Our car took a beating tonight, while parked in front of Grant's parent's house. An old lady was driving down the street, didn't see our parked car, and slammed into it from behind. I wasn't there, but Grant said our car ended up in his parent's yard, with the bumper all smashed up.
Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and her insurance should cover all the damage. We have to take it in on Saturday for an estimate, and then we'll have a rental while our poor, little SUV gets fixed up.
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Lexie's blood test results came in today. It didn't give us any answers as to why Lexie has had diarrhea for 2 months, but we did find out she's anemic. That's a given, considering how picky she is. Now we just have to wait a week and a half for Lexie's GI appointment. Hopefully we'll get some answers, and get our baby girl back to normal.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I Heart Faces-black and white
I struggled to choose my favorite photo for this weeks entry. The theme is black and white. I love black and white photos, and had hundreds of favorites to choose from. I finally decided on this one.
Dylan was 16 months old in this picture. It was one of my favorite pictures out of all the ones I took that day. It was beautiful outside, and Dylan was perched in his new hangout. He loved to just sit in that tree and look around.
For more I heart faces entries, click here.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
She proved me wrong!
I finally took Lexie in to get her blood work done today. I have been dreading it since the moment the pediatrician called to tell me she needed it done. Lexie is a drama queen, and has put up a huge fight at her last two checkups, so I was expecting the worst.
I enlisted my dad to come along, to help hold her down.
She was in a great mood when we arrived, and was running circles in the (empty) waiting room. While the lab tech was getting ready, Lexie had a coughing fit (from all the running, perhaps?) and threw up all over the floor! That has never happened before, but I guess there's a first time for everything!
I'm not the type of person that can leave a mess, so I tried the best I could to wipe it up with paper towels and soap. Ugh. How embarrassing!
Once in the room, my dad sat on the chair and held her, and I held her arm down. We braced ourselves for the worst as the lab tech put in the needle. About 3 seconds after the needle went in, Lexie stuck her bottom lip out, and it began quivering. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she didn't cry, didn't scream, and didn't move throughout the entire process. Her eyes kept darting over to the needle, but she stayed completely still. I have to admit, I was in shock! She was so good!
Dylan sat in his chair the entire time, and watched. He is completely fascinated with anything medical-related. As we were leaving, he whispered to me, "Mommy, does Lexie have any more blood left in her body?" I assured him that she did, and he seemed very relieved!
So now we wait. We should know in the next few days what the results are. Regardless of what they are, she still needs to see the Ped GI in March.
I enlisted my dad to come along, to help hold her down.
She was in a great mood when we arrived, and was running circles in the (empty) waiting room. While the lab tech was getting ready, Lexie had a coughing fit (from all the running, perhaps?) and threw up all over the floor! That has never happened before, but I guess there's a first time for everything!
I'm not the type of person that can leave a mess, so I tried the best I could to wipe it up with paper towels and soap. Ugh. How embarrassing!
Once in the room, my dad sat on the chair and held her, and I held her arm down. We braced ourselves for the worst as the lab tech put in the needle. About 3 seconds after the needle went in, Lexie stuck her bottom lip out, and it began quivering. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she didn't cry, didn't scream, and didn't move throughout the entire process. Her eyes kept darting over to the needle, but she stayed completely still. I have to admit, I was in shock! She was so good!
Dylan sat in his chair the entire time, and watched. He is completely fascinated with anything medical-related. As we were leaving, he whispered to me, "Mommy, does Lexie have any more blood left in her body?" I assured him that she did, and he seemed very relieved!
So now we wait. We should know in the next few days what the results are. Regardless of what they are, she still needs to see the Ped GI in March.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Lexie Loo is 2!!!
Today, my baby girl turned 2. It's hard to believe that two years have gone by since I had her. The happiest moment of my life was when she was born, and the doctor announced, "It's a GIRL!" I am beyond blessed to have her and Dylan in my life.
Lexie Bean came into this world at 4:16 PM. After weeks of contractions and pre-term labor scares, she was finally here. She arrived 10 days before her due date, at an impressive 9 lbs, 1 oz. I instantly fell in love with her.
Here's my little Diva on her 1st birthday:
We celebrated her birthday with friends and family yesterday by throwing her two parties. She even had two Dora cakes. All she wanted was the icing and the figures off the cakes. She got some really great toys, and tons of cute clothes. She spent most of the afternoon on her new Dora slumber sofa, holding her new talking Dora backpack.
Today, we spent a quiet day at home. We had a nice breakfast, then we gave her the gifts from us. Dylan picked out a So Many Surprises Baby Dora for her, which she loved! Grant and I bought her a dollhouse, and it was an instant hit (with both kids!). Lexie's "special" birthday dinner was macaroni and cheese, which is basically all she eats. Much to my surprise, she also ate a chicken nugget. That never happens. It must be the cool Mickey Mouse shape. After dinner, we sang Happy Birthday to her...twice. She spent the rest of the evening playing with her new toys. I think she had a great birthday!
Here is my 2 year old!!!
Happy Birthday, Alexandria! I am head over heels in love with you! You will always be my baby girl!
Lexie Bean came into this world at 4:16 PM. After weeks of contractions and pre-term labor scares, she was finally here. She arrived 10 days before her due date, at an impressive 9 lbs, 1 oz. I instantly fell in love with her.
Here's my little Diva on her 1st birthday:
We celebrated her birthday with friends and family yesterday by throwing her two parties. She even had two Dora cakes. All she wanted was the icing and the figures off the cakes. She got some really great toys, and tons of cute clothes. She spent most of the afternoon on her new Dora slumber sofa, holding her new talking Dora backpack.
Today, we spent a quiet day at home. We had a nice breakfast, then we gave her the gifts from us. Dylan picked out a So Many Surprises Baby Dora for her, which she loved! Grant and I bought her a dollhouse, and it was an instant hit (with both kids!). Lexie's "special" birthday dinner was macaroni and cheese, which is basically all she eats. Much to my surprise, she also ate a chicken nugget. That never happens. It must be the cool Mickey Mouse shape. After dinner, we sang Happy Birthday to her...twice. She spent the rest of the evening playing with her new toys. I think she had a great birthday!
Here is my 2 year old!!!
Happy Birthday, Alexandria! I am head over heels in love with you! You will always be my baby girl!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Nine long years
It has been nine years since my Grandma passed away.
I still miss her terribly. Yes, the pain has eased over the years, but there will always be an empty place in my life, where she once was.
My Grandma lived next door to my parents, so I spent hours with her every day. We had an amazing bond, and I actually spent more time with her than I did with my parents.
She was a beautiful person. Everybody loved her. She had more energy in her 70's than most people ever have. She taught me how to ride a bike and do a cartwheel. I do not recall a single time that she ever raised her voice to me.
I would walk over to her house every day, after dinner. I would sit with her, while she watched jeopardy. During commercial breaks, we would talk about everything, and share a bowl of gumdrops.
I met my husband in what would be my Grandma's final year. I was young, and in love, and spent a lot less time with her. She found out she had cancer, and didn't tell anybody. She refused treatment, and just lived her life as normal. A few days after Christmas, in 1999, she was hospitalized, and we found out the truth.
I was busy with performing in musicals and planning my wedding, but I tried to see her as often as possible. I think I subconsciously pushed aside the thought that the end was near, refusing to accept the truth. She was my rock, and would always be there.
On the morning of February 18, 2000, my mom received a call from the hospital, and told me that I should go see her, because she wasn't doing well. I decided I was going to go back to bed for a while, and then go visit.
Yes.
I went back to bed.
Something woke me up, and I realized I had to go see her. I walked into her room, and she was unconscious. I walked over to the bed, said hello, and kissed her cheek. Just seconds later, she passed away.
I don't remember much from that day, because my grief consumed me, but I do remember my aunt hugging me, and whispering in my ear, "She was waiting for you. She couldn't leave until you were there."
I don't have many regrets in life, but I do wish I had spent more time with her in her final year, and definitely more time with her while she was in the hospital. There are so many little questions that I wish I had asked her.
I know my Grandma was missing the time she spent with me, and I am so sorry if I hurt her. I know that she was happy for me, though, and happy that I found the man I was going to marry.
All I can do is take comfort in the fact that she knew I loved her more than anything.
This past December, on her birthday, I took the kids to the cemetery. I hadn't been there in a year. I struggled to find her grave marker in the thin layer of snow. Once there, I held my children in the protective circle of my arms, and we sang Happy Birthday to her. Tears were streaming down my cheeks, because one thing I wished more than anything was that my kids could have known this amazing woman.
Dylan asked why I was crying, and I tried to explain the best I could. In one of his unbelievable moments, Dylan kissed his hand, placed it on the grave marker, and said, "I love you, mommy's Grandma." Not wanting to be outdone by her brother, Lexie, too, placed her hand on the grave. I put mine on top of theirs, and we sat completely still for a moment.
Once in the car, I began telling my kids all about their wonderful Great Grandma. It was the least I could do.
She may not be here in person, but she lives in my heart and memories, and I will tell my children all about one of the people I loved most in this world.
Nine long years have gone by, and many more will pass, but one thing is for certain. I will never forget the happiness, joy, and love she brought to my life.
I still miss her terribly. Yes, the pain has eased over the years, but there will always be an empty place in my life, where she once was.
My Grandma lived next door to my parents, so I spent hours with her every day. We had an amazing bond, and I actually spent more time with her than I did with my parents.
She was a beautiful person. Everybody loved her. She had more energy in her 70's than most people ever have. She taught me how to ride a bike and do a cartwheel. I do not recall a single time that she ever raised her voice to me.
I would walk over to her house every day, after dinner. I would sit with her, while she watched jeopardy. During commercial breaks, we would talk about everything, and share a bowl of gumdrops.
I met my husband in what would be my Grandma's final year. I was young, and in love, and spent a lot less time with her. She found out she had cancer, and didn't tell anybody. She refused treatment, and just lived her life as normal. A few days after Christmas, in 1999, she was hospitalized, and we found out the truth.
I was busy with performing in musicals and planning my wedding, but I tried to see her as often as possible. I think I subconsciously pushed aside the thought that the end was near, refusing to accept the truth. She was my rock, and would always be there.
On the morning of February 18, 2000, my mom received a call from the hospital, and told me that I should go see her, because she wasn't doing well. I decided I was going to go back to bed for a while, and then go visit.
Yes.
I went back to bed.
Something woke me up, and I realized I had to go see her. I walked into her room, and she was unconscious. I walked over to the bed, said hello, and kissed her cheek. Just seconds later, she passed away.
I don't remember much from that day, because my grief consumed me, but I do remember my aunt hugging me, and whispering in my ear, "She was waiting for you. She couldn't leave until you were there."
I don't have many regrets in life, but I do wish I had spent more time with her in her final year, and definitely more time with her while she was in the hospital. There are so many little questions that I wish I had asked her.
I know my Grandma was missing the time she spent with me, and I am so sorry if I hurt her. I know that she was happy for me, though, and happy that I found the man I was going to marry.
All I can do is take comfort in the fact that she knew I loved her more than anything.
This past December, on her birthday, I took the kids to the cemetery. I hadn't been there in a year. I struggled to find her grave marker in the thin layer of snow. Once there, I held my children in the protective circle of my arms, and we sang Happy Birthday to her. Tears were streaming down my cheeks, because one thing I wished more than anything was that my kids could have known this amazing woman.
Dylan asked why I was crying, and I tried to explain the best I could. In one of his unbelievable moments, Dylan kissed his hand, placed it on the grave marker, and said, "I love you, mommy's Grandma." Not wanting to be outdone by her brother, Lexie, too, placed her hand on the grave. I put mine on top of theirs, and we sat completely still for a moment.
Once in the car, I began telling my kids all about their wonderful Great Grandma. It was the least I could do.
She may not be here in person, but she lives in my heart and memories, and I will tell my children all about one of the people I loved most in this world.
Nine long years have gone by, and many more will pass, but one thing is for certain. I will never forget the happiness, joy, and love she brought to my life.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
My huge (and often crazy) family
Growing up, I had the best of both worlds. I grew up with 6 older sisters and 1 older brother. However, because they were older, I essentially became an only child when I turned 12. At that point, they were all adults and had moved out, so I got to my parents all to myself. It was lonely when they were gone!
We were the Brady Bunch, in a sense. My dad had 2 daughters and a son, and my mom had 4 daughters. They met, got married, and had me. I do not even use the "half-sibling" label to describe them. They are just as much my full blooded siblings as any other.
My siblings range in age from 34-44, and I'm 28. There are 16 years between my oldest sister and I. My siblings were always at a different stage in life than I, so relating to them was a bit difficult. Once I married and had kids, my siblings began to see me as a peer. The only downside about being the baby (or the "Caboose" as my mom likes to call me) is that my siblings always think of me as being really young.
I became an aunt at the age of 5, and now have 16 nieces and nephews, and 1 great niece, ranging in age from 5 months-23 years old. I am actually closer in age to a few of my nieces and nephews than I am to the next youngest sibling.
Life in a family this large can be stressful and chaotic, but it can also be fun and entertaining! One thing I can say: Life is never boring!
We were the Brady Bunch, in a sense. My dad had 2 daughters and a son, and my mom had 4 daughters. They met, got married, and had me. I do not even use the "half-sibling" label to describe them. They are just as much my full blooded siblings as any other.
My siblings range in age from 34-44, and I'm 28. There are 16 years between my oldest sister and I. My siblings were always at a different stage in life than I, so relating to them was a bit difficult. Once I married and had kids, my siblings began to see me as a peer. The only downside about being the baby (or the "Caboose" as my mom likes to call me) is that my siblings always think of me as being really young.
I became an aunt at the age of 5, and now have 16 nieces and nephews, and 1 great niece, ranging in age from 5 months-23 years old. I am actually closer in age to a few of my nieces and nephews than I am to the next youngest sibling.
Life in a family this large can be stressful and chaotic, but it can also be fun and entertaining! One thing I can say: Life is never boring!
Monday, February 16, 2009
I Heart Faces
I've been tossing around the idea of joining in the fun at I Heart Faces. Click on the button above to check out their site and see other great pictures! I love taking pictures of my kids, and when I saw the theme this week, I had the perfect picture in mind!
This weeks theme is wonder.
I took this picture of my Lexie Bean, when she was 5 months old. She was enjoying the warmth and beauty of a summer day, and seemed amazed at her surroundings! I think the expression on her face captured her feelings about the world she lived in!
Not Me! Monday
I can't believe that Monday has rolled around again. I'm starting to mark the passage of another week by writing a new Not Me! Monday. If you'd like to experience the fun of reading more confessions, head on over to MckMama's blog.
This week has been a week filled with sickness. There are many things that I've done this week that typically don't happen in my household, but you gotta do what you gotta do!
This week did not start off with Dylan getting his first ever stomach virus, which kept both of us up all night. He did not get puke on my lips. He did not bound out of bed, a few hours later, completely over it.
My little girl did not change into her pajamas in the middle of the day, on Monday. Where would she ever get that idea?
The unseasonably warm weather did not melt the foot of snow in our yard, revealing numerous piles of tiny Chihuahua poop and mountains of Great Dane Poop. No way, because those would have been scooped up immediately, instead of being buried in snow.
I am not in complete disbelief that my poor little girl will have to endure 3 more weeks of diarrhea until she sees the GI doctor. That would mean that she will end up having 11 long weeks of constant diarrhea before we even find out what is wrong with her.
I did not register Dylan for Pre-K on Thursday. If I did, that would mean I'm the mom of a school aged child, and I can't believe that!
Lexie did not get Dylan's virus, also making it her first ever. She did not sleep in her puke all night long, because even though I smelled it, I couldn't see it. Her body was not draped over her pillow, concealing the mess.
Lexie's laundry, that I did on Tuesday, is not still sitting on her dresser, in the basket.
I did not get sick with the stomach virus, shortly after eating a heart-shaped, cornflake/marshmallow wreath. I am not thinking that my illness ruined the deliciousness of those wreaths, and that it will be a long time before I eat one again.
Dylan did NOT end up in the ER again this week, for yet another injury.
I was completely prepared for Valentine's Day. I did not have to go out shopping for my little gifts today.
My husband did not give me a card for Valentine's Day that said I Love You...and then on the inside, said, I love You Naked.
The messiness of my house, while I was sick, did not drive me completely insane. So much that I had to close my eyes to block it out. I did not attack the messiness with a vengeance as soon as I had the energy to do so.
My kids have not watched more DVD's than they ever have, during this week of illness. I am not shocked that my husband has been the only person who has managed to escape getting sick this week.
I do not think it's ironic that I said that I would rather have a cold than a stomach virus...only to wake up a day later with the virus gone, and a cold in it's place. HA!!!
And, finally, my BABY is most definitely NOT turning 2 in a week. If she were turning 2, I am completely prepared for her party, on Saturday. Completely. Tutu is made, favors are bought, food is planned, present is bought...I am not overwhelmed by all this, because it's done!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentine's Day Take Two
Our Valentine's Day: FAIL!!!!
I woke up, still feeling sick from the stomach virus. I just did not feel like eating, so our dinner was canceled. Well...it would have been canceled anyway, considering my mom (who was going to babysit for us) was sick with it, as well.
So, we camped out on the couch all day. I started to get my energy back in the early evening, and didn't want our day to be a complete failure, so I baked sugar cookies with the kids. After they were in bed, Grant and I watched several episodes of one of our favorite shows. So, I guess it wasn't a total fail.
Today, we celebrated Valentine's Day...a day late. We wore red (and hearts), and I got my hubby and kids a few things to show how much I loved them. I can smell (well, partially smell through my stuffed nose), Grant's creme brulee coffee in the kitchen. Dylan has been playing with his Star Wars and Playmobil figures non-stop. Lexie has been clutching her frog bath toys, animals, and mini baby to her chest all day. And I have been staring at my Bailey's Irish Cream box of chocolates, willing them to last a few weeks.
The only thing missing is my lack of Valentine's Day portraits of the kids. And that dinner out. Which we will be making up! ;)
When it comes down to it, I spent Valentine's Day with the three people that I love most in this world, and that's all that matters!
I woke up, still feeling sick from the stomach virus. I just did not feel like eating, so our dinner was canceled. Well...it would have been canceled anyway, considering my mom (who was going to babysit for us) was sick with it, as well.
So, we camped out on the couch all day. I started to get my energy back in the early evening, and didn't want our day to be a complete failure, so I baked sugar cookies with the kids. After they were in bed, Grant and I watched several episodes of one of our favorite shows. So, I guess it wasn't a total fail.
Today, we celebrated Valentine's Day...a day late. We wore red (and hearts), and I got my hubby and kids a few things to show how much I loved them. I can smell (well, partially smell through my stuffed nose), Grant's creme brulee coffee in the kitchen. Dylan has been playing with his Star Wars and Playmobil figures non-stop. Lexie has been clutching her frog bath toys, animals, and mini baby to her chest all day. And I have been staring at my Bailey's Irish Cream box of chocolates, willing them to last a few weeks.
The only thing missing is my lack of Valentine's Day portraits of the kids. And that dinner out. Which we will be making up! ;)
When it comes down to it, I spent Valentine's Day with the three people that I love most in this world, and that's all that matters!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Making the rounds
This nasty stomach virus has been attacking my household, one member at a time.
I am the latest victim. I sat in wait all night, feeling it coming, and it struck at 4 AM. After being violently ill for 3 hours, I've been utterly drained all day. All I have been doing is resting. The simple exertion of walking is physically draining. Right now, I have been puke free since 7 AM, but I have had killer body aches.
I find myself wondering why adults seem to get sicker than kids? It seems like that's always the case. My kids bounced back, just hours after being sick, but I'm barely able to function today.
I'm only slightly ashamed to admit, that I made the kids camp out in my room for hours, watching movies, and playing with toys, until I could drag myself out of bed around 1. I then camped out on the couch. I was so out of it, that I forgot to give Dylan his waffle. I found it in the toaster, an hour after he asked for it, and not once did he complain. I am willing to admit that I put the kids to bed in the same pajamas they woke up in. And stayed in all day.
I was never so relieved to see my dear hubby come home from work. Of course, he arrived with a Valentine's Day card, lip balm, and a box of chocolates. I don't have anything for him, so I felt horrible. He's a great guy!
All I have to say to this nasty virus, is, "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"
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On a more serious note, I wanted to mention the tragedy of Flight 3407. Many prayers are being said tonight.
I am the latest victim. I sat in wait all night, feeling it coming, and it struck at 4 AM. After being violently ill for 3 hours, I've been utterly drained all day. All I have been doing is resting. The simple exertion of walking is physically draining. Right now, I have been puke free since 7 AM, but I have had killer body aches.
I find myself wondering why adults seem to get sicker than kids? It seems like that's always the case. My kids bounced back, just hours after being sick, but I'm barely able to function today.
I'm only slightly ashamed to admit, that I made the kids camp out in my room for hours, watching movies, and playing with toys, until I could drag myself out of bed around 1. I then camped out on the couch. I was so out of it, that I forgot to give Dylan his waffle. I found it in the toaster, an hour after he asked for it, and not once did he complain. I am willing to admit that I put the kids to bed in the same pajamas they woke up in. And stayed in all day.
I was never so relieved to see my dear hubby come home from work. Of course, he arrived with a Valentine's Day card, lip balm, and a box of chocolates. I don't have anything for him, so I felt horrible. He's a great guy!
All I have to say to this nasty virus, is, "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"
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On a more serious note, I wanted to mention the tragedy of Flight 3407. Many prayers are being said tonight.
