I have the headache that just won't quit. It feels like someone is actually inside my head, and maybe even my ears, and just SQUEEZING the hell out of my brain. Just..AHHHH..Right in there. Painful. My doctor gave me muscle relaxers to take when I need for them, because they started happening almost a week after the test turned positive, and are still coming on. The muscle relaxers make me nervous though, and so far I've only taken two. The farther I get, the worse they get. He said it's probably because the weight from my stomach is putting pressure on my back, which is putting strain on my shoulders, which is straining my neck, which is making me want to poke myself in the eyes with needles so I can ignore my brain. I've been reading The Scarlet Letter this week, and I'm determined to finish it before the new books I ordered come into the library, but even just reading is killing me. All I want to do is lay in my room in the dark and keep my eyes closed, because then my head doesn't hurt. I've been sleeping OK, aside from the peeing every few hours and those awesome leg cramps that jolt you awake and make you want to punch your sleeping partner. Other than that though, sleeping well. I'm extremely happy this is the home stretch. I'm hoping that once this little bundle comes, the headaches will stop and I can just be one tired, sore and engorged mommy.
Oh, by the way, super excited about tomorrow..(sarcasm)..Claire and I will be taking a little trek in town (two blocks away..ha!) to drop off David's car and walk back home. David's car is finally getting new tires. We figured we'd better go ahead and take care of it now since my MIL will be here in 3 weeks. We're also getting new windsheild wipers and oil changes for both cars. My car needs the oil change and windsheild wipers more than his, but why not get it all done at the same time. I also need to get both cars cleaned out, vacuumed and wiped down. It's amazing what kids accumulate in the backseat of cars. There are toys, hats, old snacks and I think maybe even a shirt in David's car. Don't ask me how the clothes migrated to the car..I'm not sure of that myself. If it got there on it's own, I'm going to be pretty impressed. Claire's carseat has a pretty good collection of snack crumbs as well. I'm pretty sure if a wild animal wanted to move into the car, they'd be set for sometime. There's some half full water bottles lying on the floors that they could chew into for liquid sustinance. I can't wait to get the cars cleaned out. They really need it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Dear Oven And Arizona Jury Selector People
My oven hit the crapper, and I've, AGAIN, been chosen for jury duty in Arizona, although I no longer live there. So, here are my open letters to these craptastical things.
Dear Oven,
Tonight was not a good night for you to stop working. Granted, I knew this day was coming, but for the love of it all, could you have just given me until after I made tomorrow's meal!! I have a Bacon Potato Torte to make, and here you are, crapping out on my Ziti. It's a good thing that everything that goes into the Ziti, aside from the cheese I put on top, is already cooked. It's a good thing my microwave can pick up where you left off. If I wasn't pregnant and had Incredible Hulk strength, there would be a stove shaped hole on my kitchen wall right now, where you should be. Tax returns can't come soon enough. You will be gone, and I will be hugging my brand new stove. My nice, pretty, clean, stove. You can go cry your oveny tears somewhere else, because I'm so over you're non heating ways.
Good Riddance!
Dear Arizona Jury Selection People,
The last time you sent me a summons for jury duty, I was no longer living in Arizona. This was 2 years ago. In 2007. Maybe you want to check your records. Also, I am no longer listed in the DMV as holding an Arizona State driver's license. Again, maybe you want to check your records, because YOUR KILLING ME SMALLS! You might also want to think about hiring some non-rude people in your jury office. Not only was she rude, but she kept telling me to do things that I kept telling her I had already done...TWO YEARS AGO..I filled out your crappy paper work. I have a Wisconsin state license. I REPORTED I MOVED!!! I was disqualified from your little jury pool. I don't even live in the state anymore! Quit summoning me! I had to tell her this I don't even know how many times or for how many minutes before her clucking of the tounge and exasperated breath asked me, "What's your jury number?" I don't want to be jailed because you failed to remove me from you RSVP list of jury folk. Also, you might want to decide if I have my maiden name or my married name before mailing me anymore crap. And, seriously, consider hiring some nicer people. She really made me want to yell, and that takes a lot.
NOW LEAVE ME ALONE!
Ahhh..That's a little better. Now, off to resume some part of what I am hopeful is a non-stress filled evening.
Dear Oven,
Tonight was not a good night for you to stop working. Granted, I knew this day was coming, but for the love of it all, could you have just given me until after I made tomorrow's meal!! I have a Bacon Potato Torte to make, and here you are, crapping out on my Ziti. It's a good thing that everything that goes into the Ziti, aside from the cheese I put on top, is already cooked. It's a good thing my microwave can pick up where you left off. If I wasn't pregnant and had Incredible Hulk strength, there would be a stove shaped hole on my kitchen wall right now, where you should be. Tax returns can't come soon enough. You will be gone, and I will be hugging my brand new stove. My nice, pretty, clean, stove. You can go cry your oveny tears somewhere else, because I'm so over you're non heating ways.
Good Riddance!
Dear Arizona Jury Selection People,
The last time you sent me a summons for jury duty, I was no longer living in Arizona. This was 2 years ago. In 2007. Maybe you want to check your records. Also, I am no longer listed in the DMV as holding an Arizona State driver's license. Again, maybe you want to check your records, because YOUR KILLING ME SMALLS! You might also want to think about hiring some non-rude people in your jury office. Not only was she rude, but she kept telling me to do things that I kept telling her I had already done...TWO YEARS AGO..I filled out your crappy paper work. I have a Wisconsin state license. I REPORTED I MOVED!!! I was disqualified from your little jury pool. I don't even live in the state anymore! Quit summoning me! I had to tell her this I don't even know how many times or for how many minutes before her clucking of the tounge and exasperated breath asked me, "What's your jury number?" I don't want to be jailed because you failed to remove me from you RSVP list of jury folk. Also, you might want to decide if I have my maiden name or my married name before mailing me anymore crap. And, seriously, consider hiring some nicer people. She really made me want to yell, and that takes a lot.
NOW LEAVE ME ALONE!
Ahhh..That's a little better. Now, off to resume some part of what I am hopeful is a non-stress filled evening.
Monday, September 28, 2009
35 Weeks And LOVIN' It!!
I went to my 35 week Prenatal visit today, and found out that little baby is no longer breech! YES! That means I can birth my baby the way I want to birth my baby, which is vaginally with some sort of drug so I don't rip my poor husbands arms off during labor. I made it through labor with Claire naturally but, I don't really think I want to do it again. Her birth wasn't planned to be natural. I got an epidural, and it didn't take. Having that happen kind of puts me off the idea of getting an epidural again, and I think I might want to try some other forms of pain management, but I'm so scared to. What if they don't work either? Having Claire, I can honestly say, was THE most PAINFUL and HAPPIEST experience of my life. Ethan's was happy, but I was so loopy from his epidural, I don't remember a whole lot. I'd rather just experience the happy part though. I've been reading about walking epidurals, and I think I like the sounds of that. I'm going to talk to my doctor at my next appointment about it, which is next week. Yes, I now get to start the weekly appointment. In honor of my 35 Week Mark, here's my tummy time line from 13 weeks until today:
Fun stuff! And also, here's a little list about what I'm not going to miss about pregnancy:
Annoyed as he may look, he wasn't. He was asking David about the movie.
Dinosaurs are funny!
An almost candid moment, until she looked up and saw me. Darn!
Fun stuff! And also, here's a little list about what I'm not going to miss about pregnancy:1) Heartburn. Milk, Tums and Zantac are no longer keeping it at bay. Whenever I eat, my chest is on fire.
2) Braxton Hicks Contractions. Not painful, but man I forgot they are annoying.
3) Getting up at hours that no human should be awake to pee.
4) Just being totally uncomfortable.
5) Eating a bowl of ice cream and gaining 5 pounds.
2) Braxton Hicks Contractions. Not painful, but man I forgot they are annoying.
3) Getting up at hours that no human should be awake to pee.
4) Just being totally uncomfortable.
5) Eating a bowl of ice cream and gaining 5 pounds.
In other news, I have a tiny bookworm on my hands..Awww..Just like her mommy. Reading, reading, and yes, maybe a little more reading. David and Ethan were trying to watch a movie together on Sunday while I did some laundry and other general tidying up. I'm TRYING my hardest to keep up with the housework since my MIL will be here to stay with us and help out with the new arrival. Anywho, Claire decided that during their movie would be the perfect time to take 'How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?', climb up on the couch and use her big brother as a backrest so she could flip through the pages of her book. I tried to catch her reading, but, of course, as soon as she saw the camera, her big toothy smile came out and I just couldn't catch that candid picture of her reading. The pictures are pretty cute all the same.
Annoyed as he may look, he wasn't. He was asking David about the movie.
Dinosaurs are funny!
An almost candid moment, until she looked up and saw me. Darn!Saturday, September 26, 2009
Why Is It?
Can someone please explain to me why it is that my son eats like a bird at home, but when we take him to a picnic/party/buffet he eats like no one I've ever seen? Well, that's not true. I think the original title of 'Eating Like No One I've Ever Seen' belongs to my brother. You don't want to see what he'll eat at a buffet. It's disturbing. Really.
Today we met my SIL, her husband, my niece and my FIL for lunch at a small Chinese buffet they have in a town about 25 minutes from us. Even though we live so close, both my SIL and her husband work full time, and my FIL has a weird work schedule, so we rarely get together unless it's a holiday or birthday. We try to fit meetings in between, but they are pretty few and far between. It makes me a little sad, because when we lived in Arizona, I made it a point to go out to my grandmother's in Chandler to visit whenever I could. We'd pop out for visits, dinners, BBQ's..You name it, we were there. Anywho, we get to the buffet, and David watched Claire while I helped Ethan get a plate for himself, which he protested, so I got my own plate and silently "followed" him (kept myself at a small distance behind him at the buffet so he would think he was on his own), and watched in silent shock as he loaded his plate with everything but green beans (ALLERGIC) and carried it off to the table. As we all sat down to eat, I carefully watched Ethan as he took his time examining his foodie loot, and then dug in. He ate the ENTIRE plate, and went back for more. Again, he came back with a plate piled high, carefully examined and ATE THE ENTIRE PLATE!! He did this TWO MORE TIMES!! Where does he put it all? At home, he eats one helping of dinner, and he's done. He doesn't want anything else. Now, granted, I am not the world's best chef. I try, but, let's face it, I can burn water. I can bake a pretty awesome birthday cake or a mean set of brownies, but cook..HA! I just don't understand it though, because he normally doesn't snack much at home either. He comes home from school, does homework, eats a few animal crackers/graham crackers/goldfish and continues about his day until dinner time. The insane amounts of food he eats when we we're out somewhere....It's crazy! I just don't understand where it all goes. Am I the only one with a child that does this? Is his little belly going to explode one day because he gobbles so much?
Oh, and another mystery I'd like solved, why does Ethan's dog hate to sleep in his bed, but thinks that our bed is the BEST BED in the world? Seriously, this dog waits for me to get up and go lie down, then makes himself a little nest in my blankets and gets all comfy on my pillows while I'm brushing my teeth. Is my bed that awesome?
Today we met my SIL, her husband, my niece and my FIL for lunch at a small Chinese buffet they have in a town about 25 minutes from us. Even though we live so close, both my SIL and her husband work full time, and my FIL has a weird work schedule, so we rarely get together unless it's a holiday or birthday. We try to fit meetings in between, but they are pretty few and far between. It makes me a little sad, because when we lived in Arizona, I made it a point to go out to my grandmother's in Chandler to visit whenever I could. We'd pop out for visits, dinners, BBQ's..You name it, we were there. Anywho, we get to the buffet, and David watched Claire while I helped Ethan get a plate for himself, which he protested, so I got my own plate and silently "followed" him (kept myself at a small distance behind him at the buffet so he would think he was on his own), and watched in silent shock as he loaded his plate with everything but green beans (ALLERGIC) and carried it off to the table. As we all sat down to eat, I carefully watched Ethan as he took his time examining his foodie loot, and then dug in. He ate the ENTIRE plate, and went back for more. Again, he came back with a plate piled high, carefully examined and ATE THE ENTIRE PLATE!! He did this TWO MORE TIMES!! Where does he put it all? At home, he eats one helping of dinner, and he's done. He doesn't want anything else. Now, granted, I am not the world's best chef. I try, but, let's face it, I can burn water. I can bake a pretty awesome birthday cake or a mean set of brownies, but cook..HA! I just don't understand it though, because he normally doesn't snack much at home either. He comes home from school, does homework, eats a few animal crackers/graham crackers/goldfish and continues about his day until dinner time. The insane amounts of food he eats when we we're out somewhere....It's crazy! I just don't understand where it all goes. Am I the only one with a child that does this? Is his little belly going to explode one day because he gobbles so much?
Oh, and another mystery I'd like solved, why does Ethan's dog hate to sleep in his bed, but thinks that our bed is the BEST BED in the world? Seriously, this dog waits for me to get up and go lie down, then makes himself a little nest in my blankets and gets all comfy on my pillows while I'm brushing my teeth. Is my bed that awesome?
Friday, September 25, 2009
Superhero's Take Great Pictures
Today is the last day of Moxie Mona's trip around the blogosphere, and today I am participating in Give Me Your Best Shot brought to you by Better In Bulk. Today's Theme just happens to be Superhero Pictures.
Generally, my kids don't dress up like Superhero's. In fact, the only time Ethan really dresses like a Superhero is on Halloween. It's all the kid has been since the age of 5 and we first started taking him out to do the rounds of the neighborhood. I tried to get him to be a firefighter or something this year, but he's insisting that Wolverine of the X-Men is the BEST thing in the universe to be. So, here we go..More superhero costumes. Anywho, at the age of 5, on Halloween night, I had a big green Hulk in my living room, and apparently, I won't like him when he's angry, but all my little Hulk could do was giggle uncontrollably and ask when we were going to get the candy..
On a side note, please, excuse our mess in the background. My FIL had just finished moving out and we were trying to resurrect the house into some form of normalcy. The hulk mask lasted for a total of 5 minutes once we hit the streets, then he ended up taking it off and we placed it in the car, where it died under small feet and litter. Unfortunatley, Claire was still baking in the belly at this point in time, but I'd call myself a superhero for being taking a giddy 5 year old trick or treating while pregnant in the freezing Wisconsin weather. Go me! And, if you've ever taken a child trick or treating, you know exactly what happens. They DASH from door to door, barely stopping to catch their breath or examine their loot. I'm pretty sure on Halloween, kids develop the ability to see through their candy bags so they don't have to stop and pick through.
Now, last year, Claire was still too young to partake in the Halloween festivities, and I didn't get a very good picture of Ethan in his costume because he just wouldn't sit still. We went out with my MIL who was visiting from AZ and some friends, and he couldn't stand waiting to meet them any longer. Yesterday, however, Ethan pulled out his batcave playset, and I was able to steal a few pictures of the kiddies while the were thoroughly engrossed in Batman fun.
I don't really know why Ethan does that goofy smile. I think it's just his age. I really hope that his school pictures come back with the sweet smile I love instead of the forced one. Claire, on the other hand, knows exactly what the camera is for now, and smiles whenever I bring it out and point it in her general direction.
Now, they are busy in the fun of all things Batman, and simply can't be bothered with the camera any longer. However, I think Ethan was batman, which means Claire was, of course, relegated to the position of Robin.
Claire loved her adventures in Batman land, even though Ethan did no enjoy her stealing the pieces of the set. I can't even tell you how many time I had to reattach a ladder or wind up rope that she strung around Robin's neck to hang him from. But, the adventure was filled with more giggles than Ethan arguing with a sister that doesn't pay attention.
Generally, my kids don't dress up like Superhero's. In fact, the only time Ethan really dresses like a Superhero is on Halloween. It's all the kid has been since the age of 5 and we first started taking him out to do the rounds of the neighborhood. I tried to get him to be a firefighter or something this year, but he's insisting that Wolverine of the X-Men is the BEST thing in the universe to be. So, here we go..More superhero costumes. Anywho, at the age of 5, on Halloween night, I had a big green Hulk in my living room, and apparently, I won't like him when he's angry, but all my little Hulk could do was giggle uncontrollably and ask when we were going to get the candy..
On a side note, please, excuse our mess in the background. My FIL had just finished moving out and we were trying to resurrect the house into some form of normalcy. The hulk mask lasted for a total of 5 minutes once we hit the streets, then he ended up taking it off and we placed it in the car, where it died under small feet and litter. Unfortunatley, Claire was still baking in the belly at this point in time, but I'd call myself a superhero for being taking a giddy 5 year old trick or treating while pregnant in the freezing Wisconsin weather. Go me! And, if you've ever taken a child trick or treating, you know exactly what happens. They DASH from door to door, barely stopping to catch their breath or examine their loot. I'm pretty sure on Halloween, kids develop the ability to see through their candy bags so they don't have to stop and pick through.Now, last year, Claire was still too young to partake in the Halloween festivities, and I didn't get a very good picture of Ethan in his costume because he just wouldn't sit still. We went out with my MIL who was visiting from AZ and some friends, and he couldn't stand waiting to meet them any longer. Yesterday, however, Ethan pulled out his batcave playset, and I was able to steal a few pictures of the kiddies while the were thoroughly engrossed in Batman fun.
I don't really know why Ethan does that goofy smile. I think it's just his age. I really hope that his school pictures come back with the sweet smile I love instead of the forced one. Claire, on the other hand, knows exactly what the camera is for now, and smiles whenever I bring it out and point it in her general direction.
Now, they are busy in the fun of all things Batman, and simply can't be bothered with the camera any longer. However, I think Ethan was batman, which means Claire was, of course, relegated to the position of Robin.
Claire loved her adventures in Batman land, even though Ethan did no enjoy her stealing the pieces of the set. I can't even tell you how many time I had to reattach a ladder or wind up rope that she strung around Robin's neck to hang him from. But, the adventure was filled with more giggles than Ethan arguing with a sister that doesn't pay attention.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Writers Workshop: Super Powers
In case you haven't been following it, there's a trip around the blogosphere happening with Moxie Mona, mascot of Moxie Media. To follow this trip thus far, visit Mama Kat or Mayhem & Moxie to see the stops that Mona has made on her awesome journey.
Today's Writers Workshop is brought to you by Mama Kat:
If you were a super hero, what super power would you have and why?
Hmm..Let's discuss. I think I'd like the ability to teleport myself and my family to different locals throughout the world. Think about it!! Saving thousands on plane tickets. If we decided we wanted to take a Disney vacation, I'd just close my eyes and transport us to that lovely hotel we'd be staying at. The money we'd save from the plane tickets or gas for the car could be spent on breakdfast with the characters or fun souvineirs. I've always, I mean ALWAYS, wanted to go to Paris. No problem. Poof, I'm there! It's time to visit family in Arizona. Great, let's go. Poof, here we are! We'd save money, get there without having to go through the awful security lines in the airport and be squished into those wonderful airline seats. Man, would this power ever come in handy next year when I want to fly to Arizona for my cousin's Bat Mitzvah. I'd love to bypass the airport since I'll have an almost 2 year old, my 7 year old and a 4 month old. Yes, I'm crazy, but I also crazy love my family, and if traveling like a crazy person with a toddler, a school age child and a baby is what I have to do to see them, then watch me board that plane baby! Besides, do you know how much that trip is going to cost?! Almost 800 dollars for the three of us to have seats. I plan to have the baby in a sling so I can nurse easily, and hopefully travel a little better with the other two.
So, anyways, as I was saying, if I could have a super power, I'd like the ability to teleport. It'd be pretty nice I think!
Today's Writers Workshop is brought to you by Mama Kat:
If you were a super hero, what super power would you have and why?
Hmm..Let's discuss. I think I'd like the ability to teleport myself and my family to different locals throughout the world. Think about it!! Saving thousands on plane tickets. If we decided we wanted to take a Disney vacation, I'd just close my eyes and transport us to that lovely hotel we'd be staying at. The money we'd save from the plane tickets or gas for the car could be spent on breakdfast with the characters or fun souvineirs. I've always, I mean ALWAYS, wanted to go to Paris. No problem. Poof, I'm there! It's time to visit family in Arizona. Great, let's go. Poof, here we are! We'd save money, get there without having to go through the awful security lines in the airport and be squished into those wonderful airline seats. Man, would this power ever come in handy next year when I want to fly to Arizona for my cousin's Bat Mitzvah. I'd love to bypass the airport since I'll have an almost 2 year old, my 7 year old and a 4 month old. Yes, I'm crazy, but I also crazy love my family, and if traveling like a crazy person with a toddler, a school age child and a baby is what I have to do to see them, then watch me board that plane baby! Besides, do you know how much that trip is going to cost?! Almost 800 dollars for the three of us to have seats. I plan to have the baby in a sling so I can nurse easily, and hopefully travel a little better with the other two.
So, anyways, as I was saying, if I could have a super power, I'd like the ability to teleport. It'd be pretty nice I think!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wordful Wednesday--My Favorite (And Also Least Favorite) Vacation!
Today is Wordful Wednesday, brought to you by:
My aunt sent me an invite to my cousin, Molly's, Bat Mitzvah. No, I am not Jewish. When my aunt and my uncle married, my aunt converted so they could raise their kids in the Jewish faith. Also, did I mention that my aunt is the QUEEN of paper crafts? She made my cousin's super cool invites and centerpieces. Yeah, I'm jealous. Anywho, I booked my flight to good old Sky Harbor in Phoenix, AZ for January 15, 2008. I figured we (Ethan, myself and Claire was along for the ride in my belly) would spend a few days lounging with my MIL, and I'd get a chance to head out to Chandler to visit my great grandmother and my grandmother before the weekend festivities began. On January 13, Ethan produced a fever, a hacking cough, shortness of breath and paleness that persisted throughout the night, even through numerous doses of Motrin. I took him to the doctor on January 14. The visit was as follows:
My aunt sent me an invite to my cousin, Molly's, Bat Mitzvah. No, I am not Jewish. When my aunt and my uncle married, my aunt converted so they could raise their kids in the Jewish faith. Also, did I mention that my aunt is the QUEEN of paper crafts? She made my cousin's super cool invites and centerpieces. Yeah, I'm jealous. Anywho, I booked my flight to good old Sky Harbor in Phoenix, AZ for January 15, 2008. I figured we (Ethan, myself and Claire was along for the ride in my belly) would spend a few days lounging with my MIL, and I'd get a chance to head out to Chandler to visit my great grandmother and my grandmother before the weekend festivities began. On January 13, Ethan produced a fever, a hacking cough, shortness of breath and paleness that persisted throughout the night, even through numerous doses of Motrin. I took him to the doctor on January 14. The visit was as follows:
Dr.: Ethan appears to have the beginnings of pnuemonia.
Me: OK. What do we do to treat this?
Dr.: We'll give him some amoxicillan, and and inhaler. The inhaler should be used as needed or every 6 hours. The amoxicillan should be taken every 4 hours.
Me: We're scheduled to fly out tomorrow on a trip to Arizona. Is this serious enough to call off the trip, or can we still go?
Dr.: Oh, the trip should be fine. Just make sure to take the inhaler on the flight and use if needed.
Me: Ok, sounds great. Thanks Dr.!
There was dinner at Bucca Di Beppo in Scottsdale. (That's my cousin, the Bat Mitzvah girl, making her thanks for coming rounds!)
Tamborine's to be played at the Bat Mitzvah!
Grandpa's to take pictures with!
And even a glow necklace (or five as we ended up with) to be worn as halo's!
Giraffe's are Ethan's favorite animal. He still talks about the time he got to feed one.
Me: OK. What do we do to treat this?
Dr.: We'll give him some amoxicillan, and and inhaler. The inhaler should be used as needed or every 6 hours. The amoxicillan should be taken every 4 hours.
Me: We're scheduled to fly out tomorrow on a trip to Arizona. Is this serious enough to call off the trip, or can we still go?
Dr.: Oh, the trip should be fine. Just make sure to take the inhaler on the flight and use if needed.
Me: Ok, sounds great. Thanks Dr.!
Fast forward to January 15. It's 5 hours after our landing at 3 PM. So, it's 8 PM. Ethan starts to wheeze. I give him inhaler. Ethan starts to cough. I give him inhaler. Ethan starts to turn purple, cough and wheeze. I grab him, my MIL grabs keys and we go to Urgent Care where this loviness ensues:
This was after they asked if he'd had x-rays on his lungs and been offered breathing treatments by the Doctor we saw the day before. We hadn't. He recieved the x-rays there, and the entire bottom portion and almost his whole left lung were cloudy with pneumonia! After being monitored until almost 11PM at Urgent Care and showing no signs of progress, they tell us he needs to be on oxygen, admitted to the hospital and transported by ambulance.
After being loaded up for the drive to PCH (Phoenix Children's Hospital) we arrived to be shuttled in the ambulance bay doors, where they removed the oxygen Ethan was supposed to be on, took us to triage, and left us for FOUR FREAKING HOURS after all of that hoopla! I complained I can't even tell you how many times.
When we finally were taken to a room with my super sick child, the docotor that came to see us was short, failed to look at his medical records that CLEARLY stated that he needed admittance and told me that she wasn't going to admit him because she just didn't have the room. She needed it for "sicker" people. I was LIVID. I took the medicine she prescribed and shot her a death glare. I doubted that she caught it, so I hoped that in her midst to be rude to other people, she tripped on something and bruised her shin.
But, after all of that, the trip got better.
This was after they asked if he'd had x-rays on his lungs and been offered breathing treatments by the Doctor we saw the day before. We hadn't. He recieved the x-rays there, and the entire bottom portion and almost his whole left lung were cloudy with pneumonia! After being monitored until almost 11PM at Urgent Care and showing no signs of progress, they tell us he needs to be on oxygen, admitted to the hospital and transported by ambulance.
After being loaded up for the drive to PCH (Phoenix Children's Hospital) we arrived to be shuttled in the ambulance bay doors, where they removed the oxygen Ethan was supposed to be on, took us to triage, and left us for FOUR FREAKING HOURS after all of that hoopla! I complained I can't even tell you how many times.
When we finally were taken to a room with my super sick child, the docotor that came to see us was short, failed to look at his medical records that CLEARLY stated that he needed admittance and told me that she wasn't going to admit him because she just didn't have the room. She needed it for "sicker" people. I was LIVID. I took the medicine she prescribed and shot her a death glare. I doubted that she caught it, so I hoped that in her midst to be rude to other people, she tripped on something and bruised her shin.But, after all of that, the trip got better.
There was dinner at Bucca Di Beppo in Scottsdale. (That's my cousin, the Bat Mitzvah girl, making her thanks for coming rounds!)
Tamborine's to be played at the Bat Mitzvah!
Grandpa's to take pictures with!
And even a glow necklace (or five as we ended up with) to be worn as halo's!We ended our trip on a fabulous note. We took Ethan to the World Wildlife Zoo and let him do this:
Giraffe's are Ethan's favorite animal. He still talks about the time he got to feed one.In total on this trip, I grabbed maybe 24 hours of sleep. TWENTY FOUR!! In seven days. I was exhausted when we got home. I was ready to collapse as soon as we walked in the door. I slept from the moment Ethan was in bed, until well into the next day. David got up with Ethan and did all the medications and breathing treatments while I rested. What a guy! I also had to shove seeing the rest of my family into two days at the end of my trip because I didn't want to expose my great grandmother to Ethan's illness before he had been taking his medication for at least a few days. She's stubborn about medication as it is, and I just didn't want to shove this illness on her and burden my grandma with those medication arguments. After all was said and done though, it really did turn into a very fun vacation, and I'm happy that I, and that Ethan was well enough to be part of my cousin's day!
Blog Award Receivers
Alright, so yesterday I was given this awesome award by my friend Shea at Lovin' Every Minute Of It (AKA My Inner Voice Yelling.....She changed her blog name and my blog refuses to change the name of the blog..lol..). Anyways, as a refresher, the survey and the rules are:
1. Where is your cell phone? Counter
2. Your hair? Up
3. Your mother? Super
4. Your father? Eh
5. Your favorite food? Mexican
6. Your dream last night? Boring
7. Your favorite drink? Water
8. Your dream/goal? Teacher
9. What room are you in? Living
10. Your hobby? Reading
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Graceful
15. Muffins? Blueberry
16. Wish list item? Furniture
17. Where did you grow up? Arizona
18. Last thing you did? 90210
19. What are you wearing? PJ's
20. Your TV? SyFy
21. Your pets? Teddy
22. Friends? Awesome
23. Your life? Loved
24. Your mood? Happy
25. Missing someone? Grandpa
26. Vehicle? Sable
27. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
28. Your favorite store? Target
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? Tonight
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday
32. Your best friend? Jamie
33. One place that I go to over and over? Library
34. One person who emails me regularly? MIL
35. Favorite place to eat? Red Lobster
Here are the rules for the Over the Top Award!
1. You Can Only Use One Word!
2. Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers!
3. Alert them that you have given them this award!!!
4. Have Fun!!
Yesterday, I gave the award to Halle at HouseCapated. Today, I'd like to give out some of my remaining awards. They are:
1) Future Mama at Baby Makin(g) Machine. I just started reading, but am hooked. She's also holding a raffle until Ocotber 18th for the March Of Dimes, so head on over and check that out as well.
2) Kara at Kara's Kitchen Creations. She was the FB on SITS one day last week, and her food looks YUMMY! I'm totally trying some of those recipes.
3) Megan at Infertile Myrtle She's the FB on SITS today, and after reading one of her featured posts on her husband's random collecting, I just had to give her the award because I completely relate. I'll be following her soon as well...Blogger just isn't being cooperative in the 'Let Chantel Follow' department today!
4) Kylee over at The Life Of A Proud Young Mommy Again, just started following, but am loving what I'm reading so far!
And, well, that's really all I've got folks. I'm probably breaking the rules by not sending this little gem off to a 6th, but I don't really have anyone else to send it off to! If I come across someone else, I'll be sure to get it to them!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
My First Blog Award (YAY!!) and Tribute Tuesday-Best Hotel
First and foremost, since I am super excited about it, my friend Shea over at Lovin' Every Minute Of It or otherwise known as My Inner Voice Yelling (my blog just doesn't like to change names apparently) gave me this blog award:
As soon as I am done with this post, I am TOTALLY making an awards zone for this. I can't even tell you how thrilled I am that she gave me this award. I've been introduced to the wonderful world of SITS through her blog, and I'm LOVING all the new blogs I've been reading and have become a follower of. I'm also enjoying my journey with Moxie Mona this week. It's so fun to read all of those blogs that have had her come stay with them. Anyways, this award comes with a survey, followed by the six ladies that I will be bestowing this little award on.
First, the Survey::
1. Where is your cell phone? Counter
2. Your hair? Up
3. Your mother? Super
4. Your father? Eh
5. Your favorite food? Mexican
6. Your dream last night? Boring
7. Your favorite drink? Water
8. Your dream/goal? Teacher
9. What room are you in? Living
10. Your hobby? Reading
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Graceful
15. Muffins? Blueberry
16. Wish list item? Furniture
17. Where did you grow up? Arizona
18. Last thing you did? 90210
19. What are you wearing? PJ's
20. Your TV? SyFy
21. Your pets? Teddy
22. Friends? Awesome
23. Your life? Loved
24. Your mood? Happy
25. Missing someone? Grandpa
26. Vehicle? Sable
27. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
28. Your favorite store? Target
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? Tonight
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday
32. Your best friend? Jamie
33. One place that I go to over and over? Library
34. One person who emails me regularly? MIL
35. Favorite place to eat? Red Lobster
Here are the rules for the Over the Top Award!
1. You Can Only Use One Word!
2. Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers!
3. Alert them that you have given them this award!!!
4. Have Fun!!
The Receivers::
1) Halle at HouseCapated I just started reading her blog, and I don't know her very well, but her ideas that she gets for decorating and the before and after pictures she posts are AWESOME! I don't know why I like stuff like that, I just do, and it's fun to see someone's remodling project come to life.
Hmmm..Well, I'm not sure who else to pass it onto. More on the recievers later!
Now, for my Tribute Tuesday brought to you by::
I've decided to write my Tribute piece on The Best Hotel because, well, I've never had a bad hotel experience, nor have I met anyone "interesting" while on any travels. I've also never had anyone save my vacation experience, so, the best hotel it is. The best hotel I would say I've ever stayed at would be Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix North. Yes, that is really what it is called. No, I don't know why. Anywho, David and I stayed there on our wedding night. We splurged, and got ourselves a $400 wedding night package that included free room service (such a yummy breakfast), a free wine and cheese platter (which I still have the wine bottle from), a free movie rental (movies that are still in theatres on the TV in my hotel room..SWEET!!!) and a room with a balcony and a view of Phoenix. Did I mention the 5PM check out? That was the best. I really need the sleep after planning a wedding in a month! The balcony wasn't huge, but the view of Phoenix at night is just awesome. It's something I catch myself missing sometimes. I mean, who wouldn't want to step out onto their balcony and see this:
And yes, that is really what it looked like from our balcony, just facing east instead of south, and without that odd square building (the old govener's mansion) in the way. I didn't take this picture, but Google images sure did a great job findining it for me. Phoenix from up high is beautiful at night. It's all sparkly. When it's really late and quiet, and I would be up high with my friends looking down at the city, it always reminded me of a night sky on the ground. Millons of stars looking back up at you. Backwards, but beautiful all the same, and that's what I saw from my hotel room balcony on my wedding night.
Alas, I have no pictures of my honeymoon suite. In the post wedding rush to get my overnight bag packed and turn my grandmother's house into some resemblance of the way it was before my wedding, I left my camera on the dresser next to my grandfather's picture. The beds were big and plush and the best I have EVER slept in. I slept like a ROCK. I think it was the best night of sleep I had gotten since I'd given birth to Ethan. Fantastic. The staff was friendly and accomodating. When we checked in, the kitchen was closed and they didn't have any room service staff in the building, but the manager personally offered to get us anything we requested if we wanted it. We declined, but the offer was great.
All in all, it was a lovely hotel experience. I couldn't have asked for something better. I hope I get to stay in a hotel like that again someday!
As soon as I am done with this post, I am TOTALLY making an awards zone for this. I can't even tell you how thrilled I am that she gave me this award. I've been introduced to the wonderful world of SITS through her blog, and I'm LOVING all the new blogs I've been reading and have become a follower of. I'm also enjoying my journey with Moxie Mona this week. It's so fun to read all of those blogs that have had her come stay with them. Anyways, this award comes with a survey, followed by the six ladies that I will be bestowing this little award on.
First, the Survey::
1. Where is your cell phone? Counter
2. Your hair? Up
3. Your mother? Super
4. Your father? Eh
5. Your favorite food? Mexican
6. Your dream last night? Boring
7. Your favorite drink? Water
8. Your dream/goal? Teacher
9. What room are you in? Living
10. Your hobby? Reading
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Graceful
15. Muffins? Blueberry
16. Wish list item? Furniture
17. Where did you grow up? Arizona
18. Last thing you did? 90210
19. What are you wearing? PJ's
20. Your TV? SyFy
21. Your pets? Teddy
22. Friends? Awesome
23. Your life? Loved
24. Your mood? Happy
25. Missing someone? Grandpa
26. Vehicle? Sable
27. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
28. Your favorite store? Target
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? Tonight
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday
32. Your best friend? Jamie
33. One place that I go to over and over? Library
34. One person who emails me regularly? MIL
35. Favorite place to eat? Red Lobster
Here are the rules for the Over the Top Award!
1. You Can Only Use One Word!
2. Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers!
3. Alert them that you have given them this award!!!
4. Have Fun!!
The Receivers::
1) Halle at HouseCapated I just started reading her blog, and I don't know her very well, but her ideas that she gets for decorating and the before and after pictures she posts are AWESOME! I don't know why I like stuff like that, I just do, and it's fun to see someone's remodling project come to life.
Hmmm..Well, I'm not sure who else to pass it onto. More on the recievers later!
Now, for my Tribute Tuesday brought to you by::
I've decided to write my Tribute piece on The Best Hotel because, well, I've never had a bad hotel experience, nor have I met anyone "interesting" while on any travels. I've also never had anyone save my vacation experience, so, the best hotel it is. The best hotel I would say I've ever stayed at would be Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix North. Yes, that is really what it is called. No, I don't know why. Anywho, David and I stayed there on our wedding night. We splurged, and got ourselves a $400 wedding night package that included free room service (such a yummy breakfast), a free wine and cheese platter (which I still have the wine bottle from), a free movie rental (movies that are still in theatres on the TV in my hotel room..SWEET!!!) and a room with a balcony and a view of Phoenix. Did I mention the 5PM check out? That was the best. I really need the sleep after planning a wedding in a month! The balcony wasn't huge, but the view of Phoenix at night is just awesome. It's something I catch myself missing sometimes. I mean, who wouldn't want to step out onto their balcony and see this:
And yes, that is really what it looked like from our balcony, just facing east instead of south, and without that odd square building (the old govener's mansion) in the way. I didn't take this picture, but Google images sure did a great job findining it for me. Phoenix from up high is beautiful at night. It's all sparkly. When it's really late and quiet, and I would be up high with my friends looking down at the city, it always reminded me of a night sky on the ground. Millons of stars looking back up at you. Backwards, but beautiful all the same, and that's what I saw from my hotel room balcony on my wedding night.Alas, I have no pictures of my honeymoon suite. In the post wedding rush to get my overnight bag packed and turn my grandmother's house into some resemblance of the way it was before my wedding, I left my camera on the dresser next to my grandfather's picture. The beds were big and plush and the best I have EVER slept in. I slept like a ROCK. I think it was the best night of sleep I had gotten since I'd given birth to Ethan. Fantastic. The staff was friendly and accomodating. When we checked in, the kitchen was closed and they didn't have any room service staff in the building, but the manager personally offered to get us anything we requested if we wanted it. We declined, but the offer was great.
All in all, it was a lovely hotel experience. I couldn't have asked for something better. I hope I get to stay in a hotel like that again someday!
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Popcorn Monster Strikes Daddy!
It was family movie night in the Townsend household. We ate dinner and settled in to watch a movie..Or, rather, Ethan and David settled in to watch a movie. Ethan has been on a superhero kick recently, and I just didn't feel up to watching it. Claire, on the other hand, was very much into the movie time treat of choice...Popcorn! I sat on the floor near the couch while she perched herself in between David and Ethan, and dutifully set myself to digging through the popcorn bowl and pulling soft pieces that had no pieces of the kernals stuck to them to give her. After about 5 minutes of popcorn, she decided she'd had more than her fair share (all of 5 pieces) and set herself to force feeding David popcorn.
Now if only she could say, "Eat, Daddy, Eat!!" Instead of just Uh-Oh and Thank You, it would have made the moment that much more silly..lol..She was quite proud of herself in her popcorn conquest of feeding daddy. She giggled with each handful she took from the bowl, as made evident here.
This was taken just before she shoved what was left in the bowl into daddy's mouth. Notice the popcorn monster's suttle giggle. Watch out! She's feisty! Once the popcorn was given to daddy, it was time for diaper changes, hugs and kisses and bedtime! Now both kids are sleeping peacefully and recharging for another day. Will the popcorn monster strike again?
Now if only she could say, "Eat, Daddy, Eat!!" Instead of just Uh-Oh and Thank You, it would have made the moment that much more silly..lol..She was quite proud of herself in her popcorn conquest of feeding daddy. She giggled with each handful she took from the bowl, as made evident here.
This was taken just before she shoved what was left in the bowl into daddy's mouth. Notice the popcorn monster's suttle giggle. Watch out! She's feisty! Once the popcorn was given to daddy, it was time for diaper changes, hugs and kisses and bedtime! Now both kids are sleeping peacefully and recharging for another day. Will the popcorn monster strike again?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
OMG....I Cooked Something That Doesn't Suck!!
So, I'm not a cook. Nowhere near a good cook. I have a few basic recipes I can make, and that's it. If they come out unburned and normal, than you know they are edible. I host Thanksgiving dinner for my family too. It's a good thing I usually have help, otherwise all we'd be eating is deviled eggs and steamed microwavable carrots. Seriously, last Thanksgiving I cooked the Turkey with the giblets bag still inside. I removed the neck, but the giblets bag was left behind. My SIL's husband laughed for a good 15 minutes when he found it carving the turkey. This year, I don't really know what I'm going to do since I'll be extremely sleep deprived with a 2nd grader, a toddler and a newborn, and if this baby is going to be anything like his/her brother and sister, I might barely have time to make anything with my random nursing schedule. Please don't be a colicky baby!!
Anyways, over the past month or so, I watched a little show called 'The Next Food Network Star' on Food Network. Yeah, someone who can't cook likes to watch Food Network. Maybe I'm hoping to absorb the ability to cook through reverse osmosis. Anyways, the person I wanted to win, Melissa d'Arabian, won. She was a SAHM, had great tips for cooking and always threw in a money saving tip while running around the kitchen. She did a promo show for her last bit on the show, and made this 4 step chicken that I kinds swooped up and made a few times and that my family actually eats because, HEY, it's edible. Well, she did a recipe this last week for Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta. It was a HUGE hit. Though, it called for 1 tsp of Crushed Red Pepper, and I think I may reduce that by half because the shrimp marinade in it with some lemon and some olive oil, and it was a bit on the spicy side for the kids. Claire didn't much care, she plowed right through it, but Ethan wasn't too keen on it. But, otherwise, the recipe was fantastic, and all enjoyed it, including David. Seriously, he is the pickiest eater I have ever met. I thought our children would be picky eaters, but he has them beat. Anyways, I'm so thrilled that everyone liked it, that I plan to try more of her recipes. If you'd like to try one, the web address for her show is http://www.foodnetwork.com/ten-dollar-dinners-with-melissa-darabian/index.html All of her recipes are on there. I did try the Bacon Potato Torte recipe as well a few weeks ago, and it was great! Ethan was the only one who had a big problem with it. He's not really a fan of potatos that aren't boxed, but I think that might be a result of his SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder).
Next week I'm trying the Salmon Cake recipe she has listed on her site. I watched the show when she made them and they looked easy to make and very yummy. Now all I have to do is make them and NOT burn them. Wish me luck!
Anyways, over the past month or so, I watched a little show called 'The Next Food Network Star' on Food Network. Yeah, someone who can't cook likes to watch Food Network. Maybe I'm hoping to absorb the ability to cook through reverse osmosis. Anyways, the person I wanted to win, Melissa d'Arabian, won. She was a SAHM, had great tips for cooking and always threw in a money saving tip while running around the kitchen. She did a promo show for her last bit on the show, and made this 4 step chicken that I kinds swooped up and made a few times and that my family actually eats because, HEY, it's edible. Well, she did a recipe this last week for Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta. It was a HUGE hit. Though, it called for 1 tsp of Crushed Red Pepper, and I think I may reduce that by half because the shrimp marinade in it with some lemon and some olive oil, and it was a bit on the spicy side for the kids. Claire didn't much care, she plowed right through it, but Ethan wasn't too keen on it. But, otherwise, the recipe was fantastic, and all enjoyed it, including David. Seriously, he is the pickiest eater I have ever met. I thought our children would be picky eaters, but he has them beat. Anyways, I'm so thrilled that everyone liked it, that I plan to try more of her recipes. If you'd like to try one, the web address for her show is http://www.foodnetwork.com/ten-dollar-dinners-with-melissa-darabian/index.html All of her recipes are on there. I did try the Bacon Potato Torte recipe as well a few weeks ago, and it was great! Ethan was the only one who had a big problem with it. He's not really a fan of potatos that aren't boxed, but I think that might be a result of his SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder).
Next week I'm trying the Salmon Cake recipe she has listed on her site. I watched the show when she made them and they looked easy to make and very yummy. Now all I have to do is make them and NOT burn them. Wish me luck!
I am in LOVE with this idea! Too bad it's only offered in the Twin Cities!
I was going through the paper today for my Sunday coupons, and decided to read an article in the business section about the food wars between grocery stores in the cities. We only live about 45 minutes to an hour from the cities, so if it's going to save us some extra cash, we will make the trip to shop there. Anyways, as I was closing the paper, I came across and article on the back about an in hospital, postpartum spa service that just sounds amazing. After reading the article, I went ahead and looked them up online at http://www.gohomegorgeous.com/ and it just looks like the best invention ever. They have gift baskets (for mom and dad) and spa packages for mom. They also have two packages for in the home, one for sleep deprivation and one for prenatal women who are on bed rest. They have two hospitals where they offer their services for a discounted price because they are contracted with them. But, the original prices really aren't too terrible. Their most expensive spa package is $189 and includes foot, leg, arm, hand, neck and scalp massage, a heated temple treatment and a gift box. Since I don't live in the cities, I can't take part in this wonderful service. Like I've said already, it sounds fabulous, and I'd love to be able to give it a try! If you want to take a look at what else they have to offer, head on over to their website at the above link. I think they may ship their gift boxes to homes if your looking for a shower gift/postpartum gift for a friend or loved one.
In my own baby news, morning sickness has decided that the first three months I spent paying homage to our porcelain God just wasn't enough. I've been wracked by yucky tummy since waking this morning. On top of that, I've also been incredibly sleepy, which I've been enjoying not being for the past few months. I did actually get a good nap in today though since Claire decided that instead of her 45 minute nap that she's been taking for the last week, she was going to sleep 2 1/2 hours instead. THANK YOU CLAIRE!! I am still incredibly sleepy and having the yucky tummy, but not as much as before. We'll see what tomorrow brings with that. Hopefully the yucky tummy isn't as strong as it is today. Missing heartburn will be nice tomorrow too. I am really hoping that these (yucky tummy, heartburn, sleep deprivation, only having a girls name chosen) are all signs that a girl is in our future. That, and I have TONS of girl things! It'd be nice to not have to shop for anything other than a coming home outfit.
In my own baby news, morning sickness has decided that the first three months I spent paying homage to our porcelain God just wasn't enough. I've been wracked by yucky tummy since waking this morning. On top of that, I've also been incredibly sleepy, which I've been enjoying not being for the past few months. I did actually get a good nap in today though since Claire decided that instead of her 45 minute nap that she's been taking for the last week, she was going to sleep 2 1/2 hours instead. THANK YOU CLAIRE!! I am still incredibly sleepy and having the yucky tummy, but not as much as before. We'll see what tomorrow brings with that. Hopefully the yucky tummy isn't as strong as it is today. Missing heartburn will be nice tomorrow too. I am really hoping that these (yucky tummy, heartburn, sleep deprivation, only having a girls name chosen) are all signs that a girl is in our future. That, and I have TONS of girl things! It'd be nice to not have to shop for anything other than a coming home outfit.
Friday, September 18, 2009
These Toys Look Like SO Much Fun!!
I was flipping through my Parenting magazine (free issue I got because someone signed me up without my knowing) and came across this cool looking toy that I think would be a smash hit with Claire.
It's called the The Froggie Bubble Blower. You just fill it up with regular old bubble bath and a little water, turn it on and it croaks along to three different tunes while spewing bubbles into the tub. It also suctions right onto the tub wall. Only $24.99 at Target. Claire LOVES bubbles, so maybe if we can find it on sale before Christmas, this can be one of her gifts.
Another thing I love and want to get her is the Grow With Me Kitchen by Fisher-Price. It looks amazing, and would last for a long time. It goes from this:
To This:
All we'd need to get is some fake food and some dishes and she'd be set for hours of fun! She LOVES kitchen stuff. I mean, I probably couldn't even tell you where a slotted plastic spoon is right now because she raids my drawers and tupperware and pretends to cook. If she had the play kitchen, I could set it up in the kitchen, and she could cook along with me. Maybe then I wouldn't lose all of my untensils. It comes in pink and blue and is only $74.99 at Toys R Us. Not a bad price. Maybe it will be a little cheaper during the Day After Thanksgiving sales.
Speaking of pretend dishes, I'm sure she'd also go bananas for this:
The Fisher Price Say Please Tea Set. Again, she loves dishes, and has also become OBSESSED with shapes and shape sorters, and the dessert plate there is a shape sorter toy. At the library, she will sit and spend a good hour with the shape sorter toys. Which completely surprises me because she's only 17 months, but she loves those shapes. She remove them from the toy, then put them back in the toy and do it all over again. She does the same here at home, but not with shape sorter stuff, with the playdough creativity center Ethan has. She'll take the playdough containters out, then put them back in. It's fun to watch her. She gets really into it. Only $15.99 at Target. Maybe it'll be on sale soon.
Anyways, that's about all. Toys for Ethan are always MUCH harder to find, discuss and share. He's 7, and much too cool for any certain toy these days. We have to set him loose with toy catalogs and a permanent marker when the Christmas catalogs come along so I can e-mail lists of wants to our family. The only thing it's really guarnateed he'll love these days are art supplies and baking supplies. The kids loves to paint and bake!
It's called the The Froggie Bubble Blower. You just fill it up with regular old bubble bath and a little water, turn it on and it croaks along to three different tunes while spewing bubbles into the tub. It also suctions right onto the tub wall. Only $24.99 at Target. Claire LOVES bubbles, so maybe if we can find it on sale before Christmas, this can be one of her gifts.Another thing I love and want to get her is the Grow With Me Kitchen by Fisher-Price. It looks amazing, and would last for a long time. It goes from this:
To This:
All we'd need to get is some fake food and some dishes and she'd be set for hours of fun! She LOVES kitchen stuff. I mean, I probably couldn't even tell you where a slotted plastic spoon is right now because she raids my drawers and tupperware and pretends to cook. If she had the play kitchen, I could set it up in the kitchen, and she could cook along with me. Maybe then I wouldn't lose all of my untensils. It comes in pink and blue and is only $74.99 at Toys R Us. Not a bad price. Maybe it will be a little cheaper during the Day After Thanksgiving sales.Speaking of pretend dishes, I'm sure she'd also go bananas for this:
The Fisher Price Say Please Tea Set. Again, she loves dishes, and has also become OBSESSED with shapes and shape sorters, and the dessert plate there is a shape sorter toy. At the library, she will sit and spend a good hour with the shape sorter toys. Which completely surprises me because she's only 17 months, but she loves those shapes. She remove them from the toy, then put them back in the toy and do it all over again. She does the same here at home, but not with shape sorter stuff, with the playdough creativity center Ethan has. She'll take the playdough containters out, then put them back in. It's fun to watch her. She gets really into it. Only $15.99 at Target. Maybe it'll be on sale soon.Anyways, that's about all. Toys for Ethan are always MUCH harder to find, discuss and share. He's 7, and much too cool for any certain toy these days. We have to set him loose with toy catalogs and a permanent marker when the Christmas catalogs come along so I can e-mail lists of wants to our family. The only thing it's really guarnateed he'll love these days are art supplies and baking supplies. The kids loves to paint and bake!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Sniffles Have Come To Town And I Don't Want The Company!
Ethan was sniffling a little bit last Friday. I didn't think much of it because the kid has allergies like you wouldn't believe, and I'm sure living in a town that's 95% farms and land and only 5% housing and suburb doesn't help that. Today, however, I woke up with a stuffed up nose, which is always my indication that I am catching a cold. Claire woke up happy and bubbly this morning, "Uh-Oh'd" and "Daddy'd" her way through her waffle, and watched her daily dose of Sesame Street and Elmo's World with no problem. As soon as Sesame Street was over though, she turned to give me her little smile and what did I see? Yucky snot. Yes, Claire also has the runny nose. She went down happily for her nap, but woke up cranky and clingy and with even more of a runny nose than what she went down with. She didn't want her cut up banana's and sandwich lunch like she normally does. She wanted down from the high chair. As I type, she currently in my lap clinging to my shirt, trying to tuck her little body as close to me as she can, which isn't an easy task with the basketball that's currently taking residence there.
The kids will be headed to the doctor by Friday for Flu Shots. Ethan will be fine, Claire will scream. She loves the pediatrician for the first 5 minutes we are there, but then she touches her, and it's all over. She'd rather have her time to run around the room, play with the toys and laugh at her brother instead of be bothered by this lady that wants to play with her neck and listen to her heart. It's going to be a BLAST when I have to take all three kids to the doctor for check-ups. One (Ethan) will be talking NON STOP about what kind of sticker he wants when we are done, and the other two will be FREAKING out because they know what's coming next. There was a point in Ethan's life when we would head to the doctor, and as soon as they said his name he would wrap his little arms around my legs to prevent me from moving towards whatever exam room they were going to be placing us in. Funny thing is, his pediatrician for the first 4 years of his life was my uncle, and whenever we went over to my aunt and uncle's house for BBQ's and swimming and general family get together's, Ethan could care less about what had happened the last time we were in the office to see him. It was always funny to think back a few days before when he was practically clawing the walls in the hall on the way to the exam room, and then see him ask Uncle Brad for help putting on his water wings. Kids...Gotta love 'em.
Anyways, here's to hoping the cold passes quickly and flu shots go off without a hitch!
The kids will be headed to the doctor by Friday for Flu Shots. Ethan will be fine, Claire will scream. She loves the pediatrician for the first 5 minutes we are there, but then she touches her, and it's all over. She'd rather have her time to run around the room, play with the toys and laugh at her brother instead of be bothered by this lady that wants to play with her neck and listen to her heart. It's going to be a BLAST when I have to take all three kids to the doctor for check-ups. One (Ethan) will be talking NON STOP about what kind of sticker he wants when we are done, and the other two will be FREAKING out because they know what's coming next. There was a point in Ethan's life when we would head to the doctor, and as soon as they said his name he would wrap his little arms around my legs to prevent me from moving towards whatever exam room they were going to be placing us in. Funny thing is, his pediatrician for the first 4 years of his life was my uncle, and whenever we went over to my aunt and uncle's house for BBQ's and swimming and general family get together's, Ethan could care less about what had happened the last time we were in the office to see him. It was always funny to think back a few days before when he was practically clawing the walls in the hall on the way to the exam room, and then see him ask Uncle Brad for help putting on his water wings. Kids...Gotta love 'em.
Anyways, here's to hoping the cold passes quickly and flu shots go off without a hitch!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Breech Baby - Placenta Previa = A Not Happy Mommy
I went in for my first every two week appointment (also known as my 33 week check). My weight is good, my blood pressure great, the position of baby..Not so much. He/She is still breech! At my next appointment, he is going to check again, but as of today, his/her little head is up near the right side of my ribs, and the little legs are down near my left ovary. Can someone please send him/her a memo that says it's the other way around? If the head was near my left ovary, I'd be happy, but it's not. He (my doctor) also said that if the baby isn't turned by 37 weeks, we can consider trying to have the baby turned. All I know about turning a baby is what I've seen on TV. The only people I've know that have had C-Sections are my cousin, my SIL and my MIL, and none of them were planned. I'm not really sure where my mind is on having the baby turned. I'm also really disappointed because I was hoping once the placenta previa was gone, I'd get the green light for a vaginal birth with no problems. Looks like baby has other plans, and right now, it's baby's way or the highway!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Are Cooking And Baking Really That Different?
Really, are they? Why can I make a cupcake that everyone loves, but burn a chicken? Why can I make a birthday cake, but totally fry spaghetti sauce? I don't understand it. I really don't. My mom can cook. My aunt can cook. My grandma can attempt to cook, but I can't. Well, I can make a casserole. You know, that resembles baking. You do have to bake a casserole, but if it's on the stove top it burns/boils over/just doesn't look right, then Ethan complains and David looks at me weird. There needs to be some fairy that comes to your wedding and when you share your first kiss with your husband, she waves some magic wand over your head that makes you the ideal chef. You don't have to be gourmet, just be able to make something edible. If she throws in the magical self cleaning kitchen and the ability to save $100 at the grocery store without even trying, that would be great.Sometimes I wonder if I missed out on the cooking gene because I lived with grandma instead of mom. Grandma was the freezer queen. We were well stocked with frozen chicken, frozen potatoes, frozen fish sticks..You get the idea. If it was frozen, it was probably in our freezer. If it could be frozen, it was probably in our freezer. I didn't have to worry about all the measuring, frying, flipping, sauteing...All I had to do was open the freezer, peel back the plastic wrap and throw it in the microwave. Hey, I was in high school though, so it didn't really matter. Grandma worked nights and I had to get up at 4:30 in the morning for cheer practice. Whatever was quick and easy so I could eat it over homework and hurry through a shower was fine with me.
I guess that's enough of my kitchen rant. I need to go read Baby Love for the 100th time since checking it out at the library yesterday.......Joy.......
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Baby Names And Breast Pumps..OH MY!!
I finally got my breast pump. My Medela Pump In Style. On sale at Target for $249.99. Awesome deal! I am so excited. The box will be staying securely closed until at least a week before D-Day though. I don't want it to be damaged or anything before I need it. I have spent lots of time staring at the beautiful box though. Seriously, SO EXCITED. Now all I need to go with it are some breast milk storage bags and some breast pads. I came across some breast milk storage supplies I have from Claire. Some containers and some bags. The containers and bags are both still sealed in plastic (containers) and box (bags), so no need to worry about contamination. I'm still going to give the containers a quick once over, then pop them into a gallon bag so they stay sanitary until arrival. That's what I did with the Breastflow bottles we have. Cleaned, dried and stored in the gallon baggie for later use.
We have FINALLY decided on a girl's name. If we have a girl, her name will be Talia. We have no ideas for middle names. It's a good thing I checked out a baby name book from the library. Maybe we can get some more ideas. We have yet to decide on a boy's name though. Is that a sign I'm having a girl? I hope so..lol..David loved the name Parker for quite awhile. Me, not so much. He's recently discovered though that there is an actress named Parker Posey, and with his dislike of gender neutral names, Parker was quickly tossed aside. So, again, it's a good thing I checked out that book from the library, because we are going to need it. We still have 2 months left to decide on a middle girl's name and a boy's name, but I'd like to have them picked out already, just to be ready. With us not knowing what we are having (and I'm going crazy with that) I have so much flying through my head with coming home outfits, needing more gender neutral sleepers, needing bottles, packing the hospital bag.......SO MUCH!! I'm a planner. I like to plan ahead, which is obviously hard because babies have their own time schedules, but it would be nice to have things ready to go, including a name.
We have FINALLY decided on a girl's name. If we have a girl, her name will be Talia. We have no ideas for middle names. It's a good thing I checked out a baby name book from the library. Maybe we can get some more ideas. We have yet to decide on a boy's name though. Is that a sign I'm having a girl? I hope so..lol..David loved the name Parker for quite awhile. Me, not so much. He's recently discovered though that there is an actress named Parker Posey, and with his dislike of gender neutral names, Parker was quickly tossed aside. So, again, it's a good thing I checked out that book from the library, because we are going to need it. We still have 2 months left to decide on a middle girl's name and a boy's name, but I'd like to have them picked out already, just to be ready. With us not knowing what we are having (and I'm going crazy with that) I have so much flying through my head with coming home outfits, needing more gender neutral sleepers, needing bottles, packing the hospital bag.......SO MUCH!! I'm a planner. I like to plan ahead, which is obviously hard because babies have their own time schedules, but it would be nice to have things ready to go, including a name.
Friday, September 4, 2009
What Happened to $99 Wal-Mart?
The swing I want that Wal-Mart has, has risen from $99 to $112.00. I picked that swing because 1) it's cheap and I don't want to put my mother in a bind buying it, and 2) I'm having major trouble finding a swing that rocks side to side and back and forth. All I've been able to find are the back and forth swings, and both kids HATED back and forth rocking. They both cried until it was changed to side to side. I've also been finding unnecceasry components on these swings. For example, Target is selling this swing to the right...It has a freaking I-Pod dock! Really, who needs that on their baby's swing. I don't. It seems like a complete waste of money to get this swing. I really don't understand it at all.
I've been hearing some wonderful things about this Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Glider, and the reviews I've read are great, but I'm leery of it only because Ethan and Claire both used swings until they were about 6-7 months old, and I'm concerned that this won't have the capacity to hold that weight. Otherwise, I would probably buy this thing in a heartbeat. No one I've met whose used/had one has had a single complaint about it, which makes me curious and optimistic that it's a great product. I wish Babies 'R' Us had free shipping, because that's where it's cheapest, and at the same price as the swing that the price rose up on, it might be worth the buy for my mother.It looks like my quest for the swing continues!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
September 2, 2009 And Baby Needs....
Yesterday was mine and David's 4 year wedding anniversary. It doesn't feel like we got married that long ago, but we did. He hugged me last night and congratulated me on landing a stud like him. I laughed. I still fondly remember our first date on September 2, 2001 (8 years ago!) like it was yesterday. The movie we saw (Bubble Boy). Where he took me to eat (Wendy's). The crappy car he got washed to impress me (Tempo). The two hours we spent looking for his old friend's house so he could leave a note for him (on his truck). Ahhhhh..Memories. Now, 8 years later, we have 2 (almost 3) children. We've moved from the big city life in Arizona to the small town life in Wisconsin. Lots has happened. I think it's been a hectic/wonderful/happy 8 years. Sure we've had our ups and downs, but doesn't everyone?
I've made a short list of things we need for the baby. We need
I've made a short list of things we need for the baby. We need
- Bottles (for those just in case moments where I can't feed him/her)
- The coming home outfits for a boy and a girl so whatever we do have, they'll be clothed when we leave the hospital
- My breast pump
- This time I really want to get a sling so if the baby is ANYTHING like Claire, I can still get stuff done while baby is in the sling. We have a chest carrier from Claire, but she HATED it. I think a sling would be better.
- And, a swing. My mother is hoping to get one for us.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Second Grade Starts Without Incident
Ethan officially started second grade today. Claire started sleeping until 8:30 AM last week...SO NICE!!...Now, I need to start getting up at 7:05 AM to make sure Ethan is dressed, fed, teeth brushed and morning chores done before he needs to head out to catch the bus at 7:30 AM. Mornings are fun too. He gets up groggy, which makes him talk like no one can hear him if he isn't screaming. 'Can I have (insert cereal name here) for breakfast?!' 'Can I wear (insert inappropriate t-shirt/jeans/shorts/socks here) to school today?!'. Claire responds from her crib with a whimper, but falls immediately back to sleep. I remind him several times to whisper while sleepily pouring whatever cereal he's chosen to eat into the bowl.
Today, he came home with a multitude of items from his teacher. She has a VERY regimented classroom schedule, and homework is MUCH different this year than last. She said on Monday's, Ethan will be sent home with a blue slip containing one math problem and a small paragraph with grammatical errors. Wednesday all he brings home is spelling. I'm really not understanding how this is homework. I may sound over zealous or whatever, but shouldn't he have more? He got more homework sent home everyday in kindergarten and first grade. Maybe we'll see more coming in by the time school gets settled and going.
Something new this year that I'm going to L-O-V-E, we can keep track of Ethan's lunch account and grades online. We always have such a hard time keeping tack ourselves of how much Ethan has left in his account, and I'm on a first name basis with the woman in the school office because of it. I'm always calling and checking his account. It's going to come in very handy when the baby comes because we like to put money in his lunch account for hot lunch because we won't have the time to make his lunch. He's actually looking forward to the day the baby is born because he LOVES his hot lunch. He's been known to hide his packed lunch at home before (and sometimes even at) school so he could get a hot lunch. I've never seen a kid go to such lengths to get a lunch at school. Lunch at school for me was never appealing, and I was so happy when I was finally able to leave and go home to eat lunch in high school. Lunch up here must be better than it was in Arizona.
Well, that's all from the small town. More updates abound soon!
Today, he came home with a multitude of items from his teacher. She has a VERY regimented classroom schedule, and homework is MUCH different this year than last. She said on Monday's, Ethan will be sent home with a blue slip containing one math problem and a small paragraph with grammatical errors. Wednesday all he brings home is spelling. I'm really not understanding how this is homework. I may sound over zealous or whatever, but shouldn't he have more? He got more homework sent home everyday in kindergarten and first grade. Maybe we'll see more coming in by the time school gets settled and going.
Something new this year that I'm going to L-O-V-E, we can keep track of Ethan's lunch account and grades online. We always have such a hard time keeping tack ourselves of how much Ethan has left in his account, and I'm on a first name basis with the woman in the school office because of it. I'm always calling and checking his account. It's going to come in very handy when the baby comes because we like to put money in his lunch account for hot lunch because we won't have the time to make his lunch. He's actually looking forward to the day the baby is born because he LOVES his hot lunch. He's been known to hide his packed lunch at home before (and sometimes even at) school so he could get a hot lunch. I've never seen a kid go to such lengths to get a lunch at school. Lunch at school for me was never appealing, and I was so happy when I was finally able to leave and go home to eat lunch in high school. Lunch up here must be better than it was in Arizona.
Well, that's all from the small town. More updates abound soon!
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