Monday, December 26, 2011
It's a boy!
Wow. That's a big surprise. We were sure it was a girl. Time for the big dispersal of Victoria's clothes 2012.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Back from the fetal survey. Everything looked "perfect" and my risk of DS was 1 in 230 based on my previous testing. Today after the fetal survey the MD changed it to 1 in 460. The risk of amnio was 1 in 400. We decided not to to do the amnio. I had a pretty rough morning - tons of cramping, dry heaves, and nausea. Just resting currently and watching the new fish tank. More on that later.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. We found out the sex too.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. We found out the sex too.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
pregnancy
This pregnancy has been so different that the first one. ( It is very surprising that I get to experience this again). I felt rotten from the get-go. Lower energy, severe acne, terrible night sweats, insomnia. I was 100% sure menopause was calling my name. There were food cravings of Pad Thai, mashed potatoes, Indian, pizza, cereal, salads with Ranch (don’t usually use it), apples, soy milk and mainly cold Diet Coke. Very icy cold Diet Coke. Last pregnancy I had nausea a little bit in the mornings, and a little bit before bed. This time, I had a LOT of nausea, headaches, and feeling totally hung over. I ended up using Zofran sporadically that my OB gave me just in case. Zofran is fabulous.
About week 14 I started feeling better and had more energy. I think being pregnant and four years older than I was previously (now 38) is much, much more tiring. Plus I have a little one to look after. I think that is a biggie. Now, I’m almost 19 weeks. Tuesday we go for our fetal survey and a possible amniocentesis, of which I am terrified X1000. Resting afterwards, taking it easy, this will be difficult. Plus, I am afraid of the complications from Amnio. The people I’ve spoken to make it seem like a walk in the park, which I guess it is in most cases, but there is always that small chance of something happening. People have asked why do it unless you are going to do something with that information?. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do if there was something wrong. But I think it is important to know. I did not have one with V since I was 34, but now I’m 38 and it is an entirely new ballgame. Thankfully, all my markers to this date have been normal.
As far as sex, I really, really don’t have a preference. Health is the most important to me. However, I am going to find out the sex. I find that so exciting! One day I’m convinced it is a girl, another day, a boy. I think my husband would like a boy for balance, to carry on the family name (whatever), and because he is a boy too. I do know girls better, I grew up with a sister, almost all girl cousins and friends. Plus we already have all the girl stuff.
Please pray that my amnio goes well and that there is a healthy little one in there!
About week 14 I started feeling better and had more energy. I think being pregnant and four years older than I was previously (now 38) is much, much more tiring. Plus I have a little one to look after. I think that is a biggie. Now, I’m almost 19 weeks. Tuesday we go for our fetal survey and a possible amniocentesis, of which I am terrified X1000. Resting afterwards, taking it easy, this will be difficult. Plus, I am afraid of the complications from Amnio. The people I’ve spoken to make it seem like a walk in the park, which I guess it is in most cases, but there is always that small chance of something happening. People have asked why do it unless you are going to do something with that information?. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do if there was something wrong. But I think it is important to know. I did not have one with V since I was 34, but now I’m 38 and it is an entirely new ballgame. Thankfully, all my markers to this date have been normal.
As far as sex, I really, really don’t have a preference. Health is the most important to me. However, I am going to find out the sex. I find that so exciting! One day I’m convinced it is a girl, another day, a boy. I think my husband would like a boy for balance, to carry on the family name (whatever), and because he is a boy too. I do know girls better, I grew up with a sister, almost all girl cousins and friends. Plus we already have all the girl stuff.
Please pray that my amnio goes well and that there is a healthy little one in there!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
very bad morning
P is out of town. He usually does the morning get ready stuff and drops off Victoria. I go into work for 7:30 and leave by 4:00 or 4:30 and pick V up by 5:00, leaving me very precious time on some days to run errands unencumbered. Today, I didn’t get into work until 8:30. I put on all the lights and let V get herself out of bed. She refused to use the potty or get out of her pajamas. I finally had to turn off the lights and pretend to go downstairs and then she cried, but got on the potty. She demanded books to be read. I told her we didn’t have time. She cried. I tried to change her shirt, etc while she was sitting on the potty. She whined and cried and protested.
I got her downstairs. She refused juice and water, shouting, crying, and whining. I put a banana in my bag and she started bawling and crying for it. It was the only one and really didn’t have anything else much to eat. Plus I knew I would give it to her and she wouldn’t eat it so it would be wasted. I am fairly obsessive about making lunches the night before, but last night I didn’t. I was making her lunch and took her water bottle and mixed in some water and diet ginger ale (it masks the taste of the miralax). She bawled and cried that “she didn’t want water”, AT LEAST 40 times. I ended up yelling at her twice to be quiet. I couldn’t take anymore. Finally I went over to try and get her dressed. She bawled about the choice of shoes and protested. I told her I was going to wear them then and she screamed and cried. I put her hat on her and she bawled and yelled because she “wanted to do it by myself”. She then fell off the chair and bawled. She kept asking for chex in a cup which I gave her. She kept on whining because the quantity wasn’t sufficient. I kept adding more. I helped her put her coat on and finally she would accept the shoes. I moved her Chex cup and she was so upset and grabbing it that she fell off the chair again. More bawling. I took one chex out of the cup and ate it (Have you tried the chocolate chex, they are good!) and she got so mad she hit me in the face. I was so angry. I sat her down in the chair, ripped her hat off, and made her look at me while I told her never ever to do that again. She cried and cried. She wanted to put the coat “on herself!” and pulled it off after all of my work and coaxing. I finally was seeing red and took out the bags to the car where again she followed me bawling that she needed “her coat zipped” and crying.
This entire 45 min I spent with my child today was made up entirely of her yelling, bawling, crying, screaming, and me yelling. I feel like a jerk. I finally got her into the car and strapped in. She said, “I love you momma”. I started to cry. I apologized for yelling at her, but told her she needed to listen and be a helper for mama.
I got her downstairs. She refused juice and water, shouting, crying, and whining. I put a banana in my bag and she started bawling and crying for it. It was the only one and really didn’t have anything else much to eat. Plus I knew I would give it to her and she wouldn’t eat it so it would be wasted. I am fairly obsessive about making lunches the night before, but last night I didn’t. I was making her lunch and took her water bottle and mixed in some water and diet ginger ale (it masks the taste of the miralax). She bawled and cried that “she didn’t want water”, AT LEAST 40 times. I ended up yelling at her twice to be quiet. I couldn’t take anymore. Finally I went over to try and get her dressed. She bawled about the choice of shoes and protested. I told her I was going to wear them then and she screamed and cried. I put her hat on her and she bawled and yelled because she “wanted to do it by myself”. She then fell off the chair and bawled. She kept asking for chex in a cup which I gave her. She kept on whining because the quantity wasn’t sufficient. I kept adding more. I helped her put her coat on and finally she would accept the shoes. I moved her Chex cup and she was so upset and grabbing it that she fell off the chair again. More bawling. I took one chex out of the cup and ate it (Have you tried the chocolate chex, they are good!) and she got so mad she hit me in the face. I was so angry. I sat her down in the chair, ripped her hat off, and made her look at me while I told her never ever to do that again. She cried and cried. She wanted to put the coat “on herself!” and pulled it off after all of my work and coaxing. I finally was seeing red and took out the bags to the car where again she followed me bawling that she needed “her coat zipped” and crying.
This entire 45 min I spent with my child today was made up entirely of her yelling, bawling, crying, screaming, and me yelling. I feel like a jerk. I finally got her into the car and strapped in. She said, “I love you momma”. I started to cry. I apologized for yelling at her, but told her she needed to listen and be a helper for mama.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Activities
Growing up in a small town in the 70’s and early 80’s there were not the number of organized children’s activities that there are now. In the spring and early summer we played girls’ softball in a community league. In grade school and junior high we played basketball in the fall and winter. I belonged to the community Girl’s Club (back when the Boys Club and Girls Club were separate), where I did ceramics, roller skating, pool, crafts, and cross country skiing. I finally got to play an instrument (clarinet –yick) in junior high. My family did a lot of hiking, biking, swimming in the summer, tons of roller skating, and cross country skiing. My older sister was super athletic. She got to do swimming for a year, then ice skating for a year (they didn’t have anything for the younger kids like they do now), guitar. She mostly did softball and basketball. I didn’t play these sports in high school because I wasn’t good enough to make the team. The bad thing about not being that great is that I did a lot of bench sitting. I wish they would have had things like soccer, volleyball and dance and karate because I would have really liked those. We had a small dance studio in town but it was super expensive, so I never got to go. There was no co-ed soccer.
I put V into a young child’s class of gymnastics back in June. She loves it! It’s 45 minutes once a week split up into balance beam, tumbling, bar work, trampoline, and free play. Is she good at it? I don’t know and I don’t care. I’d love for her to be good enough to continue. It’s so amazing to watch the other girls there and see the flexibility and strength. She took dance for 8 weeks and loved that even more. If I could find a time that worked for us, I would have her in both. I think it’s so great that she gets exercise, is gaining confidence, learning to take turns, and having fun. I also would like to start her in Piano when she is four.
Plus she is so darn cute in the leotard and dance dress.
I put V into a young child’s class of gymnastics back in June. She loves it! It’s 45 minutes once a week split up into balance beam, tumbling, bar work, trampoline, and free play. Is she good at it? I don’t know and I don’t care. I’d love for her to be good enough to continue. It’s so amazing to watch the other girls there and see the flexibility and strength. She took dance for 8 weeks and loved that even more. If I could find a time that worked for us, I would have her in both. I think it’s so great that she gets exercise, is gaining confidence, learning to take turns, and having fun. I also would like to start her in Piano when she is four.
Plus she is so darn cute in the leotard and dance dress.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Newsflash!
Here’s the scoop.
I’m pregnant.
Yes it happened the old fashioned way.
I found out September 11th and was AGAIN in total shock that I could be fertile. AGAIN.
I’m currently 15 weeks.
I was in some sort of funk about it (every though I am happy and blessed) for a month. I blame hormones, nausea, and fatigue.
The nausea was much worse with this one than with the first one. OMG. Actually been having to use some Zofran.
The breast pain is worse with this one than with the first one.
Biking at 7 weeks in a national park when you are exhausted is not recommended.
I try to tell V that there “is a baby in Momma’s belly” and she says there is a “baby in HER belly”. Named Ainsley.
Being four years older than last time and late 30’s really makes me tired and pregnant.
I hope the medical establishment is totally happy they have me freaked out about “advance maternal age”.
Didn’t want to say anything until I am sure things are going well. I was counseled early on about a high risk of miscarriage.
It’s so weird that I am pregnant. AGAIN. I had a 5% chance of conceiving on my own 8 years ago.
This time AGAIN I was on regular iron and I had dropped five pounds (PCOS) after my jaw surgery. Think those two things knocked the old egg right out me.
I’m pregnant.
Yes it happened the old fashioned way.
I found out September 11th and was AGAIN in total shock that I could be fertile. AGAIN.
I’m currently 15 weeks.
I was in some sort of funk about it (every though I am happy and blessed) for a month. I blame hormones, nausea, and fatigue.
The nausea was much worse with this one than with the first one. OMG. Actually been having to use some Zofran.
The breast pain is worse with this one than with the first one.
Biking at 7 weeks in a national park when you are exhausted is not recommended.
I try to tell V that there “is a baby in Momma’s belly” and she says there is a “baby in HER belly”. Named Ainsley.
Being four years older than last time and late 30’s really makes me tired and pregnant.
I hope the medical establishment is totally happy they have me freaked out about “advance maternal age”.
Didn’t want to say anything until I am sure things are going well. I was counseled early on about a high risk of miscarriage.
It’s so weird that I am pregnant. AGAIN. I had a 5% chance of conceiving on my own 8 years ago.
This time AGAIN I was on regular iron and I had dropped five pounds (PCOS) after my jaw surgery. Think those two things knocked the old egg right out me.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
1st Haircut
Victoria’s hair was looking even worse than usual. I understand that is negative, but she does indeed have some really kooky hair. The front is untouched, sparse, and short. The back is long and straggly, thin, frizzy, different lengths. We were out by the mall for her Pediatric GI appointment (more on that later), and afterwards I took her to play place in the mall. We passed by a Regis on the way out with no customers. We went in and I asked for a haircut. We got a friendly girl named Amber. She said, “Ma’am, there really isn’t anything to cut here.” I agreed, but she conservatively trimmed the back so it was all one length and it did look better. V never moved a muscle or said a word. It cost $11. Afterwards she told me, “I got my hair cut”.
I’ve tried to make her hair less flyaway and crazy. I’ve tried baby gels, leave-in conditioners, etc. It works for a few hours after the bath and then done. We do carry the AXIN2 gene in my family that causes thin hair. I think V may have it.
1st haircut at 3.3 years. Next one will probably be another 3 years. I got choked up a bit when I saw how big my baby is.
Friday, October 28, 2011
The fallout
Yesterday I was supposed to have the final surgery in my “dental transformation”. It was cancelled for other medical reasons (more on that later). Today is exactly 7 months since my jaw surgery. Wow, my recovery has been complicated, fatiguing, disappointed, and sometimes exciting. Do I look different. Yes, I very much do. Does anyone else think I look different? No, not really. Except my boss. Do I like the way I look now? No and yes.
I had planned on being off three weeks and was off closer to six. First the good: My teeth come together for the first time in my life. My pointy witch’s chin is gone (mainly from the first surgery). I have teeth on the lower bottom center now (mainly from the 2nd & 3rd surgeries). I can gently bite into things. When I smile you can see both my upper and lower teeth like a normal person. The main thing or “fallout” if you will from the surgery was that my left inferior aveloar nerve was cut. In half. By the saw used to cut through my jaw bone. It rests in the middle of the spongy bone, which is packed by hard bone on each side. Apparently I had no spongy bone and it was something they had never seen before, so they didn’t know to expect it. When they told me this after surgery, I was drugged up and just kind of blew it off, thinking it would be numb-ish for a while. And it was. Now it burns and tingles, prickly through the numbness. It’s painful to touch. I think another facial nerve was injured too, because I have some burning/itching up into my left ear on that side. I pray to God constantly that doesn’t turn out to be TG (I don’t even want to say the words).
The chin is a pain. I can’t really put on lipstick or chapstick because it is so uncomfortable to touch it. It is uncomfortable to kiss. I drop food out of my mouth when I eat and often when drinking out of a bottle or can, the fluid dribbles right out of my mouth. It is difficult to chew with my mouth closed. I am constantly checking my chin & lip area to make sure there is no food stuck there because I can’t feel anything. I can’t whistle. I can’t blow bubbles. My speech was pretty slurred for a while. I discussed this with the surgeon, and he wanted to start me Neurotin, because he thought it would help. I didn’t start it yet. This really stinks and I try so hard to be positive about it. They think/hope it will get better with time.
Would I have the surgery again? Honestly I don’t think so.
I had planned on being off three weeks and was off closer to six. First the good: My teeth come together for the first time in my life. My pointy witch’s chin is gone (mainly from the first surgery). I have teeth on the lower bottom center now (mainly from the 2nd & 3rd surgeries). I can gently bite into things. When I smile you can see both my upper and lower teeth like a normal person. The main thing or “fallout” if you will from the surgery was that my left inferior aveloar nerve was cut. In half. By the saw used to cut through my jaw bone. It rests in the middle of the spongy bone, which is packed by hard bone on each side. Apparently I had no spongy bone and it was something they had never seen before, so they didn’t know to expect it. When they told me this after surgery, I was drugged up and just kind of blew it off, thinking it would be numb-ish for a while. And it was. Now it burns and tingles, prickly through the numbness. It’s painful to touch. I think another facial nerve was injured too, because I have some burning/itching up into my left ear on that side. I pray to God constantly that doesn’t turn out to be TG (I don’t even want to say the words).
The chin is a pain. I can’t really put on lipstick or chapstick because it is so uncomfortable to touch it. It is uncomfortable to kiss. I drop food out of my mouth when I eat and often when drinking out of a bottle or can, the fluid dribbles right out of my mouth. It is difficult to chew with my mouth closed. I am constantly checking my chin & lip area to make sure there is no food stuck there because I can’t feel anything. I can’t whistle. I can’t blow bubbles. My speech was pretty slurred for a while. I discussed this with the surgeon, and he wanted to start me Neurotin, because he thought it would help. I didn’t start it yet. This really stinks and I try so hard to be positive about it. They think/hope it will get better with time.
Would I have the surgery again? Honestly I don’t think so.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Halloween
Halloween is rapidly approaching. V has a large number of activities this year to attend. This weekend a neighboring town has Trick Or Treating downtown (Oct 23rd) Her school usually has a little party where you go to each room in costume and get a prize (no candy) (Oct 26th). There is the community center Trick Or Treat parade (Oct 28th), which we waited in line for over an hour last year and she loved, and the neighbor’s church is having a little party (Oct 30th), and regular Trick Or Treating (Oct 31st) of course. I don’t know if we will make it to everything. V is much more into candy this year, but it is not about the candy, it is about having fun, and she likes to do that as well.
I loved Halloween as a kid. It really wasn’t about the candy (really!). The time of year was always nice, I loved feeling special dressing up in costume (even though many in the 1970’s were those cheap plastic get ups and I longed for a mother that would sew elaborate costumes), there was usually a party at school, there was always a community pumpkin decorating contest which I managed to win a prize in every year grades 1-8 (seriously), and my mother was usually in a good mood that holiday (since she hates holidays and this has ruined many). My dad would take my sister and I trick Or treating and we just would always have such a nice time.
V’s really warm pumpkin costume still fits from last year. It was freezing here on Halloween last year and I was glad to have it. I also found this chintzy looking Jesse costume at a mom’s sale that she loves to wear around the house. It’s too big and not cute enough IMHO, but I have another costume that she will model shortly.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Trying Times
Last week was... well, a week. We got home from vacation on Saturday night. Sunday we regrouped and put away suitcases and all that stuff. Monday was Monday. Tuesday afternoon I spent at the doctor - the entire afternoon discussing some stuff. Stuff that I cannot share just yet, but I will in the near future. I missed lunch that day and was in full meltdown mode by 4:30. I promptly drove to FiveGuys Burgers and Fries where they have bunless burgers and gluten free fries. OMGosh that place could become an addiction. When I picked up V at school, she had episodes of diarrhea that day. Remember, she has had diarrhea almost every day since September 21st. On vacation, she was having up to 8 soilings a day. School was pissed. I took her home and she seemed tired, but okay. We still have no fridge but I bought my junky, dented dorm fridge home from under my desk and now at least WE HAVE SOME CHEESESTICKS AND SOME DAMN COOL DRINKS.
Wednesday I kept her home (this is the 3rd day in three weeks due to this damn diarrhea). It will stop for two days, but just keeps going on and on. The doctor was useless and I had to strongly suggest to test the stool samples I brought. Thursday she was good, but Friday had a massive, diaper filling soft stool (she is potty trained, but I have her back in diapers because she cannot control this diarrhea). I called her allergist and they didn't think it sounded like a food intolerance. When we went to the ER in Maine, they thought it sounded just like a food intolerance. I'm afraid it is celiac or something. She hasn't grown much in the past year and actually lost 1.5 lbs at her three year visit. She has been diarrhea free this weekend but I guarantee it will be back tomorrow. Oh, all the stool samples (culture, CDiff, gram stain, etc) were all negative.
To top it off, she has had this majorly horrible cough at night. She has difficult to deal with, super whiny, tantrumy, sassy, lots of hitting. Also, terrible breath.
Thursday I finally made it to work. Friday was somewhat better. Then my husband went out of town this weekend. I am really looking forward to things calming the HELL down over here.
Wednesday I kept her home (this is the 3rd day in three weeks due to this damn diarrhea). It will stop for two days, but just keeps going on and on. The doctor was useless and I had to strongly suggest to test the stool samples I brought. Thursday she was good, but Friday had a massive, diaper filling soft stool (she is potty trained, but I have her back in diapers because she cannot control this diarrhea). I called her allergist and they didn't think it sounded like a food intolerance. When we went to the ER in Maine, they thought it sounded just like a food intolerance. I'm afraid it is celiac or something. She hasn't grown much in the past year and actually lost 1.5 lbs at her three year visit. She has been diarrhea free this weekend but I guarantee it will be back tomorrow. Oh, all the stool samples (culture, CDiff, gram stain, etc) were all negative.
To top it off, she has had this majorly horrible cough at night. She has difficult to deal with, super whiny, tantrumy, sassy, lots of hitting. Also, terrible breath.
Thursday I finally made it to work. Friday was somewhat better. Then my husband went out of town this weekend. I am really looking forward to things calming the HELL down over here.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday Night Leftovers - Vacation Edition
* I ate so much Lobster this week. I love Lobster! I would have eaten more fried seafood, but with the Gluten Free thing and all, it makes it pretty difficult. P ate fried clams a lot lately. He says the East Coast is the only place to get fried clams, other places they are fried frozen clam strips. Not the same thing at all.
* V has been so ill this week, but acting normally. She got sick last Wednesday and Thursday with horrible diarrhea, stayed home from School Friday and seemed fine, was sick on the plan on Saturday, and had episodic diarrhea continuing through Tuesday. We ended up taking her to ER on MDI and they were just so darn nice. They too thought it was a virus and said that I was doing a great time of keeping her hydrated. Thankfully she has improved and no diarrhea has been absent for the last two days.
* Now that the diarrhea has stopped, V has a terrible, hacking, choking cough.
* Maine is so incredibly beautiful. Craggy, rocky, and watery. I grew up in Northern Michigan and I bet the winters are pretty similar here. Yuck. 80+ inches of snow a year is too much!
* We haven't been at the cottage much since we've been out doing things. It is very nice. I brought along Toy Story 2 for relax time and frankly, I can't take any more of it. I can quote it by now. I should have brought Toy Story 3 as I've only seen it once.
* V has been so ill this week, but acting normally. She got sick last Wednesday and Thursday with horrible diarrhea, stayed home from School Friday and seemed fine, was sick on the plan on Saturday, and had episodic diarrhea continuing through Tuesday. We ended up taking her to ER on MDI and they were just so darn nice. They too thought it was a virus and said that I was doing a great time of keeping her hydrated. Thankfully she has improved and no diarrhea has been absent for the last two days.
* Now that the diarrhea has stopped, V has a terrible, hacking, choking cough.
* Maine is so incredibly beautiful. Craggy, rocky, and watery. I grew up in Northern Michigan and I bet the winters are pretty similar here. Yuck. 80+ inches of snow a year is too much!
* We haven't been at the cottage much since we've been out doing things. It is very nice. I brought along Toy Story 2 for relax time and frankly, I can't take any more of it. I can quote it by now. I should have brought Toy Story 3 as I've only seen it once.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
On Vacation
We are in Maine! And the weather has been wonderful, with the exception of today I've felt decently, I've eaten Lobster six times, I've seen some absolutely gorgeous scenery, and our cottage is really lovely.
The biking today almost did me in, I've gotten more mosquito bites then I have had all summer, and Victoria has had three days of diarrhea.
It's really been nice being on vacation though and I'm just sitting here resting.
The biking today almost did me in, I've gotten more mosquito bites then I have had all summer, and Victoria has had three days of diarrhea.
It's really been nice being on vacation though and I'm just sitting here resting.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
broken
I was gone for 4.5 days to visit my mother up North. P was gone to backpacking. When I got home around 7:00 pm on Sunday night the refrigerator was making a loud noise. P though the (already broken) ice maker was trying to make ice. It wasn't. The fridge contents felt cool, but not cold. I didn't think to check the freezer.
Yesterday I called and found someone to come over "sometime between 2-6". Okay then. I got him to narrow the window to 3-6 and I left work today at 2:30. Right now I'm waiting for him. The fridge is only four years old.
Last night I opened the freezer and it was basically a soup. I didn't have a ton in the fridge but the freezer was loaded. I had a large bag of tilapia and shrimp in there along with carefully cut and frozen fresh Farmers' Market vegetables. They all were a mushy mess. I threw everything away plus all our condiments. P brought dinner from the Coney Island last night. I didn't have anything to put in V's lunch really. I gave her a warm juice, warm carrots, a non peanut granola bar, and a Graham cracker with soy butter.
There are also no cool drinks and three trash bags of rotting food.
Yesterday I called and found someone to come over "sometime between 2-6". Okay then. I got him to narrow the window to 3-6 and I left work today at 2:30. Right now I'm waiting for him. The fridge is only four years old.
Last night I opened the freezer and it was basically a soup. I didn't have a ton in the fridge but the freezer was loaded. I had a large bag of tilapia and shrimp in there along with carefully cut and frozen fresh Farmers' Market vegetables. They all were a mushy mess. I threw everything away plus all our condiments. P brought dinner from the Coney Island last night. I didn't have anything to put in V's lunch really. I gave her a warm juice, warm carrots, a non peanut granola bar, and a Graham cracker with soy butter.
There are also no cool drinks and three trash bags of rotting food.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
September 11th, 2001
Today is September 11th 2011. Ten years ago our world was horrifically, inexplicably changed by hate. P and I had been living in England for over a year. It was in Grad School and stayed home that day (a beautiful, mild, sunny day) because the tree trimmer was coming to trim out chesnut tree in the back garden and I needed to let him in through the locked gate. I can't remember what alerted me to what happened and when as we were five hours ahead of New York. The tree trimmer was taking a tea or smoke break or something and made some remark like "bloody Americans deserved it". I called P at work and immediately turned on CNN, which I watched the rest of the day. P came home and watched with me and several of our relatives back in the states called us that evening. It was frightening to be so far from home and witness the events. Several of our fellow expats called each other and expressed our feelings.
THe next day I went back to my University Department and not one person said a word to me except our cleaning/tea lady. (At university, there was a lady whose job was to set up "tea" every day promptly at 11:00 am which includes two pots of tea, yucky biscuits, and three press coffeepots, sugar and milk. She washed all the mugs afterwards -just water- and wiped and put everything away.) She was an old British lady and said, "I know who did this, the Japs did it". She had lived through WWII. I was so disappointed that not one person expressed a condolence to me for the tragedy that our country went through. (What hurts was when there a big earthquake in Greece, and we had a student from Greece, they all expressed sympathy and took up a collection for the victims). The majority of people in that department were jerks.
The following week I was in a large British SUpermarket and Prime Minister Tony Blair (I really liked him) decreed a moment of national silence for the victims. Every single person in that supermarket stopped what they were doing for three minutes and were silent out of respect. That was so touching. I don't think one person knew I was American and how much it meant to me. I was touched. When we came home that holiday season, I was awed by the large displays of patriotism everywhere. THe next year on September 11th, I hung up a giant american flag in our window (we lived at a main intersection).
THe next day I went back to my University Department and not one person said a word to me except our cleaning/tea lady. (At university, there was a lady whose job was to set up "tea" every day promptly at 11:00 am which includes two pots of tea, yucky biscuits, and three press coffeepots, sugar and milk. She washed all the mugs afterwards -just water- and wiped and put everything away.) She was an old British lady and said, "I know who did this, the Japs did it". She had lived through WWII. I was so disappointed that not one person expressed a condolence to me for the tragedy that our country went through. (What hurts was when there a big earthquake in Greece, and we had a student from Greece, they all expressed sympathy and took up a collection for the victims). The majority of people in that department were jerks.
The following week I was in a large British SUpermarket and Prime Minister Tony Blair (I really liked him) decreed a moment of national silence for the victims. Every single person in that supermarket stopped what they were doing for three minutes and were silent out of respect. That was so touching. I don't think one person knew I was American and how much it meant to me. I was touched. When we came home that holiday season, I was awed by the large displays of patriotism everywhere. THe next year on September 11th, I hung up a giant american flag in our window (we lived at a main intersection).
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Labor Day Weekend
I took Friday off (school was closed) and since it was a billion degrees out (actually 98 F) I did laundry in the a.m. while I let Victoria watch Snow White in the morning. She really liked it, kept asking me what was going on, but seemed frightened by the man trying to kill Snow White and the Wicked Witch. P came home early and then took us out for Mexican for lunch. Then we left (traffic was really heavy) and stopped at the Outlets on the way west. I got to stop at the GAP outlet, my favorite place. It was pretty picked over with it being back to school, but I bought a pair of skinny jeans for myself, and a pair of tan work trousers pretty cheap. I got V a pair of their leggings and a long sleeve matching top and few other items. Then I ran into Gymboree outlet and they had their plain long sleeve T-shirts for $5.99 in basic colors. I bought cream and lt pink in a 4T plus a tiny onsie with a giraffe for P's niece as a baby gift The Children's Place didn't have too much, but I got V two pairs of super nice winter tights for $2.99 each and a Halloween shirt for $3.99. P bought a new belt at the Leather Outlet. My, we are exciting?
We made it to dinner w/P's brother in GR. It was his 40th Birthday and he was a bit down. We didn't make it to P's mom's until 9:30. Everyone slept in. The next afternoon we went to the playground next to Lake Michigan and V met another little girl and played and played with her. It was nice to go to the playground and enjoy without having to run home to make dinner, etc. We went to the ice cream parlor after that and then watched the Lake Michigan CarFerry come in from the lighthouse pier.
On Saturday we again got a late start. P wanted to take V on a Go-Kart ride and I was worried about the danger, but they were the only ones on the track and she loved it! and went to the Mac Woods Dune Rides at Silver Lake. Silver Lake is absolute stunning with the white dunes and blue sky. V loved the ride and would put her arms up down the hills like she was on a rollercoaster. We then went horseback riding. At 3, they preferred that V ride her own pony tethered to the leader. I was concerned about her falling off and having the thigh strength of a long ride. She did wonderfully!!!!! Her pony was named Ladybug and she sat for the entire hour ride without making a peep. Unfortunately, my horse "Fred" was kind of a jerk and kept stopping to eat. Towards the end of the ride he took off in a completely different direction and I finally got him to turn, but then he decided to run off and join a completely different group and follow them back to the stable. Afterwards the owner said I wasn't stern enough with him! It was the end of the day and I think he was just starving. We went to P's grandma for dinner and she insists on cooking and she is 90. We had local fish fried with no spices. Half the fish was burnt and half was raw. I started doing the dishes and she was mean to me because I "didn't use the correct side of the sink and I was using too much water". Then we walked down to the Lake.
Sunday we decided to come home so we could sleep in our own bed. V insisted on crawling into the bed with us and the bed was super soft and we all slept terribly the duration of the trip. We stopped at the Zoo in GR where we discovered that V's fear of dogs and cats has extended to all animals. Super great. No zoo's or farms for a while. We had dinner with P's brother and his girlfriend and finally arrived home at 9:10 pm. Didn't sleep well and ended up taking off today to catch up and rest. I'm tired. I wish the pics were better, but it's all I've got!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Wal-Mart adventure
I really don't care for the wal-mart in our town. I usually do Kroger, Target, and Costco. A big new one was just built south of town and is really clean and not crowded. I went saturday to recycle cans and get a few staples. I was pushing a heavy cart (soda), and corralling V who was walking next to me and heading for the checkout when a middle aged women with no groceries and no cart approached me.
Her: (smiling) how are you?
Me: (still pushing the cart and walking) ok. (Jehovah's witness?- I've been approached by them at a bus stop and also in a restaurant bathroom)
Her: I am involved in a business venture where I am supposed to meet five new people a day.
Me: what, are you selling Kirby vacuums? ( I once had someone knock on my door selling kirby's at 9:30 pm on a dark January night)
Her: (chuckles) no.
me: is it Amway?
Her: (excitedly). Yes!
Me: No. Way. Not interested. (pushed the cart even faster)
I can't help thinking:
What signal am I putting out that it is okay for these people to approach me?
How do people get hooked into to this ridiculous pyramid scheme?
How desperate or not intelligent is this lady to get involved in this crap?
Her: (smiling) how are you?
Me: (still pushing the cart and walking) ok. (Jehovah's witness?- I've been approached by them at a bus stop and also in a restaurant bathroom)
Her: I am involved in a business venture where I am supposed to meet five new people a day.
Me: what, are you selling Kirby vacuums? ( I once had someone knock on my door selling kirby's at 9:30 pm on a dark January night)
Her: (chuckles) no.
me: is it Amway?
Her: (excitedly). Yes!
Me: No. Way. Not interested. (pushed the cart even faster)
I can't help thinking:
What signal am I putting out that it is okay for these people to approach me?
How do people get hooked into to this ridiculous pyramid scheme?
How desperate or not intelligent is this lady to get involved in this crap?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Happy 3rd Birthday Victoria!
Oh Victoria, You are three years old today. Wow. My little baby. Things I want to remember about this time (bad and good):
1. You frequently ask for a little sister.
2. You are so happy when the entire family sets out in the car together. You like going places with both of us.
3. You love to put on whatever shoes of yours you find around the house, usually two different and the wrong feet and run around in the yard like that.
4. Sometimes when you put on your shorts “by myself” you put both legs through one hole. So cute.
5. Your hair is longer on the sides than in the back and you still don’t have much bangs. It’s still super fine and thin too.
6. If there is something on your plate that you don’t like, you insist it be taken off immediately. You don’t want it anywhere near you.
7. Bedtime has become quite difficult for you. You cry and cry about being left in bed alone. You’re so upset. We don’t why it developed or how to stop it. It’s ended with you staying up too late and us not getting any alone time like we used to.
8. You LOVE to swing. For a long time. And you want to “go higher” so you bounce in the seat because you are so high. That is “how Daddy does it”. You won’t use the slide however.
9. When I pick you up at school you yell “Mama!” and run and give me a hug. I love it.
10. When I give you a chip or cracker or anything you always used to demand “I need two” one for each hand. Now you say “I need three” and I really have to give you three or you are upset.
11. This year you have been so excited about your birthday saying, “ it’s my birthday”. All. The. Time.
12. You’ve developed a fear of dogs.
13. We are in the throes of “Toy Story” mania at our house. You constantly say “what happened to Buzz, mama? What happened to Buzz?” when he falls and his arm breaks off and “where is Woody’s hat mama?” when he loses his hat.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Conversation
V: that's my little sister
P: no it isn't.
V: that's my little sister.
P: no, unfortunately it isn't
P: (to me). It's kind of breaking your heart, isn't it?
P: no it isn't.
V: that's my little sister.
P: no, unfortunately it isn't
P: (to me). It's kind of breaking your heart, isn't it?
Friday, August 5, 2011
Friday Night Leftovers
*Vi's birthday party went pretty well. Two people RSVP'd and didn't show up. How annoying. The kids had a blast running around like hanyaks. And Strongblonde - we missed you!
* Here is a pic of three little kids at the party. V is on the right. A bit blurry, but they were running around so much it was difficult to obtain pictures.
* I decided not to go to my 20th class reunion this weekend. I really wanted to go, but P worked insane hours all week(s), my house is in chaos (really and truly), and no one I would hang out with was going. I'm kind of sad about it. I'm not sure why that is since it is mostly a bunch of people that were not that particularly nice to me for four years and that I don't really care about. Plus a 10 hour round trip.
*It's been four months since my jaw surgery and the last month has been really difficult. Because I have a nerve injury in my inferior aveolar nerve (it was cut during surgery), I am having tons of burning in my lips and chin. Like they are on fire. It is worse at night. I also drool a tiny bit still and my speech is a bit slurred. My surgeon wanted to put me on Neurontin, but I've held off.
* P's niece is young and pregnant and already announced the baby's name on Facebook. She's only 19 weeks. Weird.
*Thanks everyone for the tips about cropped trousers for work. Got a pair at NY and Company and one at Kohl's. :)
* V's hair is so weird. I need to post pics. The sides look like those long curls the Orthodox Jewish men wear, there is no bangs expect for one long piece that touches her nose (i just trimmed it), and a bunch of short, thin, frizzy curls in the back. We got back her 3 year pics and P thought it looked a bit mulletish. I still think she is adorable. But her hair is weird. And she still doesn't have much.
Monday, August 1, 2011
First Dental Visit
I finally took Victoria for her first dental appointment a week ago. The ADA recommends visits starting at 12 months, which I just can’t imagine. Victoria only had two teeth at 12 months. Because of my complicated (EXTREMELY) dental issues, and her lack of general cooperation regarding sitting still and anything medical, I thought a super fun pediatric dental practice would be the best way to go. I received a recommendation via my Prosthodontist and it is a pediatric only practice approximately 17 miles from my house, close to where I work. Basically, I had to drive home, pick up V, and drive back. I got her all ready to go see “Dr. XXX”. We came in and right away I wasn’t impressed with the waiting room. There were no little tables or child seating or cartoons on the wall or anything to make “kid friendly and exciting”. They had books and a few older blocks, and an old dollhouse with all the pieces missing. Really? Really? I was disappointed.
There were another two little kids in there playing and their mom was super sweet and kept asking Victoria to play. She sat apprehensively next to me on the couch (I hope she doesn’t have mama’s anxiety disorder). We went in 25 minutes late and she starting bawling and clinging to me. The Dentist had me sit crossways in the chair with her legs wrapped around my waist and her head on his lap so he could hold her. She would not pick out a toothbrush, so I picked her out a Diego one. He was very gentle and quiet and she made a crying sound, but no tears. He thought her teeth looked great, but that she had a pretty severe overbite (I”VE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR MONTHS), that would definitely need braces and possibly surgery. Let’s hope she doesn’t have my teeth or lack of them (Problem 1), or my jaw structure (Problem 2). I don’t know if you can have normal teeth and my jaw structure, I thought it was all one genetic mutation. I was pleased she settled down, but he wasn’t impressed with her behavior. I THOUGHT HE SPECIALIZED IN SEEING CHILDREN!
The visit was over in like 5 minutes. I tried to tell him multiple times and ask questions about my jaw/teeth issues. He appeared to not care, and didn’t ask any questions. IT TICKED ME OFF! It is really relevant. Victoria stopped squirming when they showed her the prizes and even gave the cute male dental assistant a hug She was so relieved that was it. They didn’t clean her teeth with the brush and it still cost me $75. I’m now on the hunt for a new dentist for her.
The funny thing is that the next day she would walk up to kids at school or parents and shout “I went to the dentist” right at them!
There were another two little kids in there playing and their mom was super sweet and kept asking Victoria to play. She sat apprehensively next to me on the couch (I hope she doesn’t have mama’s anxiety disorder). We went in 25 minutes late and she starting bawling and clinging to me. The Dentist had me sit crossways in the chair with her legs wrapped around my waist and her head on his lap so he could hold her. She would not pick out a toothbrush, so I picked her out a Diego one. He was very gentle and quiet and she made a crying sound, but no tears. He thought her teeth looked great, but that she had a pretty severe overbite (I”VE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR MONTHS), that would definitely need braces and possibly surgery. Let’s hope she doesn’t have my teeth or lack of them (Problem 1), or my jaw structure (Problem 2). I don’t know if you can have normal teeth and my jaw structure, I thought it was all one genetic mutation. I was pleased she settled down, but he wasn’t impressed with her behavior. I THOUGHT HE SPECIALIZED IN SEEING CHILDREN!
The visit was over in like 5 minutes. I tried to tell him multiple times and ask questions about my jaw/teeth issues. He appeared to not care, and didn’t ask any questions. IT TICKED ME OFF! It is really relevant. Victoria stopped squirming when they showed her the prizes and even gave the cute male dental assistant a hug She was so relieved that was it. They didn’t clean her teeth with the brush and it still cost me $75. I’m now on the hunt for a new dentist for her.
The funny thing is that the next day she would walk up to kids at school or parents and shout “I went to the dentist” right at them!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Friday Night Leftovers
• I”ve been meaning to write soo much lately, and life is just spinning out of control this week. My husband is back to working tremendously long hours, so that affects all of us a great deal. He works a fifteen minute drive away from the house, so last night Vi and I brought him dinner. The drive over she was singing and kept asking me about “the train”. “Where is the train, mama?” because we just bumped over some poorly maintained train tracks. When we got there, she was soooo excited to see daddy come out of the building. We went up to his desk area and she was just so pleased. She also ate a bunch of his tic tacs.
• On the way home I went through the Dairy Queen drive-thru (hey, it was 97F here and I haven’t had any in a long time). I got Victoria a small twisted chocolate/vanilla WITH sprinkles. The entire block drive home she keep repeating “I want my ice-cweam” . I set her up at her little table to watch Toy Story (I am SOOOOOOOO tired of that movie) and about 5 minutes later she turned to me with a chocolate beard saying, “I need more sprinkles mama”. She had eaten all the sprinkle parts. She ate a little more than half and I put the rest in the freezer.
• The heat has been relentless. I know my Texas and Florida friends are laughing at me currently, but it has been crazy hot here. High 90’s and 100 for the past entire week. We’re just not used to this. It’s too hot to swing outside, or walk, or go in the little pool. It’s like the air conditioning in my car doesn’t exist. HOW DO YOU PEOPLE STAND THIS???
• I’ve felt like complete garbage this week. It started with some vertigo on Monday night , very suddenly, then a three day headache, then the past two days of severe, burning acid reflux. I haven’t had reflux like this since I gave up wheat. Mylanta has become my best friend and I cut out my morning cup of coffee and late afternoon Diet Coke in the hopes that it will help. Of course, I’m blaming it all on the weather.
• Last week I took Friday off and Vi and I met my mom halfway between our houses. I rented us a deluxe hotel for the night and we did some shopping and some swimming. It was really fun. Vi was a complete angel. We went in Sam’s Club and the only thing she wanted was the industrial size box of tic tacs. She clutched them the entire way through the store. In the car in the way on the way home, she clutched them while she was sleeping. And she walks around the house clutching them. She hasn’t tried to open them, which is good.
• I need some capri pants for work. Kohl’s is always out of my size, JcPenny only had casual, Marshalls had none, can’t get to the Gap Outlet. Anyone have any suggestions?
• On the way home I went through the Dairy Queen drive-thru (hey, it was 97F here and I haven’t had any in a long time). I got Victoria a small twisted chocolate/vanilla WITH sprinkles. The entire block drive home she keep repeating “I want my ice-cweam” . I set her up at her little table to watch Toy Story (I am SOOOOOOOO tired of that movie) and about 5 minutes later she turned to me with a chocolate beard saying, “I need more sprinkles mama”. She had eaten all the sprinkle parts. She ate a little more than half and I put the rest in the freezer.
• The heat has been relentless. I know my Texas and Florida friends are laughing at me currently, but it has been crazy hot here. High 90’s and 100 for the past entire week. We’re just not used to this. It’s too hot to swing outside, or walk, or go in the little pool. It’s like the air conditioning in my car doesn’t exist. HOW DO YOU PEOPLE STAND THIS???
• I’ve felt like complete garbage this week. It started with some vertigo on Monday night , very suddenly, then a three day headache, then the past two days of severe, burning acid reflux. I haven’t had reflux like this since I gave up wheat. Mylanta has become my best friend and I cut out my morning cup of coffee and late afternoon Diet Coke in the hopes that it will help. Of course, I’m blaming it all on the weather.
• Last week I took Friday off and Vi and I met my mom halfway between our houses. I rented us a deluxe hotel for the night and we did some shopping and some swimming. It was really fun. Vi was a complete angel. We went in Sam’s Club and the only thing she wanted was the industrial size box of tic tacs. She clutched them the entire way through the store. In the car in the way on the way home, she clutched them while she was sleeping. And she walks around the house clutching them. She hasn’t tried to open them, which is good.
• I need some capri pants for work. Kohl’s is always out of my size, JcPenny only had casual, Marshalls had none, can’t get to the Gap Outlet. Anyone have any suggestions?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Talking
Conversation with Victoria, Sunday 10:20 a.m. Enroute to Farmer’s Market and Target
Victoria is not a huge conversationalist, more of a babbler and responder, so this took me by surprise.
Me: Your birthday is coming up. Do you want to have a party?
V: yeah
Me: Who do you want to invite?
Vi: names some other kids from her class.
V: Yeah
Me: Do you want a cake?
V: Yeah
Me: what kind of cake – a Ladybug or a Wall-E cake?
V: I want a Yo Gabba Gabba cake
Me: (Groan) Ladybug or a Wall-E cake?
V: I want a Yo Gabba Gabba cake.
Me: What kind of cake- vanilla or chocolate?
V: Chocolate
Me: chocolate with vanilla icing?
V: No. Chocolate.
Me: ooookkkaaayyyy.
V: I get presents.
Me: How old are you going to be?
V: three ( I have been coaching her, but she’s never told anyone before)
We got into Target and she told an older man – “It’s my birthday”. I explained that no, it wasn’t yet.
All through the store she kept asking where the kids were and where her party was?
Not yet sweetheart.
Victoria is not a huge conversationalist, more of a babbler and responder, so this took me by surprise.
Me: Your birthday is coming up. Do you want to have a party?
V: yeah
Me: Who do you want to invite?
Vi: names some other kids from her class.
V: Yeah
Me: Do you want a cake?
V: Yeah
Me: what kind of cake – a Ladybug or a Wall-E cake?
V: I want a Yo Gabba Gabba cake
Me: (Groan) Ladybug or a Wall-E cake?
V: I want a Yo Gabba Gabba cake.
Me: What kind of cake- vanilla or chocolate?
V: Chocolate
Me: chocolate with vanilla icing?
V: No. Chocolate.
Me: ooookkkaaayyyy.
V: I get presents.
Me: How old are you going to be?
V: three ( I have been coaching her, but she’s never told anyone before)
We got into Target and she told an older man – “It’s my birthday”. I explained that no, it wasn’t yet.
All through the store she kept asking where the kids were and where her party was?
Not yet sweetheart.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
scenes from the 4th of July
We did some swinging:
We did some boating:
We lit some sparklers (which I did not like):
We spent some time on Lake Michigan:
We did some boating:
We lit some sparklers (which I did not like):
We spent some time on Lake Michigan:
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Toddlerville
Oh my goodness, since approximately March (when I had my surgery), Victoria has been a bit “difficult”. I really don’t know any other way to put it. Currently, her bad behaviors are walking up and hitting me (Usually only me), screaming ‘no’ at the top her lungs, stomping on my feet, throwing things, and yelling “I don’t like that”. Last night, I didn’t feel the best, my jaw hurt, my body hurt, and I felt like garbage. She screamed and cried about not being able to go outside, she screamed and cried about coming in the house, she cried and threw toys about putting her pajamas and lotion on. Multiple times she just walked up and hit me. She received multiple time outs for hitting me and really she didn’t give a damn. They had zero effect on her. I’ve tried talking to her in a whisper about how hitting and screening isn’t nice. I’ve tried taking away privledges (like WallE movie, and her one coveted juice box per day), I’ve tried hugging, and redirecting. I just don’t know what to do. I’m terrified that she has become a little bratty terror, and concerned why the majority is targeted at me. There is so much to do in the evenings (and I am just doing the miniumum folks), that I can’t give her hours of undivided attention. I sit and talk to her while we eat. I spend time reading or trying to do a puzzle with her. I talk to her while I get ready for bed. We do things like play catch and use sidewalk chalk, take a ride in her little car, walk to the mailbox, and water the plants together, sometimes she helps me cook.
Somehow I feel like I am not giving her the right kind or amount of attention.
Somehow I feel like I am not giving her the right kind or amount of attention.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wasted $$$
Yesterday morning I was in th kitchen at work and someone was toasting a cheese bagel. The smell made me run to the bathroom and throw up. When I was out at lunch, the smell of tar in the parking lot made me have dry heaves. I've felt fatigued and nauseous and run down yesterday and today.
I had to go to Wal-greens on the way home. V picked up and carried her usual assortment of treasures around the store and keeps replacing them with whatever suits her fancy. In this case, started with a kite kit and plastic drinking glass. This was exchanged for a plastic baton and a bag of chocolate pretzels, then a baby bottle. We ended up with a Nestle Crunch on sale for 39 cents. We each had a small square in the car.
Anyway, you probably know what happened. I bought a test. It was negative. Of course.
I had to go to Wal-greens on the way home. V picked up and carried her usual assortment of treasures around the store and keeps replacing them with whatever suits her fancy. In this case, started with a kite kit and plastic drinking glass. This was exchanged for a plastic baton and a bag of chocolate pretzels, then a baby bottle. We ended up with a Nestle Crunch on sale for 39 cents. We each had a small square in the car.
Anyway, you probably know what happened. I bought a test. It was negative. Of course.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday Night Leftovers
Well, let's see. Sesame street is out, Yo Gabba Gabba is in. I wonder if I should get rid of the Elmo chair?
I was asked to be a "Bonding between Mothers and Children" study". Part of the study involves an MRI. I have so much metal in my head that it definately isn't a good idea.
Tonight we went out to dinner and when I got home at 7:30, something happened. I got into work mode! I painted the bathroom ceiling and trim, did all the dishes, washed the counters, and scrubbed the kitchen floor. Wow. What happened?
I went to Secretary of State (our version of DMV) to renew my license. Ugh. I've never seen so many people that looked like the crawled out from under a rock. Lots of mullets, a older woman with absolutely filthy clothes, tons of very LARGE tattoos, people that stank like smoke, and people that were just totally clueless.
My teeth are so yellow. I hate it so much.
My birthday is next week. While I'm grateful for another year of life, it is difficult to turn older!
When I picked up V yesterday the teacher said that she hit, scratched, and shoved the other children and had to sit in time out on the playground. I'm so embarassed. I don't want my child to be a bully.
I was asked to be a "Bonding between Mothers and Children" study". Part of the study involves an MRI. I have so much metal in my head that it definately isn't a good idea.
Tonight we went out to dinner and when I got home at 7:30, something happened. I got into work mode! I painted the bathroom ceiling and trim, did all the dishes, washed the counters, and scrubbed the kitchen floor. Wow. What happened?
I went to Secretary of State (our version of DMV) to renew my license. Ugh. I've never seen so many people that looked like the crawled out from under a rock. Lots of mullets, a older woman with absolutely filthy clothes, tons of very LARGE tattoos, people that stank like smoke, and people that were just totally clueless.
My teeth are so yellow. I hate it so much.
My birthday is next week. While I'm grateful for another year of life, it is difficult to turn older!
When I picked up V yesterday the teacher said that she hit, scratched, and shoved the other children and had to sit in time out on the playground. I'm so embarassed. I don't want my child to be a bully.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Crazy Day
Life has been so topsy turvy lately. So, so busy.
People say, “how can you be that busy. You can’t handle having one kid”. Geez thanks lady.
Let me tell you about my day yesterday. Some people may find this boring. Victoria’s behavior was actually really good yesterday (it hasn’t been at ALL lately, but that is fodder for another post).
6:00 am Got up (usually snooze until 6:30). Shower, including hair shampoo (this takes more time).
6:30 – 7:00 – get dressed. Leave my hair natural (aka bad) Hunt around downstairs for Vi’s shoes and comb. Leave out for daddy. Get lunch and various foods from fridge/cupboard for work (I bring a LOT of food to work).
7:05 – leave. Think I should water my plants before work, not after. Put foundation on face without looking in the mirror (I’m that good) and other makeup at stoplights.
7:30 – get to work.
12:00 – run out and get food for lunch. Usually I exercise for lunch and eat at my desk later.
4:00 pm – leave work.
4:25 pm – get back into town. Run over to Marshalls for new sandals for V since daycare has decreed all toes must be covered.
5:10 pm – get to daycare. V’s class is outside playing on the slides. Wait for 20 minutes and talk to the other kids while she ignores me. Lift her onto the bench outside the baby room so V can see the babies and wish for a sister. Drag her away to the car. She demands snacks and whines for juice. I give her high fiber crackers and water and ignore the whining about juice. Notice her shirt is absolutely filthy.
5:30 pm – Leave and drive a short distance to the Gymnastics studio. (Yes, V is taking gymnastics!). Take two wrong turns plus heavy traffic. Pay my cash and fill out forms while V takes her shirt off (in front of tons of parents and kids) and whips it around, then throws it across the room. I’m juggling writing a check (who doesn’t take credit cards anyway?), wrangling her and talking to the lady. We watch the older girls on the floor exercise and V is entranced.
6:25 pm – Hungry, tired, have to pee, etc. Get home. The neighbor and her 3 year old are standing at the porch waiting for us to “play”. Try to tell them that we are tired and exhausted (at least I am). End up letting V play for 20 minutes while I chat and water my flowers. Finally keep saying we have to go in so they will leave (they are not big on social cues). Pour applesauce and some turkey lunchmeat for V. I throw together rice, beans, salsa, plain yogurt, cheese and eat it with some whole grain chips. It’s 7:15 already.
7:15 pm- 7:45 pm – take V upstairs and start bath. As I’m pulling her out, constant knocking at the door. Take her downstairs dripping and naked and it is my neighbor (a different one) and her 10 year old son. She walked her (red –eyed and upset) son to Dairy Queen and left her keys there. Can I give her a ride? I asked her to let me get V dressed first. She says she can take my car (she doesn’t have her license with her she adds) so I don’t have to load up everyone. Vi shows the son a toy (still naked of course) while I get her medicine and pajamas ready.
8:00 pm – Neighbor comes back accompanied by my husband. He pulled in the drive form work just as she was taking off, so he took her to get the keys. She leaves and he is hungry. Toddler still naked. I point him in the direction of the food I left out. I get her lotioned up and in pajamas. Get snack and milky. Then I start making lunches while she bugs Daddy while he eats. Then we all finally sit down and watch “Wall-E”, her new favorite movie until 9:00 (late). And put her to bed. I don’t do dishes because I’m just too tired. They are waiting for me tonight.
What a crazy, hectic day.
People say, “how can you be that busy. You can’t handle having one kid”. Geez thanks lady.
Let me tell you about my day yesterday. Some people may find this boring. Victoria’s behavior was actually really good yesterday (it hasn’t been at ALL lately, but that is fodder for another post).
6:00 am Got up (usually snooze until 6:30). Shower, including hair shampoo (this takes more time).
6:30 – 7:00 – get dressed. Leave my hair natural (aka bad) Hunt around downstairs for Vi’s shoes and comb. Leave out for daddy. Get lunch and various foods from fridge/cupboard for work (I bring a LOT of food to work).
7:05 – leave. Think I should water my plants before work, not after. Put foundation on face without looking in the mirror (I’m that good) and other makeup at stoplights.
7:30 – get to work.
12:00 – run out and get food for lunch. Usually I exercise for lunch and eat at my desk later.
4:00 pm – leave work.
4:25 pm – get back into town. Run over to Marshalls for new sandals for V since daycare has decreed all toes must be covered.
5:10 pm – get to daycare. V’s class is outside playing on the slides. Wait for 20 minutes and talk to the other kids while she ignores me. Lift her onto the bench outside the baby room so V can see the babies and wish for a sister. Drag her away to the car. She demands snacks and whines for juice. I give her high fiber crackers and water and ignore the whining about juice. Notice her shirt is absolutely filthy.
5:30 pm – Leave and drive a short distance to the Gymnastics studio. (Yes, V is taking gymnastics!). Take two wrong turns plus heavy traffic. Pay my cash and fill out forms while V takes her shirt off (in front of tons of parents and kids) and whips it around, then throws it across the room. I’m juggling writing a check (who doesn’t take credit cards anyway?), wrangling her and talking to the lady. We watch the older girls on the floor exercise and V is entranced.
6:25 pm – Hungry, tired, have to pee, etc. Get home. The neighbor and her 3 year old are standing at the porch waiting for us to “play”. Try to tell them that we are tired and exhausted (at least I am). End up letting V play for 20 minutes while I chat and water my flowers. Finally keep saying we have to go in so they will leave (they are not big on social cues). Pour applesauce and some turkey lunchmeat for V. I throw together rice, beans, salsa, plain yogurt, cheese and eat it with some whole grain chips. It’s 7:15 already.
7:15 pm- 7:45 pm – take V upstairs and start bath. As I’m pulling her out, constant knocking at the door. Take her downstairs dripping and naked and it is my neighbor (a different one) and her 10 year old son. She walked her (red –eyed and upset) son to Dairy Queen and left her keys there. Can I give her a ride? I asked her to let me get V dressed first. She says she can take my car (she doesn’t have her license with her she adds) so I don’t have to load up everyone. Vi shows the son a toy (still naked of course) while I get her medicine and pajamas ready.
8:00 pm – Neighbor comes back accompanied by my husband. He pulled in the drive form work just as she was taking off, so he took her to get the keys. She leaves and he is hungry. Toddler still naked. I point him in the direction of the food I left out. I get her lotioned up and in pajamas. Get snack and milky. Then I start making lunches while she bugs Daddy while he eats. Then we all finally sit down and watch “Wall-E”, her new favorite movie until 9:00 (late). And put her to bed. I don’t do dishes because I’m just too tired. They are waiting for me tonight.
What a crazy, hectic day.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Growing Up
My kid is growing up. And while I’m glad about it, I’m also sad. Because I only have one child, I have to cherish each and every milestone with her since I don’t get to enjoy again it with additional children. In no way would I take it for granted, but I don’t get to spread the enjoyment out over multiple children. We infertiles grab on to every day with such appreciation for our kids.
She’s been sleeping in a big girl bed for the last week. It actually is a very big bed – a full one. She never made a peep about her beloved crib, including when Daddy took it down yesterday and put in in the garage and mama cried. She did fall out of bed twice on Sunday night, but Daddy heard and dealt with it both times.
Potty training has been going well. I can’t believe I finally got to say that! About two weeks ago, I noticed I had greater success if she was naked from the waist down. (She runs around our house in various shades of undress and loves it). So I took away the diapers, except for at night. She’s been in underwear with some accidents (a poo-poo at the park yesterday included) and a few more at school, but overall is doing great! She usually tells us when she needs to go and runs to her little princess potty that is currently in the corner of the kitchen (how KLASSY), but our bathroom is still under construction. Then she gets two M & M’s or two Sixlets. She also has gone in strange bathrooms when we were out places.
By the way – what is going on with Blogger? I can’t leave comments :
She’s been sleeping in a big girl bed for the last week. It actually is a very big bed – a full one. She never made a peep about her beloved crib, including when Daddy took it down yesterday and put in in the garage and mama cried. She did fall out of bed twice on Sunday night, but Daddy heard and dealt with it both times.
Potty training has been going well. I can’t believe I finally got to say that! About two weeks ago, I noticed I had greater success if she was naked from the waist down. (She runs around our house in various shades of undress and loves it). So I took away the diapers, except for at night. She’s been in underwear with some accidents (a poo-poo at the park yesterday included) and a few more at school, but overall is doing great! She usually tells us when she needs to go and runs to her little princess potty that is currently in the corner of the kitchen (how KLASSY), but our bathroom is still under construction. Then she gets two M & M’s or two Sixlets. She also has gone in strange bathrooms when we were out places.
By the way – what is going on with Blogger? I can’t leave comments :
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Petting Farm
I took V for the 2nd time to a nearby petting farm. We met a friend, M, who used to be in V's class, but is not now that V moved up (she is a little bit younger). There was carrots to purchase to feed the goats, sheep, rabbits, cows and alpacas. V would not feed them, she was too afraid. M was fearless. V had so much fun running around! The last time we did the hayride (which was surprisingly fun, but V coughed all night from allergies), but they weren't running this time. I bought her a pony ride and because M went first, she actually went. And liked it!
It is times like this that I am filled with gratitude and love over having a child and getting to be a mother.
It is times like this that I am filled with gratitude and love over having a child and getting to be a mother.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday Night Leftovers
* I'm back at work now. Everyone thought I looked terrible and very swollen. They didn't see immediately after the surgery. Also, I tend to be more swollen in the morning after being horizontal all night during sleep.
* V has been peeing and pooping in the potty most evenings. The key is NO DIAPER. She has to be in underwear, nude, or commando. Then she will use it with prompting. Then get candy. Which makes her giddy with happiness.
* It was 85 degrees the last two days here. We have the a/c on. Next week the high is supposed to be 55.
* Looking for bedding for V's new big girl bed. Love Pottery Barn but don't want to pay the price. Kohl's is a big gaudy. I like Target, but no sales there. Sigh. Did buy a set of great pink and white sheets at Pottery Barn Outlet for $17 marked down from $59.
* Someone at my place of employment is young and pregnant. They got pregnant "on the first try". Ughhhhh. Happy for them, but I feel like a sad sack.
* Totally into "Game of Thrones" book since I watched it on HBO. Not usually a fan of fantasy genre, but fabulous!
* Bristol Palin is claiming she had jaw surgery. Hmmmmmm. Maybe. But I think she had a chin implant too. I want to see to before/after X-rays to be sure.
* My jaw surgery blog is: dentaltransformation.blogspot.com
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day
I am so fortunate to be able to participate in this day as a MOTHER!!!!!
Here is a (bad) picture of the the Monkey Doodle (No, I don't know where this came from and why I call her this lately) at a Wedding on Saturday night. It was the first I've gotten dressed up or worn makeup since my surgery. Doesn't V loook adorable? The dress is a sample from a British Dressmaker marked $65 dollars that I paid $10 for and all hand embroidered. Pictures don't do it justice.
Also, my mother is a terrible picture taker. That is all.
Here is a (bad) picture of the the Monkey Doodle (No, I don't know where this came from and why I call her this lately) at a Wedding on Saturday night. It was the first I've gotten dressed up or worn makeup since my surgery. Doesn't V loook adorable? The dress is a sample from a British Dressmaker marked $65 dollars that I paid $10 for and all hand embroidered. Pictures don't do it justice.
Also, my mother is a terrible picture taker. That is all.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Easter Recap
This was a pretty quiet Easter. Everyone was off Good Friday, and we actually got out and had a nice day. Sunday was really, really warm and we spent most of it outside. P was still sick and ended up back at Urgent Care for new antibioics and inhalers. I couldn't eat much. I made risotto which turned out meh. I was too ill to travel and missed church because of it as well :(
Victoria loved her Easter basket and bit the ears right off the chocolate bunny. She also was very excited about the egg hunt. Some were empty, and some filled with pretzels or cereal, which she liked.
Here are some pics. I've attempted to crop them, so hopefully they don't turn out too crummy.
V and I with my frozen upper lip after the egg hunting.
Singing and dancing.
Victoria loved her Easter basket and bit the ears right off the chocolate bunny. She also was very excited about the egg hunt. Some were empty, and some filled with pretzels or cereal, which she liked.
Here are some pics. I've attempted to crop them, so hopefully they don't turn out too crummy.
V and I with my frozen upper lip after the egg hunting.
Singing and dancing.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
I"m here, honest
I think this has turned into the Victoria blog. I'm okay with that. As you may know from my other blog, I've been going through a lot lately. It stinks. I've been pretty miserable too.
Victoria had a hard time at first. She wasn't allowed to sit with me and I couldn't read to her or take care of her or anything. I used to pick her up every day and spend the evenings with her, while her Daddy that worked a lot of hours came home quite late most evenings. He has been wonderful getting home on time and picking her up most evenings when I don't feel well. He does baths, pajamas, lotions, bedtime.
I miss it so much you guys. V has very much cleaved onto P and is very clingy with him. She knows mama isn't well (Mama has a boo boo) and pretty much tunes me out. Its hurts so much, but I know it is a natural reaction to the entire situation. Last night she hugged and kissed P and I asked her for hugs and kisses (could be dangerous) and she kept refusing. It broke my heart.
Just want to get back to normal!!!!!
Victoria had a hard time at first. She wasn't allowed to sit with me and I couldn't read to her or take care of her or anything. I used to pick her up every day and spend the evenings with her, while her Daddy that worked a lot of hours came home quite late most evenings. He has been wonderful getting home on time and picking her up most evenings when I don't feel well. He does baths, pajamas, lotions, bedtime.
I miss it so much you guys. V has very much cleaved onto P and is very clingy with him. She knows mama isn't well (Mama has a boo boo) and pretty much tunes me out. Its hurts so much, but I know it is a natural reaction to the entire situation. Last night she hugged and kissed P and I asked her for hugs and kisses (could be dangerous) and she kept refusing. It broke my heart.
Just want to get back to normal!!!!!
Monday, April 4, 2011
My kid
Do I love that kid or what? Even though I have been miserable (see my other blog), my child makes me laugh. I did get a little snuggle time with this morning; I've had to keep her at a distance.
She came up to me and "I have a boo boo mama. I need an ice pack".
I wonder who she got that from?
She came up to me and "I have a boo boo mama. I need an ice pack".
I wonder who she got that from?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Success!
Made it through surgery today. Extremely successful, doctors were very happy. Avoided needing bone grafted from hip, avoided vomiting, the biggest fears. Only real complication was nerve damage for the lower lip, which could result in permanent numbness. One significant outcome was a change in nose shape from pushing it up. Doctors said it was a very desirable look, one that people pay thousands for plastic surgery to obtain. Difficult to tell how everything will look in the end due to all the swelling, which will only get worse over the next few days. Will be in the hospital at least one night, perhaps two.
Monday, March 28, 2011
It's time
I am home getting ready for surgery tomorrow. I am terrified. My stomach hurts, my head hurts, I'm dizzy and feel nauseous. I'm 85% convinced that it is due to stress. Ugh.
I took half a day off because I could not concentrate and I had to supply shop and grab some groceries for the family. P is taking me at 5:15 tomorrow morning. That is so early. I will probably be in recovery all night.
Please pray for me. It will be so difficult to keep my little V away from me for a period of time.
I took half a day off because I could not concentrate and I had to supply shop and grab some groceries for the family. P is taking me at 5:15 tomorrow morning. That is so early. I will probably be in recovery all night.
Please pray for me. It will be so difficult to keep my little V away from me for a period of time.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Pictures with stories
P was gone for a long time. A weekend, home for an evening, off to Wisconsin for three days, home for three days, off to the UK for 8 days. V missed him. I took this picture when he had gotten home. V is proudly wearing the crown she made in school, wearing her new London T-shirt, and hanging with Daddy and her doll "Alice". I asked her what her doll's name was, and surprisingly she said "Alice". We don't know anyone named Alice.
This is V at Red Robin (I can eat their fries and we were out and about and I was starving) pretending to talk on her Cinderella "cell phone". Like mama.
We were determined to get V to pee on the potty after she had woken up from a three hour nap dry. We both entertained her for OVER ONE ENTIRE HOUR until she could not hold it any longer. P drew her pictures on the Magna Doodle. The picture of us is what he drew. I love it!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Crappy day.... er Week
Ugh.
Rotten day. Part of a very rotten week. But anyway.
It's been warm this week. Yesterday was 58 F and today was 70F! We took the jogger out yesterday (I walked) and I plied her up with snacks for the ride.
It felt great to be outside!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
My new Blog
The new blog for dental surgery has started:
www.dentaltransformation.blogspot.com
It has mug shots on there. And they are NOT flattering. I really don't look that bad in person. Honest. :)
www.dentaltransformation.blogspot.com
It has mug shots on there. And they are NOT flattering. I really don't look that bad in person. Honest. :)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Shopping
P was still away this weekend, so V and I did some shopping! We were supposed to meet my mother in another town and stay overnight, but they received 16 inches of snow (!!) and the 2.5 hour drive would have been intolerable for her. We were both disappointed.
I did get some deals though!
Kohl's -
Had $20 Kohl's cash and a 15% off total purchase coupon.
Vi is currently obsessed with shoes. I don't know where she gets this from, because I am not a shoe person. Every store we go in, she wants to put on shoes, admire herself, take the obligatory lap around two aisles and come back. Then she tries to throw the shoes in the cart. I let her try on 11 pairs in Kohl's. She really likes those rubber rain boots that you see kids wearing. In England, we called them "wellies". They just don't seem that comfortable for a kid to run around in all day and would make your feet sweaty. So we didn't buy those. She tried a mini pair of Faux Uggs. They were tan and marked down from $39.00 to $20.00. I told her that it was too much. She fussed and I let her put them in the cart thinking I would put them back at checkout. We were at the price check scanner and they rang up $3.99! They are a size 8T and a little bit large, most likely too small next year, but the old softie bought them anyway.
Also at Kohl's - two bras for me (Yipee). I felt badly spending $22 each on them. Another super deal - (I tend to shop Clearance if you didn't realize that) - Water Babies Newborn Twins. V has been kind of bored with her toys lately, but has been playing with her "baby" that a neighbor gave her last birthday. She loves the pacifier that comes with and is always putting it in her mouth too. I wanted to buy her some of those baby bottles with juice or milk that disappear when you 'feed' it to them. Target didn't have any and all their baby accessories were at least $10 for a bunch of junk. So I held off. At Kohl's there was two babies and two bottles on Clearance for $9.99.
The only one left. I snatched those up so fast. She played and played with them all day Sunday. The original price at Kohl's was $24.99 and on Amazon $38.00. Wow! We didn't put the water in them and I don't want her to know about it because she will want to dump and refill them constantly. And mama is old and tired.
I went to a Mom's Sale on Saturday am. And it was crummy. I did find a Fisher Price Noah's Ark for $5 in great condition.
V had played with this at someone's house and I knew she liked it. It seemed to have a lot of animals with it and Noah, so I wasn't too concerned for the price if some were missing. When I got home I looked up on Amazon and it sells for $25. All the animals were there. Great find.
ALso on Saturday we went to Target. DIdn't find much clearance. But this is a bigger, newer Target than our usual and they had a great food section. Lots of frozen veggies and yogurt were way cheaper. We spend $113!! But $35 of that was on diapers. When o when will that end?
I did get some deals though!
Kohl's -
Had $20 Kohl's cash and a 15% off total purchase coupon.
Vi is currently obsessed with shoes. I don't know where she gets this from, because I am not a shoe person. Every store we go in, she wants to put on shoes, admire herself, take the obligatory lap around two aisles and come back. Then she tries to throw the shoes in the cart. I let her try on 11 pairs in Kohl's. She really likes those rubber rain boots that you see kids wearing. In England, we called them "wellies". They just don't seem that comfortable for a kid to run around in all day and would make your feet sweaty. So we didn't buy those. She tried a mini pair of Faux Uggs. They were tan and marked down from $39.00 to $20.00. I told her that it was too much. She fussed and I let her put them in the cart thinking I would put them back at checkout. We were at the price check scanner and they rang up $3.99! They are a size 8T and a little bit large, most likely too small next year, but the old softie bought them anyway.
Also at Kohl's - two bras for me (Yipee). I felt badly spending $22 each on them. Another super deal - (I tend to shop Clearance if you didn't realize that) - Water Babies Newborn Twins. V has been kind of bored with her toys lately, but has been playing with her "baby" that a neighbor gave her last birthday. She loves the pacifier that comes with and is always putting it in her mouth too. I wanted to buy her some of those baby bottles with juice or milk that disappear when you 'feed' it to them. Target didn't have any and all their baby accessories were at least $10 for a bunch of junk. So I held off. At Kohl's there was two babies and two bottles on Clearance for $9.99.
The only one left. I snatched those up so fast. She played and played with them all day Sunday. The original price at Kohl's was $24.99 and on Amazon $38.00. Wow! We didn't put the water in them and I don't want her to know about it because she will want to dump and refill them constantly. And mama is old and tired.I went to a Mom's Sale on Saturday am. And it was crummy. I did find a Fisher Price Noah's Ark for $5 in great condition.
V had played with this at someone's house and I knew she liked it. It seemed to have a lot of animals with it and Noah, so I wasn't too concerned for the price if some were missing. When I got home I looked up on Amazon and it sells for $25. All the animals were there. Great find.
ALso on Saturday we went to Target. DIdn't find much clearance. But this is a bigger, newer Target than our usual and they had a great food section. Lots of frozen veggies and yogurt were way cheaper. We spend $113!! But $35 of that was on diapers. When o when will that end?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
So what is new - Tidbits
It's been so long since I've done a Tidbits post. I wish they were the donuts.
I'm home sick today. Again. Between P and since the beginning of the year, we've been sick six times. Six times. P had two influenza type bouts and a cold. I had a cough and body aches two weeks ago, and in January, a stomach virus when visiting my mom. Yesterday I got to work (early I might add), did a few things, then felt like I was hit on the back of the head and saw stars. The dizziness hit me, oh geez, the dizziness. I started dry heaving, then had diarrhea. I managed to get myself home - a 20 minute drive. Was sick when I got home, and went promptly up to bed with an excruitiating headache. I slept for two hours then felt a little better, went downstairs, and dry heaved until 4:00. I had to get it together to pick up V at 4:30. P is in the UK for an entire week. Sometimes I feel totally alone. P works so much, and we have no family nearby. My neighbors that would help don't drive or work themselves. Our good friends live 30 minutes away. Ugh. I'm home again today. Feel much better, but stayed home today because I have a horrible nausea inducing headache. How do people handle migranes? I can't even imagine.
_____________________________________________________________________
My jaw surgery is scheduled for March 29th. I had my preworkup visit last Friday. I'm so excited!!!!!!
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Someone told me if your child is sad, it breaks your heart. Absolutely! More like tears it in half. My V hit the 2.5 year mark and moved up to the new classroom. She is one of the youngest kids there, but moved up with another little friend from her class. There are also four of her old friends in the new classroom. Can I say I don't like the teachers? They are not warm and friendly like her old teachers. V has been transitioning for the last two weeks and had an easy time of it. But now that she is in the new classroom full time, she is NOT happy. She cries in the morning and told me today "no new classroom". It breaks my heart. It is so different there because there ARE SO MANY KIDS. There was 12 in her old class and three teachers. Now there are 16-18 and two teachers. She doesn't get a lot of attention. I know she had had difficulty adjusting to her last two moves and this is normal. But it breaks my heart to see the spring gone for her step. She misses all her little friends and her old teachers.
____________________________________________________________________
Watching "I didn't Know I Was Pregnant". The girl gained 70 lbs and drank (she was in college) the entire pregnancy. Oh. The kid is fine. No father is every mentioned. These girls!!!
_____________________________________________________________________
We sure haven't seen too much of my husband lately. He was gone last weekend, then was in Wisconsin for three days. Then worked super late and the following weekend, then left for the UK. For 10 days. Sigh. We miss him.
_____________________________________________________________________
P being in the UK makes me envious. We lived there for three years and he went back to all of our old places. I want to go!!!
_____________________________________________________________________
We are so ready for Spring!!!!!!! Every time we drive by the school in the sub, V cries "Slides" and begs to go. We are planning to buy V a swing set and she will be able to play in the backyard :)
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This whole Charlie Sheen thing. I don't watch Two and Half Men, but I know people love it. It never surprises me the human penchant for self-destruction. Especially when you have it all.
I'm home sick today. Again. Between P and since the beginning of the year, we've been sick six times. Six times. P had two influenza type bouts and a cold. I had a cough and body aches two weeks ago, and in January, a stomach virus when visiting my mom. Yesterday I got to work (early I might add), did a few things, then felt like I was hit on the back of the head and saw stars. The dizziness hit me, oh geez, the dizziness. I started dry heaving, then had diarrhea. I managed to get myself home - a 20 minute drive. Was sick when I got home, and went promptly up to bed with an excruitiating headache. I slept for two hours then felt a little better, went downstairs, and dry heaved until 4:00. I had to get it together to pick up V at 4:30. P is in the UK for an entire week. Sometimes I feel totally alone. P works so much, and we have no family nearby. My neighbors that would help don't drive or work themselves. Our good friends live 30 minutes away. Ugh. I'm home again today. Feel much better, but stayed home today because I have a horrible nausea inducing headache. How do people handle migranes? I can't even imagine.
_____________________________________________________________________
My jaw surgery is scheduled for March 29th. I had my preworkup visit last Friday. I'm so excited!!!!!!
_____________________________________________________________________
Someone told me if your child is sad, it breaks your heart. Absolutely! More like tears it in half. My V hit the 2.5 year mark and moved up to the new classroom. She is one of the youngest kids there, but moved up with another little friend from her class. There are also four of her old friends in the new classroom. Can I say I don't like the teachers? They are not warm and friendly like her old teachers. V has been transitioning for the last two weeks and had an easy time of it. But now that she is in the new classroom full time, she is NOT happy. She cries in the morning and told me today "no new classroom". It breaks my heart. It is so different there because there ARE SO MANY KIDS. There was 12 in her old class and three teachers. Now there are 16-18 and two teachers. She doesn't get a lot of attention. I know she had had difficulty adjusting to her last two moves and this is normal. But it breaks my heart to see the spring gone for her step. She misses all her little friends and her old teachers.
____________________________________________________________________
Watching "I didn't Know I Was Pregnant". The girl gained 70 lbs and drank (she was in college) the entire pregnancy. Oh. The kid is fine. No father is every mentioned. These girls!!!
_____________________________________________________________________
We sure haven't seen too much of my husband lately. He was gone last weekend, then was in Wisconsin for three days. Then worked super late and the following weekend, then left for the UK. For 10 days. Sigh. We miss him.
_____________________________________________________________________
P being in the UK makes me envious. We lived there for three years and he went back to all of our old places. I want to go!!!
_____________________________________________________________________
We are so ready for Spring!!!!!!! Every time we drive by the school in the sub, V cries "Slides" and begs to go. We are planning to buy V a swing set and she will be able to play in the backyard :)
_____________________________________________________________________
This whole Charlie Sheen thing. I don't watch Two and Half Men, but I know people love it. It never surprises me the human penchant for self-destruction. Especially when you have it all.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Surgery Date
I now, after four years of treatment, have a surgery date. March 29, 2011. It was originally scheduled March 22nd, but I received a call from the resident asking permission to move it back a week. He said they have two other cases scheduled and they only had 2 hours alloted for me, didn't want to rush, and think they needed at least six hours on me.
Last Thursday, I went to my Prostodontist and received my temporary partial lower denture. It was screwed into my lower four implants and is very comfortable. It looks really high right now; that will not be the case after my surgery. I had to buy a WaterPik to clean underneath it. The BIG BIG negative is that my jaws and bite are so messed up that there is a large space between my upper and lower molars and it renders basically unable to chew since my teeth don't meet. How frustrating! I told him about it, but I felt like he kind of shrugged me off.
That night I got home and was tired and hungry and frustrated. I felt like I had enough of all of this dental stuff. Enough!! I emailed my surgeon about it, and he emailed me back immediately, copying my prostodontist. Augh! The prostodontist called me the next day and asked me to come in on Monday. sigh. He made me a thick plastic 'wafer' that sits across my mouth and over my back teeth to make molar contact. The chewing is easier, but not what I would call "easy".
It seems like all I can think about is my surgery lately. I'm petrified and I HATE being out of commission.
I'm thinking about starting a new blog to chronicle my jaw surgery.
Last Thursday, I went to my Prostodontist and received my temporary partial lower denture. It was screwed into my lower four implants and is very comfortable. It looks really high right now; that will not be the case after my surgery. I had to buy a WaterPik to clean underneath it. The BIG BIG negative is that my jaws and bite are so messed up that there is a large space between my upper and lower molars and it renders basically unable to chew since my teeth don't meet. How frustrating! I told him about it, but I felt like he kind of shrugged me off.
That night I got home and was tired and hungry and frustrated. I felt like I had enough of all of this dental stuff. Enough!! I emailed my surgeon about it, and he emailed me back immediately, copying my prostodontist. Augh! The prostodontist called me the next day and asked me to come in on Monday. sigh. He made me a thick plastic 'wafer' that sits across my mouth and over my back teeth to make molar contact. The chewing is easier, but not what I would call "easy".
It seems like all I can think about is my surgery lately. I'm petrified and I HATE being out of commission.
I'm thinking about starting a new blog to chronicle my jaw surgery.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Hoarders called.....
and they think you have too many hangers. P installed a new closet system for me this weekend and I realized that I have a lot of hangers. A VERY lot of hangers. I didn't realize it, (They were buried under piles of stuff), so that means, I am not a hoarder, correct? There is a very large box sitting by the door with approximately 75 hangers in it waiting for trash day. I'm happy to say that my closet looks great now (also courtesy of two garbage bags of stuff for Goodwill).
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
2 1/2 years old
2 1/2 years old!
What I want to remember:
When mama or daddy go to the bathroom, you say" You get a M & M. You get an M & M". (It is not enough to make you go however)
The way you waved your little arm off at Zoe at Sesame Street Live
How you put on the tutu on and declare "I"m a ballerina".
that you push kitchen chairs all over the kitchen, climb up, and reach whatever your heart desires. (mom can't keep contraband on the counter any longer).
Building 'castles' with Duplo blocks.
twirling your hair when you get tired
climbing up on my knees when I bend down to give you a big hug
pretending to take bites of things you aren't sure about and drinks out of empty cups
getting your broken winnie the pooh phone to "call grandma".
Asking to go outside when it is 5 degrees and blizzard-y (we miss warmer weather!)
Your light up shoes - oh my goodness how we (and everyone we meet) loves your light up shoes
When we are all in the car and getting ready to get out and you say, "I wanna go. I wanna come too".
You demand "ring around the rosey"
sitting on Daddy's lap eating his cereal even though you just finished breakfast
trying to turn on/off the TV with the remote control
Your glee at realizing that you can turn the lights on/off
Other things:
Asks to go potty, goes through the motions, but never produces anything in potty or toilet
won't eat something one day, loves it the next week
The "NO" phase, in which the answer to everything is "NO". If it is something you want, you turn around and cry until you get it, even though you just said "NO".
No naps at home. At all. Done. :(
What I want to remember:
When mama or daddy go to the bathroom, you say" You get a M & M. You get an M & M". (It is not enough to make you go however)
The way you waved your little arm off at Zoe at Sesame Street Live
How you put on the tutu on and declare "I"m a ballerina".
that you push kitchen chairs all over the kitchen, climb up, and reach whatever your heart desires. (mom can't keep contraband on the counter any longer).
Building 'castles' with Duplo blocks.
twirling your hair when you get tired
climbing up on my knees when I bend down to give you a big hug
pretending to take bites of things you aren't sure about and drinks out of empty cups
getting your broken winnie the pooh phone to "call grandma".
Asking to go outside when it is 5 degrees and blizzard-y (we miss warmer weather!)
Your light up shoes - oh my goodness how we (and everyone we meet) loves your light up shoes
When we are all in the car and getting ready to get out and you say, "I wanna go. I wanna come too".
You demand "ring around the rosey"
sitting on Daddy's lap eating his cereal even though you just finished breakfast
trying to turn on/off the TV with the remote control
Your glee at realizing that you can turn the lights on/off
Other things:
Asks to go potty, goes through the motions, but never produces anything in potty or toilet
won't eat something one day, loves it the next week
The "NO" phase, in which the answer to everything is "NO". If it is something you want, you turn around and cry until you get it, even though you just said "NO".
No naps at home. At all. Done. :(
Friday, February 4, 2011
sister
This week at school, I had V sitting on the bench outside the infant room to put on her coat & hat (she wouldn't cooperate in her room). I let her stand on the bench outside the window because she wanted "to look at the babies". The conversation went like this:
V (pointing): there's my little sister
me: whaatttt?
V: there is my little sister
me: no it isn't silly. That's G____'s sister (a boy in her class. (He must say that when they walk by the room)
V: where is my sister?
I don't know kid. I was wondering the same thing myself.
V (pointing): there's my little sister
me: whaatttt?
V: there is my little sister
me: no it isn't silly. That's G____'s sister (a boy in her class. (He must say that when they walk by the room)
V: where is my sister?
I don't know kid. I was wondering the same thing myself.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Shopping Day
P was hosting a Diplomacy gaming day at the house today. I decided to take V out to burn off some energy and do some shopping.
We left the house (and skipped church.. :( around 10:30 and drove 20 minutes to Babies R us. I am looking for a new lunchsack/box, etc for Vi. Hers is yucky looking on the oustide. We walked around and V played with all the toys. I didn't think their sales or clearance were very good. We bought nothing.
Then we went to Costco. I love Costco. The only person that loves Costco more is my mother who is a rabid fan of Sam's Club. When I took her to Costco, she was in heaven. Anyway, it was super crowded in there, but they are so fast at the checkouts. I spent more than I wanted to because I had to renew my membership ($50!!!). I bought these applesauce squeeze packets (no added sugar and organic) that V loves, frozen shrimp, frozen "Naked Nuggets", bananas, Columbuis lunchmeat, mozarella cheese and an exercise shirt for me. We sat and ate lunch there - 2 hotdogs (mine minus the bun) and two sodas for $3. I let V have a little Sprite and she loved it.
We then drove back and stopped at Old Navy because I heard their clearance was 30% off. V was terrible in the store, running around and shreiking. I bought her one little T shirt and that was all. Nothing for myself.
Next store was a Famous Footwear. It's not a place I would ordinarily shop since they carry most of the same brands as Kohls. I ended up breaking down buying V the pair of light up shoes that I thought were so adorable on all the little girls in Florida. They were waaayyyy more that I would usually spend, but still $10 off the norm. She loved them and carried them up to the counter and everything. Here they are!
We left the house (and skipped church.. :( around 10:30 and drove 20 minutes to Babies R us. I am looking for a new lunchsack/box, etc for Vi. Hers is yucky looking on the oustide. We walked around and V played with all the toys. I didn't think their sales or clearance were very good. We bought nothing.
Then we went to Costco. I love Costco. The only person that loves Costco more is my mother who is a rabid fan of Sam's Club. When I took her to Costco, she was in heaven. Anyway, it was super crowded in there, but they are so fast at the checkouts. I spent more than I wanted to because I had to renew my membership ($50!!!). I bought these applesauce squeeze packets (no added sugar and organic) that V loves, frozen shrimp, frozen "Naked Nuggets", bananas, Columbuis lunchmeat, mozarella cheese and an exercise shirt for me. We sat and ate lunch there - 2 hotdogs (mine minus the bun) and two sodas for $3. I let V have a little Sprite and she loved it.
We then drove back and stopped at Old Navy because I heard their clearance was 30% off. V was terrible in the store, running around and shreiking. I bought her one little T shirt and that was all. Nothing for myself.
Next store was a Famous Footwear. It's not a place I would ordinarily shop since they carry most of the same brands as Kohls. I ended up breaking down buying V the pair of light up shoes that I thought were so adorable on all the little girls in Florida. They were waaayyyy more that I would usually spend, but still $10 off the norm. She loved them and carried them up to the counter and everything. Here they are!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
This morning
I went to the Prothodontist for the next step in my treatment. The appointment went like this.
I got two shots of novocaine, which were the easiest I've had, but it did not feel like my mouth was numb at all. Sometimes older dentists are more experienced with this stuff. Then he took this curved scalpel and cut/dug each implant out under the skin (this did not hurt, and the asst was good at sucking up all the blood so I didn't taste it). Then he unscrewed the implant caps (which felt weird, and my implants started throbbing and hurting). It felt like someone was unscrewing something down deep in your chin bone. Then I bit on two different wax bites, then a model thing was attached to my ears ( to articulate my bite). He screwed in these really long posts into each implant (I was in throbbing pain by then) and put this hard acyclic stent like thing that fit over the long posts. he kept trying it on and taking it off and drilling the holes to make it bigger, sometimes with it still in my mouth. Then he pushed red wax over each and every bracket (gosh all my teeth hurt). Then he took the longest impression I've ever had pushing down on the area the entire time. This was followed by two X-rays of the area. Then he unscrewed each long post (remember I have four), then screwed in each longer healing cap followed by several excruciating twists to tighten with an additional wrench.
I was in substantial throbbing pain by this time. His asst gave me three Advil. I started crying when I got in the car, the pain was so bad. When those took effect I was much better. My chin and cheeks are still sore from holding open for 1 hour 15 min. But I'm not really in as much pain anymore.
This surprisingly turned out to be an ordeal.
I got two shots of novocaine, which were the easiest I've had, but it did not feel like my mouth was numb at all. Sometimes older dentists are more experienced with this stuff. Then he took this curved scalpel and cut/dug each implant out under the skin (this did not hurt, and the asst was good at sucking up all the blood so I didn't taste it). Then he unscrewed the implant caps (which felt weird, and my implants started throbbing and hurting). It felt like someone was unscrewing something down deep in your chin bone. Then I bit on two different wax bites, then a model thing was attached to my ears ( to articulate my bite). He screwed in these really long posts into each implant (I was in throbbing pain by then) and put this hard acyclic stent like thing that fit over the long posts. he kept trying it on and taking it off and drilling the holes to make it bigger, sometimes with it still in my mouth. Then he pushed red wax over each and every bracket (gosh all my teeth hurt). Then he took the longest impression I've ever had pushing down on the area the entire time. This was followed by two X-rays of the area. Then he unscrewed each long post (remember I have four), then screwed in each longer healing cap followed by several excruciating twists to tighten with an additional wrench.
I was in substantial throbbing pain by this time. His asst gave me three Advil. I started crying when I got in the car, the pain was so bad. When those took effect I was much better. My chin and cheeks are still sore from holding open for 1 hour 15 min. But I'm not really in as much pain anymore.
This surprisingly turned out to be an ordeal.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Grateful
I (am) well, was, sitting here with Vi on my lap, having her eat cereal, watching an Elmo video in front of the fireplace (until her dad came in and she deserted me).
Mrs. Spock had posted about another fellow infertile - one I didn't actually know about, so I was not familiar with her story. She became pregnant after 6 years of trying and this week she gave birth to her daughter Lola. And Lola died after birth. Words cannot express how awful this is. How horrible and terrible and rotten and crappy and it makes you downright lose your faith in all that is good in life.
I haven't really ever written about it, but Victoria was quite poorly at birth. Her Apgars were 3-6-9. Three is pretty low. She was rushed off to the ICU and frankly, I'm surprised (but thrilled) that she was not intubed. She recovered nicely. Once P said to me, "can you imagine if we didn't go home with a baby?" He admitted when she was born, it was pretty scary.
I had over 24 hours of labor, two epidurals, a spinal, arrest of dilatation, Victoria went into respiratory distress and I had to have an emergency C-section during which NO ONE would answer me regarding the condition of MY BABY that didn't cry and was wisked off to the ICU after a glance. It was all traumatic and hard to talk about even now, but I WENT HOME WITH MY BABY. I can't even imagine and I do not ever want to if that did not happen.
Please everyone, keep Wiseguy and her family in your prayers and thoughts.
Mrs. Spock had posted about another fellow infertile - one I didn't actually know about, so I was not familiar with her story. She became pregnant after 6 years of trying and this week she gave birth to her daughter Lola. And Lola died after birth. Words cannot express how awful this is. How horrible and terrible and rotten and crappy and it makes you downright lose your faith in all that is good in life.
I haven't really ever written about it, but Victoria was quite poorly at birth. Her Apgars were 3-6-9. Three is pretty low. She was rushed off to the ICU and frankly, I'm surprised (but thrilled) that she was not intubed. She recovered nicely. Once P said to me, "can you imagine if we didn't go home with a baby?" He admitted when she was born, it was pretty scary.
I had over 24 hours of labor, two epidurals, a spinal, arrest of dilatation, Victoria went into respiratory distress and I had to have an emergency C-section during which NO ONE would answer me regarding the condition of MY BABY that didn't cry and was wisked off to the ICU after a glance. It was all traumatic and hard to talk about even now, but I WENT HOME WITH MY BABY. I can't even imagine and I do not ever want to if that did not happen.
Please everyone, keep Wiseguy and her family in your prayers and thoughts.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Hot Flashes
I have suddenly become very "Hot" all the time. Because I am in and out of early menopause (high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, etc) - I usually have hot flashes/extensive sweats in the 2-3 days leading up to my period. I have to chuck off my pajamas in the middle of the night, change the pillowcase, put down a towel. It was bad enough in the past years that my husband bought me some Wild Bleu pajamas, made for women in menopause. Old women. Sigh. We call them my "sweaty pajamas" because they help with the hot flashes at night. Last night I am on Day 8 of my cycle and surprisingly had severe hot flashes. I ended up sleeping with nothing on. (TMI) I've been having them all day. Where I worked used to be cold, but people complained and now it is 77 in my area. I am roasting and hot and sweaty all day. Hot flashes + warmer temperatures = crabby and lethargic.
Ugh. Menopause.
Ugh. Menopause.
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