It's one of my favorite songs. I sing it often when I'm on my own with the kids. The crazy part really seems to fit, haha.
Well, it has actually been a little crazy around here. I haven't even had much time to turn on my computer let alone blog. Yesterday, I finally connected the portable hard drive to my laptop to find out what files I still had. Wait. Back up a minute. Y'all know that both of my computers were down a couple of months ago, right? The desktop, which was practically brand new, stopped working bit by bit and finally stopped responding altogether when I tried to reload the operating system. My thinking is that it might actually be a hardware problem (as opposed to a software problem), but I haven't had time to do anything about it. The laptop, which is about 3-4 years old now, was infected with a gazillion viruses, and it basically went to a completely white screen after I tried to run the Webroot virus protection software. I shopped my laptop around to a couple of the "big box" computer repair departments, but no one was willing to give me a guarantee that my $400 would buy me back a fully operational laptop. I finally ended up taking it to a small mom-and-pop type shop about a week before I went into the hospital. I figured I could handle the odds for $200 (but not for $400).
The service took longer than necessary because I wasn't able to drop off the restore software until a couple of weeks after I'd gotten out of the hospital, but it did eventually get fully restored. Unfortunately, that involved completely erasing the hard drive, which included all of the digital pictures we'd taken since Pumpkin's birth. Fortunately for me, or so I thought, I'd taken the precaution of backing up my pictures and had at least all the files from 2004-2007 saved on the portable hard drive. I explained this to the tech and asked him to only save the files from this year since I already had the rest. I also explained that he shouldn't run the software that comes with the drive since I was just using the drive as a portable USB drive rather than full backup hard drive. Tough to explain here, but the drive has its own software that allows you to automatically backup your files whenever you plug it in. I don't use it because when I needed to get to the files, I couldn't figure out how to open them (they're encoded somehow). Anyway, to end this story now, let's just say that the tech didn't get the message. Apparently, he ran the software and ended up DELETING all of the files I'd backed up. Now, all I have left are the pictures from July and August 2008. Grrrrrr....boneheads!
Now, I have to try and piece everything back together from backup CDs I have floating around the house. Only problem is that I'm fairly certain I haven't created any backup CDs this year so pretty much all our pictures from 2008 may be lost forever. :(
Just something funny
It's morning. I've just finished nursing and burping BG, and now I'm just holding her while I finish watching last night's episode of Desperate Housewives, and this crazy kid is chewing on me through my shirt! Isn't it funny how, even in sleep, babies can always locate the "good stuff." ;)
Live from New York, it's....
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's impressions are genius! I may have to start watching 30-Rock. ;)
Recommended Reading
I just finished reading the book Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah, and I give it two big thumbs up! The story literally moved me to tears. Sure, part of that might just be my post-natal hormones still going a bit nuts, but it was also just a beautifully written and very heartwarming story. If you're looking for a book to read, I highly recommend this one.
Incidentally, if anyone finds my copy of Goodnight Nobody somewhere inside Parker Adventist Hospital, I'd love to have it back so I can finish reading it! ;)
Incidentally, if anyone finds my copy of Goodnight Nobody somewhere inside Parker Adventist Hospital, I'd love to have it back so I can finish reading it! ;)
Life with BG, #1
There's so much I've been wanting to say but there's been no time really. Now, unfortunately, I've got about 10 minutes to post and I can't think of a darn thing.
Okay, well. So far, so-so. There are days...moments...many of them...when I just want to put my head through the nearest wall to drown out the incessant crying. Don't worry. It's not as extreme as it sounds. Walls here are basically hollow, and sheetrock isn't as hard on the noggin as, say, brick or even wood might be, hehe.
Anyway, BG is thriving. Good for her! By her 2-week appointment, she'd already surpassed her birth weight, and I'm guessing she's close to weighing 8 lbs by now. Pumpkin was so tiny at birth that this is definitely a whole different ball game for us! He was at least 3 weeks old before he even reached 6 lbs.
Well, it looks like my time is up. Last week, I took BG to get a baby picture taken then Pumpkin and I got in on the action as well. Here's a peek:
Okay, well. So far, so-so. There are days...moments...many of them...when I just want to put my head through the nearest wall to drown out the incessant crying. Don't worry. It's not as extreme as it sounds. Walls here are basically hollow, and sheetrock isn't as hard on the noggin as, say, brick or even wood might be, hehe.
Anyway, BG is thriving. Good for her! By her 2-week appointment, she'd already surpassed her birth weight, and I'm guessing she's close to weighing 8 lbs by now. Pumpkin was so tiny at birth that this is definitely a whole different ball game for us! He was at least 3 weeks old before he even reached 6 lbs.
Well, it looks like my time is up. Last week, I took BG to get a baby picture taken then Pumpkin and I got in on the action as well. Here's a peek:
Scapegoat
I don't have much time. I know that I should be taking a shower and getting ready for bed while BG and the others are all asleep. Time's a-wastin'!!
I just wanted to take a quick moment to jot down a thought that occurred to me earlier today. Really, it's occurred to me nearly every day since we brought BG home. And that is that poor QT has to bear the brunt of my irrational anger whenever anything goes wrong...even when he's not around to have actually caused the problem in the first place.
Today, I was scrambling to get out of the house in time to pick Pumpkin up from school, and I grabbed BG's diaper bag only to find that it was missing wipes, diapers, and the changing pad! Ok, so this one was QT's fault because it turned out that he'd used the diaper bag's contents the previous night (rather than using the other stash I keep on hand for use when we're downstairs). His mistake this time was in not replacing the items he'd used. Grrr....
See what I mean? Is that irrational? Oh well. Hang in there, QT! I do love you!
Still. :)
I just wanted to take a quick moment to jot down a thought that occurred to me earlier today. Really, it's occurred to me nearly every day since we brought BG home. And that is that poor QT has to bear the brunt of my irrational anger whenever anything goes wrong...even when he's not around to have actually caused the problem in the first place.
Today, I was scrambling to get out of the house in time to pick Pumpkin up from school, and I grabbed BG's diaper bag only to find that it was missing wipes, diapers, and the changing pad! Ok, so this one was QT's fault because it turned out that he'd used the diaper bag's contents the previous night (rather than using the other stash I keep on hand for use when we're downstairs). His mistake this time was in not replacing the items he'd used. Grrr....
See what I mean? Is that irrational? Oh well. Hang in there, QT! I do love you!
Still. :)
More BG Pics
Born at 4:28 P.M. Ht: 20 in. Wt: 7 lbs.
I'm still without a computer so I thought I'd use the little time I have on this borrowed PC to post a few more pics of us with BG.
1. Beautiful Grandma holding her 9th grandchild
2. Singing "Happy Birthday" to BG
3. Pumpkin helping to feed BG
4. Beautiful Grandma celebrating her birthday in Colorado
5. Pumpkin helping to put BG to sleep
6. Beautiful Grandma and Sunshine resting
7. Daddy with the 2 rugrats
Operation Snipit
I'm happy to report that BG's tongue tie clipping was a success! It turns out that the procedure is a fairly easy and safe one, and we were done in no time with a minimum of muss or fuss! We were expecting a lot worse. I couldn't even look while the doctor was performing the procedure, but it was over so fast that I needn't have worried. Upon leaving the doctor's office, BG had a bottle, and she did not appear to be in any discomfort whatsoever. Ditto when I nursed her a couple of hours later so I guess that's that. Whew!
So, I guess our breastfeeding days aren't quite over after all. Drat! ;)
And, now, before I sign off, I really must check in on our friends back home in Clear Lake. Last time I checked, almost everyone was evacuating (or had already left) well ahead of Hurricane Ike, but I understand that things are still pretty grim down in Galveston County so I just want to make sure that everyone's ok.
So, I guess our breastfeeding days aren't quite over after all. Drat! ;)
And, now, before I sign off, I really must check in on our friends back home in Clear Lake. Last time I checked, almost everyone was evacuating (or had already left) well ahead of Hurricane Ike, but I understand that things are still pretty grim down in Galveston County so I just want to make sure that everyone's ok.
Rockabye Baby!
We received some really great baby gifts from friends and family alike, and I'd like to thank everyone once again for your thoughtfulness. It's a really special feeling knowing that there are so many people who care about us. :)
In fact, right now, I'm listening to a gift sent to BG by her cousin Ron. Ron is a surly 12-year old punk who knows it all; however, his soft side still shows up every so often. Like, when he takes an extra moment to make sure that Pumpkin is buckled into his car seat correctly before we drive off.
Thanks, Punk!! Your gift rocks!
In fact, right now, I'm listening to a gift sent to BG by her cousin Ron. Ron is a surly 12-year old punk who knows it all; however, his soft side still shows up every so often. Like, when he takes an extra moment to make sure that Pumpkin is buckled into his car seat correctly before we drive off.
Thanks, Punk!! Your gift rocks!
The Truth According to Pine
You really just have no shame left after giving birth, haha. I already experienced this once before with Pumpkin, but it holds true!
The truth about being pregnant according to Pine is that it totally sucks. The truth about going through labor (again, according to Pine) is that it also totally sucks. The truth about having a new baby (AtP) is that it totally sucks because you have a very limited amount of time in between those early feedings in which to bathe, eat, rest, etc. The truth about having a baby to hold after all has been said and done is that...well, let's just say it doesn't suck so much. ;)
BG is...well, forgive me, but it's very late and apparently, my brain has already shut off for the night. BG is all right! She's even kind of cute in a pointy-headed sort of way, and naturally, everybody who sees her has to say that she's cute. I mean, what else would one say about a newborn? Well, one who isn't me anyway. LOL
But, really, she's not so bad. Several people have commented on her "fabulous" eyebrows. ??? Personally, I hadn't noticed, but then again, why would I notice anyone's eyebrows? Hell, I barely notice my own! Other than that, I'm just enjoying spending time with her and cuddling her...good looking eyebrows and all.
Breast feeding isn't going very well because she has some problem with her tongue that prevents her from being able to suck properly. It's too bad because she seems to really enjoy breast feeding, but I'm not sure she's getting much else out of it at this point besides comfort. She's probably going to be referred to an ENT Specialist to have the tongue thing clipped so that she can feed easier and to prevent any future problems with her speech. Until then, however, we'll probably have to stick to bottle feeding to make sure she stays healthy so this will probably mark the end of our breast feeding days.
Speaking of breasts, Pumpkin has been vindicated! Not that there was every any doubt, haha, but some of you may recall that he once told me that I had "pretty" nipples (this was definitely during the pregnancy, btw). Well, the baby's nurse (or was it the lactation specialist) has seconded his estimation. Sort of. It's an odd thing for a chick who's not into other chicks to have one of them compliment one's "great" nipples, haha, but that's what happened yesterday. So, yay, Pumpkin! And, thanks...I think. :)
And now it's off to bed I go. Or maybe to take a shower before BG returns from the nursery for her next feeding. Whatever. Good night!
The truth about being pregnant according to Pine is that it totally sucks. The truth about going through labor (again, according to Pine) is that it also totally sucks. The truth about having a new baby (AtP) is that it totally sucks because you have a very limited amount of time in between those early feedings in which to bathe, eat, rest, etc. The truth about having a baby to hold after all has been said and done is that...well, let's just say it doesn't suck so much. ;)
BG is...well, forgive me, but it's very late and apparently, my brain has already shut off for the night. BG is all right! She's even kind of cute in a pointy-headed sort of way, and naturally, everybody who sees her has to say that she's cute. I mean, what else would one say about a newborn? Well, one who isn't me anyway. LOL
But, really, she's not so bad. Several people have commented on her "fabulous" eyebrows. ??? Personally, I hadn't noticed, but then again, why would I notice anyone's eyebrows? Hell, I barely notice my own! Other than that, I'm just enjoying spending time with her and cuddling her...good looking eyebrows and all.
Breast feeding isn't going very well because she has some problem with her tongue that prevents her from being able to suck properly. It's too bad because she seems to really enjoy breast feeding, but I'm not sure she's getting much else out of it at this point besides comfort. She's probably going to be referred to an ENT Specialist to have the tongue thing clipped so that she can feed easier and to prevent any future problems with her speech. Until then, however, we'll probably have to stick to bottle feeding to make sure she stays healthy so this will probably mark the end of our breast feeding days.
Speaking of breasts, Pumpkin has been vindicated! Not that there was every any doubt, haha, but some of you may recall that he once told me that I had "pretty" nipples (this was definitely during the pregnancy, btw). Well, the baby's nurse (or was it the lactation specialist) has seconded his estimation. Sort of. It's an odd thing for a chick who's not into other chicks to have one of them compliment one's "great" nipples, haha, but that's what happened yesterday. So, yay, Pumpkin! And, thanks...I think. :)
And now it's off to bed I go. Or maybe to take a shower before BG returns from the nursery for her next feeding. Whatever. Good night!
Pictures of BG & Big Brother
1. BG right after her birth. 2. Getting her first sponge bath. 3. Pumpkin ready to visit his baby sister at the hospital and showing off the present he "bought" for her. 4. Pumpkin (with Daddy) getting his first look at baby sister (well, probably 5th look by the time we remembered to pull out the camera, haha). 5. Pumpkin and his baby sister (mini pumpkin??)
B-Day!
The night before my inducement, the charge nurse at the hospital birth center called to let me know that they might have to cancel my appointment for the next day b/c of lack of space. She instructed me to call her the next morning to find out whether or not we'd need to reschedule.
Prior to receiving the call, I was busy packing my bag and helping to get everything at home somewhat organized for my mom, who flew in on Thursday to stay with Pumpkin while QT & I went to the hospital. After speaking to the nurse, it sounded like we probably wouldn't be able to get in after all...or perhaps not until later in the day so I stopped preparing, and we took our time going to bed.
Friday morning, I woke up at 5AM for my usual early morning potty break (ugh). Since I was awake, I decided to go ahead and call the hospital just to see where we stood. Surprisingly, they told me to "come on in!" Even though I felt like crap b/c of how little sleep I'd had, I jumped in the shower then woke QT up to let him know we'd be leaving after all.
We arrived at the hospital about 45 minutes late, but they were still able to take us. Pitocin was started at around 8:30AM, and the doctor came in around 10:30 to rupture the membrane thingamajig (they really should come up with a better name for that, no?). After that, things really took off, and by 11:30, I was fully dilated and ready to roll...and let me tell you, that was one PAINFUL hour. I was told that it was because I dilated so fast. In fact, I was already at 8cm by the time the anesthesiologist was able to get started on the epidural, and the nurse wondered whether he'd be able to get it in on time. Luckily, it worked, and boy, was I glad when that sucker kicked in!
Unfortunately, several hours of laboring went by, and we'd still gotten nowhere as far as getting the baby out. The baby's heartrate dropped precipitously with every push, and the doctor was eventually paged to return ASAP. After examining us (me & baby), she called her office to let them know she wouldn't be back and ordered the Pitocin be restarted (and sadly, also to have the epidural stopped). It turned out that the baby was in something known as "posterior" position, which means she was face up instead of face down in the womb, and thus, was having trouble getting through. Doctor C told us that I may have to go in for an emergency C-section if baby didn't come out soon since so much time had already passed, and the baby was weakening. She and the nurse tried to keep things light, but even as drugged out as I was by this time, I could tell that they were both feeling a bit anxious about my situation. As the doctor examined me, it was obvious that she was struggling with the decision to let me keep trying or wheel me to the OR posthaste. She opted to give it one more shot, and fortunately this time, she was able to get the baby turned around! After a couple more evil contractions and some really concentrated effort on all of our parts, B.G. was born at 4:28 PM fully intact and healthy! Yay!!!
I didn't mention this in my last post, but the day I woke up to find that the baby was not moving, the intensity of my reaction surprised even me. Up until that day, I'd felt pretty ambivalent about this pregnancy, but after a couple of hours of waiting for her to move and feeling nothing, I fell completely apart at the thought of losing her, and I had to have QT call the doctor b/c I did not feel capable of talking to her myself. (Incidentally, that same day, I decided that if my daughter wanted to dress up like a G-damned fairy princess, well by golly, she could!). LOL
Well, as it turns out, that feeling was no fluke. When I finally saw my daughter in the flesh at 4:28 PM, I not only felt bewildered (b/c of the drugs, I'm sure), but I was rendered speechless yet again by the sheer force of my emotions. I remember feeling nothing much when Pumpkin was born, but perhaps b/c of all that I'd already endured with this little girl, all I could think of when I first laid eyes on her was how much I already loved her, how happy I was to see her, and how I'd do anything at all to keep her safe.
It's 11PM now. Pumpkin and Beautiful Grandma came by for a visit earlier, and the look on his face when he saw his baby sister must've mirrored mine when I first saw her, haha. He was soooo happy. I'm glad for that. I hope it lasts a while. :)
As I write this, QT's off taking Pumpkin and Beautiful Grandma back home, and it's time to wake up poor little B.G. for her next feeding so I'll say good night. I'll return to post pics when I get another chance.
Prior to receiving the call, I was busy packing my bag and helping to get everything at home somewhat organized for my mom, who flew in on Thursday to stay with Pumpkin while QT & I went to the hospital. After speaking to the nurse, it sounded like we probably wouldn't be able to get in after all...or perhaps not until later in the day so I stopped preparing, and we took our time going to bed.
Friday morning, I woke up at 5AM for my usual early morning potty break (ugh). Since I was awake, I decided to go ahead and call the hospital just to see where we stood. Surprisingly, they told me to "come on in!" Even though I felt like crap b/c of how little sleep I'd had, I jumped in the shower then woke QT up to let him know we'd be leaving after all.
We arrived at the hospital about 45 minutes late, but they were still able to take us. Pitocin was started at around 8:30AM, and the doctor came in around 10:30 to rupture the membrane thingamajig (they really should come up with a better name for that, no?). After that, things really took off, and by 11:30, I was fully dilated and ready to roll...and let me tell you, that was one PAINFUL hour. I was told that it was because I dilated so fast. In fact, I was already at 8cm by the time the anesthesiologist was able to get started on the epidural, and the nurse wondered whether he'd be able to get it in on time. Luckily, it worked, and boy, was I glad when that sucker kicked in!
Unfortunately, several hours of laboring went by, and we'd still gotten nowhere as far as getting the baby out. The baby's heartrate dropped precipitously with every push, and the doctor was eventually paged to return ASAP. After examining us (me & baby), she called her office to let them know she wouldn't be back and ordered the Pitocin be restarted (and sadly, also to have the epidural stopped). It turned out that the baby was in something known as "posterior" position, which means she was face up instead of face down in the womb, and thus, was having trouble getting through. Doctor C told us that I may have to go in for an emergency C-section if baby didn't come out soon since so much time had already passed, and the baby was weakening. She and the nurse tried to keep things light, but even as drugged out as I was by this time, I could tell that they were both feeling a bit anxious about my situation. As the doctor examined me, it was obvious that she was struggling with the decision to let me keep trying or wheel me to the OR posthaste. She opted to give it one more shot, and fortunately this time, she was able to get the baby turned around! After a couple more evil contractions and some really concentrated effort on all of our parts, B.G. was born at 4:28 PM fully intact and healthy! Yay!!!
I didn't mention this in my last post, but the day I woke up to find that the baby was not moving, the intensity of my reaction surprised even me. Up until that day, I'd felt pretty ambivalent about this pregnancy, but after a couple of hours of waiting for her to move and feeling nothing, I fell completely apart at the thought of losing her, and I had to have QT call the doctor b/c I did not feel capable of talking to her myself. (Incidentally, that same day, I decided that if my daughter wanted to dress up like a G-damned fairy princess, well by golly, she could!). LOL
Well, as it turns out, that feeling was no fluke. When I finally saw my daughter in the flesh at 4:28 PM, I not only felt bewildered (b/c of the drugs, I'm sure), but I was rendered speechless yet again by the sheer force of my emotions. I remember feeling nothing much when Pumpkin was born, but perhaps b/c of all that I'd already endured with this little girl, all I could think of when I first laid eyes on her was how much I already loved her, how happy I was to see her, and how I'd do anything at all to keep her safe.
It's 11PM now. Pumpkin and Beautiful Grandma came by for a visit earlier, and the look on his face when he saw his baby sister must've mirrored mine when I first saw her, haha. He was soooo happy. I'm glad for that. I hope it lasts a while. :)
As I write this, QT's off taking Pumpkin and Beautiful Grandma back home, and it's time to wake up poor little B.G. for her next feeding so I'll say good night. I'll return to post pics when I get another chance.
Hospitals
The day after the benefit, I woke up at 5AM feeling very odd. It took a few beats for me to realize why. There was nothing at all going on with the ole' baby belly. No pain, no cramps, and most disturbing, no kicking or pushing. The books say to eat something and wait a few minutes before doing more kick-counts so I took Sunshine outside for his morning outing then ate a bowl of sugary cereal (knowing, of course, that I'd be feeling pretty darned ill within an hour or so). Sure enough, I started feeling slightly ill from the sugary breakfast but still no movements of which to speak so, by 7AM, we were on our way to the hospital to get everything checked out. Fortunately, everything was fine, but the experience exhausted us so much that, once we got back home, all 3 of us napped for the rest of the afternoon.
Two days later, it happened again. This time, the doctor advised that we go ahead and induce labor to be on the safe side since this was the 2nd time that BG (baby girl) had suddenly stopped moving. Before we could get started though, we first had to get another amnio done to make sure that BG's lungs were developed enough to survive without machines. By the time everything had checked out ok including the amnio results, it was well into the evening so we requested that inducement be postponed until possibly the next day (actually, I asked if we could just postpone it until Friday since Pumpkin wouldn't be in school that day). The doctor agreed, but the hospital balked. From their perspective, it was either now or never...or at least sometime closer to the official due date. (Apparently, being born early is a much bigger deal here in the higher altitudes than it is back home at warm, wonderful sea level.)
After much deliberation, QT & I opted to take a pass and go home instead since it was so late. My concern was for Pumpkin since he would have trouble sleeping at anybody else's house plus he had school the next morning. So, we missed our chance. :(
The next day, I experienced contractions throughout the day. Likely, they were caused by the amnio, but back to the hospital we went to get everything checked out once again. It turned out that I wasn't in labor so we were allowed to go back home that evening. We decided to keep Pumpkin home from school the next day so that we could all get some much needed rest.
After that, the rest of the week was a breeze. I even made it to my final OB appointment after all, and we scheduled the induction for the following Friday. As nervous as I am about going through labor again, I can't wait! My back hurts, my feet are perpetually swollen, and I can barely make it up and down the stairs anymore. I'll be glad to be done with this. More soon.
Two days later, it happened again. This time, the doctor advised that we go ahead and induce labor to be on the safe side since this was the 2nd time that BG (baby girl) had suddenly stopped moving. Before we could get started though, we first had to get another amnio done to make sure that BG's lungs were developed enough to survive without machines. By the time everything had checked out ok including the amnio results, it was well into the evening so we requested that inducement be postponed until possibly the next day (actually, I asked if we could just postpone it until Friday since Pumpkin wouldn't be in school that day). The doctor agreed, but the hospital balked. From their perspective, it was either now or never...or at least sometime closer to the official due date. (Apparently, being born early is a much bigger deal here in the higher altitudes than it is back home at warm, wonderful sea level.)
After much deliberation, QT & I opted to take a pass and go home instead since it was so late. My concern was for Pumpkin since he would have trouble sleeping at anybody else's house plus he had school the next morning. So, we missed our chance. :(
The next day, I experienced contractions throughout the day. Likely, they were caused by the amnio, but back to the hospital we went to get everything checked out once again. It turned out that I wasn't in labor so we were allowed to go back home that evening. We decided to keep Pumpkin home from school the next day so that we could all get some much needed rest.
After that, the rest of the week was a breeze. I even made it to my final OB appointment after all, and we scheduled the induction for the following Friday. As nervous as I am about going through labor again, I can't wait! My back hurts, my feet are perpetually swollen, and I can barely make it up and down the stairs anymore. I'll be glad to be done with this. More soon.
Hooray for Friends!
The night before our last trip to Texas, I received an unexpected phone call from Washington from someone whom I'd never before met. It turned out that she was calling on behalf of her sister Mel, who lives down the street from us and also happens to be a good friend of mine. Mel's sister was calling to let me know that my friend's infant daughter Avery was back in the hospital and had just been diagnosed with leukemia.
Mel is a mom in our playgroup. She and I first met at my house a couple of years ago at our playgroup's 1st ever meetup. Her son Ian was just a few months old at the time. He's now nearly 3 and one of Pumpkin's favorite friends. Mel's daughter Avery was born last September. Recently, Avery came down with Bell's Palsy. A couple of weeks later, she was diagnosed with infections in both of her ears, and a week or so after that, she was rushed to the hospital with an uncontrollable fever resulting from a kidney infection (I think). This latest ER visit came about because her fever had returned and wasn't going down. More thorough tests were performed, and Avery was diagnosed with Acute Lyphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
Our playgroup friends have really come together cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and shopping for Mel and her family while they deal with chemotherapy, infections, lengthy hospital stays, and separation. Most recently, another playgroup mom Kristi P and her hubby OMP organized a benefit pool tournament that raised over $4000 for Avery! The benefit took place this weekend, and it was a lot of fun. It was really great to see so many families from our playgroup in attendance. It was also wonderful to see Mel enjoying herself with her family and friends, however briefly the outing. :)
Throughout this ordeal, Avery's been a real little trooper. She's a wonder to behold, and even though I'm not a "baby" person (as many of you already know, hehe), I can't seem to keep my eyes off of her whenever I visit them at the hospital. You can read more about Avery by visiting this link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/averyspicer. The password is averyspicer.
Mel is a mom in our playgroup. She and I first met at my house a couple of years ago at our playgroup's 1st ever meetup. Her son Ian was just a few months old at the time. He's now nearly 3 and one of Pumpkin's favorite friends. Mel's daughter Avery was born last September. Recently, Avery came down with Bell's Palsy. A couple of weeks later, she was diagnosed with infections in both of her ears, and a week or so after that, she was rushed to the hospital with an uncontrollable fever resulting from a kidney infection (I think). This latest ER visit came about because her fever had returned and wasn't going down. More thorough tests were performed, and Avery was diagnosed with Acute Lyphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
Our playgroup friends have really come together cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and shopping for Mel and her family while they deal with chemotherapy, infections, lengthy hospital stays, and separation. Most recently, another playgroup mom Kristi P and her hubby OMP organized a benefit pool tournament that raised over $4000 for Avery! The benefit took place this weekend, and it was a lot of fun. It was really great to see so many families from our playgroup in attendance. It was also wonderful to see Mel enjoying herself with her family and friends, however briefly the outing. :)
Throughout this ordeal, Avery's been a real little trooper. She's a wonder to behold, and even though I'm not a "baby" person (as many of you already know, hehe), I can't seem to keep my eyes off of her whenever I visit them at the hospital. You can read more about Avery by visiting this link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/averyspicer. The password is averyspicer.
Out of Control Advertising?
After sitting through a couple of Mirena commercials, Pumpkin has decided he wants to get Mirena. I suppose this is because life looks like so much fun in Mirena-world. I told him he couldn't have any because it's only for girls, and he seemed to accept that. Then, the commercial came on again a bit later, and now he wants to know what Mirena is used for. LOL. It's like a cosmic joke!
Just the other day, he was asking (again) about his baby sister and where she was and when she'd be ready, etc etc. Then, he took a long look at me and asked "when my baby sister is ready, how is she going to get out of your tummy?"
I'm not generally squeamish about teaching him the proper names for body parts, but so far, I've managed to avoid teaching him the word 'vagina.' For whatever reason, that word does make me a bit squeamish, but I also can't bring myself to make up a goofy name for a body part or come up with some fairy story about how babies are born (or created, though, thankfully, he hasn't asked about that YET). So, right then and there, I told him about vaginas and explained that's where babies come out of when they're born.
I should explain that I was on "the potty" at the time (those of you with kids will understand how it is that he and I came to have a conversation like this while I was using the restroom, lol). Well, upon hearing my explanation, he peered aghast into the bowl and exclaimed, "she's going into the potty?!"
Maybe I should've titled this post "Kids Are Nuts" haha.
Just the other day, he was asking (again) about his baby sister and where she was and when she'd be ready, etc etc. Then, he took a long look at me and asked "when my baby sister is ready, how is she going to get out of your tummy?"
I'm not generally squeamish about teaching him the proper names for body parts, but so far, I've managed to avoid teaching him the word 'vagina.' For whatever reason, that word does make me a bit squeamish, but I also can't bring myself to make up a goofy name for a body part or come up with some fairy story about how babies are born (or created, though, thankfully, he hasn't asked about that YET). So, right then and there, I told him about vaginas and explained that's where babies come out of when they're born.
I should explain that I was on "the potty" at the time (those of you with kids will understand how it is that he and I came to have a conversation like this while I was using the restroom, lol). Well, upon hearing my explanation, he peered aghast into the bowl and exclaimed, "she's going into the potty?!"Maybe I should've titled this post "Kids Are Nuts" haha.
Good News!!
I just got back from an appointment with my OB, and boy, am I in a GREAT mood!! Originally, I was given a due date of Sept 21 based on my LMP (I won't go into details for those who don't understand what that means ;). Since then, I've had an amniocentesis and several ultrasounds in which the baby consistently measured about 3 days older (??). The Specialist said it wasn't necessary to change my due date, but today when I was visiting my regular OB doctor, she said that they could go by the earlier date in determining how soon I could be induced. This is good news!
So, now, I'm scheduled to be induced on Friday, September 12th, which is over a week sooner than I was thinking I'd be finished, and believe me, I am ready to be done with this pregnancy! Come to think of it, this is absolutely fantastic news!
Of course, the baby could still come earlier, but we'll keep our fingers crossed that doesn't happen.
Pumpkin, meanwhile, is very excited about his baby sister. Every day, he asks when she's going to "be ready." He's already proclaimed that he will teach her how to play trains, and yesterday, when I was commenting about getting her room ready, he offered to let her sleep with him since he has "lots of space" in his room. My heart literally swells to think of what a sweet boy he is. (Knowing how sibling relationships go, however, I'll just have to see how long THAT lasts, haha.)
So, now, I'm scheduled to be induced on Friday, September 12th, which is over a week sooner than I was thinking I'd be finished, and believe me, I am ready to be done with this pregnancy! Come to think of it, this is absolutely fantastic news!Of course, the baby could still come earlier, but we'll keep our fingers crossed that doesn't happen.
Pumpkin, meanwhile, is very excited about his baby sister. Every day, he asks when she's going to "be ready." He's already proclaimed that he will teach her how to play trains, and yesterday, when I was commenting about getting her room ready, he offered to let her sleep with him since he has "lots of space" in his room. My heart literally swells to think of what a sweet boy he is. (Knowing how sibling relationships go, however, I'll just have to see how long THAT lasts, haha.)
Monster Update
We've been back from Texas for 4 days now and have seen neither hide nor hair of Monster Dog. Before we left, we could hear him barking at us all the way from inside their house, but there's been nary a peep from that house since we got back.
Hmm, I wonder if they opted to get rid of him on their own initiative before the court date or if perhaps they've already gone to court and were ordered to do so. Either way, it seems that M.D. is gone. Thank goodness too.
I've seen the neighbor (the dog's owner) out and about a few times since we got back, but I haven't the nerve to ask about Monster Dog....also, I'm just not that mean, and I don't want to upset her by asking in the first place. I don't think she was all that attached to him in the first place since it seemed like M.D. "belonged" more to her hubby than her, but still. I saw her and the kids at the grocery store today, and the kids looked upset. I sure hope it wasn't because of M.D.
Hmm, I wonder if they opted to get rid of him on their own initiative before the court date or if perhaps they've already gone to court and were ordered to do so. Either way, it seems that M.D. is gone. Thank goodness too.
I've seen the neighbor (the dog's owner) out and about a few times since we got back, but I haven't the nerve to ask about Monster Dog....also, I'm just not that mean, and I don't want to upset her by asking in the first place. I don't think she was all that attached to him in the first place since it seemed like M.D. "belonged" more to her hubby than her, but still. I saw her and the kids at the grocery store today, and the kids looked upset. I sure hope it wasn't because of M.D.
Vampires & Monsters
I was watching TV the other day and was surprised and excited to see that HBO is developing a new series based on my favorite vampire books by Charlaine Harris! Based on the previews I saw, unfortunately, neither the characters nor the settings are anything like what I've pictured in my head as I've read the books, but I suppose that doesn't really matter since I don't even have HBO at home, haha. Hopefully, I'll get to watch the series on DVD at some point. I don't really have the patience to watch a weekly show anyway.
In other news, the thing that I'd long feared at home finally came to pass. My neighbor's monster dog escaped from his house and attacked my other neighbor's 11 year-old son at his own house! Cal survived with just a few stitches, but the outcome would've been much worse had "Monster" gotten his fangs on any of the smaller kids.
Many of you have heard me complain about the neighbor's monster dog. Whenever we take Sunshine out to the back yard, the monster chases us back and forth along the fence barking and snarling like a rabid beast until we run back inside our house. It's very unnerving, especially because we know he's jumped the fence at least once before and could easily do it again. My fear was that, one day, this idiot monster dog will get himself so worked up that he'll come at us over the fence, and I won't be able to stop him from getting to my baby. "Monster" easily weighs 3-4 times as much as Pumpkin, and tiny, little Sunshine would just be an appetizer to him. I've even gone so far as to price baseball bats because I'd like to have something with which to defend myself should the unthinkable ever occur, but I haven't set my mind on it yet. Besides, I'm not sure I want Pumpkin to see me pummeling a dog to death. Yes, death...because if that beast ever attacked my little boy, I'm quite sure I wouldn't be able to stop myself from killing him.
Much anger in me there is. Yes.
And, yes, I've talked to the neighbors about their dog. Some months ago, I was having a bad morning (as many of my mornings have been since I became pregnant). I let "the kids" outside to play, and almost immediately, I heard the beast start carrying on as usual. I brought Pumpkin and Sunshine inside, but I was so enraged that I literally marched over to the neighbor's house in my slippers and banged on the door until someone answered (many minutes later--and I did ring the doorbell first, but they didn't answer that either ;). As calmly as I could manage, I told them my concerns about their monster dog and asked them to do something about him. After that, they started taking him inside whenever we'd step outside so things are a little bit better, but obviously, "Monster" has the capacity to get away from them, and as we can see, the results can be disastrous.
Cal's parents pressed charges, and the dog has been under house arrest (i.e. quarantine) since the incident. QT and I are trying to see if there's any way we can add a statement to their case asking the court to get rid of the dog. Let's hope. I'll update y'all later!
In other news, the thing that I'd long feared at home finally came to pass. My neighbor's monster dog escaped from his house and attacked my other neighbor's 11 year-old son at his own house! Cal survived with just a few stitches, but the outcome would've been much worse had "Monster" gotten his fangs on any of the smaller kids.
Many of you have heard me complain about the neighbor's monster dog. Whenever we take Sunshine out to the back yard, the monster chases us back and forth along the fence barking and snarling like a rabid beast until we run back inside our house. It's very unnerving, especially because we know he's jumped the fence at least once before and could easily do it again. My fear was that, one day, this idiot monster dog will get himself so worked up that he'll come at us over the fence, and I won't be able to stop him from getting to my baby. "Monster" easily weighs 3-4 times as much as Pumpkin, and tiny, little Sunshine would just be an appetizer to him. I've even gone so far as to price baseball bats because I'd like to have something with which to defend myself should the unthinkable ever occur, but I haven't set my mind on it yet. Besides, I'm not sure I want Pumpkin to see me pummeling a dog to death. Yes, death...because if that beast ever attacked my little boy, I'm quite sure I wouldn't be able to stop myself from killing him.
Much anger in me there is. Yes.And, yes, I've talked to the neighbors about their dog. Some months ago, I was having a bad morning (as many of my mornings have been since I became pregnant). I let "the kids" outside to play, and almost immediately, I heard the beast start carrying on as usual. I brought Pumpkin and Sunshine inside, but I was so enraged that I literally marched over to the neighbor's house in my slippers and banged on the door until someone answered (many minutes later--and I did ring the doorbell first, but they didn't answer that either ;). As calmly as I could manage, I told them my concerns about their monster dog and asked them to do something about him. After that, they started taking him inside whenever we'd step outside so things are a little bit better, but obviously, "Monster" has the capacity to get away from them, and as we can see, the results can be disastrous.
Cal's parents pressed charges, and the dog has been under house arrest (i.e. quarantine) since the incident. QT and I are trying to see if there's any way we can add a statement to their case asking the court to get rid of the dog. Let's hope. I'll update y'all later!
Odds and Ends
Here are some fun pictures from the past month or so. In the block to the left, Pumpkin enjoys a "picnic" outside with his Daddy (courtesy of Mom, of course ;), gets wet with his friend Livi at another friend's birthday party, attends Livi's own Princess birthday party in a borrowed pink shirt, and looks on as his "sometime" babysitter celebrates her 13th birthday. 
As my pregnancy has progressed, and I've been less and less able to horse around with Pumpkin, QT's had to step in and pick up the slack in the "play" department. I guess goofing off doesn't come naturally to QT because, in the beginning, I oftentimes had to push him into playing around with Pumpkin, and he subsequently came across a bit stilted. I'm therefore especially pleased to report that he's gotten much better at it and is now able to relax and enjoy a bit of playtime with Pumpkin every so often without necessarily turning every act into a lesson. (Of course, there's still the small matter of the "infamous" bedtime reading of Skippy Jon Jones 'Shape Up' that nearly caused me to strangle QT, but I won't get into that now. ;) In the block to the right, Pumpkin enjoys some downtime with Sunshine and some playtime with his Daddy.
Accidental Music Fan
I remember when I first saw this video. I was having lunch at the University Center at U of H, and this video was repeating on the monitors overhead. No sound, just that crazy video...over and over and over. It reminded me of Prince when he was still cool. I was mesmerized. I eventually figured out what song it was, and I ran out and bought the CD. Unfortunately, though I listened to it extensively, I realized after a while that the music of Outkast wasn't exactly to my taste. But that's ok. It's still a great song...and the video still rocks!
Come to think of it, that's kind of the same way I got into "My Chemical Romance." Whenever I was visiting my parents in Texas, I'd often stay up really late watching whatever was playing on TV (since I didn't have cable TV in my own home at the time). One night, I stumbled across an obscure channel that switched to playing music videos late at night and allowed viewers to rank them. I returned to that channel often, and it seemed that the video for "...Black Parade" was always on. Not wanting to disturb my parents' sleep, I kept the TV on "mute" so I never knew what the song sounded like, but the video was fascinating. Almost gleeful (like a parade should be) but dark and sinister at the same time. It took me a while to figure this one out, but it's now one of Pumpkin's favorite songs too, and we jam to it whenever we're cruising around in my "red mommy car" ;).
Come to think of it, that's kind of the same way I got into "My Chemical Romance." Whenever I was visiting my parents in Texas, I'd often stay up really late watching whatever was playing on TV (since I didn't have cable TV in my own home at the time). One night, I stumbled across an obscure channel that switched to playing music videos late at night and allowed viewers to rank them. I returned to that channel often, and it seemed that the video for "...Black Parade" was always on. Not wanting to disturb my parents' sleep, I kept the TV on "mute" so I never knew what the song sounded like, but the video was fascinating. Almost gleeful (like a parade should be) but dark and sinister at the same time. It took me a while to figure this one out, but it's now one of Pumpkin's favorite songs too, and we jam to it whenever we're cruising around in my "red mommy car" ;).
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)