Where has the week gone??? I've been so busy that I everything has fallen behind -- which includes blogging!! So, since I haven't blogged much, I'm warning you, this is going to be one random post!
Random thought #1 --
Our Friday playgroup has been something that the kids and I look forward to all week. We get together with a lot the neighbor kids and just hang out -- sometimes it's at one of our houses, sometimes we go swimming, sometimes we take them on a field trip, and sometimes it's a picnic in the park. Today we went to Dewey Park, and as always, it was great fun. Andrea, Danyel, Julie, Carolyn and I all brought the kids down for a little picnic, and the kids played their little hearts out. I forgot my camera at home, and missed out on several great photo-opts. It was such a gorgeous day -- 80* and not a cloud in the sky.... Even though it was great fun, I was a little emotional.... Since Katherine will be starting preschool next Wednesday, this will be her last playgroup in quite a while. Actually, I'm not sure if she'll be at "playgroup" until Thanksgiving break. UUUUUUUGH! I'm soooo not ready to let go of her yet. It's killing me I tell ya! Since she sees most of the kids every night outside after dinner, I'm not sure she really cares (or realizes that she'll be missing out on the fun) so clearly I'm the one with issues!
Caleb and I will still be going to playgroup every Friday. We'll have to leave early to pick up Katherine, but at least he'll be able to see his little friends all winter long! Katherine has school on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, so I've got lots of little activities with him planned. Monday is story time at the Clive library, Wednesday is Kindermusik and on Friday we have playgroup. I'm really looking forward to the one-on-one time with him, but will still miss having Katherine with us. Yea- I'm going to be a total mess next year when she's at kindergarten all day and heaven help us all when she goes off to college!
Random thought #2 --
Katherine desperately wanted a scooter last year for Christmas, and being the type of Grandma that my mom is, she wanted to get Katherine the gift of her dreams. Gotta love that! Anyway, when I told her to go ahead and buy it, I had envisioned the three wheel model -- probably pink with streamers and decorated with some type of Disney Princess or Barbie stuff all over. NOOOO, not my mom.... she picks out this two wheel bright red retro Schwinn model (which she deemed to be the "best") and gives that to Katherine for Christmas. In my mind, this just wouldn't do.... Katherine had never been on a scooter....how in the world would she balance on two wheels, and how would she "really" like this bright red number??? And most importantly, how could I tell my mom that her gift wasn't exactly what I had in mind???? So here I am kicking myself for not assigning this all important gift to Santa, and wondering how I'm going to convince my mom that her gift is "too old" for Katherine. Thankfully, my mom realized that she needed the three wheel pink girly model and bought that for her, but insisted that we keep the Schwinn.... Fine by me! We're all happy!! Gotta love that! LOL.
So all summer long Katherine had been riding her three wheel pink scooter, and getting along just fine. She looked adorable on it and was really mastering the balance thing... However, the Razor started popping up all over the neighborhood, and Katherine insisted that she was big enough for her two wheel scooter. My initial thought was NOOOOOOOO WAY! Part of me didn't think she was ready for a two wheeler, and the other part of me feared that the kids would laugh at her bright red retro model. It's much bigger and bulkier that all the other Razors in the neighborhood, and definitely not as sleek. Thankfully, Katherine is not a wallflower and really doesn't care what anyone else thinks of her or what she does. I LOVE THAT ABOUT HER!!
On Tuesday night we had an in-home visit with her preschool teachers and Katherine INSISTED that we haul it out of the basement. So out it came, with me cringing the whole way. But not Katherine, she was so proud of her new wheels and couldn't wait to show it off to all her friends. We now affectionately call it "the mobile" and all the kids line up to take turns riding it. I guess I was wrong! And thankfully so!
Random thought #3 --
We found out this week that Matt's office will be relocating to West Des Moines. Aviva recently acquired a piece of land out by Jordan Creek and plans to build in the near future. (I attached the link with the full story if you're interested -- just click on "Aviva"). Which begs the question -- Do we stay in Johnston or move out west???? There's so much I love about Johnston -- our friends, our neighborhood, the small town feel, really everything.... And I shudder at the thought of our kids going to Valley High School. I coached debate there for a while while I was in college, and it's just too much ... too big, too much money, too much peer pressure, too easy to get lost in the shuffle... So who knows???? I know we can't stay in this house forever -- especially after baby #3 arrives, but I'd really like to stay close to here.... We'll have to see, it'd be so nice for Matt to have a 5 minute drive to work, so I'm not ruling it out.
Random thought #4 --
I feel like I have the body of a 12 year old... No, I haven't lost a bunch of weight and stopped shaving my legs! LOL... I've got bumps and bruises all over my body. It's embarrassing really... Here's the lowdown --
I took the kids to the Playground for Kids last week. I was chasing Katherine though this inflatable obstacle course and as I was going down the slide, I must have put my elbow down on the slide. I ended up with a good size burn on my elbow and it keeps breaking open. Soooo frustrating. I love looking down and seeing blood all over!
Tuesday night I came down with a case of pink eye. Don't ask. I have no idea how I got it, but let me assure you, it's lovely.
Wednesday the kids and I went to the zoo with Andrea and Julie's hubby. They've got this cool new play structure in the petting zoo area and it's got lots of nooks and crannys to hide in. I was playing hide and go seek with the kids and decided to stand up at an inopportune time and totally banged my head. OUCH! The result was this super huge bump on the top of my head that still hurts every time I touch it, and combing my hair about brings tears to my eyes.
Yesterday the kids and I went to the park and Caleb wanted to go down the big enclosed curly slide, but was afraid to go on his own. So I put him on my lap and squeezed though the tunnel. Only I could find a way to skin my knee on the inside on of the slide going down!
And -- I've got a blister on my foot. No idea how it happened, but just add it to the list!!
So yea -- physically I'm a mess!
Random thought #4 --
Matt is going to be gone all next week. He's leaving Tuesday for NYC and he'll be gone until Thursday night for some conference. Friday morning he's leaving for Iowa City to see his beloved Hawkeyes play and staying at the Sheraton downtown. They have a two night minimum, so he'll be home until Sunday morning.
I originally thought of taking the NYC trip with him and bringing along a girlfriend for a couple of days of relaxing, shopping, sightseeing, great eats, and maybe a Broadway show. But then it dawned on me.... Wednesday is Katherine's first day of school, and given the choice, I'd choose her every time. How in the world could I not be there for her first day???
Random thought #5 --
Caleb -- Every day he's talking more and more. I'm constantly surprised by the things he says. It's so cute..... Matt and I are starting to wonder if we've got a class clown on our hands. We went out for dinner on Tuesday to this little Mexican restaurant that serves the most delish chips and salsa in the world. It's pretty authentic and they've got music constantly playing in the background. Caleb hears this, stands up in the booth and starts dancing. Not just swaying to the beat... the kid is totally groovin' and movin'. Then, after every bite, he starts making sound effects for himself. He sounds like half truck half animal.... Dinnertime was quite the show. LOL.
OK -- we're off to Rick and Danyel's house for pizza and cards/pool. Matt's parents bought us a great bottle of wine for a "congratulations you passed the CFA" present. So we're cracking that open as well. Looking forward to it!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Please???
Can I please have this moment back -- to hold onto forever???
The kids had just woken up from their naps, and I was changing Caleb's diaper while Katherine was sitting in his rocking chair. We were talking about dinner, and I was telling her that we were meeting Daddy at Mazatlan (our fave Mexican restaurant) for dinner. She was telling me what she wanted to order -- a chicken quesadilla with her favorite white cheese dip. She then told me to make sure it was chicken and reminded me about the last time when they accidentally brought her a beef one. We then had this conversation:
K: Mommy, why did they bring me beef instead of chicken?
M: It was just a mistake, honey.
K: Why did they make mistakes?
M: Well honey, everyone makes mistakes.
K: Why?
M: Because sweetie, no one is perfect.
K: But Mommy, you're perfect to me.
*sigh* How did I get so blessed?
The kids had just woken up from their naps, and I was changing Caleb's diaper while Katherine was sitting in his rocking chair. We were talking about dinner, and I was telling her that we were meeting Daddy at Mazatlan (our fave Mexican restaurant) for dinner. She was telling me what she wanted to order -- a chicken quesadilla with her favorite white cheese dip. She then told me to make sure it was chicken and reminded me about the last time when they accidentally brought her a beef one. We then had this conversation:
K: Mommy, why did they bring me beef instead of chicken?
M: It was just a mistake, honey.
K: Why did they make mistakes?
M: Well honey, everyone makes mistakes.
K: Why?
M: Because sweetie, no one is perfect.
K: But Mommy, you're perfect to me.
*sigh* How did I get so blessed?
Theft ....
I just want to SCREAM!!
I've just spent the last hour on the phone with Discover -- their theft department to be exact. UUUUUGH! They called to confirm a few charges we made today. The $7802.92 charge to Walgreen's is probably the "highlight". OK, I'm not even sure what you could possibly purchase at Walgreen's for that amount, but it was done, and with our card. GRRR... And then there were other charges (to Wetseal.com etc) that didn't go through because they weren't smart enough to write down the security code on the back. All of the purchases were made on-line -- they didn't have our card, so the numbers were manually inserted. Now we just need to figure out where we were that someone would have written down our number. I hate thieves. I really do. Mess up your life all you want... leave mine alone.
I've just spent the last hour on the phone with Discover -- their theft department to be exact. UUUUUGH! They called to confirm a few charges we made today. The $7802.92 charge to Walgreen's is probably the "highlight". OK, I'm not even sure what you could possibly purchase at Walgreen's for that amount, but it was done, and with our card. GRRR... And then there were other charges (to Wetseal.com etc) that didn't go through because they weren't smart enough to write down the security code on the back. All of the purchases were made on-line -- they didn't have our card, so the numbers were manually inserted. Now we just need to figure out where we were that someone would have written down our number. I hate thieves. I really do. Mess up your life all you want... leave mine alone.
Monday, August 27, 2007
My little ballerina
Here's my little Katherine on her first night of dance lessons. She's been looking forward to starting all summer long, and I can't believe that classes have already started... It seems like just yesterday I was gushing about how adorable she looked in her flower costume and now I'm staring in awe at these pictures ... I can't believe how she's grown. I can't believe how quickly the summer flew by. I can't believe that my little Katherine isn't a "baby" anymore. I can't believe how quickly she's grown into this amazing, funny, smart, sensitive, strong-willed preschooler that I'm blessed to have as a daughter.
Here's some pictures for ya... I know I've put too many out here, but I couldn't resist!! So -- Here she is, my little ballerina on a very important day in her life!
Dance class starts at 5 and Matt doesn't get home until 5:45 or so. So yea, guess what that means???? Caleb also attends dance class.... AAAHHH, great fun! Let's just say that he's totally smitten with little ballerinas and finds great fun in chasing them around yelling "HIIII!" at the top of his lungs.
Here's some pictures for ya... I know I've put too many out here, but I couldn't resist!! So -- Here she is, my little ballerina on a very important day in her life!
She's been practicing doing an arabesque all week long, and was trying to get Caleb to join in with her. He tried his hardest, but the poor kid kept falling down, so he gave up and went straight back to his bag of tricks -- doing somersaults!
Dance class starts at 5 and Matt doesn't get home until 5:45 or so. So yea, guess what that means???? Caleb also attends dance class.... AAAHHH, great fun! Let's just say that he's totally smitten with little ballerinas and finds great fun in chasing them around yelling "HIIII!" at the top of his lungs.
Having Caleb with us definitely added a different dynamic that we didn't have last year. After every class the girls get a "treat". It's usually a small piece of candy or a sucker, and once Caleb's eyes landed on the suckers and realized that EVERY other kid, BUT HIM, got one, he immediately started yelling, "MEEEEE TOOOO. MY TURN. PEEEEASE. PEEEEEASE. GANK YOU. PEEEASE. GANK YOU. MEEEEEE!". Oh, he was in rare form. There was nothing stoping him from getting his little hands on a sucker. He was loving every second!
After Katherine's ballet and tap class, they went downstairs to the tumbling studio and I changed her clothes and took off her tights. Caleb was having NONE of this. For some odd reason he thought Katherine needed to keep on her tights and insisted in running into the studio with tights in hand yelling "SISSY, HERE! SISSY, HERE!". Priceless! Most little girls would die of embarrassment, but not Katherine.... she gave him a big hug and kiss and told him to hold them for her. Thankfully he had an important job!
Then about half way through the class, the room went dark. Guess who the culprit was??? Caleb! But really, could it be anyone else??? He figured out that if he stood on the stairs on his tiptoes he could flip the switch. So there he stood, laughing and yelling "TIPTOES! TIPTOES!" Ay-yi-yi!! I think next Monday I'm going to send him to Grammy's house! LOL.
...and so it begins....
Fall... My favorite season. A time of cooler weather, crisp fall air, pumpkin patches, and sweatshirts. But this year it's different. My baby girl starts preschool next week, and it's now 3 days every week. UUUUGH. I'm already having heartburn about her being gone so much. I'll be a neurotic mess next year when she starts kindergarten. I'm soooo not ready!
Tonight she starts dance lessons, and she can't wait. She's taking a 45 minute class that is half ballet and half tap. After that, she's taking a 30 minute tumbling class. She's been looking forward to this all summer, and it's finally here. She's ready, but her overprotective, can't let go momma isn't so sure. August isn't even over yet, and I'm already missing the lazy days of summer. Getting up around 7:30 and making the all important decision... Should we go to the pool, Adventureland, the zoo, a park, the Science Center.... I'm warning you now, next year is going to be a ROUGH one for me...
I'm off to clean. Katherine's preschool teacher is coming over tomorrow night for a home visit before school starts, and the house has to look good!
Which reminds me.... Do you ever have those days when if someone would walk into your house, you'd just die??? We were gone and busy all weekend and I wasn't home more than a few minutes at all this past weekend, and our house just turned into a dumping ground -- toys everywhere, laundry that had to be done, bathrooms that needed to be cleaned. You get the idea... Anyway, we went out with a bunch of friends/neighbors and Danyel was nice enough to get two sitters and invite Katherine and Caleb to her house. When we got home around 10:30 Katherine, Caleb and Walker all decided that they needed pancakes, so off to our house we went. I could have died... My house was a disaster!! GRRRR..... Hate that....
Tonight she starts dance lessons, and she can't wait. She's taking a 45 minute class that is half ballet and half tap. After that, she's taking a 30 minute tumbling class. She's been looking forward to this all summer, and it's finally here. She's ready, but her overprotective, can't let go momma isn't so sure. August isn't even over yet, and I'm already missing the lazy days of summer. Getting up around 7:30 and making the all important decision... Should we go to the pool, Adventureland, the zoo, a park, the Science Center.... I'm warning you now, next year is going to be a ROUGH one for me...
I'm off to clean. Katherine's preschool teacher is coming over tomorrow night for a home visit before school starts, and the house has to look good!
Which reminds me.... Do you ever have those days when if someone would walk into your house, you'd just die??? We were gone and busy all weekend and I wasn't home more than a few minutes at all this past weekend, and our house just turned into a dumping ground -- toys everywhere, laundry that had to be done, bathrooms that needed to be cleaned. You get the idea... Anyway, we went out with a bunch of friends/neighbors and Danyel was nice enough to get two sitters and invite Katherine and Caleb to her house. When we got home around 10:30 Katherine, Caleb and Walker all decided that they needed pancakes, so off to our house we went. I could have died... My house was a disaster!! GRRRR..... Hate that....
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Date night
Oh, how I love date night, and tonight was no exception!! Matt and I had planned on going out to celebrate the fact that he's now a CFA and all the hours of studying are behind us. I can't even tell you what a relief that is! I'm so proud of him, and forever grateful that he sacrificed so much for us. Now it's time to celebrate!!
Laurie came over to watch the kids for us, and they had a great time playing with Morgan. I'm sure it didn't help that they feasted on pizza, had a popcorn party and then Clyde showed up with ice cream in hand! The crew was pretty happy, and I hear that my two little ones LOVE mint chip!
Matt's parents came to town tonight -- they're flying out in the morning for NYC, so they joined us as well. It was so nice to see them, and we were thrilled that they could celebrate with us.
We decided to go to Bonefish Grill, and the food was super yummy!! I don't eat anything that swims (but their chicken marsala is delish), but Matt loves seafood, so we were both loving it!! Oh, and they've got the yummiest pomegranate martinis in the world. LOVE THEM! (...and since we were "celebrating" I couldn't stop at just one!)
On a totally different note .... I registered Caleb for Kindermusic today. He'll be in class from 10:30 - 11:15 on Wednesday mornings. Katherine gets out of preschool at 11:30, so it'll be a rush to pick her up on time, but we should be able to do it as long as I don't chat long!! I'm really looking forward to spending this time with him. Katherine and I went to Kindermusic when she was this age, and now the torch has been passed. As you can imagine, I have mixed feelings.... on one hand, I'm thrilled that Caleb and I are doing this together, but sad that the time is passing so quickly and Katherine is no longer my little Kindermusic buddy. I fondly remember the Thursday nights that I'd pick her up at my mom's house after work, eat a quick dinner, and then head to class together. Oh, how quickly the time has gone.
Speaking of time passing.... I was just reading this article that really hit close to home. Without going into all the details, the basic message was that we, as parents, hurry our kids through life - from one activity to the next, not allowing them time enough time to dillydally, and then we complain that they've grown up too fast. How ironic is that???
I also registered Katherine for dance and tumbling tonight. Her dance class is part ballet and part tap, and she's soooo looking forward to it. She's been practicing her cartwheels and round offs in the living room non-stop, so she's READY!! We start Monday night, and she's counting the hours!
I also plan to take Caleb to this wonderful story time on Monday mornings. I can't register until the 27th, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get in. I'm sure he'll love it, and I'm really looking forward to the one-on-one time with him! Not to mention that it gives us a great activity to do together while Katherine is in school.
Laurie came over to watch the kids for us, and they had a great time playing with Morgan. I'm sure it didn't help that they feasted on pizza, had a popcorn party and then Clyde showed up with ice cream in hand! The crew was pretty happy, and I hear that my two little ones LOVE mint chip!
Matt's parents came to town tonight -- they're flying out in the morning for NYC, so they joined us as well. It was so nice to see them, and we were thrilled that they could celebrate with us.
We decided to go to Bonefish Grill, and the food was super yummy!! I don't eat anything that swims (but their chicken marsala is delish), but Matt loves seafood, so we were both loving it!! Oh, and they've got the yummiest pomegranate martinis in the world. LOVE THEM! (...and since we were "celebrating" I couldn't stop at just one!)
On a totally different note .... I registered Caleb for Kindermusic today. He'll be in class from 10:30 - 11:15 on Wednesday mornings. Katherine gets out of preschool at 11:30, so it'll be a rush to pick her up on time, but we should be able to do it as long as I don't chat long!! I'm really looking forward to spending this time with him. Katherine and I went to Kindermusic when she was this age, and now the torch has been passed. As you can imagine, I have mixed feelings.... on one hand, I'm thrilled that Caleb and I are doing this together, but sad that the time is passing so quickly and Katherine is no longer my little Kindermusic buddy. I fondly remember the Thursday nights that I'd pick her up at my mom's house after work, eat a quick dinner, and then head to class together. Oh, how quickly the time has gone.
Speaking of time passing.... I was just reading this article that really hit close to home. Without going into all the details, the basic message was that we, as parents, hurry our kids through life - from one activity to the next, not allowing them time enough time to dillydally, and then we complain that they've grown up too fast. How ironic is that???
I also registered Katherine for dance and tumbling tonight. Her dance class is part ballet and part tap, and she's soooo looking forward to it. She's been practicing her cartwheels and round offs in the living room non-stop, so she's READY!! We start Monday night, and she's counting the hours!
I also plan to take Caleb to this wonderful story time on Monday mornings. I can't register until the 27th, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get in. I'm sure he'll love it, and I'm really looking forward to the one-on-one time with him! Not to mention that it gives us a great activity to do together while Katherine is in school.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Pool party
It was a hot one today!! I'm not complaining though. I know all too soon the summer heat will be replaced with cool fall air, and going to the pool will be nothing more than a fond memory...
So, since Ashby Park closes tomorrow, the kids and I went there today with Andrea and her three boys and Carolyn and her two girls. It was the last time this year we'll be able to go, so we wanted to make one last trip. It was such a good day -- we packed a picnic lunch, and all of the kids played their little hearts out. Katherine also happened to run into a little girl from her preschool class last year that she hasn't seen since June, so that was great for her. As soon as she saw Avery, she screamed and gave her a great big hug, and Avery was instantly welcomed into the little playgroup as if she's known everyone forever. I love this age... The kids aren't clicky and definitely have a "more the merrier" attitude. Everyone got along soooo well.
Today, Caleb was in his element. It's so wonderful to see him grow and evolve with each trip. Each time we go, he feels more confident in the water, and tries something a little more daring, something a little further out of his comfort zone. In the middle of the pool, there is a round platform that kids can play on and swim around. Today, Caleb was standing up there like such a big shot jumping off into the water and squealing with laughter. At first he was jumping into my arms, but as time went on, he decided that he was a big boy and jumped into the water by himself. He was hot stuff!! .... and if you don't believe me, just ask him!! LOL
Later in the day, he saw Katherine swimming with Max and Isaac and tried to copy them. He had his hands on the bottom of pool and was trying his hardest to swim like the bigger kids. He was getting pretty good!!
After we got home and the kids got up from their naps, Katherine thought it was a grand idea to fire up the oven and bake cookies. Initially, I was like, "HELLO, it's like 90 degrees out, why don't we go outside and eat popsicles???", but after she grabbed the butter out of the fridge and hopped up on the island, how could I possibly say no??? So, I pulled out the mixer and both kids sat on the island and took turns adding ingredients. And the cookies??? They turned out pretty yummy!! Now, I've just got to find people to give them away to. I can't have them in the house!!
OH -- a Katherine funny for ya...
Tonight after dinner, I had to run to Target and pick up a few things, so Katherine and I went in shopping while Matt and Caleb bonded over outdoor furniture. (He went to look for a new set for the patio). Anyway, Katherine is sitting in the cart eating a cookie while I'm picking out cherries and grapes a foot or two from her. All of a sudden, she sees a father/son duo and yells to me... "Hey mommy! Look at those two boys. Why are they wearing earrings??? It looks like a girl thing". Oh my goodness, I wanted to die. If I could have hidden in among the grapes I certainly would have!! AAAHHH!
So, since Ashby Park closes tomorrow, the kids and I went there today with Andrea and her three boys and Carolyn and her two girls. It was the last time this year we'll be able to go, so we wanted to make one last trip. It was such a good day -- we packed a picnic lunch, and all of the kids played their little hearts out. Katherine also happened to run into a little girl from her preschool class last year that she hasn't seen since June, so that was great for her. As soon as she saw Avery, she screamed and gave her a great big hug, and Avery was instantly welcomed into the little playgroup as if she's known everyone forever. I love this age... The kids aren't clicky and definitely have a "more the merrier" attitude. Everyone got along soooo well.
Today, Caleb was in his element. It's so wonderful to see him grow and evolve with each trip. Each time we go, he feels more confident in the water, and tries something a little more daring, something a little further out of his comfort zone. In the middle of the pool, there is a round platform that kids can play on and swim around. Today, Caleb was standing up there like such a big shot jumping off into the water and squealing with laughter. At first he was jumping into my arms, but as time went on, he decided that he was a big boy and jumped into the water by himself. He was hot stuff!! .... and if you don't believe me, just ask him!! LOL
Later in the day, he saw Katherine swimming with Max and Isaac and tried to copy them. He had his hands on the bottom of pool and was trying his hardest to swim like the bigger kids. He was getting pretty good!!
After we got home and the kids got up from their naps, Katherine thought it was a grand idea to fire up the oven and bake cookies. Initially, I was like, "HELLO, it's like 90 degrees out, why don't we go outside and eat popsicles???", but after she grabbed the butter out of the fridge and hopped up on the island, how could I possibly say no??? So, I pulled out the mixer and both kids sat on the island and took turns adding ingredients. And the cookies??? They turned out pretty yummy!! Now, I've just got to find people to give them away to. I can't have them in the house!!
OH -- a Katherine funny for ya...
Tonight after dinner, I had to run to Target and pick up a few things, so Katherine and I went in shopping while Matt and Caleb bonded over outdoor furniture. (He went to look for a new set for the patio). Anyway, Katherine is sitting in the cart eating a cookie while I'm picking out cherries and grapes a foot or two from her. All of a sudden, she sees a father/son duo and yells to me... "Hey mommy! Look at those two boys. Why are they wearing earrings??? It looks like a girl thing". Oh my goodness, I wanted to die. If I could have hidden in among the grapes I certainly would have!! AAAHHH!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Adventureland
If only summer could last forever..... These are the days -- trips to Adventureland and the zoo, not worrying about school or bedtimes, eating ice cream at 3 in the afternoon just because..... Oh, how I wish we could freeze today and hold onto this time forever -- when our kids were little and carefree.... when the clock didn't exist... when we could dillydally to our hearts content... when we didn't have to succumb to the time constraints of "real life".... when we could spend all day with family and friends, and little else mattered....
Today is the last day of the season that Adventureland is open during the week. After today, it's just open on the weekends until the end of September so we had to take advantage of these fleeting moments...
Katherine, Caleb and I went to Adventureland with Danyel, Walker & Ryan and Michelle, Ben & Tessa. Despite the heat and humidity (Michelle said the humidity was 87 percent -- which is ridiculous) the kids had soooo much fun. They got to ride on pretty much every ride they wanted -- most more than once. They were in heaven!!
I couldn't get any of the black and white photos to load up today, so if blogger cooperates, I'll post more pictures tonight. Stay tuned!!
Here is Katerine with Walker and Ryan. They were walking along holding hands, and then just decided to plop on the ground. It was giggle central! So cute!
Here they are running to the boat ride!
Caleb and Tessa trying to feed the ducks some leftover bread and Ritz crackers. Unfortunately, it was more abut the "throwing" than the "feeding"!
Here are all the kids waiting in line for the boat ride. The coolest thing happened while we were waiting -- a girl came up and gave us 3 stuffed animals she had won. How nice is that???
Katherine, Walker and Tessa on the boats.
Caleb and Ben... I'm not sure what it is about Ben specifically, but Caleb LOOOOOVES him! As in, Caleb gets all giddy whenever he sees Ben. It's got to be the big boy envy thing! And today Ben had on a Hawkeye tattoo which Caleb was obsessed with! He kept pointing and screaming "Hawkeye"!! For anyone who's wondering -- no he didn't learn that word from me!!
Katherine, Walker, Caleb and Ben on the ladybug roller coaster.
The carousel -- always our first stop in the park!
Look at that smile!! Caleb is one happy boy -- and that makes one happy mommy!
Not sure if you can tell in this picture, but Ben is all the way on the left, and Katherine and Walker are the second and third from the right.
Caleb and his buddy Ben on the airplanes! It was so cute -- while they were in line to get on the ride, Caleb ran right up to Ben and grabbed his hand and didn't stop laughing (and pointing out the Hawkeye tattoo). He's got stars in his eyes for sure!
Katherine and Walker flying high!!
Before we left the park, we took the kids on the train and then over to the ice cream shop for a treat before we left. Before we realized it, 3 pm had come and gone. By the time we loaded up the kids in the car it was almost 3:30 and the kids were sweaty and tired, but completely happy. And really... isn't that what summer is about? I love days like today! Why, oh why, can't these lazy days of summer last forever???
Friday, August 17, 2007
Oh, HAPPY day!!
Today is a WONDERFUL day. Really *REALLY* great day. It's the day we've been waiting for -- well for MONTHS!
That's right -- after months of studying and preparation, and even more months waiting for results, the final verdict is in .....
MATT PASSED THE CFA!!! WOO-HOO!!
I am so proud of him, and so grateful for all the sacrifices he made for us. He's worked really hard over these past years, and it's all paying off in a big way.
I'm already looking forward to next spring when we can do fun stuff as a family and plan a get-away over Memorial Day weekend. Life is good.... really really REALLY good!
My sister is coming over Wednesday night to watch the kids while Matt and I go out for dinner, and now we've got a lot to celebrate!! And a bonfire in the backyard fueled by boxes of study materials is in the works. Just think of the smores we'll be able to make!! Love it!!
That's right -- after months of studying and preparation, and even more months waiting for results, the final verdict is in .....
MATT PASSED THE CFA!!! WOO-HOO!!
I am so proud of him, and so grateful for all the sacrifices he made for us. He's worked really hard over these past years, and it's all paying off in a big way.
I'm already looking forward to next spring when we can do fun stuff as a family and plan a get-away over Memorial Day weekend. Life is good.... really really REALLY good!
My sister is coming over Wednesday night to watch the kids while Matt and I go out for dinner, and now we've got a lot to celebrate!! And a bonfire in the backyard fueled by boxes of study materials is in the works. Just think of the smores we'll be able to make!! Love it!!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Busy, busy busy....
What a difference a week makes! Last week at this time, I was housebound with two sick kids, unable to even leave the house, and on the verge of being sick myself. Today we were home for a total of two hours -- while the kids napped. Let me just tell you how WONDERFUL it is to be able to do fun stuff again!!
This morning when we woke up, it was super cloudy and just starting to rain. After a quick peek at the weather report, it was obvious that Matt would not be spending the morning working on the patio as planned, and decided to join Michelle, Ben, Tessa and the kids and I at the Science Center. Since we typically go to the SCI only during the week, it was the first time Matt had been there in months!! The kids LOVED having their daddy with us!
A quick public service announcement -- any mother (or mother-to-be) of a little boy must know how to build tons of random stuff out of Lego's. This would include, but not be limited to, buildings, airplanes, space rockets, & cars and trucks of every type and kind. No one told me this, and oh, I wish they had!! With Katherine, learning how to build stuff with Lego's was not in the job description of a mommy. With Caleb (and every other little boy I know) -- it's an absolute necessity. Failing is not an option. With that being said.....
The highlight of any trip to the Science Center for Caleb is the Lego car racetrack. They have this Lego station where you can build a car, and then race it on the timed track next to it. Oh, how he loves to stand on the little stool and watch his car go down the slope. He could stand there for hours, and hours and hours! LOL! In the past, I've made some real winners of cars, let me assure you! To call them a jalopy, would be kind.... But, as long as Caleb has some Lego's piled up on wheels, he's happy!
Well today Matt decides that he's going to build his son this *amazing* car. It actually looks like a race car, and all the other little boys sooooo wanted to get their hands on this thing! It was a real engineering marvel! And fast???? Yea, it won every race!
As irony would have it, guess what car Caleb raced with????? MINE!! It wasn't pretty, but he loved it, and if ANYONE dared to touch it, he FREAKED!! Poor Tessa.... She tried to pick it up at the bottom of the track, and Caleb started yelling, "NNNNNOOOOO". He loved the car I made (AAWWWW), and Katherine got to be the envy of all the other kids and used the car Matt made for her!! She didn't lose a race!
We left the Science Center around 2, and then drove home and put the kids down for their naps. As soon as they woke up, we went out to the Iowa State Fair with Rick and Danyel and their kids. Typically I HATE the fair, but bringing kids puts a whole new perspective on things. They LOVED it, and their energy is contagious.
As soon as we got there, we headed straight for the farm equipment and let the kids try out all of the different tractors and digger type things they could sit on. Caleb was in HEAVEN! He was pulling levers and pushing buttons like a wild man and didn't stop smiling the entire time. And yes, I didn't bring the camera! Next year! (Can you believe just said that???)
Totally random -- They had prices on all the tractors and guess how much they cost.... $250,000!! And that doesn't even include the attachment things on the back! I about died!! I would have guessed somewhere in the neighborhood of $50,000. How insane is that????
Another highlight was the animal education building. It was super cool!! They had several pens of week old baby pigs that you could get up close to and pet. Both kids stuck their little hands right in the pen! They also had baby chicks - probably 100 or so of them. I held one while the kids petted it, and holy cow.... it was such a huge hit! Caleb stuck is little finger ever so gently on the chick's head and then quickly pulled back and roared with laughter. It was GREAT!!
Tomorrow morning we're heading back to Ashby Park with Danyel and the kids. It closes next week, so we want to take advantage of it while we can. I can't believe fall is almost here! Oh, if only summer could last forever!
This morning when we woke up, it was super cloudy and just starting to rain. After a quick peek at the weather report, it was obvious that Matt would not be spending the morning working on the patio as planned, and decided to join Michelle, Ben, Tessa and the kids and I at the Science Center. Since we typically go to the SCI only during the week, it was the first time Matt had been there in months!! The kids LOVED having their daddy with us!
A quick public service announcement -- any mother (or mother-to-be) of a little boy must know how to build tons of random stuff out of Lego's. This would include, but not be limited to, buildings, airplanes, space rockets, & cars and trucks of every type and kind. No one told me this, and oh, I wish they had!! With Katherine, learning how to build stuff with Lego's was not in the job description of a mommy. With Caleb (and every other little boy I know) -- it's an absolute necessity. Failing is not an option. With that being said.....
The highlight of any trip to the Science Center for Caleb is the Lego car racetrack. They have this Lego station where you can build a car, and then race it on the timed track next to it. Oh, how he loves to stand on the little stool and watch his car go down the slope. He could stand there for hours, and hours and hours! LOL! In the past, I've made some real winners of cars, let me assure you! To call them a jalopy, would be kind.... But, as long as Caleb has some Lego's piled up on wheels, he's happy!
Well today Matt decides that he's going to build his son this *amazing* car. It actually looks like a race car, and all the other little boys sooooo wanted to get their hands on this thing! It was a real engineering marvel! And fast???? Yea, it won every race!
As irony would have it, guess what car Caleb raced with????? MINE!! It wasn't pretty, but he loved it, and if ANYONE dared to touch it, he FREAKED!! Poor Tessa.... She tried to pick it up at the bottom of the track, and Caleb started yelling, "NNNNNOOOOO". He loved the car I made (AAWWWW), and Katherine got to be the envy of all the other kids and used the car Matt made for her!! She didn't lose a race!
We left the Science Center around 2, and then drove home and put the kids down for their naps. As soon as they woke up, we went out to the Iowa State Fair with Rick and Danyel and their kids. Typically I HATE the fair, but bringing kids puts a whole new perspective on things. They LOVED it, and their energy is contagious.
As soon as we got there, we headed straight for the farm equipment and let the kids try out all of the different tractors and digger type things they could sit on. Caleb was in HEAVEN! He was pulling levers and pushing buttons like a wild man and didn't stop smiling the entire time. And yes, I didn't bring the camera! Next year! (Can you believe just said that???)
Totally random -- They had prices on all the tractors and guess how much they cost.... $250,000!! And that doesn't even include the attachment things on the back! I about died!! I would have guessed somewhere in the neighborhood of $50,000. How insane is that????
Another highlight was the animal education building. It was super cool!! They had several pens of week old baby pigs that you could get up close to and pet. Both kids stuck their little hands right in the pen! They also had baby chicks - probably 100 or so of them. I held one while the kids petted it, and holy cow.... it was such a huge hit! Caleb stuck is little finger ever so gently on the chick's head and then quickly pulled back and roared with laughter. It was GREAT!!
Tomorrow morning we're heading back to Ashby Park with Danyel and the kids. It closes next week, so we want to take advantage of it while we can. I can't believe fall is almost here! Oh, if only summer could last forever!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Ashby Park
Since today was another scorcher, the kids and I went swimming at Ashby Park. It was such a perfect day! For some reason, despite the heat and humidity, there weren't very many people there. It was great!!
In the beginning of the summer, Caleb was timid around the fountains. He wasn't totally sure if he liked them or not, and wasn't that into water being splashed in his face. Today as I was sitting in the pool and throwing him around, I realized how much he changed over the course of the summer. He was running around, splashing, totally coming into his own. He LOVES it!!
Here's a ton of pictures for ya --
This first fountain is pretty cool. It changes between one really high and forceful fountain in the middle and then several smaller and spread out shoots of water in a circle.
Caleb was standing in the middle of the fountain trying to stand on the lone shoot of water when it changed to the multi-stream. He's running as fast as he can outta there!!
Katherine and Ben showing all the mommies how they can swim, put their faces under the water and blow bubbles. Way to go guys!
In the beginning of the summer, Caleb was timid around the fountains. He wasn't totally sure if he liked them or not, and wasn't that into water being splashed in his face. Today as I was sitting in the pool and throwing him around, I realized how much he changed over the course of the summer. He was running around, splashing, totally coming into his own. He LOVES it!!
Here's a ton of pictures for ya --
This first fountain is pretty cool. It changes between one really high and forceful fountain in the middle and then several smaller and spread out shoots of water in a circle.
Caleb was standing in the middle of the fountain trying to stand on the lone shoot of water when it changed to the multi-stream. He's running as fast as he can outta there!!
Katherine and Ben showing all the mommies how they can swim, put their faces under the water and blow bubbles. Way to go guys!
As soon as I got out the camera, Caleb started yelling "CHEEEZZE!" and this is the goofy grin I got. LOVE it!
Matt has vacation this entire week, so he's been hard at work trying to get the patio finished in the backyard. Thank goodness it's cooling down tomorrow. How many more days in a row can we take that are in the upper 90's with 85% humidity. UUUUGH!
Monday, August 13, 2007
I'm back BABY!!
OMG -- in a word, last week SUCKED -- BIG TIME!! Sorry to just lay it out there like that, but I've got to tell you... I really can't say it any other way.... It was just terrible.
We had planned on going down to Kansas City to spend the weekend with Brian and Val. We were all set for a super fun weekend, hanging out with good friends, swimming in their pool, celebrating Matt's 35th birthday. I hear Brian's mom even made Matt a big birthday cookie, which Val decorated. No such luck. Any and all fun eluded us. Here's how the week went:
Saturday night Katherine came down with pink eye, so I called my sister who now works at an eye clinic, and she gave me drops that would clear up the pink eye. No big deal I think..... shouldn't interfere with our plans an entire week away...
Then remember this when Caleb came down with strep throat and I had to haul him into an incompetent doctor? I thought that since it was Tuesday, it shouldn't interfere with our weekend plans as Caleb would have been on antibiotics for 4 days before we saw little Will.
In a nutshell what happened later in the week just about made me pull my hair out.... I had to take Katherine back to Dr. Jon the next day for strep throat. I'm not going to rant on and on and on about how the doctor that treated Caleb works so differently than Jon, but let's just say that if they practiced medicine ON THE SAME PLANET I wouldn't have to go in two days in a row, and Katherine could have been on meds earlier. Since her strep throat was allowed to progress another day, she got so much sicker that Caleb.
Oh, it was great. She woke up at 4 am and started throwing up (which surprisingly is a common 'side effect' of strep throat. Who knew???) everywhere... and it was every 20 minutes or so. Good times. I loved every moment. Trying to keep Katherine and Caleb on separate floors was soooo hard! I should have lost 20 pounds just from running up and down the stairs 1,000 times that day. It was insane.
Well, since Katherine was really sick, and I had no soda in the house I was without caffeine. Not a big deal to most -- but I'm addicted -- Lindsey Lohan type addiction. It's horrible. I drink waaaay to much. Now I had EVERY intention of giving up caffeine before I got pregnant again, but had no intention of doing so for several months. Anyway, since Katherine was so sick I couldn't leave the house and get my fix, so I was without my much needed pick me up!
As expected, later that night I came down with a headache and was chilled. I couldn't wait to get into bed. I assumed it was lack of caffeine and didn't give it much of a thought. However, Friday morning I woke up in a terrible state. The headache behind my eyes was insane! I couldn't move my eyes from side to side without screaming in pain. Any kind of bright light about brought me to tears. My temples were throbbing. I was nauseous. I was chilled. I ached all over. I literally couldn't care for Katherine and Caleb. I took them to the dark, cool basement and put in a movie and laid on the couch in tears. Oh, and we were scheduled to leave for Kansas City in a few hours.
At about noon, I crawled into the shower and could barely stand up... I had to be in there for 30 minutes or better, praying the whole time I wouldn't fall over and blackout. When I got out, I had tons of red spots all over my stomach and chest. REALITY CHECK -- We are not going to KC, and I need to go to the doctor.
Oh, and yea, it's Matt's 35th birthday.
So after he gets home I head to the walk-in clinic. Fun times let me tell ya. It was scary!! Good thing I was so sick, or I probably wouldn't have stayed... I finally get to the see the doctor (which was a DO I might add), and my fever is 101.3. My strep test came back positive... (Funny, as my throat didn't hurt at all!!) And a headache is also one of the most common symptoms of strep. Again, who knew??? Not me! So I'm sure part of the headache was from lack of caffeine, and part of it was from strep, but never in my life have I had a headache like this... It was horrible. Seriously debilitating.
So after Matt took me to the pharmacist, we headed home and I went straight to bed. Matt and the kids played outside with the neighbors until 10:30 or so, and then after they went to bed, he went back over to Rick and Danyel's house. Thankfully, they were nice enough to entertain him on his birthday!
Since we were packed to go to KC, Matt and the kids went up to LeMars to spend the weekend with his parents and just got home this afternoon. I spent all day Saturday and Sunday on the couch. Literally, I barely moved. The long leather sofa in the basement probably has my body imprinted on it.
I haven't been this sick in ages... Actually I don't remember ever feeling this way. BUT... if there's a silver lining in all this... I've given up caffeine. I'm on day 5 and it's actually a wonderful feeling. For some strange reason, I actually feel stronger ... healthier.
Don't push the panic button -- I'm not giving up my Starbuck's, but in the near future, I won't be visiting. I need to detox for a while. I don't want to "need" anything as badly as I "needed" caffeine in the recent past. I knew it had to be bad, when every time we passed a Casey's Katherine asked me if I was going to get my soda... Don't you need your caffeine, Mommy, she'd ask....
So starting tomorrow, we're back!! We barely left the house last week, and we are sooooo not a sitting around the house, doing nothing type of crowd. We were all going nuts. Tomorrow, we're off to the Science Center with Michelle, Nicholas and Caden. We're soooo excited.
Oh, and we're banning public places the week before Disney!
We had planned on going down to Kansas City to spend the weekend with Brian and Val. We were all set for a super fun weekend, hanging out with good friends, swimming in their pool, celebrating Matt's 35th birthday. I hear Brian's mom even made Matt a big birthday cookie, which Val decorated. No such luck. Any and all fun eluded us. Here's how the week went:
Saturday night Katherine came down with pink eye, so I called my sister who now works at an eye clinic, and she gave me drops that would clear up the pink eye. No big deal I think..... shouldn't interfere with our plans an entire week away...
Then remember this when Caleb came down with strep throat and I had to haul him into an incompetent doctor? I thought that since it was Tuesday, it shouldn't interfere with our weekend plans as Caleb would have been on antibiotics for 4 days before we saw little Will.
In a nutshell what happened later in the week just about made me pull my hair out.... I had to take Katherine back to Dr. Jon the next day for strep throat. I'm not going to rant on and on and on about how the doctor that treated Caleb works so differently than Jon, but let's just say that if they practiced medicine ON THE SAME PLANET I wouldn't have to go in two days in a row, and Katherine could have been on meds earlier. Since her strep throat was allowed to progress another day, she got so much sicker that Caleb.
Oh, it was great. She woke up at 4 am and started throwing up (which surprisingly is a common 'side effect' of strep throat. Who knew???) everywhere... and it was every 20 minutes or so. Good times. I loved every moment. Trying to keep Katherine and Caleb on separate floors was soooo hard! I should have lost 20 pounds just from running up and down the stairs 1,000 times that day. It was insane.
Well, since Katherine was really sick, and I had no soda in the house I was without caffeine. Not a big deal to most -- but I'm addicted -- Lindsey Lohan type addiction. It's horrible. I drink waaaay to much. Now I had EVERY intention of giving up caffeine before I got pregnant again, but had no intention of doing so for several months. Anyway, since Katherine was so sick I couldn't leave the house and get my fix, so I was without my much needed pick me up!
As expected, later that night I came down with a headache and was chilled. I couldn't wait to get into bed. I assumed it was lack of caffeine and didn't give it much of a thought. However, Friday morning I woke up in a terrible state. The headache behind my eyes was insane! I couldn't move my eyes from side to side without screaming in pain. Any kind of bright light about brought me to tears. My temples were throbbing. I was nauseous. I was chilled. I ached all over. I literally couldn't care for Katherine and Caleb. I took them to the dark, cool basement and put in a movie and laid on the couch in tears. Oh, and we were scheduled to leave for Kansas City in a few hours.
At about noon, I crawled into the shower and could barely stand up... I had to be in there for 30 minutes or better, praying the whole time I wouldn't fall over and blackout. When I got out, I had tons of red spots all over my stomach and chest. REALITY CHECK -- We are not going to KC, and I need to go to the doctor.
Oh, and yea, it's Matt's 35th birthday.
So after he gets home I head to the walk-in clinic. Fun times let me tell ya. It was scary!! Good thing I was so sick, or I probably wouldn't have stayed... I finally get to the see the doctor (which was a DO I might add), and my fever is 101.3. My strep test came back positive... (Funny, as my throat didn't hurt at all!!) And a headache is also one of the most common symptoms of strep. Again, who knew??? Not me! So I'm sure part of the headache was from lack of caffeine, and part of it was from strep, but never in my life have I had a headache like this... It was horrible. Seriously debilitating.
So after Matt took me to the pharmacist, we headed home and I went straight to bed. Matt and the kids played outside with the neighbors until 10:30 or so, and then after they went to bed, he went back over to Rick and Danyel's house. Thankfully, they were nice enough to entertain him on his birthday!
Since we were packed to go to KC, Matt and the kids went up to LeMars to spend the weekend with his parents and just got home this afternoon. I spent all day Saturday and Sunday on the couch. Literally, I barely moved. The long leather sofa in the basement probably has my body imprinted on it.
I haven't been this sick in ages... Actually I don't remember ever feeling this way. BUT... if there's a silver lining in all this... I've given up caffeine. I'm on day 5 and it's actually a wonderful feeling. For some strange reason, I actually feel stronger ... healthier.
Don't push the panic button -- I'm not giving up my Starbuck's, but in the near future, I won't be visiting. I need to detox for a while. I don't want to "need" anything as badly as I "needed" caffeine in the recent past. I knew it had to be bad, when every time we passed a Casey's Katherine asked me if I was going to get my soda... Don't you need your caffeine, Mommy, she'd ask....
So starting tomorrow, we're back!! We barely left the house last week, and we are sooooo not a sitting around the house, doing nothing type of crowd. We were all going nuts. Tomorrow, we're off to the Science Center with Michelle, Nicholas and Caden. We're soooo excited.
Oh, and we're banning public places the week before Disney!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
how true...
Just saw this quote and LOVE it...
"YOU MUST CARRY THREE BONES WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES... A WISHBONE, A BACKBONE AND A FUNNY BONE".
"YOU MUST CARRY THREE BONES WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES... A WISHBONE, A BACKBONE AND A FUNNY BONE".
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
I'm surrounded...
by sickness!! UUUUUGH! Both kids -- two totally different illnesses....
So Saturday night when we went out to dinner with Michelle and Lee, Katherine came up to me complaining that her eye hurt and itched, and that she had trouble seeing out of the right one. (Gross alert....). After taking a quick look, I notice a huge goober, so I washed my hands (with antibacterial wipes) and then stuck my pinkie fingernail in the corner of her eye and pulled out a ginormous goober. It was yellowish and super yucky! I had to pull out several more over the course of the night, and when she woke up in the morning, her eye was matted shut. So I called my sister, who now works for an eye doctor, and she took a look... Just as I expected -- pink eye. So she gave me an antibiotic, and I started putting that into her eyes Sunday night.
Holy cow, can I just tell you how much DRA-MAH is involved with trying to put eye drops into a 4 year olds eyes??? Not pretty! So I did what any rational mom would do -- I bribed her with candy -- mini-M&M's to be exact! Oh, how well it works! LOL!! She's an old pro by now!! And, I'd never tell her this, but I'd probably make just as big of a stink as she did... I can't stand anything coming near my eyes, so I totally sympathize with her!!
So then, Sunday night Matt asks me if I thought Caleb was a little "off". He thought he seemed warm and not eating like normal... He went to bed fine, and I decided to wait and see how he was in the morning. Yesterday morning he didn't eat breakfast, but was in a great mood and running around like a champ. Katherine had been wanting (begging) to go to Jumpin' Jacks, so we decided to go there with Ben and Michelle. Caleb didn't eat lunch, but he was running around, jumping in the bounce houses, and in a really REALLY great mood. When it was getting close to the time we were going to leave, he came and sat on my lap while Katherine and Ben went thought the inflatable obstacle course. He felt warm -- really warm. So I gave him some Tylenol, and then on the way home I called Dr. Jon's office.
I made an appointment for this morning with Jon, but after telling them all of Caleb's symptoms -- fever for well over 24 hours, not eating, not many wet/dirty diapers, and talking to the nurse, they wanted to see him that afternoon and would work him in. The problem -- Jon was full and they'd work Caleb in with a doctor that I do not trust -- at all. Ironically, that doctor was WIIIDDEEE open and we were seen within 2 minutes of sitting down in the VERY FULL waiting room. UUUUGH!
Caleb has an ear infection, and strep throat. OK -- this doctor can tell if his ear is red, and anyone can read "positive" on the rapid test, so I was fine with giving him the antibiotic. However, when it was time to actually give it to him, I about had heart failure. Caleb was prescribed DOUBLE the dose he normally is. So, I called to the pharmacy to confirm that they got the dosage right, and they wouldn't really tell me anything more than that's how the prescription was written. Great, thanks!! All I'm asking for is if this makes since... does it pass the smell test??? So since they were ZERO help, I called the after hours number for Jon's office. After telling the doctors how much he weighed (24 pounds), what the prescription was, the fact that it was 250 mg, etc... She told me not to give it to him -- it was too much. The doctor was in the room with a patient, and she'd check with him. Great -- confidence in this doctor that I saw today was further boosted! UUUUGH!
One of my neighbors (and friends) is a pharmacist, so I call her -- yep -- wrong dosage. Wouldn't have hurt him, but essentially way more than he needed -- to the tune of DOUBLE. This is one of those things that just infuriates me. Why would this doctor prescribe my baby TWICE AS MUCH as what he needed and what was standard for his illness??? Oh, yea... the doctor on call, confirmed what my neighbor Julie told me... I was in such a tither last night that I almost had to call Val and get her opinion. But I refrained -- I don't want to be that friend, but last night I was was close -- REALLY CLOSE!!
So Saturday night when we went out to dinner with Michelle and Lee, Katherine came up to me complaining that her eye hurt and itched, and that she had trouble seeing out of the right one. (Gross alert....). After taking a quick look, I notice a huge goober, so I washed my hands (with antibacterial wipes) and then stuck my pinkie fingernail in the corner of her eye and pulled out a ginormous goober. It was yellowish and super yucky! I had to pull out several more over the course of the night, and when she woke up in the morning, her eye was matted shut. So I called my sister, who now works for an eye doctor, and she took a look... Just as I expected -- pink eye. So she gave me an antibiotic, and I started putting that into her eyes Sunday night.
Holy cow, can I just tell you how much DRA-MAH is involved with trying to put eye drops into a 4 year olds eyes??? Not pretty! So I did what any rational mom would do -- I bribed her with candy -- mini-M&M's to be exact! Oh, how well it works! LOL!! She's an old pro by now!! And, I'd never tell her this, but I'd probably make just as big of a stink as she did... I can't stand anything coming near my eyes, so I totally sympathize with her!!
So then, Sunday night Matt asks me if I thought Caleb was a little "off". He thought he seemed warm and not eating like normal... He went to bed fine, and I decided to wait and see how he was in the morning. Yesterday morning he didn't eat breakfast, but was in a great mood and running around like a champ. Katherine had been wanting (begging) to go to Jumpin' Jacks, so we decided to go there with Ben and Michelle. Caleb didn't eat lunch, but he was running around, jumping in the bounce houses, and in a really REALLY great mood. When it was getting close to the time we were going to leave, he came and sat on my lap while Katherine and Ben went thought the inflatable obstacle course. He felt warm -- really warm. So I gave him some Tylenol, and then on the way home I called Dr. Jon's office.
I made an appointment for this morning with Jon, but after telling them all of Caleb's symptoms -- fever for well over 24 hours, not eating, not many wet/dirty diapers, and talking to the nurse, they wanted to see him that afternoon and would work him in. The problem -- Jon was full and they'd work Caleb in with a doctor that I do not trust -- at all. Ironically, that doctor was WIIIDDEEE open and we were seen within 2 minutes of sitting down in the VERY FULL waiting room. UUUUGH!
Caleb has an ear infection, and strep throat. OK -- this doctor can tell if his ear is red, and anyone can read "positive" on the rapid test, so I was fine with giving him the antibiotic. However, when it was time to actually give it to him, I about had heart failure. Caleb was prescribed DOUBLE the dose he normally is. So, I called to the pharmacy to confirm that they got the dosage right, and they wouldn't really tell me anything more than that's how the prescription was written. Great, thanks!! All I'm asking for is if this makes since... does it pass the smell test??? So since they were ZERO help, I called the after hours number for Jon's office. After telling the doctors how much he weighed (24 pounds), what the prescription was, the fact that it was 250 mg, etc... She told me not to give it to him -- it was too much. The doctor was in the room with a patient, and she'd check with him. Great -- confidence in this doctor that I saw today was further boosted! UUUUGH!
One of my neighbors (and friends) is a pharmacist, so I call her -- yep -- wrong dosage. Wouldn't have hurt him, but essentially way more than he needed -- to the tune of DOUBLE. This is one of those things that just infuriates me. Why would this doctor prescribe my baby TWICE AS MUCH as what he needed and what was standard for his illness??? Oh, yea... the doctor on call, confirmed what my neighbor Julie told me... I was in such a tither last night that I almost had to call Val and get her opinion. But I refrained -- I don't want to be that friend, but last night I was was close -- REALLY CLOSE!!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
AAAAHHHH --
Friday night Lee and Michelle took the kids so that Matt and I could go out to dinner, and boy, was it WONDERFUL!! We actually had a great conversation that didn't revolve around the two little people at the center of our lives. It was SOOOO great, that we ended up proposing that once a month or every 6 weeks or so, we pick a weekend that works for both of us, and each of us take the kids one night while the other couple goes out to dinner and the do the reverse the next night. I think it's a GREAT idea!!
We went out to dinner at Fireside Creek and had such a relaxing dinner. It was such a change -- not having to haul a diaper bag full of toys/books and then trying to find "creative" ways to get the kiddos to eat a full meal. Oh -- and in case you're wondering.... the passion fruit martini was delish!! Definitely a non-kid treat that I was all over -- a couple of times!! LOL.
After we returned to Lee and Michelle's house, Michelle and I took off to Old Navy for a little back to school run for the kids. I got a 20% off bag in the mail, and since it was the tax-free holiday, we had to take advantage. I ended up getting the kids tons of good stuff -- denims, shirts for Caleb, cute outfits for PK. And me -- didn't even look.
So Wednesday night Laurie is coming to watch the kiddos so that Matt and I can go out to dinner for his birthday. However, I doubt we'll actually go out to a nice dinner again. Matt's parents have gotten us gift certificates so that we could pick out a new set of formal china, which we haven't really done yet. (They gave these to us at CHRISTMAS -- so it's more than time to spend them)!! It's just been too hard with two kids... Katherine would have been OK, but Caleb -- OMG, I can't even imagine taking him to look at expensive china. Some things aren't worth the gamble, and this definitely falls into that category!! LOL. So Wednesday night, it's off we go to Younkers to pick out the set.
Last night, we went out to dinner and this wonderful Mexican restaurant with the Burkles (Lee and Michelle). The food was fab and the kids were angels!! What more could parents ask for??? After we were done eating, we took the kids to this little park that boarders the greenbelt and it's literally cut into the trees. We played on the equipment for a while, and then took them on a walk. There's a little bridge that goes over the top of a stream, and the kids loved throwing all sorts of stuff into the water, everything from walnuts and rocks to sticks and cement. I was kicking myself for not having my camera in the car. Next time!!
We went out to dinner at Fireside Creek and had such a relaxing dinner. It was such a change -- not having to haul a diaper bag full of toys/books and then trying to find "creative" ways to get the kiddos to eat a full meal. Oh -- and in case you're wondering.... the passion fruit martini was delish!! Definitely a non-kid treat that I was all over -- a couple of times!! LOL.
After we returned to Lee and Michelle's house, Michelle and I took off to Old Navy for a little back to school run for the kids. I got a 20% off bag in the mail, and since it was the tax-free holiday, we had to take advantage. I ended up getting the kids tons of good stuff -- denims, shirts for Caleb, cute outfits for PK. And me -- didn't even look.
So Wednesday night Laurie is coming to watch the kiddos so that Matt and I can go out to dinner for his birthday. However, I doubt we'll actually go out to a nice dinner again. Matt's parents have gotten us gift certificates so that we could pick out a new set of formal china, which we haven't really done yet. (They gave these to us at CHRISTMAS -- so it's more than time to spend them)!! It's just been too hard with two kids... Katherine would have been OK, but Caleb -- OMG, I can't even imagine taking him to look at expensive china. Some things aren't worth the gamble, and this definitely falls into that category!! LOL. So Wednesday night, it's off we go to Younkers to pick out the set.
Last night, we went out to dinner and this wonderful Mexican restaurant with the Burkles (Lee and Michelle). The food was fab and the kids were angels!! What more could parents ask for??? After we were done eating, we took the kids to this little park that boarders the greenbelt and it's literally cut into the trees. We played on the equipment for a while, and then took them on a walk. There's a little bridge that goes over the top of a stream, and the kids loved throwing all sorts of stuff into the water, everything from walnuts and rocks to sticks and cement. I was kicking myself for not having my camera in the car. Next time!!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Tired.
Tired doesn't even begin to describe how completely and utterly exhausted I am. I'm literally ready to drop over, but here I sit blogging! What on earth is wrong with me???
Matt left yesterday morning for Chicago, so the kids and I went down to the Science Center with two sets of neighbors. We left around 9:30, and I made a quick Casey's run (they have super duper large fountain sodas -- and did you REALLY believe I was going to give up caffeine?? Not happen'!! LOL).
Katherine was in her element. Since we go down there so often, she LOVED showing the other kids around. She was big stuff!! The highlight of the day was when we went into the Star Theater Planetarium and saw this really cool cartoon with real life space shots of the planets. It was about a couple of kids who build a cardboard space rocket and explore the planets.
The guy putting on the presentation was trying to get all the kids to yell "5...4...3....2....1.... BLASTOFF". They weren't yelling loud enough, so he was telling them to scream in their loudest, most obnoxious voices. He then says "Can you do that for me?" All of a sudden, Caleb raises both arms and screams, "MEEEEEEEEEEEE". Everyone in the audience got quite a chuckle, as he was the only one who said anything!
Now, did you *really* think that I was going to tell you that Caleb sat nicely on the floor and watched the whole show??? AAAHH, nope. Not a chance! All of the kids were laying in the middle of the floor so that they could see the whole screen. Caleb saw this as a fantastic opportunity to practice his tacking skills, and poor Max -- he was the primary target. (Max is Andrea's oldest son who will be 6 in September, and one of the big kids that Caleb ADORES). Caleb put the full body press on both Max and Katherine -- laying his whole body on theirs and then took turns steamrolling each of them. Thank goodness that when the show started he sat on my lap for about the first 10 minutes -- which is an eternity in Caleb's world. So glad it got nice and dark once the show started so that he couldn't find them again! LOL.
We got home around 2:30, and Matt had a gorgeous bouquet of flowers delivered. Ironically enough, they arrived within 5 minutes of the start of our wedding. Pretty cool, huh? Actually, it was cool for a split second until the doorbell rang and Riley went nuts barking and woke the kids up from their naps.
So, since they were up early, I called Isaac to see if he'd be up for a little trip to Adventureland with Laurie and I. We stopped at Taco John's on the way for a quick dinner (great anniversary meal, huh??) and then went into the park. It was great -- it wasn't busy and the kids could ride on any ride they wanted -- as often as they wanted. We didn't even have to get off of the Underground -- they just let us stay on and ride twice in a row. How perfect is that??
After we left Adventureland, Isaac and I met up with my parents for a little trip to Cold Stone. I know I've mentioned this before, but Caleb is crazy, head-over-heels in love with my dad. There is absolutely no one like his beloved Pa-pa. Anyway, we are all waiting in line to order and Caleb goes running full speed ahead right for my dad. In the process he trips, and skims the top of my big toe. It hurt so badly I thought I was going to pass out! LOL. A few minutes later, I look down at my toe and see blood running down into my shoe. YIIIKEEES!! I lost about a third of my toenail -- and boy is it lovely!
So by the time the kids and I finally got home it was late -- way past their bedtime. I snuggled up with Caleb for a while, and then put him to bed. Katherine had a slumber party in my room and got to watch a movie before she finally crashed.
Then this morning, Jen & Michelle called and asked if we wanted to go to the Science Center with them -- yea I know how crazy this is. We usually do the water park on Thursday mornings, but it was "supposed to rain" this morning, over 90 degrees and the humidity was about 90%, so we wanted to do something inside. I told Michelle that we'd probably do something else, but when Katherine caught wind of this, she begged to go back. Who'd have ever thought that my child would love science so much???? Talk about crazy!
Oh -- and here's the best part.... As we were walking out, Michelle asked if Matt and I (and the kids) wanted to join them for dinner either Friday or Saturday night. I told her that we'd be game for Saturday night, but we were trying to find a sitter for Friday so that we could go out to dinner for our anniversary. She immediately insisted that we drop the kids off at their house. How nice/sweet/wonderful is that?? I told no, but she called me tonight after dinner while I was at the store, and INSISTED. So, we may take them up on it, and go out tomorrow night for a nice dinner! Details tomorrow!!
Matt left yesterday morning for Chicago, so the kids and I went down to the Science Center with two sets of neighbors. We left around 9:30, and I made a quick Casey's run (they have super duper large fountain sodas -- and did you REALLY believe I was going to give up caffeine?? Not happen'!! LOL).
Katherine was in her element. Since we go down there so often, she LOVED showing the other kids around. She was big stuff!! The highlight of the day was when we went into the Star Theater Planetarium and saw this really cool cartoon with real life space shots of the planets. It was about a couple of kids who build a cardboard space rocket and explore the planets.
The guy putting on the presentation was trying to get all the kids to yell "5...4...3....2....1.... BLASTOFF". They weren't yelling loud enough, so he was telling them to scream in their loudest, most obnoxious voices. He then says "Can you do that for me?" All of a sudden, Caleb raises both arms and screams, "MEEEEEEEEEEEE". Everyone in the audience got quite a chuckle, as he was the only one who said anything!
Now, did you *really* think that I was going to tell you that Caleb sat nicely on the floor and watched the whole show??? AAAHH, nope. Not a chance! All of the kids were laying in the middle of the floor so that they could see the whole screen. Caleb saw this as a fantastic opportunity to practice his tacking skills, and poor Max -- he was the primary target. (Max is Andrea's oldest son who will be 6 in September, and one of the big kids that Caleb ADORES). Caleb put the full body press on both Max and Katherine -- laying his whole body on theirs and then took turns steamrolling each of them. Thank goodness that when the show started he sat on my lap for about the first 10 minutes -- which is an eternity in Caleb's world. So glad it got nice and dark once the show started so that he couldn't find them again! LOL.
We got home around 2:30, and Matt had a gorgeous bouquet of flowers delivered. Ironically enough, they arrived within 5 minutes of the start of our wedding. Pretty cool, huh? Actually, it was cool for a split second until the doorbell rang and Riley went nuts barking and woke the kids up from their naps.
So, since they were up early, I called Isaac to see if he'd be up for a little trip to Adventureland with Laurie and I. We stopped at Taco John's on the way for a quick dinner (great anniversary meal, huh??) and then went into the park. It was great -- it wasn't busy and the kids could ride on any ride they wanted -- as often as they wanted. We didn't even have to get off of the Underground -- they just let us stay on and ride twice in a row. How perfect is that??
After we left Adventureland, Isaac and I met up with my parents for a little trip to Cold Stone. I know I've mentioned this before, but Caleb is crazy, head-over-heels in love with my dad. There is absolutely no one like his beloved Pa-pa. Anyway, we are all waiting in line to order and Caleb goes running full speed ahead right for my dad. In the process he trips, and skims the top of my big toe. It hurt so badly I thought I was going to pass out! LOL. A few minutes later, I look down at my toe and see blood running down into my shoe. YIIIKEEES!! I lost about a third of my toenail -- and boy is it lovely!
So by the time the kids and I finally got home it was late -- way past their bedtime. I snuggled up with Caleb for a while, and then put him to bed. Katherine had a slumber party in my room and got to watch a movie before she finally crashed.
Then this morning, Jen & Michelle called and asked if we wanted to go to the Science Center with them -- yea I know how crazy this is. We usually do the water park on Thursday mornings, but it was "supposed to rain" this morning, over 90 degrees and the humidity was about 90%, so we wanted to do something inside. I told Michelle that we'd probably do something else, but when Katherine caught wind of this, she begged to go back. Who'd have ever thought that my child would love science so much???? Talk about crazy!
Oh -- and here's the best part.... As we were walking out, Michelle asked if Matt and I (and the kids) wanted to join them for dinner either Friday or Saturday night. I told her that we'd be game for Saturday night, but we were trying to find a sitter for Friday so that we could go out to dinner for our anniversary. She immediately insisted that we drop the kids off at their house. How nice/sweet/wonderful is that?? I told no, but she called me tonight after dinner while I was at the store, and INSISTED. So, we may take them up on it, and go out tomorrow night for a nice dinner! Details tomorrow!!
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