fighting it a bit. She's tired, but this is a new environment, new bed, and familiar, but different faces. However, her little eyes are soooo sleepy so I am sure she will be blissfully asleep soon.
Now, I get some quiet time for me. I am going to prep dinner and cut up some veggies to go with the pulled pork I am cooking. We are going to be having pulled pork fajitas with fried peppers and onion with refried beans and chips and salsa on the side. We will be sharing our dinner with Felix and Anneke so they do not have to worry about food tonight...they only need to bask in the glory of bringing home their new baby boy...and feeling complete as a family.
Now, I get some quiet time for me. I am going to prep dinner and cut up some veggies to go with the pulled pork I am cooking. We are going to be having pulled pork fajitas with fried peppers and onion with refried beans and chips and salsa on the side. We will be sharing our dinner with Felix and Anneke so they do not have to worry about food tonight...they only need to bask in the glory of bringing home their new baby boy...and feeling complete as a family.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Date night!
I didn't have the time to post on Friday because Adam and I got to go on a date! Adam's mom was in town due to business and she told us to take the night for ourselves. She didn't have to tell us twice! We made sure that we had Bree all ready for bed, and then headed out to our 8:30 reservation at The Melting Pot in Scottsdale. Our four year wedding anniversary is coming up here on February fifth so we figured we'd go out for our anniversary dinner early.
We had a great time! We have been there before so we knew what we were headed into...we enjoyed a multi course dinner complete with cheese fondue, salad, meats of varying kinds, and a delicious chocolate fondue at the end. The chocolate fondue was made with chocolate, caramel, peanut butter and Bailey's....mmmm deeeelicious!!!
Adam and I decided that we need to have more date nights so we made up a plan with some friends of ours to trade off on watching kiddos so that we both can have some good quality time as couples. It was nice to be able to complete a sentence without having to give a warning, or stop a kid from breaking something. I am looking forward to more date nights here soon!
We had a great time! We have been there before so we knew what we were headed into...we enjoyed a multi course dinner complete with cheese fondue, salad, meats of varying kinds, and a delicious chocolate fondue at the end. The chocolate fondue was made with chocolate, caramel, peanut butter and Bailey's....mmmm deeeelicious!!!
Adam and I decided that we need to have more date nights so we made up a plan with some friends of ours to trade off on watching kiddos so that we both can have some good quality time as couples. It was nice to be able to complete a sentence without having to give a warning, or stop a kid from breaking something. I am looking forward to more date nights here soon!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Priorities
Priorities in life are a funny thing sometimes. Usually, the priorities you need to address are not the ones you really want to. Like picking up the living room, or mopping the floor, or finishing college that seems to be dragging on forever. Wait, those are all MY priorities.
I am so over school. I know I must finish in order to not waste the money that we have spent on my education so far. We have over $20,000 out on school loans. However, since I started school our plans and priorities have changed. We were planning on me starting to teach part time right after I finished my degree. At least enough that I could pay for my student loans. Now with Bree we do not feel that that is an option. She still needs special care with her G tube and neither of us feel comfortable leaving her with a babysitter or a daycare. We do not want to impose on our friends as we feel that we have hurt some friendships by asking them to watch Riley too much due to Bree's needs. We don't know what we are going to do when my student loans become due. My friend Anneke has gotten a forebearance (spelling?) on her student loans and will try to help me get the same.
So, for now...I finish school because I must. Because it is a priority. Because wasting money is a sin (it is, isn't it?). Priorities suck sometimes.
I am so over school. I know I must finish in order to not waste the money that we have spent on my education so far. We have over $20,000 out on school loans. However, since I started school our plans and priorities have changed. We were planning on me starting to teach part time right after I finished my degree. At least enough that I could pay for my student loans. Now with Bree we do not feel that that is an option. She still needs special care with her G tube and neither of us feel comfortable leaving her with a babysitter or a daycare. We do not want to impose on our friends as we feel that we have hurt some friendships by asking them to watch Riley too much due to Bree's needs. We don't know what we are going to do when my student loans become due. My friend Anneke has gotten a forebearance (spelling?) on her student loans and will try to help me get the same.
So, for now...I finish school because I must. Because it is a priority. Because wasting money is a sin (it is, isn't it?). Priorities suck sometimes.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Hold your babies tight tonight
The horrible earthquake in Haiti seems to have put things into perspective for some people. Myself included. Not that I don't appreciate my family, but Riley is quick to irritate me, Bree seems to always be underfoot, and Adam is always leaving a trail of shirts he has already worn strewn about on the ground or the couch.
At least my children and husband are still alive to irritate me, be underfoot, or leaving dirty clothes in inconvenient piles and not dead in the street or crushed under a collapsed building. My heart breaks for the orphaned children, the now childless mothers, or the fathers who cannot find their families. I cannot imagine the grief, panic and anxiety they are going through. The thought of it bring tears to my eyes.
So tonight, I held Bree longer at bedtime. I kissed her little face, and squeezed her tight. When it was Riley's bedtime, she got to rock longer, read the same book three times, and I have indulged her with "Rock-a-bye baby" about thirty times.However, I still do not feel that is enough. So, I will appreciate more.
I will appreciate that my husband does the dishes, AND dumps the garbage and recycling.
I will appreciate Riley and her wonderful sense of humor.
I will appreciate that Bree can crawl, and is striving to learn more.
I will appreciate that I am alive.
I will appreciate that I CAN appreciate.
At least my children and husband are still alive to irritate me, be underfoot, or leaving dirty clothes in inconvenient piles and not dead in the street or crushed under a collapsed building. My heart breaks for the orphaned children, the now childless mothers, or the fathers who cannot find their families. I cannot imagine the grief, panic and anxiety they are going through. The thought of it bring tears to my eyes.
So tonight, I held Bree longer at bedtime. I kissed her little face, and squeezed her tight. When it was Riley's bedtime, she got to rock longer, read the same book three times, and I have indulged her with "Rock-a-bye baby" about thirty times.However, I still do not feel that is enough. So, I will appreciate more.
I will appreciate that my husband does the dishes, AND dumps the garbage and recycling.
I will appreciate Riley and her wonderful sense of humor.
I will appreciate that Bree can crawl, and is striving to learn more.
I will appreciate that I am alive.
I will appreciate that I CAN appreciate.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Straight from the mouths of babes
Now we all know that Riley is a talker...she tends to get that from me. As much as Riley is a talker, Bree is the opposite. It is going to be so interesting seeing these two grow up through the years. Even though Bree is less of a talker than Riley was at her age, she does still utter and use a few words correctly. The words that she uses are:
Up
Mama
Dada
All done (sounds like Ah-du, complete with shaking of hands)
Her speech therapist reassures me that this is completely acceptable for a one year old. I have nothing to compare it to except super speech Riley. For example, Riley and Grandma were playing with some stuffed animals two days ago. Riley had a monkey she was making say Oooo ah ah!, and Grandma had a frog that she was making to say Oooo ah ah!. Riley DID NOT like that and kept correcting Grandma, "It say Ribbi Ribbi!!!!". Well, after a few rounds of that, Riley clapped her hand on her forehead and said "I don't KNOW what to do with you!!!" Grandma and I just busted up laughing...it was so appropriate and cute!
Another story...last night the girls and I went to a friends house (Carrie Fay and Fernando's). On the way there, Riley was watching the previews to whatever movie was in the DVD player. About 30 seconds from their house, Riley proclaims "I watching a woowie (movie)....I need a cokcorn (popcorn)!". Now, I think we have only watched a movie and ate popcorn about twice in her lifetime. She is one smart cookie....or should I say, one smart kernel!
Up
Mama
Dada
All done (sounds like Ah-du, complete with shaking of hands)
Her speech therapist reassures me that this is completely acceptable for a one year old. I have nothing to compare it to except super speech Riley. For example, Riley and Grandma were playing with some stuffed animals two days ago. Riley had a monkey she was making say Oooo ah ah!, and Grandma had a frog that she was making to say Oooo ah ah!. Riley DID NOT like that and kept correcting Grandma, "It say Ribbi Ribbi!!!!". Well, after a few rounds of that, Riley clapped her hand on her forehead and said "I don't KNOW what to do with you!!!" Grandma and I just busted up laughing...it was so appropriate and cute!
Another story...last night the girls and I went to a friends house (Carrie Fay and Fernando's). On the way there, Riley was watching the previews to whatever movie was in the DVD player. About 30 seconds from their house, Riley proclaims "I watching a woowie (movie)....I need a cokcorn (popcorn)!". Now, I think we have only watched a movie and ate popcorn about twice in her lifetime. She is one smart cookie....or should I say, one smart kernel!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Disney on Ice here we come!
Grandma Gonce is treating me and Riley to the Disney on Ice show that will be in town this week. We are not going until Saturday, but I am excited! It is late tonight, I do not normally post this late. Today was the last day of my science class so I had to finish up some schoolwork, and pick up the trashed house. (It really wasn't trashed...just toy strewn) And since I have school to observe in the morning, I am going to make this short and sweet.
Good night all.
Sweet dreams.
I know I will sleep well...I am going to go take some sleep medicine because I have not slept well for two nights. I hope tonight is much better. I hope I sleep so well that I have no dreams. Know what I mean?
Good night all.
Sweet dreams.
I know I will sleep well...I am going to go take some sleep medicine because I have not slept well for two nights. I hope tonight is much better. I hope I sleep so well that I have no dreams. Know what I mean?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Bliggity Blog, Bloggity Blig.
I have not been feeling the blogging vibe lately. I think it is because my life is all filled up with plans, play dates, observations, and school work. It seems to suck all the creative, witty juices right outta me.
Here's our schedules right now:
Monday: Bree has therapy at 8. I observe at school from 8-12 while Adam is taking care of the girls.
Tuesday: School observing from 8-12
Wednesday: Bree has speech at 11.
Thursday: Bree has PT at 10.
Friday: I observe at school from 8 -12.
Now that I have written that out I can see that my afternoons are pretty free...Riley naps from 1-3 and Bree needs to eat at 8, 12, and 5. It doesn't allow for much "going" to happen in the afternoons so we are either at home, or up the road five houses at Anneke's house. After the girls go to bed I pick up the house, eat my dinner, get ready for bed and then do my schoolwork.
Life is good.
Here's our schedules right now:
Monday: Bree has therapy at 8. I observe at school from 8-12 while Adam is taking care of the girls.
Tuesday: School observing from 8-12
Wednesday: Bree has speech at 11.
Thursday: Bree has PT at 10.
Friday: I observe at school from 8 -12.
Now that I have written that out I can see that my afternoons are pretty free...Riley naps from 1-3 and Bree needs to eat at 8, 12, and 5. It doesn't allow for much "going" to happen in the afternoons so we are either at home, or up the road five houses at Anneke's house. After the girls go to bed I pick up the house, eat my dinner, get ready for bed and then do my schoolwork.
Life is good.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Drowning.
Right now I am drowning in schoolwork. Please forgive me for not writing more tonight. Sorry, but the class I am paying over $800 dollars for takes precedence right now. I still love you all. I really do. Really.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
It's update time!
It has been a while since I outlined what the girls are up to, and how life is going/has changed for us. Life is in a constant motion of changing and rearranging in our house so we are always kept on our toes. Here's the updates:
Riley: She has hit the terrible two's. We talk much of choices and of time outs MULTIPLE times a day. I am hoping that by being firm now, I am reinforcing habits and good behavior for later on in life. Only time will tell.
She is quite the little chatterbox (wonder where she gets that from!) and is quite advanced with her language. She talks in sentences and will make connections that I assume most two year olds don't make. For example, this morning we were watching Go Diego Go! and there was a part in it that showed a bigger giraffe and a baby giraffe. Riley ran up to me saying "That's you Mom! You're the mom!!! I'm the baby!" She did the same thing later on in the evening when watching Ice Age: The Meltdown. She told Adam that he was Manny. He was the daddy elephant.
Bree: This little miss is a crawler! She crawls everywhere and is just starting to discover that she can get into stuff. Along with her crawling has come more talking...more babble and a few reinforcements of words. She knows and recognizes that I am Mama, and Adam is Dada. She can say "up" and requests it sometimes. We are working on a 'word' to stand for Riley, because apparently it is a really hard name for a little one to say. The "R" is hard to pronounce, but so is the "L" in it. I guess we'll start calling her "i, e". Ha ha!
Bree is getting better with her eating and we are up to about a tablespoon and a half at every feeding. (so three times a day) It's a start, and when she gets better with the eating we will start working on drinking from a cup. I do not want to throw too many things at her to be 'learning' and have her shut down and not allow us to be putting anything in her mouth. It's a hard balance, but we are working on it!
Adam and I are doing well, and getting back into the groove of things since the holidays are over. Life is good for now, and that's all I could ask for!
Riley: She has hit the terrible two's. We talk much of choices and of time outs MULTIPLE times a day. I am hoping that by being firm now, I am reinforcing habits and good behavior for later on in life. Only time will tell.
She is quite the little chatterbox (wonder where she gets that from!) and is quite advanced with her language. She talks in sentences and will make connections that I assume most two year olds don't make. For example, this morning we were watching Go Diego Go! and there was a part in it that showed a bigger giraffe and a baby giraffe. Riley ran up to me saying "That's you Mom! You're the mom!!! I'm the baby!" She did the same thing later on in the evening when watching Ice Age: The Meltdown. She told Adam that he was Manny. He was the daddy elephant.
Bree: This little miss is a crawler! She crawls everywhere and is just starting to discover that she can get into stuff. Along with her crawling has come more talking...more babble and a few reinforcements of words. She knows and recognizes that I am Mama, and Adam is Dada. She can say "up" and requests it sometimes. We are working on a 'word' to stand for Riley, because apparently it is a really hard name for a little one to say. The "R" is hard to pronounce, but so is the "L" in it. I guess we'll start calling her "i, e". Ha ha!
Bree is getting better with her eating and we are up to about a tablespoon and a half at every feeding. (so three times a day) It's a start, and when she gets better with the eating we will start working on drinking from a cup. I do not want to throw too many things at her to be 'learning' and have her shut down and not allow us to be putting anything in her mouth. It's a hard balance, but we are working on it!
Adam and I are doing well, and getting back into the groove of things since the holidays are over. Life is good for now, and that's all I could ask for!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
(mini) New Years Resolution
I plan on doing mini resolutions each month since the "year" resolutions never seem to work out. This month I am working on my language and speech. I want to speak more kindly to my children and husband. I find myself (and I am sure many of you do too) snapping at them too quickly, raising my voice too fast, and getting irritated at the drop of a hat (or the whine of a voice). Namely, at a certain two year old:
The irritation normally starts with a face like that and whining of "Mommy! Mooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyy! Mooommmmmmmmmmyyyyyyyy! Where are you?????" when she is directly below me, leaning on me and stretching up at me. I love her dearly, but my goodness can she quickly push my buttons!
So, deep breathing is my new friend this month. January is the month of deep breathing.
So, deep breathing is my new friend this month. January is the month of deep breathing.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Strike is over!
Ha ha, just kidding! I really wasn't on strike, I was just enjoying the time with my brother and sister while they were visiting. Next time I will be sure to let everyone know when I will be back as to not create any confusion or worry.
We had a great visit with my brother (Caleb) and my sister (Danielle) while they were here. They went home this afternoon despite Riley's attempt of keeping them here by refusing to give them goodbye hugs. Auntie stole a goodbye hug against Riley's will and Uncle Oo-bah just refused to deal with the screaming, crying, flailing rag doll of a two year old. (I have no idea why!??)
I thought it would be easier for Riley to see them off if we all went to the park before the time they needed to take off to burn off some extra energy and have a bit of fun. Then, when it was time for them to leave I could take the girls back home while Adam took Danielle and Caleb to the airport. I was right about the energy burning and the bit of fun, but was wrong about it making the goodbye part easier.
We did manage to get quite a few photos at the park though...hope you enjoy!
We had a great visit with my brother (Caleb) and my sister (Danielle) while they were here. They went home this afternoon despite Riley's attempt of keeping them here by refusing to give them goodbye hugs. Auntie stole a goodbye hug against Riley's will and Uncle Oo-bah just refused to deal with the screaming, crying, flailing rag doll of a two year old. (I have no idea why!??)
I thought it would be easier for Riley to see them off if we all went to the park before the time they needed to take off to burn off some extra energy and have a bit of fun. Then, when it was time for them to leave I could take the girls back home while Adam took Danielle and Caleb to the airport. I was right about the energy burning and the bit of fun, but was wrong about it making the goodbye part easier.
We did manage to get quite a few photos at the park though...hope you enjoy!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Another year drawing to a close
As this year ends and another begins, I look forward to what it holds. This last year was the most interesting I have had so far. I have learned many things about myself, and changed my views on quite a few things. One of the most important things that I learned and plan to keep with me is to not judge others based upon what you can see. They have had many different experiences and their life has taken a different path than my own. I cannot judge their way of parenting because every child is different and until you are in that situation yourself you have no idea what it is like. This was a great concept for me to learn, and has been even harder to accept and practice. This lesson has always been repeated to me, but with the experiences I have had with Bree I got to learn this one the hard way. We have had many suggestions and stories told to us about how we should be raising her and what we should be doing. However, it has made me more thankful and opened my eyes to the fact that the life we are sharing as a family is our own, and it is ours to take our own path with.
We will be ringing in the New Year with my brother and sister here to celebrate with us and I wouldn't have it any other way. Surrounded by those we love, we will be looking forward to what the year of 2010 has in store for us...and for all of you!!!
We will be ringing in the New Year with my brother and sister here to celebrate with us and I wouldn't have it any other way. Surrounded by those we love, we will be looking forward to what the year of 2010 has in store for us...and for all of you!!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Isabella Grace Minard
We all have a new member of our family! Isabella Grace Minard was born by emergency C section on December 26 at 8:29 in the morning. She weighed 8 lbs, 12 ounces and was 21 inches long. She has already proved herself to have a good set of lungs, and is just as cute as can be. Pictures to follow in a few days.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday (potentially)
Merry Christmas to all our blog followers, family, friends and everyone in the world! We have had a wonderous Christmas day full of surprises, and lots of love. Bree stood up for the first time today without someone holding onto her! She was holding onto her Uncle Ooba, but he was not holding onto her! What a big girl! The girl's got a lot of gifts, and my brother and sister seemed to enjoy their gifts we got them as well. It is hard for me to pick out gifts for them since we live so far away from them we do not know them as well as we would like to. So, we might be making some trips back to the stores to exchange a few things before they go home. As long as they are happy with everything that's all that matters. :)
My aunt and uncle also get a Christmas surprise today. My aunt's water broke this morning so I am typing this from her hospital room right now! Little Izzy will either be here today or tomorrow!! New babies are so precious and exciting.
I hope that all of you are enjoying the time with the people that you love. Eating food, sharing stories or even just playing board games with them. It is the time that is spent that is most precious. Merry Christmas everyone!
My aunt and uncle also get a Christmas surprise today. My aunt's water broke this morning so I am typing this from her hospital room right now! Little Izzy will either be here today or tomorrow!! New babies are so precious and exciting.
I hope that all of you are enjoying the time with the people that you love. Eating food, sharing stories or even just playing board games with them. It is the time that is spent that is most precious. Merry Christmas everyone!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Apple soup
Tonight I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for dinner. Not extravagant, but it gets the job done. While it was cooking Riley had suckered Auntie into holding her while she stood in the kitchen with me. Riley happened to see the tomato soup cooking and said "Yum! Apple Soup!" (It's red like an apple, right??)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
*Fingers crossed*
My fingers are crossed in hopes that this time tomorrow evening my Aunt Shrrene and Uncle Rick will be holding their sweet new little girl in their arms. Tomorrow is Isabella Grace's official due date...and her Mama is sure ready for her to come on out!
Sweet Izzy, we can't wait to meet you!
Sweet Izzy, we can't wait to meet you!
Monday, December 21, 2009
The warm fuzzies
You know what I am talking about...the warm feeling you get when all feels right with world? Well, I have that. Right now.
My brother and sister are in town visiting until January fourth and I always have a good time with them when we get together. Riley absolutely adores both of them. In fact, she told me tonight. First with her actions, and then with her words.
After bath time tonight my sister helped me by dressing Riley in her pj's. After some bedtime blue's clue's it was time to brush Riley's teeth. Auntie volunteered to help Riley brush her teeth so I told her to holler for me when they were done and I would do the bedtime routine of books and bed. However, when I sat down in Riley's rocking chair to read her her two nighttime books I was told "Scoooz eeee....it auntie turn. scooooz eeeee. Move mommy!" She loves her Auntie.
After Auntie had put her to bed, she called for me and I went in to rock her as she requested. She laid her head down on my shoulder and said "wow". I kind of chuckled and said wow back to her. She sighed and said "Oooba very fun". (Ooba is her name for her Uncle Caleb) I asked her "Oh, yeah?" She informed me that "Oooba fun on slide". I asked her if Uncle Ooba was fun on the slide today and she said "Okay, let's go!". I laughed and told her it was bedtime right now but maybe they could play on the slide again tomorrow. She loves her Ooba.
My posts may be few and far between lately because I am going to take the time to enjoy my wonderful family visiting. :) Or I might just have many stories to tell because they are here. Only time will tell.
My brother and sister are in town visiting until January fourth and I always have a good time with them when we get together. Riley absolutely adores both of them. In fact, she told me tonight. First with her actions, and then with her words.
After bath time tonight my sister helped me by dressing Riley in her pj's. After some bedtime blue's clue's it was time to brush Riley's teeth. Auntie volunteered to help Riley brush her teeth so I told her to holler for me when they were done and I would do the bedtime routine of books and bed. However, when I sat down in Riley's rocking chair to read her her two nighttime books I was told "Scoooz eeee....it auntie turn. scooooz eeeee. Move mommy!" She loves her Auntie.
After Auntie had put her to bed, she called for me and I went in to rock her as she requested. She laid her head down on my shoulder and said "wow". I kind of chuckled and said wow back to her. She sighed and said "Oooba very fun". (Ooba is her name for her Uncle Caleb) I asked her "Oh, yeah?" She informed me that "Oooba fun on slide". I asked her if Uncle Ooba was fun on the slide today and she said "Okay, let's go!". I laughed and told her it was bedtime right now but maybe they could play on the slide again tomorrow. She loves her Ooba.
My posts may be few and far between lately because I am going to take the time to enjoy my wonderful family visiting. :) Or I might just have many stories to tell because they are here. Only time will tell.
Friday, December 18, 2009
GO BREE!!!
This week is getting better and better! Yesterday and today she has been on full strength formula at feeds of 150 cc's 3 times a day and we've had no vomiting. Tonight is the first night we are doing half strength formula instead of pedialyte so wish us luck! I should start blogging about sleep deprivation more often because last night Bree slept from 7 to 530!!! Much improvement from previous nights!
We had a check up with Bree's eye doctor on Thursday and he said she is the fastest healing kid he's ever seen. :) In other news, she has started crawling!!!!! She surprised both us and the physical therapist. She is taking off and is pulling herself up on stuff and standing on her knees. She is such an amazing little girl! GO BREE!
We had a check up with Bree's eye doctor on Thursday and he said she is the fastest healing kid he's ever seen. :) In other news, she has started crawling!!!!! She surprised both us and the physical therapist. She is taking off and is pulling herself up on stuff and standing on her knees. She is such an amazing little girl! GO BREE!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sleep deprivation
When we decided to have kids, I knew that when they were babies they would rob me of my sleep. However, I thought that it would only be 'the worst' when they were first born and woke up every two hours. Ahhh..those were the days! At least there was a schedule of sleeping. Wake up, feed baby for 30 minutes, lay down....try to go to sleep for 1/2 an hour...wake up in an hour to feed baby again. Now, since they are bigger...we have good days and bad days. (okay, so they are really nights...that's what I meant to say)
Lately, we have had more bad days/nights. Bree caught a bug after her surgery and has been throwing up 24/7. It doesn't seem to be contagious because no one else has it so I wonder if it is a reaction to anesthesia. She is a sensitive little girl ya know! Today was the best day we have had in a week. She took 3 feeds of full strength formula at 150 cc's each. We are going to do a night drip of pedialyte tonight again just to make sure she is back on track (night drips of formula make her vomit pronto right now). So, wish us luck that she sleeps better than the 3 hours of sleep we all got last night. Sigh. Good night everyone. Sweet dreams.
Lately, we have had more bad days/nights. Bree caught a bug after her surgery and has been throwing up 24/7. It doesn't seem to be contagious because no one else has it so I wonder if it is a reaction to anesthesia. She is a sensitive little girl ya know! Today was the best day we have had in a week. She took 3 feeds of full strength formula at 150 cc's each. We are going to do a night drip of pedialyte tonight again just to make sure she is back on track (night drips of formula make her vomit pronto right now). So, wish us luck that she sleeps better than the 3 hours of sleep we all got last night. Sigh. Good night everyone. Sweet dreams.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Smiles
Smiles can melt my heart. So can hugs, but today it was smiles. The sweetest smile I got today was from our friend's daughter Ella. (You can read her story here) She has a critical immune system and was unable to make our Christmas craft playdate so Riley, Bree and I brought the crafts to her, her sister and her mom.
When we first arrived Ella was relaxing and resting on the couch. Celine, Ella's mom, informed me that Ella had been like that for most of the week. She just didn't have the energy to get up and do much. However, after some coaxing, Ella built some towers with Bree, then took a rest again. She played a little...then would rest again. However, when Ella found the bag of construction paper, stick glue, and cotton balls she perked right up. She was very patient when asked to wait until I was done feeding Bree.
While we were doing the crafts, her little face light up and you could tell she was really enjoying herself. It was when I brought out the red paint to fingerpaint the nose on the reindeer that she smiled. She was so proud of herself for making the nose AND the eyes out of the red paint. My heart seriously melted into a puddle of happy goo tonight. Ella is such a sweet little girl and I love every little bit of her!
When we first arrived Ella was relaxing and resting on the couch. Celine, Ella's mom, informed me that Ella had been like that for most of the week. She just didn't have the energy to get up and do much. However, after some coaxing, Ella built some towers with Bree, then took a rest again. She played a little...then would rest again. However, when Ella found the bag of construction paper, stick glue, and cotton balls she perked right up. She was very patient when asked to wait until I was done feeding Bree.
While we were doing the crafts, her little face light up and you could tell she was really enjoying herself. It was when I brought out the red paint to fingerpaint the nose on the reindeer that she smiled. She was so proud of herself for making the nose AND the eyes out of the red paint. My heart seriously melted into a puddle of happy goo tonight. Ella is such a sweet little girl and I love every little bit of her!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
It's a Dora song!
Sunday night we had a family boogie down party complete with Christmas music! Riley played her guitar, danced, sang and spun in circles! Bree played drums, sang and danced by rocking back and forth and shaking her cutie booty! Adam and I supervised, danced along with, clapped and made fools of ourselves...and we loved every minute of it!
At one point in our festivities, Adam and I were playing with Bree while Riley was spinning circles in the living room to the music. All of sudden Riley stopped, put her finger in the air and declared "It's a DORA SONG!". I reassured her that no, the tv wasn't on, so it isn't a Dora song. Thirty seconds later, I started really listening to which song it was because Riley was again declaring it was a Dora song. Lo and behold....it was Feliz Navidad! My smart little cookie realized that it was Spanish!
Sometimes Riley amazes me. She's a unique, silly, smart, special little girl. And she's mine. She makes me proud.
At one point in our festivities, Adam and I were playing with Bree while Riley was spinning circles in the living room to the music. All of sudden Riley stopped, put her finger in the air and declared "It's a DORA SONG!". I reassured her that no, the tv wasn't on, so it isn't a Dora song. Thirty seconds later, I started really listening to which song it was because Riley was again declaring it was a Dora song. Lo and behold....it was Feliz Navidad! My smart little cookie realized that it was Spanish!
Sometimes Riley amazes me. She's a unique, silly, smart, special little girl. And she's mine. She makes me proud.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Baby steps
No, Bree's not walking yet...but she is on the move! Adam reported to me that while I was at school observing this morning, Bree took her first "crawling steps" today! That's right she crawled!
Now, I don't think she understands the entire concept that she can go all over, but she understands that she can torment Riley. I saw her crawl a little bit today (like 5 inches) to get to Riley so she could pull on her shirt. And...she also broke one of Riley's toys today.
This is going to sound weird but seeing Bree pick on Riley and break her toys just makes me a happy little camper! Now, ask me that in a year and I am sure I will have a different answer, but for today, I am happy.
Now, I don't think she understands the entire concept that she can go all over, but she understands that she can torment Riley. I saw her crawl a little bit today (like 5 inches) to get to Riley so she could pull on her shirt. And...she also broke one of Riley's toys today.
This is going to sound weird but seeing Bree pick on Riley and break her toys just makes me a happy little camper! Now, ask me that in a year and I am sure I will have a different answer, but for today, I am happy.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Picture post!
It's been quite a while since I posted some pictures on here...(too long if you ask me). So, here are the family pictures that our wonderful friend (and marvelous photographer!!) Carrie Fay took for us recently. Here is her website if you happen to live in the state of Arizona (or feel like flying her to your location): http://amarobabyphoto.blogspot.com/
Friday, December 11, 2009
In the news today
As a fan of the Duggar family and their show "18 kids and counting", I couldn't help but gasp and feel my heart sink as I read that their newest daughter (who makes 19!!) was born early due to pre ecclampsia. Little Josie Brooklyn Duggar weighed in at 1 lb 6 ounces and arrived last night via emergency c section. My heart goes out their family.
On the other hand, I do not ever want to wish prematurity upon ANYONE, but I am anticipating how the prospect of their tv show will show the struggles of prematurity that not only Josie faces, but how it affects the family as well. There are already news articles saying that the baby will be 'fine'. Really? Have they ever seen the inside of a NICU? Have they seen the babies around your child die? At two days of age, they cannot predict that she will be fine. Of course, that is everyone's wish and hope, but it is a bit premature to be saying that. (No pun intended)
Many many people do not understand that a premature baby is not just a small baby. It is a small baby that is not developed and not ready to be in this world. Since it has been forced into this world too early, surrounded by lights, needles, tape, and people among other things, the normal process of development that should be taking place in the womb is delayed, and some parts of development are halted or altered.
I pray and I hope that little Josie has an uneventful stay in the NICU and maybe in 3 or 4 months will get to join her family at home. However, her medical journey will not likely end there. It will, however, be publicized on TV for the whole world to see and to understand prematurity just a little bit more than they did before.
On the other hand, I do not ever want to wish prematurity upon ANYONE, but I am anticipating how the prospect of their tv show will show the struggles of prematurity that not only Josie faces, but how it affects the family as well. There are already news articles saying that the baby will be 'fine'. Really? Have they ever seen the inside of a NICU? Have they seen the babies around your child die? At two days of age, they cannot predict that she will be fine. Of course, that is everyone's wish and hope, but it is a bit premature to be saying that. (No pun intended)
(This was Bree at 4 days old when I saw her for the first time. Josie Duggar probably looks similar.)
Many many people do not understand that a premature baby is not just a small baby. It is a small baby that is not developed and not ready to be in this world. Since it has been forced into this world too early, surrounded by lights, needles, tape, and people among other things, the normal process of development that should be taking place in the womb is delayed, and some parts of development are halted or altered.
I pray and I hope that little Josie has an uneventful stay in the NICU and maybe in 3 or 4 months will get to join her family at home. However, her medical journey will not likely end there. It will, however, be publicized on TV for the whole world to see and to understand prematurity just a little bit more than they did before.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Mommy Song!
Riley has taken a liking to guitars. They can be real, or just play ones, but she likes them. Yesterday she grabbed her friend Ethan's guitar and started strumming and singing "Numanumanuma!!!! EEETTtttthhhhEEEE!!! Ethee's song!"
Today she has graduated from that to whoever is listening to her she substitutes in their name and ends with "Yeahhh..." (input jazz hands here). So she had a giant lime green guitar around her neck (Wonder who picked out the color??? Hmmmm) strumming and singing "NUMA numa numa numa Mooooommmmmmyyyy! Numa numa numa Mommy's songgggg! YEAH!" I swear, I am going to die from the amount of cuteness in this house one day.
To top it all off, she insisted on taking her guitar with her to bed (which I allowed since it doesn't make any noise or have buttons or batteries) and she is now spooning with it while sleeping. Sigh. She cracks me up.
Today she has graduated from that to whoever is listening to her she substitutes in their name and ends with "Yeahhh..." (input jazz hands here). So she had a giant lime green guitar around her neck (Wonder who picked out the color??? Hmmmm) strumming and singing "NUMA numa numa numa Mooooommmmmmyyyy! Numa numa numa Mommy's songgggg! YEAH!" I swear, I am going to die from the amount of cuteness in this house one day.
To top it all off, she insisted on taking her guitar with her to bed (which I allowed since it doesn't make any noise or have buttons or batteries) and she is now spooning with it while sleeping. Sigh. She cracks me up.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Surgery update
Bree's surgery went well. We have some eye drops we need to put in three times a day for the next week. Her eyes are bloodshot and look horrible, and she is quite cranky. This is the worst we have seen her act with any surgery. She is sleeping a ton, but when she is awake she is crying, flailing and fussing. So, today will be an interesting day since Adam has to go to work at 3. Riley is very spirited and doesn't understand to be quiet since Bree doesn't feel well. Right now, Riley is down for a nap (she woke up at 430) and Bree is napping on Adam.
Wish me luck on the rest of the day!
Wish me luck on the rest of the day!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
'Twas the night before surgery...
..and all through the house, no children were stirring, and Bree was sleeping with a stuffed mouse!
The diaper bag was packed, with careful care, knowing that in 10 hours, we would be there.
For now Bree is snuggled all warm in her bed, with visions of crinkle toys dancing in her head.
With I doing schoolwork, and Adam drinkin' a night cap, soon we'd be having a brief nighttime nap.
For in a few hours, the alarm will clatter...and we will spring from our beds...to realize what was the matter!
To pack up the car, and drive away in a flash...we'd be off for her surgery...in a mad dash!
We'll use the GPS because we don't know which way to go...this time her surgery is at St. Joe's!
When we arrive we'll sigh and say "We're here!"...for then we will know we are in the clear.
The prep will start, it will go so quick! It will be time for surgery, and she'll be taken back by a guy named Nick.
The waiting will begin, and we will hope to see...success on the face of the person who comes to inform me.
"Her surgery is over, it went as well as it could...now come on back and snuggle with her, as you should!"
This is a best case scenario and true it will be.......just you wait your pretty little self and you will see! :)
The diaper bag was packed, with careful care, knowing that in 10 hours, we would be there.
For now Bree is snuggled all warm in her bed, with visions of crinkle toys dancing in her head.
With I doing schoolwork, and Adam drinkin' a night cap, soon we'd be having a brief nighttime nap.
For in a few hours, the alarm will clatter...and we will spring from our beds...to realize what was the matter!
To pack up the car, and drive away in a flash...we'd be off for her surgery...in a mad dash!
We'll use the GPS because we don't know which way to go...this time her surgery is at St. Joe's!
When we arrive we'll sigh and say "We're here!"...for then we will know we are in the clear.
The prep will start, it will go so quick! It will be time for surgery, and she'll be taken back by a guy named Nick.
The waiting will begin, and we will hope to see...success on the face of the person who comes to inform me.
"Her surgery is over, it went as well as it could...now come on back and snuggle with her, as you should!"
This is a best case scenario and true it will be.......just you wait your pretty little self and you will see! :)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Skip a dee doo dah...skipped last Friday!!
Oops! I skipped Friday! My best friend Ashley, her son (my godson) William, and their "Mah Maw Ego" (grandma who lives in san diego) came through town and stayed with us on Friday and Saturday. They are driving from California (where Mah Maw lives) to Florida (Ashley and William's new duty station). Ashley's husband Fred has been in the desert for the past 6 months on deployment and will be coming back into the States tomorrow. I got so wrapped up in the fun of their visit I forgot to post! So, needless to say, I had a great time with their visit and one of these days I will get around to posting pictures of all the fun we had!
I have been in a weird rut as of lately. More down days than up days, and no particular reason why. If it continues I am going to need to go to the doctor to get this all sorted out. I seem to always be saying I need to go the doctor when I am having a streak of bad days, but then things brighten up and I forget all about it. Ah, the joys of life!
Speaking of life, little miss Bree will be having her eye surgery on Wednesday at 730 in the morning! Yup...we are the first surgery of the day! Which is great, but makes it difficult for us to find someone to watch Riley. Dropping a wide awake two year old off at someone's house at 5 in the morning is not something I have people beating down my door volunteering for. So, Adam's *lovely* (dripping with sarcasm) work has scheduled him for a class on Tuesday night (which he was suppose to have off) and he will be at work from 3 - 11. He will be getting home about midnight and there will be no point in having him go with me to a surgery that he is going to sleep through. So, instead of trying to find a babysitter for Riley, Adam will be staying home with her while I go with Bree to her surgery. Needless to say, I am a tad bit nervous about venturing out alone with this, but I am sure I can do it. It's more the drive home I am worried about. However, life will go on no matter if I am nervous or not so I will make the best of it.
I have been in a weird rut as of lately. More down days than up days, and no particular reason why. If it continues I am going to need to go to the doctor to get this all sorted out. I seem to always be saying I need to go the doctor when I am having a streak of bad days, but then things brighten up and I forget all about it. Ah, the joys of life!
Speaking of life, little miss Bree will be having her eye surgery on Wednesday at 730 in the morning! Yup...we are the first surgery of the day! Which is great, but makes it difficult for us to find someone to watch Riley. Dropping a wide awake two year old off at someone's house at 5 in the morning is not something I have people beating down my door volunteering for. So, Adam's *lovely* (dripping with sarcasm) work has scheduled him for a class on Tuesday night (which he was suppose to have off) and he will be at work from 3 - 11. He will be getting home about midnight and there will be no point in having him go with me to a surgery that he is going to sleep through. So, instead of trying to find a babysitter for Riley, Adam will be staying home with her while I go with Bree to her surgery. Needless to say, I am a tad bit nervous about venturing out alone with this, but I am sure I can do it. It's more the drive home I am worried about. However, life will go on no matter if I am nervous or not so I will make the best of it.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Typing and tape
Tonight as I was (and am) typing, Adam is taking his turn at taping. Taping Christmas presents that is! Being a military family has made us to where we need to get presents out pronto! That post office gets busy fast around the holiday season and the earlier we can get our presents out to the family the better! We are about 3/4 of the way finished so hopefully we can have them sent off to family by the end of next week.
Another type of tape we are dealing with right now is red tape. All the documents and papers necessary for Adam to be prepared to go to Korea for a year need to be filled out. He got his orders yesterday for Korea. He will be leaving in early September 2010. So, he will just miss the girl's bdays, and we will miss his. However, we have a few friends that have been through the Korea deployment already who are offering some wonderful advice and help.
We as a family knew this would be coming soon so it does not catch us off guard at all. However, as I am sure you can all imagine...the idea of being without a member of your family for a year is not ideal. Necessary for the safety and service of our country...but not ideal for the family.
Yes, he is not going to a "declared" war zone, but he is going to to South Korea...which is really close to North Korea. The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, is not the most sane man on this planet and he likes to launch missiles and create nuclear weapons. So, tell me, would you feel safe if your loved one was sent there? (I have already had many comments of "at least he's not going to a war zone" and I am already tired of them)
Another type of tape we are dealing with right now is red tape. All the documents and papers necessary for Adam to be prepared to go to Korea for a year need to be filled out. He got his orders yesterday for Korea. He will be leaving in early September 2010. So, he will just miss the girl's bdays, and we will miss his. However, we have a few friends that have been through the Korea deployment already who are offering some wonderful advice and help.
We as a family knew this would be coming soon so it does not catch us off guard at all. However, as I am sure you can all imagine...the idea of being without a member of your family for a year is not ideal. Necessary for the safety and service of our country...but not ideal for the family.
Yes, he is not going to a "declared" war zone, but he is going to to South Korea...which is really close to North Korea. The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, is not the most sane man on this planet and he likes to launch missiles and create nuclear weapons. So, tell me, would you feel safe if your loved one was sent there? (I have already had many comments of "at least he's not going to a war zone" and I am already tired of them)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
On top of my game
Today, I felt on top of my game. It was a busy crazy filled day, but it was a day that I felt was productive. I went grocery shopping twice (because I forgot to buy baby food the first time), Bree had speech where she ate half a thing of yoplait yogurt for Stacy, I wrapped presents (which I need to go do again after this), deep cleaned Bree's crib, put away laundry, made dinner, fed Bree, played with kids, made Riley help me pick up the living room, got them both into bed (Bree was 15 minutes early), and now I am here.
I still have a few hours left that I can do things in, so off I go!
BUT...not without a fun story from today! You didn't think I would leave it at that...did you? Bree has been a sitting up machine lately, and Riley is not without her own little advances as well. Riley decided to put her crayons to bed today. She put them in her little people christmas stable, shut the gate (or gape as Riley would say), and got down on all fours, leaned her head on the ground to say "G'night!!". She then informed me that they are tired and are going to sleep. In order for them to be put back where they belonged we had to take each of them out, name them by color and put them to bed (in the red bucket we have). "Good night orange. Good night blue. Good night red. Good night black. Good night gray. Good night brown."
I still have a few hours left that I can do things in, so off I go!
BUT...not without a fun story from today! You didn't think I would leave it at that...did you? Bree has been a sitting up machine lately, and Riley is not without her own little advances as well. Riley decided to put her crayons to bed today. She put them in her little people christmas stable, shut the gate (or gape as Riley would say), and got down on all fours, leaned her head on the ground to say "G'night!!". She then informed me that they are tired and are going to sleep. In order for them to be put back where they belonged we had to take each of them out, name them by color and put them to bed (in the red bucket we have). "Good night orange. Good night blue. Good night red. Good night black. Good night gray. Good night brown."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
And...we're off!
School has started yet again for me so on Tuesday and Thursday nights the posts may be a little skimpy. That's okay though because I will make up for it!
Today Bree had the measurements taken on her eyes for her surgery next Wednesday. He said there was a slight deviation from last month but nothing horrible. So, the plan is for on Wednesday the 9th to have her surgery. We'll know more details next Monday when they set the time for surgery.
No news yet today on Grandma. I tried to call a few moments ago and got a busy signal on their phone. So, that means at least someone is home. I will try again before I go to bed.
Riley also came up with a cute new thing today. She was trying to get a ball that was stuck just out of her reach, and all of sudden she stops, puts her pointer finger in the air and says "Have an IDEA!!!!!". She went and got a stool to stand on, and then could reach it. I have NO clue where she learned that from, but now everything is an "IDEA!" from her. :)
Today Bree had the measurements taken on her eyes for her surgery next Wednesday. He said there was a slight deviation from last month but nothing horrible. So, the plan is for on Wednesday the 9th to have her surgery. We'll know more details next Monday when they set the time for surgery.
No news yet today on Grandma. I tried to call a few moments ago and got a busy signal on their phone. So, that means at least someone is home. I will try again before I go to bed.
Riley also came up with a cute new thing today. She was trying to get a ball that was stuck just out of her reach, and all of sudden she stops, puts her pointer finger in the air and says "Have an IDEA!!!!!". She went and got a stool to stand on, and then could reach it. I have NO clue where she learned that from, but now everything is an "IDEA!" from her. :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Prayers for Grandma
I would really appreciate it if you all could keep my Grandma in your prayers. She lost the eyesight in her right eye on Wednesday and after visiting the eye doctor found out today that she will be having surgery to repair a detached retina tomorrow morning. She was told that only 1 in 5000 ever have this condition and there is no known cause. Somehow her retina detached and folded itself in half...the surgery is tomorrow at 10:00 am pacific time.
My Grandma, (or Nana as Riley calls her), is the best grandma that there is. No really...she is. She can make ya anything you want or need, whether it be a blanket, some homemade mac and cheese or a new Christmas bow to hang out on the lights in the front of the house. (Can you tell I just hung the bows she made me last year?) She has the biggest heart you can imagine and would give you the shirt off of her back if you needed it. I have learned so much from her and I proud to say that in many ways I am like her. It is not just the color of our eyes that we share, but we both delight in helping others, making crafty 'stuff', and we both cherish and love our family.
We love you Grandma/Nana and we wish we were closer so we could come take care of you after your surgery tomorrow! We will be praying and sending eye healing vibes your way! XOXOXO!
We love you Grandma/Nana and we wish we were closer so we could come take care of you after your surgery tomorrow! We will be praying and sending eye healing vibes your way! XOXOXO!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Weekend post?!
Since I missed yesterday's post...(I was exhausted last night!!!) I would like to ask a small question to all of you who have kids. When you go out, do you get stopped and commented on your kiddos? We always get comments on how sweet and smiley our girls are. It warms my heart to hear others compliment their behavior when out in public (which we sometimes get the opposite when Riley is in time out in the store....screaming on the ground). I am grateful for the kindness of strangers, and for the ability of my children to put a smile on the face of someone. I guess the Christmas spirit is starting to stir inside of me as we drag out our Christmas decorations this weekend.
So, at least once a day, compliment a complete stranger, or hold open a door, or help an elderly lady pick up a dropped package...pass on the love and encourage others to do the same. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it can make in someone's day.
So, at least once a day, compliment a complete stranger, or hold open a door, or help an elderly lady pick up a dropped package...pass on the love and encourage others to do the same. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it can make in someone's day.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Silly, snuggly, happy
Quick post this evening as I have to get to bed so I can get up SUPER EARLY to go shopping....
We spent Thanksgiving as just the four of us this year. It was kind of nice, and we spent the day running a few errands, cooking, and beginning to pull out the Christmas stuff. When we sat down to eat dinner we all decided (okay, Adam and I decided) that we would each have a small glass of egg nog to go with our dinner. Riley had never had it so when she took a drink, her little eyes lit up and she said "ICE CREAM!!!!!!" She absolutely loved it! Adam and I didn't have the heart to tell her it wasn't ice cream. Come on, she thought we were the best parents in the world for letting her drink ice cream with her Thanksgiving dinner.
Now, with that being said..for SOME reason she didn't eat too much of her dinner. Adam had already finished his plate and when Riley looked over and saw his plate empty she decided she was done too. Adam told her to go ahead and make her plate empty. She picked up her plate and put it on top of Adam's empty plate and said "Ta - duh!". Ha ha...smart little girl!
I am thankful for my silly, snuggly, happy little family.
We spent Thanksgiving as just the four of us this year. It was kind of nice, and we spent the day running a few errands, cooking, and beginning to pull out the Christmas stuff. When we sat down to eat dinner we all decided (okay, Adam and I decided) that we would each have a small glass of egg nog to go with our dinner. Riley had never had it so when she took a drink, her little eyes lit up and she said "ICE CREAM!!!!!!" She absolutely loved it! Adam and I didn't have the heart to tell her it wasn't ice cream. Come on, she thought we were the best parents in the world for letting her drink ice cream with her Thanksgiving dinner.
Now, with that being said..for SOME reason she didn't eat too much of her dinner. Adam had already finished his plate and when Riley looked over and saw his plate empty she decided she was done too. Adam told her to go ahead and make her plate empty. She picked up her plate and put it on top of Adam's empty plate and said "Ta - duh!". Ha ha...smart little girl!
I am thankful for my silly, snuggly, happy little family.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
I know what I am thankful for....do you?
I am thankful for the people who have helped Bree become who she is today. I am thankful for the doctors, nurses, friends, family, and even the random strangers who have offered words of encouragement and stories I can relate to. This past year has been the roughest one I have had so far... but that only means next year can be better.
I am thankful for my husband who understands that it is also his job to help with the girls and with the house. Not many wives have that. I am thankful for my two girls who love each other dearly, and I cannot wait to see their bond strengthen as they grow up.
I am thankful for the friends who support us and help us out so much. I wish there was more I could do besides offer my thanks and extend an offer of a "trade off" of watching kids, but it is what it is. I am thankful to have understanding friends.
I am thankful to be me and to have the life that I have.
I am thankful for my husband who understands that it is also his job to help with the girls and with the house. Not many wives have that. I am thankful for my two girls who love each other dearly, and I cannot wait to see their bond strengthen as they grow up.
I am thankful for the friends who support us and help us out so much. I wish there was more I could do besides offer my thanks and extend an offer of a "trade off" of watching kids, but it is what it is. I am thankful to have understanding friends.
I am thankful to be me and to have the life that I have.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A day of firsts
1. While in bed suppose to be napping, I heard Bree fussing so I went in to check on her. I found her sitting up in her bed! I had laid her down so she managed to get herself up into a sitting position...this is the first time that has happened!
2. We went on a walk to the park earlier today. Bree likes to lean over the side of the stroller to see the sidewalk passing beneath her, which apparently freaked Riley out. She proceeded to try and push Bree's head back, and when that didn't succeed she told her "Be careful! Gonna hurt yourself!!" (melt my heart) This was the first time Riley expressed true concern over what Bree was doing.
3. With both girls seated at the table ready to start eating (or in Bree's case, looking at) their dinner, I walked down the hall to get bibs for them. I heard Bree sneeze, followed by Riley's sweet voice: "Bless you Bree!" (double melt) Riley's first time "blessing" Bree.
4. Riley was playing in her toddle tunes car, and was waving and saying "Goodbye!!! I am going bye bye! See ya later!" She got in her car, shut the door, then stood up and stuck her head as far out of the front as she could. She looked and Bree and said "Bye Bree! I love you!" This was the first time Riley has said I love you to anyone without prompting. (Just so you know, I am a giant puddle of melting goo tonight...too much cuteness and heartmelting moments. Heeelllp mmeeeee...I'm melllltttinnnggg! Insert out streched arm here.)
2. We went on a walk to the park earlier today. Bree likes to lean over the side of the stroller to see the sidewalk passing beneath her, which apparently freaked Riley out. She proceeded to try and push Bree's head back, and when that didn't succeed she told her "Be careful! Gonna hurt yourself!!" (melt my heart) This was the first time Riley expressed true concern over what Bree was doing.
3. With both girls seated at the table ready to start eating (or in Bree's case, looking at) their dinner, I walked down the hall to get bibs for them. I heard Bree sneeze, followed by Riley's sweet voice: "Bless you Bree!" (double melt) Riley's first time "blessing" Bree.
4. Riley was playing in her toddle tunes car, and was waving and saying "Goodbye!!! I am going bye bye! See ya later!" She got in her car, shut the door, then stood up and stuck her head as far out of the front as she could. She looked and Bree and said "Bye Bree! I love you!" This was the first time Riley has said I love you to anyone without prompting. (Just so you know, I am a giant puddle of melting goo tonight...too much cuteness and heartmelting moments. Heeelllp mmeeeee...I'm melllltttinnnggg! Insert out streched arm here.)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Our family is expanding!
Whew! You can stop panicking...I am NOT pregnant. Had you going there for a moment didn't I? :)
We have added 13 new members to our family.
Meet Tails.
We have added 13 new members to our family.
Meet Tails.
Can you guess why that is his name?
Meet Heads.
He's got googly bulging eyes. And he wiggles while he swims.
Meet the rest of the crew.
They don't have names yet. (There's 11 of them). I don't think I am going to name them individually, but maybe just by group. We have 3 long finned tetra's, 3 cherry barbs, 3 somethingruther gournami? fish, one upside down catfish (he really swims upside down!), and one sucker fish.
I really REALLY wanted two kitties but with the pet deposit on this house being $450!!!!!!!!!!! and non refundable, I decided fish would be a better choice.
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