Last night I dreamt that we had a baby girl. In the dream we were already home, and trying to figure out what to name her. Typical of us, huh? Anyway, we were thinking Cassidee, but it never did stick, and the baby didn't have a name the whole time.
We had been home a couple of days and hadn't been to the store, therefore we only had one dress for her, nothing else (more on why I think I dreamt this later). She had pooped and her diaper leaked and stained the dress, which was white. I thought, 'I know a cloth diaper wouldn't have leaked like this, I can't wait to make the switch' (more on that later too).
At some point we decided that we should probably call our families and let them know we had had a baby! We called someone, but I don't know who it was, just someone screaming on the other end that we finally had a girl. It was wierd.
Then this morning, Dillon was laying in bed with me and said, totally out of the blue, "what will we do if this baby dies?" *Sigh*
Speaking of dying, here's the reason I dreamt we didn't have any clothes. Last night, I had to run to Wally world. I had mentioned to Matt that it didn't even seem like we were going to have a baby, since we haven't bought a single thing, or even looked at anything for that matter. In fact, in the baby departments, I feel like a fraud standing there. It's wierd. Anyway, I thought to myself, 'self, let's pick up some onesies tonight, just to have SOMETHING' But when I got there, I looked at them and though, 'I would want to open them and wash them, how about some diapers, that way if the baby doesn't ever make it home with us, we can return them' In the end, I didn't get anything.
I know that I've brought all my babies home, and for that I am so grateful, but we just came so close with Zachy, that I am afraid this one won't make it home. I wonder if after the u/s I will feel better. I doubt it. Zachy's u/s were perfect. No problems whatsoever.
Anyway, about the diapers, I've been thinking about diapers. And cloth dipes. I need some opinions. I've always used Fuzzi Bunz, but they tend to really grab and odor that I have a hard time getting rid of. I'm thinking it may be the fleece, because I can get it out of the inserts and prefolds. I don't have any small cloth dipes, but I do have tons of chinese prefolds. What are your opinions on dipes? I know I have a few cloth diaperers. What would be best? I have quite a few other big ticket purchases to make since we have nothing, so I need to do it as cheaply as possible without buying cheap dipes, if you know what I mean. Anyway, please leave your opinions for me!! Thanks
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
AH..AH....AH....CHOO!!!!
Can't. Stop. Sneezing. Some allergen must be high today, because I have been a sneezing machine today. Of course, it doesn't help that every single hair on my head has been tickling my nose. Individually!!
So anyway, I had my 3 hour test yesterday. It wasn't too fun, but not nearly as bad as I anticipated. The hardest part was entertaining 4 kids for 3 hours. But we found a place with tables and chairs and the kids did all their school work. It could have been much worse. I should find out the results on Friday. I'm praying I pass it. But we shall see.
ACK!!! I just got pickle juice on my shirt..I HATE the smell of pickles!
Let me think, there was so much I was going to write here, but got sidetracked with the dumb pickles.
The other night, we were eating carrots with dinner and I said, "maybe if I eat enough carrots, this baby's eyes will be ok" Matthew said he hoped so, and now asks me daily if I've eaten any carrots. I've been eating quite a few carrots, I'll tell you that!
Here's a picture of some of the stuff the kids have been working on in History. They are loving history this year, they get to make so much stuff. The pyramid with the scribbles on it is Collin's.
And just a cute picture. Zachy totally adores Matthew, and the feeling is mutual.
So anyway, I had my 3 hour test yesterday. It wasn't too fun, but not nearly as bad as I anticipated. The hardest part was entertaining 4 kids for 3 hours. But we found a place with tables and chairs and the kids did all their school work. It could have been much worse. I should find out the results on Friday. I'm praying I pass it. But we shall see.
ACK!!! I just got pickle juice on my shirt..I HATE the smell of pickles!
Let me think, there was so much I was going to write here, but got sidetracked with the dumb pickles.
The other night, we were eating carrots with dinner and I said, "maybe if I eat enough carrots, this baby's eyes will be ok" Matthew said he hoped so, and now asks me daily if I've eaten any carrots. I've been eating quite a few carrots, I'll tell you that!
Here's a picture of some of the stuff the kids have been working on in History. They are loving history this year, they get to make so much stuff. The pyramid with the scribbles on it is Collin's.
And just a cute picture. Zachy totally adores Matthew, and the feeling is mutual.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Results are in
Well, I failed my one hour glucose test. I go in tomorrow morning for the 3 hour fasting test. Should be loads of fun. HA!!! I have to take all the kiddies with me, and sit there for 3 hours. We'll take school, but I don't know how to entertain the little ones for that long. I'm worried.
I also got a call from the peri office today, and I have my level 2 u/s on the 10th of October. I'm not sure if Matt will be able to make it. I really hope he can, but we just aren't sure. *Sigh*
What else...ummmm..I don't know.
We got the kids signed up for Adventurers and Pathfinders and they have induction on Saturday night. Should be fun for them. Matt is going to be a leader in Pathfinders this year.
October is going to be a busy month for us. We have several various appointments. Mainly for me and Matthew. OK, all for Matthew and me. Hopefully it will make time fly. On Halloween I will be 20 weeks. WOOHOO!! I can't wait for halloween to be over. Hehe.
OK, that's it for now. If I survive tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes.
I also got a call from the peri office today, and I have my level 2 u/s on the 10th of October. I'm not sure if Matt will be able to make it. I really hope he can, but we just aren't sure. *Sigh*
What else...ummmm..I don't know.
We got the kids signed up for Adventurers and Pathfinders and they have induction on Saturday night. Should be fun for them. Matt is going to be a leader in Pathfinders this year.
October is going to be a busy month for us. We have several various appointments. Mainly for me and Matthew. OK, all for Matthew and me. Hopefully it will make time fly. On Halloween I will be 20 weeks. WOOHOO!! I can't wait for halloween to be over. Hehe.
OK, that's it for now. If I survive tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Sorry, Gina
With all the talk of Zachy and the heart walk and whatnot, I figured it was time to put up Zachy's song. Hope you like it just as much. If not, maybe someday I'll put the other one back, but probably after Christmas music!! HEHE
Matters of the Heart
In November of 2002, I became pregnant...again! We were excited, and really didn't have any worries.
If you had told me that at the moment of his birth, I would be flung into a community I didn't even know existed, I would have laughed. The community is the CHD community, and it does exist. And it is huge. Which is so very sad. But true. But you see, those things don't happen to me, they happen to other people. How many times we all think that. For some reason, we tend to think that we are immune to bad things that affect others. We think that surely the mom must not have taken care of herself. There must have been drug use, or alcohol, or perhaps she smoked. Or even worked in the wrong environment, because surely things like this don't happen to women who take care of themselves.
How very, very untrue. CHD's happen to 1 in 100 babies, the highest rate of birth defect. Isn't that amazing? 1 in 100. Who would've known?
I have to say, the CHD community is a wonderful community to belong to. It isn't full of drug users, or irresponsible people. It is full of the most loving people you will ever meet. It is full of people who understand the value of life, who realize that the life they created, could be taken in an instant. It's full of people who would gladly give themselves, for their child, without a second thought.
Am I glad to be in this community? Honestly, I don't know. I have learned so much through Zachy and this experience. I have learned that you really can't take them for granted. Learned how very brave and strong even the smallest of humans can be. I have felt what it is to be on the brink of losing your child, and it makes me much more grateful that they are all here, living full lives.
Of course, I would give anything to go back in time and give birth to a healthy child, who didn't have any hurdles to overcome. To take away his pain. But then, would Zachy be Zachy? I think this makes him stronger.
It's a tough question. One I'm not able to answer.
For now I'll leave you with this. The heart walk is coming up in 2 weeks. If you want to donate, please do. Click that link up there, it is so easy to donate.
And a poem, written by a fellow heartmom. Probably won't make you cry, but it sure does me.
Matters of the Heart
“To beat, or not beat”. I would choose the former. Although my son, you see, the choice is not mine.
Cadence, rhythmic, steady, strong, not your heart, but your spirit. How truly defined!
“Heart felt, pulling on heart strings”. So displayed during your hospitalizations and challenging recoveries. You lay helpless, innocent of such a crime, devastation to MY heart.
“Have a heart, broken hearts, mended hearts, I heart you! I love you, with all my heart." I would give unto you my heart, my life, my breath, my strength to mend your broken heart. I pledge this to you. You are my son, my life. You are my Lionhearted.
“Bravehearts, and endearing hearts”! This applies to you my son, and to our extended family. What? You haven’t met them? Rainbow Hearts! Ah, but they are all around us! Children of all ages who fight so innocently and lose so very mercilessly and shout with such deafening delight upon victory! Hear their pleas? Their beat goes on, or not. They surround us asking for prayers and comfort, and are our strength when needed. A loving family, and extended one, genetically linked .The gene is called “CHD”…but biologically not bound.
Heart to heart (you and me), heartfelt compassion (all that I have for you), hearty appetite, (which I can attest has become voracious!) and heart healthy diets (you are what you eat). I heart you! I love you with all of my heart. No,really, that comes from my heart! How sayings with “heart” take on an entirely different perspective.
Thump, thump, whirr, swoosh, lub-dub lub- dub whoosh, silence, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, a broken beat of sorts. The disturbed rhythm would make any musician squirm. No melody, no rhyme or reason, frantically trying to find the right beat.
The beat must go on my son. Yours and mine forever together joined as one, in heart, mind, body, and soul.
Jennifer Lafler
Mother of Bryce 7yrs old
TAPVR, ASD, PDA, SSS, SVT
If you had told me that at the moment of his birth, I would be flung into a community I didn't even know existed, I would have laughed. The community is the CHD community, and it does exist. And it is huge. Which is so very sad. But true. But you see, those things don't happen to me, they happen to other people. How many times we all think that. For some reason, we tend to think that we are immune to bad things that affect others. We think that surely the mom must not have taken care of herself. There must have been drug use, or alcohol, or perhaps she smoked. Or even worked in the wrong environment, because surely things like this don't happen to women who take care of themselves.
How very, very untrue. CHD's happen to 1 in 100 babies, the highest rate of birth defect. Isn't that amazing? 1 in 100. Who would've known?
I have to say, the CHD community is a wonderful community to belong to. It isn't full of drug users, or irresponsible people. It is full of the most loving people you will ever meet. It is full of people who understand the value of life, who realize that the life they created, could be taken in an instant. It's full of people who would gladly give themselves, for their child, without a second thought.
Am I glad to be in this community? Honestly, I don't know. I have learned so much through Zachy and this experience. I have learned that you really can't take them for granted. Learned how very brave and strong even the smallest of humans can be. I have felt what it is to be on the brink of losing your child, and it makes me much more grateful that they are all here, living full lives.
Of course, I would give anything to go back in time and give birth to a healthy child, who didn't have any hurdles to overcome. To take away his pain. But then, would Zachy be Zachy? I think this makes him stronger.
It's a tough question. One I'm not able to answer.
For now I'll leave you with this. The heart walk is coming up in 2 weeks. If you want to donate, please do. Click that link up there, it is so easy to donate.
And a poem, written by a fellow heartmom. Probably won't make you cry, but it sure does me.
Matters of the Heart
“To beat, or not beat”. I would choose the former. Although my son, you see, the choice is not mine.
Cadence, rhythmic, steady, strong, not your heart, but your spirit. How truly defined!
“Heart felt, pulling on heart strings”. So displayed during your hospitalizations and challenging recoveries. You lay helpless, innocent of such a crime, devastation to MY heart.
“Have a heart, broken hearts, mended hearts, I heart you! I love you, with all my heart." I would give unto you my heart, my life, my breath, my strength to mend your broken heart. I pledge this to you. You are my son, my life. You are my Lionhearted.
“Bravehearts, and endearing hearts”! This applies to you my son, and to our extended family. What? You haven’t met them? Rainbow Hearts! Ah, but they are all around us! Children of all ages who fight so innocently and lose so very mercilessly and shout with such deafening delight upon victory! Hear their pleas? Their beat goes on, or not. They surround us asking for prayers and comfort, and are our strength when needed. A loving family, and extended one, genetically linked .The gene is called “CHD”…but biologically not bound.
Heart to heart (you and me), heartfelt compassion (all that I have for you), hearty appetite, (which I can attest has become voracious!) and heart healthy diets (you are what you eat). I heart you! I love you with all of my heart. No,really, that comes from my heart! How sayings with “heart” take on an entirely different perspective.
Thump, thump, whirr, swoosh, lub-dub lub- dub whoosh, silence, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, a broken beat of sorts. The disturbed rhythm would make any musician squirm. No melody, no rhyme or reason, frantically trying to find the right beat.
The beat must go on my son. Yours and mine forever together joined as one, in heart, mind, body, and soul.
Jennifer Lafler
Mother of Bryce 7yrs old
TAPVR, ASD, PDA, SSS, SVT
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
ERASERS!!
What is the deal with erasers nowadays? The ones that are on the tops of pencils are so worthless. They leave black smudges everywhere, and barely erase.
This has bugged me for awhile, but today must have been an eraserful day!!
This has bugged me for awhile, but today must have been an eraserful day!!
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
We have a PLAN!
Hooray! I love plans.
I saw my new doctor today and all was good. She found baby V's heartbeat right away and said he sounded as happy as a clam. Course, I forgot to ask her what the heart rate was, I was just happy to hear it.
Anyway, she is referring me to a perinatologist. Dr. J. will follow me for the pregnancy part and the peri will follow me for the baby development part. She said for sure there would be a level 2 ultra sound and echo, but that the peri will probably do series of scans throughout the pregnancy to keep on top of things. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to actually be taken care of properly. What a weight off.
In other news, I have been really shakey if I don't eat throughout the day. This always happens to me in the third trimester, not now. But alas, it's been happening.
To back up a bit, with the exception of #1 all of my boys have been born big and with low blood sugars. The nurses have always said, 'oh, you were diabetic, weren't you?' and I've always said, "no, I passed the test" But I've always wondered because of the shakiness.
So back to today, the dr was surpised that I hadn't ever been tested later in my third trimester after the shaking started. She said it was possible to not have diabetes at 24 weeks and then later develop it. So since I'm already shakey, I did a glucose tolerance test today. If it comes back normal, then she'll retest me at 24 weeks. If that comes back normal, they'll retest me at about 32 weeks. Just to be sure everything stays the same.
Course she said I just might be made to have big babies! Hopefully, that is the answer. I'd much rather have big babies than diabetes!
So now I go back to her in four weeks. I wait for the call from the peri to schedule that appointment. And on Friday I get the diabetes results back.
So there's the plan. YAY!!
I saw my new doctor today and all was good. She found baby V's heartbeat right away and said he sounded as happy as a clam. Course, I forgot to ask her what the heart rate was, I was just happy to hear it.
Anyway, she is referring me to a perinatologist. Dr. J. will follow me for the pregnancy part and the peri will follow me for the baby development part. She said for sure there would be a level 2 ultra sound and echo, but that the peri will probably do series of scans throughout the pregnancy to keep on top of things. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to actually be taken care of properly. What a weight off.
In other news, I have been really shakey if I don't eat throughout the day. This always happens to me in the third trimester, not now. But alas, it's been happening.
To back up a bit, with the exception of #1 all of my boys have been born big and with low blood sugars. The nurses have always said, 'oh, you were diabetic, weren't you?' and I've always said, "no, I passed the test" But I've always wondered because of the shakiness.
So back to today, the dr was surpised that I hadn't ever been tested later in my third trimester after the shaking started. She said it was possible to not have diabetes at 24 weeks and then later develop it. So since I'm already shakey, I did a glucose tolerance test today. If it comes back normal, then she'll retest me at 24 weeks. If that comes back normal, they'll retest me at about 32 weeks. Just to be sure everything stays the same.
Course she said I just might be made to have big babies! Hopefully, that is the answer. I'd much rather have big babies than diabetes!
So now I go back to her in four weeks. I wait for the call from the peri to schedule that appointment. And on Friday I get the diabetes results back.
So there's the plan. YAY!!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Gettin on the ball
I must be feeling like the old me these days. Well, sometimes.
Finally, after a few months, I have sat down and called different doctors. Matthew saw a plastic surgeon who said we needed to see someone else. I also had a referral for him to see a nuerosurgeon, but hadn't made the appointment. So I did that this morning, only to discover that Matthew needs to have another MRI done. So I'm waiting on the word from the ped. to make the appointments for the MRI and the craniofacial doctor.
Now, before you go thinking I'm a bad mom or something, these are things that aren't pressing. Our ped. just wanted Matthew established with them in case there was a need later on. So it isn't like I was neglecting something super important.
I also put in a call to Zachy's card. You will recall that Zachy did the holter monitor quite awhile ago, and I never was called with the results. This wouldn't have happened back in Idaho, I'll tell ya that much. Those cards were on top of things. I'm not overly concerned because had it been bad, I'm sure we would have heard about it. However, the dr said that based on those results, he would decide how often to see Zachy. So now I'm left not knowing when he needs to be seen next. I'm not sure that it really matters, if he tries to lengthen the time, I'm not sure we'll agree to it. I don't think I'm ready to go any longer than a year in between visits. Not yet anyway. I'm a chicken. He's my baby. Gotta keep on top of things.
Now to get on the ball and start school for the day!!
Finally, after a few months, I have sat down and called different doctors. Matthew saw a plastic surgeon who said we needed to see someone else. I also had a referral for him to see a nuerosurgeon, but hadn't made the appointment. So I did that this morning, only to discover that Matthew needs to have another MRI done. So I'm waiting on the word from the ped. to make the appointments for the MRI and the craniofacial doctor.
Now, before you go thinking I'm a bad mom or something, these are things that aren't pressing. Our ped. just wanted Matthew established with them in case there was a need later on. So it isn't like I was neglecting something super important.
I also put in a call to Zachy's card. You will recall that Zachy did the holter monitor quite awhile ago, and I never was called with the results. This wouldn't have happened back in Idaho, I'll tell ya that much. Those cards were on top of things. I'm not overly concerned because had it been bad, I'm sure we would have heard about it. However, the dr said that based on those results, he would decide how often to see Zachy. So now I'm left not knowing when he needs to be seen next. I'm not sure that it really matters, if he tries to lengthen the time, I'm not sure we'll agree to it. I don't think I'm ready to go any longer than a year in between visits. Not yet anyway. I'm a chicken. He's my baby. Gotta keep on top of things.
Now to get on the ball and start school for the day!!
Friday, September 15, 2006
Zachy is so cute
The other day, Matthew was eating something cinnamon flavored and said, "it tastes like Christmas in my mouth"
Just now, Zachy brought a cinnamon candy to me to ask if he could have it and I told him yes. When he put it in his mouth, I said, "it tastes like Christmas" He said, "ohhh"
I asked if he remembered what Christmas was and he shrugged and said, "I don't know"
I told him he would love it, that there were trees with lights, and lots of lights everywhere, and presents. His eyes got so huge and he was saying, "OHHHH" Then he trotted off in his adorable jammies with a huge smile on his face.
I don't know why this is so cute to me. But Zachy tends to get so excited about things that his brothers just think are so-so. Like when we eat, he gets so happy and says, "mmmmm nummy!!" about almost everything.
I don't think he remembers Christmas at all, or just a little bit, and I can't wait for this year, to take him to see the lights and to see his face light up when we put up the tree. He's going to be so excited!
Just now, Zachy brought a cinnamon candy to me to ask if he could have it and I told him yes. When he put it in his mouth, I said, "it tastes like Christmas" He said, "ohhh"
I asked if he remembered what Christmas was and he shrugged and said, "I don't know"
I told him he would love it, that there were trees with lights, and lots of lights everywhere, and presents. His eyes got so huge and he was saying, "OHHHH" Then he trotted off in his adorable jammies with a huge smile on his face.
I don't know why this is so cute to me. But Zachy tends to get so excited about things that his brothers just think are so-so. Like when we eat, he gets so happy and says, "mmmmm nummy!!" about almost everything.
I don't think he remembers Christmas at all, or just a little bit, and I can't wait for this year, to take him to see the lights and to see his face light up when we put up the tree. He's going to be so excited!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
A long overdue update
It has been so long since I've done an actual post. I keep meaning to, and then I don't. I just haven't had it in me. But alas, today is the day. The other issue has been that Blogger joined forces with Google and has changed things up on me. It has been frustrating to me, but I'm getting over it. My current issue is that it is impossible for me to comment on anyone else's blogger blog. Does anyone else have this problem or just me? Probably just me.
Things are going well down here in Texas. The boys have been doing school now for a few weeks and it is going well. I really like most of the curriculum I got them this year. I need to change up some of Dillon's, but once that happens, things should be great. Matt has decided that he likes the history the boys are doing and has taken over teaching it to them in the evenings. I always kind of assumed he would take over math someday, but never history! Wonders never cease!
The heart walk is coming up the end of this month, so if you were wanting to donate, and hadn't because it was so far away, now is the time to do it. Click the logo up there and donate! And to those of you who have already donated, thank you so much. It means the world to me.
And speaking of hearts...it is becoming apparent these days that adults with Zachy's defect are needing more care than they once thought. New issues are popping up as they become adults. In the past, these kids never lived to adulthood so it's been a mystery what happens to them as adults. It's kind of a hard pill to swallow because most of us TAPVR parents are told that our kids are 'cured' once the initial surgery is done, but that apparently isn't the case. Of course, I'm not gonna borrow trouble, it is just an interesting thought to have in the back of my head. Cardiac appointments at least every 2 years will be his life, his entire life. I'm just thankful that he came along at this time and not back when these babies weren't living very long! I can't imagine life without him!
We've had a couple blessings come to us, in the form of clothes and furniture! My sister sent me a bunch of maternity clothes, and her baby sling, which has been a blessing to me. I have a couple other friends who will be sending me more clothes as well. I could get away with not buying any clothes this pregnancy! And our neighbor gave us a really nice dresser. It is a six drawer dresser in great shape. She just wanted it out of her house because it came from her mother in law and she couldn't stand to look at it! Her loss is our gain! I am so greatful to have an extra dresser.
If you read the last post you know that Zachy is officially potty trained! WOOHOO!! It is so nice! He tells me all the time that he is a big boy now. Yes, he is, how did that happen??
Cute Zachy story, that some of you may not find so cute, but it's cute to us. Zachy is very into kissing owwies. And when I weaned him, it was after my surgery and we told him "num-nums have owwies". The other day he was talking about my num nums being all gone, and Matt said, "when the baby gets here, does he get the num nums?" And Zachy said "yes, you're num nums owwie" and kissed my boob! Now, occasionally he will run up to me and kiss a boob (through my shirt people), to make it better for his new baby. So sweet of him.
Did I ever mention here that we had Matthew's birthday at Chuck E Cheese? Well, we did. And I added pictures of it for y'all.
In other news, we now have two parakeets. Matthew has been saving his money and got enough money with birthday money to finally get them. He loves them to death. We have a yellow one and a blue one. Their names are Ernie and Ernest! Goofy kid!
In pregnancy news, I'm now in my second trimester, and feeling better every day. It is nice on these days when I feel good. I still have some really bad days, but for the most part it is getting better. I go on Tuesday to the new dr. I'm pretty excited about it, and have high hopes for her, I just hope I'm not disappointed!
Cute Collinism...when the boys say something together, they say, 'jinx you owe me a soda' But Collin says, "jinx you ORDER me a soda" It is beyond cute because he thinks that is what they say, and half the time he says it when he hasn't said something at the same time as someone else.
Let's see...what else..Matthew gets his braces off on October 4. He is pretty excited about that, but not too excited about having to wear a retainer. I was thinking, 'wow, I can't believe we're done' and then it hit me that we are only done with the first stage! We get to go through braces again when he is older. Fun Fun!
It occured to me the other day, that I have absolutely nothing for this baby. This happened when I hit 13 weeks. I think that deep down, I might not have expected to make it the second trimester. The last time I was due in March, I miscarried, so I think I thought I couldn't carry a baby at this time of year. Stupid, I know, but I think that's how I felt. So anyway, we have nothing. We have our old swing, that I just realized is missing a piece, hopefully it's in the storage shed, and a sling. That's it. I got rid of everything after I had Zachy. I don't have clothes, receiving blankets, a car seat, towels...nothing. It's crazy. And then I think, wow, I have less than 27 weeks to go! Which seems like a long time, but with the holidays in there, it will go so fast. Better get crackin!
Speaking of the holidays. I cannot wait for Christmas. I talked to my sil yesterday and she was cracking up because I was listening to Christmas music and she could hear it in the background. Personally, I think she's just jealous, she wants to be listening to it too, but is afraid to admit it! Heeheee, just kidding.
I also got news the other day that we may have company during the Christmas season. Not right at Christmas, or even Thanksgiving, but during the season anyway!! You know who you are, and I'm putting in my demand for you to come! HA! Don't you love how I can demand people to come to my house? I wish it were that easy!
Anyway, I know this post is all over the place, but I guess I had a lot on my mind. Here are some pictures to enjoy!
Matthew and Chuck E. at his party.
Matthew at his party.
Dillon and the neighbor at Matthew's party.
All the kids at the party
The picture of Zachy and Collin's cake I promised you a million years ago. My friend made it for them, and I think it looks awesome.
Collin's icky fingers when he and Zach were fingerpainting.
Making a materpiece!
Zachy's lovely hands!
And last but not least, Zachy's masterpiece!
Things are going well down here in Texas. The boys have been doing school now for a few weeks and it is going well. I really like most of the curriculum I got them this year. I need to change up some of Dillon's, but once that happens, things should be great. Matt has decided that he likes the history the boys are doing and has taken over teaching it to them in the evenings. I always kind of assumed he would take over math someday, but never history! Wonders never cease!
The heart walk is coming up the end of this month, so if you were wanting to donate, and hadn't because it was so far away, now is the time to do it. Click the logo up there and donate! And to those of you who have already donated, thank you so much. It means the world to me.
And speaking of hearts...it is becoming apparent these days that adults with Zachy's defect are needing more care than they once thought. New issues are popping up as they become adults. In the past, these kids never lived to adulthood so it's been a mystery what happens to them as adults. It's kind of a hard pill to swallow because most of us TAPVR parents are told that our kids are 'cured' once the initial surgery is done, but that apparently isn't the case. Of course, I'm not gonna borrow trouble, it is just an interesting thought to have in the back of my head. Cardiac appointments at least every 2 years will be his life, his entire life. I'm just thankful that he came along at this time and not back when these babies weren't living very long! I can't imagine life without him!
We've had a couple blessings come to us, in the form of clothes and furniture! My sister sent me a bunch of maternity clothes, and her baby sling, which has been a blessing to me. I have a couple other friends who will be sending me more clothes as well. I could get away with not buying any clothes this pregnancy! And our neighbor gave us a really nice dresser. It is a six drawer dresser in great shape. She just wanted it out of her house because it came from her mother in law and she couldn't stand to look at it! Her loss is our gain! I am so greatful to have an extra dresser.
If you read the last post you know that Zachy is officially potty trained! WOOHOO!! It is so nice! He tells me all the time that he is a big boy now. Yes, he is, how did that happen??
Cute Zachy story, that some of you may not find so cute, but it's cute to us. Zachy is very into kissing owwies. And when I weaned him, it was after my surgery and we told him "num-nums have owwies". The other day he was talking about my num nums being all gone, and Matt said, "when the baby gets here, does he get the num nums?" And Zachy said "yes, you're num nums owwie" and kissed my boob! Now, occasionally he will run up to me and kiss a boob (through my shirt people), to make it better for his new baby. So sweet of him.
Did I ever mention here that we had Matthew's birthday at Chuck E Cheese? Well, we did. And I added pictures of it for y'all.
In other news, we now have two parakeets. Matthew has been saving his money and got enough money with birthday money to finally get them. He loves them to death. We have a yellow one and a blue one. Their names are Ernie and Ernest! Goofy kid!
In pregnancy news, I'm now in my second trimester, and feeling better every day. It is nice on these days when I feel good. I still have some really bad days, but for the most part it is getting better. I go on Tuesday to the new dr. I'm pretty excited about it, and have high hopes for her, I just hope I'm not disappointed!
Cute Collinism...when the boys say something together, they say, 'jinx you owe me a soda' But Collin says, "jinx you ORDER me a soda" It is beyond cute because he thinks that is what they say, and half the time he says it when he hasn't said something at the same time as someone else.
Let's see...what else..Matthew gets his braces off on October 4. He is pretty excited about that, but not too excited about having to wear a retainer. I was thinking, 'wow, I can't believe we're done' and then it hit me that we are only done with the first stage! We get to go through braces again when he is older. Fun Fun!
It occured to me the other day, that I have absolutely nothing for this baby. This happened when I hit 13 weeks. I think that deep down, I might not have expected to make it the second trimester. The last time I was due in March, I miscarried, so I think I thought I couldn't carry a baby at this time of year. Stupid, I know, but I think that's how I felt. So anyway, we have nothing. We have our old swing, that I just realized is missing a piece, hopefully it's in the storage shed, and a sling. That's it. I got rid of everything after I had Zachy. I don't have clothes, receiving blankets, a car seat, towels...nothing. It's crazy. And then I think, wow, I have less than 27 weeks to go! Which seems like a long time, but with the holidays in there, it will go so fast. Better get crackin!
Speaking of the holidays. I cannot wait for Christmas. I talked to my sil yesterday and she was cracking up because I was listening to Christmas music and she could hear it in the background. Personally, I think she's just jealous, she wants to be listening to it too, but is afraid to admit it! Heeheee, just kidding.
I also got news the other day that we may have company during the Christmas season. Not right at Christmas, or even Thanksgiving, but during the season anyway!! You know who you are, and I'm putting in my demand for you to come! HA! Don't you love how I can demand people to come to my house? I wish it were that easy!
Anyway, I know this post is all over the place, but I guess I had a lot on my mind. Here are some pictures to enjoy!
Matthew and Chuck E. at his party.
Matthew at his party.
Dillon and the neighbor at Matthew's party.
All the kids at the party
The picture of Zachy and Collin's cake I promised you a million years ago. My friend made it for them, and I think it looks awesome.
Collin's icky fingers when he and Zach were fingerpainting.
Making a materpiece!
Zachy's lovely hands!
And last but not least, Zachy's masterpiece!
Monday, September 11, 2006
POOF!!!
And just like that...I declare Zachy potty trained!!
He learned to poop in the potty and that was it. No more accidents. He is officially my youngest potty trained kid! It's pretty amazing, actually.
Can you believe we will actually have a break in between kids in diapers? That has never happened!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
It's been pouring, and thundering and lightening all day. The thunder and lightening has stopped for the time being, but it's been glorious!! I have a christmas candle burning and the boys and I are listening to christmas music while we do school. Matt will be thrilled when he comes home and smells the house smelling like a christmas tree! Oh well, he'll get over it!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Things are really pretty good here right now. Matt and I have been under some major stress the last couple of months (not pregnancy related) and it is finally ending. It is such a relief, and life is actually looking good right now. Tomorrow I hit 13 weeks and the sickness is lifting. I think the stress ending is helping the sickies.
At any rate, life is good right now. Now if I could just get a maid to come clean my house after my 3 month hiatus!!! Matt did a pretty good job, but the house is a wreck right now.
Someday, things will be back to normal, and just when that happens, we'll have a newborn in the mix!! Life is GOOD!! Never a dull moment, that's for sure!
He learned to poop in the potty and that was it. No more accidents. He is officially my youngest potty trained kid! It's pretty amazing, actually.
Can you believe we will actually have a break in between kids in diapers? That has never happened!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
It's been pouring, and thundering and lightening all day. The thunder and lightening has stopped for the time being, but it's been glorious!! I have a christmas candle burning and the boys and I are listening to christmas music while we do school. Matt will be thrilled when he comes home and smells the house smelling like a christmas tree! Oh well, he'll get over it!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Things are really pretty good here right now. Matt and I have been under some major stress the last couple of months (not pregnancy related) and it is finally ending. It is such a relief, and life is actually looking good right now. Tomorrow I hit 13 weeks and the sickness is lifting. I think the stress ending is helping the sickies.
At any rate, life is good right now. Now if I could just get a maid to come clean my house after my 3 month hiatus!!! Matt did a pretty good job, but the house is a wreck right now.
Someday, things will be back to normal, and just when that happens, we'll have a newborn in the mix!! Life is GOOD!! Never a dull moment, that's for sure!
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Doin the happy dance!
Yesterday, Zachy pooped in the potty for the first time ever. I figured for sure it would be a one time thing.
But just a few seconds ago he went running into the bathroom, I thought to go peepee, but no, when I looked he was sitting down and had pooped!!!
HOORAY!!! The boy may be potty trained yet!!
OK, it takes very little to make moms happy, doesn't it??
But just a few seconds ago he went running into the bathroom, I thought to go peepee, but no, when I looked he was sitting down and had pooped!!!
HOORAY!!! The boy may be potty trained yet!!
OK, it takes very little to make moms happy, doesn't it??
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
PREGNANCY HORMONES!!!
Yesterday, I was totally devastated at the news that Steve Irwin had died.
Today, I am over the moon because it is RAINING!! RAIN!!! REAL RAIN!! And it smells sooo good! Not just some freak storm that lasts all of 2 minutes, but real rain! Hooray!
I'm still sad about the family Steve Irwin left behind, but I suppose that many people die and leave families behind. At least he died doing what he loves. But still, so sad.
Oh and by the way..I'm 12 weeks today!! Yippee!!
We had a good weekend, but I need to go help with school, I'll try to update about it later.
Today, I am over the moon because it is RAINING!! RAIN!!! REAL RAIN!! And it smells sooo good! Not just some freak storm that lasts all of 2 minutes, but real rain! Hooray!
I'm still sad about the family Steve Irwin left behind, but I suppose that many people die and leave families behind. At least he died doing what he loves. But still, so sad.
Oh and by the way..I'm 12 weeks today!! Yippee!!
We had a good weekend, but I need to go help with school, I'll try to update about it later.
Friday, September 1, 2006
Just for the record
I am feeling really, very well today.
I still have a bit of an icky feel to me, but overall today is a good day.
I am making the kiddies lunch right now while their homemade thermometer sits in the sun.
Did I mention we started school this week? So far so good.
I still have a bit of an icky feel to me, but overall today is a good day.
I am making the kiddies lunch right now while their homemade thermometer sits in the sun.
Did I mention we started school this week? So far so good.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Is it too early to say...
that I can't wait for Christmas??
We've been listening to Christmas music for weeks now, and I so cannot wait for it to get here.
Maybe even Thanksgiving. I will just be glad to be done with September and October. September will drag out forever, because there is absolutely nothing happening.
October is Dillon's birthday, but we aren't doing anything big for it since he had a big birthday party last year. We will probably just celebrate as a family.
I guess there is Halloween to look forward to, but it isn't really an exciting time for me. Now, if I were my bil and sil I would be dying for it to get here. They love halloween, to me it is the biggest waste of money ever. The good news is that we don't have to pass out candy here because no one lives here anymore! It's just a wasteful time to me.
I don't know how much I will look forward to Thanksgiving. It will just be us, and how much fun will it be to cook all day for us? But I will. YUMMMM Pumpkin pie!! Just wish Matt's grandma could fedex me some rolls!!
Anyway, I love love love the christmas season. I love the lights. I love the music. I love the spirit in the air. I just wish it would be a bit nippy at least here, but it probably won't be. But still, we can pretend.
And the day after Christmas starts my third trimester! That is insane! I'm so used to barely being pg at Christmas time that it is hard for me to wrap my brain around being big and pregnant and christmastime!
Anyway, I just can't wait!
We've been listening to Christmas music for weeks now, and I so cannot wait for it to get here.
Maybe even Thanksgiving. I will just be glad to be done with September and October. September will drag out forever, because there is absolutely nothing happening.
October is Dillon's birthday, but we aren't doing anything big for it since he had a big birthday party last year. We will probably just celebrate as a family.
I guess there is Halloween to look forward to, but it isn't really an exciting time for me. Now, if I were my bil and sil I would be dying for it to get here. They love halloween, to me it is the biggest waste of money ever. The good news is that we don't have to pass out candy here because no one lives here anymore! It's just a wasteful time to me.
I don't know how much I will look forward to Thanksgiving. It will just be us, and how much fun will it be to cook all day for us? But I will. YUMMMM Pumpkin pie!! Just wish Matt's grandma could fedex me some rolls!!
Anyway, I love love love the christmas season. I love the lights. I love the music. I love the spirit in the air. I just wish it would be a bit nippy at least here, but it probably won't be. But still, we can pretend.
And the day after Christmas starts my third trimester! That is insane! I'm so used to barely being pg at Christmas time that it is hard for me to wrap my brain around being big and pregnant and christmastime!
Anyway, I just can't wait!
Monday, August 28, 2006
COCKROACHES!!!
UGH! I HATE cockroaches. They are nasty, nasty, nasty! And they are infesting my home!
Since Friday we have killed six of the stupid boogers. And they are so big that I'm quite sure they will just up and carry my house away at any moment!
All of our neighbors have had their homes exterminated, and drove the roaches to my house.
We could have them exterminated, but the dr said that while I'm pregnant I need to be able to leave the house for 48 hours after the fumigation. This is tough, because we call the exterminator, and then whenever they come, they come. There is no scheduling it. Which means if it isn't a Friday, Matt can't leave. I guess he could, we'd just have to stay in town. Which wouldn't be awful, but it would kind of be a fun excuse to get away!
I can tell you this much....no amount of money in the world would make me put one of these things in my mouth! The fact that people eat them on Fear Factor all the time disgusts me. I don't even want to touch them! Gross!
Since Friday we have killed six of the stupid boogers. And they are so big that I'm quite sure they will just up and carry my house away at any moment!
All of our neighbors have had their homes exterminated, and drove the roaches to my house.
We could have them exterminated, but the dr said that while I'm pregnant I need to be able to leave the house for 48 hours after the fumigation. This is tough, because we call the exterminator, and then whenever they come, they come. There is no scheduling it. Which means if it isn't a Friday, Matt can't leave. I guess he could, we'd just have to stay in town. Which wouldn't be awful, but it would kind of be a fun excuse to get away!
I can tell you this much....no amount of money in the world would make me put one of these things in my mouth! The fact that people eat them on Fear Factor all the time disgusts me. I don't even want to touch them! Gross!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Stupid pregnant dreams
I have had such horrible dreams this pregnancy. I've only had a few good dreams.
Last night was no exception.
I was upstairs and heard my phone ringing, there was no way I could get to it, so I tried to hear my answering machine, but could barely make out what was being said. It must have been somewhere in the night, because I went right to bed after the call.
Later, in the middle of the night, the phone rang again. This time I could hear it.
It was my cousin, Jennifer's dad, calling to tell me her baby had died during his surgery.
Next thing I knew, I was with all my family at the hospital. Her baby had died during open heart surgery. Everyone was so calm. She was saying it was just meant to be, and I was thinking the poor girl was in shock. I asked if I could see him, but they wouldn't let me. At that point, I asked if they ever had gotten a diagnosis. She replied, "yeah, it was TAPVR"
I flipped out. I was in hysterics. No one could calm me down. I knew that if her baby had TAPVR and Zachy had TAPVR, it had to be genetic, and I was pregnant, and it was highly possible that this baby would have TAPVR.
I was having a panic attack, and thinking that I had to write it in my blog, and post pictures of him.
I knew I had some on my digital camera. But when I went to find them, I came across a picture of me in the water, behind a chain link fence. Which took me back to my sister and me being stuck in a cage in the water surrounded by sharks.
We were fighting them off with everything we had, but they were in the cage with us. And someone was taking pictures!
We were obviously ok, because I was looking at the pictures of it.
I kept thinking, 'I have to find the pictures of the baby!!'
Eventually I did. But they weren't good, and I had already made them into scrapbook layouts, so I was trying to scan them to post them, but they were too big.
The whole thing had me in such a panic. I kept waking up, so scared that this baby has TAPVR, then would fall asleep and be right back in the same dream.
At least in this dream I didn't hate Matt, which is what happens a lot of times in my dreams. *sigh* I just want to dream pleasant dreams.
Last night was no exception.
I was upstairs and heard my phone ringing, there was no way I could get to it, so I tried to hear my answering machine, but could barely make out what was being said. It must have been somewhere in the night, because I went right to bed after the call.
Later, in the middle of the night, the phone rang again. This time I could hear it.
It was my cousin, Jennifer's dad, calling to tell me her baby had died during his surgery.
Next thing I knew, I was with all my family at the hospital. Her baby had died during open heart surgery. Everyone was so calm. She was saying it was just meant to be, and I was thinking the poor girl was in shock. I asked if I could see him, but they wouldn't let me. At that point, I asked if they ever had gotten a diagnosis. She replied, "yeah, it was TAPVR"
I flipped out. I was in hysterics. No one could calm me down. I knew that if her baby had TAPVR and Zachy had TAPVR, it had to be genetic, and I was pregnant, and it was highly possible that this baby would have TAPVR.
I was having a panic attack, and thinking that I had to write it in my blog, and post pictures of him.
I knew I had some on my digital camera. But when I went to find them, I came across a picture of me in the water, behind a chain link fence. Which took me back to my sister and me being stuck in a cage in the water surrounded by sharks.
We were fighting them off with everything we had, but they were in the cage with us. And someone was taking pictures!
We were obviously ok, because I was looking at the pictures of it.
I kept thinking, 'I have to find the pictures of the baby!!'
Eventually I did. But they weren't good, and I had already made them into scrapbook layouts, so I was trying to scan them to post them, but they were too big.
The whole thing had me in such a panic. I kept waking up, so scared that this baby has TAPVR, then would fall asleep and be right back in the same dream.
At least in this dream I didn't hate Matt, which is what happens a lot of times in my dreams. *sigh* I just want to dream pleasant dreams.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Double Digits....Take two
Ten years ago, at this time, I was in labor for the very first time.
I had no idea at that moment, how profoundly my life would be changed. How at the moment that perfect baby was laid on my stomach, I would be a mom. I didn't know that at the moment I took one look at him, I would fall more deeply in love with him, than I ever knew possible. That this was unconditional love, unlike anything I'd ever experienced before.
I didn't realize just what being a mom meant. I never truly understood the phrase "wearing your heart on your sleeve". I didn't know it was possible to hurt a hurt so deep, at the sight of my little one hurting. I would say that I would die for Matt, and I think I might, but there isn't a doubt in my mind, that I would die a million deaths, for the life we created.
I said he'd be my baby forever.
And now...here he is..10 years old. Where has the time gone? How did this happen? Wasn't he just laid upon my belly. I can remember it so clearly. How could it possibly have happened 10 years ago. It seems like yesterday.
He has grown into a fine young man. You wonder what your children will grow to be. And yet, as they grow, you know this was the person you always knew they's be. He is exactly who he should be.
He is awesome. He is so kind hearted. He loves his brothers with a love so fierce. He is smart, and funny. And oh so handsome. He is the most creative person I know. The one who can create anything out of nothing. He has a red hot temper, that sometimes gets him in trouble. But it isn't ever a hateful thing, just an irritated explosion.
He is more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. He is so much fun as he is growing up. It is fun to sit and tease with him and watch Matt and him wrestle. I wish these times would last forever.
I love this boy more than life itself, and feel so incredibly blessed to have him in our lives.
Happy birthday, Matthew, you bring me more joy than you could ever imagine. I love you so much.
I had no idea at that moment, how profoundly my life would be changed. How at the moment that perfect baby was laid on my stomach, I would be a mom. I didn't know that at the moment I took one look at him, I would fall more deeply in love with him, than I ever knew possible. That this was unconditional love, unlike anything I'd ever experienced before.
I didn't realize just what being a mom meant. I never truly understood the phrase "wearing your heart on your sleeve". I didn't know it was possible to hurt a hurt so deep, at the sight of my little one hurting. I would say that I would die for Matt, and I think I might, but there isn't a doubt in my mind, that I would die a million deaths, for the life we created.
I said he'd be my baby forever.
And now...here he is..10 years old. Where has the time gone? How did this happen? Wasn't he just laid upon my belly. I can remember it so clearly. How could it possibly have happened 10 years ago. It seems like yesterday.
He has grown into a fine young man. You wonder what your children will grow to be. And yet, as they grow, you know this was the person you always knew they's be. He is exactly who he should be.
He is awesome. He is so kind hearted. He loves his brothers with a love so fierce. He is smart, and funny. And oh so handsome. He is the most creative person I know. The one who can create anything out of nothing. He has a red hot temper, that sometimes gets him in trouble. But it isn't ever a hateful thing, just an irritated explosion.
He is more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. He is so much fun as he is growing up. It is fun to sit and tease with him and watch Matt and him wrestle. I wish these times would last forever.
I love this boy more than life itself, and feel so incredibly blessed to have him in our lives.
Happy birthday, Matthew, you bring me more joy than you could ever imagine. I love you so much.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Today's appt.
I had my 10 week appointment today. It brings some changes.
Not with the baby, but with our healthcare.
Basically, I have been stressed about using military drs for this pregnancy. This is the 4th time I've been seen, and each time, I've been told something different as far as who will see me.
Originally, it was that I would be in the complicated pregnancy clinic, and watched and tested to prepare for any defects we might get. However, when the dr I saw at 6 weeks talked to them, they said no, they wouldn't see me. That there was no need for a fetal echo, or a level 2 u/s. They said I could have the normal u/s at 20 weeks and if alerted them to any problems, THEN they would see me.
Folks, I haven't had a normal u/s since after Matthew was born. I've always had level 2s. AND, they won't do a fetal echo? I said to Matt, "I wonder what you have to do to get one" I mean, isn't have a baby with a heart defect enough? It is in the civilian world.
And today was just a mess. Of course they had no record of me ever being seen. I was supposed to tell them I'd had an u/s so that I wouldn't get one today. I figured if it was that important, it would be in my records. But no. No record of anything. Not only that, but the lady didn't even look at my chart enough to see if I'd ever been pregnant before. OK people, it says on the FIRST page of my chart. I know this because I had to fill out my chart the first time.
I was told by the nurse that I would get an u/s today, so that was good. I went in, they listened for the heartbeat, and didn't hear it. Then she said to get dressed. I said, "so is that it? you're just going to let me leave with no heartbeat?" She said, "oh, did you want an u/s? I thought you would just want to wait it out" Now normally, had they never said anything about me getting one to begin with, I wouldn't really have thought about it, but they told me I would have one, so I said, "yes, I want one...I need to know this baby isn't dead!"
The other totally odd thing is that they don't do routine urine tests, only if you have UTI symptoms...hmmmmm...what a crock.
So, I had my ultra sound, and I cried. The baby is so cute. And he was wiggling around. His heartrate was 176 beats per minute. He was just so perfect.
Unfortunately, the pictures you get printed never look as good as what is on the screen, and then the scanning made it look even worse, but that's our baby down there. Matt saw the picture and said, "oh...he looks like a baby!!" He said that excitedly, not like, "oh yippee..a baby" LOL
OK, before I show you the picture I have to finish with our plan. I called around and found a very nice practice. I'm basing this on the receptionist. I know that maybe I can't do that, but it means a lot to me when the receptionist will talk to me totally unrushed and tells me what my options are. It didn't hurt that she is military as well, so knew what she is talking about.
Basically, we are changing our insurance plan to one that allows us to see civilian drs. We will have to deal with a co-pay, but it will be pretty small. I will get to deliver at the hospital where their ped. has privledges, and also they have the heart center and a NICU. (YAY Maria..I'll deliver at Methodist!!) The peace of mind this gives me is so huge, you have no idea. I feel so at peace about this decision and will feel MUCH more confident about my care, and the baby's after birth. It took a LOT for the regular nurses to listen to us and check Zachy out, and residents would be doing the checking of this baby. There is NO way I would feel ok about that.
So that is the new plan. We have to go through the hoops and get things switched around, but I have an appt. scheduled with the new dr on Sept. 19. I'm so relieved.
Without further ado...BabyV, our cutie patootie!! The legs are on the left, his arms were all over the place, but at the time of the picture you can't see them..grrr. Oh well...he's still cute!! (And in case you are wondering, no we don't know the sex, too early for that, we just assume he will be another boy!!)
Not with the baby, but with our healthcare.
Basically, I have been stressed about using military drs for this pregnancy. This is the 4th time I've been seen, and each time, I've been told something different as far as who will see me.
Originally, it was that I would be in the complicated pregnancy clinic, and watched and tested to prepare for any defects we might get. However, when the dr I saw at 6 weeks talked to them, they said no, they wouldn't see me. That there was no need for a fetal echo, or a level 2 u/s. They said I could have the normal u/s at 20 weeks and if alerted them to any problems, THEN they would see me.
Folks, I haven't had a normal u/s since after Matthew was born. I've always had level 2s. AND, they won't do a fetal echo? I said to Matt, "I wonder what you have to do to get one" I mean, isn't have a baby with a heart defect enough? It is in the civilian world.
And today was just a mess. Of course they had no record of me ever being seen. I was supposed to tell them I'd had an u/s so that I wouldn't get one today. I figured if it was that important, it would be in my records. But no. No record of anything. Not only that, but the lady didn't even look at my chart enough to see if I'd ever been pregnant before. OK people, it says on the FIRST page of my chart. I know this because I had to fill out my chart the first time.
I was told by the nurse that I would get an u/s today, so that was good. I went in, they listened for the heartbeat, and didn't hear it. Then she said to get dressed. I said, "so is that it? you're just going to let me leave with no heartbeat?" She said, "oh, did you want an u/s? I thought you would just want to wait it out" Now normally, had they never said anything about me getting one to begin with, I wouldn't really have thought about it, but they told me I would have one, so I said, "yes, I want one...I need to know this baby isn't dead!"
The other totally odd thing is that they don't do routine urine tests, only if you have UTI symptoms...hmmmmm...what a crock.
So, I had my ultra sound, and I cried. The baby is so cute. And he was wiggling around. His heartrate was 176 beats per minute. He was just so perfect.
Unfortunately, the pictures you get printed never look as good as what is on the screen, and then the scanning made it look even worse, but that's our baby down there. Matt saw the picture and said, "oh...he looks like a baby!!" He said that excitedly, not like, "oh yippee..a baby" LOL
OK, before I show you the picture I have to finish with our plan. I called around and found a very nice practice. I'm basing this on the receptionist. I know that maybe I can't do that, but it means a lot to me when the receptionist will talk to me totally unrushed and tells me what my options are. It didn't hurt that she is military as well, so knew what she is talking about.
Basically, we are changing our insurance plan to one that allows us to see civilian drs. We will have to deal with a co-pay, but it will be pretty small. I will get to deliver at the hospital where their ped. has privledges, and also they have the heart center and a NICU. (YAY Maria..I'll deliver at Methodist!!) The peace of mind this gives me is so huge, you have no idea. I feel so at peace about this decision and will feel MUCH more confident about my care, and the baby's after birth. It took a LOT for the regular nurses to listen to us and check Zachy out, and residents would be doing the checking of this baby. There is NO way I would feel ok about that.
So that is the new plan. We have to go through the hoops and get things switched around, but I have an appt. scheduled with the new dr on Sept. 19. I'm so relieved.
Without further ado...BabyV, our cutie patootie!! The legs are on the left, his arms were all over the place, but at the time of the picture you can't see them..grrr. Oh well...he's still cute!! (And in case you are wondering, no we don't know the sex, too early for that, we just assume he will be another boy!!)
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Double Digits
I hit 10 weeks today. Hooray for double digits!
30 more weeks to go! Man, that seems like an eternity.
However, last night we went to the craft store and lo and behold, what should greet us at the door but CHRISTMAS TREES!!! Now, if all the stores start putting up their Christmas decor this early, the rest of this year is sure to fly by! If they don't, I'll just go live at Hobby Lobby and pretend it is close to christmas!
I was reading through old journal entries and discovered that at 13 weeks I was feeling great with Zachy. I am soo hoping that is the deal this time. I am ready to feel great! I am so close to 13 weeks I can taste it! And it doesn't taste like vomit...hooray!
30 more weeks to go! Man, that seems like an eternity.
However, last night we went to the craft store and lo and behold, what should greet us at the door but CHRISTMAS TREES!!! Now, if all the stores start putting up their Christmas decor this early, the rest of this year is sure to fly by! If they don't, I'll just go live at Hobby Lobby and pretend it is close to christmas!
I was reading through old journal entries and discovered that at 13 weeks I was feeling great with Zachy. I am soo hoping that is the deal this time. I am ready to feel great! I am so close to 13 weeks I can taste it! And it doesn't taste like vomit...hooray!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Another one bites the dust
Dillon lost a tooth yesterday. He tried so hard to get it out, and was thrilled when it finally came out. The boy was desperate though, he even told Matt and me that if we could get it out, he would give us his tooth fairy money! It was too slippery for us though, so he got to keep his money.
I thought it was funny though, because he pulled it out in the bathroom, then came running out and said, 'I GOT IT!!! Do you know what the first thing you do when you pull a tooth is? Take a picture...here's the camera!"
And so, without further ado, the pictures of his tooth and his grin. Silly kid!
I thought it was funny though, because he pulled it out in the bathroom, then came running out and said, 'I GOT IT!!! Do you know what the first thing you do when you pull a tooth is? Take a picture...here's the camera!"
And so, without further ado, the pictures of his tooth and his grin. Silly kid!
Friday, August 18, 2006
I'm an auntie and other business
My sil had her baby this morning! Right on her due date, that stinker! Anyway, little Parker was born at 4 this morning and they say he is doing great! I wish we were there to meet him.
It's always so exciting to have new little people to love. Congrats mom and dad and big brother!!
In other news, a man just came by to do a furnace inspection. Man, did he stink. And I bet he didn't smell to anyone but me. But smells are what sends me over the edge. I had to let him do his thing, cause I figured it would be rude of me to tell him to please leave and send someone sweeter smelling.
In reality, it doesn't really matter how good something smells, it still makes me sick. The other morning, Matt was getting ready in the bathroom and didn't turn on the fan. I was throwing up before I got to eat anything that morning. The smell was just too much. Now he knows to turn on that fan!
Behind my computer, I have pictures put up all over my desk. There is a newborn picture of Dillon up there. I so can't wait to have another newborn! Course it could just be because everyone has popped out their babies! Oh well, my friend Erin and me will just be pregnant all by our lonesomes!!
It's always so exciting to have new little people to love. Congrats mom and dad and big brother!!
In other news, a man just came by to do a furnace inspection. Man, did he stink. And I bet he didn't smell to anyone but me. But smells are what sends me over the edge. I had to let him do his thing, cause I figured it would be rude of me to tell him to please leave and send someone sweeter smelling.
In reality, it doesn't really matter how good something smells, it still makes me sick. The other morning, Matt was getting ready in the bathroom and didn't turn on the fan. I was throwing up before I got to eat anything that morning. The smell was just too much. Now he knows to turn on that fan!
Behind my computer, I have pictures put up all over my desk. There is a newborn picture of Dillon up there. I so can't wait to have another newborn! Course it could just be because everyone has popped out their babies! Oh well, my friend Erin and me will just be pregnant all by our lonesomes!!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Little bitty snails
Matt has informed me that our baby's cochlea is forming right now.
I don't know how many of you recall our experience with snails about 4 years ago, but we had a fish tank with loads of teeny tiny snails. No matter what we did, we couldn't get rid of them. They took over the whole tank.
Well, now all I can think about is all these teeny tiny snails, and how that is what the insides of V's ears are looking right now!
In case you aren't following this post at all, the cochlea is the inside of your ear that is shaped like a snail.
I don't know how many of you recall our experience with snails about 4 years ago, but we had a fish tank with loads of teeny tiny snails. No matter what we did, we couldn't get rid of them. They took over the whole tank.
Well, now all I can think about is all these teeny tiny snails, and how that is what the insides of V's ears are looking right now!
In case you aren't following this post at all, the cochlea is the inside of your ear that is shaped like a snail.
Friday, August 11, 2006
I just want to get away
I don't know what is wrong with me lately. I just want to get away. I would love to just go away for a weekend, and do nothing.
It occured to me this morning, that we have lived here a year now, and we spent one night in Houston back in May, but the rest of the time we have been here...every...single...day...and...night. *sigh*
I just want a break.
I think this has all been brought on by the fact that my neighbor was talking about the traveling they will be doing for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
I can't wait for the holidays. Only they won't be how I picture holidays. It won't be cold. Shoot, it probably won't even be cool. There will be no snow. There will be no fall. And, the biggie, there will be no family.
Unless someone has something planned that we don't know about, we will be alone for these holidays. Boohoo.
Anyway, just feeling down today, wish I could go somewhere and let it all go. But alas...
It occured to me this morning, that we have lived here a year now, and we spent one night in Houston back in May, but the rest of the time we have been here...every...single...day...and...night. *sigh*
I just want a break.
I think this has all been brought on by the fact that my neighbor was talking about the traveling they will be doing for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
I can't wait for the holidays. Only they won't be how I picture holidays. It won't be cold. Shoot, it probably won't even be cool. There will be no snow. There will be no fall. And, the biggie, there will be no family.
Unless someone has something planned that we don't know about, we will be alone for these holidays. Boohoo.
Anyway, just feeling down today, wish I could go somewhere and let it all go. But alas...
Thursday, August 10, 2006
It's been awhile
I know it's been awhile since I updated. Sorry. It is just really hard to sit here and write these days. Don't know why, it just is. I can sit and read emails, and other blogs, but to write...blech.
So, in the last 5 days, tons has happened! OK, not tons, but big moments in this house!
For starters, on the 5th my baby turned 3 years old! How is that possible? How can he already be 3? It's exactly as they say, time flies when you're having fun.
We had a big party for Zachy and Collin on the 6th. It was a Shamu party, and my friend made an awesome shamu cake. There were about 25 people here, including adults. But it dawned on me that this is the first time my mom has missed Collin's birthday.
The party was rough though. It hasn't rained here for ages, and it was 104 an hour before the party. We had planned on the kids all just playing outside and the party being outside. An hour before the party, a huge storm blew in, with no warning, and poured, and the wind blew hard. It was crazy. The kids did play outside but it was pretty soggy and muddy. We were still able to whack the pinata though!
So, why did we have Collin's party on the 6th? Because his birthday is today! He is FIVE! On my goodness! That is so old, half way to ten!
I wish I could freeze those two at these ages. They are both so cute. But alas, time keeps on marching.
Soon, we'll be able to celebrate these years all over again with the new little bean.
So those are the big moments! I guess it was just two, but they are both big moments to me.
In other news, Matt told my mil the other day that I was feeling much better. He got off the phone and I asked him whose house he had been living in. I am not feeling any better, possibly worse. But, in a month, the second trimester will be here, and hopefully I will feel better then.
I was reading old journal entries from when I was pg with Collin and Zachy, and it turns out that I was this sick with them too, I just don't remember it! The mommy amnesia is a wonderful thing. In fact, reading the entries I was thinking, 'de ja vu' the whole time. Crazy.
Currently, Matthew and Dillon are at the movies with the neighbor girl. Today is her birthday too, so her mom took her and the boys to see the movies. I have her son while they are gone. He is 4 so plays well with Z and C.
Let's see, what else has been happening? I think that's about it.
I was going to put pictures of their birthday on here, but blogger is being stupid and won't let me!
So, in the last 5 days, tons has happened! OK, not tons, but big moments in this house!
For starters, on the 5th my baby turned 3 years old! How is that possible? How can he already be 3? It's exactly as they say, time flies when you're having fun.
We had a big party for Zachy and Collin on the 6th. It was a Shamu party, and my friend made an awesome shamu cake. There were about 25 people here, including adults. But it dawned on me that this is the first time my mom has missed Collin's birthday.
The party was rough though. It hasn't rained here for ages, and it was 104 an hour before the party. We had planned on the kids all just playing outside and the party being outside. An hour before the party, a huge storm blew in, with no warning, and poured, and the wind blew hard. It was crazy. The kids did play outside but it was pretty soggy and muddy. We were still able to whack the pinata though!
So, why did we have Collin's party on the 6th? Because his birthday is today! He is FIVE! On my goodness! That is so old, half way to ten!
I wish I could freeze those two at these ages. They are both so cute. But alas, time keeps on marching.
Soon, we'll be able to celebrate these years all over again with the new little bean.
So those are the big moments! I guess it was just two, but they are both big moments to me.
In other news, Matt told my mil the other day that I was feeling much better. He got off the phone and I asked him whose house he had been living in. I am not feeling any better, possibly worse. But, in a month, the second trimester will be here, and hopefully I will feel better then.
I was reading old journal entries from when I was pg with Collin and Zachy, and it turns out that I was this sick with them too, I just don't remember it! The mommy amnesia is a wonderful thing. In fact, reading the entries I was thinking, 'de ja vu' the whole time. Crazy.
Currently, Matthew and Dillon are at the movies with the neighbor girl. Today is her birthday too, so her mom took her and the boys to see the movies. I have her son while they are gone. He is 4 so plays well with Z and C.
Let's see, what else has been happening? I think that's about it.
I was going to put pictures of their birthday on here, but blogger is being stupid and won't let me!
Wednesday, August 2, 2006
Baby "V"
Matthew has named this baby, "V" as in the roman numeral five. Silly goose.
Anyway, I've been sick sick sick, and it's not been that much fun, but it's all for the cause, right?
Today, I had an ultra sound and V was right on track. So cute, wiggling around. Heartbeat was in the 150s. YAY!!
Things are looking good!
I'm sure it is really difficult to see, but the white thing in the middle is V. I was really surprised at the cruddiness of the equipment being used, definitely not the best u/s I've ever had. Oh well.
Anyway, I've been sick sick sick, and it's not been that much fun, but it's all for the cause, right?
Today, I had an ultra sound and V was right on track. So cute, wiggling around. Heartbeat was in the 150s. YAY!!
Things are looking good!
I'm sure it is really difficult to see, but the white thing in the middle is V. I was really surprised at the cruddiness of the equipment being used, definitely not the best u/s I've ever had. Oh well.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Anyone wanna volunteer?
I need someone to teach me how to make authentic rice and beans, with some piping hot tortillas.
I have been craving mexican food sooo bad, and right now I want nothing else but rice and beans wrapped in a tortilla.
Maria...do you know how??
I have been craving mexican food sooo bad, and right now I want nothing else but rice and beans wrapped in a tortilla.
Maria...do you know how??
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Let the journey begin
And just like that, baby number 5 is on it's way. Due to arrive towards the end of March.
I am so incredibly sick this go around, that I can barely function. The dr gave me phenergan on Monday. I go back on Wednesday and if the phenergan wasn't doing the trick she is going to perscribe something else. Wednesday can't get here soon enough.
The boys are beyond thrilled. Matthew is sure this will finally be a girl. Dillon says boy. Collin says, "I know..I want a baby sister AND a baby brother" Zachy doesn't say anything other than "baby!"
Life is gonna be so fun!!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Complete randomness
Because I can't think of anything worth writing an entire entry about, I'll just give you random thoughts. Lucky you!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Cockroaches are disgusting. And the ones here are HUGE. I used to associate them with uncleanliness, but the neighbor who has OCD has them too, and her house is SPOTLESS. They're just gross. And I don't recall inviting them in!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Texas is hot. HOT HOT HOT, I tell ya. Who ever chose to settle here, should be shot. I honestly don't know how any vegetation survives in this heat. It is amazing, really.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I learned something the other day. Due to the heat, Texas is now recommending you replace carseats every two years. Turns out they are finding out that the plastic becomes brittle from sitting in these stifling hot cars all year round and on impact are shattering. Good to know!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tonight we are going to the zoo. It is for the heartwalk kickoff. It should be fun, but hot. I'm sure we will spend most out time in my least favorite place...the reptile house. Most reptile houses don't bother me, but this one does. You see it houses all the local venemous snakes. And personally, I'd just rather not know exactly how many species of venemous snake is living in my front yard!
The time is getting closer. If you haven't donated yet, go click the logo up top and donate!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
The kids are becoming good swimmers. Zachy and Collin never even wear their life jackets anymore. They stay in the shallow water, but Collin is getting really good.
Matthew and Dillon are all over the place, diving to the bottom of the pool to retrieve lost items. It's pretty amazing what a year can do.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Did you know that if you are already pretty tan, and go swimming for 3 hours in 100+ degree weather, you will get sunburned. Only it won't look like the sunburn that you normally get, you will just look really dark. But it will still hurt like a sunburn.
Yes, folks, I'm talking about me. I AM TAN!! Can you believe it? OK, not like a whole lot of people, but the fact that I am tan at all, is a miracle!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Speaking of me being tan. The other night a commercial came on. It is the commercial with the 100 year old black lady, I think it is for a financial something or other, but I could be totally wrong. Anyway, Dillon says, "is that what mommy will look like some day?" To which Matt replied, "I hope not, but I Guess if she stays out in the sun she may"
What a bunch of nuts!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Have I mentioned that Texas is hot?
~*~*~*~*~*~*
I need a babysitter. Everyone I have asked has declined. Why is it that no one wants to babysit 4 kids? Matthew and Dillon are a piece of cake, they entertain themselves. *sigh*
~*~*~*~*~*~*
We have lived here almost a whole year. The time just keeps going faster and faster, it is hard to believe it's already been a year. I now know where everything around San Antonio is, and I can tell you things like, 281 and 10 are always under construction, and things like Chuys is the only mexican restaurant in town who doesn't fry their food in lard.
Time's flying.
~*~*~*~*~*
In Texas, it doesn't matter how fat you are...sleeveless shirts are definitely an option. As is tiny little shirts, apparently. I used to look at people and think, "wow she really shouldn't be wearing that" now I think, "wow, I need one of those, I'm sure I'd be much cooler" It's all about staying cool here!
~*~*~*~*~*
I reallay ought to be cleaning, so that's what I'll do.
Stay cool everyone!!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Cockroaches are disgusting. And the ones here are HUGE. I used to associate them with uncleanliness, but the neighbor who has OCD has them too, and her house is SPOTLESS. They're just gross. And I don't recall inviting them in!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Texas is hot. HOT HOT HOT, I tell ya. Who ever chose to settle here, should be shot. I honestly don't know how any vegetation survives in this heat. It is amazing, really.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I learned something the other day. Due to the heat, Texas is now recommending you replace carseats every two years. Turns out they are finding out that the plastic becomes brittle from sitting in these stifling hot cars all year round and on impact are shattering. Good to know!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tonight we are going to the zoo. It is for the heartwalk kickoff. It should be fun, but hot. I'm sure we will spend most out time in my least favorite place...the reptile house. Most reptile houses don't bother me, but this one does. You see it houses all the local venemous snakes. And personally, I'd just rather not know exactly how many species of venemous snake is living in my front yard!
The time is getting closer. If you haven't donated yet, go click the logo up top and donate!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
The kids are becoming good swimmers. Zachy and Collin never even wear their life jackets anymore. They stay in the shallow water, but Collin is getting really good.
Matthew and Dillon are all over the place, diving to the bottom of the pool to retrieve lost items. It's pretty amazing what a year can do.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Did you know that if you are already pretty tan, and go swimming for 3 hours in 100+ degree weather, you will get sunburned. Only it won't look like the sunburn that you normally get, you will just look really dark. But it will still hurt like a sunburn.
Yes, folks, I'm talking about me. I AM TAN!! Can you believe it? OK, not like a whole lot of people, but the fact that I am tan at all, is a miracle!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Speaking of me being tan. The other night a commercial came on. It is the commercial with the 100 year old black lady, I think it is for a financial something or other, but I could be totally wrong. Anyway, Dillon says, "is that what mommy will look like some day?" To which Matt replied, "I hope not, but I Guess if she stays out in the sun she may"
What a bunch of nuts!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Have I mentioned that Texas is hot?
~*~*~*~*~*~*
I need a babysitter. Everyone I have asked has declined. Why is it that no one wants to babysit 4 kids? Matthew and Dillon are a piece of cake, they entertain themselves. *sigh*
~*~*~*~*~*~*
We have lived here almost a whole year. The time just keeps going faster and faster, it is hard to believe it's already been a year. I now know where everything around San Antonio is, and I can tell you things like, 281 and 10 are always under construction, and things like Chuys is the only mexican restaurant in town who doesn't fry their food in lard.
Time's flying.
~*~*~*~*~*
In Texas, it doesn't matter how fat you are...sleeveless shirts are definitely an option. As is tiny little shirts, apparently. I used to look at people and think, "wow she really shouldn't be wearing that" now I think, "wow, I need one of those, I'm sure I'd be much cooler" It's all about staying cool here!
~*~*~*~*~*
I reallay ought to be cleaning, so that's what I'll do.
Stay cool everyone!!!
Monday, July 17, 2006
The butterflies are twitterpated
I have never seen more butterflies in my life. Well, other than the zoo exhibits I've been to.
This is a tree outside our back door. It is hard to see, but all those flecks of motion are butterflies. The video doesn't show it well, but there are literally hundreds of butterflies around that tree. It is quite fascinating. What is it about that tree that they like?
Video Hosting - Upload Video - Video Sharing
This is a tree outside our back door. It is hard to see, but all those flecks of motion are butterflies. The video doesn't show it well, but there are literally hundreds of butterflies around that tree. It is quite fascinating. What is it about that tree that they like?
Video Hosting - Upload Video - Video Sharing
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Oh I HATE these
I have a pop up blocker. But, some slip through.
Specifically these new talking pop ups. What is the deal with these? They are always behind whatever it is you opened, and all of a sudden you hear, 'congratulations, you've won' Then you have to figure out where in the world it is to shut it up!
I tell ya, they will try anything to drive a person up a wall!!
Specifically these new talking pop ups. What is the deal with these? They are always behind whatever it is you opened, and all of a sudden you hear, 'congratulations, you've won' Then you have to figure out where in the world it is to shut it up!
I tell ya, they will try anything to drive a person up a wall!!
Friday, July 14, 2006
Becoming me
This has been a rough week. Sickness and just various other rough things this week. But alas, I think I'm finally able to write an intelligible entry!
~*~*~*~*~*~*
My mom has made the comment that I "seem so much better since having that IUD out" Meaning less depressed. I suddenly seem so..Happy. I'm not sure I agree, but whatever.
So I've been thinking about why I might seem that way, and what might really be different.
I've come up with a much different theory than the removal of the IUD.
I call it, becoming me.
You see, my entire life I've felt like I'm living in someone's shadow.
Growing up, I was either, Dr. B's daugher, or Aimee's little sister. When my mom got remarried, she married a school counselor. We moved and I immediately became, Mr. M's step daughter. I was thrilled when I switched school's my Junior year. FINALLY, I would just be Bekki. No one would know any of my family. Unfortunately, they all knew Matt, and I instantly became Matt's girlfriend.
On and on it has gone. It hasn't helped that I have basically followed my mom around the country. Every church we went to, mom and D were members already, and we became their kids. Coming here was ok, initially though, I was Lt. W's wife. But now...now I am Bekki. I am an adult. Something I haven't ever really felt like.
We are very involved in church and I am Bekki. No one knows any other members of our families and it has, in a lot of ways, been so much easier.
Have you ever been to a church potluck? Have you ever noticed the kitchen? Where all the women stand and do dishes and talk away. That was always my mom's place. But here, I am one of the women standing in the kitchen, getting to know everyone for myself, and not through my mom, or anyone else.
I am finally becoming me, and I think I like it. And I think it has lifted my mood.
Of course, I still have my bad days, but who doesn't. All in all, life is just getting good.
Really, really good.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
My mom has made the comment that I "seem so much better since having that IUD out" Meaning less depressed. I suddenly seem so..Happy. I'm not sure I agree, but whatever.
So I've been thinking about why I might seem that way, and what might really be different.
I've come up with a much different theory than the removal of the IUD.
I call it, becoming me.
You see, my entire life I've felt like I'm living in someone's shadow.
Growing up, I was either, Dr. B's daugher, or Aimee's little sister. When my mom got remarried, she married a school counselor. We moved and I immediately became, Mr. M's step daughter. I was thrilled when I switched school's my Junior year. FINALLY, I would just be Bekki. No one would know any of my family. Unfortunately, they all knew Matt, and I instantly became Matt's girlfriend.
On and on it has gone. It hasn't helped that I have basically followed my mom around the country. Every church we went to, mom and D were members already, and we became their kids. Coming here was ok, initially though, I was Lt. W's wife. But now...now I am Bekki. I am an adult. Something I haven't ever really felt like.
We are very involved in church and I am Bekki. No one knows any other members of our families and it has, in a lot of ways, been so much easier.
Have you ever been to a church potluck? Have you ever noticed the kitchen? Where all the women stand and do dishes and talk away. That was always my mom's place. But here, I am one of the women standing in the kitchen, getting to know everyone for myself, and not through my mom, or anyone else.
I am finally becoming me, and I think I like it. And I think it has lifted my mood.
Of course, I still have my bad days, but who doesn't. All in all, life is just getting good.
Really, really good.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
An old smoking hag
That's what I am. Someone whose been smoking for years and years. OK, obviously, I'm kidding. But that's what I feel like. This cough, that is so deep, sounds like a long time smoker's cough. If you were to meet me on the street you would swear I'm a smoker. I sound hoarse and I'm constantly clearing my throat and hacking my lungs out.
Have I mentioned how much I love my wonderful hubby for sharing this with me??
Have I mentioned how much I love my wonderful hubby for sharing this with me??
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
I know I'm late
I know I promised I'd be back on Monday, but I lied. I do that alot lately, it seems.
I do have an entry that I want to write, floating around in my head, but that same head is all foggy right now. My darling husband was so kind and shared his head cold with me. I don't really think that was nice of him, but he did it anyway.
At any rate, I'll write a meaningful entry when I can think right.
I took the kids to a free movie this morning. Regal Cinemas offers free kid movies all summer on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. We saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, again. We've seen it now, about a million times. But it was nice to get out of the house.
Anyway, I need to go make dinner. But honestly, when I'm feeling better, I'll write a real entry.
I do have an entry that I want to write, floating around in my head, but that same head is all foggy right now. My darling husband was so kind and shared his head cold with me. I don't really think that was nice of him, but he did it anyway.
At any rate, I'll write a meaningful entry when I can think right.
I took the kids to a free movie this morning. Regal Cinemas offers free kid movies all summer on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. We saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, again. We've seen it now, about a million times. But it was nice to get out of the house.
Anyway, I need to go make dinner. But honestly, when I'm feeling better, I'll write a real entry.
Thursday, July 6, 2006
Finally catching my breath
Good grief...life has been busy busy!
I last posted on Saturday.
Here's a recap of my week...
Sunday ~ spent almost the entire day out in the country at a church picnic. Good times had by all! It really was quite a nice day. Good to be surrounded by family.
Monday ~ spent the entire day at Sea World. We closed the place down. We didn't get home till midnight. But it was really fun. We spent the first part of the day at the water park, then around 5ish headed into the main park to catch all the nighttime shows. They were all really good. We also watched the fireworks. Then, after the fireworks, there was still an hour till closing. So Matt took the 3 younger ones on the log ride. It had a long line, so Matthew and I went on the Great White, which is a loopdy loop coaster, and the Steel Eel, which is a hypercoaster, it just goes really fast, up and down. We went on it 6 times in a row. My goodness. Matthew would have kept going, but my tummy was telling me otherwise! And I have a STRONG stomach. Good times!
Tuesday ~ Had a birthday party to attend. Ended up being there for hours. Took up our whole day, but the kids had a great time.
Wednesday~ another birthday party! The two kids actually shared the same birthday which was yesterday, thankfully they were celebrated on seperate days! Fun, but oh so hot out yesterday, and it has been MUGGY. Icky.
Thursday ~ That would be today. Collin and Dillon had well checks at the dr. Both did well. But all four of them were due for a hepatitis A shot, and then they told me that Collin was due for all his boosters. OK, I know this. I just didn't put together that he was turning FIVE and that's when they get them. It was so terrible. He had a total of 5 shots. He screamed so bad. And I had to hold him down. I was shaking and I almost threw up. It was terrible. The other two didn't react that way to their boosters. My poor baby. He recovered nicely though, and they all got blizzards from DQ. Then we came home and spent the rest of the day in the pool.
Tomorrow~ I get to stay home! HOORAY! I need to bake cookies, which is always fun in the heat. Blech. But we are having a Women's Luncheon at church on Sunday. I don't expect too many people there, but the leader is a friend of mine, and I told Matt I have to go, if for no other reason than to support her. Women's ministries is kind of floundering at our church. But hopefully she can get things going once again!
Saturday ~ church and pot luck.
Sunday ~ Luncheon
So you may see me around these parts on Monday!
Oh, in exciting news (well to me anyway) Zachy's therapist had her baby on Thursday. I saw her picture online and she is a cutie. I can't wait to go see her and hold the little bundle!
We are working hard trying to plan a birthday party for Matthew. Collin and Zachy too. But Matthew's is the big 1-0. And he has never had a big party. They have always been family parties, or shared with Dillon. So it's time he has his own big bash. Things are just so stinkin expensive!
And speaking of birthdays. Today is my brother in law, Tim's, birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIMMAY!!! We love you!
Do you all like this new song? I do. It is appropriate for this time of year. So to all the troops...THANK YOU!!
I last posted on Saturday.
Here's a recap of my week...
Sunday ~ spent almost the entire day out in the country at a church picnic. Good times had by all! It really was quite a nice day. Good to be surrounded by family.
Monday ~ spent the entire day at Sea World. We closed the place down. We didn't get home till midnight. But it was really fun. We spent the first part of the day at the water park, then around 5ish headed into the main park to catch all the nighttime shows. They were all really good. We also watched the fireworks. Then, after the fireworks, there was still an hour till closing. So Matt took the 3 younger ones on the log ride. It had a long line, so Matthew and I went on the Great White, which is a loopdy loop coaster, and the Steel Eel, which is a hypercoaster, it just goes really fast, up and down. We went on it 6 times in a row. My goodness. Matthew would have kept going, but my tummy was telling me otherwise! And I have a STRONG stomach. Good times!
Tuesday ~ Had a birthday party to attend. Ended up being there for hours. Took up our whole day, but the kids had a great time.
Wednesday~ another birthday party! The two kids actually shared the same birthday which was yesterday, thankfully they were celebrated on seperate days! Fun, but oh so hot out yesterday, and it has been MUGGY. Icky.
Thursday ~ That would be today. Collin and Dillon had well checks at the dr. Both did well. But all four of them were due for a hepatitis A shot, and then they told me that Collin was due for all his boosters. OK, I know this. I just didn't put together that he was turning FIVE and that's when they get them. It was so terrible. He had a total of 5 shots. He screamed so bad. And I had to hold him down. I was shaking and I almost threw up. It was terrible. The other two didn't react that way to their boosters. My poor baby. He recovered nicely though, and they all got blizzards from DQ. Then we came home and spent the rest of the day in the pool.
Tomorrow~ I get to stay home! HOORAY! I need to bake cookies, which is always fun in the heat. Blech. But we are having a Women's Luncheon at church on Sunday. I don't expect too many people there, but the leader is a friend of mine, and I told Matt I have to go, if for no other reason than to support her. Women's ministries is kind of floundering at our church. But hopefully she can get things going once again!
Saturday ~ church and pot luck.
Sunday ~ Luncheon
So you may see me around these parts on Monday!
Oh, in exciting news (well to me anyway) Zachy's therapist had her baby on Thursday. I saw her picture online and she is a cutie. I can't wait to go see her and hold the little bundle!
We are working hard trying to plan a birthday party for Matthew. Collin and Zachy too. But Matthew's is the big 1-0. And he has never had a big party. They have always been family parties, or shared with Dillon. So it's time he has his own big bash. Things are just so stinkin expensive!
And speaking of birthdays. Today is my brother in law, Tim's, birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIMMAY!!! We love you!
Do you all like this new song? I do. It is appropriate for this time of year. So to all the troops...THANK YOU!!
Saturday, July 1, 2006
De ja vue
Matt was supposed to report to Officer training school (COT) on July 5.
We went out and celebrated our anniversary last week. Went to dinner and the movies then wandered around downtown. I convinced Matt to take me to Ripley's Haunted Adventure, and when we got there, I promptly chickened out! So we wandered around the alamo for a bit. Watched some artists on the corner painting pictures with spray paint. It was amazing. He got me one that was special made for me! AWWWWW
Anyway, Yesterday, he got an email saying his orders for COT were cancelled, and he would be leaving August 15 for COT.
This is EXACTLY what happened last year!
Oh the joys of the military!
We went out and celebrated our anniversary last week. Went to dinner and the movies then wandered around downtown. I convinced Matt to take me to Ripley's Haunted Adventure, and when we got there, I promptly chickened out! So we wandered around the alamo for a bit. Watched some artists on the corner painting pictures with spray paint. It was amazing. He got me one that was special made for me! AWWWWW
Anyway, Yesterday, he got an email saying his orders for COT were cancelled, and he would be leaving August 15 for COT.
This is EXACTLY what happened last year!
Oh the joys of the military!
I'm old enough
Two of the girls at church were at camp the same week as Matthew and Dillon.
The older girl has a huge crush on Matthew. She has to sit next to him everyweek, and you cannot seperate them to save your life.
L's mom told me that as they were looking through camp pictures L got jealous and would say, "that girl right there, she liked Matthew" "that one was nice, but she liked Matthew" and "all the girls had a crush on Matthew"
Ok, as a parent this is kind of nice to hear. Hehe.
But I asked Matthew what he thought of L having such a crush on him. Did he like it? Or did she bug him? Or what?
He said he liked it, kind of.
I chuckled and he said, 'WHAT? I'm OLD enough!" I said,"FOR WHAT?" He answered, "for a crush" I said, "no way, not till you are 20"
To which he responded, 'I don't think so. You were MARRIED by 20"
Whoops, guess that logic won't work on our kids!
The older girl has a huge crush on Matthew. She has to sit next to him everyweek, and you cannot seperate them to save your life.
L's mom told me that as they were looking through camp pictures L got jealous and would say, "that girl right there, she liked Matthew" "that one was nice, but she liked Matthew" and "all the girls had a crush on Matthew"
Ok, as a parent this is kind of nice to hear. Hehe.
But I asked Matthew what he thought of L having such a crush on him. Did he like it? Or did she bug him? Or what?
He said he liked it, kind of.
I chuckled and he said, 'WHAT? I'm OLD enough!" I said,"FOR WHAT?" He answered, "for a crush" I said, "no way, not till you are 20"
To which he responded, 'I don't think so. You were MARRIED by 20"
Whoops, guess that logic won't work on our kids!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
We're done and sad times
VBS was a huge success. The kids did their program at church and everyone said it was just great.
Other than the one incident of drama, we had a blast. We are actually looking forward to leading out next year!
Tomorrow is Zachy's last speech appointment. His therapist is having a baby soon. He will turn 3 in August and not be eligible for their program anymore. His therapist told me that he won't qualify anywhere because he now has normal 3 year old speech patterns! GO ZACHY!
He is doing great with the potty. Still no poopy in the potty, but it will come!
Totally unrelated to anything, Matt's grandpa passed away Saturday morning. It's a sad time for all of us. I'm sad that my little ones will never know him. But I am comforted by the knowledge that I'm sure he'll be making fish hands in heaven, and they'll get to know him there. Keep our family in your prayers though, it's a rough time for everyone.
Other than the one incident of drama, we had a blast. We are actually looking forward to leading out next year!
Tomorrow is Zachy's last speech appointment. His therapist is having a baby soon. He will turn 3 in August and not be eligible for their program anymore. His therapist told me that he won't qualify anywhere because he now has normal 3 year old speech patterns! GO ZACHY!
He is doing great with the potty. Still no poopy in the potty, but it will come!
Totally unrelated to anything, Matt's grandpa passed away Saturday morning. It's a sad time for all of us. I'm sad that my little ones will never know him. But I am comforted by the knowledge that I'm sure he'll be making fish hands in heaven, and they'll get to know him there. Keep our family in your prayers though, it's a rough time for everyone.
Friday, June 23, 2006
71 Questions
VBS is over tonight. It's been a stressful, but fun week. Because I have no brain cells this morning, I thought I'd just swipe this questionaire from Gina and leave it at that. Maybe next week you'll get the pictures and full updates from VBS!
71 Things you most likely don't know about me
1. Do you snore? Yes,I can hear myself as I'm falling asleep.
2. Are you a lover or a fighter? I guess it depends on who with. I definitely like to keep the peace, but little things tend to irritate me a lot. Definitely a lover with Matt, we never fight, I guess that's all that really matters. :-)
3. What's your worst fear? My kids dying and snakes!
4. As a kid, were you a Lego maniac? Nope, I don't think we ever had a single one, which is making it hard for me now. I don't have the "know-how" to help my kids create stuff. I suppose it's ok now that they are getting older, because they are so creative, they can make anything.
5. Do you like to have your neck kissed? Yes
6. Do you chew on your straws? Sometimes
7. Were you a cute baby? In my opinion I was
8. What color is your mouse? black
9. What color is your keyboard? Black and silver
10. Do you sing in the shower? Yes, and anywhere else the general public can't hear me.
11. Have you ever bungee jumped? No I'd be so afraid of the cord breaking, I would like to sky dive though.
13. Ideal vacation spot? Duh...Disneyland
14. Do you think Jay Leno is funny? Yep, I much prefer him to Letterman..yuck
15. Can you swim? Yes
16. Have you seen Donnie Darko? I have no idea who that is..
17. Do you give a flip about the ozone? Not really, I think they don't know much about it, shouldn't it have been gone by now? I do recycle though!
18. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? no one will ever know!
19. Can you sing the alphabet backwards? No
20. Have you ever been on an airplane? Yes, but not since June/01
21. Are you an only child? No, but my sister likes to claim my parents found me under a rock...
22. Do you prefer electric or manual pencil sharpener? Either or
23. What's your stand on hunting? I hate it. Part of me thinks it's ok if you actually eat the meat, but to do it for sport just sickens me.
24. Is marriage in your future? I hope so, I told Matt last night that he had better hurry up and marry me...you know..since we have all these kids and whatnot! ;-)
25. Do you like your handwriting? No, it's so terrible.
26. What are you allergic to? nothing that I know or
27. When was the last time you said, "I love you"? In an email to Matt, but to Zachy and Collin while they slept last night.
29. Do you cry at weddings? YES! I am such a sap.
30. How do you like your eggs? scrambled
31. Are blondes dumb? Not any more dumb than any other person.
32. Where does the other sock end up? Probably still at camp. Dillon came home with a total of 3 socks....none of them matched.
33. What time is it? 10:33 AM
34. Do you have a nickname? mommy, Bekki-boo, Bek, Beeker
35. Is McDonalds disgusting? sadly no
37. Do you prefer showers or baths? Depends on the reason, for cleanliness, shower, just to relax, bath.
38. Is Santa Claus real? Of course he is!!
40. Are you afraid of the dark? No, unless I'm like in a closet or some other area that could cause me claustrophobia.
41. What are you addicted to? internet
42. Crunchy or creamy peanut butter? either
43. Can you crack your neck? Yes
44. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? No, Thank goodness.
46. Is drug free the way to be? Oh yes
47. Are you a heavy sleeper? hmmmmm depends, the kids can wake me up easily, but I never hear Matt get up and get ready.
48. What color are your bed sheets? white
50. Do you like your life? Yes, of course
51. Is your name Alan? No
52. Are you psychic? No
53. Have you read "catcher in the rye"? Maybe in high school, I don't remember
54. Do you play any instruments? I used to play the trombone and piano, but haven't done either of those in years, so probably not.
55. Have you ever stolen money? No
56. Can you snowboard? No, I can snow SKI though
57. Do you like camping? If the weather is nice, and the kids aren't sick. Camping with a baby with pneumonia isn't any fun, and the trip to the ER the next day stinks, I don't recommend it.
58. Do you snort when you laugh? Yep
59. Do you believe in magic? Like wizard magic? no. But my kids can do good magic tricks!
60. Are dogs man's best friend? maybe to some, ours isn't
61. You believe in divorce? this is a sticky area, I don't really, unless there is some terrible reason, like someone might die. I think that if it is just because you've grown apart, you need to wait till the kids are grown.
62. Can you do the moonwalk? No
65. What was the last thing you ate? strawberries
66. Do you wear nail polish? only on my toes
67. Wish you could live somewhere else? yep, the Pacific Northwest somewhere
68. What's the most annoying TV commercial? with DVR we don't watch them too much, but there are billboards up now, they are all red and say, "look, I have a meat beard" or "I pooted" or "shiny shiny, pretty pretty" and they are driving me CRAZY because I don't know what they're for!
69. Would you ever die for your best friend(s)? That's a tough one! Probably. I'd die for my kids in a heartbeat, and for Matt, but beyond that, I'm not sure. Sorry Shell!!
70. Favorite band at the moment? Don't have one
71. If you could master any musical instrument, what would it be? I don't have a desire to master one...maybe the drums so that I could have some rhythm.
71 Things you most likely don't know about me
1. Do you snore? Yes,I can hear myself as I'm falling asleep.
2. Are you a lover or a fighter? I guess it depends on who with. I definitely like to keep the peace, but little things tend to irritate me a lot. Definitely a lover with Matt, we never fight, I guess that's all that really matters. :-)
3. What's your worst fear? My kids dying and snakes!
4. As a kid, were you a Lego maniac? Nope, I don't think we ever had a single one, which is making it hard for me now. I don't have the "know-how" to help my kids create stuff. I suppose it's ok now that they are getting older, because they are so creative, they can make anything.
5. Do you like to have your neck kissed? Yes
6. Do you chew on your straws? Sometimes
7. Were you a cute baby? In my opinion I was
8. What color is your mouse? black
9. What color is your keyboard? Black and silver
10. Do you sing in the shower? Yes, and anywhere else the general public can't hear me.
11. Have you ever bungee jumped? No I'd be so afraid of the cord breaking, I would like to sky dive though.
13. Ideal vacation spot? Duh...Disneyland
14. Do you think Jay Leno is funny? Yep, I much prefer him to Letterman..yuck
15. Can you swim? Yes
16. Have you seen Donnie Darko? I have no idea who that is..
17. Do you give a flip about the ozone? Not really, I think they don't know much about it, shouldn't it have been gone by now? I do recycle though!
18. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? no one will ever know!
19. Can you sing the alphabet backwards? No
20. Have you ever been on an airplane? Yes, but not since June/01
21. Are you an only child? No, but my sister likes to claim my parents found me under a rock...
22. Do you prefer electric or manual pencil sharpener? Either or
23. What's your stand on hunting? I hate it. Part of me thinks it's ok if you actually eat the meat, but to do it for sport just sickens me.
24. Is marriage in your future? I hope so, I told Matt last night that he had better hurry up and marry me...you know..since we have all these kids and whatnot! ;-)
25. Do you like your handwriting? No, it's so terrible.
26. What are you allergic to? nothing that I know or
27. When was the last time you said, "I love you"? In an email to Matt, but to Zachy and Collin while they slept last night.
29. Do you cry at weddings? YES! I am such a sap.
30. How do you like your eggs? scrambled
31. Are blondes dumb? Not any more dumb than any other person.
32. Where does the other sock end up? Probably still at camp. Dillon came home with a total of 3 socks....none of them matched.
33. What time is it? 10:33 AM
34. Do you have a nickname? mommy, Bekki-boo, Bek, Beeker
35. Is McDonalds disgusting? sadly no
37. Do you prefer showers or baths? Depends on the reason, for cleanliness, shower, just to relax, bath.
38. Is Santa Claus real? Of course he is!!
40. Are you afraid of the dark? No, unless I'm like in a closet or some other area that could cause me claustrophobia.
41. What are you addicted to? internet
42. Crunchy or creamy peanut butter? either
43. Can you crack your neck? Yes
44. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? No, Thank goodness.
46. Is drug free the way to be? Oh yes
47. Are you a heavy sleeper? hmmmmm depends, the kids can wake me up easily, but I never hear Matt get up and get ready.
48. What color are your bed sheets? white
50. Do you like your life? Yes, of course
51. Is your name Alan? No
52. Are you psychic? No
53. Have you read "catcher in the rye"? Maybe in high school, I don't remember
54. Do you play any instruments? I used to play the trombone and piano, but haven't done either of those in years, so probably not.
55. Have you ever stolen money? No
56. Can you snowboard? No, I can snow SKI though
57. Do you like camping? If the weather is nice, and the kids aren't sick. Camping with a baby with pneumonia isn't any fun, and the trip to the ER the next day stinks, I don't recommend it.
58. Do you snort when you laugh? Yep
59. Do you believe in magic? Like wizard magic? no. But my kids can do good magic tricks!
60. Are dogs man's best friend? maybe to some, ours isn't
61. You believe in divorce? this is a sticky area, I don't really, unless there is some terrible reason, like someone might die. I think that if it is just because you've grown apart, you need to wait till the kids are grown.
62. Can you do the moonwalk? No
65. What was the last thing you ate? strawberries
66. Do you wear nail polish? only on my toes
67. Wish you could live somewhere else? yep, the Pacific Northwest somewhere
68. What's the most annoying TV commercial? with DVR we don't watch them too much, but there are billboards up now, they are all red and say, "look, I have a meat beard" or "I pooted" or "shiny shiny, pretty pretty" and they are driving me CRAZY because I don't know what they're for!
69. Would you ever die for your best friend(s)? That's a tough one! Probably. I'd die for my kids in a heartbeat, and for Matt, but beyond that, I'm not sure. Sorry Shell!!
70. Favorite band at the moment? Don't have one
71. If you could master any musical instrument, what would it be? I don't have a desire to master one...maybe the drums so that I could have some rhythm.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Wanna come to VBS??
Dillon is trying so hard to figure out who he can bring to VBS. The only people here are mormon, and they won't come.
So he just told me he wants to go around our whole neighborhood, and ask the kids their names, and ask if they want to come to VBS. Silly goose.
So he just told me he wants to go around our whole neighborhood, and ask the kids their names, and ask if they want to come to VBS. Silly goose.
More sing song from Collin
Yesterday while at Target, Collin got an echo mic. So on the way home he was singing at the top of his lungs.
Normally it's ,"Jesus loves me, this-hi know" But not yesterday.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is his song.
I am biiiiiiig
but not big enouuuuuugghhh
I want to be biggggeeeerrrrr
But I don't know hooooowwwww
He'll make me a KITTYYYYYYYY
I don't want to be a KITTYYYYYYYYY
but I'm gonna be a KITTYYYYYY
Meow
but I don't know what a kittyyy saaaaayyyyyyy
(this next part was to Zachy, with the mic in his face)
what does a kitty saaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy
BOY!! Tell me what a kitty SAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY
BOY!! Tell me what a kitty SAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY
It was hilarious.
In other hilarity, the other day we were talking to Collin and he said something with an "s" sound that he still uses an "h" sound for.
I said, "you need to use your silly snake sound"
So we were discussing silly snake sounds, and I said, "you need to do your "FFFFFFFFF"..you know, your "fish" sound"
He looked at me and said, "blub"
We all died...guess that's what a fish says!!
Normally it's ,"Jesus loves me, this-hi know" But not yesterday.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is his song.
I am biiiiiiig
but not big enouuuuuugghhh
I want to be biggggeeeerrrrr
But I don't know hooooowwwww
He'll make me a KITTYYYYYYYY
I don't want to be a KITTYYYYYYYYY
but I'm gonna be a KITTYYYYYY
Meow
but I don't know what a kittyyy saaaaayyyyyyy
(this next part was to Zachy, with the mic in his face)
what does a kitty saaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy
BOY!! Tell me what a kitty SAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY
BOY!! Tell me what a kitty SAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY
It was hilarious.
In other hilarity, the other day we were talking to Collin and he said something with an "s" sound that he still uses an "h" sound for.
I said, "you need to use your silly snake sound"
So we were discussing silly snake sounds, and I said, "you need to do your "FFFFFFFFF"..you know, your "fish" sound"
He looked at me and said, "blub"
We all died...guess that's what a fish says!!
Drama Drama
OK, so on the outside VBS is going great.
On the inside though...ugh.
Things happened last night. Not pretty things. It ended up with my family at the pastor's famiy's house till almost 11.
My problem is I can't please everyone, and I want to. And apparently I let people walk all over me.
This has been a rough learning experience, and I can only pray for peace tonight, although I'm not so sure that will happen. It all depends on whose feelings got hurt.
What a royal pain.
And then to top it off another man, totally unrelated to VBS came and started ranting and raving about things somewhat related to VBS, and yet not.
It was a MESS. *sigh* I have to say leadership is HARD, and I am glad I'm not the pastor! Good grief.
On the inside though...ugh.
Things happened last night. Not pretty things. It ended up with my family at the pastor's famiy's house till almost 11.
My problem is I can't please everyone, and I want to. And apparently I let people walk all over me.
This has been a rough learning experience, and I can only pray for peace tonight, although I'm not so sure that will happen. It all depends on whose feelings got hurt.
What a royal pain.
And then to top it off another man, totally unrelated to VBS came and started ranting and raving about things somewhat related to VBS, and yet not.
It was a MESS. *sigh* I have to say leadership is HARD, and I am glad I'm not the pastor! Good grief.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
This should be interesting
First of all, let me say that VBS is going great. Last night we had 22 kids. I have workers that have done amazing things, and I'd like to get them all something as a token of appreciation, but I can't think of what. If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them!
Now on to the interesting part. Which has nothing to do with VBS. It has to do with our house.
I'm not sure if I've ever explained this here before, but I'll do it again, just in case.
We live in Base housing, but we're not on base. We live in housing that used to belong to another base that is now closed. There used to be more of it, but only part is sectioned off as base housing now. The rest is low income appartments now.
The city has bought our housing area and has plans to make it into low income housing like the rest. About 6 months ago, all the enlisted people got a letter on their door saying they had two years to move out of here and find other housing. But nothing was ever said to the officers.
People have been moving out of here daily, and it is become a ghost town. Really, it's amazing to see a moving van in here almost daily. There are whole rows of houses that are completely empty.
Here in the officer section, there are only 6 families left. The rest all moved to different bases. And like I said, we've never been notified that we need to leave.
Well, this morning Sadie was going crazy barking. When I looked out the window there were 6 people out there. I'm guessing developers or something, because they all had papers, and blueprints, and they were looking at each house and writing tons down. They weren't military, I'm sure they were city people.
So it should be interesting to see when we get the notice that we have to move. And I almost wonder if it will be less than 2 years, just because of how fast the enlisted people have been getting out. I don't expect there to be anyone here for 2 years.
Now on to the interesting part. Which has nothing to do with VBS. It has to do with our house.
I'm not sure if I've ever explained this here before, but I'll do it again, just in case.
We live in Base housing, but we're not on base. We live in housing that used to belong to another base that is now closed. There used to be more of it, but only part is sectioned off as base housing now. The rest is low income appartments now.
The city has bought our housing area and has plans to make it into low income housing like the rest. About 6 months ago, all the enlisted people got a letter on their door saying they had two years to move out of here and find other housing. But nothing was ever said to the officers.
People have been moving out of here daily, and it is become a ghost town. Really, it's amazing to see a moving van in here almost daily. There are whole rows of houses that are completely empty.
Here in the officer section, there are only 6 families left. The rest all moved to different bases. And like I said, we've never been notified that we need to leave.
Well, this morning Sadie was going crazy barking. When I looked out the window there were 6 people out there. I'm guessing developers or something, because they all had papers, and blueprints, and they were looking at each house and writing tons down. They weren't military, I'm sure they were city people.
So it should be interesting to see when we get the notice that we have to move. And I almost wonder if it will be less than 2 years, just because of how fast the enlisted people have been getting out. I don't expect there to be anyone here for 2 years.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
First night down
VBS went well last night. The workers will be getting their credit! YAY. There were 15 kids, tonight there should be at least 16, we'll see. Which isn't much, but enough. I'm sure the lady who has been on my case is having a hay day knowing I didn't advertise enough. Oh well. It's our first year, next year we'll do better.
Monday, June 19, 2006
VBS Starts tonight
OK...tonight starts my first week of VBS. The first year I'm director. YIKES.
It's a bad spot to be in...if things go off without a hitch, all my leaders will get the credit (which they TOTALLY deserve!) but if things are a flop (like some of my leaders are predicting!) it will be my fault!
Let's pray it goes off without a hitch!
Wish me luck!
This entry is just full of exclamation points!!! Can you tell I'm nervous?
It's a bad spot to be in...if things go off without a hitch, all my leaders will get the credit (which they TOTALLY deserve!) but if things are a flop (like some of my leaders are predicting!) it will be my fault!
Let's pray it goes off without a hitch!
Wish me luck!
This entry is just full of exclamation points!!! Can you tell I'm nervous?
Friday, June 16, 2006
Picture overload
OK, these aren't the pictures I promised you, I'll take those later today. But last night, the kids wanted to go swimming, except the pool was closed due to lightening. We didn't see any lightening, but whatever! Anyway, we took the kids to this mexican restaurant Maria told me about. With a big ole play place. The kids had a blast.
The pictures were all going to be in one entry and in order, but that didn't work out. So here they are!
This one was not taken at the restaurant! In case you couldn't tell. It was taken several days ago, Zachy zonked out on the landing of the stairs.
Matthew posed for this picture for like a minute. What a wierdo! LOL
Fun times!
WAHOO!!!
The first time I went around to watch them come down these slides, Zachy actually caught air on that bump, so after that we went down very slowly!
The pictures were all going to be in one entry and in order, but that didn't work out. So here they are!
This one was not taken at the restaurant! In case you couldn't tell. It was taken several days ago, Zachy zonked out on the landing of the stairs.
Matthew posed for this picture for like a minute. What a wierdo! LOL
Fun times!
WAHOO!!!
The first time I went around to watch them come down these slides, Zachy actually caught air on that bump, so after that we went down very slowly!
Continued
Zachy going up the slide...instead of down!
Trying to get some speed going.
Zachy enjoying some food.
Folks, this was our half order of nachos. HALF ORDER!! We didn't even make a dent in it!
Running down instead of sliding!
Zachy in the airplane!
Yes, my kids pose when they eat. They're grandma has taught them well.
Isn't he cute?
Collin in the plane.
Dillon stopping to pose!
Doesn't Collin look grown up here. He is getting so big!
Trying to get some speed going.
Zachy enjoying some food.
Folks, this was our half order of nachos. HALF ORDER!! We didn't even make a dent in it!
Running down instead of sliding!
Zachy in the airplane!
Yes, my kids pose when they eat. They're grandma has taught them well.
Isn't he cute?
Collin in the plane.
Dillon stopping to pose!
Doesn't Collin look grown up here. He is getting so big!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
One in one hundred...strikes again
One in one hundred. That is how many tiny babies are affected by congenital heart defects (CHD). It is the number one killer of children. And yet, there is so little knowledge of them.
I'd like to take this time to remind you that I will be walking in the heart walk this year, and if you would like to donate to this cause, please click on that logo up there and do so.
We got news on Tuesday that some very old family friends had lost their baby to CHD. Baby was due in August, but passed away on Sunday, and was delivered Monday. His poor little heart was just too defective to sustain life. He had a condition that was so rare it doesn't have a name, and the drs only knew of one other case, in Boston.
My heart is absolutely breaking for them. We've known the daddy forever. Since he was just a boy. I have silly pictures of him from when we used to live next door, and he was just a kid. To think that now he is going through the most horrific thing ever, it just kills me.
I spoke with baby's grandma today, and I just wish I were there to wrap my arms around them and let them cry and cry. It's terrible.
Then later on Tuesday, Zachy's speech therapist came to see Zach, and she was distraught, because her best friend just found out that her baby only has a 3 chamber heart. *sigh* It never ends.
Am I just more aware of these things now? I don't know. I have to say, I wish the world of CHD was not mine, but it is, and always will be. I praise the good Lord that he decided to allow Zachy to be with us, I can't imagine the pain of not having him here. We are so completely blessed.
So again, if you feel the desire to help raise money for the American Heart Association, just click that logo up there, it really is very simple to donate. And while you're at it, please say a prayer for these two families, that they will get through all of this the best way they know how.
I'd like to take this time to remind you that I will be walking in the heart walk this year, and if you would like to donate to this cause, please click on that logo up there and do so.
We got news on Tuesday that some very old family friends had lost their baby to CHD. Baby was due in August, but passed away on Sunday, and was delivered Monday. His poor little heart was just too defective to sustain life. He had a condition that was so rare it doesn't have a name, and the drs only knew of one other case, in Boston.
My heart is absolutely breaking for them. We've known the daddy forever. Since he was just a boy. I have silly pictures of him from when we used to live next door, and he was just a kid. To think that now he is going through the most horrific thing ever, it just kills me.
I spoke with baby's grandma today, and I just wish I were there to wrap my arms around them and let them cry and cry. It's terrible.
Then later on Tuesday, Zachy's speech therapist came to see Zach, and she was distraught, because her best friend just found out that her baby only has a 3 chamber heart. *sigh* It never ends.
Am I just more aware of these things now? I don't know. I have to say, I wish the world of CHD was not mine, but it is, and always will be. I praise the good Lord that he decided to allow Zachy to be with us, I can't imagine the pain of not having him here. We are so completely blessed.
So again, if you feel the desire to help raise money for the American Heart Association, just click that logo up there, it really is very simple to donate. And while you're at it, please say a prayer for these two families, that they will get through all of this the best way they know how.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Hoity Toity
When we moved here, Matthew was in the middle of orthodontic treatment. It just so happened, that our ortho. in Idaho had once been military and was stationed here. So he knew an ortho for us to go to. It's been nice because they have talked on the phone several times to discuss the best course of action.
The thing is..it is in a really nice part of town. One of the most nice around, actually. And everytime I go there, I feel quite frumpy. I leave the house feeling like I look nice, and then I walk into this very nice office, and feel so..frumpy. I don't feel too bad usually, because Z's speech therapist lives in that part of town. They are loaded, and she always wears jeans and a t-shirt (totally off topic, she is due to have a baby in about a week, and the boys and I get to go see her when she goes home! I can't wait...I could so use some good baby news, I feel like I've been bombarded lately with bad baby news), so she makes me feel a bit better.
The ortho. is moving offices and today they were in a temporary facility. Which is an already established dentist office.
We walked in and holy cow...this place was like the Plaza of dentist offices. It was so nice. There were pillars and chandeliers and nice tiled floor, it was amazing. And here I come trotting in with 4 young boys. Dillon in a light green shirt and navy blue shorts that don't match, but he insists on wearing all the time. Collin in a blue shirt with a bleach mark on the shoulder that is almost 2 years old, but it has a picture of Goofy on it, so he must wear it all the time. Zachy in nice looking shorts and shirt...with big rainboots on! And Matthew looked ok, he was wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts, no biggie.
There was a different receptionist from the other office who nearly looked like she was going to faint when we walked in.
Of course, usually his appointments take like 5 minutes, but today we were in there about 45 minutes. And of course my little ones got antsy. They really were doing well, but the receptionist just kept giving me dirty looks.
And then...Zachy spotted two fake trees. He walked over, and immediately started licking one (please..don't ask me why he does this. I have no idea, but it happens often!) and he realized it was fake. He then looked up and started grabbing the leaves off the tree!! Thankfully, the leaves snap right back on, but as I was putting it all back together I could feel her eyes burning a hole in my back.
I was never happier to leave the orthodontist.
Honestly, I was thinking while I was there, that had I known what a hoity toity neighborhood I was going to, I would have chosen a different ortho, just for fear of not fitting in, but the fact is..we pay just as much for Matthew's care as the hoity toity people there. So why should I feel bad?
The thing is..it is in a really nice part of town. One of the most nice around, actually. And everytime I go there, I feel quite frumpy. I leave the house feeling like I look nice, and then I walk into this very nice office, and feel so..frumpy. I don't feel too bad usually, because Z's speech therapist lives in that part of town. They are loaded, and she always wears jeans and a t-shirt (totally off topic, she is due to have a baby in about a week, and the boys and I get to go see her when she goes home! I can't wait...I could so use some good baby news, I feel like I've been bombarded lately with bad baby news), so she makes me feel a bit better.
The ortho. is moving offices and today they were in a temporary facility. Which is an already established dentist office.
We walked in and holy cow...this place was like the Plaza of dentist offices. It was so nice. There were pillars and chandeliers and nice tiled floor, it was amazing. And here I come trotting in with 4 young boys. Dillon in a light green shirt and navy blue shorts that don't match, but he insists on wearing all the time. Collin in a blue shirt with a bleach mark on the shoulder that is almost 2 years old, but it has a picture of Goofy on it, so he must wear it all the time. Zachy in nice looking shorts and shirt...with big rainboots on! And Matthew looked ok, he was wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts, no biggie.
There was a different receptionist from the other office who nearly looked like she was going to faint when we walked in.
Of course, usually his appointments take like 5 minutes, but today we were in there about 45 minutes. And of course my little ones got antsy. They really were doing well, but the receptionist just kept giving me dirty looks.
And then...Zachy spotted two fake trees. He walked over, and immediately started licking one (please..don't ask me why he does this. I have no idea, but it happens often!) and he realized it was fake. He then looked up and started grabbing the leaves off the tree!! Thankfully, the leaves snap right back on, but as I was putting it all back together I could feel her eyes burning a hole in my back.
I was never happier to leave the orthodontist.
Honestly, I was thinking while I was there, that had I known what a hoity toity neighborhood I was going to, I would have chosen a different ortho, just for fear of not fitting in, but the fact is..we pay just as much for Matthew's care as the hoity toity people there. So why should I feel bad?
Sing. Sing a song...
Sing out loud...
Sing out STRONG!
OK, that song just popped into my head. Sorry, sometimes you just have to break into song to liven the day.
Anywho..Collin often talk-sings. He carries on conversations...singing.
Today, as I was making oatmeal, he was standing beside me talk-singing....
oitey-meal...oitey-meal...I want hum oitey-meal!!!!!
*hiccup*
I hab the hip-ups...I hab the hip-ups
whose oitey-meal is that? is it mine?
All in a sing song voice. I wish you could hear it, because it is so cute.
~*~*~**~
I haven't taken pictures yet, because my husband is home and he has a bad habit of taking the camera to work with him. Grrrrrrrr. When he gets home there is just too much going on for me to get pics taken. I will though..I promise!
~*~*~*~*
Tonight I'm going to my first girl's night out. I'm super excited and hoping I might make some local friends. Wouldn't that be nice? Yes, Maria, you are my friend..I just hope to expand a bit! LOL And it's possible that the only friend I come out with is Maria, and that's ok too. We are going to dinner and a movie, and it should be FUN.
~*~*~*~*~*
VBS starts next week, and honestly, we still have a lot to do. UGH. It's starting to get scary. But, in a little over a week, it will be over, and it will have been a flop, or great, or maybe somewhere in between. Any which way, we'll survive.
~*~*~*~*~*
Guess who's been going peepee in the potty? Me? Well, yeah...but ZACHY!!! Last week he was naked(or nakey as he says) and started to pee on the floor. I said, "no no, not on the floor, let's go to the potty" and he said, "ok" and went! Yesterday, he was in underwear and kept peeing in them, so I stripped him naked and he kept running to the potty and went peepee every time, no messes. He did poop on the floor, but that will come in time! I washed diapers yesterday, and am secretly hoping it's the last time I'll wash them. It would be great if we could just go for underwear from now on! Imagine..no kids in diapers! That is totally foreign to me. There hasn't been a time in almost 10 years that no one has been in diapers. Can you imagine?
~*~*~*~*
OK, I'm rambling, and I have to get ready to take Matthew to the orthodontist...so I'm off. Have a great day!
Sing out STRONG!
OK, that song just popped into my head. Sorry, sometimes you just have to break into song to liven the day.
Anywho..Collin often talk-sings. He carries on conversations...singing.
Today, as I was making oatmeal, he was standing beside me talk-singing....
oitey-meal...oitey-meal...I want hum oitey-meal!!!!!
*hiccup*
I hab the hip-ups...I hab the hip-ups
whose oitey-meal is that? is it mine?
All in a sing song voice. I wish you could hear it, because it is so cute.
~*~*~**~
I haven't taken pictures yet, because my husband is home and he has a bad habit of taking the camera to work with him. Grrrrrrrr. When he gets home there is just too much going on for me to get pics taken. I will though..I promise!
~*~*~*~*
Tonight I'm going to my first girl's night out. I'm super excited and hoping I might make some local friends. Wouldn't that be nice? Yes, Maria, you are my friend..I just hope to expand a bit! LOL And it's possible that the only friend I come out with is Maria, and that's ok too. We are going to dinner and a movie, and it should be FUN.
~*~*~*~*~*
VBS starts next week, and honestly, we still have a lot to do. UGH. It's starting to get scary. But, in a little over a week, it will be over, and it will have been a flop, or great, or maybe somewhere in between. Any which way, we'll survive.
~*~*~*~*~*
Guess who's been going peepee in the potty? Me? Well, yeah...but ZACHY!!! Last week he was naked(or nakey as he says) and started to pee on the floor. I said, "no no, not on the floor, let's go to the potty" and he said, "ok" and went! Yesterday, he was in underwear and kept peeing in them, so I stripped him naked and he kept running to the potty and went peepee every time, no messes. He did poop on the floor, but that will come in time! I washed diapers yesterday, and am secretly hoping it's the last time I'll wash them. It would be great if we could just go for underwear from now on! Imagine..no kids in diapers! That is totally foreign to me. There hasn't been a time in almost 10 years that no one has been in diapers. Can you imagine?
~*~*~*~*
OK, I'm rambling, and I have to get ready to take Matthew to the orthodontist...so I'm off. Have a great day!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Oh! I forgot to mention!
The difference in my boys's suitcases was amazing. I unpacked Dillon's first, if I would have openend them both at the same time, I would have taken a picture.
The most obvious thing was that Dillon must have brought half the beach home in his suitcase. There was sand everywhere. And his watershoes were laying in the middle of all his clothes, completely covered in sand. Also, their toiletries went there in a ziploc baggie to prevent leakage. Upon opening the case, no baggie, just toiletries...everywhere. Everything was smashed in the suitcase, in an effort to just get it closed.
I opened Matthew's and was amazed. First, his watershoes were slightly damp, so he had them wrapped in a garbage bag. No sand though, not sure how he left the beach where it was...Dill must have taken it already. His toiletries were in a baggie, in the zippered pouch on the top of the suitcase. His towels and clothes were folded as neatly as I would expect a 9 year old to fold.
The difference two years makes! Who knew??
The most obvious thing was that Dillon must have brought half the beach home in his suitcase. There was sand everywhere. And his watershoes were laying in the middle of all his clothes, completely covered in sand. Also, their toiletries went there in a ziploc baggie to prevent leakage. Upon opening the case, no baggie, just toiletries...everywhere. Everything was smashed in the suitcase, in an effort to just get it closed.
I opened Matthew's and was amazed. First, his watershoes were slightly damp, so he had them wrapped in a garbage bag. No sand though, not sure how he left the beach where it was...Dill must have taken it already. His toiletries were in a baggie, in the zippered pouch on the top of the suitcase. His towels and clothes were folded as neatly as I would expect a 9 year old to fold.
The difference two years makes! Who knew??
Nameless Valley Ranch
My eldest kids will forever remember that name, and the fantastic week they spent there.
Their first year of camp.
The conference bought new land, so next year, it will be at a different location. But NVR will always be their first camp memory.
They are home now, and had an absolute blast. This just makes me so happy, I can't even tell you. To allow them this experience is something I will never ever regret, and I plan on them going to camp throughout their childhoods.
We watched a video of the week in review and I was nearly in tears. To see how much joy was on all those kids faces...it was awesome.
When I picked them up, they had loads of stories to tell me. And Matthew claims he has the best counselors EVER. I'm pretty sure he was their favorite too.
When I went to his cabin, his counselors were outside and they said, "we're just wondering how you do it" I was thinking, "oh, they're going to ask me how I manage with 4 boys" That is the usual question. But I said, "do what?" They said, "raise such an awesome kid, he was the best kid in our cabin. We asked him one time to do something and he did it, he was really great" I said, "well thanks" but was thinking, "they have to say these things, and probably tell every parent this" But one of the counselors walked with me out to the van to put luggage in and said, "I'm serious...he really was one of the best campers we have ever had"
Makes a mama proud!!!
Dillon was the youngest in his cabin, and next year all the other boys will be in camp the week after him. He is a bit bummed out about it, but I told him that by the time he is at the top of this age division, he will have been there 3 years, and the staff stays the same, pretty much. There is something to be said for being the oldest and knowing the ropes!
Dillon does look like he has aged a bunch this week. But I think it is because he got dark, and his hair got light. Matthew is pretty dark too.
Dill's counselor told me he had that one lonely day, but that was it, from that time on he was just great. He said he really didn't miss me that bad. Phooey on him!Hee!
Anyway, soon, Matt will be home too, and we will be together again..as a family..as it should be! HOORAY!
Their first year of camp.
The conference bought new land, so next year, it will be at a different location. But NVR will always be their first camp memory.
They are home now, and had an absolute blast. This just makes me so happy, I can't even tell you. To allow them this experience is something I will never ever regret, and I plan on them going to camp throughout their childhoods.
We watched a video of the week in review and I was nearly in tears. To see how much joy was on all those kids faces...it was awesome.
When I picked them up, they had loads of stories to tell me. And Matthew claims he has the best counselors EVER. I'm pretty sure he was their favorite too.
When I went to his cabin, his counselors were outside and they said, "we're just wondering how you do it" I was thinking, "oh, they're going to ask me how I manage with 4 boys" That is the usual question. But I said, "do what?" They said, "raise such an awesome kid, he was the best kid in our cabin. We asked him one time to do something and he did it, he was really great" I said, "well thanks" but was thinking, "they have to say these things, and probably tell every parent this" But one of the counselors walked with me out to the van to put luggage in and said, "I'm serious...he really was one of the best campers we have ever had"
Makes a mama proud!!!
Dillon was the youngest in his cabin, and next year all the other boys will be in camp the week after him. He is a bit bummed out about it, but I told him that by the time he is at the top of this age division, he will have been there 3 years, and the staff stays the same, pretty much. There is something to be said for being the oldest and knowing the ropes!
Dillon does look like he has aged a bunch this week. But I think it is because he got dark, and his hair got light. Matthew is pretty dark too.
Dill's counselor told me he had that one lonely day, but that was it, from that time on he was just great. He said he really didn't miss me that bad. Phooey on him!Hee!
Anyway, soon, Matt will be home too, and we will be together again..as a family..as it should be! HOORAY!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
What I've done this week
Well, it has been a pretty lonely week for me. So I've thrown myself into some projects.
You'll recall, Matthew's bed broke awhile back. So while they have been gone I have transformed the rooms. What once was the playroom, is now Zachy and Collin's room. And Dilly and Matthew have their own room. I've had great fun organizing all the toys, and feel so good about it. Of course I'm sure things won't stay so organized. But I downsized alot. And everything has a place where it belongs now. It just feels good in their rooms. I hope Matthew and Dillon like theirs as much as Zach and Collin like theirs. I have a few finishing touches on Collin and Zach's room, but then I'll take pictures and show you all their new and improved rooms. I promise the pictures are coming..along with the outside pictures.
I also deep cleaned my whole house. Which took me all week long.
But on Friday I had a date.
I met my new friend, Maria, and her two sons at McDs so that the kids could play and we could talk. Her darling son, Matthew, has the same heart defect as Zachy, which is totally amazing because TAPVR is SO rare. So, we shared stories. And hers is a much tougher story. I could easily have spent the entire time in tears, but I fought them back. There is just something about hearing other people's ordeals. They were told, after the son had been on the bypass machine for 5 days, that they had to take him off and he would pass away sometime during that day. I would have been a wreck. And yet, they held it together, they had a birthday party for him, and talked to him the entire time, while waiting for him to pass. There were no tears shed in his room, Maria didn't want sadness around him. These are some of the strongest people I know, I'll tell you that much.
The rest of the story goes, that we went to his second birthday party in May. The child defied all odds. So many times, he defied them.
We are so incredible fortunate. The only time we were told Zachy could pass was in the context of...if he doesn't have this surgery..he WILL die, there is no way around it. But after surgery, he did great, and it wasn't a concern.
Anyway, Maria, I so enjoyed our time, and I so enjoyed getting to know your family better, and hearing your story. I'm sorry I'm such a sap!
The important thing here is that children DO pass away from TAPVR, and both our kiddies are here with us. PRAISE GOD! And they are both such a joy to everyone around them, I think they know, somewhere deep inside, how lucky they are to be here.
Today was church, and Collin and Zach did so well. I was so proud of them sitting so quietly through the whole service. Of course, we sat behind a couple with a little girl who is just over a year. They played with her over the pew and Collin leaned over and told me we needed a baby. A boy after my own heart! Hehe!
Tomorrow, I leave at 7:30 to pick up my boys! And then...the nice clean house...will be destroyed with luggage and laundry. I can't wait!
You'll recall, Matthew's bed broke awhile back. So while they have been gone I have transformed the rooms. What once was the playroom, is now Zachy and Collin's room. And Dilly and Matthew have their own room. I've had great fun organizing all the toys, and feel so good about it. Of course I'm sure things won't stay so organized. But I downsized alot. And everything has a place where it belongs now. It just feels good in their rooms. I hope Matthew and Dillon like theirs as much as Zach and Collin like theirs. I have a few finishing touches on Collin and Zach's room, but then I'll take pictures and show you all their new and improved rooms. I promise the pictures are coming..along with the outside pictures.
I also deep cleaned my whole house. Which took me all week long.
But on Friday I had a date.
I met my new friend, Maria, and her two sons at McDs so that the kids could play and we could talk. Her darling son, Matthew, has the same heart defect as Zachy, which is totally amazing because TAPVR is SO rare. So, we shared stories. And hers is a much tougher story. I could easily have spent the entire time in tears, but I fought them back. There is just something about hearing other people's ordeals. They were told, after the son had been on the bypass machine for 5 days, that they had to take him off and he would pass away sometime during that day. I would have been a wreck. And yet, they held it together, they had a birthday party for him, and talked to him the entire time, while waiting for him to pass. There were no tears shed in his room, Maria didn't want sadness around him. These are some of the strongest people I know, I'll tell you that much.
The rest of the story goes, that we went to his second birthday party in May. The child defied all odds. So many times, he defied them.
We are so incredible fortunate. The only time we were told Zachy could pass was in the context of...if he doesn't have this surgery..he WILL die, there is no way around it. But after surgery, he did great, and it wasn't a concern.
Anyway, Maria, I so enjoyed our time, and I so enjoyed getting to know your family better, and hearing your story. I'm sorry I'm such a sap!
The important thing here is that children DO pass away from TAPVR, and both our kiddies are here with us. PRAISE GOD! And they are both such a joy to everyone around them, I think they know, somewhere deep inside, how lucky they are to be here.
Today was church, and Collin and Zach did so well. I was so proud of them sitting so quietly through the whole service. Of course, we sat behind a couple with a little girl who is just over a year. They played with her over the pew and Collin leaned over and told me we needed a baby. A boy after my own heart! Hehe!
Tomorrow, I leave at 7:30 to pick up my boys! And then...the nice clean house...will be destroyed with luggage and laundry. I can't wait!
The thing about time...
it just keeps going. Always forward, never back.
I have a picture of Matthew and Dillon on my entertainment center. It was taken by my sister-in-law at a corn maze, shortly after Zachy was born. Do you remember the picture Gina? It has been sitting there, all this time, and of course I look at it and think, 'they are so darn cute' but I've never really looked hard at it.
I was cleaning Thursday, and I took it down and just stared at it. Dillon had just turned 5, Matthew was 7. In two months, Collin will be the one who is 5, Matthew will be 10, and Dillon is on his way to 8.
And I almost started crying. Because I can never ever have that moment back. Dillon will never be 5 again. Matthew will never be 7 again. And next to that photo is one of a day old Zachy's foot, and a first year birthday cake picture of Collin. They will never again be that tiny. They just keep marching forward.
I'm not so sure I like this thing called time, but I suppose there is nothing I can do about it. I just have to cherish all of these moments, so that hopefully, I can relive them someday in my mind.
I have a picture of Matthew and Dillon on my entertainment center. It was taken by my sister-in-law at a corn maze, shortly after Zachy was born. Do you remember the picture Gina? It has been sitting there, all this time, and of course I look at it and think, 'they are so darn cute' but I've never really looked hard at it.
I was cleaning Thursday, and I took it down and just stared at it. Dillon had just turned 5, Matthew was 7. In two months, Collin will be the one who is 5, Matthew will be 10, and Dillon is on his way to 8.
And I almost started crying. Because I can never ever have that moment back. Dillon will never be 5 again. Matthew will never be 7 again. And next to that photo is one of a day old Zachy's foot, and a first year birthday cake picture of Collin. They will never again be that tiny. They just keep marching forward.
I'm not so sure I like this thing called time, but I suppose there is nothing I can do about it. I just have to cherish all of these moments, so that hopefully, I can relive them someday in my mind.
Friday, June 9, 2006
Somebody please tell me!
I've been having troubles with my blog. Mainly, with what I write here.
Matt has told me that I say too much. But I really don't think I do. Things are funny to me, but apparently not everyone. I do, however, print out my blog, and this is my only form of journaling. Some of this stuff, I just don't want to forget!
Then my mom said to me the other day, 'I read your entries and think,'where is her head?'
So what do I do? I tried to convince Matt that surely if all I ever did was update on the kids, and put pics of them up...you all would get bored silly. I mean, really, how many cute kid stories does he think I have tucked up my sleeve? Oh yes, I do have plenty.
At any rate...someone please tell me...what should I write? Whatever my heart desires, or just kids stuff? Cause you know, this may be shocking, but I DO have readers who aren't my family, and who do care about what is going on with ME. Some of my readers I have known online for YEARS. And perhaps we don't email like we used to, so really...would they have liked to be left in the dark about my hormonal problems? Your lives wouldn't feel complete if y'all hadn't seen pics of my colon..right? Please tell me I'm right. Cause I really don't want to stop journaling my life. And things I find important!
But if I must just do kid entries...let me say...in less than 48 hours my boys will be home! YAY!! I feel like a giddy little school girl. I can't wait to hear about their week. I've missed them so much. And yet I am so glad they get this experience. My sister told me tonight that she isn't sure she could send her kids to camp. I just know how much I loved it, and wouldn't want them to miss out on it.
Which isn't to say that I haven't missed them like crazy. Especially at night, which has produced insomnia! I just can't wait.
I want to take some pictures for you, but I just haven't. Right outside our back door practically, is the pool. Yesterday, we were there from 3:30 till 7. We had such a blast. And when the temperature is over 100 degrees, it feels so good to be able to cool off! I'm loving it. Anyway, I want to take pictures of the pool, and also of my yard so you can see the nice haven we've made. I am liking my home more and more. And after a week of deep cleaning..it's heavenly! Just gotta get the rest of the family here too!
Matt has told me that I say too much. But I really don't think I do. Things are funny to me, but apparently not everyone. I do, however, print out my blog, and this is my only form of journaling. Some of this stuff, I just don't want to forget!
Then my mom said to me the other day, 'I read your entries and think,'where is her head?'
So what do I do? I tried to convince Matt that surely if all I ever did was update on the kids, and put pics of them up...you all would get bored silly. I mean, really, how many cute kid stories does he think I have tucked up my sleeve? Oh yes, I do have plenty.
At any rate...someone please tell me...what should I write? Whatever my heart desires, or just kids stuff? Cause you know, this may be shocking, but I DO have readers who aren't my family, and who do care about what is going on with ME. Some of my readers I have known online for YEARS. And perhaps we don't email like we used to, so really...would they have liked to be left in the dark about my hormonal problems? Your lives wouldn't feel complete if y'all hadn't seen pics of my colon..right? Please tell me I'm right. Cause I really don't want to stop journaling my life. And things I find important!
But if I must just do kid entries...let me say...in less than 48 hours my boys will be home! YAY!! I feel like a giddy little school girl. I can't wait to hear about their week. I've missed them so much. And yet I am so glad they get this experience. My sister told me tonight that she isn't sure she could send her kids to camp. I just know how much I loved it, and wouldn't want them to miss out on it.
Which isn't to say that I haven't missed them like crazy. Especially at night, which has produced insomnia! I just can't wait.
I want to take some pictures for you, but I just haven't. Right outside our back door practically, is the pool. Yesterday, we were there from 3:30 till 7. We had such a blast. And when the temperature is over 100 degrees, it feels so good to be able to cool off! I'm loving it. Anyway, I want to take pictures of the pool, and also of my yard so you can see the nice haven we've made. I am liking my home more and more. And after a week of deep cleaning..it's heavenly! Just gotta get the rest of the family here too!
Thursday, June 8, 2006
It's been nice
Maria asked me where the kids were.
They are at a Seventh Day Adventist camp, just west of Austin.
And I have to say, it's been nice. There is an amount of comfort that comes with knowing your kids aren't having sausage for breakfast. And knowing that come sabbath, the entire camp will be having church. Nice indeed.
It is also good to know that Adventists camps are good camps. What I mean is this. When Dillon called, someone from his cabin was getting stitches. Matt said, "right there??" I said, "yeah, why not? they have an RN and a fully stocked first aid building" He said that when he was at camp, a friend of his had a seizure, and he, being 15 or 16 was the only one in the camp who was trained in cpr, and he had to give her mouth to mouth! How scary is that? It makes me feel good to know that they can handle these types of emergencies there. Phew.
I do miss them terribly though. I can't wait to see them Sunday and hear all about their week!
They are at a Seventh Day Adventist camp, just west of Austin.
And I have to say, it's been nice. There is an amount of comfort that comes with knowing your kids aren't having sausage for breakfast. And knowing that come sabbath, the entire camp will be having church. Nice indeed.
It is also good to know that Adventists camps are good camps. What I mean is this. When Dillon called, someone from his cabin was getting stitches. Matt said, "right there??" I said, "yeah, why not? they have an RN and a fully stocked first aid building" He said that when he was at camp, a friend of his had a seizure, and he, being 15 or 16 was the only one in the camp who was trained in cpr, and he had to give her mouth to mouth! How scary is that? It makes me feel good to know that they can handle these types of emergencies there. Phew.
I do miss them terribly though. I can't wait to see them Sunday and hear all about their week!
Funny kid
Yesterday, I was being ultra nice, and I ordered the boys happy meals. They are giving out miniature build a bear animals right now. There are ones for girls and boys. In the picture, the girl one was a bunny. Well, Collin wanted that bunny. So when the girl asked if I wanted girls or boys, I said girls. Well, Zachy got a frog and he got a bear, with a pink dress.
Fast forward to today.
We were out and about and they were playing with the animals. When we got to the store they asked me to put the clothes on them. So I was dressing Collin's bear thinking, "kids are so great, they have no clue that it probably isn't socially acceptable these days for Collin to be walking around with a bear in a dress". Right as I was thinking that, Collin says, 'I hope nobody laughs at me' I said, 'for what?' 'For having a bear...in a DRESS'
What a hoot. How did he know what I was thinking?
Fast forward to today.
We were out and about and they were playing with the animals. When we got to the store they asked me to put the clothes on them. So I was dressing Collin's bear thinking, "kids are so great, they have no clue that it probably isn't socially acceptable these days for Collin to be walking around with a bear in a dress". Right as I was thinking that, Collin says, 'I hope nobody laughs at me' I said, 'for what?' 'For having a bear...in a DRESS'
What a hoot. How did he know what I was thinking?
Let's try this again....
I tried to do more pictures last night...but it wasn't happening.
So here are just some random pics I've been meaning to post.
Here are the kiddies on a ride at Sea World.
Matthew was on a big scary ride, and Dillon wanted me to take his picture so bad. I love this picture and wish Matthew were in it.
Matthew feeding the lorikeets.
After we took the big kids to camp, we stopped at Cracker Barrel with the little ones. This is after dinner, relaxin outside. For some reason Collin was on a bench, the rest of us were on rocking chairs.
Zachy eatin his scooby snacks in his rocking chair at the cracker barrel.
Just a silly pic of Collin
In less than a month, I will have been married to him for 12 years. :-)
So here are just some random pics I've been meaning to post.
Here are the kiddies on a ride at Sea World.
Matthew was on a big scary ride, and Dillon wanted me to take his picture so bad. I love this picture and wish Matthew were in it.
Matthew feeding the lorikeets.
After we took the big kids to camp, we stopped at Cracker Barrel with the little ones. This is after dinner, relaxin outside. For some reason Collin was on a bench, the rest of us were on rocking chairs.
Zachy eatin his scooby snacks in his rocking chair at the cracker barrel.
Just a silly pic of Collin
In less than a month, I will have been married to him for 12 years. :-)
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
How Frustrating
OK, I was going to post lots of pictures. You see, my grandma now has DSL so I'm no longer concerned about load time. So, I was gonna let you have it.
But Blogger is being dumb. The following are the only ones I was able to get on here. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
In other frustrating news...the dumb ants came back as soon as the coffee grounds dried. So you know what I did? I pulled out the big guns. That's right..I got the roach killer out. I sprayed it in that hole like nobodies business. Folks, I have no idea if roach killer will kill the ants, but it's worth a shot. Originally, I thought, 'well at least it will kill the roaches' but do you all remember when they had eaten the tail end out of the beetle? I'm sure there are no roaches alive in a fireant hole. I'll keep you posted on the ongoing saga!
But Blogger is being dumb. The following are the only ones I was able to get on here. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
In other frustrating news...the dumb ants came back as soon as the coffee grounds dried. So you know what I did? I pulled out the big guns. That's right..I got the roach killer out. I sprayed it in that hole like nobodies business. Folks, I have no idea if roach killer will kill the ants, but it's worth a shot. Originally, I thought, 'well at least it will kill the roaches' but do you all remember when they had eaten the tail end out of the beetle? I'm sure there are no roaches alive in a fireant hole. I'll keep you posted on the ongoing saga!
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