I've been using that phrase quite a bit lately. I guess it's better than some of the other words I would like to be saying. I really don't want my children to talk so I'm always look for good phrases to use during times of frustration.
I want to thank everyone who has been posting messages to my blog! :) I'm trying to respond to all of them, but some of them bounce back to me. One day, real soon, I need to sit down and figure out how to do everything in my blog. I've thought of creating a really cool blog, you know those ones you have to pay for, with lots of cool graphics and stuff. But, I first have to get to the point where I am consistently keeping up with my blog. I just think some of the other blogs that I read look so cool! Mine is just so - blah. Anyway, I am reading all the posts made and appreciate them greatly, especially those great supportive comments. :)
I've been a little grumpy the last week. I think I'm just adjusting to adding a part-time job to the mix. I keep forgetting, people asked where I'm working and (drum roll) T*arget. I know, nothing fancy and I'm so not using my degree at all. But, I get to get out of the house (guaranteed) three times a week, be around and converse with other adults and make a little extra spending money. When we first moved here I worked there over Christmas and made a few good friends and had a good time. Also, I lost 10 pounds!! I'm hoping that will happen again. I guess just adding all that extra walking around made a huge difference. I volunteered to open every other Sunday morning to help set the ad. Well, I have to be there at 5 am!! Can you believe that S*tarbucks isn't even open yet!! Yesterday was the first day, and I thought I would just swing through on my way in, NOT OPEN - EEEKKK! Now I work at a SuperT*arget and there is actually a S*tarbucks located in the store, but of course they don't open until the store opens. :( So, I started my day with a P*epsi. Needless to say I was one tired girl last night, I fell asleep during my favorite show G*rey's A*natomy. :( I tried really hard to stay awake.
Can you all believe how quickly Christmas will be here?!?! I have usually started my shopping by now, I have one stinking gift - grr! Although, this year I decided we are going to draw names and that probably won't happen until Thanksgiving. But, that's no excuse I should have started S*anta's shopping by now. Oh well, I can't wait to get my decorations out. I LOVE Christmas.
Since I have decided to have my surgery that means putting my trip to Hawaii off. I'm on the fence about this one. We are only putting it off a year, but a part of me is still sad about it. It will be our 10 year wedding anniversary in July - yeah! :) We won't be in Hawaii celebrating. :( But, putting it off a year we will be able to still go with my best friend A and her husband who celebrates their 10 year anniversary just two short months after Nick and I do. And, if I get myself into shape I may just be able to wear that bikini my wonderful, dear husband so badly wants to see me in. :)
Cutting all these trips up to W*isconsin out has helped me keep a regular schedule of making it to the gym. And, that my friends makes me feel really good about myself. Now if only the fat would melt a little bit more quickly. I mean really is that asking too much!?!?
Ok, the dryer is done. My never ending laundry load is calling out to me. I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween!!!! I'll be back soon to post picutre of my favorite boys in their costumes. :)
October 31, 2005
October 26, 2005
Would you??
I can't believe I'm going to blog about this, but it is a huge decision I've made and I feel the need to get it out.
For those readers who don't know, 16 years ago I was shot - yes, with a gun. It is a long story for another time. But, due to that I had to have exploratory surgery and a temporary colostomy. Needless to say, I have a lot of scars. After having my three beautiful boys the scars are even more hideous, if that's possible. So, after YEARS of research I went and met with a plastic surgeon. I have decided to have plastic surgery to do something with my awful scars.
I understand that they are on my belly and I won't be walking around wearing belly shirts anyway. But, it's the point to me. I am still, after almost 10 years of marriage, self-conscious about my hideous scars around my husband. While he says he doesn't think they are that bad, they are, he is very supportive of me having the surgery.
A part of me feels like it's something I wouldn't want to share with others. But, it will help me feel really good about myself. And, if I can ever get my body into shape, I will at least have the option to wear a bikini on vacation if I want to venture down that road. Such a foreign thing to me. I haven't worn a bikini since I was 15 years old!
I know that getting rid of the scars won't ever erase that day from my memory. But, it won't always be a constant reminder every day when I'm taking a shower and getting dressed. I tried seeing several dermatologists because they've come out with so much new medical things that they can do for scars these days. Well, sadly my scars are just to old to do any of those things.
Would it be wrong to request a little lipo on my thighs while I'm there?? :) Just kidding, while I would love to have that done, I'm just to chicken to go that far.
For those readers who don't know, 16 years ago I was shot - yes, with a gun. It is a long story for another time. But, due to that I had to have exploratory surgery and a temporary colostomy. Needless to say, I have a lot of scars. After having my three beautiful boys the scars are even more hideous, if that's possible. So, after YEARS of research I went and met with a plastic surgeon. I have decided to have plastic surgery to do something with my awful scars.
I understand that they are on my belly and I won't be walking around wearing belly shirts anyway. But, it's the point to me. I am still, after almost 10 years of marriage, self-conscious about my hideous scars around my husband. While he says he doesn't think they are that bad, they are, he is very supportive of me having the surgery.
A part of me feels like it's something I wouldn't want to share with others. But, it will help me feel really good about myself. And, if I can ever get my body into shape, I will at least have the option to wear a bikini on vacation if I want to venture down that road. Such a foreign thing to me. I haven't worn a bikini since I was 15 years old!
I know that getting rid of the scars won't ever erase that day from my memory. But, it won't always be a constant reminder every day when I'm taking a shower and getting dressed. I tried seeing several dermatologists because they've come out with so much new medical things that they can do for scars these days. Well, sadly my scars are just to old to do any of those things.
Would it be wrong to request a little lipo on my thighs while I'm there?? :) Just kidding, while I would love to have that done, I'm just to chicken to go that far.
October 25, 2005
Almost Halloween already!
Wow, I can’t believe it’s almost Halloween already! What are your children dressing up as this year? Ethan’s going to be a Power Ranger and Aidan is going to be Buzz Lightyear. Thanks to Krista with the great link to Disney Direct and the great shopping code I got an awesome deal on their costumes. I’m probably not going to dress Ian up since it appears it will be too cold for him to go out. I know I should be fun and dress him up while handing out candy, but anything on his head he will pull right off. If it appears that the weather will be nice enough (yeah right!), I will run up to T*arget and get him one.
Nick got some great pictures of Ethan and Aidan playing in the leaves at Nana and Papa’s house a couple weeks ago. We had a family get together with my mom’s side of the family and it was really nice. It’s always weird having “parties” at my parent’s house. They are so rare, since that is where I was shot and we were going to be having my brother’s graduation party that day. We all gathered in the family room to play Scene It when everyone started cracking jokes about not wanting to sit on the couch because it was bad luck. Ha! Ha! I was the one who sat in the same spot I was sitting in when I got shot, obviously new furniture. J Although, I think the jokes made my brother a little uncomfortable. It’s been sixteen years and he still can’t talk about it. You would think it happened to him and not me.
I’m really, really going to write more often and about things more openly. I worry a lot about offending some of my readers. This is, however, my blog and I need to write what I want to write. If someone doesn’t like what I’m writing about then they shouldn’t read. I need to be me. J I read so many good blogs where the blogger writes with so much passion and openness, I’m hoping to be able to follow by example. And hopefully write about some interesting things going on in my life.
I’m a liar and I’m going to hell! Well, I didn’t tell the lie, I made Nick do it for me. I was tired of driving up to Wisconsin for all these family get togethers. Last Saturday I was supposed to go back up again for a wedding shower. Now this would’ve been the fifth shower in the last year and a half. I am burnt on these gatherings. I was still getting over a cold and Ian had a bit of a cold. The shower was for a girl that is marrying Nick’s cousin. I just didn’t want to make the trip, so Nick told his Step-mom (who was giving her the shower) that Ian was sick and I couldn’t make it. He still made the trip up with the other two boys to help his brother work on his van. I know it’s really no big deal and I didn’t actually tell the lie, I couldn’t because I’m such a horrible liar. But, I still have feelings of guilt.
Aidan had a trip with his class to a pumpkin farm. I wasn't able to go on the hay ride, see/pet the animals, etc. because of Ian. Due to insurance liabilites. So, I took Ian to get his first look at pumpkins while we waited for Aidan's class to come back. Ian thought it was great and of course loved being able to crawl around in the dirt.
Ethan is home today from school with a fever – ick! He had a day off yesterday and it was wasted since he was sick. I’m hoping he gets better today or else we’ll be off to the doctor tomorrow. His fever started late Saturday night and has been going since. I’ve had two notes sent home from his school about two students having Strep throat. So far he hasn’t had a sore throat, which I know doesn’t mean he doesn’t have it. Keeping my fingers crossed that today will be a good day.
I guess not very exciting, but I will be talking about some interesting things in upcoming entries and have some questions for my few readers, so come on back!
October 7, 2005
And the clock keeps ticking
It is so easy to say I will write tomorrow, and not do it. I know I really don't have an exciting life, but I was hoping I would be posting more. I want to remember all of these day to day things that go on in my life. My children do so much every day that I'm just amazed by, and don't ever want to forget all the small details of the different events. Not to mention I think of all kinds of things on a daily basis that I could blog about but never get around to making a post.
Anyway, onto an update. I'm happy to report that Aidan's new medication regimen for his asthma is working wonderfully. It's so nice to not have to used the nebulizer on daily basis. His nose has since stopped running since starting the Claritin. It is so wonderful. Now, time will only tell if this is the solution. We have to wait until his first illness surfaces this winter to see if it progresses into an asthma attack that won't be treatable at home. Jon asked if I know of any web sites that provide good information on inhalers; I'm sorry to say that I don't. I'm not always so quick to research everything on the internet. I believe you can find information to favor any direction you want when searching. I am comfortable with all my resources, through personal contacts, ect., that we have provided the best course of action for my son. I have to say that I was a bit relieved that I didn't have to got to the internet to spend hours researching as I do with most other decisions.
Since Aidan's health has been great he has been attending preschool. Not missing a single day! He wants to go every day, and I sure wish he could. Not that I don't want to be with him, he just needs the entertainment. He sure misses not having his big brother around. It's nice to hear him talking about his friends at school. It will be such a huge deal for him when he starts having his own playdates and birthday parties. My baby is becoming such a big boy!
Ethan seems to be such years ahead of Aidan since starting kindergarten. I'm so proud of him, it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. I am so amazed at how much he has learned and come even more out of his shell since starting school at the end of August. He went to preschool for two years and learned all kinds of little songs. He would never sing them in front of anyone. I only knew he learned them if I caught him in hiding somewhere in the house singing them. He sings on a daily basis now. :) Not that he's a good singer, but he's not afraid or shy to share with me what he's learned. His writing has just exploded. I'm still just blown away by how much they do in kindergarten now than they did when I started school. All right, no comments from the cheap seats. It wasn't that long ago that I was in school. To me preschool now is what my kindergarten was when I started school. I think he's still a little slow in the social aspect of school. My Ethan is just very shy and reserved. Now, once he comes out of his shell look out. But, he likes to just stand back and observe what's going on around him before entering a situation. I am very ok with this and think it's actually pretty smart. But, the mother in me worries tremendously about the social part of school. I have no doubts at all about the learning portion of schooling for Ethan. It's already very apparent that he is taking after his daddy in the brains department. I do know how important getting yourself established is when you're in school. I feel awful worrying about something like this, but I don't want my son to be the stand out kid who gets picked on throughout his school years. Now, I also don't want him to be a bully, somewhere in the middle would be just perfect. Someone can jump in anytime and tell me to stop being a worry worth.
Ethan also started playing soccer. He's been doing pretty good since Nick has started helping him practice at home. It's so cute watching all those little kids playing out on the field. There are only two girls on his team. One of them is an outstanding player. I was just saying the other night, "good for her, show those boys how it's done". He practices and plays two nights a week. They practice for 20 minutes and then play for 40 minutes. Now that it's cold I will probably stop going and just dad will so the baby doesn't have to sit out in the cold. It's also really nice to see Nick all involved. He took place for the coach one night when he had to leave early and had a great time. I told him he should think about coaching in the spring.
Onto my baby, Ian. Now 9 1/2 months - eek! I love all my boys with all my heart, but I have to say that I've enjoyed the baby time with Ian more than I did with Ethan and Aidan. I don't know if it's because I know he's my last and therefore I am paying attention and enjoying everything, every day. Maybe it's because I've been through this two other times and I'm WAY more relaxed about things that I am able to enjoy it all better. I know I didn't with Ethan because he was my first born and I was all uptight and nervous about everything. And, with his surgery and all the worries before and after make me feel a little cheated about my time I had with him as an infant. Then when Aidan came along Ethan was only 23 months and still required a lot of my time, so I didn't get a lot of one on one time with Aidan. It just has worked so well of Ian's timing. I must put down that I would NOT change a thing. I can't imagine not having Ethan and Aidan so close. It was/is hard, but so worth it. They will always have such a great bond!
Oh yeah, back to Ian. He is such a delight. I'm always being told what an "easy" baby he is, and it's so true. The crankiest he's ever been is when a tooth is ready to come through his gums, and who can blame him. I know I've said it before, but he is the GREATEST sleeper. I guess I always touch upon this one since I had two before that weren't the greatest in that area. I love putting him down at night and he sleeps all night. He's been pulling up on things a lot lately working on standing up. I guess that means this weekend I should have Nick lower the mattress in the crib in case he starts standing in there also. I don't want to worry about him falling out of his crib.
I started this post 24 hours ago and have yet to finish it, pathetic! Nick just came back from the movie store, so I'm going to go and see what he got for our viewing this evening. I am just going to post for now and hope I come up with something interesting soon to post soon.
Anyway, onto an update. I'm happy to report that Aidan's new medication regimen for his asthma is working wonderfully. It's so nice to not have to used the nebulizer on daily basis. His nose has since stopped running since starting the Claritin. It is so wonderful. Now, time will only tell if this is the solution. We have to wait until his first illness surfaces this winter to see if it progresses into an asthma attack that won't be treatable at home. Jon asked if I know of any web sites that provide good information on inhalers; I'm sorry to say that I don't. I'm not always so quick to research everything on the internet. I believe you can find information to favor any direction you want when searching. I am comfortable with all my resources, through personal contacts, ect., that we have provided the best course of action for my son. I have to say that I was a bit relieved that I didn't have to got to the internet to spend hours researching as I do with most other decisions.
Since Aidan's health has been great he has been attending preschool. Not missing a single day! He wants to go every day, and I sure wish he could. Not that I don't want to be with him, he just needs the entertainment. He sure misses not having his big brother around. It's nice to hear him talking about his friends at school. It will be such a huge deal for him when he starts having his own playdates and birthday parties. My baby is becoming such a big boy!
Ethan seems to be such years ahead of Aidan since starting kindergarten. I'm so proud of him, it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. I am so amazed at how much he has learned and come even more out of his shell since starting school at the end of August. He went to preschool for two years and learned all kinds of little songs. He would never sing them in front of anyone. I only knew he learned them if I caught him in hiding somewhere in the house singing them. He sings on a daily basis now. :) Not that he's a good singer, but he's not afraid or shy to share with me what he's learned. His writing has just exploded. I'm still just blown away by how much they do in kindergarten now than they did when I started school. All right, no comments from the cheap seats. It wasn't that long ago that I was in school. To me preschool now is what my kindergarten was when I started school. I think he's still a little slow in the social aspect of school. My Ethan is just very shy and reserved. Now, once he comes out of his shell look out. But, he likes to just stand back and observe what's going on around him before entering a situation. I am very ok with this and think it's actually pretty smart. But, the mother in me worries tremendously about the social part of school. I have no doubts at all about the learning portion of schooling for Ethan. It's already very apparent that he is taking after his daddy in the brains department. I do know how important getting yourself established is when you're in school. I feel awful worrying about something like this, but I don't want my son to be the stand out kid who gets picked on throughout his school years. Now, I also don't want him to be a bully, somewhere in the middle would be just perfect. Someone can jump in anytime and tell me to stop being a worry worth.
Ethan also started playing soccer. He's been doing pretty good since Nick has started helping him practice at home. It's so cute watching all those little kids playing out on the field. There are only two girls on his team. One of them is an outstanding player. I was just saying the other night, "good for her, show those boys how it's done". He practices and plays two nights a week. They practice for 20 minutes and then play for 40 minutes. Now that it's cold I will probably stop going and just dad will so the baby doesn't have to sit out in the cold. It's also really nice to see Nick all involved. He took place for the coach one night when he had to leave early and had a great time. I told him he should think about coaching in the spring.
Onto my baby, Ian. Now 9 1/2 months - eek! I love all my boys with all my heart, but I have to say that I've enjoyed the baby time with Ian more than I did with Ethan and Aidan. I don't know if it's because I know he's my last and therefore I am paying attention and enjoying everything, every day. Maybe it's because I've been through this two other times and I'm WAY more relaxed about things that I am able to enjoy it all better. I know I didn't with Ethan because he was my first born and I was all uptight and nervous about everything. And, with his surgery and all the worries before and after make me feel a little cheated about my time I had with him as an infant. Then when Aidan came along Ethan was only 23 months and still required a lot of my time, so I didn't get a lot of one on one time with Aidan. It just has worked so well of Ian's timing. I must put down that I would NOT change a thing. I can't imagine not having Ethan and Aidan so close. It was/is hard, but so worth it. They will always have such a great bond!
Oh yeah, back to Ian. He is such a delight. I'm always being told what an "easy" baby he is, and it's so true. The crankiest he's ever been is when a tooth is ready to come through his gums, and who can blame him. I know I've said it before, but he is the GREATEST sleeper. I guess I always touch upon this one since I had two before that weren't the greatest in that area. I love putting him down at night and he sleeps all night. He's been pulling up on things a lot lately working on standing up. I guess that means this weekend I should have Nick lower the mattress in the crib in case he starts standing in there also. I don't want to worry about him falling out of his crib.
I started this post 24 hours ago and have yet to finish it, pathetic! Nick just came back from the movie store, so I'm going to go and see what he got for our viewing this evening. I am just going to post for now and hope I come up with something interesting soon to post soon.
September 29, 2005
Not the dog!
I finally got Aidan in to see the allergist. We have a new plan to try and control his asthma. I'm hoping that it works and we can keep him out of the hospital this winter. Keep your fingers crossed.
The doctor did an allergy test as well. Turns out he is allergic to dogs!!! What the hell!!! They told us at this point we don't need to consider getting rid of the dog. She said it's obviously not causing him to have asthma attacks, but it may be contributing once one starts. So, we have a whole list of things to do, including giving him Claritin. Which by the way, I've noticed is already making a difference. No more runny nose - yeah! I'm hoping all, some, or at least one of the suggestions works. I can't imagine getting rid of Thunder. We've had him for eight years now! It would just make everyone in the house miserable. Aidan just adores Thunder, although the other day he was trying to ride him like a pony!
On a side note I have decided to get a part-time job. YEAH!! Nothing major, nothing using my degree, but I get to get out a couple times a week and talk with other adults and just get out of the house without kids! It's very important for me especially with winter coming. Hopefully it will work out for us, if not I will quit. But, I am hoping to stash away some extra spending (shopping) money for Hawaii. :)
I know it's a short post, I have so much to blog about if I can find some time to do it. And here I am getting a part-time job to take away more time. Oh well, such is life I guess. More later......
The doctor did an allergy test as well. Turns out he is allergic to dogs!!! What the hell!!! They told us at this point we don't need to consider getting rid of the dog. She said it's obviously not causing him to have asthma attacks, but it may be contributing once one starts. So, we have a whole list of things to do, including giving him Claritin. Which by the way, I've noticed is already making a difference. No more runny nose - yeah! I'm hoping all, some, or at least one of the suggestions works. I can't imagine getting rid of Thunder. We've had him for eight years now! It would just make everyone in the house miserable. Aidan just adores Thunder, although the other day he was trying to ride him like a pony!
On a side note I have decided to get a part-time job. YEAH!! Nothing major, nothing using my degree, but I get to get out a couple times a week and talk with other adults and just get out of the house without kids! It's very important for me especially with winter coming. Hopefully it will work out for us, if not I will quit. But, I am hoping to stash away some extra spending (shopping) money for Hawaii. :)
I know it's a short post, I have so much to blog about if I can find some time to do it. And here I am getting a part-time job to take away more time. Oh well, such is life I guess. More later......
September 9, 2005
A little cheese with my whine
So, I've been MIA again! Things have just been so blah and yuck, I don't want to be a downer.
Our Labor Day weekend was jam packed full of fun. On Friday Aidan started getting a cold and by Saturday night he was in awful shape. I took him to the urgent care because I knew his breathing wasn't right again. When we got there they hooked him up to check his oxygen level and it was down to 89, it's supposed to be in the upper 90's, so it got crazy in the room with the medical staff. They got him on oxygen and started breathing treatments. After things calmed down the doctor told me she was pretty sure he had pneumonia, that once they got his breathing under control they would do an x-ray. Well, the x-ray showed no pneumonia at all! Earlier we had talked about asthma, which we are pretty sure he has but with a younger child they usually do a clinical diagnosis. We are in that process right now. Every time they took him off the oxygen his oxygen levil would drop. :( So, another trip to the hospital.
This time around the ambulance ride went great, no screaming and crying. And, I even had to ride in the front, they wouldn't let me sit in the back with him. The driver was a total freak! She was going all out siren and lights at 1:30 in the morning thru residential areas with no traffic. Also, she decided to give me instructions on what to do when you are driving and an emergency vehicle approaches. Hello, is this really the right time, not to mention I did take drivers ed before I got my license. Then we went by a safety check point right by the hospital, you know where they are looking for drunk drivers. She said she didn't know they actually did those and she'd better tell her friends to stay away from Barrington Road! OMG, that one really floored me!
We had to sit in the ER until we got transferred upstairs at 5:30 in the morning. My poor little Aidan was just so worn out, he cried for 45 minutes after we got up there because he just wanted to go home. I felt so bad. We finally fell asleep, only I was to be awaked two hours later. So, he ended up in there for two days doing breathing treatments and getting steroids through his IV. I'm hoping to get his appointment moved up sooner with the Allergist to see if we can get some sort of preventive treatment going. From the looks of things he has viral induced asthma, which means I don't want him (nor does he) to be spending the next several months in and out of the hospital. Which could very likely happen since we are headed into cold and flu season and he started preschool and if you've had a child in preschool you know how the germs fly.
On a brighter note my little Aidan started preschool! He was supposed to start on Tuesday, but the doctors wanted him to wait. So, he went yesterday and had a wonderful time! I was a little worried when I dropped him off. He high-tailed it into the school and headed for Ethan's old classroom, which I guess why wouldn't he as we went that way the last two years. I explained to him that his classroom was the other direction and he proceeded to yell that he didn't want to go that way. Oh no, let the fight begin. I told him he wasn't old enough to go to Mrs. C's class, he was in Mrs. H's class this year. Oh no, he wasn't having it. So, I tried good old distraction. I told him we needed to find his hook to hang up his backpack, yeah it worked! I then asked if we could go check out his class, he asked me to pick him up. No problem, a little insecurity is fine with me. After getting in I helped him get his name tag on and then he asked to get down when I pointed out that there were lots of toys in his classroom too. Off to the carpet he went to sit with all the other kids waving goodbye to me. :) Aaahhh, such a bittersweet moment.
Our Labor Day weekend was jam packed full of fun. On Friday Aidan started getting a cold and by Saturday night he was in awful shape. I took him to the urgent care because I knew his breathing wasn't right again. When we got there they hooked him up to check his oxygen level and it was down to 89, it's supposed to be in the upper 90's, so it got crazy in the room with the medical staff. They got him on oxygen and started breathing treatments. After things calmed down the doctor told me she was pretty sure he had pneumonia, that once they got his breathing under control they would do an x-ray. Well, the x-ray showed no pneumonia at all! Earlier we had talked about asthma, which we are pretty sure he has but with a younger child they usually do a clinical diagnosis. We are in that process right now. Every time they took him off the oxygen his oxygen levil would drop. :( So, another trip to the hospital.
This time around the ambulance ride went great, no screaming and crying. And, I even had to ride in the front, they wouldn't let me sit in the back with him. The driver was a total freak! She was going all out siren and lights at 1:30 in the morning thru residential areas with no traffic. Also, she decided to give me instructions on what to do when you are driving and an emergency vehicle approaches. Hello, is this really the right time, not to mention I did take drivers ed before I got my license. Then we went by a safety check point right by the hospital, you know where they are looking for drunk drivers. She said she didn't know they actually did those and she'd better tell her friends to stay away from Barrington Road! OMG, that one really floored me!
We had to sit in the ER until we got transferred upstairs at 5:30 in the morning. My poor little Aidan was just so worn out, he cried for 45 minutes after we got up there because he just wanted to go home. I felt so bad. We finally fell asleep, only I was to be awaked two hours later. So, he ended up in there for two days doing breathing treatments and getting steroids through his IV. I'm hoping to get his appointment moved up sooner with the Allergist to see if we can get some sort of preventive treatment going. From the looks of things he has viral induced asthma, which means I don't want him (nor does he) to be spending the next several months in and out of the hospital. Which could very likely happen since we are headed into cold and flu season and he started preschool and if you've had a child in preschool you know how the germs fly.
On a brighter note my little Aidan started preschool! He was supposed to start on Tuesday, but the doctors wanted him to wait. So, he went yesterday and had a wonderful time! I was a little worried when I dropped him off. He high-tailed it into the school and headed for Ethan's old classroom, which I guess why wouldn't he as we went that way the last two years. I explained to him that his classroom was the other direction and he proceeded to yell that he didn't want to go that way. Oh no, let the fight begin. I told him he wasn't old enough to go to Mrs. C's class, he was in Mrs. H's class this year. Oh no, he wasn't having it. So, I tried good old distraction. I told him we needed to find his hook to hang up his backpack, yeah it worked! I then asked if we could go check out his class, he asked me to pick him up. No problem, a little insecurity is fine with me. After getting in I helped him get his name tag on and then he asked to get down when I pointed out that there were lots of toys in his classroom too. Off to the carpet he went to sit with all the other kids waving goodbye to me. :) Aaahhh, such a bittersweet moment.
August 31, 2005
Stiffed
I am so not creative, but I'm trying really hard to come up with good titles in my blog.
Well, it happened, my short time of selling on e*bay someone has decided not to pay on a winning auction. Can I just say BITCH!!! This woman won two auctions and I thought I was being nice by telling her I could combine her invoices so she would pay less for shipping. She was/is new to e*bay and I wasn't sure she was aware of how it worked. So, I sent her a message explaining that I would do that and sent her an invoice. She responded that she thought that was great and thanked me for offering. That was a little more than two weeks ago!
I stated in my add that contact had to be made within 3 days and payment was expected within 10 days. She had only won two items before winning mine. She paid for both of those right away. So, I was kind of expecting a quick payment. I didn't hear from her after sending the invoice, so before I left to go out of town I sent it to her again in case there were any problems. I checked My e*bay while I was out of town and received no payment and no messages from her. After I returned from out of town I sent her another invoice. After several days and no response I sent her a message asking if she planned on paying. Again, no response at all!!
I had dreaded something like this happening, as I hate confrontation. You would think since it's over the net it shouldn't bother me, but I was still sick about. Enter my wonderful husband. :) He has excellent writing skills and knows how to craft a good message. He did it without attacking her, berating her, etc. But, still made it clear that was she was doing was WRONG!! He told her she won and agreed to pay and it was very poor etiquette to no respond in any way. Also, if she didn't respond I would have to leave her negative feedback and report her to e*bay.
I'm still unclear if the message her attention or the fact that I reported her as a non-paying bidder. But, she responded with a piss poor answer that she overlooked the auction win. She even went on to say that she wondered why she hadn't received the items. And, that she wouldn't pay for them now because she only dealt with nice sellers. Whatever BITCH!!
Although I wanted to send her a nasty message in response I didn't. I stayed professional and told her I was sorry she felt that way, but she was still backing out of the bid and I would leave her negative feedback. (She still didn't care). I wanted to call her on overlooking FOUR messages/invoices. During the time I was sending those she had to have been checking her e-mail or e*bay as she was bidding, winning and paying for other items. Also, if she overlooked the win of the auction how was it that she was wondering why she hadn't received the items.
Ugghhh....how tiring was that post/ordeal?!?
Well, it happened, my short time of selling on e*bay someone has decided not to pay on a winning auction. Can I just say BITCH!!! This woman won two auctions and I thought I was being nice by telling her I could combine her invoices so she would pay less for shipping. She was/is new to e*bay and I wasn't sure she was aware of how it worked. So, I sent her a message explaining that I would do that and sent her an invoice. She responded that she thought that was great and thanked me for offering. That was a little more than two weeks ago!
I stated in my add that contact had to be made within 3 days and payment was expected within 10 days. She had only won two items before winning mine. She paid for both of those right away. So, I was kind of expecting a quick payment. I didn't hear from her after sending the invoice, so before I left to go out of town I sent it to her again in case there were any problems. I checked My e*bay while I was out of town and received no payment and no messages from her. After I returned from out of town I sent her another invoice. After several days and no response I sent her a message asking if she planned on paying. Again, no response at all!!
I had dreaded something like this happening, as I hate confrontation. You would think since it's over the net it shouldn't bother me, but I was still sick about. Enter my wonderful husband. :) He has excellent writing skills and knows how to craft a good message. He did it without attacking her, berating her, etc. But, still made it clear that was she was doing was WRONG!! He told her she won and agreed to pay and it was very poor etiquette to no respond in any way. Also, if she didn't respond I would have to leave her negative feedback and report her to e*bay.
I'm still unclear if the message her attention or the fact that I reported her as a non-paying bidder. But, she responded with a piss poor answer that she overlooked the auction win. She even went on to say that she wondered why she hadn't received the items. And, that she wouldn't pay for them now because she only dealt with nice sellers. Whatever BITCH!!
Although I wanted to send her a nasty message in response I didn't. I stayed professional and told her I was sorry she felt that way, but she was still backing out of the bid and I would leave her negative feedback. (She still didn't care). I wanted to call her on overlooking FOUR messages/invoices. During the time I was sending those she had to have been checking her e-mail or e*bay as she was bidding, winning and paying for other items. Also, if she overlooked the win of the auction how was it that she was wondering why she hadn't received the items.
Ugghhh....how tiring was that post/ordeal?!?
August 28, 2005
Another year, 32 and counting
So, today I turned 32. I know I'm not old, but all week I kept thinking "wow, I'll be 40 in eight short years!". It just seems like the years a speeding by since I've had my boys. I'm not sad at all of them growing up. I think I get sad about getting older because my parents are as well. That's another reason I don't think of myself as "old", because I don't think of parents as old.
It's really hard when I think of my dad. Aidan just loves his Papa so much, whenever we visit he rarely leaves his side. Well, my dad had a heart attack and triple bypass surgery nine years ago (two months after I was married). The surgeon told him it was from smoking and he could never smoke again. Well, he quit for awhile and has since been smoking and trying to quit since. I told him that Aidan was pretend smoking and how much I didn't like it. He said he's going to try and quit this winter again. My mom said he wasn't to fond of hearing about Aidan mimicking him. I am crossing my fingers and praying with everything that he can do it this time. I want him around not just for his grandkids, but for me too!
What does make me feel good is that my maternal grandparents are doing fantastic. They are in their 80's and still exercise every day! They live out in California and I haven't seen them since last April, but think of them all the time. I was very close with them growing up and can't imagine them not being a part of my life.
What did I do for my birthday? NOTHING!!! I'm kicking back now relaxing drinking a Mike's Hard Berry - YUM! If you're a fan of Mike's Hard Lemonade and haven't tried these I recommend them. Although, by the time I'm finished I'll be ready to crash. The downfall of being older, my party days are WAY behind me. I'm such a lightweight nowadays.
You know I think I should start carrying around a notified with me. Throughout the day I think of really good things to write about. Things that might actually be of interest to read. But, by the time I sit down to write my mind is blank.
Tomorrow is the start of the first full week of kindergarten for Ethan. He just LOVES going to school. I'm so happy he's enjoying it and hope it continues throughout the year. I've been a little concerned as he's not eating much lunch at all. He said he doesn't have time. I've learned that they only get 20 minutes to eat and then they make them leave the lunch room. While
I'm sure this isn't a problem for most kids, Ethan takes after his dad and eats very slow. His teacher sent home a general note to all parents about the first week. She did mention that right now the kids are very busy talking at lunch and should settle down in the next couple weeks when they get more used to a schedule. I sure hope so because my little Ethan is already stick thin, he needs to eat!
It's really hard when I think of my dad. Aidan just loves his Papa so much, whenever we visit he rarely leaves his side. Well, my dad had a heart attack and triple bypass surgery nine years ago (two months after I was married). The surgeon told him it was from smoking and he could never smoke again. Well, he quit for awhile and has since been smoking and trying to quit since. I told him that Aidan was pretend smoking and how much I didn't like it. He said he's going to try and quit this winter again. My mom said he wasn't to fond of hearing about Aidan mimicking him. I am crossing my fingers and praying with everything that he can do it this time. I want him around not just for his grandkids, but for me too!
What does make me feel good is that my maternal grandparents are doing fantastic. They are in their 80's and still exercise every day! They live out in California and I haven't seen them since last April, but think of them all the time. I was very close with them growing up and can't imagine them not being a part of my life.
What did I do for my birthday? NOTHING!!! I'm kicking back now relaxing drinking a Mike's Hard Berry - YUM! If you're a fan of Mike's Hard Lemonade and haven't tried these I recommend them. Although, by the time I'm finished I'll be ready to crash. The downfall of being older, my party days are WAY behind me. I'm such a lightweight nowadays.
You know I think I should start carrying around a notified with me. Throughout the day I think of really good things to write about. Things that might actually be of interest to read. But, by the time I sit down to write my mind is blank.
Tomorrow is the start of the first full week of kindergarten for Ethan. He just LOVES going to school. I'm so happy he's enjoying it and hope it continues throughout the year. I've been a little concerned as he's not eating much lunch at all. He said he doesn't have time. I've learned that they only get 20 minutes to eat and then they make them leave the lunch room. While
I'm sure this isn't a problem for most kids, Ethan takes after his dad and eats very slow. His teacher sent home a general note to all parents about the first week. She did mention that right now the kids are very busy talking at lunch and should settle down in the next couple weeks when they get more used to a schedule. I sure hope so because my little Ethan is already stick thin, he needs to eat!
August 24, 2005
So much for keeping up.....
This is why it took me so long to start a blog; I have a hard time keeping up to date. We’ve had so much going on lately and while we were up in Wisconsin visiting family I only had access to extremely SLOW dial-up. So, I am very far behind.
The second weekend of August we went up to Wisconsin for Ian’s baptism. We decided to have it up there since everyone who would be attending was up there already. We had it done at my good friend A’s church. We were very lucky in that we were able to have a private ceremony on a Saturday. So, we didn’t have to make all the children in attendance sit through an entire service. It was so nice to just go in and get it done and have all the time we needed to take pictures.
My sister and my best friend are Ian’s Godparents. I couldn’t think of anyone two people who would be better suited for the job. J Nick thought it would be weird having two women, but I assured him that it is in fact 2005 so he’d better get with the times. If I every figure out how to post pictures I’ll put some up. Ian did an absolute wonderful job. When the Pastor poured the water over his head, everyone went still for a second just waiting for him to start crying. He never cried once, he’s such a good baby. I knew the water wouldn’t bother him as he loves the bath. I thought he might cry though because it was his nap time, but he came through like a champ!
We went back this past Thursday because we had a wedding on Friday afternoon. That was different, having a wedding in the afternoon on a weekday. But, it was a family member so we went. I know that doesn’t sound good, but if Nick is going to take a day of vacation I would rather we spent it another way. Anyway, it was an outside wedding and it turned out beautiful. The reception was a lot of fun. The most fun for me was getting a night out with Nick. The kids stayed with Nana and Papa and had a wonderful time.
We came back yesterday since Ethan started school today!!! I can’t believe my first baby is in school. He was so freakin’ excited. I woke him up at 7:30 and he just leaped out of bed. He is so not a morning person, but he was up and ready to run to the bus stop. It was a long hour wait. I thought it would take him a while to get up and get moving. But, he was up dressed and had breakfast all within half an hour. So, I spent some time taking pictures and letting him run around outside. The tears had already started from Aidan, he wanted to ride the bus and it hadn’t even arrived yet.
When we went down to the bus stop he got quiet, but I think he was just being shy because all the parents were there with the kids. Aidan jumped right in the middle of the group all ready to go. My neighbors were laughing telling me I’d better make sure he didn’t sneak on the bus. There was one little boy there who had started yesterday and was not at all happy about having to go back today. He was screaming and crying how much he didn’t like it, that he didn’t have any fun yesterday. I was trying to distract Ethan because I sure don’t/hope we won’t be in that position tomorrow. When the bus pulled up he grabbed his backpack and was off, didn’t even look back. I tried to hold back the tears, but they flooded. I was so proud of him. J I miss him today.
I swear I have a lot of boring stuff to share, but I need to unpack and get the house picked up. Be back soon!
The second weekend of August we went up to Wisconsin for Ian’s baptism. We decided to have it up there since everyone who would be attending was up there already. We had it done at my good friend A’s church. We were very lucky in that we were able to have a private ceremony on a Saturday. So, we didn’t have to make all the children in attendance sit through an entire service. It was so nice to just go in and get it done and have all the time we needed to take pictures.
My sister and my best friend are Ian’s Godparents. I couldn’t think of anyone two people who would be better suited for the job. J Nick thought it would be weird having two women, but I assured him that it is in fact 2005 so he’d better get with the times. If I every figure out how to post pictures I’ll put some up. Ian did an absolute wonderful job. When the Pastor poured the water over his head, everyone went still for a second just waiting for him to start crying. He never cried once, he’s such a good baby. I knew the water wouldn’t bother him as he loves the bath. I thought he might cry though because it was his nap time, but he came through like a champ!
We went back this past Thursday because we had a wedding on Friday afternoon. That was different, having a wedding in the afternoon on a weekday. But, it was a family member so we went. I know that doesn’t sound good, but if Nick is going to take a day of vacation I would rather we spent it another way. Anyway, it was an outside wedding and it turned out beautiful. The reception was a lot of fun. The most fun for me was getting a night out with Nick. The kids stayed with Nana and Papa and had a wonderful time.
We came back yesterday since Ethan started school today!!! I can’t believe my first baby is in school. He was so freakin’ excited. I woke him up at 7:30 and he just leaped out of bed. He is so not a morning person, but he was up and ready to run to the bus stop. It was a long hour wait. I thought it would take him a while to get up and get moving. But, he was up dressed and had breakfast all within half an hour. So, I spent some time taking pictures and letting him run around outside. The tears had already started from Aidan, he wanted to ride the bus and it hadn’t even arrived yet.
When we went down to the bus stop he got quiet, but I think he was just being shy because all the parents were there with the kids. Aidan jumped right in the middle of the group all ready to go. My neighbors were laughing telling me I’d better make sure he didn’t sneak on the bus. There was one little boy there who had started yesterday and was not at all happy about having to go back today. He was screaming and crying how much he didn’t like it, that he didn’t have any fun yesterday. I was trying to distract Ethan because I sure don’t/hope we won’t be in that position tomorrow. When the bus pulled up he grabbed his backpack and was off, didn’t even look back. I tried to hold back the tears, but they flooded. I was so proud of him. J I miss him today.
I swear I have a lot of boring stuff to share, but I need to unpack and get the house picked up. Be back soon!
August 15, 2005
Immunization snob
I know I have been missing; we were up at my parents for a long weekend. I have lots to talk about, but not enough time right now. I have to unpack and get some laundry going.
But, I wanted to quickly post about something that’s been bothering me. A little boy Ethan went to preschool with has become a good friend. He’s been over many times for a play date. And we’ve done some outings together with all of our children together. I won’t get on my soapbox right now, but I am 100% FOR having my children immunized. I knew she had a very different parenting style than I do, but I am ok with that. What I didn’t know, until recently, is that she doesn’t have her children immunized.
I am very angry that she never informed me that her children aren’t immunized. It’s her choice as their parent, but Ian hasn’t been fully immunized yet. They don’t travel out of the country, but it doesn’t mean that they couldn’t have come in contact with someone who has been exposed or infected with something.
I think that the school(s) should inform parents that there are students in the school who are not immunized. And just for the record she doesn’t choose to not immunize for religious reasons. She said that she will say that so that her son can go to public schools. I have to say, I think I almost bit my tongue off trying not to say anything.
So, needless to say I haven’t scheduled any play dates. Does that make me an awful person?
But, I wanted to quickly post about something that’s been bothering me. A little boy Ethan went to preschool with has become a good friend. He’s been over many times for a play date. And we’ve done some outings together with all of our children together. I won’t get on my soapbox right now, but I am 100% FOR having my children immunized. I knew she had a very different parenting style than I do, but I am ok with that. What I didn’t know, until recently, is that she doesn’t have her children immunized.
I am very angry that she never informed me that her children aren’t immunized. It’s her choice as their parent, but Ian hasn’t been fully immunized yet. They don’t travel out of the country, but it doesn’t mean that they couldn’t have come in contact with someone who has been exposed or infected with something.
I think that the school(s) should inform parents that there are students in the school who are not immunized. And just for the record she doesn’t choose to not immunize for religious reasons. She said that she will say that so that her son can go to public schools. I have to say, I think I almost bit my tongue off trying not to say anything.
So, needless to say I haven’t scheduled any play dates. Does that make me an awful person?
August 10, 2005
Shit!!
I typed a huge long post, nothing really exciting, but I did type one. I guess I missed that little note about Blogger being down for an hour. Just my luck it went down while I typed my entry, so of course "poof" it's gone. :( Maybe I can come up with something interesting tomorrow.
August 8, 2005
Normal Head
Ha! Ha! Bet I got you with the title of that one!
It's really not what you think. Ethan, my first born, was born with craniosynostosis. The sagittal suture line (runs down the middle of your head) was fused shut before he was born. Many people think it's the soft spots, but it's not, his soft spots were actually open. When you are born the skull is in several pieces and they fuse shut around teenage years, so that your brain can grow.
I found out when he was just two weeks old that he was going to have to have surgery or his head would grow in a very weird shape. And, they didn't know if it would cause any developmental problems if we didn't have the surgery. It was very devastating to me. He had to surgery at just nine weeks old. Those seven weeks of waiting were agonizing to me. I prayed hard every day that he would be ok. I was so scared, I just held him all the time and cried a lot. The most serious part of the surgery, besides anestheia, was if he would need a blood transfusion. So, my wonderful husband gave blood that would be there for the surgery if it was needed. I wasn't able to donate blood because it was to soon after giving birth. Plus, daddy and son have the same blood type.
I can remember the day of his surgery like it was still yesterday. Ethan's surgery was delayed a bit due to an emergency. So, I got to hold him longer, but still couldn't feed him - poor guy. We were in the "prep" area. There were so many children coming and going for surgeries. Most of them were there for ear tubes, it was like an assembly line. When they came to get my little Ethan I just lost it. It was the hardest thing I ever did, handing him over to a nurse to carry him down for surgery. It still brings tears to my eyes. I couldn't imagine my life without him, even though he'd only been with us a few weeks.
The surgery ended up taking much less time than they expected. The neurosurgeon himself came out to make sure I was ok! I told him not to worry about me, how was my baby!!! He was a great doctor and I am ever so grateful for him taking such good care of my baby.
So, today was a big check up before he starts school. And I am so glad to say that his head is growing perfectly!!! I was a little concerned about how lumpy it still is, but he assured me that it will still fill in (will always be a little lumpy) - probably not until he's 11 or so. So, we are done with the neurosurgeon. :) That is just a huge relief - whew!!!
It's really not what you think. Ethan, my first born, was born with craniosynostosis. The sagittal suture line (runs down the middle of your head) was fused shut before he was born. Many people think it's the soft spots, but it's not, his soft spots were actually open. When you are born the skull is in several pieces and they fuse shut around teenage years, so that your brain can grow.
I found out when he was just two weeks old that he was going to have to have surgery or his head would grow in a very weird shape. And, they didn't know if it would cause any developmental problems if we didn't have the surgery. It was very devastating to me. He had to surgery at just nine weeks old. Those seven weeks of waiting were agonizing to me. I prayed hard every day that he would be ok. I was so scared, I just held him all the time and cried a lot. The most serious part of the surgery, besides anestheia, was if he would need a blood transfusion. So, my wonderful husband gave blood that would be there for the surgery if it was needed. I wasn't able to donate blood because it was to soon after giving birth. Plus, daddy and son have the same blood type.
I can remember the day of his surgery like it was still yesterday. Ethan's surgery was delayed a bit due to an emergency. So, I got to hold him longer, but still couldn't feed him - poor guy. We were in the "prep" area. There were so many children coming and going for surgeries. Most of them were there for ear tubes, it was like an assembly line. When they came to get my little Ethan I just lost it. It was the hardest thing I ever did, handing him over to a nurse to carry him down for surgery. It still brings tears to my eyes. I couldn't imagine my life without him, even though he'd only been with us a few weeks.
The surgery ended up taking much less time than they expected. The neurosurgeon himself came out to make sure I was ok! I told him not to worry about me, how was my baby!!! He was a great doctor and I am ever so grateful for him taking such good care of my baby.
So, today was a big check up before he starts school. And I am so glad to say that his head is growing perfectly!!! I was a little concerned about how lumpy it still is, but he assured me that it will still fill in (will always be a little lumpy) - probably not until he's 11 or so. So, we are done with the neurosurgeon. :) That is just a huge relief - whew!!!
August 6, 2005
Jeans, Jeans and Jeans!!
I am a girl and love my accessories, shoes, purses, jewelry, etc. But, as far as a favorite piece of clothing I have a real addiction for jeans. I can't seem to get enough even though I have way to many.
I have been scouring for new ones because I finally dropped a size and gave my old ones to my mom. I figure if I get rid of them then I have to stay a smaller size - right? No more snatching a fry or two from the kids!
I think my infatuation stems back to high school. I used to buy at least one new pair each time I got paid (every other week). I used to go to The Buckle because they did alterations for free. And when I was in high school of course the style was tight, tight, tight! We used to have our pants altered at the calves to so we could just get them over our feet. Boy, when I think back to those days I feel like I won't miss out on having a girl. I can't believe some of the things that I wore in high school - eeekk! I guess it was ok because I was actually very skinny back in the day. My best friend and I are always cracking up about how we looked "fat" in our tiny size 3 pants! Sick! Sick! Sick!
Right now I have 14 pairs of jeans - yikes! Plus, I'm bidding on a few new pairs on e-Bay, so hoping that I win them. I am a huge fan of the Saturday jean by Ralph Lauren Polo. The fabric they use is so comfortable, they fit so good and I can wear them in a size 6! Huge accomplishment for me!!! I also like the Hydraulic brand, I buy mine at Maurices. I am also a fan of Tommy Hilfiger jeans. I am really not a name snob, it just so happens that the jeans that tend to be on the more expensive side fit nicer and I can wear a smaller size. :)
Now really, I can't justify spending a fortune on a pair of jeans. But, my birthday is at the end of the month and I would really like to get a pair of SEVEN jeans or something along those lines. Where will I wear them - hmmmm, I don't know. I don't know that I will go through with buying a pair, but it sure is nice to think about it. I at least need to make a trip and try some on. I really can't even justify owning the number of jeans that I do have. After all I do just stay home with the kids, who do I need to look good for these day? My husband of course! :)
I guess that's enough about jeans, just not to much worth writing about right now.
I have been scouring for new ones because I finally dropped a size and gave my old ones to my mom. I figure if I get rid of them then I have to stay a smaller size - right? No more snatching a fry or two from the kids!
I think my infatuation stems back to high school. I used to buy at least one new pair each time I got paid (every other week). I used to go to The Buckle because they did alterations for free. And when I was in high school of course the style was tight, tight, tight! We used to have our pants altered at the calves to so we could just get them over our feet. Boy, when I think back to those days I feel like I won't miss out on having a girl. I can't believe some of the things that I wore in high school - eeekk! I guess it was ok because I was actually very skinny back in the day. My best friend and I are always cracking up about how we looked "fat" in our tiny size 3 pants! Sick! Sick! Sick!
Right now I have 14 pairs of jeans - yikes! Plus, I'm bidding on a few new pairs on e-Bay, so hoping that I win them. I am a huge fan of the Saturday jean by Ralph Lauren Polo. The fabric they use is so comfortable, they fit so good and I can wear them in a size 6! Huge accomplishment for me!!! I also like the Hydraulic brand, I buy mine at Maurices. I am also a fan of Tommy Hilfiger jeans. I am really not a name snob, it just so happens that the jeans that tend to be on the more expensive side fit nicer and I can wear a smaller size. :)
Now really, I can't justify spending a fortune on a pair of jeans. But, my birthday is at the end of the month and I would really like to get a pair of SEVEN jeans or something along those lines. Where will I wear them - hmmmm, I don't know. I don't know that I will go through with buying a pair, but it sure is nice to think about it. I at least need to make a trip and try some on. I really can't even justify owning the number of jeans that I do have. After all I do just stay home with the kids, who do I need to look good for these day? My husband of course! :)
I guess that's enough about jeans, just not to much worth writing about right now.
August 3, 2005
Parenting is HARD
Sometimes I think it is just so hard to parent my children. Today was a hard day. :( Sometimes my wonderful little boys just want to be children, you know play and have a good time. I come along and have to ruin their good time. I hate that I have to set restrictions and create boundaries for them. I feel like I am the one who does it most of the time, so I feel like the big owly old mom. Nick works all day and comes home and does fun stuff, still sticking within the boundaries of course. But, he's not making them adhere to these guidelines all day.
Sometimes I feel that Ethan has it the worst. You know I always swore that I would treat my children the same. But, I have learned that it is impossible. Each child is different and each age requires different guidelines and restrictions. Since Ethan is the oldest I feel that he is supposed to "understand" more than Aidan. Sometimes I think I am asking him to help out more than a 5 year old should be doing. So, I have to just let some things go and let him keep being the wonderful kid he is right now. I don't want to make him bitter or resentful towards his two little brothers, so I've learned to relax and not ask him to help so much. It's just difficult because he is a good little helper. :)
Aidan on the other hand can't always understand that Ethan is older and gets to do some things that he can't. For example, Ethan is ready to start kindergarten and he made some good friends in preschool. He gets invited to playdates and Aidan can't go with him. I have to listen to Aidan cry and ask/beg to stay and play too. :( It breaks my heart. I try to make him understand that he is starting preschool this year and will make his own friends to have playdate with, but he is just 3. I try and do something a little special with him on those days, but it's just not the same.
Ok Joana, if you are reading I am on the edge of my seat waiting to know how Nate died (Six Feet Under)!!! I am still so shocked about that one!! I am so hoping they come out with it quickly on DVD. I was so faithful watching it every other season, I feel sad that I'm missing this one. How cheesey is that, it's just a TV show. But, it's one of the best shows I've ever seen. I was so totally addicted from the very first episode I caught.
I forgot to talk about our adventure on Friday. I took the boys up to Rockford to the Discovery Center Children's museum. Anyone in the area that hasn't been I highly recommend it. It was only $13 for me and the boys to get in and a membership is only $55, which I am thinking of getting next year. It was a very fun place for the kids. It's a interactive learning center. They had so much fun and didn't even realize how much they were learning. We were there for 5 hours and didn't even see everything! We are hoping to make a trip back with Nick because I think he would enjoy it as much as the kids. :)
Sometimes I feel that Ethan has it the worst. You know I always swore that I would treat my children the same. But, I have learned that it is impossible. Each child is different and each age requires different guidelines and restrictions. Since Ethan is the oldest I feel that he is supposed to "understand" more than Aidan. Sometimes I think I am asking him to help out more than a 5 year old should be doing. So, I have to just let some things go and let him keep being the wonderful kid he is right now. I don't want to make him bitter or resentful towards his two little brothers, so I've learned to relax and not ask him to help so much. It's just difficult because he is a good little helper. :)
Aidan on the other hand can't always understand that Ethan is older and gets to do some things that he can't. For example, Ethan is ready to start kindergarten and he made some good friends in preschool. He gets invited to playdates and Aidan can't go with him. I have to listen to Aidan cry and ask/beg to stay and play too. :( It breaks my heart. I try to make him understand that he is starting preschool this year and will make his own friends to have playdate with, but he is just 3. I try and do something a little special with him on those days, but it's just not the same.
Ok Joana, if you are reading I am on the edge of my seat waiting to know how Nate died (Six Feet Under)!!! I am still so shocked about that one!! I am so hoping they come out with it quickly on DVD. I was so faithful watching it every other season, I feel sad that I'm missing this one. How cheesey is that, it's just a TV show. But, it's one of the best shows I've ever seen. I was so totally addicted from the very first episode I caught.
I forgot to talk about our adventure on Friday. I took the boys up to Rockford to the Discovery Center Children's museum. Anyone in the area that hasn't been I highly recommend it. It was only $13 for me and the boys to get in and a membership is only $55, which I am thinking of getting next year. It was a very fun place for the kids. It's a interactive learning center. They had so much fun and didn't even realize how much they were learning. We were there for 5 hours and didn't even see everything! We are hoping to make a trip back with Nick because I think he would enjoy it as much as the kids. :)
August 2, 2005
Busy, busy, busy
You know I feel so busy doing nothing. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but it just seems that there is so much going on, but it's really a lot of nothing.
Our weekends just seemed to be packed with a variety of things. So, I am left during the week trying to clean the house, keep up laundry (ha!) and keeping the kids entertained.
This past weekend I hosted, actually MIL did, a shower for my future SIL. My MIL (actually Nick's step-mom) is great and loves to throw parties. She didn't think it was appropriate for her to have a shower for her future DIL. So, she made the invitations and put on them that I was giving her the shower. Of course I felt obligated to help out. I bought the prizes, went over early to help with food and was in charge of games. It turned out really well, I'm just getting really tired of all these weddings. Last year we had five weddings and this year there are three more. Not only is it draining going to all these showers and weddings it's hitting us a little hard in the pocket. I guess I sound like a downer talking like that and I don't mean it that way at all. I love weddings, we have just had more than enough lately.
Nick stayed at home with Ethan and Aidan all weekend which was a nice break for me. I took Ian with me since I am still nursing. My mom kept Ian all day Saturday while I was at the shower. It's so rare for me to be kid free, it was a nice break. The selfish side of me wishes I could've been out by myself enjoying some me time seeing a movie or ready a good book. Sunday I went shopping (yes, again) with my good friend. It was very HOT, but we love to shop and really like it when we are able to go together.
Spending time with my good friend Amy is always so great. We have been friends forever it seems. I couldn't ask for a better friend. I wish we could live closer together. We have so much fun together and love to do the same things. It would also be great to have an exercise buddy. While I have always been open to the idea of moving around, one of the downfalls is not being close to my friends and family.
I got home late Sunday night and enjoyed some quiet time with my husband. It was actually a very nice weekend. I love my kids so much, but I know that I do sometimes need a break from them. I hate to ever complain about being a SAHM, but the downfall to that is never getting away from your children. It was nice to be all refreshed yesterday morning with the boys.
E-bay selling is going just awesome. I have sold everything but two items that I've listed. It's really great, I have to say that I enjoy selling better than buying. I have been shocked a few times but what things have sold for, I am surprised at what people are willing to pay.
If anyone reading watches Six Feet Under please share what's been happening during this final season. After the last season I cancelled HBO as we never watched it other than for Six Feet Under and Sex and The City. It's killing me that I'm missing it!
Our weekends just seemed to be packed with a variety of things. So, I am left during the week trying to clean the house, keep up laundry (ha!) and keeping the kids entertained.
This past weekend I hosted, actually MIL did, a shower for my future SIL. My MIL (actually Nick's step-mom) is great and loves to throw parties. She didn't think it was appropriate for her to have a shower for her future DIL. So, she made the invitations and put on them that I was giving her the shower. Of course I felt obligated to help out. I bought the prizes, went over early to help with food and was in charge of games. It turned out really well, I'm just getting really tired of all these weddings. Last year we had five weddings and this year there are three more. Not only is it draining going to all these showers and weddings it's hitting us a little hard in the pocket. I guess I sound like a downer talking like that and I don't mean it that way at all. I love weddings, we have just had more than enough lately.
Nick stayed at home with Ethan and Aidan all weekend which was a nice break for me. I took Ian with me since I am still nursing. My mom kept Ian all day Saturday while I was at the shower. It's so rare for me to be kid free, it was a nice break. The selfish side of me wishes I could've been out by myself enjoying some me time seeing a movie or ready a good book. Sunday I went shopping (yes, again) with my good friend. It was very HOT, but we love to shop and really like it when we are able to go together.
Spending time with my good friend Amy is always so great. We have been friends forever it seems. I couldn't ask for a better friend. I wish we could live closer together. We have so much fun together and love to do the same things. It would also be great to have an exercise buddy. While I have always been open to the idea of moving around, one of the downfalls is not being close to my friends and family.
I got home late Sunday night and enjoyed some quiet time with my husband. It was actually a very nice weekend. I love my kids so much, but I know that I do sometimes need a break from them. I hate to ever complain about being a SAHM, but the downfall to that is never getting away from your children. It was nice to be all refreshed yesterday morning with the boys.
E-bay selling is going just awesome. I have sold everything but two items that I've listed. It's really great, I have to say that I enjoy selling better than buying. I have been shocked a few times but what things have sold for, I am surprised at what people are willing to pay.
If anyone reading watches Six Feet Under please share what's been happening during this final season. After the last season I cancelled HBO as we never watched it other than for Six Feet Under and Sex and The City. It's killing me that I'm missing it!
July 25, 2005
E.T.
Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted since Thursday - eek! I'm trying not to stress about it as that is not my purpose of having a blog. I haven't been around much because I'm trying to get everything under the sun listed on E-Bay. Business is booming over there for me. I still have a bunch of baby clothes and maternity clothes to list, but things are selling! I make myself crazy by checking my listings all the time, maybe it's not such a good thing for me to be doing. I sure don't mind the extra money :)
Can you say holy heat!?! I think tomorrow is supposed to start a cool down. I've always been a summer gal, but I can say after this one I think I am becoming a fall kind of person. I went out grocery shopping yesterday and the air was stifling.
My title, well let's just say we have a new member in our family. Yes my friends, Aidan has an imaginary friend and his name is E.T. Ethan never had an imaginary friend so I find it really very cute. Today he also had Kasper the Ghost over for awhile. Where he came up with these I don't know because he's never seen the movie. But, I had to make room for E.T. in the car to go to the doctor's office. Anyone ever dealt with imaginary friends? I'm assuming I should just keep playing along and not worry about it.
I took Ethan shopping over the weekend and got him a new backpack and new shoes for school. He actually picked out a new pair of tennis shoes and they tie, no zippers or velcro. So, he has to learn to tie his shoes because it's my understanding that the teachers will not tie the children's shoes. I made this very clear to him and he said he's ready to learn, so I'm leaving that learning experience up to dad as I'm not sure I would have the patience. But, I must throw in there that he wanted to try in the store while trying them on and while he didn't do it he did have the right idea. So, maybe it won't be to difficult for him.
I'm really upset because he starts school so early - August 24th! Nick is going to be up in Wisconsin taking some classes and we had all kinds of stuff planned. Now the boys and I will have to head back home for school, no fun for mom and dad. :(
I've had this nasty head cold, ick! Of course I can't take anything since I'm still nursing. That just bites the big one. I know I would feel so much better if I could just take some sudafed. It's times like these that make me just want to say the hell with nursing, I'm done. I am reaching, or should say I'm at the point where I want my body back. I'm getting tired of nursing. But, I'm such a cheapo about paying for formula. I guess since I'm not working and I don't have any problems nursing I just can't justify the expense of going to formula. Now that Ian's 7 months old I do keep formula around so if I'm not here for a feeding or there's no frozen milk then he can have some formula.
The post is just a bunch of rambling about nothing really. My life is just so exciting, I know you are just glued here waiting for my next big adventure. Hopefully my next post will bring something more interesting to the table, or should I say screen.
Can you say holy heat!?! I think tomorrow is supposed to start a cool down. I've always been a summer gal, but I can say after this one I think I am becoming a fall kind of person. I went out grocery shopping yesterday and the air was stifling.
My title, well let's just say we have a new member in our family. Yes my friends, Aidan has an imaginary friend and his name is E.T. Ethan never had an imaginary friend so I find it really very cute. Today he also had Kasper the Ghost over for awhile. Where he came up with these I don't know because he's never seen the movie. But, I had to make room for E.T. in the car to go to the doctor's office. Anyone ever dealt with imaginary friends? I'm assuming I should just keep playing along and not worry about it.
I took Ethan shopping over the weekend and got him a new backpack and new shoes for school. He actually picked out a new pair of tennis shoes and they tie, no zippers or velcro. So, he has to learn to tie his shoes because it's my understanding that the teachers will not tie the children's shoes. I made this very clear to him and he said he's ready to learn, so I'm leaving that learning experience up to dad as I'm not sure I would have the patience. But, I must throw in there that he wanted to try in the store while trying them on and while he didn't do it he did have the right idea. So, maybe it won't be to difficult for him.
I'm really upset because he starts school so early - August 24th! Nick is going to be up in Wisconsin taking some classes and we had all kinds of stuff planned. Now the boys and I will have to head back home for school, no fun for mom and dad. :(
I've had this nasty head cold, ick! Of course I can't take anything since I'm still nursing. That just bites the big one. I know I would feel so much better if I could just take some sudafed. It's times like these that make me just want to say the hell with nursing, I'm done. I am reaching, or should say I'm at the point where I want my body back. I'm getting tired of nursing. But, I'm such a cheapo about paying for formula. I guess since I'm not working and I don't have any problems nursing I just can't justify the expense of going to formula. Now that Ian's 7 months old I do keep formula around so if I'm not here for a feeding or there's no frozen milk then he can have some formula.
The post is just a bunch of rambling about nothing really. My life is just so exciting, I know you are just glued here waiting for my next big adventure. Hopefully my next post will bring something more interesting to the table, or should I say screen.
July 21, 2005
Ebay
I just have to say that I sold something on Ebay and now I'm obsessed. I'm listing all kinds of things to sell now. I'm hoping to luck out as my neighbor did, she sold enough stuff to buy new family room furniture! How fun, at least for now. We'll see if I think it's so fun when I have to start going to the post office or UPS all the time to ship everything.
Ethan's Birth
After the wonderful epidural we just waited for Ethan's arrival. We should've gotten some sleep, but who could sleep we were just so damn excited! The doctor on call (not my OB) wouldn't let the nurses break my water, which to this day is I think so he could get some sleep. The nurses were in such awe that my bag of water wasn't breaking on it's own. I was like a freak show because they all kept coming in to see it because it was just bulging (I guess, I didn't look) out of my cervix.
At about 6:15 am they finally broke my water because I was fully dilated. The nurse wanted me to start doing some practice pushes. She instructed Nick to grab a leg, cause it was time to work. Later he informed me he didn't know if he really wanted to watch, but was glad she had him because he thought it was amazing. Well, after one push my nurse told me to stop, no need for practice pushes it was time for Ethan to join the world! She had kept saying she didn't think she would meet our baby because her shift ended at 7:00 am, after one push she decided she would get to meet him.
The doctor was on his way to the hospital. Everyone was racing around like mad, telling me not to push. My epidural had worked perfect because I felt no pain, but I sure did feel that urge to push. And for those of you that know that feeling know that you can't just not push. It was the first time ever I saw Nick nervous. He grabbed my hand and told me not to push that Ethan was right there and I was going to push him out onto the floor. I told him he better get down there and catch him then because I couldn't stop pushing! I told him to think about if he had to take the biggest shit of his life and someone was telling him he couldn't! I couldn't think of any other way to make him understand what that urge felt like. So, we were just waiting for the doc...
When the doctor arrives he's whistling away washing his hands and getting scrubs on. I finally crack and yell "I really need to push". He told me to go right ahead, he sat down in the chair and out came Ethan's head. One more push and the rest of him just slid right out, oh can you say RELIEF!!! Nick said he was no longer afraid to hold a newborn after the way he watched the doctor flip him around. He knew he wouldn't break. :)
Ethan cried for all of 15 seconds and then was as quiet as could be. We just sat there looking into each others eyes, I will never forget those first few minutes as long as I live. The nurse couldn't believe he was so quiet and alert. She kept saying "he sure does know your voice". Well, he should, he'd been listening to me for nine months! I had talked to him a lot while driving in traffic to and from work.
Now my first born is 5 years old and going to start kindergarten soon. This is for me so sad, exciting, and I'm sure will be one of the proudest days of my life. I am ready and so not ready for that first day to watch him get on the bus.
At about 6:15 am they finally broke my water because I was fully dilated. The nurse wanted me to start doing some practice pushes. She instructed Nick to grab a leg, cause it was time to work. Later he informed me he didn't know if he really wanted to watch, but was glad she had him because he thought it was amazing. Well, after one push my nurse told me to stop, no need for practice pushes it was time for Ethan to join the world! She had kept saying she didn't think she would meet our baby because her shift ended at 7:00 am, after one push she decided she would get to meet him.
The doctor was on his way to the hospital. Everyone was racing around like mad, telling me not to push. My epidural had worked perfect because I felt no pain, but I sure did feel that urge to push. And for those of you that know that feeling know that you can't just not push. It was the first time ever I saw Nick nervous. He grabbed my hand and told me not to push that Ethan was right there and I was going to push him out onto the floor. I told him he better get down there and catch him then because I couldn't stop pushing! I told him to think about if he had to take the biggest shit of his life and someone was telling him he couldn't! I couldn't think of any other way to make him understand what that urge felt like. So, we were just waiting for the doc...
When the doctor arrives he's whistling away washing his hands and getting scrubs on. I finally crack and yell "I really need to push". He told me to go right ahead, he sat down in the chair and out came Ethan's head. One more push and the rest of him just slid right out, oh can you say RELIEF!!! Nick said he was no longer afraid to hold a newborn after the way he watched the doctor flip him around. He knew he wouldn't break. :)
Ethan cried for all of 15 seconds and then was as quiet as could be. We just sat there looking into each others eyes, I will never forget those first few minutes as long as I live. The nurse couldn't believe he was so quiet and alert. She kept saying "he sure does know your voice". Well, he should, he'd been listening to me for nine months! I had talked to him a lot while driving in traffic to and from work.
Now my first born is 5 years old and going to start kindergarten soon. This is for me so sad, exciting, and I'm sure will be one of the proudest days of my life. I am ready and so not ready for that first day to watch him get on the bus.
July 20, 2005
Ethan
I thought I would provide a little history on my children. :) I will start with my first born, Ethan.
We started trying to get pregnant in May of 1999. Just after our third anniversary (July 6th), I took a pregnancy test that turned out positive. I really didn't expect it to happen so quickly, but was very happy and grateful that it did happen. I took the test by myself on a Friday night, Nick was out working in the yard. He had wanted me to wait until the weekend was over, but I just couldn't stand waiting any longer. When I saw that second line starting to appear I thought my heart was going to burst right out of my chest. I quickly ran out and gave Nick the news. I then quickly called my good friend and co-worker, as we were both trying to get pregnant.
My pregnancy was really uneventful. I had awful 24 hour "morning sickness". I think I only threw up once or twice, but felt nauseas ever other hour. I was working on getting my bachelor degree at the time and was thankful we were on a break (it was set on trimesters). So, I was able to come home from work and SLEEP! Anything to avoid feeling sick all the time. I had my first ultrasound at about 8 weeks and loved seeing that heartbeat. Seeing that somehow made it all seem real. At about 28 weeks I had a second ultrasound where we found out we were having a healthy little boy!! I just knew it was a boy, can't explain it, just knew. Nick was so excited, he wanted a boy so badly.
At the end of my pregnancy I swelled so much, it sucked!! One week I gained six pounds of fluid! But, I never had any other problems. I started dilating around 37 weeks. By the end of 39 weeks I was 3 cm and Ethan's head was "right there" as my doctor put it. She put me on the schedule to be induced the next week, as I saw her on a Thursday. My due date was Saturday and she didn't think I would make it the following Tuesday for induction. I felt like I was going to be pregnant forever! I couldn't wait to me my baby boy!!
Friday night Nick and I got some movies. I wasn't really hungry, so I opted to have a Frosty (big one at that) from Wendy's. We started the movie at around 10:00, about an hour into the movie I noticed I was having pains in my lower back. I told Nick about it, but thought it wasn't contractions because I couldn't feel anything in my belly. Well, he started timing my back pains and sure enough figured I was in labor. He was worried we wouldn't make it through the movie. I was supposed to call the answering service and wait for a doctor to call and give the green light to head over to the hospital. Well, just my luck, the answering service wasn't answering!!
I wanted to wait, but Nick insisted that we head to the hospital. It was just before midnight. We got to the hospital close to 12:30, still not having any major pain. Checking in the nurse asked my due date, which I happily replied "today"! She said "well, you're still smiling, let's check you and see how far along you are", indicating that I probably wasn't far. Well, much to everyone's surprise I was 5 1/2 cm! The nurse putting my IV in couldn't believe that he was my first baby. She offered my and epidural since I was so far along already. No pain yet, but bring it on!!
Later, I finish my story. :)
We started trying to get pregnant in May of 1999. Just after our third anniversary (July 6th), I took a pregnancy test that turned out positive. I really didn't expect it to happen so quickly, but was very happy and grateful that it did happen. I took the test by myself on a Friday night, Nick was out working in the yard. He had wanted me to wait until the weekend was over, but I just couldn't stand waiting any longer. When I saw that second line starting to appear I thought my heart was going to burst right out of my chest. I quickly ran out and gave Nick the news. I then quickly called my good friend and co-worker, as we were both trying to get pregnant.
My pregnancy was really uneventful. I had awful 24 hour "morning sickness". I think I only threw up once or twice, but felt nauseas ever other hour. I was working on getting my bachelor degree at the time and was thankful we were on a break (it was set on trimesters). So, I was able to come home from work and SLEEP! Anything to avoid feeling sick all the time. I had my first ultrasound at about 8 weeks and loved seeing that heartbeat. Seeing that somehow made it all seem real. At about 28 weeks I had a second ultrasound where we found out we were having a healthy little boy!! I just knew it was a boy, can't explain it, just knew. Nick was so excited, he wanted a boy so badly.
At the end of my pregnancy I swelled so much, it sucked!! One week I gained six pounds of fluid! But, I never had any other problems. I started dilating around 37 weeks. By the end of 39 weeks I was 3 cm and Ethan's head was "right there" as my doctor put it. She put me on the schedule to be induced the next week, as I saw her on a Thursday. My due date was Saturday and she didn't think I would make it the following Tuesday for induction. I felt like I was going to be pregnant forever! I couldn't wait to me my baby boy!!
Friday night Nick and I got some movies. I wasn't really hungry, so I opted to have a Frosty (big one at that) from Wendy's. We started the movie at around 10:00, about an hour into the movie I noticed I was having pains in my lower back. I told Nick about it, but thought it wasn't contractions because I couldn't feel anything in my belly. Well, he started timing my back pains and sure enough figured I was in labor. He was worried we wouldn't make it through the movie. I was supposed to call the answering service and wait for a doctor to call and give the green light to head over to the hospital. Well, just my luck, the answering service wasn't answering!!
I wanted to wait, but Nick insisted that we head to the hospital. It was just before midnight. We got to the hospital close to 12:30, still not having any major pain. Checking in the nurse asked my due date, which I happily replied "today"! She said "well, you're still smiling, let's check you and see how far along you are", indicating that I probably wasn't far. Well, much to everyone's surprise I was 5 1/2 cm! The nurse putting my IV in couldn't believe that he was my first baby. She offered my and epidural since I was so far along already. No pain yet, but bring it on!!
Later, I finish my story. :)
July 19, 2005
Guess I'm getting old
So, I went to the doctor yesterday because I've been having some problems with my left knee. She said I haven't done any major damage - yet. I've started a tear in a tendon or ligament. So, no running, jogging, lunges, or any other exercise that puts a lot of pressure/weight on my knees. I have to build my already BIG THIGHS to compensate and take the weight off my knees.
Even when I was really thin in high school I always felt I had big thighs. They just seem to keep following me wherever I go, I just can't get rid of them. Now my doctor wants me to work them more - yikes!! She told me I could try by myself for awhile, but if it doesn't get better she suggested I go to physical therapy.
My body is falling apart and I turn 32 next month - ick!! I don't know why I have such a hard time getting older. It was like once I left my 20's it wasn't fun anymore.
On a different subject, Aidan just won't poop on the potty for me! He will do it no problems for Nick, but not for mom. :( I've bought some of his favorite chocolate bars in hopes that it will give him a little motivation to work with me. But, at least he still goes pee with no problems. I don't even have to remind him to go, unless we are leaving the house. :) So, that means he can start preschool next month - yeah!!!
More later, I've got to get to the gym while Ian's still in good spirits.
Even when I was really thin in high school I always felt I had big thighs. They just seem to keep following me wherever I go, I just can't get rid of them. Now my doctor wants me to work them more - yikes!! She told me I could try by myself for awhile, but if it doesn't get better she suggested I go to physical therapy.
My body is falling apart and I turn 32 next month - ick!! I don't know why I have such a hard time getting older. It was like once I left my 20's it wasn't fun anymore.
On a different subject, Aidan just won't poop on the potty for me! He will do it no problems for Nick, but not for mom. :( I've bought some of his favorite chocolate bars in hopes that it will give him a little motivation to work with me. But, at least he still goes pee with no problems. I don't even have to remind him to go, unless we are leaving the house. :) So, that means he can start preschool next month - yeah!!!
More later, I've got to get to the gym while Ian's still in good spirits.
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