Anna's ear tubes

Anna did super fantastic!  I am so proud of her.

We put her to bed around 6:30pm last night so that she would be fully rested when we got her up around 6am to go to the hospital. She was the happiest child there! All giggly, smiley and saying "Hi baby" to everyone.

I was nervous about the nurses having to take her away but when they reached for her she went with them as she waved bye to me and hi to them. 

Waiting in the waiting room was pleasant. I don't get a lot of sitting time during the day so it was nice to sit for 15 min with a good book, knowing that my child was in good hands.  

After the procedure the Doctor spoke with us shortly and commented on how pleasant Anna was!  She didn't cry at all. She was all smiles. So precious!

Roger and I stood in the hall, by the OR doors, expecting Anna to emerge in a groggy, upset state.  But when the doors opened out walked our precious little baby, in the arms of a nurse, with a big smile on her face. She waved hi to us and bye to the nurse.

We got to the hospital around 6:40am and we got home, with tubes in her ears, at 8:25am.  WOW!!  Pretty fast!!  The best of all is that Anna is in a FANTASTIC mood!  She is starting to get a little fussy but that is to be expected. She is in need of a nap.

Today was a great experience!  Thank you for all the prayers.  And guess what?  I didn't get freaked out. It was very peaceful!

Here is the quote of the morning by Roger "Listen, I have an oral fixation and I am going to need some coffee. "  I sure hope he finally got that coffee when he got to work! I on the other hand got up before the kids to enjoy a nice cup of earl gray before heading out!  That's what I call a smart Mamma!

Anna's ear tubes and Paul's kindergarten

Just a little update. 

Anna goes under the knife (sounds horrible when you say it like that doesn't it) tomorrow morning.  The surgery is not that big of a deal, just gettin' some ear tubes put in. But i have been in a horrible panic. I am so nervous about her being put under (gosh that sounds horrible as well). The doctor acts like it is not that big of a deal, the parents that I have talked to have all assured me that it's not that big of a deal and the websites that I have been googling have claimed that it's not that big of a deal. So, I guess it's not that big of a deal. However, I am nervous about the effects of the gas that they are going to use to put her to sleep. they are going to gas my child? even that sounds horrible. "yeah, we're just going to gas your child, cut a hole in her ear and put a tube in there to drain the water out."   AAAH. When I was little I had a grand total of 7 ear tubes put in but seeing your own child go through something like that is heart breaking. I just have to keep in mind that she'll be able to hear better, so better speech development, and the pain of constant ear infections will hopefully go away.  Poor thing has been in pain since before she was born.

Now on to something completely different

This morning I got Paul registered for Kindergarten. As I was walking out of the building I felt very proud and accomplished. I had no regrets. I had been home with him for 4 wonderful years.  I had been there for every little milestone. As I was walking through the doors I couldn't help but think "this is why I choose my family over a "career"  So that I could truly enjoy each stage of my child's life. No regrets. I haven't missed a thing"  Now I'm trying to figure out whether or not he is socially ready to go this coming year or if I should hold him back. He doesn't turn 5 until this summer and the cut off date is Oct 1, 2010. He will be the youngest in his class and his preschool teacher thinks that holding him off just one more year will be better in the long run. I don't know. I am confused. This is such a big decision for me to make. Gosh I'm just 25 I shouldn't be trying to figure out whether or not my child is ready for kindergarten. So, I  have dusted off my old psychology books from college and I am going to be emailing old professors.  I can't make this decision alone.  

On top of all these decisions I have several books for class to read, a paper and a presentation due next thursday. My brain hurts.

.

having a baby

I just read a friends blog that is having trouble getting pregnant. She has always wanted a baby and truth be told I have always thought she would be such a GREAT mother. It pains me to think that she is having such a hard time conceiving. I am near tears right now typing about it. Every morning I have been praying for her. I have never consistently prayed for a friend before. I know it sound bad but it is the truth. I know it sounds weird but reading her blog tonight has helped to ease my guilt and pain. I'll explain

I have been blessed with two children. Getting pregnant was not a a hard thing for me. It just happened. But after having my second child I was informed that I would not be able to have any more children. I had to make the hard decision to have a my tubes cut. It has been miserable. I have cried at least once a month about it. To not be able to have the choice of having another child has been horrible. When everyone else around me is getting pregnant with third children I am stuck at home in tears screaming "I'm just 25 GOD WHY?"

I have felt guilty for even feeling this way. here I am with two children and my friend is unable to even conceive one. how selfish of me? How horrible am I? But in her blog she wrote about how not being able to have a child at any age, whether you already have children or not, is miserable. About how alone you feel. That's what it is. I feel so alone. It is something that I can't really talk to anyone about because they always say "but you have been blessed with two beautiful children. One of each." Yes, I understand that but I can not ever get pregnant ever again. I have been castrated. IT is extremely lonely. I feel so alone but so does my friend. Maybe I am not alone after all.

valentines extravagance

After a fun filled, relaxing Valentines weekend without the kids, Roger and I were enjoying a Sunday afternoon nap. We knew the kids would be back within the next hour and wanted to be well rested before the youthful energy of a 4 year old and 1 year old was reintroduced into the house. 

Right when I was starting to drift into that half awake, but kinda dreaming state of a nap, the phone rang. Roger answered. I could tell it was the Humbles because I thought I had heard Steve's voice. Then I heard the word "Camelot."  A thought rushed through my head "that's playing at the opera house!"   After a brief phone conversation with Steve, Roger informed me that Sarah wasn't feeling well because of her surgery and wanted to know if we would like her Opera house tickets for the evening (she has season tickets) to see Camelot. I was so excited I started hopping up and down on the bed "Lets go! Lets go! Lets go! Be spontaneous Rog! YAY"  

The only problem and a major problem it was, the kids were on their way back from the grandparents. What to do?  "Rog, this is an awesome opportunity and I will go alone if I have to. I've gotta see this play."  After calling around frantically (keep in mind that it was 2pm on valentines day and the play was at 7pm) we finally got a hold of one of our youth, Caroline, and she was excited about watching the kids.  YAY!!  We found someone that we trusted to watch our children that was willing to come over last minute!  

After making arrangements with Caroline our door bell rang and the youthful energy was welcomed back into the house. I sure missed those two. While they were gone Roger and I did the following:

1.Thursday night after class I was greeted with a warm fire, chocolate covered strawberries, wine, a good movie and a house with no children.

2. Friday roger willingly exercised with me for the first time. He isn't telling a fib when he says he has no rythmn. The poor guy could barely do the "punch, punch, step, kick"  It was pretty funny. Then we went out to eat for lunch before coming back to the house to sit in the quite and read with some drinks

3. Saturday we got to sleep in until 7:30!!  WOW  We made breakfast and lunch together, I knitted and read until I yelled out "what in the world do people do with their time if they don't have kids. This is nuts how numb my butt is and how dry my eyes are. Let's get out of here."  So, we went to a movie and dinner before picking up some more drinks and heading home to chill.

So, sunday was back to work.  Well, so we thought.  Then the Humbles called and threw some spontaneity back into our lives! 

I got dressed in my sexy black dress with white polka dots, my black pearls, and my black boots(can you hear the ziiiiiiiipppp sound?) while Roger got dressed up in his hot black suit with his fansy smansy tie.  He even put on some cologne for me!! We were smoking hot and giddy for a free night out at the Opera House.  In true Romantic fashion a perfect snow began to fall as we walked through downtown to the Opera House. It made the giddy, snugly feelings all warm and mushy. 

There is just something magical that takes place as soon as you enter the lexington Opera House. Built over 10o years ago, threatened by a wrecking ball and salvaged, the architecture, the smell, the colors, the laughter, it all takes me back in time. I truly felt like I had entered a time machine! I always do.

Our seats were FABULOUS!!  I wouldn't have expected anything less from the Humbles. They know good seats when they see them! 

When the curtains opened, the actors appeared and the orchestra began to play, I was swept back in time. I was able to take in the beauty of the theatre, the soothing sound of the cello, the warmth of my handsome husband by my side and the energy of the actors. It was remarkable and I wish that I could have sat there, in that moment forever.  Magical? Spiritual? Romantic?  All of the above!

Now we are back to reality. Anna is currently screaming in the floor, mad that we are trying to put her jammies on. Paul is standing naked in the bathroom brushing his teeth. Roger is frantically pacing the floor with an exhausted, frustrated expression on his face (his classes were canceled because of the snow so he has been home with us today). And I am sitting here praying we get the kids to bed within the next 10 min.  I wouldn't have it any other way!!  I adore the little family that I have been blessed with!  They are perfect and I love them with a love that I never knew I could ever have. It is true Bliss! It is My fairy tale.  

"And they lived happily ever after"

 

seminary and children do not work

This just isn't working. Anna plays and is happy until I finally decide to pick up a book for class and get some reading in. Then she throws a massive fit, ripping the book out of my hand, sometimes ripping pages.  I get mad, she gets mad.  then I opt to do some research on the computer while she enjoys an afternoon snack.  Well, you guessed it. She throws a fit, ripping the cord out of the computer, resulting in me loosing everything I had been working on.  I get frustrated and she just laughs.  

basically, I am thinking about dropping out of seminary until Roger graduates and Anna is able to go to preschool.  how am I suppose to stay sane, get the house work done, take care of the needs of my children and study all at the same time?  It just doesn't work.  It is ridicules.  I guess I just need to realize it's Roger's glory days right now. I'm just here to tend to the house and children.  Maybe one day I'll be able to go back to school full time.  but right now, I think it is Roger's turn to live his dreams. I'll just wait.  Maybe?  I haven't made my mind up.

The Snow Bath

It was snowing outside, Anna still has an ear infection and I was itching to do something crazy!  Then I had a genius idea pop into my head. An idea that hasn't popped in there since I was kid.......I'LL FILL THE BATHTUB WITH SNOW!!!   

After thinking about it for 2 hours I grabbed an empty plastic trash can and a tall laundry basket, put on my snow gear and took off outside. I was determined to fill the bathtub with snow so that Anna would have a nice warm place to play. Plus, what person doesn't think, at least at some point in their lives, "hey, wouldn't it be cool to bring a bunch of snow inside?" Now that I'm an adult, have my own house, my own children and am perfectly capable of making grown up decisions I decided that bringing a massive amount of snow in the house was, in fact, a GREAT IDEA!!

After watching me carry up one load of snow (through the house, up the stairs and into the bathroom), Roger decided to get in on the action.  Maybe he was afraid I would trip up the stairs and snow would be all over the place. I don't know. But I like to think that he thought it was a great idea too and wanted to join in on the fun.  

We were so excited about the snow in the bathroom that we couldn't hardly wait until it was full. Here is our excited faces!! 

We decided that we would pretend  Anna's doll house family was our family and that they had a MASSIVE snow!  At which point Anna insisted that she actually play in the snow with the family.  She had a blast being the giant that threw snow balls at the little people, knocking them down. 

Anna and her Daddy are seen here showing off the snowman that they made together. It was pretty had work but they did it in record time!

The kids insisted that they go sledding as well. We made a snow hill and the little family thanked us for it. 

This is PAul and Dad having a snowball fight. Look at those massive forts!  Great job you two!

The Dad had a blast making snow angles for the kids. But he later wished he hadn't forgotten his jacket in the house. He's arms started to turn black.

Just a few family photos in front of the house. It's there first REAL snow and they never want to forget about the fun they had. I was laughing at them because they clearly need to take down the christmas decorations. Notice the CAndy Cane Reindeer by the front door. So tacky. 

The funny part of this whole thing is that once the kids were finished playing and snuggled up taking their afternoon naps, I decided I would finally take a shower. After getting ready for my shower I was greeted with a tub full of snow. Well, I guess I'll take a shower later tonight.  Oh well. Should have thought that one through. But, if you know me, I don't think things through.  

Also, a funny little side note. I called my mom and Dad to check on them. She informed me that they were having a great time being stuck alone together in the empty nest with a foot of snow. They had just finished going sledding down the driveway together and were warming up before they went back out to make snow angles. My mom convinced  my Dad to go sledding with her "come on it's 11am on a saturday. all our neighbors are still sleeping."  WEll, when they got to the end of the driveway the mail man pulled up and everyone came out to get their mail. After the initial embarrassment, mom went "Oh well" and gave a friendly wave to everyone. As they were walking back up the drive Dad said something to the effect "well, that was fun" and mom responded "yeah, LET'S DO IT AGAIN!!!"   And they kept on sledding!  Ya see, it runs in the family!

a bloody mess

Today has been interesting. I got Paul and Anna out the door by 8:15am.  Paul's preschool starts at 9am so I figured I would run over to the pharmacy to pick up my medicine then take Paul to school early so the kids could play on the playground before he had to go to class. Well, there was a problem with my insurance (when is there ever NOT a problem?) so it took about 40 minutes to just pick up my prescription. When the woman finally handed me the meds and I paid my 10.00 copay, I had to laugh out loud when upon opening the package I discovered there were only three pills.  three pills?  I did all that work for three pills??  Man oh man I sure hope these three pills were worth the office visit with kids in tow, a 15 min line to drop the prescription off and a 40min argument to pick them up. But I do aprriciate Dr. Asher's tother perception. Me- "My shoulders and neck hurt so bad."  The doctor rubs my shoulders and says  "yep. they are really tight.  you should have your husband work his magic hands on you to loosen you up. your in need of a massage"  me -"is that a prescription?"  Doctor - "yep. that's a prescription."    me to roger - "I swear the doctor said you needed to give me a 15min massage 3 times a day to clear up this bug I have."

By the time we got to Paul's school it was time for him to go to class. He took the no playground announcement well but Anna did not, so I took her out for a little bit before wrestling with her to get her back into the car. That child can throw a fit.  With her being 24 pounds it is terribly hard on my back when she kicks and screams while I am trying my hardest not to drop her. I wonder where she gets her strong will?  hummmm

The rest of the day was a blur. Anna screamed ALL DAY "I wannnn disssss"   "disss disss comma comma disss  dissss pleassssssssse."   It has been three weeks now that she has been irritable like this. But I am happy to announce that we finally have an appointment set up to see the Ear Nose and Throat Doctor!!!!!!  YAAAAYY  I will kiss the man/woman when I see them! however, we have to wait until February 15th. :(  oh man. I have just reached the laughing point now.  While she throws a fit that I can't do anything about, I sit and laugh at the situation, praying for Feb 15th to hurry up and get here.

This afternoon was a dozy.  Roger had to leave right after work to go talk at his fraternity house. I was left with the kids after being with the kids all day. I'm tired. They're tired. Bad combination. During their bath Anna found my razor. I walked in to find her finger painting the bathroom with her own blood. Awesome. Then had to fight with her for thirty minutes in order to get the bleeding to stop. She kept ripping the band-aid off, insisting that she wanted to suck the blood from her finger. She got blood all over my bed, her face, my glasses and her breath has that weird blood smell.  Pretty nasty and pretty frustrating. But I kept cool and just laughed with paul about it.

AFter I got the bleeding stopped and the pjs on, I walked back into the bathroom to clean the blood up and was welcomed with a big puddle of baby soap in the floor.  She must have decided to pour all her lavender baby shampoo all over the floor.  Man oh man.  So I cleaned up a big soapy and bloody mess while running back and forth into my room reminding the kids that there was this rule in the house that stated "thou shalt not jump on mom and dad's bed. because I totally just said so."

Now I am sitting here thinking about how class starts on monday. How are we going to do this? When will I ever have time to do my reading for class? Maybe I should just drop out until roger is finished. i don't know. Maybe I'll give this semester a try for a couple of weeks and see. "I think I can. I think I can.  I think I can." It's just every thursday from 6 until 9pm I will be sitting in a lecture after having chased the kids around all day. And I will probably be frustrated because I wont have my reading done because Anna kept ripping my book out of my hands.  How in the world am I going to get any reading done let alone write any major papers?  It makes me tired to think about class starting back but it makes me sad to think about not starting back.  I guess everybody feels that way at the beginning of the semester. Cold feet?

Alright, the kids are in bed, roger is gone, the Deep End comes on in 15min (the grandson of one of our church members is the main character so I feel I need to support the local people :) ) and I have a great book that Sarah has let be borrow (the lovely bones).  AHHHH  the quite alone time has missed me. "here I come empty living room.  Open up your arms fluffy couch!  Mamma is tired!"