Resolutions, most are meant to be forgotten. Some make you feel bad for not keeping them.
Watch and learn...we are making it happen this year...
Live this year like it is your last.
In loving memory of the lives we lost too soon this year.
Have patience, but expect none in return.
This one is for you G-gers.
Tell someone that you love them everyday.
13 years and counting.
Avoid page 27.
Avoid injury.
Reread your favorite book.
Maybe you missed something meaningful the first time. Maybe you didn't. Just do it.
Learn to count to 10.
This helps with the practice of patience.
Make a dance mix and have a dance party with your kids. (Teach them how to move like Jagger)
Just have some friggin' fun!
Take care of yourself.
You can't take care of everyone else when you are down for the count.
Take a mental health day.
Make people learn how important you are. So what if there are dirty socks...leave them...someone will pick them up...or trip on them and then wish that they had...let'm learn.
Sweat the wars, not the battles.
This one is for you Jax.
Play Barbies with your wee one.
No one plays pretend like Mommy...lemme show you Bean!
Remember how you learned, and how long it took you. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither were manners...it'll happen...and you'll be surprised, but it. will. happen.
Happy New Year~
Peace out 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Good Choices and Bad Choices
Odin is learning to think for himself these days. The thing with him though is that you cannot ask him open-ended questions just yet. You cannot ask him what he wants for dinner; you must instead ask him which he would like for dinner? Choice A or Choice B?
Justin and I have recently learned that we can influence these decisions to benefit us, though Odin feels like he made the choice and so he happily goes along with what he chose. I don't know if it's because he always likes picking the last thing that he hears or if it's because he has the memory span of a goldfish. Either way it works.
Odin always picks the 2nd thing you list. It doesn't matter if you offer 2, 3, 6, or even 10 choices, it is always the second choice.
Odin, do you want a time out or apologize?
Apologize.
Odin, do you want to eat candy or zombie brains for dessert?
Zombie Brains.
Odin, do you want to apologize or a time out?
Time out.
Odin, do you want candy or corn?
Corn.
Always works, always.
I am, however, that one day this equation will fail me, but until then...let the parent inspired choices continue!!!
Justin and I have recently learned that we can influence these decisions to benefit us, though Odin feels like he made the choice and so he happily goes along with what he chose. I don't know if it's because he always likes picking the last thing that he hears or if it's because he has the memory span of a goldfish. Either way it works.
Odin always picks the 2nd thing you list. It doesn't matter if you offer 2, 3, 6, or even 10 choices, it is always the second choice.
Odin, do you want a time out or apologize?
Apologize.
Odin, do you want to eat candy or zombie brains for dessert?
Zombie Brains.
Odin, do you want to apologize or a time out?
Time out.
Odin, do you want candy or corn?
Corn.
Always works, always.
I am, however, that one day this equation will fail me, but until then...let the parent inspired choices continue!!!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Somber Thoughts
Been away for a bit, I needed a cyber break. We received word yesterday that a dear friend's daughter lost her battle with Cancer. It makes you think about everything you have and how much more we could appreciate the everyday battles. I cannot imagine what my friend is going through right now. I read her Obituary online today, and I had no idea how such a tiny person could touch so many people.
Like so many people, I met Hayley through her Mom's Facebook page. I watched her turn into a vivacious little girl. She was a beautiful cheerleader, a big cheeser, and a wonderful big sister. I watched her fight her cancer with grace and laughter. There wasn't a picture that I can remember in the last 2 years of her fight that she wasn't smiling. She showed amazing courage through the toughest fight of her life.
I do believe that there is a special place for her in the great beyond as much as I believe that her strength and courage will be remembered by all those that she touched. The world lost a fierce little girl, but it gained an example. No matter how tough things got for Ms. Hayley, she never stopped smiling, she never stopped loving.
I miss you Hayley Kudro. I wish I could be as strong as you are.
Like so many people, I met Hayley through her Mom's Facebook page. I watched her turn into a vivacious little girl. She was a beautiful cheerleader, a big cheeser, and a wonderful big sister. I watched her fight her cancer with grace and laughter. There wasn't a picture that I can remember in the last 2 years of her fight that she wasn't smiling. She showed amazing courage through the toughest fight of her life.
I do believe that there is a special place for her in the great beyond as much as I believe that her strength and courage will be remembered by all those that she touched. The world lost a fierce little girl, but it gained an example. No matter how tough things got for Ms. Hayley, she never stopped smiling, she never stopped loving.
I miss you Hayley Kudro. I wish I could be as strong as you are.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve, HOA Style
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Every creature was stirring, even that dern mouse.
The stockings were hung on the wall by Command,
In hopes that St Nicholas would soon make a stand...
The children were nestled all snug on the couch,
While visions of video games were mumbled through their mouths.
And mamma with her wine, and I in a haze,
Had just settled down to assemble a 4th bike craze.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains and broke through the glass.
The moon on the breast of the new-glazed frost
Gave the lustre of Vegas with how much the lights cost.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a purple tow truck, and the driver without fear.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment twasn't St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So down the rad the coursers they flew,
With the truck full of cars, but not mine, whew!
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the ground
The prancing and pawing of each little link.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the road the HOA President came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all glamoured with Glitter & GOLD
A bundle of fines he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how sour!
His cheeks were a blazen, his nose rotten with power!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he cackled, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right cranky old oaf,
And I laughed when I saw him, because of how he spoke!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had something to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the boxes, then turned like a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, twas my fine last that he chose!
He pointed at the grass, to his team gave a whistle,
And forward they all flew, with a ruler, straight like a missle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Every creature was stirring, even that dern mouse.
The stockings were hung on the wall by Command,
In hopes that St Nicholas would soon make a stand...
The children were nestled all snug on the couch,
While visions of video games were mumbled through their mouths.
And mamma with her wine, and I in a haze,
Had just settled down to assemble a 4th bike craze.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains and broke through the glass.
The moon on the breast of the new-glazed frost
Gave the lustre of Vegas with how much the lights cost.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a purple tow truck, and the driver without fear.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment twasn't St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So down the rad the coursers they flew,
With the truck full of cars, but not mine, whew!
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the ground
The prancing and pawing of each little link.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the road the HOA President came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all glamoured with Glitter & GOLD
A bundle of fines he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how sour!
His cheeks were a blazen, his nose rotten with power!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he cackled, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right cranky old oaf,
And I laughed when I saw him, because of how he spoke!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had something to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the boxes, then turned like a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, twas my fine last that he chose!
He pointed at the grass, to his team gave a whistle,
And forward they all flew, with a ruler, straight like a missle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Thursday, December 22, 2011
It's Been a Long Few Days
The past few days have been a personal struggle for me and many others in my circle. You don't really appreciate what you have until you realize that you could lose it. In the past few days we have had 1 piece of terrible news after another piece. It's almost been bad enough to make me want to curl up in a knot and never go back outside.
We are just a few days past what could have been Lenneth's first birthday, one of my best girl friends from high school is dealing with a terminally ill child that is Brenna's age, and another girl friend from high school lost her mom. These are all extraordinarily difficult things to deal with and have left me in a less than chipper mood to suit the season.
So please excuse the very brief post, but I need to hugs my kids and call my parents.
We are just a few days past what could have been Lenneth's first birthday, one of my best girl friends from high school is dealing with a terminally ill child that is Brenna's age, and another girl friend from high school lost her mom. These are all extraordinarily difficult things to deal with and have left me in a less than chipper mood to suit the season.
So please excuse the very brief post, but I need to hugs my kids and call my parents.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Keeping the Oldies Alive
Folks,
I have 4 words for you.
Gunnar.
Imitating.
Monty.
Python.
It was the most high-larious thing that I have ever seen.
We were in Target because I needed to even out some presents for the upcoming holiday season, and I turn around and Gunnar is taking a step and then raising his other knee. I asked what by chance he thought he was doing and he said I am practicing my Silly Walk for the man on TV...as he brings his knees together, folds his ankels in and starts waddling down the aisle with his hands flapping by his hips. And he was so serious and straight-faced. Again it was the most High-larious thing I have ever seen...and I've seen some things.
We came home soon after to which I bragged to Justin about our little shopping adventure. He was very proud of his son. Justin has been introducing all of the kids to the Monty Python as of late via the Netflix...it's nice to see that Gunnar was paying attention.
I have 4 words for you.
Gunnar.
Imitating.
Monty.
Python.
It was the most high-larious thing that I have ever seen.
We were in Target because I needed to even out some presents for the upcoming holiday season, and I turn around and Gunnar is taking a step and then raising his other knee. I asked what by chance he thought he was doing and he said I am practicing my Silly Walk for the man on TV...as he brings his knees together, folds his ankels in and starts waddling down the aisle with his hands flapping by his hips. And he was so serious and straight-faced. Again it was the most High-larious thing I have ever seen...and I've seen some things.
We came home soon after to which I bragged to Justin about our little shopping adventure. He was very proud of his son. Justin has been introducing all of the kids to the Monty Python as of late via the Netflix...it's nice to see that Gunnar was paying attention.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The thing with having BOYS close together...
We have 3 boys and 1 girl. Our beautiful daughter is 7. Our sons are 9,4, and 3. Now the 9 and the 7 are no picnic...don't get me wrong, the the 4 and 3 are terrible together.
They are both at that age where experimenting is key to learning so there is a constant cause and effect domino scenario going on in the house.
If I take this away from Gigi (4) what will happen to me (3)
Take the object away, Gigi hits Odin, Odin screams, Gigi slaps a hand over Odin's mouth to silence him, Odin licks Gigi's hand, Gigi screams, Odin hits Gigi, Gigi punches Odin in the belly, Odin yells...Mommy or Daddy (whoever is closer) steps in and separates.
If I spill Odin's drink what will happen?
Drink spills, tantrum ensues over spilled milk, Mommy or Daddy cleans up the milk, they go to pour more to find that there is not enough milk to cook dinner AND pour another cup for chocolate milk, decide dinner is more important...besides there is juice and water, full blown tantrum ensues, another drink is spilled.
The fights are a bit more entertaining, though one sided because of the size difference (around 20 lbs in the weight class).
They both know how to throw a punch
They both have learned how to evade each other's punches
The explanations of why they are fighting have become more imaginative
They are just separated enough in age that they don't enjoy doing the same things, but they want each other to do the same things
Gigi wants to play Bey Blades, but all Odin can do is say "Bey Blade, let it w(r)ip!"
Odin wants to play with his trains, but all Gigi wants to do is stack the tracks.
In both scenarios a fight ensues.
However, there are some positives...
I don't really have to pack up Gunnar's clothes because Odin will be wearing them the next season.
They really make having a dull moment impossible.
They tucker each other out.
They are close enough to learn from each other.
Don't get me wrong, if I had it all to do over again...knowing what I know, I still wouldn't change a thing, I just wish they could get along a bit better.
They are both at that age where experimenting is key to learning so there is a constant cause and effect domino scenario going on in the house.
If I take this away from Gigi (4) what will happen to me (3)
Take the object away, Gigi hits Odin, Odin screams, Gigi slaps a hand over Odin's mouth to silence him, Odin licks Gigi's hand, Gigi screams, Odin hits Gigi, Gigi punches Odin in the belly, Odin yells...Mommy or Daddy (whoever is closer) steps in and separates.
If I spill Odin's drink what will happen?
Drink spills, tantrum ensues over spilled milk, Mommy or Daddy cleans up the milk, they go to pour more to find that there is not enough milk to cook dinner AND pour another cup for chocolate milk, decide dinner is more important...besides there is juice and water, full blown tantrum ensues, another drink is spilled.
The fights are a bit more entertaining, though one sided because of the size difference (around 20 lbs in the weight class).
They both know how to throw a punch
They both have learned how to evade each other's punches
The explanations of why they are fighting have become more imaginative
They are just separated enough in age that they don't enjoy doing the same things, but they want each other to do the same things
Gigi wants to play Bey Blades, but all Odin can do is say "Bey Blade, let it w(r)ip!"
Odin wants to play with his trains, but all Gigi wants to do is stack the tracks.
In both scenarios a fight ensues.
However, there are some positives...
I don't really have to pack up Gunnar's clothes because Odin will be wearing them the next season.
They really make having a dull moment impossible.
They tucker each other out.
They are close enough to learn from each other.
Don't get me wrong, if I had it all to do over again...knowing what I know, I still wouldn't change a thing, I just wish they could get along a bit better.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Get in bed...Crap...are you ok?
Gunnar is busy perfecting the art of procrastinating upstairs. I can't even begin to count the number of times I have yelled up the stairs at the 3 older ones since they went up at 9:15...it's 9:49. Gunnar has come down to "pee" twice, tripped while "laying in bed" twice, and bit his tongue while "snoring."
As I was coming up with something witty to write about today, I heard a thud. So naturally, I assumed that someone was upstairs screwing around or jumping on the bed, I didn't even get up, I just shouted.
"Get in bed, close you ey...."
"I'm ok"
"What Happened"
"I went pee in your room."
"Well get in bed"
"I Can't"
"Why the bloody H not?!"
"I slipped in my pee, I missed the potty."
Face Palm.
As I was coming up with something witty to write about today, I heard a thud. So naturally, I assumed that someone was upstairs screwing around or jumping on the bed, I didn't even get up, I just shouted.
"Get in bed, close you ey...."
"I'm ok"
"What Happened"
"I went pee in your room."
"Well get in bed"
"I Can't"
"Why the bloody H not?!"
"I slipped in my pee, I missed the potty."
Face Palm.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Can I have a clip on for my nose....please?!
Potty Training. Or, as we call it...rearrange your life so you are no further than 10 feet from a potty suitable for me, parent training.
The GREAT THINGS we look to the distant future for:
Diaper Free Shopping Carts (First time in 10 years...eeeep)
No longer wondering what they ate as we hunch down on the floor trying to wipe a bum that is red with a rash because no one told Mommy that O pooped, least of all O.
Independence from the who died in your pants question.
No more Blow Outs!
Diaper Leak Free Nights!
Financial Independence from Pampers. Hahahahahahaha.....I really should have bought stock in Proctor and Gamble when we had the chance...that would have paid for itself.
The AWFUL THINGS facing us soon:
No you cannot pee in your pants...there is no diaper to catch it.
Buying stock in Febreeze (who manufactures this)
No you cannot Poop in your pants either.
The "Oh I forgot to use the potty" statement.
Wet hips.
Puddles inside public places.
The Drip from the bottom of grocery cart.
Laundry, from what should have been a diaper blow out, but you were wearing big kid pants, so that makes it 10 times worse.
Long car rides. Nuf said.
The NOT SO TERRIBLE, BUT STILL BAD THINGS in the not so distant future:
Sorting out the underwear of 4 males, 3 who wear character pants
The potty rush in line at the grocery store
Losing my baby, my last baby to big boy status =( ~ =) I am inbetween here...
Fact is this has been a long time coming. I am not really sure what I am going to do with all the extra time that I would normally have been changing a diaper...let along the extra 20-40 bucks a week saved on not buying diapers. I know they grow up fast, but I can't be out of this stage fast enough!
The GREAT THINGS we look to the distant future for:
Diaper Free Shopping Carts (First time in 10 years...eeeep)
No longer wondering what they ate as we hunch down on the floor trying to wipe a bum that is red with a rash because no one told Mommy that O pooped, least of all O.
Independence from the who died in your pants question.
No more Blow Outs!
Diaper Leak Free Nights!
Financial Independence from Pampers. Hahahahahahaha.....I really should have bought stock in Proctor and Gamble when we had the chance...that would have paid for itself.
The AWFUL THINGS facing us soon:
No you cannot pee in your pants...there is no diaper to catch it.
Buying stock in Febreeze (who manufactures this)
No you cannot Poop in your pants either.
The "Oh I forgot to use the potty" statement.
Wet hips.
Puddles inside public places.
The Drip from the bottom of grocery cart.
Laundry, from what should have been a diaper blow out, but you were wearing big kid pants, so that makes it 10 times worse.
Long car rides. Nuf said.
The NOT SO TERRIBLE, BUT STILL BAD THINGS in the not so distant future:
Sorting out the underwear of 4 males, 3 who wear character pants
The potty rush in line at the grocery store
Losing my baby, my last baby to big boy status =( ~ =) I am inbetween here...
Fact is this has been a long time coming. I am not really sure what I am going to do with all the extra time that I would normally have been changing a diaper...let along the extra 20-40 bucks a week saved on not buying diapers. I know they grow up fast, but I can't be out of this stage fast enough!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The dreaded phone call
Every weekend, my parents grant me a bit of peace and take 2-3 kids to their house for the weekend.
Every weekend, my parents and kids take the same route to and from our house to theirs and their house to ours.
Every weekend, my mom texts me when they reach Bealeton.
This weekend was no different. It was Odin's Birthday, and so my mom asked me if I was sure that I wanted her to take the kids. I said yes, because it would give Odin some alone time with Mommy and Daddy for his special birthday.
On Sunday, my mom texted me to say that they were passing through Bealeton, this is my cue to go downstairs and start to wake up a bit. Mom texted me at 10:15.
Samn called Justin's phone at 10:31, because I left mine upstairs and didn't hear it ring. Mom and Dad have been in an accident. Jaxom hit is head. They are being taken to Fauquier Hospital.
I feel my knees start to buckle, I turn on the GPS, Justin get's dressed, I put Odin in the car, I wait for Justin (he always takes forever) I facebook for good vibes (mostly because all I can think of is the worst). We are off. Gosh Darn IT!!! (BTW that is not really what I said) Why can't I ever remember to fill the gas. I don't want to stop for gas. Half way there, we have to stop for gas.
We get to the hospital about an hour later, that is outside of my seizure radius...who's looking though right? Where are my kids? Please where are they? Are they ok? Yes, I'm Mom. Why is his head taped to the carseat?
Hey guys! (Plaster smile, Hide the fear) How are you feeling?
The nurse answers for them. Pegasis is being discharged, that must be Gigi's name for the day. Good News...he's a true tank, not a scratch, strained muscle, nothing wrong with him. Brenna, we are worried about Brenna's belly, she has some fluid in there, it could be nothing, it could be blood, it could be bile we are going to have to take her for more testing. Jaxom, well he's in a bit worse shape, we are waiting for CT so we can get a clearer picture of his brain.
The rest is not nearly as entertaining, nor should it be published here as it entails the use of bedpans.
Long story short:
Gunnar : Built for this type of thing...not a mark on him. Despite being extra cuddly for the past few days, he is fine.
Brenna : Has some fluid around her belly, but she went back to school yesterday, they had a car safety demonstration in her honor. She loved it as she was the center of attention.
Jaxom : Truly is a bit worse for ware. He has a fractured sinus, free floating snot between his skull and skin and a nasty concussion. He too returned to school for a bit today, but since he can't do much, he was able to keep to himself for the most part.
Mom : A nasty bump on the head, a seatbelt burn, and she no longer has a yearning for a small car.
Dad : A strained back, few burns from the airbag, and out right soreness.
Me : A sense of terror, fear, lucky.
The police said they were lucky that my dad slammed on the brakes and they were in a big truck, if either of those things hadn't been in the equation, this could have ended a lot differently.
So love what you have today, because who knows what tomorrow brings.
Every weekend, my parents and kids take the same route to and from our house to theirs and their house to ours.
Every weekend, my mom texts me when they reach Bealeton.
This weekend was no different. It was Odin's Birthday, and so my mom asked me if I was sure that I wanted her to take the kids. I said yes, because it would give Odin some alone time with Mommy and Daddy for his special birthday.
On Sunday, my mom texted me to say that they were passing through Bealeton, this is my cue to go downstairs and start to wake up a bit. Mom texted me at 10:15.
Samn called Justin's phone at 10:31, because I left mine upstairs and didn't hear it ring. Mom and Dad have been in an accident. Jaxom hit is head. They are being taken to Fauquier Hospital.
I feel my knees start to buckle, I turn on the GPS, Justin get's dressed, I put Odin in the car, I wait for Justin (he always takes forever) I facebook for good vibes (mostly because all I can think of is the worst). We are off. Gosh Darn IT!!! (BTW that is not really what I said) Why can't I ever remember to fill the gas. I don't want to stop for gas. Half way there, we have to stop for gas.
We get to the hospital about an hour later, that is outside of my seizure radius...who's looking though right? Where are my kids? Please where are they? Are they ok? Yes, I'm Mom. Why is his head taped to the carseat?
Hey guys! (Plaster smile, Hide the fear) How are you feeling?
The nurse answers for them. Pegasis is being discharged, that must be Gigi's name for the day. Good News...he's a true tank, not a scratch, strained muscle, nothing wrong with him. Brenna, we are worried about Brenna's belly, she has some fluid in there, it could be nothing, it could be blood, it could be bile we are going to have to take her for more testing. Jaxom, well he's in a bit worse shape, we are waiting for CT so we can get a clearer picture of his brain.
The rest is not nearly as entertaining, nor should it be published here as it entails the use of bedpans.
Long story short:
Gunnar : Built for this type of thing...not a mark on him. Despite being extra cuddly for the past few days, he is fine.
Brenna : Has some fluid around her belly, but she went back to school yesterday, they had a car safety demonstration in her honor. She loved it as she was the center of attention.
Jaxom : Truly is a bit worse for ware. He has a fractured sinus, free floating snot between his skull and skin and a nasty concussion. He too returned to school for a bit today, but since he can't do much, he was able to keep to himself for the most part.
Mom : A nasty bump on the head, a seatbelt burn, and she no longer has a yearning for a small car.
Dad : A strained back, few burns from the airbag, and out right soreness.
Me : A sense of terror, fear, lucky.
The police said they were lucky that my dad slammed on the brakes and they were in a big truck, if either of those things hadn't been in the equation, this could have ended a lot differently.
So love what you have today, because who knows what tomorrow brings.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
All the Good One Day can Bring
The best things that happened on Odin's Birthday :
He made it to 3! If you had asked me 3 years ago if this day would come, I wouldn't have been so sure. I am so excited to see what this year has to hold for us.
Gunnar COMPLIMENTED me.
"Mommy, I can't look at you!"
"Why not G-ger's?"
"Because your beauty is blinding."
I don't know where he heard that one, but he can keep it. Not to worry though, it will probably get lost in my big chickenbutt, because his next compliment was that I am a chickenbutt.
Odin used the big boy potty all day. We bought him big kid pants and he didn't foul a single pair. We took him to Target today, and he asked to go use the big potty twice.
While Brenna didn't find the humor in Justin telling her to stop rolling her head because the house was shaking, my dad certainly did.
Finally,
Jaxom didn't whine from the moment he got off the bus until he left for his Nanna's house.
All in all it was a great cyber free day!
We ate a bit of cake, it was chocolate with sprinkles mixed in the batter as well as each layer of frosting. Odin got a kick out of it. I had also premade some Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cupcake Cookies for breakfast, mostly because they are super filling. 1 lasts for hours...before you know it, it's 3 in the afternoon and your still not hungry.
Odin unwrapped his gifts. We got him the Riddler for his and Gigi's Batman cave, as well as, several shirts since he was born off season from the others. He also received some new pants, a monster hat and mittens, and a Thomas the Train and railroad tracks. Thank goodness the train doesn't talk or whistle, because he have already replaced the batteries twice from it just going round and round in circles for hours.
To top it all off, he got some alone time with us because Mom took the other 3 for the weekend. We woke up this morning and had some breakfast, went shopping, and then we found out that Daddy's (Justin's) Presents are going to arrive really early, and since they are huge, and probably won't come in unmarked packaging...it will be an early Christmas for him.
3 is scary though...all of them have had the same 1's and 2's but 3 seems to be when they truly develop their personality's in our family...so let's see what we have in store!
He made it to 3! If you had asked me 3 years ago if this day would come, I wouldn't have been so sure. I am so excited to see what this year has to hold for us.
Gunnar COMPLIMENTED me.
"Mommy, I can't look at you!"
"Why not G-ger's?"
"Because your beauty is blinding."
I don't know where he heard that one, but he can keep it. Not to worry though, it will probably get lost in my big chickenbutt, because his next compliment was that I am a chickenbutt.
Odin used the big boy potty all day. We bought him big kid pants and he didn't foul a single pair. We took him to Target today, and he asked to go use the big potty twice.
While Brenna didn't find the humor in Justin telling her to stop rolling her head because the house was shaking, my dad certainly did.
Finally,
Jaxom didn't whine from the moment he got off the bus until he left for his Nanna's house.
All in all it was a great cyber free day!
We ate a bit of cake, it was chocolate with sprinkles mixed in the batter as well as each layer of frosting. Odin got a kick out of it. I had also premade some Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cupcake Cookies for breakfast, mostly because they are super filling. 1 lasts for hours...before you know it, it's 3 in the afternoon and your still not hungry.
Odin unwrapped his gifts. We got him the Riddler for his and Gigi's Batman cave, as well as, several shirts since he was born off season from the others. He also received some new pants, a monster hat and mittens, and a Thomas the Train and railroad tracks. Thank goodness the train doesn't talk or whistle, because he have already replaced the batteries twice from it just going round and round in circles for hours.
To top it all off, he got some alone time with us because Mom took the other 3 for the weekend. We woke up this morning and had some breakfast, went shopping, and then we found out that Daddy's (Justin's) Presents are going to arrive really early, and since they are huge, and probably won't come in unmarked packaging...it will be an early Christmas for him.
3 is scary though...all of them have had the same 1's and 2's but 3 seems to be when they truly develop their personality's in our family...so let's see what we have in store!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
3 Years
3 years ago tomorrow, my baby was born. Childbirth was nothing new to me...it had happened 3 times before, and having the aversion to tardiness that I do, my body delivered a preemie for the 4th time. I remember a lot about the morning that he was born. I remember being sent home from the hospital that evening, and even though the contractions were getting stronger and closer together, I wasn't going back to be admitted again so I waited. I waited until I couldn't bear the pain anymore. We left for the hospital at 4:52 am. I remember the nurse looking at me with a surprised look saying, "There's going to be a bay for you today!" I remember getting hooked up to the monitors, and wanting nothing more than to go to sleep or at the very least get some drugs, but there was no time I was 6cm and my water was ready to rupture. At 5:07 am my water broke, same as the woman next door...the race was on.
5:16 am I was ready to push. This delivery was a bit different, I remember screaming at my not so favorite OB in the practice that something didn't feel right, I remember cursing, I remember reaching for my husbands hand, but only getting his wrist (smartest move he claims to have ever made). I couldn't figure out why it hurt so bad, and this was my 4th NATURAL childbirth. He arrived face up, forehead first, there was no cone...just face...
At 5:26 am I saw him for the first time, only I remember thinking he didn't look like a Thor Saren, so Justin and I fell back on our 2nd choice, and it fit. At 5:26 am on December 2, 2008, we named our 4 lb. 13 oz. baby boy Odin Grey. He was cleaned and swaddled, and he was placed in my arms for the first time.
I remember looking into his beautiful slate blue eyes and falling in love with this baby, who from how much it hurt, I could have sworn would have weighed more.
He didn't cry, he tried to nurse, but he was new to this so we just stared at each other while Justin called everyone, and then called to check on the other 3 who were still asleep at home. For an hour we stared.
At a bit past 6 am the nursery team came into take him to get cleaned up and have a once over. They told me that we would get settled in and they would have him to me within the hour.
At 8 I started getting nervous. I begged Justin to go check, the Post partum nurse came in but never came back with an update, she just told me to rest that someone would be in shortly, or the last time she said that she would check again, but she didn't come back.
At 11:56 the NICU doctor came in, without my baby boy. She sat on the bed, and she told me what happened. They were taking his blood for newborn testing, he was in the warmer, he was kicking and crying like normal. Then, she said, he started to grunt, and then he turned blue, and then he stopped breathing. I'm not sure what was said after that, because I used up the rest of my energy sobbing. What had happened to my baby. Why wasn't he breathing? Was it something that I had done? Was he going to make it through the day? What was I going to tell the kids?
I was allowed to go see him at 1:30 that afternoon, I am still not sure if it was because they were ready for the sobbing mom, or because they just needed me to stop pestering them. He was on a warmer table, nothing but a diaper on, an oxygen hood over his head. I couldn't stand up. I knew it was ok to touch him, but I was terrified, so I stared.
I don't remember Justin taking me back to my room, but he did. I don't remember getting into the hospital bed, but I did.
After 6 hours, I went back. On my own steam this time, and it drained me. I went to his bed, where the second shift doctor explained to me that he had stopped breathing again so they needed to put him on CPAP and Surfactant to keep his lungs inflated and air flowing. I sat down and all I could do was cry. It wasn't a my hormones are all out of whack cry, it was a cry of terror. I was overwhelmed with emotion and uncertainty. At this point Justin was in the room hacking with a terrible cold, so he wasn't allowed back in the NICU until he was well for 48 hours, how was I going to explain all this to him? Was he ever going to hold his son? What was going to happen? The doctors weren't giving us much hope because they couldn't figure out what was wrong or why this was happening to him. They were pumping him full of antibiotics because there was a tiny spot of something in his lungs on his X-ray, but they didn't think what ever it was should have effected him that much. We were just going to have to wait and see.
Leaving him that time was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. But I had to do it. I wasn't any good to him thinking of the worse, I wasn't helping him rest by sobbing, and I certainly wasn't winning any popularity contests with the nurses. It was the longest walk of my life from the NICU to my room, and this time I remember every agonizing step.
I set my alarm for every hour on the hour so as not to miss any updates, the doctors will not wake you for an update. I pumped every 3rd hour, I had to think that eventually he was going to need to eat, he was going to make it through this and when he did, he would need my milk. It kept me distracted.
At 7am the nurses were optimistic since he had made it through the night. Clear headed I could see everything that he was attached to. The tube down his throat to help him breathe. The IV in his tiny little arm, and the one is his teeny little foot. The 3 leads that monitored his heart and his individual breaths. The little foot glowing for the line that measured the oxygen in his blood. The mask over his eyes to induce rest. I asked for an update, but after 3 hours and not seeing the doctor, I realized no news is good news in times like this, so I kissed his hand for the first time and told him I loved him. I needed to eat so I went back to the quiet room to order lunch and get some rest.
I went back every 2 hours that day. I set my alarm to wake every hour on the hour again that night. I went home the next day. I had only 1 visitor, my mom, but I think she got tired of the crying and she had to back to work. 4th babies are nothing new, and no one knows how to comfort a mom that is leaving without her baby, it was probably better that way.
I had done the NICU experience before, but I didn't expect it to be so difficult with the 3 others at home. It was truly exhausting, going back every 3 hours, waking every 2 at night to pump, agonizing to be away when Justin had to go back to work.
After 3 days, they took him off the Surfactant. At 5 he was off the ventilator all together, the worst was behind us. His Aunt Beki was the first person other than me to hold him when we snuck her into the NICU on the 6th night.
On day 14 he came home. New terrors came with that, what if something went wrong in the middle of the night? There would be no monitors to catch it. What if one of the kids got him sick? What would happen then? I was a barrel of nerves his first week home, more so than I was with any of the other 3.
Fast forward to today and we have had 3 years that we didn't think we would have when he was just a few hours old. There have been lasting effects from everything that saved his life. He is deaf in one ear because he lacks the proper structure for his nerve to function because of the combination of antibiotics. His teeth are weaker from the Surfactant that penetrates down in the gums, so he will forever have to be weary of getting his in the mouth. He has a bit of a developmental delay from the combination of being born early and lack of oxygen, but he is quickly compensating for the delay, and we are hoping that at his check up it will not longer be a huge issue.
I may not always express how much I truly care about and love my kids as I vent about everything they do, but I am thankful for every day that I have had with each and every one of them. So as I complete this blog, I want to remind everyone that I truly believe that my "Obie Ray" deserves all the attention in the world on his birthday because every single one of them is special to us because he came so close to only having the origional. I will be stepping off and out of the digital realm for the 2nd of December to celebrate and give thanks. I will let you all know how it went on Saturday!
Goodnight and good wishes.
5:16 am I was ready to push. This delivery was a bit different, I remember screaming at my not so favorite OB in the practice that something didn't feel right, I remember cursing, I remember reaching for my husbands hand, but only getting his wrist (smartest move he claims to have ever made). I couldn't figure out why it hurt so bad, and this was my 4th NATURAL childbirth. He arrived face up, forehead first, there was no cone...just face...
At 5:26 am I saw him for the first time, only I remember thinking he didn't look like a Thor Saren, so Justin and I fell back on our 2nd choice, and it fit. At 5:26 am on December 2, 2008, we named our 4 lb. 13 oz. baby boy Odin Grey. He was cleaned and swaddled, and he was placed in my arms for the first time.
I remember looking into his beautiful slate blue eyes and falling in love with this baby, who from how much it hurt, I could have sworn would have weighed more.
He didn't cry, he tried to nurse, but he was new to this so we just stared at each other while Justin called everyone, and then called to check on the other 3 who were still asleep at home. For an hour we stared.
At a bit past 6 am the nursery team came into take him to get cleaned up and have a once over. They told me that we would get settled in and they would have him to me within the hour.
At 8 I started getting nervous. I begged Justin to go check, the Post partum nurse came in but never came back with an update, she just told me to rest that someone would be in shortly, or the last time she said that she would check again, but she didn't come back.
At 11:56 the NICU doctor came in, without my baby boy. She sat on the bed, and she told me what happened. They were taking his blood for newborn testing, he was in the warmer, he was kicking and crying like normal. Then, she said, he started to grunt, and then he turned blue, and then he stopped breathing. I'm not sure what was said after that, because I used up the rest of my energy sobbing. What had happened to my baby. Why wasn't he breathing? Was it something that I had done? Was he going to make it through the day? What was I going to tell the kids?
I was allowed to go see him at 1:30 that afternoon, I am still not sure if it was because they were ready for the sobbing mom, or because they just needed me to stop pestering them. He was on a warmer table, nothing but a diaper on, an oxygen hood over his head. I couldn't stand up. I knew it was ok to touch him, but I was terrified, so I stared.
I don't remember Justin taking me back to my room, but he did. I don't remember getting into the hospital bed, but I did.
After 6 hours, I went back. On my own steam this time, and it drained me. I went to his bed, where the second shift doctor explained to me that he had stopped breathing again so they needed to put him on CPAP and Surfactant to keep his lungs inflated and air flowing. I sat down and all I could do was cry. It wasn't a my hormones are all out of whack cry, it was a cry of terror. I was overwhelmed with emotion and uncertainty. At this point Justin was in the room hacking with a terrible cold, so he wasn't allowed back in the NICU until he was well for 48 hours, how was I going to explain all this to him? Was he ever going to hold his son? What was going to happen? The doctors weren't giving us much hope because they couldn't figure out what was wrong or why this was happening to him. They were pumping him full of antibiotics because there was a tiny spot of something in his lungs on his X-ray, but they didn't think what ever it was should have effected him that much. We were just going to have to wait and see.
Leaving him that time was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. But I had to do it. I wasn't any good to him thinking of the worse, I wasn't helping him rest by sobbing, and I certainly wasn't winning any popularity contests with the nurses. It was the longest walk of my life from the NICU to my room, and this time I remember every agonizing step.
I set my alarm for every hour on the hour so as not to miss any updates, the doctors will not wake you for an update. I pumped every 3rd hour, I had to think that eventually he was going to need to eat, he was going to make it through this and when he did, he would need my milk. It kept me distracted.
At 7am the nurses were optimistic since he had made it through the night. Clear headed I could see everything that he was attached to. The tube down his throat to help him breathe. The IV in his tiny little arm, and the one is his teeny little foot. The 3 leads that monitored his heart and his individual breaths. The little foot glowing for the line that measured the oxygen in his blood. The mask over his eyes to induce rest. I asked for an update, but after 3 hours and not seeing the doctor, I realized no news is good news in times like this, so I kissed his hand for the first time and told him I loved him. I needed to eat so I went back to the quiet room to order lunch and get some rest.
I went back every 2 hours that day. I set my alarm to wake every hour on the hour again that night. I went home the next day. I had only 1 visitor, my mom, but I think she got tired of the crying and she had to back to work. 4th babies are nothing new, and no one knows how to comfort a mom that is leaving without her baby, it was probably better that way.
I had done the NICU experience before, but I didn't expect it to be so difficult with the 3 others at home. It was truly exhausting, going back every 3 hours, waking every 2 at night to pump, agonizing to be away when Justin had to go back to work.
After 3 days, they took him off the Surfactant. At 5 he was off the ventilator all together, the worst was behind us. His Aunt Beki was the first person other than me to hold him when we snuck her into the NICU on the 6th night.
On day 14 he came home. New terrors came with that, what if something went wrong in the middle of the night? There would be no monitors to catch it. What if one of the kids got him sick? What would happen then? I was a barrel of nerves his first week home, more so than I was with any of the other 3.
Fast forward to today and we have had 3 years that we didn't think we would have when he was just a few hours old. There have been lasting effects from everything that saved his life. He is deaf in one ear because he lacks the proper structure for his nerve to function because of the combination of antibiotics. His teeth are weaker from the Surfactant that penetrates down in the gums, so he will forever have to be weary of getting his in the mouth. He has a bit of a developmental delay from the combination of being born early and lack of oxygen, but he is quickly compensating for the delay, and we are hoping that at his check up it will not longer be a huge issue.
I may not always express how much I truly care about and love my kids as I vent about everything they do, but I am thankful for every day that I have had with each and every one of them. So as I complete this blog, I want to remind everyone that I truly believe that my "Obie Ray" deserves all the attention in the world on his birthday because every single one of them is special to us because he came so close to only having the origional. I will be stepping off and out of the digital realm for the 2nd of December to celebrate and give thanks. I will let you all know how it went on Saturday!
Goodnight and good wishes.
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