Surgery...

We're back from Iowa City, and very simply .... my little boy will need surgery. Dr. Jon had prepared us that Andrew would need to have the procedure done, and sent us to the University Hospital to meet with a specialist. As much as I was hoping it was "cosmetic" or "not medically necessary", sadly it is, and unfortunately much worse/more severe than I originally thought. In any event, I'll be getting a call from his office this week to set up the surgery date. He was guessing they were about 3 or 4 months out. The surgery should take around 2 hours, and then we'll have to stick around for several hours afterward in recovery. 14 days later, we'll go back to have tubes removed and make sure everything is alright...

As awful as I feel about my little boy needing a major surgery, I walked away from the hospital on Friday feeling so blessed..... so thankful that my children are healthy ......... so incredibly grateful that there is nothing seriously wrong with any of them. While we were walking around the hospital, we saw so many seriously ill children -- in wheelchairs, with tubes running in every direction, with little or no hair, you get the idea.... Both Matt and I couldn't help but feel so blessed that our children are healthy, strong, and full of life. As much as I'm dreading putting
Andrew through the strain of surgery, I'm also very aware, that in the grand scheme of life, this is nothing. In a matter of months, the surgery will be nothing more than a memory and he'll never remember the pain.

My mom rocks!

Seriously, she does.

Matt and I are heading to Iowa City on Friday morning to take Andrew to a pediatric specialist. He was born with a small "defect" that will require surgery, and we've opted to to take him to the University hospital (with Dr. Jon's recommendation, of course! LOL) rather than having it done here.

Anyway, since we need to be in Iowa City around 9 (It's about a 2 hour drive) and Katherine doesn't go to be to school until 8:30'ish, we were going to have my mom come over in the morning and get her ready for school and then watch Caleb during the day.

For some reason, Matt really wants to bring Caleb with us. I'm sure it has something to do with going to the stadium, and taking him out to lunch, but I just thought it'd be easier to leave him here.

So as plans evolve, my mom has changed her schedule a million times. The latest (and most likely final) plan is that she'll come over for a late dinner (Katherine has gymnastics until 6:30 and we don't get home until around 7), we're going to make our favorite dessert (frozen berries with melted hot white chocolate over them) and then she's going to spend the night here. Katherine is beyond excited that her Grammy is coming to stay at our house and sleep in bed with her. Can you say SLUMBER PARTY?!?!?! LOL! My mom is going to get her ready for school and drive her in the morning so she doesn't have to wait out in the cold for the bus and then we're going to take Caleb with us. Hopefully Isaac can meet up with us for lunch!

I'm thinking a stop at the outlet mall in Williamsburg in on the agenda!

The test

My dad is famous for his random knowledge. He knows tons of stuff most people never think about. If I have a question about history, nature, how something works, or something totally obscure, etc... he's my "go to guy". Chances are he'll know the answer.

He's a learning disabilities teacher, and a few weeks ago he was telling me about this "test" to determine how smart your child is, and then demonstrated it on Caleb. It goes something like this...

He gave Caleb two jelly beans (which he LOVES) and told him very simply and matter of factly that the jelly beans belonged to him (Caleb). He could do anything he wanted with him. He could eat them immediately, HOWEVER, if he waited until we went home later that night, he would fill up a Dixie cup with jelly beans and he could have them all. He let Caleb see the Dixie cup and jar of jelly beans.

Now -- as a side note, the key to this "test" is that you can't make a big deal out of it. The child has to know the "small" item is theirs if they want it now, but if they wait, they get something better/bigger/etc... in the future. You can't tell them, "If I were you I'd do _________". The decision of what to do is solely theirs.

This simple test is an early and accurate indication of intelligence. In measures the child's ability to delay immediate gratification in favor of long term success. In other words, can they think in the long term to make the best decision, or will they take the "feel good, easy way out". Evidently, it's a good predictor of how a child will do in school (will they put in the time and study hard to do well on a test), how much success they'll have in college (will they party all night, etc) and how they'll do in the workforce, etc... It definitely makes sense to me.

So Caleb -- how'd he do on this test?? Any guesses???

After my dad gave him the jelly beans and told him he could have many more IF he waited until he went home later that night, he looked at my dad and got that little twinkle in his eye and shoved those two jelly beans in his mouth as fast as possible!! Oh, and if I remember correctly he squealed in delight. Now .... it's not that he didn't understand the prospect. Oh no... it was exactly the opposite! Right after he swallowed them down, he said something like, "I know you'll give me more Pop-pops! You always share with me and you love me!!". Great... He knows he's got my dad wrapped around his little finger. Not exactly sure where that puts him on the test, but the outcome is SOOOOO Caleb. LOL!! I didn't expect anything else out of him!!

So last night, I decided to do the same test on Katherine. I gave her the same little speech. I told her that I sent some licorice nibs in her lunch. If she brought them home and didn't eat them, I'd have "something" better for her. I didn't tell her what "something" was, but just that it'd be better than the licorice nibs in her lunch. I also told her it was her decision, and if she wanted to eat the nibs with her lunch, that was fine with me. I didn't care either way. She could do what she wanted.

All day I was thinking about her and wondering what she'd do. She was at school, with her peers and without me around to guide her or give her any direction whatsoever. Would she eat the Nibs or bring them home? Would she make the decision to wait for something better in the future or would she just chow 'em down like Caleb did?

Any guesses?????

After school she went over to Olivia's house for a play date, and while I was talking to Melissa (her mom) on the phone, I told her to ask Katherine where the Nibs were. I heard Katherine laugh in the background. "They're in my lunch box! I wasn't about to eat them. I'm too smart for that. My mommy is giving me something WAAAAYYY better when I get home".

That's my girl! She gets it. She does the right thing, even when I'm not around to guide her and remind her of what she "should" do. She's responsible. She's thoughtful. She's forward thinking. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to delay immediate gratification. I'm so proud of her. So proud of all that she is and who she's becoming. So proud to be her mom. So proud of her.

Back in business!!

Friday we went to the Science Center with the Harris', Launderville's and Burkle's. We had a so much fun -- the kids ran around, got some of the lead out, laughed a lot, and had a really wonderful time.

We had lunch there -- nothing out of the ordinary. The kids were angels, and I ordered the same turkey sandwich I've been eating for ages... After the first bite, I looked over at Michelle and asked her if her turkey sandwich tasted a little "turkey-ish". She thought so, but after a good razzing from Danyel about how ridiculous the comment was, I ate it... convinced it must be fine.

That night we had Matt's "Winter Celebration" party. Since it was an entire company thing, neither of us were super excited to go. We made an appearance, stayed for dinner and drinks and then made an early exit. On the way home, we stopped for a drink and dessert. I ordered a super yummy flourless chocolate, but unfortunately I was "too full" to eat it. ** OK, that should have been my first clue something was WAY wrong!! *** So I brought it home and gave it to Katherine and my mom who devoured the thing on the spot.

That night, I woke up sick and spent more time in the bathroom than in my bed. It was terrible. I honestly thought I could have died! Around 9 am, I gave in and just laid on the bathroom floor, curled up on the hooded towel "Santa" gave Andrew. I haven't been that sick in AGES....

After talking to Michelle and finding out that she too, was nauseous, we determined that it had to be the turkey sandwich. Dang it!!

So unfortunately, I had to miss my nephew's first birthday party. I missed seeing Matt's parents, and spent the entire day sleeping. Thankfully, Matt took all three kids with him while I rested and finally, by the end of day on Sunday, I was feeling somewhat normal.

Needless to say, I won't be eating that turkey sandwich EVER again! LOL.

So what else......

For some reason, Monday has turned into family night at my parent's house. We all go over there for dinner (I don't have to cook), the kids play and we sit and chat. It's super nice. Anyway, shortly after I got there, I realized that I had forgotten something and had to run home. I left my mom with all 4 kids (Morgan was also there). When I got back to her house, I found Katherine and Caleb in the bathroom. Evidently he had to go, but didn't feel comfortable sitting on the potty by himself, so Katherine lifted up there and held him on. She was so proud of herself "just trying to help you out mommy"!

Oh, and she stayed the night at mom's on Friday night (after we went to Matt's party) and made me the most wonderful little "get well" card. She drew two girls holding hands and smiling. I was the slightly taller one with green hair. LOL!! On it she wrote, "Katherine Ann I love you". Bless her heart.

Oh, and in school on Monday she was asked to draw a picture of something she did over the weekend and write about it. She drew a random house and wrote, "Iim slypen at my gramas howos". Sound it out phonetically. Super cute. Love all that she's learning in school. Love how hard she tries. Love that girl. So glad she's mine.

Fast forward to tonight....

Since Katherine has gymnastics every Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30, I always make something for dinner that I can make early in the day that will be ready when we get home. Tonight it was chili and I invited my parents over.

Anyway... While I'm cleaning up the kitchen and Matt's holding Andrew, we hear Caleb start yelling. Matt hands Andrew off to my dad and runs upstairs. Low and behold, we have another poop problem. Oh yes dear friends! He has once again gotten up off the potty without being wiped and dripped poop all over my BEDROOM CARPET. I swear there about 8 or 10 polka dots right outside the bathroom door. UUUUUGH!! Does it ever end? There are days I could beat my head against the wall. I swear it'd do more good! LOL.

After we got that problem under control, Danyel came over around 8 to show me how to spot Katherine on her back walkovers. She had been having a little problem on her form, so Danyel was kind enough to come over and give her a few tips. Oh, how thankful I am! Within a few minutes (literally) Katherine was doing them very well and didn't need to be spotted. Oh, happy day! Just watching her find that success made my heart happy.

Oh, and Danyel you'll love this .... while I was tucking her into bed tonight, she looked at me, smiled and said, "You know what Mommy? I'm really good at gymnastics. I can do every move now but a back flip and back handspring. After I learn those, I'll be ready to go to the Olympics". AAAAHHHH, sweet innocence. LOL!

public bathrooms...

*** Disclaimer --- I'm sure after reading this post, some of you are going to thing I'm a total nutcase, and that's fine, but public bathrooms are one of my quirky hang ups. I hate them. I truly detest them. If it were just me, I'd NEVER set foot in one, but since it's not just me, I have no choice. *sigh*

Anyway....

I can't think of too many things I hate worse than public bathrooms, especially when I have to take the kids in there..... I'm somewhat neurotic about them, but I've seen too many people NOT wash their hands, and do other random disgusting things, that I have a hard time using them at all. In general, they are dirty, disgusting, and full of germs. Thankfully, Katherine has been well trained in public restroom protocol. She knows what she can and can't touch, makes sure the toilet seat is completely covered with paper before she sits down, and never touches a door handle without paper in her hand. Caleb on the other hand... Not. So. Much.

This afternoon, my mom and I made a quick Costco run. Before we went, the boys and I were over at the Launderville's house for a play date. Before we left I asked Caleb 100 times if he had to go potty, but he told me no, so off we went. Shockingly, about half way through the shopping expedition, he's "gotta go"! So I leave Andrew and the cart with my mom and dash off for the bathroom.

All the way to the bathroom I prep Caleb for what he can and can't do. I thought he understood, but evidently not. As soon as we get into the stall, he tries to lift up the lid to the little garbage box hanging on the wall, exposing "items" that made my skin crawl. I immediately tell him not to touch that or anything else because it's full of germs. He says "OK, Mommy" rests his hands on the toilet seat. Again, I explain to him that the bathroom is dirty and that other people sit on the potty chair, and he should NOT to touch it. He then tries to flush the toilet with his bare hands. At this point I'm sweating, swearing under my breath, praying for a can of Lysol to drop from the ceiling, and trying not to freak out about the whole experience.... Too late for that, huh?? LOL!

I then put down the paper ring things on the toilet seat and he asks my why we do that at the Costco, but not at home. I explain to him AGAIN about germs and sit him up there. Since he's not used to using a regular toilet yet, I have to crouch down and hold him on.

All of a sudden, I hear a lady yelling at me from 4 or 5 stalls away. She says, "I am sooooo sick down here and am forced to listen to you ramble on and on about how dirty and full of germs this bathroom is. Can't you just be quiet already???". NICE. What do you even say to that? Nothing!

At this point, Caleb pats me on the cheek and whispers, "I love you, Momma". AAAAHHHH, the silver lining! It was all worth it.

We do our business, and as we're heading out of the stall, she says, "Make sure you wash your hands. YOU don't want germs".

Nice. Really nice, lady. You're just ooooozing with class!

My goodness. I couldn't wait to get the heck out of there!

Oh, poop!

First, let me say .... Caleb has been doing a wonderful job potty training. He hasn't had an accident during the day and we're up to 6 nights in a row that he's woken up dry. In fact, he's begging and pleading to wear underwear all night long, which I'll let him do when we get to 10 dry nights in a row. Pretty good for a kid who was wearing diapers a little over a week ago! But, today he got a little cocky.... (You knew there HAD to be a story right??? LOL!!)

While I was downstairs, I heard the toilet flush. Pretty scary, since *I* empty his little potty chair into the big one. I put Andrew in his swing and RUSH upstairs only to find my worst nightmare...

Evidently, while he was pooping, he stood up to check his progress. In doing so, he got poop on the seat of his little toilet. Being the "helpful" kid that he is, he decides it's a good idea to pick it up with his BARE HANDS, and throw it in my toilet. (Hence the flush I heard). He then sits back down, only to realize he's got a fist full of poop, and decides to WIPE IT ALL OVER THE FLOOR. Oh. My. Goodness. Are you kidding me?

To top it off, I keep Clorox disinfecting wipes in the bathroom and out in plain sight (for obvious reasons), and since he's got poop all over his backside, he grabs those and wipes his bum. I'd think it'd burn, but not about to give it a whirl and find out! LOL!!

As soon as he hears me running upstairs, he walks to the door -- beaming. He couldn't have been more proud. I just had to sigh... Here is my little boy, proud as the proverbial peacock, with poop smeared all over his bum, the toilet, his jeans, and the floor. Oh, and when he turns around, I find a Clorox wipes stuck to his butt. Holy cow...

Makeover....

I have to give Danyel a big thank you! I'm loving the new blog makeover, and think I'll be changing it often. Sooo, cool!