Week in Review ~ 3/2

Our week started off slow and then was pretty crazy toward the end.

Ned and Avery went to Sunday School Sunday morning then Sam and I joined them.  When we left Sam in the nursery he cried.  That's the first time he's cried, and I was so sad.  By the time they came in for the children's sermon he had stopped.  My dad did not want me coming to see my mom with my sinus infection, so I had my first whole weekend home in over 2 months.  I got a lot done by being home.  At one point Ned said we really needed to look into me staying home because I was getting so much done.  He's never told me that during the summer when I'm home for 2 months straight, but I didn't remind him of that.  We enjoyed Avery's family picture from church, even though we don't have a pet named Mickey.

I have no idea what we did Monday and Tuesday other than Bible Zone Monday night.

When I picked the kids up Wednesday, I thought Sam looked weak in the eyes, but I didn't pay much attention to it.  He was even quiet in the car.

He was so fussy and tired acting when we got home that I took his temperature.  It was over 103 degrees.  I knew someone else was sick at Jennifer's so I figured it was probably the same thing.  I was not excited when her mama told me they had done blood work to see if it was mono.  Avery and I went to dance, and Ned put Sam to bed early.  I think it was that night that he threw up in his bed when we tried to give him Tylenol when we went to bed.  That's the second time that's happened and it's no fun for anyone.

Sam's fever was high Thursday morning, so Ned took him to the doctor.  Our pediatrician was on her way out sick, but it worked out that the doctor who saw Sam's Jen-Jen buddy saw him too.  He said it was probably the same high fever, sore throat virus and that there was nothing to do but treat the fever.  He also said we'd all probably get it.  Meanwhile, I was teaching away at school when my outside line rang.  I just knew it was Jennifer saying Avery was sick.  I was Jennifer, but she needed to leave because her daughter had gotten very sick at school.  I found someone to put my kids on the bus, and another teacher and I went rushing out the door.  We sent Jennifer to be with her daughter and stayed until all the kids were picked up.  Then Avery and I had to go back to school to get all my things ready for me to be out Friday.  Avery likes school and has A LOT of questions about it.  By the time we got home, Sam needed another dose of medicine and was burning up.  I took his temperature and it was 105.5.  Of course Ned had gone to work to get a few things so it was just me there to completely panic.  Sam then threw up all over both of us and the dishwasher when I went to give him medicine.  Then about three minutes later our pizza arrived.  Luckily Ned was getting home and handled that because I had had enough.  I talked to the pediatrician on call, and it happened to be the same doctor Sam had seen.  They are so calm about high fevers.  We again woke Sam in the middle of the night for medicine.  He didn't get sick this time but he stayed awake again for about an hour.  If Sam's awake, I'm awake, and I knew I had a big day ahead of me.

On Friday I went to a Debbie Diller conference about math workstations.  I was excited to get away but not excited to be in downtown Richmond at 8 a.m.  I got to The Jefferson Hotel easily and in good time and seriously considered hiding there for a few days.  It is absolutely beautiful.  The conference was no good and did not match up with the title.  Lunch with women from one of our other elementary schools was definitely the highlight.  I left there at 3 p.m. and went to Hobby Lobby to get odds and ends for Sam's party.  On the way home I talked to my dad and found out that my mom had been admitted to the hospital for the stomach trouble she'd been having.  She's now being treated for c. diff. bacteria.  It is a tough illness but it is good to finally know what it is.  I got home just in time for dinner and a little playing.  Ned, Avery, and Sam had been home all day, and Sam was still running fever.  When we got him up Friday night we used an acetaminophen suppository to avoid the puking.  I only share that for moms who may not know they exist.  You have to ask the pharmacist for them.  He stayed awake in his bed again for quiet awhile.  Mama was getting tired.

I woke up Saturday morning and had no idea where Ned was.  Finally I vaguely remembered his pager going off so I figured he was at a fire.  Sam was running fever but perked up after medicine and a bottle.  Ned came home and went back to bed for awhile, then I had to leave for a hair appointment.  I also had to stop for what should be our last formula purchase for Sam.  I came home quickly and picked Avery up to go to lunch.  Mimi came to stay with Sam, and Ned had to set up for the fire department's installation banquet.  Avery and I had lunch at The Palm Tree because they were donating some of their profit to Anna's Team in Training goal.  We ended up eating with Anna, Caleb, Camden, and Anna's mom.  Somehow Caleb managed to pay for ours when I wasn't paying attention.  It was a fun time and the girls had a great time playing.  I cannot say enough how thankful we are for the friendships in our life.

It was nap time when we got home, and I participated also.  I decided not to go to the banquet because I didn't want to leave Sam feeling bad.  His fever was back up some that night and he was fussy.  I got the kids to bed and enjoyed an evening to myself.  Once Ned came home we talked and stayed up too late.

This week we have just prayed for healing and health for everyone and it appears that we are on the right track.  I'm cheering for snow this week to get a little break, then I'm cheering for spring!

Week in Review ~ 2/23

We had another good week.  It's hard to believe that it was the last full week in February.

Avery and I went to Sunday School Sunday.  We didn't have anyone in the nursery for worship, so she and I came home.  That gave me a head start to leave a visit my mom.  I had to stop in Franklin because their Walmart had Sam's formula.  He has less than a month left on it, and we can't find it anywhere.  I picked up two weeks worth there and continued on my way.  Mom was still having nausea and feeling bad has just gotten her down.  I was home for dinner and some playing before bed.  It is hard for me to be away each weekend, even though it's just a few hours.

None of us had a holiday Monday, but Avery did have a holiday from Bible Zone.  It was nice to be able to be together after dinner.

Not much went on Tuesday, other than Ned had a church meeting that night.  I got the kids to bed and then enjoyed my night.  I have not been bringing much school work home the last few weeks, and I can't tell if it's made me more rested or lazier.  Either way, I'm enjoying it and hoping I can keep it up.

Avery had dance Wednesday night and I was able to talk to Anna about making a few things for Sam's birthday.  She is a fantastic baker and I'm glad to have her help.  We got a little preview of the dance recital before class ended.  Avery has a lot a few more steps to master.  She is having fun and I'm sure all the mamas distracted her.  Then Call Me Maybe came on in the other room and it was pretty much over after that.

I had a quick meeting after school then went to get the kids.  We had dinner together then Ned had drill.  I fell asleep on the couch after Grey's Anatomy, and when I got up I noticed my right ear was ringing really bad.

We had a 2-hour delay Friday morning for freezing rain, although the roads were fine.  My right ear was a mess when I got up.  Each noise the kids made sounded like someone dialing a phone in my ear.  I was not feeling the best but knew I had to get to school.  I still have to leave early enough so that Sam won't nap in the car.  I left Jennifer's and got breakfast for myself and the woman I teach with.  I was enjoying my breakfast and my extra time in the morning, but by the time the kids got there I was so light-headed and tired feeling.  I mainly just sat because I felt so weak when I got up.  After about 45 minutes I went and called the doctor, because I knew it was a sinus infection, and I didn't want to be like it all weekend.  He could only see me at 11, so I had to leave school right then.  Every sick person in the doctor's office had to wear a mask which was loads of fun.  Some old lady loudly announced that I had the flu.  I was glad to get out of there and get home.  I slept until I had to pick up the kids.  Anna had given us tickets to a spaghetti dinner at their church that night, so we decided to still go.  It was busy but we were able to bring in Sam's stroller and had a yummy meal.  We saw our friends Lexi and Kristen and their families and of course Anna, Caleb, and Camden.  Sam had a great time watching the big kids and had quite a lot of young ladies around him.  Avery slept on the way home, and we had to pick up my prescription.

Saturday was Ned's birthday, so he got to sleep in.  We were home in the morning then I ran errands.  I took a nap while the kids did, then Mimi came to keep them so we could go out.  We went to Colonial Heights and of course visited Target.  We had dinner at Ned's favorite Chinese restaurant then saw Safe Haven.  Ned just really wanted to see a movie so he suggested this and of course I agreed.  It is one of Nicholas Sparks's more suspenseful books, so Ned said it was like a long episode of SVU.  Mimi survived her longest time with both kids, and it was good to get out.  We stayed up too late once we got home.

Thursday Randoms

I felt the need to blog today, and was facing a kind of boring random list of things to post.  I'm so glad Amy had a fun hodgepodge idea that I'm totally stealing.

Loving:
-being home, in our home.  Lately I am so thankful to walk in the door or even anticipate the moment I do so.  I love being with my family, and I love being in our home.

Reading:
-Jesus Calling and He Chose the Nails.  I just finished Sparkly Green Earrings (fantastic!) and am trying to decide what to pick off my Kindle list next.

Waiting for:
-my mom to come home.  She has about 70 possible rehab days left and will more than likely get to use them all.  Overall (as in survived massive stroke and brain surgery) she is doing well, but she is suffering from some depression and stomach issues.  If you have an extra prayer to send up, please do so.

Excited about:
-the weekend...including a date for Ned's birthday.
-Easter...a close runner up to Christmas these days.  I think it's the promise of spring along with all the day means.  Not sure how much spring we'll see in March though.  Easter outfits are ordered, after the first choice was back ordered, and the Easter Bunny is thinking away.

Trying to:
-stay ahead of this game called life.
-get up early (see above).
-decide if I'll stay overnight before a conference out of town next week.  We don't Dave Ramsey, but we also don't do $200+ a night hotel rooms just because Mama is waving the white flag and needs break.  I'm hoping for a discount.

Working on:
-making more time for myself that doesn't involve just collapsing in heap, especially blogging and picture taking.
-keeping up with chores a bit better.

Enjoying:
-a nice Pepsi with ice.

Using:
-Ned's Mac.  I texted him for permission first.  Although his is much snazzier, I prefer my school lap top that's probably on it's last leg anyway, as I have been know to wipe out a lap top with Pepsi.

Wearing:
-comfortable clothes and my Ugg slippers.

Planning:
-Sam's first birthday party!  Invitations went out this week but I have got to get busy ordering.
-Avery's first summer camp experience and her pre-school year.
-our Disney trip!  It's a ways away, but we still need to nail down exactly when we're going and where we're staying.

Singing:
-my head is strangely quiet at the moment.

Needing:
-more rest, and more hours in the day, especially the weekend.
-to clean up my blog reading list (as evident by my Instagram rant last night).
-to work on baby books.  Sam's is sparse...thank goodness for blogging!

Learning:
-to take a breath.  Stress is abundant, but so much is not worth it.
-that boy 2nd children, or maybe 2nd in general, are a different ballgame.  In Sam's case, easier but much, much busier!

Listening to:
-The Weather Channel.  I hate to wish for bad roads, but I would not complain about a delay or day off tomorrow.

Doing:
-too much.  In life there is only so much that you can cut out or cut back on.  Ned and I would both love to find ways for me to cut out a lot more.

Dreaming of:
-the beach.  Avery was discussing today who she was going to put in a hole in the sand.

Week in Review ~ 2/16

We had a busy week, highlighted by the fact that I've done 2 weekly posts in the last 2 days. The busyness did make it go by pretty quickly.

We had breakfast at church Sunday morning, but we can't all go yet because of Sam's nap.  Somehow Ned has had his turn for Sunday school on the last few breakfast days.  I did enjoy some quiet time at home, though.  Sam and I joined everyone for preaching, and they both did well in the nursery.  We picked up Wendy's for lunch, and then the kids napped.  I had to grocery store and found Walmart looking very close to a first of the month scene even though it was not.  Once I got home we bundled up to get pictures for Sam's 11 month post and Avery's 3.5.

Sam woke up with fever Monday and ended up staying home with Ned Monday and Tuesday.  Our pediatrician didn't think he needed to come in, but I am still worried that his ears haven't healed.  He did cut his second molar, so hopefully that's what it was.  Overall he was his normal, happy self.

Avery had a tea party at Bible Zone Monday night and was asked to wear something fancy.  She had a fun time and a lot of Valentine-related goodies.

I had meetings Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, and those just put me so behind.  I'm sure if I normally got home after 5 p.m. I'd get used to it, but now it is just no fun.  Of course I get my usual 3:30 p.m. quitting time with a 6:45 a.m. departure time, so everything is a trade. 

By Wednesday I was pooped and had Ned take Avery to dance.  Anna and Camden were missing due to Ash Wednesday, so I didn't feel like I was missing out.  I had plenty to do at home with Valentines snack mix and treats for the buddies at Jen-Jen's.  Our Ash Wednesday service was too late for the kids, but again Ned and I are giving up our smart phone features in front of the kids for Lent, with the exception of taking pictures with Instagram.

Thursday was Valentine's Day.  Since we are out the door early on school days, we decided to do our treats that evening.  I was called to the office mid-morning and school and figured nothing good could come from that, but I found a beautiful surprise from Ned.

They are still cheering up my classroom since Felix will eat them if I bring them home.  A body shop has been bringing Valentine donuts to Ned's office for referring customers, so that worked out well again this year.  Avery loves her "bonuts."

After dinner and dessert, we had a few surprises.

I tried to get a picture of Avery and Sam together, but Sam was not feeling the love at that point.

Friday went by quickly since I had to leave school early in the morning for a meeting.  I was out the door at 3:30 and ready to get everyone home.  We ate dinner at the Mexican restaurant, and after making a grocery list, I started reading Sparkly Green Earrings.  I read about 40% according to my Kindle before calling it a night.

I slept in Saturday morning and Ned got up with the kids.  Avery and I had planned to go to Rocky Mount to shop for Sam's birthday, but the forecast of snow changed my mind.  Instead, she and I made a quick trip to Walmart, and then the four of us had lunch at The Palm Tree.  The kids napped once we got home, and I read my book and watched it snow.

This was pretty early, but I was trying to capture the huge snowflakes.  It snowed all afternoon, and I think it still is, but it is too wet to stick a lot.  We are expecting bad roads tonight and in the morning.  Uncle Rob is home for the night, so we had dinner with him, Megan, Mimi, and Grandaddy at FoSho.  We beat our last long time there with a total of 1 hour and 40 minutes tonight for 2 pizzas.  It is good but Sam doesn't always provide a relaxing meal.  Everyone is in bed now, and I'm getting ready to do my reading for church in He Chose the Nails then move on to Sparkly Green Earrings.

Week in Review ~ 2/9

Late again.  Before kids, I was never late.  I really can't blame this on the kids though.  I'm tired, and if I have a minute to sit down at night, I want to just sit.  So, I'll just be late blogging until I'm not anymore.

We had a regular week, and if anything extraordinary happened I've forgotten. 

This guy turned 11 months old.  Unbelievable.  Here he is on his 11 month birthday, having just figured out to get in my cabinets.  Then he went on to devour some chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese.

We had such a fun weekend, and it was so needed.  For two months, half of my weekends have been away with my mom, and while I wouldn't have it any other way, it's tough.  It makes my already homebody self want to hole up even more.  But, we were busy, and it was great.

On Friday night, the four of us went to Applebee's.  I had planned to go to Lexi's jewelry party that night along, but that morning Lexi messaged and said to bring the kids.  Avery had already asked to go, so I decided to take her.  She played with Mason and Levi, enjoyed some iPad time with Mason, then snuggled up with Mason in his chair to watch Peter Pan.  She had fun playing, and I had fun socializing and shopping.  It was almost 9 p.m. before she got to bed...probably a record.

Saturday was just as fun.  The four of us were home in the morning.  At lunchtime Avery and I went to Wyatt's pirate happy birthday.  Pirates, bounce houses, and cupcakes make for a happy girl.

After the party, we went home and waited for Sam to wake up so that we could go visit Yaya and Poppa.  They had Valentine's treats for the kids, and we had a good visit.  We left there at dinner time and stopped at Chick-Fil-A.  Ned is pretty adamant that we take a break from Panera after Avery's throw up incident.  Luckily CFA is just as yummy.  We stopped at Walmart there to get formula for Sam.  We have had none in our city for 2 weeks, which figures since he has so little time left on it.  We had two very tired kids sleeping in the truck so Ned and I had some good conversation time on the way home. 

11 Months

Dear Sam,

You turned 11 months old on the 7th. We have been having so much fun that I'm a few days late posting. I know by the time I turn around good, you'll be one! I have started planning your first birthday party, but it seems as if we were just waiting for you to arrive.

You visited the doctor last week and weighed over 21 pounds. Everyone comments on how tall you look. You wear mainly 12 month size clothing, but some of those pants are already looking short. I'll be buying 18 months for spring and summer in the hopes that we won't need a new wardrobe halfway through. Diapers are size 4.

Speaking of the doctor, we took you in because you ran a little fever one day. You had been a little fussy after dinner, were waking early, and were slightly congested, but we attributed it all to teeth. Little did we know, both ears were infected and one had blisters on them. I felt so bad, because we don't know how long they had been bothering you. Overall, you had been your happy self. Once we were home from the doctor and I was changing your diaper, I saw your first molar shining through! You were a trooper to be going through all of that.

You are still having 4 bottles a day plus 3 meals. Your meals still consist mostly of baby food, but you are trying more and more table food. I'm much more laid back with you than I was your sister. Once we went through our three day test of most baby foods, dairy, and small amounts of egg, I just started letting you try a variety of things. You have had green beans, peas, carrots. potato, cauliflower, applesauce, banana, peaches, meatballs, chicken, roast, mac and cheese, fries, rolls, cinnamon rolls, cheese, yogurt, Fruit Loops, Goldfish, and Gerber snacks. The Fruit Loops and Goldfish were at Jen-Jen's, and the Goldfish were courtesy of Avery. You drink water from a cup like a pro, and have been for awhile. I forgot to put that in your 10 month post.

Your sleep schedule remains the same as it has for months. You managed about a 15 minute nap one of the last times we went to see Yaya, and did just fine. Your morning naps are usually pretty long, and then you roll around in your bed for awhile before starting your afternoon one. Teething causes you to wake early, and we usually take a pacifier in to you. We'll see if that causes a bad habit, but it didn't when we did the same for your sister. I'd put one in the crib with you if I didn't think you'd use it most of the night.

Like the Fisher Price song sings, you are "Busy, busy, busy, busy!" You have done a few crawls on your hands and knees, but you really prefer your army crawl style. You can pull up to stand but really prefer to be on your knees. You sit on them all the time and look like such a big boy. You pull up on the stairs, open the kitchen cabinets, and pull out drawers in the playroom. We never had to do much baby proofing with Avery, but you might be a different story. You cruise around objects and walk behind push toys occasionally. We have replaced your carrier seat with Avery's Marathons and you seem to like them just fine. It's funny to see you in a big boy seat. You have been saying uh-oh for awhile and babble all the time. You know to shake, shake or dance, dance on command, and you will also give kisses if we do it to you. You are starting to wave bye bye with your little fingers. Where's Sam is still the best game ever invented.

You love moving from one toy to another at home. You love to put things in and take them out, and you love balls. You have already figured out how to throw them. Avery makes me nervous each time she yells, "Catch Samo" though. You can clear out the dollhouse in about 15 seconds.

Laid back is usually the name of the game. You have done so well on our many trips to see Yaya, you're happy at Jen-Jen's, and you are enjoying the nursery at church. A little temper has started to show with some yelling and throwing. That mainly occurs in the high chair. We've never had fall-out fits before so we'll see if they're coming. You'll cry if someone takes a treasure away, but that's to be understood. You like to take things away too! If you do get fussy, Duckie and your pie-pie do the trick right away.

We love you so much Sam and are so thankful for each moment of the last 11 months. What a blessing it is for us to be able to experience all your firsts, all your learning, and all your love.


Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Week in Review ~ 2/2

It has been a week...one of those weeks that nothing bad happened but you just don't feel good about any of it.  My mom, who is doing well overall and making great strides, has been having stomach issues from antibiotics for 2 weeks.  Then last weekend she was pretty sick with what seemed to be a bug.  We all thought her moving to where my dad works would be so great, and it has been, but being sick got everyone down.  My dad had the added stress of returning to work and worrying about her being sick.  So the regular worrying I'm doing about them both was multiplied for awhile.  In addition to all of that, our community lost an 8-year-old little girl Sunday in a sledding accident.  We did not know the family well, and it has been several years since I had even seen the little girl, but it has just been so hard for me.

Sunday was a crazy day.  Ned took Avery to Sunday School, then I went to the store once they got home.  Thank goodness hunting season is over and I can shop on Saturdays again.  I could take both kids now but I'm trying to keep them out of places with all the sickness going around.  I brought the groceries home and dropped them off then left to see my mom.  She was not feeling well and my dad sounded so down, so I didn't anticipate a happy trip.  Mom seemed pretty good though and stayed awake for most of my visit, even with the anti-nausea medicine they had given her.  I know from experience that that stuff is tough.  I picked up a few things from Farm Fresh before coming home to dinner.

We had a professional day Monday, and we were all disappointed that the freezing rain did not give us a delay.  Those days always overwhelm me because there always seems to be an announcement of something else to do.  Avery did not have Bible Zone because our schools here had closed for the weather.  We enjoyed our night at home, then I enjoyed The Bachelor with a glass of wine.

Tuesday was a work day at school, so the kids and I were able to leave a little later.  I got most of my work done that I had hoped to, but there is never enough time on those days.  We were able to leave at 3 p.m. so I took advantage of that.

Sam was up early and crying Wednesday morning, so I was worried something was brewing.  I even left his seat at Jennifer's in case Ned needed to get him early.  She called about 3 p.m. and said he was running a fever.  I had a meeting after school then knew I was going to have to do plans to be out, so I got Ned to come get the kids.  I got everything done at school and made Sam an appointment for the morning.  I took Avery to dance after dinner.  Sam had been playing fine all night and then slept well.

We had crazy, crazy wind and rain Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.  I didn't sleep a wink with all the noise and because I was waiting for the lights to go off and the kids to wake up.  I was amazed our lights didn't even blink, since they seem to go out when the wind blows 100 miles away.  I dropped Avery off at Jennifer's on the way to the doctor so that she wouldn't pick up germs.  Happy little Sam ended up having a double ear infection complete with blisters inside one ear.  I felt so terrible, but overall he had been acting fine.  I love to visit with our pediatrician, and it was a little easier without my sweet girl.  Sam and I picked up Avery on the way home, and then we met Ned at The Palm Tree for lunch.  The kids took naps when we got home, and I did too.  After dinner, Ned drove my car to drill to get gas, and it was then that I remembered that my school bag was in the car.  He didn't get home until 10, so no school work was done.

Thank goodness for Friday.  We all made it through the day.  We met Ned at FoSho for dinner.  It was good but it seemed like we were there for a long time.  Once we got home and put the kids to bed, I had a thrilling Friday night of washing car seat covers as we get ready to move Sam into Avery's Marathons.  We both fell asleep watching TV and drug ourselves to bed too late.

I slept in Saturday which was a nice treat.  While Sam napped, Avery and I watched the new Pioneer Woman and tried out her car seat.  Ned got one installed in my car and decided that the seats in both vehicles will never be the same.  Safe babies are worth it though.  Avery likes her cup holder, I like that she can be harnessed longer, and Ned likes that it should be the last seat we buy for her.

I took Avery to a place in town to get her hair cut.  She cried, and I have no idea why.  Maybe the hair issues are starting already.  After lunch, Sam napped and Avery rested quietly in her room.  I got her up and took her to the grocery store.  She wanted to walk so I let her.  She has walked in stores before but not a week-long grocery trip.  She did really well but slows me down.  We had some extra things to get, and it's the first of the month, so I was thrilled to be out of there.  We had a yummy dinner at home of filets, asparagus, and cheesy cauliflower bake.  After some play time in the playroom, it was time for baths and bed for the kids and more laundry for me.

This week will be my first 5-day work week in awhile, but I'm determined it will be a better week.  Mom is feeling much better, and we have a fun weekend to look forward to.