So - what I've found recently...
The ION Gaming system by Hasbro. I got this for Julia and Anna for Christmas and I think they will like it. Especially since I got it for a STEAL on Toys R Us. Throw in some of the discounts I had and with 2 games it was under $40 shipped. YEAH!
Smencils - pencils that smell. Julia will LOVE these!
These awesome products from Wishing Fish - we are big fans of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books (Mr. Messy, Little Miss Sunshine) and these products are a take on those... Mr. Happy Boo Boo Soother and these great re-usable Happy Handwarmers! These will definitely be stocking stuffers for my girls!
I'm off to get ready for my doctor's appointment (2 days after my last one) to show off my spectacular red breast!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The kicks just keep on coming...
As if yesterday morning wasn't bad enough... the afternoon got worse and the evening - downright terrifying.
So... do I have your attention yet?
Yesterday afternoon I went to my appointment and on the way home I stopped to get gas and run errands. I was getting really cold - cold enough to put on gloves. Keep in mind it was drizzling - but 50 degrees. I've worn a t-shirt and shorts in 50 degree weather before.
When we got home I couldn't get warm. The thermostat said 70 degrees, so I know it wasn't too cold. I put socks on (gasp! she who never wears socks wore socks!!) and covered up with a blanket.
Then the shakes started.
Oh no. That only means one thing for me. fever. OH NO - momma can not get sick. I have a sick baby and a kid that is starting to get sick and momma can NOT get sick.
After an hour I took my temperature and it was 103. Great. Julia came home from school and being such a sweet girl she put the footstool out on my recliner and brought me cold water from the porch. Isn't that sweet???
A half an hour later Dan calls and I take my temp again. 104.5.
I am supposed to go pick him up from work but tell him he needs to start looking for another ride. He says he'll ask around and call me back. He calls me back and says he hadn't found anything yet. I tell to call me back in 10 minutes if he finds one -but that I have to leave to get him if he doesn't call.
So - I don't hear from him. I bundle up the kids and get everyone loaded up. I'm certainly not feeling well and under any other circumstances would not ever drive - especially with my kids in the car - when I'm feeling like that. I don't like to drive in the dark as it is - but with a terrible headache and high fever.. ugh. I was fine until about 2 blocks from Dan's work. Then I started to feel really dizzy and sick. I couldn't find a parking space, but was so disoriented and tired I just parked in the loading zone in front of his work. It took the SOB half an hour to come out. My cell phone had died so I couldn't call him. I was starting to get scared because I was having a hard time remaining lucid. I told Julia to stay buckled up no matter what until Dan came out.
I don't remember him coming out and I don't remember the drive home. I do remember getting home because Dan stepped on my foot and broke one of my nails off. geez.
Apparently my fever was around 104.9 and Dan forced Tylenol down my throat (which apparently we stopped at the store for on the way home) and was giving me 1/2 hour for it to come down before he was going to take me to the ER. It came down to 103. Julia was scared and kept telling me she didn't want me to die. Dan said he kept having to hold her and assure her I just had a fever and mommy gets crazy when she has a fever (I do - every time) and that I was definitely not going to die. Anna apparently sat next to me and held my hand and talked to me in a whisper.
It took two hours for it to break and when I was lucid - I was able to put two and two together, I had assumed I had a sinus infection because my head hurt so bad, but as the fever went away so did the headache. My one b*oob had hurt all day, which I had chalked up to Em being sick and not draining it properly, but at that point I couldn't even touch it without it being excruciating. Yep. Guess what. Mastitis. After nursing 3 kids - I get mastitis 8 1/2 months into nursing the last one! For those of you who don't know what it is - essentially it's a b*reast infection. You can also check this link (click here) for more info if you are here from doing a search on mastitis. Let's just say my b*reast is awfully purdy right now. Half of it is red and there are big long red streaks all over it. Nice.
So - I'm waiting for the doctor to return my call - and I'm just going to try and take it easy today. I suspect I also might have that sinus infection and possibly a UTI on top of it... think this is from sleep deprivation over the last week with a sick baby??? ahhhh.
Gotta love it.
So... do I have your attention yet?
Yesterday afternoon I went to my appointment and on the way home I stopped to get gas and run errands. I was getting really cold - cold enough to put on gloves. Keep in mind it was drizzling - but 50 degrees. I've worn a t-shirt and shorts in 50 degree weather before.
When we got home I couldn't get warm. The thermostat said 70 degrees, so I know it wasn't too cold. I put socks on (gasp! she who never wears socks wore socks!!) and covered up with a blanket.
Then the shakes started.
Oh no. That only means one thing for me. fever. OH NO - momma can not get sick. I have a sick baby and a kid that is starting to get sick and momma can NOT get sick.
After an hour I took my temperature and it was 103. Great. Julia came home from school and being such a sweet girl she put the footstool out on my recliner and brought me cold water from the porch. Isn't that sweet???
A half an hour later Dan calls and I take my temp again. 104.5.
I am supposed to go pick him up from work but tell him he needs to start looking for another ride. He says he'll ask around and call me back. He calls me back and says he hadn't found anything yet. I tell to call me back in 10 minutes if he finds one -but that I have to leave to get him if he doesn't call.
So - I don't hear from him. I bundle up the kids and get everyone loaded up. I'm certainly not feeling well and under any other circumstances would not ever drive - especially with my kids in the car - when I'm feeling like that. I don't like to drive in the dark as it is - but with a terrible headache and high fever.. ugh. I was fine until about 2 blocks from Dan's work. Then I started to feel really dizzy and sick. I couldn't find a parking space, but was so disoriented and tired I just parked in the loading zone in front of his work. It took the SOB half an hour to come out. My cell phone had died so I couldn't call him. I was starting to get scared because I was having a hard time remaining lucid. I told Julia to stay buckled up no matter what until Dan came out.
I don't remember him coming out and I don't remember the drive home. I do remember getting home because Dan stepped on my foot and broke one of my nails off. geez.
Apparently my fever was around 104.9 and Dan forced Tylenol down my throat (which apparently we stopped at the store for on the way home) and was giving me 1/2 hour for it to come down before he was going to take me to the ER. It came down to 103. Julia was scared and kept telling me she didn't want me to die. Dan said he kept having to hold her and assure her I just had a fever and mommy gets crazy when she has a fever (I do - every time) and that I was definitely not going to die. Anna apparently sat next to me and held my hand and talked to me in a whisper.
It took two hours for it to break and when I was lucid - I was able to put two and two together, I had assumed I had a sinus infection because my head hurt so bad, but as the fever went away so did the headache. My one b*oob had hurt all day, which I had chalked up to Em being sick and not draining it properly, but at that point I couldn't even touch it without it being excruciating. Yep. Guess what. Mastitis. After nursing 3 kids - I get mastitis 8 1/2 months into nursing the last one! For those of you who don't know what it is - essentially it's a b*reast infection. You can also check this link (click here) for more info if you are here from doing a search on mastitis. Let's just say my b*reast is awfully purdy right now. Half of it is red and there are big long red streaks all over it. Nice.
So - I'm waiting for the doctor to return my call - and I'm just going to try and take it easy today. I suspect I also might have that sinus infection and possibly a UTI on top of it... think this is from sleep deprivation over the last week with a sick baby??? ahhhh.
Gotta love it.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Geezum crow...
Whadda morning I tell ya!
Julia is driving me crazy. I feel like I have no idea how to help my kid. She is just a wreck. She has 2-3 angry outbursts every afternoon - I mean full out throwing stuff, screaming out loud kind of outbursts. 5 year old sized temper tantrums. Then - she's either hyper like a mad woman or she cries all the time and is just miserable. She's been like this for about three weeks. My suspicions are that she's still fighting off her cold and not getting enough rest. I also think that with Em being sick and getting more attention again she's feeling slighted. I'm trying to give Julia as much attention as I can - but I am only one person and right now with a sick baby who is miserable with a cold it just isn't enough.
Anyway - back to my point.
We've been dealing with this whole "I don't want to go to school" thing for 3 weeks now. Her teacher is aware of it and is watching to see if anything is going on - but says that as school she's fine. No crying and she behaves really well. Her suggestion was that maybe the newness of our situation is wearing off and she's reacting to all the change of the last year. I think she might be on to something. She recommended that if we were really worried about her behavior that we could contact the school social worker/counselor and talk with her. We're considering it.
This morning after a harried race around town to drop Dan off ... Julia decided she didn't want to ride the bus this morning - which was fine - I had the car and could drop her off. Then we got to school and Anna and Em were sleeping. I was lucky enough to get the front of the line so I could drop her off. She wouldn't go. First she was crying that she was still sick (more like tired - but no fever and no other symptoms so off she goes), then she was crying that she didn't want to go in alone. I told her I would get her sisters up and take her in, but then she was upset that i had to wake them up. Then she was crying that her bus wasn't there yet and she didn't want to walk into school. Then she was crying when the bus did come that she didn't ride the bus. Then she was sobbing that she didn't want to go to school and to PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE let her go back home with me.
Thank goodness her friend M pulled up and asked her if she wanted to walk in together.
Of course Julia put on a big smile and happily walked with her... S L O W L Y of course. I had to circle back around to make sure they walked into the school.
So - I'm going to give her the rest of this week to feel better and catch up on her sleep, I'm also going to enforce rest time after school. If that doesn't help then I think I'm going to talk with the counselor just to see if she has any suggestions for me.
Julia is driving me crazy. I feel like I have no idea how to help my kid. She is just a wreck. She has 2-3 angry outbursts every afternoon - I mean full out throwing stuff, screaming out loud kind of outbursts. 5 year old sized temper tantrums. Then - she's either hyper like a mad woman or she cries all the time and is just miserable. She's been like this for about three weeks. My suspicions are that she's still fighting off her cold and not getting enough rest. I also think that with Em being sick and getting more attention again she's feeling slighted. I'm trying to give Julia as much attention as I can - but I am only one person and right now with a sick baby who is miserable with a cold it just isn't enough.
Anyway - back to my point.
We've been dealing with this whole "I don't want to go to school" thing for 3 weeks now. Her teacher is aware of it and is watching to see if anything is going on - but says that as school she's fine. No crying and she behaves really well. Her suggestion was that maybe the newness of our situation is wearing off and she's reacting to all the change of the last year. I think she might be on to something. She recommended that if we were really worried about her behavior that we could contact the school social worker/counselor and talk with her. We're considering it.
This morning after a harried race around town to drop Dan off ... Julia decided she didn't want to ride the bus this morning - which was fine - I had the car and could drop her off. Then we got to school and Anna and Em were sleeping. I was lucky enough to get the front of the line so I could drop her off. She wouldn't go. First she was crying that she was still sick (more like tired - but no fever and no other symptoms so off she goes), then she was crying that she didn't want to go in alone. I told her I would get her sisters up and take her in, but then she was upset that i had to wake them up. Then she was crying that her bus wasn't there yet and she didn't want to walk into school. Then she was crying when the bus did come that she didn't ride the bus. Then she was sobbing that she didn't want to go to school and to PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE let her go back home with me.
Thank goodness her friend M pulled up and asked her if she wanted to walk in together.
Of course Julia put on a big smile and happily walked with her... S L O W L Y of course. I had to circle back around to make sure they walked into the school.
So - I'm going to give her the rest of this week to feel better and catch up on her sleep, I'm also going to enforce rest time after school. If that doesn't help then I think I'm going to talk with the counselor just to see if she has any suggestions for me.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Turn your head and cough..
Ok - so they won't be asking me this - but tonight I'm having a physical.
Let me sum up what I believe they will say -
- You're not just hot you're HAWT
- You are fat not PHAT
Update: Nothing exciting happened... no discussion of being fat - but my HAWTness was indeed discussed.
Let me sum up what I believe they will say -
- You're not just hot you're HAWT
- You are fat not PHAT
Update: Nothing exciting happened... no discussion of being fat - but my HAWTness was indeed discussed.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
You are under arrest...
(megaphone noise) "MA'AM, PUT DOWN THE GINGERBREAD MEN COOKIES AND STEP AWAY FROM THE PUMPKIN DIP."
woman with frantic eyes grabs bag of cookies and cradles bowl of dip with other hand
"YOU MUST STEP AWAY. PUT DOWN THE DIP MA'AM!"
woman dips cookies into pumpkin dip and shoves remaining cookies in her mouth and then makes a mad dash for the back door.
chase ensues
COOKIE POLICE TACKLES WOMAN
woman smiles as she swallows last mouthful of cookie.
"I can go now, ta ta"
woman with frantic eyes grabs bag of cookies and cradles bowl of dip with other hand
"YOU MUST STEP AWAY. PUT DOWN THE DIP MA'AM!"
woman dips cookies into pumpkin dip and shoves remaining cookies in her mouth and then makes a mad dash for the back door.
chase ensues
COOKIE POLICE TACKLES WOMAN
woman smiles as she swallows last mouthful of cookie.
"I can go now, ta ta"
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Sickness - thee have invaded....
Yes - 2/3 Doughkids are sick, sick, sick. Julia is hopefully on the up end of it - after having a low grade (100 degrees or so) for over a week and a nasty, nasty cough. Em is having a much rougher go of it. Today we had a hard time staying on top of her fever - which hovered around 102 degrees for most of the day - and went as high as 104 degrees.
Poor baby. She has pretty much just laid on us and slept all day. Moaning and whining. She'll nurse for short amounts of time but then falls asleep. We're working on alternative nursing positions so she can be more upright when she nurses - that seems to help a bit. She will take small amounts of water in her sippy cup too.
The last two nights she won't sleep in her crib - even with it elevated and so I've had to sleep in my recliner with her.
I'm not really sure what gets to me more - the moaning or the sad little feverish look in her eyes.
I hope she's well enough to get her flu shot next week!
I'm praying Anna doesn't get it - since each time she gets a respiratory problem it's a long month to recovery and has included bouts of pneumonia.
Did I mention I have a sty in my eye? No? Yeah - so feel for me will ya???
Poor baby. She has pretty much just laid on us and slept all day. Moaning and whining. She'll nurse for short amounts of time but then falls asleep. We're working on alternative nursing positions so she can be more upright when she nurses - that seems to help a bit. She will take small amounts of water in her sippy cup too.
The last two nights she won't sleep in her crib - even with it elevated and so I've had to sleep in my recliner with her.
I'm not really sure what gets to me more - the moaning or the sad little feverish look in her eyes.
I hope she's well enough to get her flu shot next week!
I'm praying Anna doesn't get it - since each time she gets a respiratory problem it's a long month to recovery and has included bouts of pneumonia.
Did I mention I have a sty in my eye? No? Yeah - so feel for me will ya???
Thursday, November 23, 2006
For your listening pleasure...
Overheard being sung at our dining table for Thanksgiving...
Julia - 3 Little Kittens
Anna - Twinkle Twinkle
Julia - Little Boy Blue
Anna - Pump It a la' Black Eyed Peas.
Yes - pump it. As she's eating we hear, "pump it. Pump it. LOUDER, Pump it" over and over and over. She even does this little arm gesture to go along with it.
Julia - 3 Little Kittens
Anna - Twinkle Twinkle
Julia - Little Boy Blue
Anna - Pump It a la' Black Eyed Peas.
Yes - pump it. As she's eating we hear, "pump it. Pump it. LOUDER, Pump it" over and over and over. She even does this little arm gesture to go along with it.
Goobla goobla humonga!
Just thought I'd throw some Swedish chef on ya'll.
We're having the traditional spread here, turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, dressing, baked yams, applesauce and green yuck (although I've been told it's called pineapple lime jello mold). We'll have pumpkin pie or double layer pumpkin pie for dessert.
Em has caught Julia cold and is miserable. She has a low grade fever, runny nose and cough. She's sad and whiny. Not like her at all.
We enjoyed the Macy's Turkey Day parade - Anna in particular was excited and loved the Dora balloon - but made me rewind the Grinch Who Stole Christmas performance about 5 times!
Now the girls are entertained by Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses while I wade through the side dishes to get dinner ready.
Update: Dinner was delicious - we really enjoyed it all. Em was covered in sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. Now it's on to the pie!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
We're having the traditional spread here, turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, dressing, baked yams, applesauce and green yuck (although I've been told it's called pineapple lime jello mold). We'll have pumpkin pie or double layer pumpkin pie for dessert.
Em has caught Julia cold and is miserable. She has a low grade fever, runny nose and cough. She's sad and whiny. Not like her at all.
We enjoyed the Macy's Turkey Day parade - Anna in particular was excited and loved the Dora balloon - but made me rewind the Grinch Who Stole Christmas performance about 5 times!
Now the girls are entertained by Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses while I wade through the side dishes to get dinner ready.
Update: Dinner was delicious - we really enjoyed it all. Em was covered in sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. Now it's on to the pie!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Ummmm... hello
This is the email I recently received from a reputatble parenting website about my "30 month old"... also known as Anna.
Your child is becoming increasingly good at matching words with the objects they describe. She can name a few body parts, some colors, and even a friend or two. You can help her improve her verbal skills by giving her details. If she says "Dog sleep," for example, you might say, "Yes, Spot is curled up and fast asleep on the chair." She can't imitate your complex language patterns just yet, but she's learning more all the time.
Learn more fascinating facts about your 30-month-old's development.
Wow. I guess I didn't realize that her verbal skills were so advanced. She's been talking in complete sentences for months now. Yesterday I heard her tell Julia "Wow Julia, that's hiwarious. You crack me up!!" HILARIOUS. That's the kind of words my 30 month old uses. She uses her pronouns correctly, she uses 3-4 syllable words on a regular basis. She knows and uses about 50 signs. We're a good 6-9 months past "dog sleep".
Your child is becoming increasingly good at matching words with the objects they describe. She can name a few body parts, some colors, and even a friend or two. You can help her improve her verbal skills by giving her details. If she says "Dog sleep," for example, you might say, "Yes, Spot is curled up and fast asleep on the chair." She can't imitate your complex language patterns just yet, but she's learning more all the time.
Learn more fascinating facts about your 30-month-old's development.
Wow. I guess I didn't realize that her verbal skills were so advanced. She's been talking in complete sentences for months now. Yesterday I heard her tell Julia "Wow Julia, that's hiwarious. You crack me up!!" HILARIOUS. That's the kind of words my 30 month old uses. She uses her pronouns correctly, she uses 3-4 syllable words on a regular basis. She knows and uses about 50 signs. We're a good 6-9 months past "dog sleep".
Terrible, just terrible...
WARNING - this post talks about an animal that was seriously injured, so be warned
Last night at about 10pm, on my way home from the grocery store I was was on high alert... keeping my eyes peeled for deer, moose and other wild animals that hang in our area out here. There was a car to the side of the road with their hazard lights on. I slowed down and really started looking to see what was going on. I was so busy looking at the side of the road that I hit what was already laying in the middle of the road.
The sound made me sick to my stomach. It was obviously an animal of some sort.
I turned around and went back. There was a guy standing on the side of the road talking on his cell phone. I could see the animal in the road, and it was still alive, as I could see the puff of steam each time it took a breath. I grabbed my cell phone and got out of the car.
I asked him what happened and if he was ok. He said that he saw something in the road, and stopped, and in that time 2 other people had hit it again. It was a dog. A fairly big one. I told him that I felt terrible since I was one of those people who ran over it. I asked him if he called someone (it needed to get out of the road - first so there wasn't an accident, and 2nd so people would stop running over it). He said he was trying to stand in the road - but it was so dark and with the curve there he was afraid of getting hit. I had a white coat on - so I volunteered to stand there. I didn't want to get too close since I know that animals in pain can bite, but I desperately wanted to get down and pet the dog. I stood by him and talked to him instead.
I was dialing the non-emergency police line when, another car stopped in the road - two people jumped out. There was an older man and a teenage girl. She was sobbing. It was their dog. They said there was another dog missing too, and asked if we had seen him. Then another truck pulled up and it was the girls father and brother. Her brother was crying as well. The dad was trying to figure out what to do and ended up picking the dog up and putting it in the back of the truck. It was an awkward carry - and he hit the dogs head on the edge of the truck. The girl was hysterical and started screaming at her dad for hurting the dog. He was trying to explain to her that he wasn't really still alive and that he needed to get him in the truck to take him to the vet. I could just see the turmoil in the dad - trying to be practical and detached - but also trying to support his obviously distraught kids. He went to them and hugged them both at the same time. It was heartbreaking.
The father than walked over to me and the other guy who had stopped. He asked us if we saw what happened, and then asked us if we hit the dog. We told him what we knew and he thanked us for stopping. I asked if he needed help looking for the other dog. He said no, they were going to stop at home and see if he was already back there, and then go directly to the vet.
It was just terrible. It brought back memories of searching for my parents dog Gretchen after their accident to find out that she had been hit by a car a week later. It also brought back memories of when an elderly lady went into a diabetic coma in front of Julia and me at the grocery store 2 Christmas' ago. That same helpless feeling. Not good things.
So - I hope they were able to find their other dog and that he's safe. I pray that the dog that was hit was quickly put out of pain.
Last night at about 10pm, on my way home from the grocery store I was was on high alert... keeping my eyes peeled for deer, moose and other wild animals that hang in our area out here. There was a car to the side of the road with their hazard lights on. I slowed down and really started looking to see what was going on. I was so busy looking at the side of the road that I hit what was already laying in the middle of the road.
The sound made me sick to my stomach. It was obviously an animal of some sort.
I turned around and went back. There was a guy standing on the side of the road talking on his cell phone. I could see the animal in the road, and it was still alive, as I could see the puff of steam each time it took a breath. I grabbed my cell phone and got out of the car.
I asked him what happened and if he was ok. He said that he saw something in the road, and stopped, and in that time 2 other people had hit it again. It was a dog. A fairly big one. I told him that I felt terrible since I was one of those people who ran over it. I asked him if he called someone (it needed to get out of the road - first so there wasn't an accident, and 2nd so people would stop running over it). He said he was trying to stand in the road - but it was so dark and with the curve there he was afraid of getting hit. I had a white coat on - so I volunteered to stand there. I didn't want to get too close since I know that animals in pain can bite, but I desperately wanted to get down and pet the dog. I stood by him and talked to him instead.
I was dialing the non-emergency police line when, another car stopped in the road - two people jumped out. There was an older man and a teenage girl. She was sobbing. It was their dog. They said there was another dog missing too, and asked if we had seen him. Then another truck pulled up and it was the girls father and brother. Her brother was crying as well. The dad was trying to figure out what to do and ended up picking the dog up and putting it in the back of the truck. It was an awkward carry - and he hit the dogs head on the edge of the truck. The girl was hysterical and started screaming at her dad for hurting the dog. He was trying to explain to her that he wasn't really still alive and that he needed to get him in the truck to take him to the vet. I could just see the turmoil in the dad - trying to be practical and detached - but also trying to support his obviously distraught kids. He went to them and hugged them both at the same time. It was heartbreaking.
The father than walked over to me and the other guy who had stopped. He asked us if we saw what happened, and then asked us if we hit the dog. We told him what we knew and he thanked us for stopping. I asked if he needed help looking for the other dog. He said no, they were going to stop at home and see if he was already back there, and then go directly to the vet.
It was just terrible. It brought back memories of searching for my parents dog Gretchen after their accident to find out that she had been hit by a car a week later. It also brought back memories of when an elderly lady went into a diabetic coma in front of Julia and me at the grocery store 2 Christmas' ago. That same helpless feeling. Not good things.
So - I hope they were able to find their other dog and that he's safe. I pray that the dog that was hit was quickly put out of pain.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Halp a sistah out...
I've had a couple of you email asking for the name of the white noise CD we used - and so I thought I'd post it here in case anyone else was interested too. I personally love it because it doesn't have any of those scary musical tones like some of the others do - I'm a bit of a 'fraidy cat and can't handle those!
It is a download from itunes - Sleep 6 from Ambient Music Therapy. It's a combo - one is white noise rain sounds and one is just white noise, which sounds like either static from a radio (without the spooky interference - YES I watched the movie - stupid, stupid, stupid me!) or a fan running.
It is a download from itunes - Sleep 6 from Ambient Music Therapy. It's a combo - one is white noise rain sounds and one is just white noise, which sounds like either static from a radio (without the spooky interference - YES I watched the movie - stupid, stupid, stupid me!) or a fan running.
YES!
Last night I fell sleep at midnight after taking care of Julia and her cough and fever (humidifier and ibuprofen)...
I turned on the new white noise CD that I bought from itunes - it's the latest attempt to get Em to sleep for more than 1 hour at a time...
Well -------- it worked!!
I woke up at 4:30am to Julia coughing. I had to make a mad dash to Em to see if she was still alive (now that she's laying on her belly to sleep I am freaked out)... and she was. Just... sleeping. SLEEPING. STILL. She slept for another hour. I nursed her for 20 minutes and she went back to sleep until her sister woke her up at 8am. That means she got up two times between 9-8am. That is about 6 times less than normal.
WHOO HOO!
I turned on the new white noise CD that I bought from itunes - it's the latest attempt to get Em to sleep for more than 1 hour at a time...
Well -------- it worked!!
I woke up at 4:30am to Julia coughing. I had to make a mad dash to Em to see if she was still alive (now that she's laying on her belly to sleep I am freaked out)... and she was. Just... sleeping. SLEEPING. STILL. She slept for another hour. I nursed her for 20 minutes and she went back to sleep until her sister woke her up at 8am. That means she got up two times between 9-8am. That is about 6 times less than normal.
WHOO HOO!
Monday, November 20, 2006
An open letter...
Dear Applebees Carside to Go:
You are a woman with three kid's (one of whom is likely asleep at any time in the car) dream.
Thank you for sending a cute boy out to my car to bring me Tequila Lime Chicken deliciousness for dinner. It would only be better if you could also bring me a yummy margarita to go with it - but I'm guessing that there is some kind of liability issue with handing a driver an alcoholic beverage - so I understand.
A sleeping kid and her mother thank you. The kids not having to get out of their carseats AGAIN thank you as well.
Love,
Het and the Dough kids
You are a woman with three kid's (one of whom is likely asleep at any time in the car) dream.
Thank you for sending a cute boy out to my car to bring me Tequila Lime Chicken deliciousness for dinner. It would only be better if you could also bring me a yummy margarita to go with it - but I'm guessing that there is some kind of liability issue with handing a driver an alcoholic beverage - so I understand.
A sleeping kid and her mother thank you. The kids not having to get out of their carseats AGAIN thank you as well.
Love,
Het and the Dough kids
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Kelly at Missing JT Snow has us asking our kidlets questions for the Sunday Six. This week we're talking about Thanksgiving. Here are Julia (5) and Anna's (2) responses...
1. Do you like to eat Turkey?
J- Yes I do
A- Yeah
2. Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?
J - So we can harvest turkey
A- I like to eat cheese too
3. What other foods do you eat at Thanksgiving?
J- I don't remember, umm vegetables like potatoes
A- umm - cheese
4. Which would you rather be, a pilgrim or an Indian? (why?)
J- a pilgrim, why? cuz I don't know
A - an Indian cuz
5. Where do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
J- with your family
A - ummm cheese
6. Do you have a special tradition for Thanksgiving, if so, what is it?
J- me and my family eat lunch and dinner at the table all together, and we watch the parade.
A ummm the dora parade
Saturday, November 18, 2006
What to make...
Dan has a pot luck lunch at work on Wednesday... what should I make to send in???
PLEASE help me out???
PLEASE help me out???
Stuff Portrait Friday
I had this ready to go Thursday but was waiting to post it yesterday... migraine from hell sidetracked me and so I missed it. I didn't want to totally miss out because the cause behind it was so important ...
Kelly, my good friend from Missing JT Snow, who we here at the Dough household absolutely adore, and miss... thought of this special SPF in honor of her daughter Jenelle and National Epilepsy Awareness month. I've mentioned Jenelle before, and how amazing she is. Kristine so thoughtfully agreed and so here we go...
1. Something you seize (as in seizure, get it?)
I love the holidays... BIG time. I would say that I seize the holiday spirit! I can't wait to start decorating for Christmas (next weekend!!!) and a possible White Christmas!
2. Something that shakes (because you shake when you have seizures)
My hands when I'm trying to take pictures on the move...
3. And something purple (because purple is the color for National Epilepsy Awareness Month!
These flowers. I love to take photos of flowers... I have a bunch printed to hang on the wall in my new house.
Loookeeee - my b*oobs!
Ok - As a mom who has now nursed 45 out of the last 70 months (how long I've had a child to nurse)... I find this article hard to ignore... I am one of those people who only nurse in public when it was absolutely necessary. I've gone into stores and nursed in dressing rooms, gone back out to the parking lot to nurse in the car or just held a hungry baby in lieu of possibly being called out. Why?
One place I have nursed in public many times is on a plane. Helping my babies avoid the painful change in ear pressure rather than listen to them scream has been a no brainer choice for me. I have always tried super hard to be discreet, and I find it offensive that someone would ask a nursing mother in this situation to leave the freaking plane!!! She was seated in the 2nd to last row, in a window seat, with her husband next to her. A stewardess offered her one of those nasty blankets to cover the baby with (although from what I have read, the mother was not exposing her b*reasts - just the baby that was obviously nursing) and told if she wouldn't cover up she needed to continue nursing in the bathroom, then was asked to leave the plane by a ticket agent.
WHA????? I've been on planes with people who refused to turn off their cell phones and they weren't escorted off. But a mom discreetly feeding her baby? Yeah, that makes a hell of a lot of sense. Freedom airlines can suck my butt. And you can quote me on that.
Alice from Finslippy and again at Wonderland over at Alphamom, makes the points I wish I was funny enough to make.
I just don't understand why people view a woman feeding her child as obscene. Even if her entire b*reast is exposed - that is what b*reasts were created for. Feeding children. Really. Most breastfeeding moms try to be discreet, but it can be very hard to stay covered with an actual moving baby yanking a blanket off. 2 of my 3 nurslings couldn't stand to be covered with a blanket while nursing.
I've read this debate all over the blogs and from other news sources and it just makes my blood boil.
I'm not going to use someone's nasty public bathroom to feed my baby - just like I wouldn't ask my two year old to eat her sandwich in there. Other people are just going to have to get over it.
I don't show my b*oobs at other times in public, I don't wear low rise jeans that show 2 inches of ass. I don't wear low cut t-shirts that expose all of my cleavage and some possible nipple. I don't wear mini-skirts that show my teeny undies when I sit and forget to cross my legs. I don't see the women that do dress like this being asked to leave the mall, restaurant, plane for being inappropriately showy...
ok - I'm going to step back down here, I'm still a little dizzy from yesterday's migraine and I just might fall off this soap box and expose some nipple.
One place I have nursed in public many times is on a plane. Helping my babies avoid the painful change in ear pressure rather than listen to them scream has been a no brainer choice for me. I have always tried super hard to be discreet, and I find it offensive that someone would ask a nursing mother in this situation to leave the freaking plane!!! She was seated in the 2nd to last row, in a window seat, with her husband next to her. A stewardess offered her one of those nasty blankets to cover the baby with (although from what I have read, the mother was not exposing her b*reasts - just the baby that was obviously nursing) and told if she wouldn't cover up she needed to continue nursing in the bathroom, then was asked to leave the plane by a ticket agent.
WHA????? I've been on planes with people who refused to turn off their cell phones and they weren't escorted off. But a mom discreetly feeding her baby? Yeah, that makes a hell of a lot of sense. Freedom airlines can suck my butt. And you can quote me on that.
Alice from Finslippy and again at Wonderland over at Alphamom, makes the points I wish I was funny enough to make.
I just don't understand why people view a woman feeding her child as obscene. Even if her entire b*reast is exposed - that is what b*reasts were created for. Feeding children. Really. Most breastfeeding moms try to be discreet, but it can be very hard to stay covered with an actual moving baby yanking a blanket off. 2 of my 3 nurslings couldn't stand to be covered with a blanket while nursing.
I've read this debate all over the blogs and from other news sources and it just makes my blood boil.
I'm not going to use someone's nasty public bathroom to feed my baby - just like I wouldn't ask my two year old to eat her sandwich in there. Other people are just going to have to get over it.
I don't show my b*oobs at other times in public, I don't wear low rise jeans that show 2 inches of ass. I don't wear low cut t-shirts that expose all of my cleavage and some possible nipple. I don't wear mini-skirts that show my teeny undies when I sit and forget to cross my legs. I don't see the women that do dress like this being asked to leave the mall, restaurant, plane for being inappropriately showy...
ok - I'm going to step back down here, I'm still a little dizzy from yesterday's migraine and I just might fall off this soap box and expose some nipple.
Wahhh
M - missed NaBloPoMo post again
I- ice on head
G-gonna chop head off
R-really really hurts
A- annoying everyone around me
I- in bed, sleep, finally relief
N- never, ever want another one
E- evil headache
I- ice on head
G-gonna chop head off
R-really really hurts
A- annoying everyone around me
I- in bed, sleep, finally relief
N- never, ever want another one
E- evil headache
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Eragon
I really, really, really enjoyed reading the Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini (OMG seriously - that boy has an amazing mind and he was 15 when he started writing Eragon).
It's now a movie, coming out in December.
I'm so thrilled for him. And it has a great cast - Jeremy Irons as Brom, John Malkovich as King Galbatorix .... yum.
So - I don't think it's probably a Julia movie - seeing as how she doesn't like the dragons so much, but maybe I'll sneak away to see it.
It's now a movie, coming out in December.
I'm so thrilled for him. And it has a great cast - Jeremy Irons as Brom, John Malkovich as King Galbatorix .... yum.
So - I don't think it's probably a Julia movie - seeing as how she doesn't like the dragons so much, but maybe I'll sneak away to see it.
JINX
Ok - I know by putting this out there in the world, I'm jinxing myself but - I think we may have turned the corner on the baby waking every 45 minutes all night long...
Last night she was asleep by 10pm and only woke up twice until 8am. that's not bad for her... normally she'd be up 6-8 times during that time frame.
I'm cutting out caffeine for the most part... and it's helping. I rarely had caffeine in my pregnancies, and then while I nursed Julia and Anna. I started out not having any with Em since I know it can be a trigger for reflux issues and colic. Then after many sleepless nights I slowly gave in to the drug to get me by. I didn't realize how much I was relying on caffeine until I suffered from a terrible withdrawal headache last week.
So - the last 3 nights Emma is sleeping much better and I'm trying to cut back on my caffeine intake - and not have any after 3pm.
Once we get a pattern going (which we won't after I type this and jinx us) we'll start working on cutting out one of those night feedings.
Last night she was asleep by 10pm and only woke up twice until 8am. that's not bad for her... normally she'd be up 6-8 times during that time frame.
I'm cutting out caffeine for the most part... and it's helping. I rarely had caffeine in my pregnancies, and then while I nursed Julia and Anna. I started out not having any with Em since I know it can be a trigger for reflux issues and colic. Then after many sleepless nights I slowly gave in to the drug to get me by. I didn't realize how much I was relying on caffeine until I suffered from a terrible withdrawal headache last week.
So - the last 3 nights Emma is sleeping much better and I'm trying to cut back on my caffeine intake - and not have any after 3pm.
Once we get a pattern going (which we won't after I type this and jinx us) we'll start working on cutting out one of those night feedings.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
How cool is this?
Rashenbo has been reading all the NaBloPoMo participating blogs this month and reviewing them.
I'm so excited that something nice was said about my 911 call post! http://writingaspirations.blogspot.com/2006/11/those-dexterous-dees.html
I know people read this blog because I see the stats, (and now even more people are stopping by because of the super cool NaBloPoMo Randomizer) but not exactly inclined to comment. This of course is perfectly fine with me, since I rarely comment on other blogs because I'm usually surfing with one hand while I nurse Em. It is ultra excellent to know someone else liked something I wrote.
So thanks! :)
I'm so excited that something nice was said about my 911 call post! http://writingaspirations.blogspot.com/2006/11/those-dexterous-dees.html
I know people read this blog because I see the stats, (and now even more people are stopping by because of the super cool NaBloPoMo Randomizer) but not exactly inclined to comment. This of course is perfectly fine with me, since I rarely comment on other blogs because I'm usually surfing with one hand while I nurse Em. It is ultra excellent to know someone else liked something I wrote.
So thanks! :)
Wonder of wonder, Miracle of Miracles
Ok - besides the chance to quote anything from Fiddler... I totally forgot to tell you about the 2nd most, ok maybe 3rd most, exciting thing that happened on our trip to Michigan...
Drum roll.
Dan and I went on a real date.
SERIOUSLY FOLKS.
As in - without three kids. Without ANY kids.
There was good food and alcoholic beverages. Even a stop at the drugstore for condoms (and baby food - lmao!!! I will also add that the stop was unnecessary on both counts!).
Dan's mom went solo with all three kids in what turned out to be the most harrowing 2 hours of her life. Dan's dad ditched his mom to go to a funeral out of town at the last minute, so she was all by herself with my kids.
No matter what she's done in her life, she might have just got her big IN to the pearly gates. Apparently Emma decided she was done about an hour into the night - and screamed her bloodcurdling screams for the remaining 45 minutes.
We went to the Japanese steakhouse in town and had sushi and teppanyaki. It was awesome. I had a wonderful glass of Riesling and then some warm sake. Will definitely do the wine again as it was delicious and a perfect complement to my food - but the sake was scary. Like warm tequila.
We sat at a teppan table with two other couples: an older couple that was dating and two sisters. Our table chef was hilarious - raunchy and fun.
Em started smiling as soon as we got home, and Anna was so glad to see me. This was nice because Anna had been anti-mom for the past 5 days.
We will continue our search for a good sitter here in Maine since it was too nice to wait another 2 1/2 years to do again.
Where do you find your babysitters?????
Drum roll.
Dan and I went on a real date.
SERIOUSLY FOLKS.
As in - without three kids. Without ANY kids.
There was good food and alcoholic beverages. Even a stop at the drugstore for condoms (and baby food - lmao!!! I will also add that the stop was unnecessary on both counts!).
Dan's mom went solo with all three kids in what turned out to be the most harrowing 2 hours of her life. Dan's dad ditched his mom to go to a funeral out of town at the last minute, so she was all by herself with my kids.
No matter what she's done in her life, she might have just got her big IN to the pearly gates. Apparently Emma decided she was done about an hour into the night - and screamed her bloodcurdling screams for the remaining 45 minutes.
We went to the Japanese steakhouse in town and had sushi and teppanyaki. It was awesome. I had a wonderful glass of Riesling and then some warm sake. Will definitely do the wine again as it was delicious and a perfect complement to my food - but the sake was scary. Like warm tequila.
We sat at a teppan table with two other couples: an older couple that was dating and two sisters. Our table chef was hilarious - raunchy and fun.
Em started smiling as soon as we got home, and Anna was so glad to see me. This was nice because Anna had been anti-mom for the past 5 days.
We will continue our search for a good sitter here in Maine since it was too nice to wait another 2 1/2 years to do again.
Where do you find your babysitters?????
That's the ticket...
After Julia's parent teacher conference today I was telling her the nice things (all nice things about her behavior - and that she's a smart cookie to boot!) her teacher had said about her.
Julia asked me how I got in to the school.
I told her I walked in and went to the classroom.
She asked, "did you have to show them my baby ticket?"
wha?????????
Julia: "My baby ticket, like when you did when I started school?"
wha????????
Julia: "Like you had to show the police when we were going to Canada?" (note: this sounds like a much better story than it is - we drove through Canada on our way to and from Michigan and went through Customs)
Oh....
Me: "You mean your birth certificate?"
Julia: "yep, my baby ticket"
Julia asked me how I got in to the school.
I told her I walked in and went to the classroom.
She asked, "did you have to show them my baby ticket?"
wha?????????
Julia: "My baby ticket, like when you did when I started school?"
wha????????
Julia: "Like you had to show the police when we were going to Canada?" (note: this sounds like a much better story than it is - we drove through Canada on our way to and from Michigan and went through Customs)
Oh....
Me: "You mean your birth certificate?"
Julia: "yep, my baby ticket"
More Kid Christmas shopping
So here are some more finds, since I'm looking anyway - I thought I'd share as I go along... I'm looking for things that will engage the brain, body or just plain too super cool fun...
Cranium Super Fort age 4 and up ($39.99 or more) This looks very cool, I wonder how easy this will be for a 5/6 year old to put together and if we really have enough space for something like this - but if you have the room and have busy kids who dig building stuff - or are tired of your tables, chairs and couch cushions being used for building forts - this might be good for you
Melissa and Doug Band in a Box ages 3+ ($19.99) We bought this for the girls after they adored their cousins. I can usually tune these things out, but they still go out of sight until I decide it's time to play with them. This will go along with the recorder, keyboard, slide whistles and other loud things.
I bought Julia the Christmas Craft kit by Alex Toys. I figure it will give her something to do over the 5 day Thanksgiving break. I have been really impressed with the innards... it includes everything you need for all the crafts. Including glue, paint, markers, crayons... she'll be making different crafts to give as gifts for her teachers, grandparents... I can't find a link for this to share it - but if you see it while you are out, I recommend it.
Anna is a big fan of trains - so we were thinking of getting her this Melissa and Doug stacking Train ages 2+ (14.99), I love wooden toys
This might seem a bit out there -but we're thinking about getting an animal from Heifer International in the kids names. I think Julia is old enough to understand the concept and I love Heifer.
I'll share more as they come along...
Cranium Super Fort age 4 and up ($39.99 or more) This looks very cool, I wonder how easy this will be for a 5/6 year old to put together and if we really have enough space for something like this - but if you have the room and have busy kids who dig building stuff - or are tired of your tables, chairs and couch cushions being used for building forts - this might be good for you
Melissa and Doug Band in a Box ages 3+ ($19.99) We bought this for the girls after they adored their cousins. I can usually tune these things out, but they still go out of sight until I decide it's time to play with them. This will go along with the recorder, keyboard, slide whistles and other loud things.
I bought Julia the Christmas Craft kit by Alex Toys. I figure it will give her something to do over the 5 day Thanksgiving break. I have been really impressed with the innards... it includes everything you need for all the crafts. Including glue, paint, markers, crayons... she'll be making different crafts to give as gifts for her teachers, grandparents... I can't find a link for this to share it - but if you see it while you are out, I recommend it.
Anna is a big fan of trains - so we were thinking of getting her this Melissa and Doug stacking Train ages 2+ (14.99), I love wooden toys
This might seem a bit out there -but we're thinking about getting an animal from Heifer International in the kids names. I think Julia is old enough to understand the concept and I love Heifer.
I'll share more as they come along...
Separation Anxiety
So - what do you do with an 8 month old with a severe case of separation anxiety coupled with the complete inability to self soothe?
Yeah, I so don't have the answers, that's why I'm asking you oh smarty pants internet.
Help.
Please?
I'd like to be able to leave the room without my baby trying to kill herself from her misery. (Oh and that's not too much of a stretch..... while I was on a 1.5 minute potty break earlier she screamed so hard she was choking. In just over one minute. Really.
Help?
Yeah, I so don't have the answers, that's why I'm asking you oh smarty pants internet.
Help.
Please?
I'd like to be able to leave the room without my baby trying to kill herself from her misery. (Oh and that's not too much of a stretch..... while I was on a 1.5 minute potty break earlier she screamed so hard she was choking. In just over one minute. Really.
Help?
Bite me
Today Anna went to her first visit to the dentist and it went swimmingly.
She has some weirdness on one of her canines so I just wanted to get it looked at to make sure it wasn't a giant cavity eating away at one of her teeth. It's not. It's just some enamel scaling. I guess it's developmental and it happens when it's bumped early on in development while the enamel is forming. So - no biggy.
Anna hopped up on the chair and said "ok, I open my mouth" before the dental hygenist had much to say. I guess the prompting about what happens at the dentist helped. She charmed the pants off everyone in the office just like she does just about everywhere she goes.
I think we'll be fine when she goes in for her first cleaning in 6 months.
She has some weirdness on one of her canines so I just wanted to get it looked at to make sure it wasn't a giant cavity eating away at one of her teeth. It's not. It's just some enamel scaling. I guess it's developmental and it happens when it's bumped early on in development while the enamel is forming. So - no biggy.
Anna hopped up on the chair and said "ok, I open my mouth" before the dental hygenist had much to say. I guess the prompting about what happens at the dentist helped. She charmed the pants off everyone in the office just like she does just about everywhere she goes.
I think we'll be fine when she goes in for her first cleaning in 6 months.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
A meme....
I wish I could link back to who I swiped this from.... I found it on the NaBloPoMo Randomizer and when I went to grab the link - it wasn't up anymore. *sigh* So - I apologize and extend great thanks to whoever I stole this from.
1. Explain what ended your last relationship? I decided to get back together with Dan.
2. When was the last time you shaved? Last night - really!
3. What were you doing at 8am today? Taking Dan to work
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Cuddling with Anna
5. Are you any good at math? Mediocre really. I took Calculus and passed - but I've never been a natural with numbers.
6. Your prom night? Which one? My senior year I turned 18 at midnight during the Prom. Then we had about 30 people to Dan's place for an all night party. :) Dan dumped me after breakfast. ;)
7. Do you have any famous ancestors? Not so much
8. Did you have to take out a loan for college? I didn't and then I did.
9. Do you know the words to the song on your Myspace profile? Yep
10. Last thing received in the mail? bills
11. What beverages have you had today? Water
12. Do you leave messages on people’s answering machines. Most of the time
13. Whom did you lose your CONCERT virginity to? I don't know. It might have been MC Hammer. Not kidding.
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? no, I do draw my kids names though
15. What is the most painful dental procedure you have ever had? It wasn't the procedure - but the dry sockets after my wisdom teeth removal were nasty...
16. What is out your back door? a porch that currently holds a giant clam... I'm trying to find my camera so I can take a picture of it to share.
17. Any plans for Friday night? Just hanging with the kids
18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair? Yep
19. Have you ever received one of those big tins with three different kinds of popcorn? yes.
20. Have you ever been to a planetarium? Many times. And not just for Pink Floyd or U2 laser light shows... lol
21. Do you re-use towels after you shower? Yep
22. Some things you are excited about? My kids when they are happy and listening well and not screaming. I'm currently excited about our first big snow - but know I'll grow tired of it quickly. I'm excited about the holiday season - Christmas music and baking cookies, and shopping and decorating and tree hunting and decorating and all that merriment..
23. Your favourite Jello flavor? I guess strawberry?
24. Describe your key chain? It's a bear in the Native American Indian style, and then a house key, mail key, car key, automatic door lock fob.
25. Where do you keep your change? scattered through the house like a treasure hunt
26. What winter coat do you own? I own an 8 year old black coat with a zip out liner. I'm not sure if it will work for real winters or not. We'll find out soon - huh?
27. What was the weather like on your graduation day? I think it was sunny - but I graduated at night. It was warm enough to wear short sleeves.
28. Do you sleep with your bedroom door open or closed?
Open - to hear the kids because I'm paranoid of them walking out of bed at night and falling down the stairs.
1. Explain what ended your last relationship? I decided to get back together with Dan.
2. When was the last time you shaved? Last night - really!
3. What were you doing at 8am today? Taking Dan to work
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Cuddling with Anna
5. Are you any good at math? Mediocre really. I took Calculus and passed - but I've never been a natural with numbers.
6. Your prom night? Which one? My senior year I turned 18 at midnight during the Prom. Then we had about 30 people to Dan's place for an all night party. :) Dan dumped me after breakfast. ;)
7. Do you have any famous ancestors? Not so much
8. Did you have to take out a loan for college? I didn't and then I did.
9. Do you know the words to the song on your Myspace profile? Yep
10. Last thing received in the mail? bills
11. What beverages have you had today? Water
12. Do you leave messages on people’s answering machines. Most of the time
13. Whom did you lose your CONCERT virginity to? I don't know. It might have been MC Hammer. Not kidding.
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? no, I do draw my kids names though
15. What is the most painful dental procedure you have ever had? It wasn't the procedure - but the dry sockets after my wisdom teeth removal were nasty...
16. What is out your back door? a porch that currently holds a giant clam... I'm trying to find my camera so I can take a picture of it to share.
17. Any plans for Friday night? Just hanging with the kids
18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair? Yep
19. Have you ever received one of those big tins with three different kinds of popcorn? yes.
20. Have you ever been to a planetarium? Many times. And not just for Pink Floyd or U2 laser light shows... lol
21. Do you re-use towels after you shower? Yep
22. Some things you are excited about? My kids when they are happy and listening well and not screaming. I'm currently excited about our first big snow - but know I'll grow tired of it quickly. I'm excited about the holiday season - Christmas music and baking cookies, and shopping and decorating and tree hunting and decorating and all that merriment..
23. Your favourite Jello flavor? I guess strawberry?
24. Describe your key chain? It's a bear in the Native American Indian style, and then a house key, mail key, car key, automatic door lock fob.
25. Where do you keep your change? scattered through the house like a treasure hunt
26. What winter coat do you own? I own an 8 year old black coat with a zip out liner. I'm not sure if it will work for real winters or not. We'll find out soon - huh?
27. What was the weather like on your graduation day? I think it was sunny - but I graduated at night. It was warm enough to wear short sleeves.
28. Do you sleep with your bedroom door open or closed?
Open - to hear the kids because I'm paranoid of them walking out of bed at night and falling down the stairs.
man
I had a long drawn out post about what I have been watching on tv... but Blogger ate it.
bitch.
updated: Blogger spit my post out last night - it's down below!
To Blogger-
I apologize blogger for calling you names. really. I mean it. I loooooooove you. Who's the prettiest blog spot on the web? You are. I mean it. I'm not just saying it either.
Love,
Het
bitch.
updated: Blogger spit my post out last night - it's down below!
To Blogger-
I apologize blogger for calling you names. really. I mean it. I loooooooove you. Who's the prettiest blog spot on the web? You are. I mean it. I'm not just saying it either.
Love,
Het
I have time alone!
Dan took the girls to go grocery shopping since my head was spinning around in circles
SO ----
What are you getting your kidlets for Xmas this year?
Julia wants a Barbie Jeep - as in a vehicle for her Barbie's, and some fingernail polish. These things will be do-able.
Anna wants everything she sees. Thank goodness for Noggin and ad free TV. She wants the Dora Kitchen (but we already have a kitchen - so this will be a no go) the Bounce and Spin Zebra, and just about anything else she sees. We'll do the Bounce and Spin since Em will also get good use of it soon.
Emma won't be getting much - but we'll probably get her the Roll a Rounds Drop and Roar Dinosaur thing and probably some books.
Julia and Anna will each get a new Barbie, some books and more board games. We'll bulk up on craft supplies. We bought the girls a set of different musical instruments. We don't have the room for big toys and after living lean for almost 5 months I realize we don't need junk toys. We are going for the quality v. quantity this year. We'll probably do a big present for each kid from generous Meemaw and Poppa (ideas???) and then Santa will bring something nice too. Maybe ice skates or snow shoes? Or a big sled?
Then I have Julia's birthday present to think of... maybe dance lessons for the Spring? With new dance shoes and a new dance outfit?
SO ----
What are you getting your kidlets for Xmas this year?
Julia wants a Barbie Jeep - as in a vehicle for her Barbie's, and some fingernail polish. These things will be do-able.
Anna wants everything she sees. Thank goodness for Noggin and ad free TV. She wants the Dora Kitchen (but we already have a kitchen - so this will be a no go) the Bounce and Spin Zebra, and just about anything else she sees. We'll do the Bounce and Spin since Em will also get good use of it soon.
Emma won't be getting much - but we'll probably get her the Roll a Rounds Drop and Roar Dinosaur thing and probably some books.
Julia and Anna will each get a new Barbie, some books and more board games. We'll bulk up on craft supplies. We bought the girls a set of different musical instruments. We don't have the room for big toys and after living lean for almost 5 months I realize we don't need junk toys. We are going for the quality v. quantity this year. We'll probably do a big present for each kid from generous Meemaw and Poppa (ideas???) and then Santa will bring something nice too. Maybe ice skates or snow shoes? Or a big sled?
Then I have Julia's birthday present to think of... maybe dance lessons for the Spring? With new dance shoes and a new dance outfit?
TV
ahhhhh ha - look what blogger spit back out! :)
Our DVR only made it to Wednesday of our trip before it was full. I guess I should have deleted all the kids shows first. OOPS.
So - in plowing through 5 days of shows it was easy to hit the erase button on some shows. So - here is what we're watching and what's been shelved...
MONDAY:
Heroes - not sure. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I am bored to tears. I'll keep watching.
Studio 60 - LOVE IT. I love Matthew Perry. LOVE him.
What about Brian - I keep trying to like this. Lately I like it better. So glad that the open marriage thing ran it's course.
TUESDAY:
The Unit - love this show... Scott Foley is such a hottie and I love me some Dennis Haysbert
Standoff - this show is super cheesy but Dan and I both find ourselves enjoying it
House - just about my favorite show on TV. Damn good stories, medical stuff and acting is awesome.
WEDNESDAY:
Biggest Loser - I like this show because I can watch it in 32 minutes on the DVR - these people are inspirational and amaze me
Bones - another one of my favorite shows, crazy stuff to see here. I really like Emily Deschanel
Jericho - It's pretty good, but it's on the fence as to whether we'll stay with it...
Top Chef - Haven't gotten into it the way I did last year, but another one that I can watch in about 30 minutes
Lost - I'm enjoying this season - but I don't find myself as drawn to it as I was last season
THURSDAY:
Shark - probably going to have to ditch this one soon. It's been good but it can drag - and it can't compare to the rest of Thursday night.
Ugly Betty - Yeah - I'm on this bandwagon. Good stuff. Damn funny.
Grey's Anatomy - This is still some good tv. I really liked Chris O'Donnell - so sad to see him go.
The Office - probably the funniest show on TV
My Name is Earl - I don't quite enjoy this as much as I did last season but it's funny and worth the time.
30 Rock - I just can't get into this show. I'm trying because I love Tina Fey - but I think it's a done deal for me.
FRIDAY:
Numb3rs is the only game in town for me on Friday. I just love this show. I still have a mad crush on David Krumholtz (Joel Glicker from Addams Family Values ya'll!)
SATURDAY:
Ummm - nothing much
SUNDAY:
Desperate Housewives - ummm - ok. The last couple of episodes have been pretty good but this is a ho -hum if I have time for it kind of show now...
Brothers & Sisters - This is probably my favorite new tv show of the season. It makes me almost want to have a big family. Except for that pregnancy thing and of course the baby thing and small child thing. My only pet peeve is that Calista Flockhart looks like she had a lot of work done. Did she? or is it just her growing older? It's disturbing to watch.
What are you watching?
Our DVR only made it to Wednesday of our trip before it was full. I guess I should have deleted all the kids shows first. OOPS.
So - in plowing through 5 days of shows it was easy to hit the erase button on some shows. So - here is what we're watching and what's been shelved...
MONDAY:
Heroes - not sure. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I am bored to tears. I'll keep watching.
Studio 60 - LOVE IT. I love Matthew Perry. LOVE him.
What about Brian - I keep trying to like this. Lately I like it better. So glad that the open marriage thing ran it's course.
TUESDAY:
The Unit - love this show... Scott Foley is such a hottie and I love me some Dennis Haysbert
Standoff - this show is super cheesy but Dan and I both find ourselves enjoying it
House - just about my favorite show on TV. Damn good stories, medical stuff and acting is awesome.
WEDNESDAY:
Biggest Loser - I like this show because I can watch it in 32 minutes on the DVR - these people are inspirational and amaze me
Bones - another one of my favorite shows, crazy stuff to see here. I really like Emily Deschanel
Jericho - It's pretty good, but it's on the fence as to whether we'll stay with it...
Top Chef - Haven't gotten into it the way I did last year, but another one that I can watch in about 30 minutes
Lost - I'm enjoying this season - but I don't find myself as drawn to it as I was last season
THURSDAY:
Shark - probably going to have to ditch this one soon. It's been good but it can drag - and it can't compare to the rest of Thursday night.
Ugly Betty - Yeah - I'm on this bandwagon. Good stuff. Damn funny.
Grey's Anatomy - This is still some good tv. I really liked Chris O'Donnell - so sad to see him go.
The Office - probably the funniest show on TV
My Name is Earl - I don't quite enjoy this as much as I did last season but it's funny and worth the time.
30 Rock - I just can't get into this show. I'm trying because I love Tina Fey - but I think it's a done deal for me.
FRIDAY:
Numb3rs is the only game in town for me on Friday. I just love this show. I still have a mad crush on David Krumholtz (Joel Glicker from Addams Family Values ya'll!)
SATURDAY:
Ummm - nothing much
SUNDAY:
Desperate Housewives - ummm - ok. The last couple of episodes have been pretty good but this is a ho -hum if I have time for it kind of show now...
Brothers & Sisters - This is probably my favorite new tv show of the season. It makes me almost want to have a big family. Except for that pregnancy thing and of course the baby thing and small child thing. My only pet peeve is that Calista Flockhart looks like she had a lot of work done. Did she? or is it just her growing older? It's disturbing to watch.
What are you watching?
drafted
I have about 30 posts started in my cache of posts saved as drafts.
I just can't get behind this blogging thing right now.
So - when in doubt.
Pictures!
I just can't get behind this blogging thing right now.
So - when in doubt.
Pictures!
Monday, November 13, 2006
We're hoooome
We had a great trip. As always it was too busy, too much driving, too many people we love to see, and not enough time. We were able to see my mom, Dan's parents and grandma, his brother and sister-in-law (SIL) and neice and nephew and my brother and SIL and my nephews. We have the cutest family. Seriously.
I was so happy to be able to attend my nephew H's first birthday party. I felt bad since it was our lateness that pushed back the fetivities into his naptime - but he was a trooper and was precious as always.
I think we packed well on this trip - although I actually forgot a couple of things, but I didn't feel drowned in clothes and excess like we had on other trips. It will however take us 3 weeks to unpack the van.
On our trip we visited Spicer's Orchard, and had a picnic lunch of Jimmy John's, and then the kids played at the playground, and we got to pet the prettiest little cow I've ever seen, and you know I love me some cows.
We also went to Birch Run where Dan and I tackled a BLT made with 1 lb of bacon (picture to come - and we are proud to say that we couldn't eat the whole thing!) and then did some shopping. Later that day we headed to Frankenmuth (aka, "Michigan's Little Bavaria") and did about 70% of our Xmas shopping at River Place and Bronners. The girls just loved Bronners - and really, what kid wouldn't, there are a million bazillion christmas lights and decorations. One employee told me their electric bill is $900 a day.
We spent an afternoon in Chelsea with my brother-in-law and his family. My SIL, T, made this cheeseball mix that was soooooooooooooooo good. It's Lemon Cheesecake by Wind & Willow. We dipped graham cracker sticks into it - and it was delicious. She made the mistake of telling be where to buy the mix - and I bought quite a bit of it for future use and gifts.
My other SIL, M, made the cutest little cake for H's birthday. I think she should go into business making cakes (I'll share a picture later once I find the camera and download some). She's really good at it - and it was super tasty too!
I'm committed to finishing out NaBloPoMo even though our travels left me unable to accomplish my goal of everyday. :)
I was so happy to be able to attend my nephew H's first birthday party. I felt bad since it was our lateness that pushed back the fetivities into his naptime - but he was a trooper and was precious as always.
I think we packed well on this trip - although I actually forgot a couple of things, but I didn't feel drowned in clothes and excess like we had on other trips. It will however take us 3 weeks to unpack the van.
On our trip we visited Spicer's Orchard, and had a picnic lunch of Jimmy John's, and then the kids played at the playground, and we got to pet the prettiest little cow I've ever seen, and you know I love me some cows.
We also went to Birch Run where Dan and I tackled a BLT made with 1 lb of bacon (picture to come - and we are proud to say that we couldn't eat the whole thing!) and then did some shopping. Later that day we headed to Frankenmuth (aka, "Michigan's Little Bavaria") and did about 70% of our Xmas shopping at River Place and Bronners. The girls just loved Bronners - and really, what kid wouldn't, there are a million bazillion christmas lights and decorations. One employee told me their electric bill is $900 a day.
We spent an afternoon in Chelsea with my brother-in-law and his family. My SIL, T, made this cheeseball mix that was soooooooooooooooo good. It's Lemon Cheesecake by Wind & Willow. We dipped graham cracker sticks into it - and it was delicious. She made the mistake of telling be where to buy the mix - and I bought quite a bit of it for future use and gifts.
My other SIL, M, made the cutest little cake for H's birthday. I think she should go into business making cakes (I'll share a picture later once I find the camera and download some). She's really good at it - and it was super tasty too!
I'm committed to finishing out NaBloPoMo even though our travels left me unable to accomplish my goal of everyday. :)
Thursday, November 09, 2006
I'm soooo full
There is something about being stuffed to the gills, full, to a point where you are practically sick that makes eating not look as attractive. :)
We ate lunch at the good old Chinese place of my youth... the best Chinese food I've ever had. We ran into my friends mom - who has worked there for ages. She said my good friend had just had her 2nd little boy 3 weeks ago. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
Then after a long walk downtown and playing at the park, we stopped and got milkshakes at the best milkshake place ever.. :) and drove around down so the little ones could sleep. We showed Julia our old elementary schools, and even saw where the new stadium was being built.
:)
The nostalgia continues...
We ate lunch at the good old Chinese place of my youth... the best Chinese food I've ever had. We ran into my friends mom - who has worked there for ages. She said my good friend had just had her 2nd little boy 3 weeks ago. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
Then after a long walk downtown and playing at the park, we stopped and got milkshakes at the best milkshake place ever.. :) and drove around down so the little ones could sleep. We showed Julia our old elementary schools, and even saw where the new stadium was being built.
:)
The nostalgia continues...
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
I'm settling in to life back in my hometown. It's hard to ignore the pull of nostalgia where every turn is indeed a memory. It doesn't hurt that I enjoyed growing up here, and don't have too many negative memories about the town I called home for a long time.
Things do change, and there is evidence of that here, but it isn't necessarily change in a bad direction.
I would love to make this area home for my children someday, but to be able to do that, the economony in the area needs to improve. There needs to a good job base for Dan to be able to live here without working for the one show in town.
My kids played at a park yesterday where I spent many, many days of my life watching my brother play little league baseball, swimming at the pool, and the shadows of my intermediate school.
Things do change, and there is evidence of that here, but it isn't necessarily change in a bad direction.
I would love to make this area home for my children someday, but to be able to do that, the economony in the area needs to improve. There needs to a good job base for Dan to be able to live here without working for the one show in town.
My kids played at a park yesterday where I spent many, many days of my life watching my brother play little league baseball, swimming at the pool, and the shadows of my intermediate school.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Kids
My girls had the best time with their cousins yesterday - a blast. Even Emma loved watching them tear around and have fun. Julia and C-man played like long lost friends and never had a squabble between them. Anna caused a commotion trying to beat down the H with a Jack in the Box - but after that - even she mellowed out.
We had a great time at the Orchard and enjoyed the Fall sun. Even better was the Jimmy John's subs, my SILs awesome pot roast dinner and the apple pie for dessert.
So far so good...
We had a great time at the Orchard and enjoyed the Fall sun. Even better was the Jimmy John's subs, my SILs awesome pot roast dinner and the apple pie for dessert.
So far so good...
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh
The lament of the blogger who desperately tries to post to her blog for 2 days... in honor of the mighty NaBloPoMo and is smacked down again and again by the system.
Seriously - I never would have thought in this day and age it would be so hard to blog!
We made it, have been doing the family thing, the sightseeing thing, and the eating thing.
I will continue to hang my head in shame.
Oh yeah - the lobsters made it too - and apparently they were damn yummy.
Seriously - I never would have thought in this day and age it would be so hard to blog!
We made it, have been doing the family thing, the sightseeing thing, and the eating thing.
I will continue to hang my head in shame.
Oh yeah - the lobsters made it too - and apparently they were damn yummy.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Lobsters
We are hauling precious cargo on this trip... 4 lbs of lobster. I spent more time packing these lobsters for the drive than I did our stuff.
Mr. Man at the Lobsters R Us down at the Wharf gave me express directions on how not to drown a lobster. See - these little sea creatures don't dig fresh water - unless they are getting bubbly boiled in it. I'm guessing they don't care much for it then either.
So - $6, in styrofoam cooler and gel packs, later - they are enjoying their journey across the Midwest.
Friday, November 03, 2006
"This is the Police Department Calling,"
Oh hell no.
That is one of the worst ways I can think of to wake up.
Especially on a rainy morning, when your baby is sleeping peacefully for the first time in who knows how long.
Especially when your husband is driving out in the middle of nowhere to go to an appointment, in the rain, remember it's raining an bad things happen when it rains.
Especially when you have depression and anxiety issues. In the three seconds it took for that deputy to speak again, I was hit by that adrenaline rush and my ill mind had already taken me through my husbands funeral and into a life of loneliness and despair of raising our three beautiful girls without their father.
In three seconds. That's all it took.
I'm lucky. The call wasn't to tell me that my husband had been in an accident.
The next words out his mouth were, "do you have a small child that lives there?" Now in just a few seconds my mind swooped from being husband-less to grieving for the loss of my child, she must have gotten up and gone outside, oh ... my.... God... she's been hit by a car. Seriously this is how my mind works. I'm now in tears and only 6 seconds have probably passed.
Once again, lucky, my kids are fine.
I tell him yes, we have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. He then tells me that there were several phone calls to 911 from our phone. If it's the 2 year old, then that's fine, just take the phone away from your kid, you terrible parent, you. If its the 5 year old we need to discuss phone safety, because obviously you are an idiot, you horrible parent you.
I apologized in a way that suggested that I had in fact, been calling myself because of course my kids would not have access to the phone alone, much less the entire house, while I was in fact upstairs sleeping with the baby, because we have too many kids to control in our house, that's why, Mr. Policeman. If you want to come and get me and take me to a quiet jail cell for the day so I can sleep, then that's fine, but could you wait until I call my husband back to come and get the kids?
He said, "no problem" about the 2 year old calling, not about me trying to get arrested so that I could get some sleep.
You think this story is over, but you should know better.
The best (and by best I mean scariest) part of this story is how it all happened.
My husband who has a Master's degree - GAVE her the phone. Yes, he gave the 2 year old the phone. He probably taught her to dial 9-1-1 before he left.
So now I'm relieved because in this particular situation HE is the bad parent, shame on you, parent... not me! HALLELUJAH!!
This is how it went down - Dan usually uses his cell phone as an alarm clock. He had to get up and leave early because he had something to do before work in another town. We had discussed the night before that he needed to either bring my alarm clock or my phone back upstairs so that I can get up to get Julia ready for school.
Instead he left, knowing Anna was awake and downstairs (yes - the 2 year old), and that I was in fact sound asleep upstairs. He had taken her out of the safe haven of her room, complete with baby gate at the door, and took her downstairs where there are dangers all over - knives, scissors, markers! oh my! (yes, these things are put away, but Anna can do anything she sets her mind to). He turned on Dora and then LEFT. Yes, as in went away in the car, leaving my baby, my baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaby, alone. Well - with a mom in only her 2nd hour of sleep upstairs, meaning, mom is dead to the world asleep.
So, yeah, he left her alone, but not before giving her the house phone and telling her to take it to mommy when it rang. Yep, and he's the one with advanced degrees in our house.
Guess what though? She did give me the phone when it rang. Too bad it was the Police calling. Because she'd been sitting downstairs watching the other worst parents in the world's kid, Dora, and playing with a phone. You know, calling the police to chat. 9-1-1 to chat.
Yeah.
We're good.
That is one of the worst ways I can think of to wake up.
Especially on a rainy morning, when your baby is sleeping peacefully for the first time in who knows how long.
Especially when your husband is driving out in the middle of nowhere to go to an appointment, in the rain, remember it's raining an bad things happen when it rains.
Especially when you have depression and anxiety issues. In the three seconds it took for that deputy to speak again, I was hit by that adrenaline rush and my ill mind had already taken me through my husbands funeral and into a life of loneliness and despair of raising our three beautiful girls without their father.
In three seconds. That's all it took.
I'm lucky. The call wasn't to tell me that my husband had been in an accident.
The next words out his mouth were, "do you have a small child that lives there?" Now in just a few seconds my mind swooped from being husband-less to grieving for the loss of my child, she must have gotten up and gone outside, oh ... my.... God... she's been hit by a car. Seriously this is how my mind works. I'm now in tears and only 6 seconds have probably passed.
Once again, lucky, my kids are fine.
I tell him yes, we have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. He then tells me that there were several phone calls to 911 from our phone. If it's the 2 year old, then that's fine, just take the phone away from your kid, you terrible parent, you. If its the 5 year old we need to discuss phone safety, because obviously you are an idiot, you horrible parent you.
I apologized in a way that suggested that I had in fact, been calling myself because of course my kids would not have access to the phone alone, much less the entire house, while I was in fact upstairs sleeping with the baby, because we have too many kids to control in our house, that's why, Mr. Policeman. If you want to come and get me and take me to a quiet jail cell for the day so I can sleep, then that's fine, but could you wait until I call my husband back to come and get the kids?
He said, "no problem" about the 2 year old calling, not about me trying to get arrested so that I could get some sleep.
You think this story is over, but you should know better.
The best (and by best I mean scariest) part of this story is how it all happened.
My husband who has a Master's degree - GAVE her the phone. Yes, he gave the 2 year old the phone. He probably taught her to dial 9-1-1 before he left.
So now I'm relieved because in this particular situation HE is the bad parent, shame on you, parent... not me! HALLELUJAH!!
This is how it went down - Dan usually uses his cell phone as an alarm clock. He had to get up and leave early because he had something to do before work in another town. We had discussed the night before that he needed to either bring my alarm clock or my phone back upstairs so that I can get up to get Julia ready for school.
Instead he left, knowing Anna was awake and downstairs (yes - the 2 year old), and that I was in fact sound asleep upstairs. He had taken her out of the safe haven of her room, complete with baby gate at the door, and took her downstairs where there are dangers all over - knives, scissors, markers! oh my! (yes, these things are put away, but Anna can do anything she sets her mind to). He turned on Dora and then LEFT. Yes, as in went away in the car, leaving my baby, my baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaby, alone. Well - with a mom in only her 2nd hour of sleep upstairs, meaning, mom is dead to the world asleep.
So, yeah, he left her alone, but not before giving her the house phone and telling her to take it to mommy when it rang. Yep, and he's the one with advanced degrees in our house.
Guess what though? She did give me the phone when it rang. Too bad it was the Police calling. Because she'd been sitting downstairs watching the other worst parents in the world's kid, Dora, and playing with a phone. You know, calling the police to chat. 9-1-1 to chat.
Yeah.
We're good.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Breaking in two...
Have you ever stumbled across someone's blog that was so intensely personal that you really got a glimspe of their life?
I came across a blog the other day while following a link from a friend's blog and I was mesmerized and heartbroken as I read, page by page, as she discussed her grief of losing her little girl just hours after she was born.
I read this blog in the same way I often surf blogs, while nursing Emma. This particular day Emma was excessively miserable as she was congested and had two teeth coming in. She had spent most of the morning crying and was finally sleeping after a long nursing session. I almost felt rude for reading about her loss and pain, and her intense desire to will her baby back to her arms, while holding Emma so close to me.
I sat sobbing for the better part of an hour, reading her entire blog's archives. She shares so clearly the moments of her labor and delivery and then the confusion, fear and grief that she experienced. My entire heart ached for her. She has two other children and so I felt a small sliver of hope for her knowing she wasn't left with completely empty arms, but also knowing after having children what a huge hole her loss will leave in her life forever.
I don't know this woman - but she has been in my thoughts in the last few days since I stumbled across her life. Wondering how she is holding up today.
I know why these blogs are so addictive and what an amazing tool for us to connect across such distance.
Update - I've received many emails about this post, and so I'm including a link to her blog. http://babycatcher33.livejournal.com/ Janice also wanted me to let you know that if you are looking to read about her daughter Abby, that you can look through the archives, read June 9th or look up specific entries in the "memories".
I came across a blog the other day while following a link from a friend's blog and I was mesmerized and heartbroken as I read, page by page, as she discussed her grief of losing her little girl just hours after she was born.
I read this blog in the same way I often surf blogs, while nursing Emma. This particular day Emma was excessively miserable as she was congested and had two teeth coming in. She had spent most of the morning crying and was finally sleeping after a long nursing session. I almost felt rude for reading about her loss and pain, and her intense desire to will her baby back to her arms, while holding Emma so close to me.
I sat sobbing for the better part of an hour, reading her entire blog's archives. She shares so clearly the moments of her labor and delivery and then the confusion, fear and grief that she experienced. My entire heart ached for her. She has two other children and so I felt a small sliver of hope for her knowing she wasn't left with completely empty arms, but also knowing after having children what a huge hole her loss will leave in her life forever.
I don't know this woman - but she has been in my thoughts in the last few days since I stumbled across her life. Wondering how she is holding up today.
I know why these blogs are so addictive and what an amazing tool for us to connect across such distance.
Update - I've received many emails about this post, and so I'm including a link to her blog. http://babycatcher33.livejournal.com/ Janice also wanted me to let you know that if you are looking to read about her daughter Abby, that you can look through the archives, read June 9th or look up specific entries in the "memories".
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month
The following information is from my good friend Kelly, best known here from Missing JT Snow. In honor of National Epilepsy Awareness Month - visit Kelly and her beautiful daughter Jenelle from this site (click here) about Jenelle's Journey with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (a severe form of Epilepsy).
Graphic from brownielocks.com
"November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month!
Wear purple/lavender and help get the word out about Epilepsy!
Well you all know about our Jenelle. The scary times, the good times and hopefully all the things she is overcoming. We couldn't be prouder of our little girl, but we also realize the long, tough road it took to get to where we are today. Many of you often ask us what to do when you see someone having a seizure. Rather than go on about Jenelle, I wanted to share with you some tips about first aid when someone has a seizure.
Seizure First Aid:
Witnessing a seizure is frightening. Witnessing your child seizing is indescribable. Prior to our learning that Jenelle was having seizures, we had absolutely no experience with seizures or first aid for seizures. Now we are old pros and it is really something you just learn by fire so to speak. When someone is having a seizure, the hardest thing to do is remain calm, but it is the best and first thing you should do. Make sure the person seizing is comfortable and not hurting themselves (i.e. if they are repeatedly hitting their head on concrete - move them!) Start timing the seizure and wait it out until the seizure stops naturally on its own. What feels like 5 minutes to you may only be 40 seconds… its best to check your watch when timing. If the seizure goes longer than 5 minutes, call 911. And its is just as simple as that!
Here are some "Grand Mal First Aid" seizure things to do (taken from the National Epilepsy Foundation website):
Keep calm and reassure other people who may be nearby.
Don't hold the person down or try to stop his movements.
Time the seizure with your watch.
Clear the area around the person of anything hard or sharp.
Loosen ties or anything around the neck that may make breathing difficult.
Put something flat and soft, like a folded jacket, under the head.
Turn him or her gently onto one side. This will help keep the airway clear. Do not try to force the mouth open with any hard implement or with fingers. It is not true that a person having a seizure can swallow his tongue. Efforts to hold the tongue down can injure teeth or jaw.
Don't attempt artificial respiration except in the unlikely event that a person does not start breathing again after the seizure has stopped.
Stay with the person until the seizure ends naturally.
Be friendly and reassuring as consciousness returns.
Offer to call a taxi, friend or relative to help the person get home if he seems confused or unable to get home by himself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please pass this along to your friends and family; and feel free to ask questions about Epilepsy. The more we talk about it, the more awareness we'll get! Thanks for the support for our Jenelle!
Kelly
You can also click the following links (or links above) to learn more about Epilepsy and what you can do to help...
Peace of Mind Jewelry - Jenelle's Epilepsy Bracelet ($10 of proceeds will be donated to the Epilepsy Foundation) http://www.peaceofmindjewelry.com/charity.htm#Epilepsy_Awareness
Make Every Day Better - http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/howtohelp/index.cfm
I will die from her cuteness...
I looooooooove me this costume. She loved playing with her little dangling eyes. I still giggle every time I see this picture!
Anna showed us all how to Trick or Treat. She was hilarious yelling to me from each doorstep as she held up her loot to show me... "yook momma, CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNYYYYYYYYY" When we got home Anna was recapping, "momma, we went to a house, and said, 'I want canny' an den, we got some, den we go and said 'I want canny' and we get some more" It was hilarious. She lucked out too, she decided at the last minute she wanted to dress as a spider, and when we unpacked her costume it was a spider witch costume! She was appeased with all the spider webs and spiders on her little dress. 
And then there is our veteran Trick or Treater. Julia could not wait to get out and get that candy. She was so sweet, she'd tell each person "thank you, Have a Happy Halloween" as she got her loot and walked away. She did a great job in showing Anna the ropes. She had a great time, but was ready for bed as soon as we got home. 
All in all we had a great night. Our favorite stop was this beautiful home with a long winding driveway. They had gone all out decorating the driveway with fog machines, sound effects, and decor. At the house they had a little area for the kids to get their treats, and for the adults, a tiki bar complete with a bartender for adult trick or treating. Straight from the bottle you could pick your poison. Dan and I shared a nice Halloween Ale as we walked down the tree lined streets in the balmy high 50 degree weather. The kids were comfortable in their double layers of long sleeved t's and leggings instead of the coats and snowpants people taunted us with. The witches didn't fight with each other, Em was charming and all was well in our little corner of New England.
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