I've fallen a little behind, but that's only because Adam hooked up his work computer to the internet over the weekend and I cannot access the blog on his work computer - it doesn't like the blog.
Thursday's joy: information. I love to research things and be up-to-date on current events, especially politics. I like to be informed of what is happening in the world around me - even if it's not such great news. I don't like being in the dark about my world/society. But, on the same note, I don't like it when people use information as power; or get upset with me because I don't tell them everything of what is happening in my life. Somethings just are meant to be shared or aren't a big enough deal to be shared.
Friday's joy: date night!!! Spending time with Adam is such a luxury these days. Adam and I recently got together with 2 other couples in our ward and started a babysitting swap night every Friday night. We love it. We watch 9 kids - including our 3 (2 almost 4 years old; 4 2 1/2 years old and eventually 3 1 years old - the youngest 3 are in various stages of infanthood). So, for now we only have 7 kids. But, to know that we have at least 2 date nights every month is more than worth the 3-4 hours to watch the other kids - SO WORTH IT!!!!
Saturday's joy: clean and (somewhat) uncluttered house. Adam and I had our first garage sale today. We cleared out a lot of stuff that we didn't need, didn't use, or didn't want any more and sold it at our garage sale. We made $110 - not too shabby for about 4 hours worth of work, 3 of it was sitting on our behinds on that day of the sale.
Sunday's joy: going to church. Even though it is such a pain to get the kids up early for 8:00 a.m. church, let alone get myself out of bed, especially this time of year, I really do enJOY going to church. Despite the fighting kids, threatening to take them out of Sacrament Meeting, and having to severely interrupt nap time, it is really worth it. Especially when the kids come home and all they talk about is what they did at church, who was in class, what songs they sang, etc. it warms my heart and confirms to me that I am doing the right thing.
Monday's joy: great friends and neighbors. I don't have a lot of friends. But, those friends that I do have are such a treasure to me. I have a handful of very close friends and value them so much. Those friends are so great to have as a part of my life. I would seriously be lost without them!!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Charity, The Pure Love of Christ
"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other."
-- Marvin J. Ashton, "The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword," Ensign, May 1992, p.19
This quote was on someone else's blog that I stalk. I had to copy it and post it on mine as a reminder to me that I need to be much more charitable in my life, especially to those that I love.
-- Marvin J. Ashton, "The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword," Ensign, May 1992, p.19
This quote was on someone else's blog that I stalk. I had to copy it and post it on mine as a reminder to me that I need to be much more charitable in my life, especially to those that I love.
Joy in MY Journey - Day 4
Today's joy: quiet mornings with my kids tucked into my bed.
As per usual when we have a lazy morning, the kids woke up (Adam had to leave really early this morning for work) and came crawling into bed with me. Owen was first at about 7:15 and then Caroline came along at about 7:45. They asked me to "watch a show" so I turned the TV on for them. They laid in bed with me and watched their show and allowed me to sleep for another 45 minutes before I absolutely had to get out of bed to start the day. Yep, I didn't get out of bed until 8:30 and it was wonderful!
I really do have wonderful kids who allow me to sleep, sometimes until as late as 9:00 before they come to me and say, "Mom, I'm hungry. Can I have some cereal?" I am even more grateful for an amazing husband who takes care of the kids most mornings with breakfast, diapers, clothes and then let the kids come crawl into bed with me. I love you Adam!!!!
As per usual when we have a lazy morning, the kids woke up (Adam had to leave really early this morning for work) and came crawling into bed with me. Owen was first at about 7:15 and then Caroline came along at about 7:45. They asked me to "watch a show" so I turned the TV on for them. They laid in bed with me and watched their show and allowed me to sleep for another 45 minutes before I absolutely had to get out of bed to start the day. Yep, I didn't get out of bed until 8:30 and it was wonderful!
I really do have wonderful kids who allow me to sleep, sometimes until as late as 9:00 before they come to me and say, "Mom, I'm hungry. Can I have some cereal?" I am even more grateful for an amazing husband who takes care of the kids most mornings with breakfast, diapers, clothes and then let the kids come crawl into bed with me. I love you Adam!!!!
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Joy in MY Journey - Days 1 Thru 3
Our Relief Society has challenged and encouraged each of the sisters to "find joy in the journey" based on President Monson's talk. This year for the Presidency's Christmas present, they gave each sister a bag with several different items in the bag, one of which is a little booklet with an item to do each day, i.e. reading President Monson's talk, list 100 things I am grateful for, etc. Each day for 31 days, there is a different "activity" for me to do to remind me of the joy in my life.
I am trying to make a conscientious effort to find joy in MY journey. I'm not the best mother (nor have I ever claimed to be) and, in fact, almost everyday feel guilty for something I have done or haven't done that day with the kids. I am trying to remind myself of this piece of advice that was given to her by her mother and it is: "I am the best mother for those kids." Only in this life, am I the one who could mother those kids the way they need to be mothered, cared for, nurtured and raised. I am the best mother for those kids.
Suffice it to say, there are countless areas of my life that I need to improve drastically on, and doing this will, I am sure, help me to realize all that I have and to be more grateful for each and every blessing I have been given.
I am going to try to write a post everyday and list the joy that I have found in my life for that day. Since this started on Sunday, I'll play a little catch up and list my joy for the past three days.
Sunday's joy: To be able to have family close by to have dinner with once a month
Monday's joy: Watching my kids decorate the Christmas tree and see just how much fun they had.
Today's joy: knowing Owen is enjoying learning at his preschool class and loves to go!
I am trying to make a conscientious effort to find joy in MY journey. I'm not the best mother (nor have I ever claimed to be) and, in fact, almost everyday feel guilty for something I have done or haven't done that day with the kids. I am trying to remind myself of this piece of advice that was given to her by her mother and it is: "I am the best mother for those kids." Only in this life, am I the one who could mother those kids the way they need to be mothered, cared for, nurtured and raised. I am the best mother for those kids.
Suffice it to say, there are countless areas of my life that I need to improve drastically on, and doing this will, I am sure, help me to realize all that I have and to be more grateful for each and every blessing I have been given.
I am going to try to write a post everyday and list the joy that I have found in my life for that day. Since this started on Sunday, I'll play a little catch up and list my joy for the past three days.
Sunday's joy: To be able to have family close by to have dinner with once a month
Monday's joy: Watching my kids decorate the Christmas tree and see just how much fun they had.
Today's joy: knowing Owen is enjoying learning at his preschool class and loves to go!
Family Pictures '09
We haven't had family pictures taken since Caroline was just 8 months old. Last year, I was pregnant and I REFUSE to have any pictures of me taken while I'm pregnant. It's barely acceptable when I'm not pregnant, let alone when I am huger than life itself! Here are some of the pictures that didn't make the cut of being up on our wall in our home.
It's not that I didn't like these pictures, there were better ones to choose from. Adam and I differ on the picture of the entire family that each of us like the best but, to me, that is to be expected. Adam likes the first one, and I like the second one. (I think my face looks funny in the first one) Our friend, Bruce Cosseboom, took them for us and did a great job. Thanks, Bruce!!!!!
It's not that I didn't like these pictures, there were better ones to choose from. Adam and I differ on the picture of the entire family that each of us like the best but, to me, that is to be expected. Adam likes the first one, and I like the second one. (I think my face looks funny in the first one) Our friend, Bruce Cosseboom, took them for us and did a great job. Thanks, Bruce!!!!!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Howsie B - 6 Months Old
Already my little Howsie B has grown to 6 months old. The time is flying by so quickly I can hardly believe it! I still can't get him to roll over (slightly disconcerting to me), he's cutting 2 more teeth and over all is doing really well. He reaches and grabs and loves to put everything in his mouth. He'll even sit up on his own unsupported for a few second before he topples over. I just can't get the kid to roll over and am wondering if this is a sign of something more serious.
His stats at his 6 month appointment were: weight: 20.2 lbs. length 28.5 inches. I looked back at Owen's stats and at 6 months Owen weighed 18 lbs and was 26 inches long. I know I shouldn't compare my two boys to each other, but there are sometimes where I think that Howie seems smaller than Owen did and then I get proven wrong.
He's so cute, round, pink and loves, loves, loves to eat. I pray he continues to be healthy and that there isn't something more to his lack of rolling over by now.
His stats at his 6 month appointment were: weight: 20.2 lbs. length 28.5 inches. I looked back at Owen's stats and at 6 months Owen weighed 18 lbs and was 26 inches long. I know I shouldn't compare my two boys to each other, but there are sometimes where I think that Howie seems smaller than Owen did and then I get proven wrong.
He's so cute, round, pink and loves, loves, loves to eat. I pray he continues to be healthy and that there isn't something more to his lack of rolling over by now.
My Princess & the Potty
Caroline has been interested in sitting and going to the bathroom on the potty for quite some time now. I even started to potty train her over the Thanksgiving holiday. While I'll probably regret this decision, I think it is best to put it off for a few months and try again in the spring. Caroline will pee on command on the potty if you ask her to. However, I don't think that the feeling and the action have connected yet. She wakes up dry after sleeping all night long and after her nap. But, during the day she just doesn't get that when she needs to go potty, she needs to go to the bathroom. I've tried letting her go without any panties around the house and that worked pretty well, until I put a pair of panties on her and then she peed all over them and down her legs. I think she feels more comfortable for now in diapers and that's okay with me, for now.
So, for now I'll keep changing her diaper, and we'll try again in the spring when she'll be a little bit older and hopefully will have connected the feeling and the action a little bit more.
So, for now I'll keep changing her diaper, and we'll try again in the spring when she'll be a little bit older and hopefully will have connected the feeling and the action a little bit more.
Tonsillectomy - Part II
Yesterday I did have my tonsils out and I must say that yes, it does hurt but I honestly don't think it hurts any worse than the last round of tonsillitis that I had. Of course, anything cold feels really good going down, and I'm not inclined to eat a whole lot other than slushies, popsicles, ice cream or really cold juice. My throat looks like a horrible case of strep throat and will for about 7-10 days. It feels like I have something stuck in my throat and need to constantly swallow or clear my throat to get whatever isn't there out of there. It's all because the uvula is so swollen and will be for another 2-3 days.
After the doctor had removed my left tonsil, he found a small abscess behind my tonsil on the bottom. This was a huge contributing factor to the chronic tonsillitis flare-ups that I had been having all of these years. I'm so glad I had my tonsils out, but kind of sorry I didn't have them out sooner, like when I had the abscess 4 years ago. So, while I can't go back in time, I'll take what I have done now and move forward.
All-in-all, I am feeling well and am up and moving around. I get tired pretty easily and can sleep like nobody's business right now - like the days before we had kids. But, I'm looking forward to being able to eat whatever I want again.
After the doctor had removed my left tonsil, he found a small abscess behind my tonsil on the bottom. This was a huge contributing factor to the chronic tonsillitis flare-ups that I had been having all of these years. I'm so glad I had my tonsils out, but kind of sorry I didn't have them out sooner, like when I had the abscess 4 years ago. So, while I can't go back in time, I'll take what I have done now and move forward.
All-in-all, I am feeling well and am up and moving around. I get tired pretty easily and can sleep like nobody's business right now - like the days before we had kids. But, I'm looking forward to being able to eat whatever I want again.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Tonsilectomy for Me!
Several years ago I had an abscess on my tonsil. Since that time, I average tonsillitis about 3-4 times per year. I never saw an ENT for this because I was usually pregnant and my OB just took care of it. The few times I got it when I wasn't pregnant, I had my dad call me in a prescription.
It has been a series of chronic tonsillitis for the last 4 years and I'm pretty tired of it. So, after this last bout of tonsillitis over Halloween, I saw an ENT and discussed my options with him. There's really only one solution and that is to have a tonsillectomy. I discussed this with my dad and he said it is brutal for adults but was probably what I needed to do. I talked to Adam and we decided that although it was going to be brutal and really rough for me I was the right thing for me. I really am so done with taking antibiotics for this 3-4 times a year.
Before I could even tell my mom what I was doing, it somehow had been communicated to her what I was contemplating and she said, "let me know as soon as you can so I can make arrangements to come out and help you." HUGE, HUGE, HUGE sacrifice on her part and my dad's part as she manages my dad's office. Without her there, it is ALL up to my dad to do. Thank you so very much Mom and Dad. You have helped out family so very much, but especially this year. It is greatly appreciated!
The surgery date was scheduled and my tonsils have come out. I'll update this a little later once I have determined just how brutal it is and if it's worse than what I've heard it would be.
It has been a series of chronic tonsillitis for the last 4 years and I'm pretty tired of it. So, after this last bout of tonsillitis over Halloween, I saw an ENT and discussed my options with him. There's really only one solution and that is to have a tonsillectomy. I discussed this with my dad and he said it is brutal for adults but was probably what I needed to do. I talked to Adam and we decided that although it was going to be brutal and really rough for me I was the right thing for me. I really am so done with taking antibiotics for this 3-4 times a year.
Before I could even tell my mom what I was doing, it somehow had been communicated to her what I was contemplating and she said, "let me know as soon as you can so I can make arrangements to come out and help you." HUGE, HUGE, HUGE sacrifice on her part and my dad's part as she manages my dad's office. Without her there, it is ALL up to my dad to do. Thank you so very much Mom and Dad. You have helped out family so very much, but especially this year. It is greatly appreciated!
The surgery date was scheduled and my tonsils have come out. I'll update this a little later once I have determined just how brutal it is and if it's worse than what I've heard it would be.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Sick Toddler + Potty Training = MESS! MESS! MESS!
Caroline has been saying for quite some time that she wants to sit on the potty and wear big girl panties. I finally relented in doing potty training her this past week because Adam has been home from work. She has been doing great and even pooped on the potty before she peed on the potty! Then she caught some kind of bug and began throwing up all night Thursday night.
The throwing up started about 11:45 and didn't end 'til about 6:00. At first, Adam and I went into her room together. We would change the sheets, her jammies and put her back to bed. Sure enough, 20 minutes later we were back in her room doing the whole thing all over. After a few of those trips, we took turn. I think I slept from 3 - 6 and Adam slept from 1-4.
The next morning although Caroline wasn't throwing up any more, she was left with diarrhea. Caroline fought me about putting a diaper back on because she didn't want "to be a baby any more." She had taken her diaper off and was running to get some "big girl panties" in her room. I put a diaper back on her because I didn't want to have happen exactly what did happen..... she had a diarrhea accident in her room on the carpet. So, while I bathed Caroline, Adam was, once again, back in her room cleaning up her mess. But, instead of just going and getting straight into the tub, she tried to get on the toilet with diarrhea running down her legs. This made for a big mess all over the toilet, floor of the bathroom, etc., etc., etc., I am hoping this won't be a huge setback for her and that she can carry on where she left off with the potty training.
The throwing up started about 11:45 and didn't end 'til about 6:00. At first, Adam and I went into her room together. We would change the sheets, her jammies and put her back to bed. Sure enough, 20 minutes later we were back in her room doing the whole thing all over. After a few of those trips, we took turn. I think I slept from 3 - 6 and Adam slept from 1-4.
The next morning although Caroline wasn't throwing up any more, she was left with diarrhea. Caroline fought me about putting a diaper back on because she didn't want "to be a baby any more." She had taken her diaper off and was running to get some "big girl panties" in her room. I put a diaper back on her because I didn't want to have happen exactly what did happen..... she had a diarrhea accident in her room on the carpet. So, while I bathed Caroline, Adam was, once again, back in her room cleaning up her mess. But, instead of just going and getting straight into the tub, she tried to get on the toilet with diarrhea running down her legs. This made for a big mess all over the toilet, floor of the bathroom, etc., etc., etc., I am hoping this won't be a huge setback for her and that she can carry on where she left off with the potty training.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Gilbert Days 5K
I decided to keep going with the newfound hobby of running and for the first time I ran a 5K race. It was part of Gilbert Days so it only cost me $15 to run the race. I did much better this time around running than I did in the sprint tri. I would expect to do better with just running since I wasn't biking or swimming before having to run. I wanted to do this run in no more than 33 minutes.
I started the race about 75% of the way back of the entire pack. The clock started and off we went. I crossed the start line about 20 seconds after the first runner crossed and the clock started. I wish I knew the course a little bit better and could have trained a bit better for this race. But, when I did cross the finish line, the clock said 33:09 as the official time. So, I did meet my goal. However, if you take off the 20 second behind the first runner, I really made my goal in running the race in approximately 32:50. I could have done better, but was much happier with my performance in this run.
I started the race about 75% of the way back of the entire pack. The clock started and off we went. I crossed the start line about 20 seconds after the first runner crossed and the clock started. I wish I knew the course a little bit better and could have trained a bit better for this race. But, when I did cross the finish line, the clock said 33:09 as the official time. So, I did meet my goal. However, if you take off the 20 second behind the first runner, I really made my goal in running the race in approximately 32:50. I could have done better, but was much happier with my performance in this run.
Friday, November 13, 2009
From the Mouth of Babes
This is the conversation that ensued between Owen and I yesterday while he was waiting for me to dry my hair as he pulled out the scale (yeah you can see where this is going, I'm sure) -
Owen: Look, Mom. I weigh lots!
Me: Yep, You weigh 41.8 lbs.
Owen: Okay Mom, your turn.
Me: Alright Buddy.
Owen: Hang on I'll reset it for you.
Me: Thanks.
Owen: Okay Mom now it's ready.
(I proceed to get on the scale, begrudgingly)
Owen: Wow Mom! You weigh sixteen hundred (1,600) pounds!!!
Me: Thanks Onie.
That was how my day started yesterday. While I laughed at it then, and still do now, there's nothing like a toddler to give you a reality check on your weight, even if they don't really know what the numbers mean. Although Owen has only gained 1 pound this whole year, I can hardly say the same thing for me. Now, just 25 more pounds to go to get to my "target weight"; a mere 14 to get back to my pre-pregnant weight. (Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. sigh)
Owen: Look, Mom. I weigh lots!
Me: Yep, You weigh 41.8 lbs.
Owen: Okay Mom, your turn.
Me: Alright Buddy.
Owen: Hang on I'll reset it for you.
Me: Thanks.
Owen: Okay Mom now it's ready.
(I proceed to get on the scale, begrudgingly)
Owen: Wow Mom! You weigh sixteen hundred (1,600) pounds!!!
Me: Thanks Onie.
That was how my day started yesterday. While I laughed at it then, and still do now, there's nothing like a toddler to give you a reality check on your weight, even if they don't really know what the numbers mean. Although Owen has only gained 1 pound this whole year, I can hardly say the same thing for me. Now, just 25 more pounds to go to get to my "target weight"; a mere 14 to get back to my pre-pregnant weight. (Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. sigh)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Miscellaneous
Sometime that is what life is....miscellaneous. I realized I hadn't taken any pictures of Owen/Caroline in quite sometime. I'm trying to take pictures of Howie and have neglected the other 2 - why does that happen? So, I grabbed the camera last Sunday and took a few pics of Owen and Caroline. They are precious to me -the pictures too. Owen loves to give Caroline, or anyone for that matter, hugs. The expression on Caroline's face is quite typical for this little twit. It is an expression I grew up seeing from my Dad and, now, I see it from my daughter. It's really weird and, even sometimes annoying! But, at least Caroline has hair! It's finally and barely long enough for me to put piggies in her hair. She typically will ask me for piggies but also very typically, she pulls them out after a few hours and definitely before her nap. She will let me redo them, but why won't she just leave them in to begin with. I'm hoping now that her hair has started to grow, than it won't look straggly, stringy, gross and that it will be somewhat thick. We'll see. Hopefully she'll have enough hair by the time she's 3 to have a decent set of piggies.
Tri-ing to Get Into Shape
When Howie was just 2 1/2 months old, I got an e-mail asking if anyone would be interested in doing a "sprint" triathlon. I knew that I wanted to do it, but wasn't sure if I could. I talked to Adam about it and he was sure I could do it. So, with his support I was gun-ho to do take on this challenge and new adventure. I figured I didn't have anything to lose if I didn't end up actually doing the triathlon, except for a whole lot of inches and even more pounds. So, I started training for this sprint triathlon.
The race was in Casa Grande. The triathlon started with a 400m swim, then a 10 mile bike ride, and finally a 3 mile run. The running I wasn't afraid of and the bike ride I was kind of unsure, but knew eventually I could do it. The swim, however, terrified me. I taught myself how to swim and never have swam that far. So, my friend, Becky, helped me, taught me, and cheered me on as I learned how to swim. (Becky did the triathlon, too!)
After 14 weeks of training, race day was finally here. I was very anxious and nervous because I have never done anything like this before. If it was a soccer game, then sure no problem. But a triathlon was a totally different story. But, I am proud to say that not only did I do the race, I finished it too. There were times during the bike portion of the race that I just wanted to give up as person after person after person was passing me. When I began the run, my right calf started to cramp, then my left calf. I had to walk about 50 yards of the 3 miles, but I did finish! I wish I would have done better, but at least I have a starting point and can do all that I can to better the time. I finished the race in 1 hour 47 minutes and 59 seconds. No, I didn't lose much weight - I don't think even a pound. I did lose a few inches, but I'm feeling stronger than before I had kids and am truly in the best shape that I've been in for at least the past 5 years, if not longer.
Truly one of the best parts of this day was to have my family there. After each portion of the race, my sweet little kids were there to cheer me on. I heard Owen and Caroline say to me," Go Mommy!" as I headed out for the bike ride. Then, as I was coming back from the bike ride, they were sitting there and yelled out to me "Nice bike riding, Mommy! Go Mommy! Yeah Mommy!" Hearing their little voices kept me going. I would replay their cheers in my head as I wanted to give up. I knew they would be sitting there waiting for me to finish each portion. How could I give up? I couldn't!!!! As I was crossing the finish line, my little ones were sitting right there cheering me to finish. I am grateful that Adam brought them to see me race and to have them there cheering me on. It wasn't fun to wait for me and then only see me for a total of 3 minutes, but it meant the world to me.
I had so much fun training with all of the girls (there were 8 of us total - Becky, Shelley, Liz, Michelle, Gaylene, Melissa, and Amy) that did the race. I'm pretty sure we all will be doing this again next year. I'm even tempted to register for another sprint triathlon that is happening either late January or early February next year. It's very tempting. For now, I'll have to settle for my 5k run on the 20th of this month.
(L-R: Liz, Me, Shelley, Becky, Michelle) After the race
(L-R: Liz, Shelley, Becky, Gaylene, Me) After the race
The race was in Casa Grande. The triathlon started with a 400m swim, then a 10 mile bike ride, and finally a 3 mile run. The running I wasn't afraid of and the bike ride I was kind of unsure, but knew eventually I could do it. The swim, however, terrified me. I taught myself how to swim and never have swam that far. So, my friend, Becky, helped me, taught me, and cheered me on as I learned how to swim. (Becky did the triathlon, too!)
After 14 weeks of training, race day was finally here. I was very anxious and nervous because I have never done anything like this before. If it was a soccer game, then sure no problem. But a triathlon was a totally different story. But, I am proud to say that not only did I do the race, I finished it too. There were times during the bike portion of the race that I just wanted to give up as person after person after person was passing me. When I began the run, my right calf started to cramp, then my left calf. I had to walk about 50 yards of the 3 miles, but I did finish! I wish I would have done better, but at least I have a starting point and can do all that I can to better the time. I finished the race in 1 hour 47 minutes and 59 seconds. No, I didn't lose much weight - I don't think even a pound. I did lose a few inches, but I'm feeling stronger than before I had kids and am truly in the best shape that I've been in for at least the past 5 years, if not longer.
Truly one of the best parts of this day was to have my family there. After each portion of the race, my sweet little kids were there to cheer me on. I heard Owen and Caroline say to me," Go Mommy!" as I headed out for the bike ride. Then, as I was coming back from the bike ride, they were sitting there and yelled out to me "Nice bike riding, Mommy! Go Mommy! Yeah Mommy!" Hearing their little voices kept me going. I would replay their cheers in my head as I wanted to give up. I knew they would be sitting there waiting for me to finish each portion. How could I give up? I couldn't!!!! As I was crossing the finish line, my little ones were sitting right there cheering me to finish. I am grateful that Adam brought them to see me race and to have them there cheering me on. It wasn't fun to wait for me and then only see me for a total of 3 minutes, but it meant the world to me.
I had so much fun training with all of the girls (there were 8 of us total - Becky, Shelley, Liz, Michelle, Gaylene, Melissa, and Amy) that did the race. I'm pretty sure we all will be doing this again next year. I'm even tempted to register for another sprint triathlon that is happening either late January or early February next year. It's very tempting. For now, I'll have to settle for my 5k run on the 20th of this month.
(L-R: Liz, Me, Shelley, Becky, Michelle) After the race
(L-R: Liz, Shelley, Becky, Gaylene, Me) After the race
Halloween '09
I know I'm a little late in posting about Halloween, but better late than never. This year Owen went as a pirate and Caroline went as a "fairy princess". Caroline's costume came from a dress-up box that she got for her birthday. I got Owen's costume at Costco for 50% off because it was missing the pants and the hat. I put jeans on Owen and found a pirate hat at Hobby Lobby for $3.00 and called it good from there. Howie wore a Halloween onesie, which read "Cutest pumpkin in the patch." All of the infant costumes are waaaaaay too hot for our weather than time of year, which is why I called his "costume" done with the onesie.
This year was really fun because my younger sister, Mindy, was down with her entire family and that was soooooo much fun! I haven't seen Mindy or her family in over a year. It was great to see how big the kids have gotten and for her to finally meet Howie.
As per the usual, the kids got a TON of candy and while it is 2 weeks later, they have barely gone through about half of it. I think Adam and I have eaten a majority of it - especially the chocolate. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and didn't want to see them go. Owen, who is like me, doesn't like good-byes really didn't want to say good-bye to Carson, Sydney, Dylan (9 days older than him), and Mylie. Can hardly wait to see them again!
Also per the usual, I neglected to get any pictures of all of the cousins together. So, just pictures of my kids in their costumes will have to do.
This year was really fun because my younger sister, Mindy, was down with her entire family and that was soooooo much fun! I haven't seen Mindy or her family in over a year. It was great to see how big the kids have gotten and for her to finally meet Howie.
As per the usual, the kids got a TON of candy and while it is 2 weeks later, they have barely gone through about half of it. I think Adam and I have eaten a majority of it - especially the chocolate. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and didn't want to see them go. Owen, who is like me, doesn't like good-byes really didn't want to say good-bye to Carson, Sydney, Dylan (9 days older than him), and Mylie. Can hardly wait to see them again!
Also per the usual, I neglected to get any pictures of all of the cousins together. So, just pictures of my kids in their costumes will have to do.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
This is Nuts!!!
I took Caroline to the doctor today, the allergist to be exact. I had to have her tested for a few allergies to foods. As it turns out, she is allergic to all tree nuts, with the exception of pecans and walnuts, which Adam is allergic to.
It all started a little over a year ago. I bought a big container of cashews from Costco. I gave her a little bite of one. She liked it and so I gave her one half of a cashew. While eating that, she began to cry, cough, gag, and eventually threw up. Everywhere the threw up touched (and other places too) she had huge welts on her. Those welts were the size of the palm of my hand. I knew she was having an allergic reaction so I quickly dumped some Benadryl down her to lessen the reaction. I avoided buying all nuts for about the next year. Then Labor Day this year came along.
While Adam was recuperating in the hospital from his lovely intussusception, I took the kids swimming with my sister and her family and my brother and his family. As a snack for myself, I had previously purchased the new Nature Valley granola nut clusters, with cashews. As we were getting ready to go, I noticed Owen had the bag and was eating them. What I didn't see was how Caroline got her hands on one of the clusters. Not sure if she reached in the bag and got them or if Owen gave her one. Doesn't matter. What does matter is the immediate reaction she began to have. She was throwing up, crying, coughing, gagging, and the welts were returning. This time she was having trouble breathe and sounded very "croupy" and wheezy. Luckily, we were on our way home and we were close to home. I gave her some prednisone I had on hand and some more Benadryl and rubbed Benadryl on her welts. After cleaning up the throw up from the car and Caroline having a nap, I checked to see how her welts were doing. They took a second dose of both types of Benadryl to completely clear everything up.
After this incident, I realized I couldn't take a chance and needed to get Caroline an epi-pen, which I did. After having her blood work done (which showed a lot of allergies), her pediatrician recommended that I take her to an allergist. I did that today. Caroline is absolutely, definitely, positively allergic to tree nuts. The good news is that everything else her blood work showed she is allergic to (i.e., milk, eggs, corn, soy, wheat, oranges, peanuts - just to name a few) turned out to be false positives - THANK HEAVENS!!!!
In the days after this testing she has learned that she can't eat nuts and that they "make me sick." Now, I just have to get in the habit of telling everyone wherever she goes and may come into contact with those things that she is absolutely allergic to them and that she cannot have any of them. Until I can get that engrained in my head, she has learned that she needs to tell people "I can't eat nuts. They make me sick!"
It all started a little over a year ago. I bought a big container of cashews from Costco. I gave her a little bite of one. She liked it and so I gave her one half of a cashew. While eating that, she began to cry, cough, gag, and eventually threw up. Everywhere the threw up touched (and other places too) she had huge welts on her. Those welts were the size of the palm of my hand. I knew she was having an allergic reaction so I quickly dumped some Benadryl down her to lessen the reaction. I avoided buying all nuts for about the next year. Then Labor Day this year came along.
While Adam was recuperating in the hospital from his lovely intussusception, I took the kids swimming with my sister and her family and my brother and his family. As a snack for myself, I had previously purchased the new Nature Valley granola nut clusters, with cashews. As we were getting ready to go, I noticed Owen had the bag and was eating them. What I didn't see was how Caroline got her hands on one of the clusters. Not sure if she reached in the bag and got them or if Owen gave her one. Doesn't matter. What does matter is the immediate reaction she began to have. She was throwing up, crying, coughing, gagging, and the welts were returning. This time she was having trouble breathe and sounded very "croupy" and wheezy. Luckily, we were on our way home and we were close to home. I gave her some prednisone I had on hand and some more Benadryl and rubbed Benadryl on her welts. After cleaning up the throw up from the car and Caroline having a nap, I checked to see how her welts were doing. They took a second dose of both types of Benadryl to completely clear everything up.
After this incident, I realized I couldn't take a chance and needed to get Caroline an epi-pen, which I did. After having her blood work done (which showed a lot of allergies), her pediatrician recommended that I take her to an allergist. I did that today. Caroline is absolutely, definitely, positively allergic to tree nuts. The good news is that everything else her blood work showed she is allergic to (i.e., milk, eggs, corn, soy, wheat, oranges, peanuts - just to name a few) turned out to be false positives - THANK HEAVENS!!!!
In the days after this testing she has learned that she can't eat nuts and that they "make me sick." Now, I just have to get in the habit of telling everyone wherever she goes and may come into contact with those things that she is absolutely allergic to them and that she cannot have any of them. Until I can get that engrained in my head, she has learned that she needs to tell people "I can't eat nuts. They make me sick!"
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Home Alone
**When reading this story, keep in mind that Adam is gone in Minnesota**
After an errand that the kids and I went on today, I took my sunglasses off and put them either on the kitchen counter or the clothes washer. Owen was the only kid awake and was suppose to be out in the family room watching "The Upside Down" show. As I was sitting here in our bedroom working on the computer, Owen grabbed my sunglasses, put them on and then entered our bedroom. Usually when Owen comes in our room, he - in one way or another - announces his arrival into our room, by calling for me or Adam, or something. This time, he didn't announce himself.
Instead, he entered quietly and just stood behind me with my sunglasses on and his adorable little smile on his face. Needless to say, when I turned around, I got the CRAP scared out of me. So much so, that I grabbed Owen by the shoulders and did the "Home Alone", Macaulay Culkin scream. It took me about 3 seconds to realize that it was Owen standing in front of me. Once I did realize this, I took the sunglasses off and saw his sweet baby blues welling up with tears. Owen started to cry and looked at me and said, "Mommy, you scared me!" That broke my heart and I started to cry.
I explained to Owen that everything was okay and that I didn't mean to scare him. He continued to sit on my lap and as I stroked his tender cheek I began to get a chuckle out of what just happened. No, it was so funny when it happened, but I am definitely getting a chuckle out of it now.
I don't think Owen will ever come into our room again without announcing himself.
After an errand that the kids and I went on today, I took my sunglasses off and put them either on the kitchen counter or the clothes washer. Owen was the only kid awake and was suppose to be out in the family room watching "The Upside Down" show. As I was sitting here in our bedroom working on the computer, Owen grabbed my sunglasses, put them on and then entered our bedroom. Usually when Owen comes in our room, he - in one way or another - announces his arrival into our room, by calling for me or Adam, or something. This time, he didn't announce himself.
Instead, he entered quietly and just stood behind me with my sunglasses on and his adorable little smile on his face. Needless to say, when I turned around, I got the CRAP scared out of me. So much so, that I grabbed Owen by the shoulders and did the "Home Alone", Macaulay Culkin scream. It took me about 3 seconds to realize that it was Owen standing in front of me. Once I did realize this, I took the sunglasses off and saw his sweet baby blues welling up with tears. Owen started to cry and looked at me and said, "Mommy, you scared me!" That broke my heart and I started to cry.
I explained to Owen that everything was okay and that I didn't mean to scare him. He continued to sit on my lap and as I stroked his tender cheek I began to get a chuckle out of what just happened. No, it was so funny when it happened, but I am definitely getting a chuckle out of it now.
I don't think Owen will ever come into our room again without announcing himself.
Monday, October 19, 2009
I Will Survive - But Will the Kids?
Adam set out for a business trip to Minnesota this morning. I've joked around that while he's gone I will survive, but the true question is whether or not the kids will survive. I know they are only 2 and 3 years old and need to cut them a lot more slack than what I currently do. Trust me, no one knows this more than me.
Quite often I feel like I'm taking 3 steps forward and 4 steps backwards. But, as I was contemplating this feeling, I was quickly reminded by a good friend of mine that "at least I was still facing forward." I thanked this friend (and thanks again!) for this great reality check and hope to constantly remind myself of this frequently.
Sure, there will be the times when I will get upset and will want to go and hide in my closet for just a few minutes to myself. But, I am hoping that I will survive - and so will the kids.
Quite often I feel like I'm taking 3 steps forward and 4 steps backwards. But, as I was contemplating this feeling, I was quickly reminded by a good friend of mine that "at least I was still facing forward." I thanked this friend (and thanks again!) for this great reality check and hope to constantly remind myself of this frequently.
Sure, there will be the times when I will get upset and will want to go and hide in my closet for just a few minutes to myself. But, I am hoping that I will survive - and so will the kids.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Road Trip to Utah - Part 2
Tuesday night we went to Historic Wheeler Farm. Owen and Caroline had such a great time seeing all of the different animals. They both were pretty apprehensive about milking a cow - I did it though - and Owen was terrified to even touch the cow. He would sit on my lap by the cow but really didn't want to even touch her. Caroline on the other hand wouldn't milk the cow, but she did pet the cow. Once she pet the cow, she was done and went immediately back to Adam for safety.
Because Adam wasn't feeling really well, Wednesday Adam and I took the kids for a drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Alta Ski Resort. It was the first time that the kids had seen snow. They giggled and squealed with joy at the "ice" and loved playing in it. Cari loved eating it - no it wasn't yellow snow, nor was it dirty. Sure enough we had been there for maybe 10 minutes before we heard, "I gotta go potty." Because the resort wasn't open, neither were the bathrooms. Therefore, grateful that it was Owen who said that, Adam took him behind a tree to go potty.
On Thursday, I took Owen and Caroline on Trax to Temple Square. The only thing Owen talked about the whole time we were walking around is the train. He loved the train ride and couldn't wait to get back on the train and ride it home.
We went to the North Visitor's Center, the Church History Museum and the kids walked up the east stairs of the Temple. They had sooooo much fun. Caroline loved looking at all of the brides there on Temple Square. She even said that she wanted to wear her "pretty blue dress" in the Temple. I told her that Mommy and Daddy would buy her a pretty white dress that she could wear in the Temple when she gets married. She thought that was cool and agreed. Sweet! We've got a deal.
In the Church History Museum, the kids loved the "I Am A Child of God" exhibit. They played with the blocks to build a temple, the walked on the straight and narrow path and held to the rod, Owen did a CTR rubbing, and they also liked the Star of David puzzle.
We walked down to my favorite sandwich shop in Downtown SLC, Gandolfo's. We got sandwiches and enjoyed them thoroughly. Before we left the shop, I asked Owen if he needed to use the facilities. He assured me he "was good." We got halfway between the shop and the train platform and then he looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I need to go potty." Seriously!!!! Didn't I just ask him - I should have insisted he go there at the shop. Instead, I beg a gentleman who was working in the lobby of the building where I use to work for a code to the employee bathroom on the main floor. He gave me the code and in we went. After Owen took care of business, we walked out of the building and there was the train. We had to hurry and run to catch the train.
In one foul swoop I grabbed Caroline, took Owen's hand and we took off running. Owen and I bumped into one another and then he crashed and fell. I grabbed him up off the ground and we continued running. We barely got on the train and Owen couldn't have been more thrilled that we "caught the train." That's all he wanted to tell Adam when we were picked up is how we caught the train.
That night, Rebecca, Mike and their kids came over for one last family dinner. Owen and Caroline absolutely loved playing with their kids, Connor and Heather. They had such a great time. Whenever we would see them all of the kids would immediately start looking for each other to play. Finally, they are at the age where they can play together and watch the same types of shows together. Sure, there were the typical squabbles and disagreements over the same toys, or who had what first or who's turn it was, but overall they got along fabulously.
With all of the goodbyes said and hugs given it was time to repack the suitcases and the car and get ready to head out on the long trip home.
Early Friday morning, we packed up the car and headed out back home. The kids did really well in the car and with the exception of Howie screaming for the last 4 hours everything was smooth sailing. We are so grateful for such a wonderful trip, despite having sick kids and getting the rest of the family sick, and for the time we were able to spend with everyone. We'll look forward to the next trip and hope that one goes just as smoothly and this one.
Because Adam wasn't feeling really well, Wednesday Adam and I took the kids for a drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Alta Ski Resort. It was the first time that the kids had seen snow. They giggled and squealed with joy at the "ice" and loved playing in it. Cari loved eating it - no it wasn't yellow snow, nor was it dirty. Sure enough we had been there for maybe 10 minutes before we heard, "I gotta go potty." Because the resort wasn't open, neither were the bathrooms. Therefore, grateful that it was Owen who said that, Adam took him behind a tree to go potty.
On Thursday, I took Owen and Caroline on Trax to Temple Square. The only thing Owen talked about the whole time we were walking around is the train. He loved the train ride and couldn't wait to get back on the train and ride it home.
We went to the North Visitor's Center, the Church History Museum and the kids walked up the east stairs of the Temple. They had sooooo much fun. Caroline loved looking at all of the brides there on Temple Square. She even said that she wanted to wear her "pretty blue dress" in the Temple. I told her that Mommy and Daddy would buy her a pretty white dress that she could wear in the Temple when she gets married. She thought that was cool and agreed. Sweet! We've got a deal.
In the Church History Museum, the kids loved the "I Am A Child of God" exhibit. They played with the blocks to build a temple, the walked on the straight and narrow path and held to the rod, Owen did a CTR rubbing, and they also liked the Star of David puzzle.
We walked down to my favorite sandwich shop in Downtown SLC, Gandolfo's. We got sandwiches and enjoyed them thoroughly. Before we left the shop, I asked Owen if he needed to use the facilities. He assured me he "was good." We got halfway between the shop and the train platform and then he looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I need to go potty." Seriously!!!! Didn't I just ask him - I should have insisted he go there at the shop. Instead, I beg a gentleman who was working in the lobby of the building where I use to work for a code to the employee bathroom on the main floor. He gave me the code and in we went. After Owen took care of business, we walked out of the building and there was the train. We had to hurry and run to catch the train.
In one foul swoop I grabbed Caroline, took Owen's hand and we took off running. Owen and I bumped into one another and then he crashed and fell. I grabbed him up off the ground and we continued running. We barely got on the train and Owen couldn't have been more thrilled that we "caught the train." That's all he wanted to tell Adam when we were picked up is how we caught the train.
That night, Rebecca, Mike and their kids came over for one last family dinner. Owen and Caroline absolutely loved playing with their kids, Connor and Heather. They had such a great time. Whenever we would see them all of the kids would immediately start looking for each other to play. Finally, they are at the age where they can play together and watch the same types of shows together. Sure, there were the typical squabbles and disagreements over the same toys, or who had what first or who's turn it was, but overall they got along fabulously.
With all of the goodbyes said and hugs given it was time to repack the suitcases and the car and get ready to head out on the long trip home.
Early Friday morning, we packed up the car and headed out back home. The kids did really well in the car and with the exception of Howie screaming for the last 4 hours everything was smooth sailing. We are so grateful for such a wonderful trip, despite having sick kids and getting the rest of the family sick, and for the time we were able to spend with everyone. We'll look forward to the next trip and hope that one goes just as smoothly and this one.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Road Trip to Utah - Part 1
Adam and I haven't had a chance to take a road trip to Utah this year so we decided to do it in the fall. I love the fall in Utah. The leaves changing and all of the different colors on the hills, not to mention to much cooler weather from Arizona.
We left last Friday, early in the morning, and drove on up to have a visit with Adam's family. I drove the first shift and we stopped in Flagstaff for a quick potty break and to get something for Adam and I to eat. Then, it was on to Kanab - yes, I was still driving. The kids did fantastic!!!! I'm sure a lot of it had to to with the fact that we left early in the morning, Owen wasn't feeling well (more on that later) and, therefore, didn't have to stop for many potty breaks because he wasn't eating or drinking very much.
Then, from Kanab to Salt Lake, Adam took over the driving responsibilities. The kids slept some, but not nearly as much as the first leg of the trip. (Note to self: drive the second leg when the kids are awake next time.) We arrived safe and sound at his parents' house.
So, since Owen wasn't feeling well and had the "glassy eye" look all day long, I decided to call my dad to see if an antibiotic was in order. He felt really hot to me even when he woke up that morning, but I really didn't think much of it because he was in long "winter" jammies and under all of the covers! I thought he was just warm from how he was sleeping. Well, when I took his temperature, one ear was 102.7 and the other ear was 103.5. What the crap?! With the fever and him not feeling well and pretty lethargic all day (even though we were in the car), my dad told me it was best to get him started on an antibiotic - fabulous. (Before we left and in my defense, I did warn my mother-in-law that the kids Owen was sick and that I thought I was coming down with it. She told us to come anyway - so we did!)
When I tried to get Owen to take the first dose of his antibiotic (z-max), about 10 minutes later he was sitting in my lap on the carpet and then he threw up all over himself, me and our clothes. We did, however, manage to catch some of it in our hands that inevitably would have landed on the carpet. (Eeeeewwww, gross I know!) This was jus within the first 20 minutes of us being here at the house.
The kids went to bed early that night and - frankly so did I. Only, this backfired on me at about 4 in the morning when Caroline decided that she wanted to be awake for the next hour and a half. That girl, I swear. She finally drifted back to sleep and none of us woke up until 9 in the morning. That was heaven!
Saturday the kids played and played with their cousins, Connor and Heather, and they loved it. Saturday night was rolling around and I noticed Caroline was not sounding so good - she was getting a bad cough. Great! All night long she sounded like she was having trouble breathing - real wheezy and tight- and then the cough got even worse sounding. Sunday afternoon yet another call placed to my dad and, needless to say, Caroline was started on antibiotics.
Monday, we went to the Hogle Zoo with Rebecca and her kids. Once again, the kids had a blast running all around the zoo. The new baby elephant, Zuri, was out and boy was she ever cute. They had a baby crocodile, snow leopards, giraffe, and tigers. We saw the giraffe, crocodile and the baby tigers while they were being fed from mommy tiger. Those babies were sooooo cute!
When we got home from the zoo, Adam said he wasn't feeling well and thought he was getting a cough. What ever comes of that will remain to be seen, but I think I know how it's gonna end - antibiotics.
Today, Tuesday, I went to my old work and saw my friends, bosses and former co-workers. I was good to see them all and although not everyone is still there, it was good to see those that were. I got to go to lunch with my friend, Marilyn, and have a little bit of time to myself this trip. That was a nice little break.
On the train ride home, Howie was fussy and I happen to look down just in time to see what I thought was a tooth. Sure enough I felt around on his bottom gums and he cut his first tooth! The little monkey is only 4 1/2 months old and his first tooth has come through with the second one getting closer to come through as well. Howie hasn't been overly fussy, no fever, no real cold to speak of, and wasn't drooling a whole lot either. He was chewing on lots and lots of stuff, including himself and was drooling just a little bit. I can't believe he has cut his first tooth!
I thought Owen was early at about 5-5 1/2 months in cutting his first tooth; and Caroline at 5 1/2- 6 months in cutting her first tooth. But, seriously - 4 1/2 months is crazy!
All in all, we are having a good time thus far - despite the germs being shared by one and all. I'm sure more adventures await us.
***Pictures will be posted once we get home and I've had a chance to go through them all.
We left last Friday, early in the morning, and drove on up to have a visit with Adam's family. I drove the first shift and we stopped in Flagstaff for a quick potty break and to get something for Adam and I to eat. Then, it was on to Kanab - yes, I was still driving. The kids did fantastic!!!! I'm sure a lot of it had to to with the fact that we left early in the morning, Owen wasn't feeling well (more on that later) and, therefore, didn't have to stop for many potty breaks because he wasn't eating or drinking very much.
Then, from Kanab to Salt Lake, Adam took over the driving responsibilities. The kids slept some, but not nearly as much as the first leg of the trip. (Note to self: drive the second leg when the kids are awake next time.) We arrived safe and sound at his parents' house.
So, since Owen wasn't feeling well and had the "glassy eye" look all day long, I decided to call my dad to see if an antibiotic was in order. He felt really hot to me even when he woke up that morning, but I really didn't think much of it because he was in long "winter" jammies and under all of the covers! I thought he was just warm from how he was sleeping. Well, when I took his temperature, one ear was 102.7 and the other ear was 103.5. What the crap?! With the fever and him not feeling well and pretty lethargic all day (even though we were in the car), my dad told me it was best to get him started on an antibiotic - fabulous. (Before we left and in my defense, I did warn my mother-in-law that the kids Owen was sick and that I thought I was coming down with it. She told us to come anyway - so we did!)
When I tried to get Owen to take the first dose of his antibiotic (z-max), about 10 minutes later he was sitting in my lap on the carpet and then he threw up all over himself, me and our clothes. We did, however, manage to catch some of it in our hands that inevitably would have landed on the carpet. (Eeeeewwww, gross I know!) This was jus within the first 20 minutes of us being here at the house.
The kids went to bed early that night and - frankly so did I. Only, this backfired on me at about 4 in the morning when Caroline decided that she wanted to be awake for the next hour and a half. That girl, I swear. She finally drifted back to sleep and none of us woke up until 9 in the morning. That was heaven!
Saturday the kids played and played with their cousins, Connor and Heather, and they loved it. Saturday night was rolling around and I noticed Caroline was not sounding so good - she was getting a bad cough. Great! All night long she sounded like she was having trouble breathing - real wheezy and tight- and then the cough got even worse sounding. Sunday afternoon yet another call placed to my dad and, needless to say, Caroline was started on antibiotics.
Monday, we went to the Hogle Zoo with Rebecca and her kids. Once again, the kids had a blast running all around the zoo. The new baby elephant, Zuri, was out and boy was she ever cute. They had a baby crocodile, snow leopards, giraffe, and tigers. We saw the giraffe, crocodile and the baby tigers while they were being fed from mommy tiger. Those babies were sooooo cute!
When we got home from the zoo, Adam said he wasn't feeling well and thought he was getting a cough. What ever comes of that will remain to be seen, but I think I know how it's gonna end - antibiotics.
Today, Tuesday, I went to my old work and saw my friends, bosses and former co-workers. I was good to see them all and although not everyone is still there, it was good to see those that were. I got to go to lunch with my friend, Marilyn, and have a little bit of time to myself this trip. That was a nice little break.
On the train ride home, Howie was fussy and I happen to look down just in time to see what I thought was a tooth. Sure enough I felt around on his bottom gums and he cut his first tooth! The little monkey is only 4 1/2 months old and his first tooth has come through with the second one getting closer to come through as well. Howie hasn't been overly fussy, no fever, no real cold to speak of, and wasn't drooling a whole lot either. He was chewing on lots and lots of stuff, including himself and was drooling just a little bit. I can't believe he has cut his first tooth!
I thought Owen was early at about 5-5 1/2 months in cutting his first tooth; and Caroline at 5 1/2- 6 months in cutting her first tooth. But, seriously - 4 1/2 months is crazy!
All in all, we are having a good time thus far - despite the germs being shared by one and all. I'm sure more adventures await us.
***Pictures will be posted once we get home and I've had a chance to go through them all.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Owen v. Howie
Owen's stats at 4 months
Length: 26 1/4"
Weight: 16 lbs.
Howie's stats at 4 months
Length: 26 1/4"
Weight: 16 lbs. 5 oz.
It seems my boys are going to be about the same size - if this trend continues. Howie is so so so so super cute! He's so pink and round and such a happy baby. He didn't enjoy the shots yesterday, but what baby does? Howie is growing very well and doing great. I started him on oatmeal baby cereal about 2 weeks ago and he certainly loves it. He was eating about 14 and sometimes 16 ounces at a pop - I figured that's a pretty good sign that he's ready to eat something more than formula. I'm holding off on other baby foods, of course, until he's 6 months. For now, he'll just chow on the formula and cereal.
Length: 26 1/4"
Weight: 16 lbs.
Howie's stats at 4 months
Length: 26 1/4"
Weight: 16 lbs. 5 oz.
It seems my boys are going to be about the same size - if this trend continues. Howie is so so so so super cute! He's so pink and round and such a happy baby. He didn't enjoy the shots yesterday, but what baby does? Howie is growing very well and doing great. I started him on oatmeal baby cereal about 2 weeks ago and he certainly loves it. He was eating about 14 and sometimes 16 ounces at a pop - I figured that's a pretty good sign that he's ready to eat something more than formula. I'm holding off on other baby foods, of course, until he's 6 months. For now, he'll just chow on the formula and cereal.
Monday, September 28, 2009
3 For 3
Yup enough said!
Owen wanted his thumb almost from the very beginning. Caroline wanted her thumb from about 3 months on. Howie, well he's my trifecta and he wanted his thumb starting at about 8 weeks old. I was determined to have a non-thumb sucking child. But, he would scream and cry and get more worked up if I tried to give him the binky. Therefore, I gave in much to my dismay and let him have his thumb.
I've already been reassured from their dentist that it's not going to cause problems if they suck their thumbs as long as they stop before their adult teeth start to come in. Besides, they have plenty of room for their teeth. If he isn't the least bit concerned about them sucking their thumbs, then I really won't be. !Que sera sera!
Howsie B!
My how the time is flying that my little baby boy is growing so fast. I take him to the doctor tomorrow for his 4 month appointment. I can't believe he's already 4 months old!!!!! I looked up Owen's stats of when he was 4 months old and it'll be interesting to see where Howie compares to Owen at 4 months of age. I'm not going to reveal Owen's stats until Howie's appointment tomorrow. I'm pretty sure they'll be close to one another, if not Howie being a little bigger!
I love how in these pictures it looks like he's holding his head up with his eyebrows. If he wasn't raising his eyebrows would he still be raising his head?!
I love how in these pictures it looks like he's holding his head up with his eyebrows. If he wasn't raising his eyebrows would he still be raising his head?!
'Tis the Season....Canning Season That Is!!
Before I was even married and had kids, one of my "fairytale" ideas of being a stay-at-home mom was that I would learn how to make bread, jams, jellies, and can (bottle) fruit. I have very fond and vivid memories of seeing my mother and grandmother bottle peaches that came off my uncle's orchard in Mexico.
Well, that tiny fairytale idea of mine is coming true. I took advantage of my Mom being here and her knowledge to help me while Adam recovered. We bottled peaches, apples, applesauce and yams. My food storage is busting with all of these jars and I love it! I got 11 quarts of apple slices, 7 quarts and 1 pint of applesauce and 2 1/2 pints of yams.
I learned a hard lesson with the peaches. I had them all pitted and peeled the night before I bottled them. Even had fruit fresh sprinkled on them as well. But, because there were so many (32 lbs. worth) I had to put them into pots with lids on them. Well, the fruit fresh reacted with the stainless steel pot I had them in and turn 3/4 of the pot brown, just on the outside of the peach. I didn't want to chance it so I had to throw out that much of the pot. Of course and ideally, it is better to do it all in one day, but I couldn't because Adam was in the hospital at the time of the peaches and I couldn't leave that much for just my mom to do. So, in the hopes of "getting ahead" I actually lost quite a bit. I'll never do that again.
In my pantry I have bottles of Rainier cherries, apples, peaches, applesauce, yams, strawberry jam. I love how pretty it all looks but even more I love how I have saved my family that money!
Well, that tiny fairytale idea of mine is coming true. I took advantage of my Mom being here and her knowledge to help me while Adam recovered. We bottled peaches, apples, applesauce and yams. My food storage is busting with all of these jars and I love it! I got 11 quarts of apple slices, 7 quarts and 1 pint of applesauce and 2 1/2 pints of yams.
I learned a hard lesson with the peaches. I had them all pitted and peeled the night before I bottled them. Even had fruit fresh sprinkled on them as well. But, because there were so many (32 lbs. worth) I had to put them into pots with lids on them. Well, the fruit fresh reacted with the stainless steel pot I had them in and turn 3/4 of the pot brown, just on the outside of the peach. I didn't want to chance it so I had to throw out that much of the pot. Of course and ideally, it is better to do it all in one day, but I couldn't because Adam was in the hospital at the time of the peaches and I couldn't leave that much for just my mom to do. So, in the hopes of "getting ahead" I actually lost quite a bit. I'll never do that again.
In my pantry I have bottles of Rainier cherries, apples, peaches, applesauce, yams, strawberry jam. I love how pretty it all looks but even more I love how I have saved my family that money!
Humpty Dumpty - Part 4 (and Last)
Adam had his blood drawn last Wednesday for his liver function test ("lft") to check the levels of his enzymes. We got really good news in that the lft showed his enzymes were dropping rapidly. The AST enzyme is almost to normal and the ALT enzyme is ONLY 4 times high normal. I say ONLY 4 times high, because when he left the hospital it was 15 almost 16 times higher than what it should be. So, we'll take 4 times higher. Adam will have to have his blood drawn again in another 3 weeks and about once per month thereafter to make sure they stay in the normal range and don't go back up.
Adam did go into the office last Thursday. This week is his first full week back to work and it makes me happy to have him going into the office.
Adam did go into the office last Thursday. This week is his first full week back to work and it makes me happy to have him going into the office.
Monday, September 21, 2009
You Can't Deny Your Heritage
I went to a meeting for my church calling last Thursday night. At the end of the meeting, I was talking to one of my most favorite people in the world, Berta Whitney. She reminds me so much of my great-Aunt LaPrele it's unbelievable. She grew up with my great-Aunts Fannie and LaPrele. Berta's father was LaPrele's mission president in Mexico City. She remembers my great-Grandmother, Lucy Macdonald Bluth. We often talk about "Grandma Bluth" and being down in the colonies of Mexico.
In the process of talking with her, I told her about a street in Mesa that bears the name of "Macdonald". I was explaining to Berta that that was my family's name. Another sister standing there and I had the following conversation:
Krsitine: "Well that's MY family name. That's the name of my great-great-Grandfather, A.F. Macdonald."
Me: "Wait a minute. A.F. Macdonald as in Alexander Findlay Macdonald?"
Kristine: "Yes! Which line are you from?" (A.F. Macdonald had 5 wives - 4 of them had children)
Me: "I'm through Fannie VanCott." (4th wife)
Kristine: "I'm from Agnes Aird." (2nd wife)
Yep, we both realized that although from different women of the family, we were, and are, in fact related through the same great-great-Grandfather. How weird is that?!?!? We never would've known that we were related unless we were talking about family histories, temple work, and actually knowing some of our family history. It was so cool and sooooo neat to know someone from a different line, but still related to me - no matter how distantly or "removed" it may be.
In the process of talking with her, I told her about a street in Mesa that bears the name of "Macdonald". I was explaining to Berta that that was my family's name. Another sister standing there and I had the following conversation:
Krsitine: "Well that's MY family name. That's the name of my great-great-Grandfather, A.F. Macdonald."
Me: "Wait a minute. A.F. Macdonald as in Alexander Findlay Macdonald?"
Kristine: "Yes! Which line are you from?" (A.F. Macdonald had 5 wives - 4 of them had children)
Me: "I'm through Fannie VanCott." (4th wife)
Kristine: "I'm from Agnes Aird." (2nd wife)
Yep, we both realized that although from different women of the family, we were, and are, in fact related through the same great-great-Grandfather. How weird is that?!?!? We never would've known that we were related unless we were talking about family histories, temple work, and actually knowing some of our family history. It was so cool and sooooo neat to know someone from a different line, but still related to me - no matter how distantly or "removed" it may be.
Humpty Dumpty - Part 3
Adam finally came home late in the afternoon on the 12th. He could hardly wait to get out of there. The GI doctor only let him go because he saw some of his enzymes leveling off and some dropping. On the 14th he got his staples out; the 16th he had more blood drawn and then the 17th he saw the GI doctor again. From the blood drawn on the 16th his levels dropped, quite a bit too. They are still really elevated, but at least they dropped. He has to have his blood drawn again this week and then about once every 3 weeks thereafter to make sure they don't level off at an elevated level or start to rise again. If they do either of those things, he'll have to have a liver biopsy, which is pretty painful and another trip to the hospital.
On the brighter side, he was given the clearance to return to work - from home. So, last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday he worked half days from home. This week he'll work from home full days and then next week he'll be going back into the office.
Adam's appetite has been like I've never seen it before. He's eating constantly!!! While in the hospital and from the surgery, he lost about 10 lbs. The one person in the family who doesn't have 10 lbs. to lose and he loses it. I would've happily given up 10 lbs. and then some for him. He did reassure me that it was a diet that even I wouldn't want to have. I'll take his word for it.
We are all doing well and are slowly but surely getting back into our routines. We were suppose to go to Virginia this week to see Adam's friend, Chris, get married. Adam is so incredibly bummed that we won't get to go, but is realizing that it is a little soon to be doing that a mere 3 weeks post-op.
Thanks, again, for all of your thoughts, prayers, and help. It is all greatly appreciated.
On the brighter side, he was given the clearance to return to work - from home. So, last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday he worked half days from home. This week he'll work from home full days and then next week he'll be going back into the office.
Adam's appetite has been like I've never seen it before. He's eating constantly!!! While in the hospital and from the surgery, he lost about 10 lbs. The one person in the family who doesn't have 10 lbs. to lose and he loses it. I would've happily given up 10 lbs. and then some for him. He did reassure me that it was a diet that even I wouldn't want to have. I'll take his word for it.
We are all doing well and are slowly but surely getting back into our routines. We were suppose to go to Virginia this week to see Adam's friend, Chris, get married. Adam is so incredibly bummed that we won't get to go, but is realizing that it is a little soon to be doing that a mere 3 weeks post-op.
Thanks, again, for all of your thoughts, prayers, and help. It is all greatly appreciated.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Humpty Dumpty - Part 2
Adam still isn't home. He was suppose to come home on Thursday. His surgeon discharged him, but the GI doctor has not. It seems that Adam's liver enzymes, ALT and AST, are rising - again.
Originally, the GI doctor thought that Adam's liver had suffered because of the intussusception. Immediately after the surgery, the enzyme levels dropped. Two days post-op they began to rise. Yesterday, they rose to almost 800 for the ALT and about 600 for the AST. Way, way, way off the charts high. So, more tests and more tests and still everything is coming back negative or within normal limits, except for these 2 enzymes. The GI doctors cannot figure it out and are taking a "shotgun approach" to try to figure out what is happening.
Adam's level of frustration continues to rise - he just wants to come home! Because medicine is not an exact science and these types of flukes do happen, it makes it even more frustrating for him. I tried to tell him that his body is like a computer and his liver is a program that has crashed without knowing why it did. Sometimes it just happens regardless of what one may or may not do. It just happens. But, in order to fix the program that has crashed you have to figure out why which can be difficult, at best to do. The good news is the doctors are working hard to help Adam.
I was telling Adam that when he decided to get sick he "went big." Now, it's just time to go home. The only thing any of us can do now is "ride deep in the saddle." Again, we thank you for the prayers, well wishes, help, support, and good thoughts. They are all so very much appreciated.
Originally, the GI doctor thought that Adam's liver had suffered because of the intussusception. Immediately after the surgery, the enzyme levels dropped. Two days post-op they began to rise. Yesterday, they rose to almost 800 for the ALT and about 600 for the AST. Way, way, way off the charts high. So, more tests and more tests and still everything is coming back negative or within normal limits, except for these 2 enzymes. The GI doctors cannot figure it out and are taking a "shotgun approach" to try to figure out what is happening.
Adam's level of frustration continues to rise - he just wants to come home! Because medicine is not an exact science and these types of flukes do happen, it makes it even more frustrating for him. I tried to tell him that his body is like a computer and his liver is a program that has crashed without knowing why it did. Sometimes it just happens regardless of what one may or may not do. It just happens. But, in order to fix the program that has crashed you have to figure out why which can be difficult, at best to do. The good news is the doctors are working hard to help Adam.
I was telling Adam that when he decided to get sick he "went big." Now, it's just time to go home. The only thing any of us can do now is "ride deep in the saddle." Again, we thank you for the prayers, well wishes, help, support, and good thoughts. They are all so very much appreciated.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Humpty Dumpty Sat On a Wall...
We all know this nursery rhyme right?
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the kings' horses and all the kings' men
Couldn't put Humpty back together again.
Well, it all started last Friday, the 4th. Friday morning Adam woke up and his day started as usual. He worked out, ate breakfast and started working from home. By about 11:15 he said he wasn't feeling so well. By 12noon he was double over in pain. The day continued on like this and we both thought that maybe he had the flu. The pain got worse and shifted, bad news! About 2:30 Saturday morning he woke me up and I immediately flew out of bed, got dressed and took him to the ER Hospital. They ran tests and initially thought Adam had a case of appendicitis. Great! Easy to fix.
Well, when the tests came back, the good news is he didn't have appendicitis. The horrible news is he had a bowel intussusception. If you think of a telescope collapsing on itself, that's what happened to Adam. This typically happens in children or when there is a blockage of the bowels. It causes severe abdominal pain. We got the results of the CT scan at 4:30 and at 5:45 he was being transferred to a different hospital. By 7:30 the surgeon was talking to him and at 8:15 he was being prepped and wheeled to pre-op. It was at 9:00 he was in surgery to fix the problem. The surgeon took out about 20 inches of bowels (approximately 1/2 small and 1/2 large). The pathology report revealed no blockage or real reason as to why this even happened. In other words, it could be classified as "idiopathic" or a fluke.
After Adam's surgery there was more blood work done. The results of the blood work revealed that 2 liver enzymes were elevated. Everything else is coming back either negative or within normal range. Because everything is normal but these two enzymes, the doctors are stumped and once again it can be considered idiopathic or a fluke. More blood work and more blood work and the enzymes were still elevated. They remain elevated as of this post. We were hopeful to have Adam come home today, but with the enzymes being elevated, there's just no way he can be released. Even though it seems like "they're not doing anything" if something happens and he's not in the hospital, it could be bad news.
Adam feels good, other than being sleep deprived and sore from the surgery. He's frustrated and wants to come home so bad and sleep in his own bed. There's a lot of disappointment happening in not being allowed to come home. I totally understand how he feels. I felt the same way just a short 3 months ago when I couldn't come home when I wanted to after having Howie (another story for another time).
I'll try to keep this updated and let everyone know how he is doing. The kids are missing him BIG TIME and keep asking for daddy, especially at night. I've snuck the kids up a couple of times for them to see their daddy. Because of the H1N1 virus and school back in session, they have limited the floors to visitors older than 12. I understand why they've done this, but it breaks my heart to tell the kids, especially Owen, that he can't go see his daddy. The phone is great, but just not the same. I'm missing Adam terribly and am burning up the highway going between home and the hospital. I'm grateful he's where he needs to be at this point in time and getting the care he needs.
We are so grateful for the prayers, well wishes, good thoughts, meals brought in, kids being watched, and help that we (mainly me) have received from family, great neighbors and even better friends! Thank you to everyone who have helped, thought of helping, or offered to help. Your kindness, service and generosity is so very appreciated.
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the kings' horses and all the kings' men
Couldn't put Humpty back together again.
Well, it all started last Friday, the 4th. Friday morning Adam woke up and his day started as usual. He worked out, ate breakfast and started working from home. By about 11:15 he said he wasn't feeling so well. By 12noon he was double over in pain. The day continued on like this and we both thought that maybe he had the flu. The pain got worse and shifted, bad news! About 2:30 Saturday morning he woke me up and I immediately flew out of bed, got dressed and took him to the ER Hospital. They ran tests and initially thought Adam had a case of appendicitis. Great! Easy to fix.
Well, when the tests came back, the good news is he didn't have appendicitis. The horrible news is he had a bowel intussusception. If you think of a telescope collapsing on itself, that's what happened to Adam. This typically happens in children or when there is a blockage of the bowels. It causes severe abdominal pain. We got the results of the CT scan at 4:30 and at 5:45 he was being transferred to a different hospital. By 7:30 the surgeon was talking to him and at 8:15 he was being prepped and wheeled to pre-op. It was at 9:00 he was in surgery to fix the problem. The surgeon took out about 20 inches of bowels (approximately 1/2 small and 1/2 large). The pathology report revealed no blockage or real reason as to why this even happened. In other words, it could be classified as "idiopathic" or a fluke.
After Adam's surgery there was more blood work done. The results of the blood work revealed that 2 liver enzymes were elevated. Everything else is coming back either negative or within normal range. Because everything is normal but these two enzymes, the doctors are stumped and once again it can be considered idiopathic or a fluke. More blood work and more blood work and the enzymes were still elevated. They remain elevated as of this post. We were hopeful to have Adam come home today, but with the enzymes being elevated, there's just no way he can be released. Even though it seems like "they're not doing anything" if something happens and he's not in the hospital, it could be bad news.
Adam feels good, other than being sleep deprived and sore from the surgery. He's frustrated and wants to come home so bad and sleep in his own bed. There's a lot of disappointment happening in not being allowed to come home. I totally understand how he feels. I felt the same way just a short 3 months ago when I couldn't come home when I wanted to after having Howie (another story for another time).
I'll try to keep this updated and let everyone know how he is doing. The kids are missing him BIG TIME and keep asking for daddy, especially at night. I've snuck the kids up a couple of times for them to see their daddy. Because of the H1N1 virus and school back in session, they have limited the floors to visitors older than 12. I understand why they've done this, but it breaks my heart to tell the kids, especially Owen, that he can't go see his daddy. The phone is great, but just not the same. I'm missing Adam terribly and am burning up the highway going between home and the hospital. I'm grateful he's where he needs to be at this point in time and getting the care he needs.
We are so grateful for the prayers, well wishes, good thoughts, meals brought in, kids being watched, and help that we (mainly me) have received from family, great neighbors and even better friends! Thank you to everyone who have helped, thought of helping, or offered to help. Your kindness, service and generosity is so very appreciated.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Howie - 3 Months
I can't believe Howie is just over 3 months old now. Time seems to be slipping by me even faster with this baby and I'm not so sure that I like it too much. Some days I wish I could slow time down and be able to spend more of it with just Howie. Other days, I wish the day would end as soon as I get out of bed and we can move on to the next day. I've looked back at pictures of Owen when he was just 3 months old and it makes me sad. I miss him that small. As a first-time mom, I didn't know what I was doing and those first 6 months slipped by me way too quickly. Then, before I knew it, I was pregnant with Caroline. Because Owen was so small and still needed so much of my help, when Caroline was born, the first 6 months of her life were - and still are - a complete blur to me. I promised myself after Howie was born that I would enjoy this phase of babyhood because I would never again have this in my life. Boy am I ever enjoying this baby! Howie is a great sleeper -12 hours at night plus two 3 hour (minimum) naps per day. When he is awake he is talking more and more and is so happy and smiley - despite the face in the picture below.
I decided that I would take some pictures of Howie this afternoon since the other kids were asleep. I had an entire hour to spend with just Howie - what a novelty! I loved spending that one-on-one time with just him. It seems like whenever I have him in my arms I'm either feeding him or rocking him to sleep. I don't get to spend much time with him awake and by himself as the other two kids are usually awake making demands of me. So, this 1 hour was definitely a treat and I devoured every minute of it. He was very cooperative when the camera came out. He even started cooing and talking to me. I got to hear him giggle and see that sweet smile of his without being distracted by something (or someone) else. It was definitely a highlight to my day.
Owen and especially Caroline look more like me. However, out of the three kids, Howie is the best mixture of Adam and I. From about his nose up, he looks like me. The mouth and chin are more Adam. Although, each day I do see more of Adam coming through in Howie. His nose and eyes will always be me, but there's something about the whole combination that looks more like Adam. He is definitely "a keeper". Each of the kids got Adam's hairline, hands, fingers, feet and toes genes. Adam and I are so incredibly blessed to have 3 beautiful children. They each present their own unique and different challenges on a daily and, sometimes hourly, basis but they are each a blessing in our lives.
I decided that I would take some pictures of Howie this afternoon since the other kids were asleep. I had an entire hour to spend with just Howie - what a novelty! I loved spending that one-on-one time with just him. It seems like whenever I have him in my arms I'm either feeding him or rocking him to sleep. I don't get to spend much time with him awake and by himself as the other two kids are usually awake making demands of me. So, this 1 hour was definitely a treat and I devoured every minute of it. He was very cooperative when the camera came out. He even started cooing and talking to me. I got to hear him giggle and see that sweet smile of his without being distracted by something (or someone) else. It was definitely a highlight to my day.
Owen and especially Caroline look more like me. However, out of the three kids, Howie is the best mixture of Adam and I. From about his nose up, he looks like me. The mouth and chin are more Adam. Although, each day I do see more of Adam coming through in Howie. His nose and eyes will always be me, but there's something about the whole combination that looks more like Adam. He is definitely "a keeper". Each of the kids got Adam's hairline, hands, fingers, feet and toes genes. Adam and I are so incredibly blessed to have 3 beautiful children. They each present their own unique and different challenges on a daily and, sometimes hourly, basis but they are each a blessing in our lives.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
California or Bust - Part II
As promised, here are the pictures that I've finally had a chance to pull off the camera. I sooo miss the beaches of California. There's not a whole lot that I miss about Cali, but the beaches are definitely one thing I do miss. To me, there aren't many beaches that top these.
Monday, August 31, 2009
A Long Awaited Visit
My younger sister, Mindy, told me just last week that she and her entire family are planning on coming down here for Halloween since they found a killer deal on airline tickets for all of them. I am so excited to see her as it has been over a year now that I last saw her. I haven't seen my b-i-l and her 3 older kids since last July 4th. I saw Mindy and Mylie last August when my niece got baptized. Since then, nothing! We talk on the phone weekly, sometimes daily, but it's just not the same. She hasn't met Howie and I need to see Mylie again. I can hardly wait for Halloween to roll around. I promise we'll get back up to Idaho next year - this year was complicated with the arrival of Howie. A year's hiatus and we'll be back. Until then, Halloween this year will be highly anticipated.
California or Bust
This past weekend Adam and I took the kids to California to visit with my parents. We left Wednesday night to drive over. The kids did really well in the car - thanks, in part, to me not letting them take a nap before we left. We left about 3:30 and by 4:30, or just on the outskirts of town, they fell asleep in the car - ALL OF THEM! They woke up about 35 minutes before stopping in Blythe. They ate their dinner in the car (I refuse to buy them anything to eat because all they want to do is play when we stop. I'll pack their dinner and they can eat in car.) and then played and slid down the slide at Carl's Jr.
We arrived at my parents' house about 10:15. We got their beds ready and off to dreamland they went. We didn't do much on Thursday because my parents had a brand spanking new a/c and furnace put in. Their a/c went out about 2 years ago and 10 years ago they were told they should look into getting a new furnace. The furnace has worked all of these years and they finally were able to get a new a/c unit. I was in heaven - it was soooo hot and humid while we were there. While Adam ran around town with 1 kid or the other, I managed to clean out my mom's kitchen pantry. I was in serious and desperate need of a cleaning and organization.
Friday, Adam took Caroline and Owen down to the beach. I relaxed in the cool a/c with Howie. We had planned for all of us to go to the beach but when we couldn't find a beach umbrella and I didn't want to put sunscreen on Howie's skin yet, the better option was just for us to remain at home. The kids and Adam had a great time.
Saturday was met with even more relaxation. My dad treated all of us to breakfast and then my mom treated me to a pedicure. I was so in heaven. I'm pretty sure after I got home from my pedicure I even took a nap. Now that's how to spend a Saturday! My brother and his family came over for dinner that night. We caught up with them (hope Kristen is feeling better) and the kids ran and played outside and ate their popsicles.
We drove back yesterday and all of the kids did fabulously in the car- again. Howie slept for the first 3 1/2 hours in the car. He got a little fussy towards the end of the drive, but even I was getting antsy to get out of the car. The other 2 just sat and watched movies the whole way home. They were quite, didn't ask for much except to have their movie changed out. It was an easy shmeasy drive.
I am so grateful that I have parents who want us to come visit them. I am even more grateful for a husband and kids who WANT to go visit my parents. We always have such a great time when we are together. My mom and Adam tease one another and it's fun to see them banter back and forth and watch as one tries to out do the other. I miss them when I'm not around my parents but always, always, always look forward to the next visit.
(As soon as I get the pictures off the camera I'll post them of the kids at the beach).
We arrived at my parents' house about 10:15. We got their beds ready and off to dreamland they went. We didn't do much on Thursday because my parents had a brand spanking new a/c and furnace put in. Their a/c went out about 2 years ago and 10 years ago they were told they should look into getting a new furnace. The furnace has worked all of these years and they finally were able to get a new a/c unit. I was in heaven - it was soooo hot and humid while we were there. While Adam ran around town with 1 kid or the other, I managed to clean out my mom's kitchen pantry. I was in serious and desperate need of a cleaning and organization.
Friday, Adam took Caroline and Owen down to the beach. I relaxed in the cool a/c with Howie. We had planned for all of us to go to the beach but when we couldn't find a beach umbrella and I didn't want to put sunscreen on Howie's skin yet, the better option was just for us to remain at home. The kids and Adam had a great time.
Saturday was met with even more relaxation. My dad treated all of us to breakfast and then my mom treated me to a pedicure. I was so in heaven. I'm pretty sure after I got home from my pedicure I even took a nap. Now that's how to spend a Saturday! My brother and his family came over for dinner that night. We caught up with them (hope Kristen is feeling better) and the kids ran and played outside and ate their popsicles.
We drove back yesterday and all of the kids did fabulously in the car- again. Howie slept for the first 3 1/2 hours in the car. He got a little fussy towards the end of the drive, but even I was getting antsy to get out of the car. The other 2 just sat and watched movies the whole way home. They were quite, didn't ask for much except to have their movie changed out. It was an easy shmeasy drive.
I am so grateful that I have parents who want us to come visit them. I am even more grateful for a husband and kids who WANT to go visit my parents. We always have such a great time when we are together. My mom and Adam tease one another and it's fun to see them banter back and forth and watch as one tries to out do the other. I miss them when I'm not around my parents but always, always, always look forward to the next visit.
(As soon as I get the pictures off the camera I'll post them of the kids at the beach).
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Potty Talk
About 5 weeks ago I had had it with changing Owen's diaper and decided right then that he was going to start potty training. He's 3 1/2 and totally understands the concept of needing to go when he has the urge. So, over the 4th of July weekend we started this adventure of potty training. There were several accidents and wet pairs of diapers for the first 3 days. Then, I decided that I was done cleaning wet underwear and he was going naked from the waist down. He knew that he wasn't allowed to pee on the carpet or floor. After several false alarms of running to the toilet, he finally had a successful moment. That was it! From that point on he has been using the toilet and I couldn't be happier. I am happy to say that he is 90% of the way there. Now we just need to keep him on the right track with pooping on the potty after his more than successful day yesterday of popping on the potty.
Caroline is very interested in the potty too. In fact, she will go almost on command but is still attached to her diaper - for the moment. I will work on her once we get back from our trip in October. I can hardly wait to go from 3 in diapers to just my baby in diapers. That will be a day I will celebrate with glee!
Caroline is very interested in the potty too. In fact, she will go almost on command but is still attached to her diaper - for the moment. I will work on her once we get back from our trip in October. I can hardly wait to go from 3 in diapers to just my baby in diapers. That will be a day I will celebrate with glee!
It's a Dash For the Finish
This year I am trying something I have never done before, nor did I think I would ever do. I am doing a sprint triathlon in the city of Casa Grande. This sprint triathlon consists of a 400m swim, 10 mile bike ride and 3 mile run. I'm terrified of the swim portion - having been a self-taught swimmer. I've never been on a bike for 10 miles and am starting to wonder if my bum is going to be able to handle that distance on a teeny tiny seat. The one leg I'm not worried about one bit is the run. I love to run. Running for me is like escaping to a different world. I get in my own breathing pattern and my thoughts just wander to a place that is all my own. It's so freeing for me. I figure I have nothing to lose but a few more pounds and inches right?! What can this hurt - NOTHING!
Adam is more than supportive of me and thinks I could do it now if I wanted to. I don't think he realizes just how out of shape I am, especially being 3 months post partum and having to lose all of that weight on top of getting back into shape. But, I love how he thinks I can do it. I've got 11 weeks of training to do and it feels so good to be extremely physically active again. I must admit that my inner competitor is coming back out and I love it!
I'll keep the blog up to date on my training (maybe and hopefully) which will also help me track my progress. I've been doing double workouts (a.m. and then p.m. in the same day) and then doing them back-to-back (double workouts several days in a row). I did my first "brick" (2 or 3 of the events in the same workout) on Monday night. Right now, my rest days are Sunday and Tuesday.
Off to the gym to do more running! Yippeeeeee!
Adam is more than supportive of me and thinks I could do it now if I wanted to. I don't think he realizes just how out of shape I am, especially being 3 months post partum and having to lose all of that weight on top of getting back into shape. But, I love how he thinks I can do it. I've got 11 weeks of training to do and it feels so good to be extremely physically active again. I must admit that my inner competitor is coming back out and I love it!
I'll keep the blog up to date on my training (maybe and hopefully) which will also help me track my progress. I've been doing double workouts (a.m. and then p.m. in the same day) and then doing them back-to-back (double workouts several days in a row). I did my first "brick" (2 or 3 of the events in the same workout) on Monday night. Right now, my rest days are Sunday and Tuesday.
Off to the gym to do more running! Yippeeeeee!
Monday, August 03, 2009
I Need Some Privacy Please!
So I've decided to go ahead and make the blog private. If you would like to have access to this and be able to continue to read and see the pictures, please leave me your e-mail address in a comment and I'll add you to the list.
Comparing the Two
Adam and I recently moved the kids around to their respective bedrooms. Owen is now up in the front bedroom (which will continue to serve as the guest bedroom), Caroline is now is what use to be Owen's bedroom and Howie is FINALLY in his crib. The best part about doing all this work is it's done. We don't ever have to move kids around again. Howie will move into Owen's room when he's out of the crib. No big deal. Owen can hardly wait for that day.
Anywho. As I was cleaning out the guest room to make way for all of Owen's stuff, I found a journal I started for Owen. In there were his 2 month stats. At two months, Owen weighed 12 lbs. 11 oz and 23 1/2" long. I took Howie to the doctor about 10 days ago for his two month appointment. Howie's stats at 2 months are 13 lbs. 6 oz and 24" long. I thought Owen was a big boy and he certainly is a big kid for 3 1/2 years old. But if Howie continues down this pace, I won't be able to keep pants on either one of them. Hahahaha - they'll both be the only deacons wearing shorts passing the sacrament because I can't keep up with buying pants for them. Good thing we live in a climate for shorts huh?!
Anywho. As I was cleaning out the guest room to make way for all of Owen's stuff, I found a journal I started for Owen. In there were his 2 month stats. At two months, Owen weighed 12 lbs. 11 oz and 23 1/2" long. I took Howie to the doctor about 10 days ago for his two month appointment. Howie's stats at 2 months are 13 lbs. 6 oz and 24" long. I thought Owen was a big boy and he certainly is a big kid for 3 1/2 years old. But if Howie continues down this pace, I won't be able to keep pants on either one of them. Hahahaha - they'll both be the only deacons wearing shorts passing the sacrament because I can't keep up with buying pants for them. Good thing we live in a climate for shorts huh?!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Howie - 6 weeks
Howie has changed so much in the mere 6 weeks he has been in our family. He has always been a really good combination of Owen and Caroline. In the past few weeks, when I've been feeding, bathing, changing, feeding, or just staring at Howie, I've noticed how much he is looking more like Owen. I've compared pictures of when Owen was this age, and Howie and they look very similar. It'll be interesting to see Howie evolve over the next little while to see if he'll change and look more like Owen, or more like Caroline.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
My Chocate!
We all know just how much Caroline loves, loves, loves her chocolate. This gene was inherited from my dad who all he ever asked his dad for was a "chocate shake". (Caroline has inherited so many other qualities from my dad that it's scary.) This love of chocate became really apparent the other night when we were eating Drumstick cones for dessert (thanks Becky!). As she was chomping on her cone, Adam got up to check on Owen, who was outside. Caroline quickly moved her cone into the opposite hand and said, "No, no, Daddy! My chocate!" Adam and I laughed as this girl says the funniest things, without trying to be funny or even knowing what she is saying. She's hilarious. Caroline enjoyed every morsel of goodness from this cone. I'm sure Caroline wishes there was an endless supply of chocolate or that it was running through her veins. She lives and dies by chocolate.
Stink Bug and The Keeper
One of my very favorite posses of any baby, but especially my own (hehehehe), is when they are in the "stink bug" position when you pick them up or when they are asleep on their tummies. (Yes, I sleep my kiddos on their tummies during the day, and as soon as they can roll over. They sleep 1000 times better and they don't get flat spots in their perfectly round c-section heads). So, with this being our final baby, I finally grabbed the camera and snapped a few pictures of Howie in the "stink bug position". I'm just sorry I didn't get pictures of all the kids sleeping like this.
Caroline has decided that Howie is a keeper and can stay in the family. Once she shared her toys, especially her coveted fairies, I guess that meant Howie was a-okay. I hope she still feels that way once he becomes mobile and is into everything of hers.
Caroline has decided that Howie is a keeper and can stay in the family. Once she shared her toys, especially her coveted fairies, I guess that meant Howie was a-okay. I hope she still feels that way once he becomes mobile and is into everything of hers.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
It's a Boy!
Howard ("Howie") Adam Grimsley
d.o.b. May 21, 2009 @ 9:08 a.m.
Weight: 8 lbs. 6 oz.
Length: 20 1/2"
Owen and Caroline (and their parents, too) are so happy to tell everyone that Howie has arrived with no complications. We are so pleased to have our little one in our home. He is ever so adorable and looks just like his siblings.
d.o.b. May 21, 2009 @ 9:08 a.m.
Weight: 8 lbs. 6 oz.
Length: 20 1/2"
Owen and Caroline (and their parents, too) are so happy to tell everyone that Howie has arrived with no complications. We are so pleased to have our little one in our home. He is ever so adorable and looks just like his siblings.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
8 Great Years!
Well, 8 years ago Adam and I tied the knot. I can't believe 8 years has flown by so quickly. We've had our ups and our downs. We've had our disagreements and our moments when we were crying because we were laughing either at ourselves or each other so hard. We've had our tender moments, joyous moments, moments when we didn't want to be around one another because we were so angry with each other. We've moved to a different state, bought and closed on houses, had a graduation, traveled abroad, and, what else, but 3 kids. I can't believe all that we have done and all that there is going to be.
Thanks, Adam, for 8 great years. You are truly the best husband I could ask for and are absolutely perfect for me. I am blessed beyond reason and comprehension. (Cheese moment coming): I truly fall in love with you more each day. Happy Anniversary!
This kind of a present doesn't hurt either (wink, wink, wink):
These are "huggy" diamond earrings. There are diamonds on one side and plain white gold on the other. I love them and never imagined I get them for our anniversary this year - and all he asked for was a new iron!
Thanks, Adam, for 8 great years. You are truly the best husband I could ask for and are absolutely perfect for me. I am blessed beyond reason and comprehension. (Cheese moment coming): I truly fall in love with you more each day. Happy Anniversary!
This kind of a present doesn't hurt either (wink, wink, wink):
These are "huggy" diamond earrings. There are diamonds on one side and plain white gold on the other. I love them and never imagined I get them for our anniversary this year - and all he asked for was a new iron!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Just A Trim Please
As many of you know, I have let Owen's hair grow and grow and grow throughout the entire winter and got so many compliments on it. (I think each winter I'm going to let his hair grown long) In fact, it was only about 4 weeks ago that I agreed to even have Adam trim Owen's hair out of his eyes. I hadn't cut it since about September, maybe October. I have enjoyed watching him change the longer his hair got. But, let's face it. Long hair, regardless of being a boy or girl, in 100+ degree weather is not fun. So, today Adam buzzed Owen's hair. Never have I seen a boy transform right before my eyes with his look. Adam, at one point during the process, was reliving his teenage years when Owen's hair was cut into a mullet (Adam did not actually have a mullet, just long hair). It was kind of funny because right at that point Owen wanted to be done. Adam agreed, I did not. In the end, his hair is cut and he looks like a totally different boy. The longer his hair was, the more he looked like me. The shorter his hair got, the more he looked like Adam. To get all of the hair off of him and for sitting relatively still while daddy cut his hair, he was rewarded with a jump into the pool.
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