Rather than take up pages and pages, I figured I would reduce this idea to just a few thoughts whenever I blog this month.
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS.....
BEDTIME: I will admit to be a typical mother of young children, who soaks in the calm and peace that can be felt in the night as the children are in bed. But, that is not what makes me truly happy (happy yes, but not to the fullest degree). To see/know that my children are tucked into their soft, cozy beds, nestled under blankets that were lovingly sewn, in a room that is decorated just for them, and which is nice and warm while it is frigid outside, just fills my emotional cup. I don't know how to put into words how content I feel knowing that my children are safe and protected from the elements, from dangers, and are contentedly sleeping while their white-noise fans quietly purr. Perhaps I've heard one too many stories about kids who had nothing, who slept on a dirt floor while thieves ran amuck outside, or something to that degree. At any rate, this nightly event is one of my secret pleasures.
COUPONS: This is a borderline love/addiction. I just never tire of collecting coupons, organizing them, and best of all, using them to save lots of money! While some of my friends relax by watching movies, for me I would 'work on' my coupons anyday instead. A friend of mine recently complimented me on being talented in the area of putting together shopping lists using coupons. To the untrained ear, this sounds a little strange. But perhaps that is what I love about couponing. It makes so much sense to me. And another little secret of mine? I don't do it for the money. YES, it saves me TONS of money, and I love that! But I do it because I enjoy it. It is FUN to me!
THE OFFICE: This is entirely Nathan's and my siblings fault. Nathan's brother David and my brother Daniel love the Office. When we stood in line 2 years ago on Black Friday to get a good deal on a new computer, Daniel convinced us to pick up Seasons 2 and 3 of the Office for him "since we were already there and everything," and so he could sleep on during those bleak hours. Being the good sister that I am, I did just that. Now, while he is on his mission, Nathan and I are taking good care of those dvds.....good care. The irony here? One of the most sought after items on our Black Friday list was The Office. So off to Target at 4am for me. We now have Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at our house!! Life is so good sometimes.
CANDY: Nathan lives for ice cream. I live for candy. Cake, ice cream, pie, none of them really do it for me. Candy is what does it for me. More specifically? Laffy Taffy. Twizzlers. Tootsie Rolls. Anything with mint. Or Carmel. I think I'm going to go get some right now.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Summer 2010
So.....what blog post episode is complete without at least some pics? Yeah, that's what I thought. Since I don't have my most recent pics uploaded, and since it's been forever since I put some up, I figured these would do. They give you an idea of what our life consisted of....a little bit ago. :-)
I got on this kick awhile ago where I really wanted to cook like 'The Sneaky Chef' or 'Deceptively Delicious,' where they puree veggies and hide them in their kids' foods. I LOVED the idea of my kids getting tons of fruits and veggies, especially since Preston ate like Buddy off of "Elf." Candy, Sugar, Syrups, Candy Corn.....yeah that was all he wanted to eat. NO VEGGIES. Fortunately, now he is doing much better.
THe process of cooking, steaming, sometimes shredding, made my kitchen look like this.
Voila! Doesn't this look delicious? Oh wait, it doesn't matter!! It gets hidden in my kids' food!
Preston and Tanner fell in love with these kittens at Uncle Taylor and Aunt Stephanie's house. And....I might have enjoyed them a bit too.
Just an awesome shot of Tanner with Grandpa on the jet ski. Tanner hates the jet ski and refused to get on. We tried to get him to go with us, but he refused. He refused until Grandpa was suggested, and for the first time ever, I saw my father-in-law ride his jet ski. I love jet skiing. I love the Columbia River. Summertime here is lovely.
This one did fine on the jet ski, but wasn't so sure about the whole get-up he had to wear.
I got on this kick awhile ago where I really wanted to cook like 'The Sneaky Chef' or 'Deceptively Delicious,' where they puree veggies and hide them in their kids' foods. I LOVED the idea of my kids getting tons of fruits and veggies, especially since Preston ate like Buddy off of "Elf." Candy, Sugar, Syrups, Candy Corn.....yeah that was all he wanted to eat. NO VEGGIES. Fortunately, now he is doing much better.
THe process of cooking, steaming, sometimes shredding, made my kitchen look like this.
Voila! Doesn't this look delicious? Oh wait, it doesn't matter!! It gets hidden in my kids' food!
Preston and Tanner fell in love with these kittens at Uncle Taylor and Aunt Stephanie's house. And....I might have enjoyed them a bit too.
Just an awesome shot of Tanner with Grandpa on the jet ski. Tanner hates the jet ski and refused to get on. We tried to get him to go with us, but he refused. He refused until Grandpa was suggested, and for the first time ever, I saw my father-in-law ride his jet ski. I love jet skiing. I love the Columbia River. Summertime here is lovely.
This one did fine on the jet ski, but wasn't so sure about the whole get-up he had to wear.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Four year old widsdom
My friend Heather B. posted some "Brynley-isms" a few months ago that I was in tears after reading.....from laughing so hard. I don't know if these will make you roll on the ground, but at least I have them written down now. I give you....
...From the mouth of Tanner....
(while looking at a box of Cap'n Crunch, which had a picture of an iPod on it) "Look Mom! There's your I-POT!!!"
brief story: awhile back I had to take in a stool sample of Tanner's to a clinic near our house. I can't remember what I told him they were going to do with it, other than run tests. He had recently had some tests run in terms of bloodwork. Every single time we drove by that clinic for probably 6 weeks, he would exclaim, "There's where they give my poop a shot!"
another brief story: we recently got new couches (picture coming VERY soon!). When we were taking the old ones out to the garage, Tanner asked why we were getting rid of them. "Because they are ugly," we told him. Later that day, he and I were shopping at TJ-Maxx. For whatever reason, I exclaimed mid-aisle, "Ohhh! I am an idiot!" That night, Nathan's parents came over to admire out new furniture.
Parents: "Tanner, do you like your new couches?"
Tanner: "Yes."
Parents: "Why do you have new couches?"
Tanner: "Because the old ones were ugly. And guess what? My mom is a idiot!"
One night while looking out the front door at the night sky.
Me: Look Tanner, do you see the moon?
T: Yes, and look, there is a star moving in front of it!
Me: Tanner, that isn't a star. That's an airplane.
Tanner: (silent for a moment) Can you tell if it is a CRJ (Canadire Regional Jet)??? I can't tell because it is too far away.
A few weeks ago after church.
Me: Tanner, look, do you see this picture?
T: Yes, what is it?
Me: It is a parade in Rhode Island. Can you say Rhode Island?
T: Says "Rhode Island."
Me: Rhode Island is where Uncle Daniel is being a missionary!
T: Oh!
Me: You know what? I think we should write him a letter, what do you think?
T: (says nothing for several minutes. I figured he didn't know what I was talking about)
T: OK....How about "P"
Last week after church:
Nathan: Tanner, what did you learn about it primary?
Tanner: About prayers
Nathan: And what did you learn about them?
Tanner: That we should say 'em!
This afternoon:
Me: Tanner, how many brothers and sisters would you like to have?
Tanner: Two brothers and one sister.
Whenever Preston is crying, Tanner says, "What's the matter sweetheart? It is cute....and really quite hilarious.
Whenever he is talking to Nathan about Grandma and Grandpa Hall, Tanner refers to them as, "your parents." When talking to me about them, he calls them, "Daddy's parents."
Recently we were at Albertsons, and Tanner saw something he wanted.
Tanner: Mom, can we get this?
Me: No
Tanner: Do you have a coupon for it?
Me: Nope, I don't
Tanner. OK, (And then he put it back)
Yes! Tanner is 4 now! I need to update with pictures. Unfortunately my computer is also updating itself right now, so I can't put on pictures tonight. Coming soon.
...From the mouth of Tanner....
(while looking at a box of Cap'n Crunch, which had a picture of an iPod on it) "Look Mom! There's your I-POT!!!"
brief story: awhile back I had to take in a stool sample of Tanner's to a clinic near our house. I can't remember what I told him they were going to do with it, other than run tests. He had recently had some tests run in terms of bloodwork. Every single time we drove by that clinic for probably 6 weeks, he would exclaim, "There's where they give my poop a shot!"
another brief story: we recently got new couches (picture coming VERY soon!). When we were taking the old ones out to the garage, Tanner asked why we were getting rid of them. "Because they are ugly," we told him. Later that day, he and I were shopping at TJ-Maxx. For whatever reason, I exclaimed mid-aisle, "Ohhh! I am an idiot!" That night, Nathan's parents came over to admire out new furniture.
Parents: "Tanner, do you like your new couches?"
Tanner: "Yes."
Parents: "Why do you have new couches?"
Tanner: "Because the old ones were ugly. And guess what? My mom is a idiot!"
One night while looking out the front door at the night sky.
Me: Look Tanner, do you see the moon?
T: Yes, and look, there is a star moving in front of it!
Me: Tanner, that isn't a star. That's an airplane.
Tanner: (silent for a moment) Can you tell if it is a CRJ (Canadire Regional Jet)??? I can't tell because it is too far away.
A few weeks ago after church.
Me: Tanner, look, do you see this picture?
T: Yes, what is it?
Me: It is a parade in Rhode Island. Can you say Rhode Island?
T: Says "Rhode Island."
Me: Rhode Island is where Uncle Daniel is being a missionary!
T: Oh!
Me: You know what? I think we should write him a letter, what do you think?
T: (says nothing for several minutes. I figured he didn't know what I was talking about)
T: OK....How about "P"
Last week after church:
Nathan: Tanner, what did you learn about it primary?
Tanner: About prayers
Nathan: And what did you learn about them?
Tanner: That we should say 'em!
This afternoon:
Me: Tanner, how many brothers and sisters would you like to have?
Tanner: Two brothers and one sister.
Whenever Preston is crying, Tanner says, "What's the matter sweetheart? It is cute....and really quite hilarious.
Whenever he is talking to Nathan about Grandma and Grandpa Hall, Tanner refers to them as, "your parents." When talking to me about them, he calls them, "Daddy's parents."
Recently we were at Albertsons, and Tanner saw something he wanted.
Tanner: Mom, can we get this?
Me: No
Tanner: Do you have a coupon for it?
Me: Nope, I don't
Tanner. OK, (And then he put it back)
Yes! Tanner is 4 now! I need to update with pictures. Unfortunately my computer is also updating itself right now, so I can't put on pictures tonight. Coming soon.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Just Do It.
Preface: I have written and rewritten this post over and over during my runs these past 8 weeks. Why I am just now posting this, I do not know.
STORY: When I was a sophomore at Idaho Falls High School, there were a few guys that I had my eye on, and might go so far as to say that I rather 'liked' them, if you know what I mean. Well, these guys being the type of guys they were, took advantage of me. NO NOT LIKE THAT, goodness! This is a HAPPY story! Anyway, these guys were on the track team as well as the cross country team, and, they convinced me that if I wanted to be really cool, and be where all the 'cool' people were, then I needed to come do track. So I did. And the funny thing? I liked it. The funnier thing? I wasn't too bad at it! The following fall, they used to same tactics to try to get me out for cross country. Now, this took slightly more convincing due to the fact that it involved running a LOT. And I was not a runner (yet). But, for some reason, I decided to give it a try. That was probably the only time in my life that my pride was a good thing. I didn't want to look dumb in front of the guys, so I didn't stop and walk, and I didn't give up. And at some point during the season, I realized that I was enjoying it! I wasn't the best runner, but I wasn't the worst either. Most of the time I ran varsity, and I was even a team captain my senior year!
Fast forward to BYU-Idaho: I was too scared to go out for the Intramural sports my first year, and I was surprised as just how much I missed it (it didn't help that I gained a bit of weight that first year)! The next year, I didn't make that mistake again. I did both track and cross country, and made some great friends, and some amazing memories. Running up there was completely different, both because it wasn't competitive in the sense of competing against other schools, and also because the Gospel was incorporated into it. Words cannot express how much I loved running at BYU-Idaho.
It's now 2005: In August, I graduated from college. Three days later, I began work as a brand new social worker. A month later, I married Nathan. A month after that? I was pregnant with Tanner. I was sick, I was working as a social worker, learning that it was not the funnest job in the world, I missed my friends, and I missed running! In March 2006 we moved to Portland, in July Nathan and I became parents, and in September, we moved to Seattle. We had bought a fancy jogging stroller of Craigslist in Portland, but it was only used occasionally for walks. Throughout the next few years I would take Tanner running from time to time in the stroller in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Orem, and Ogden, but it became clear that my running days were over at my ripe old age of 25. I missed it. Then, in 2009, my life changed.
We moved to Pasco in January, when Preston was 4 weeks old. I insisted that we find a double jogging stroller (used) before we left, and we did (just barely in the nick of time!). After we'd been up here for a month or so, and I had been through/ was in the throes of postpartum depression, Nathan being gone a lot, a new area, etc, my mom asked one day if I was getting out much with my stroller. I said no, and she said, "You need to get out and use it! You'll be so much happier!" I started walking with friends, and found that I did feel better. But something was still missing.
One day in the shower, I had the craziest thought: what if I were to someone find a local high school who needed/wanted an assistant for their cross country team? I didn't know what I would do with my kids, but the thought of having a set running schedule--and people to run with--made me giddy. I waited a little bit before telling Nathan my idea, and finally, after a while, I confessed my crazy idea to Nathan's parents. They both got weird looks on their faces and kind of laughed, which made me feel silly, until Nathan's mom said, "Do you know who the Pasco High cross country coach is?" Turns out it was a guy in their ward who was also a close family friend of Nathan's parents. It wasn't long before I talked to him about it, and the timing was perfect. His team DID need a new assistant, and he desperately wanted a female assistant. John bent over backwards to get me the position, and by that fall, I was hired on. Suddenly, I was back in the swing of running. Then I got a stress fracture.
The stress fracture wasn't until near the end of the season, and by following doctors' orders, I healed up great. I decided that I was going to throw my whole heart (and money reserve!) into running. I bought brand new running shoes, and an iPod. Nathan bought me a fancy pedometer that plugs into my iPod for Mothers' day. But the biggest thing was my friend Barbara telling me about the Teton Dam Half Marathon. Now, I may be a runner, but I've never done more than a 5K in terms of a race. But the thought of running 13 miles in the Rexburg, ID area was too much for me to pass up. I began training for it, and took up doing Zumba for my 'cross training' along with regular runs. I couldn't believe how excited I was for the race, despite the fact that it was at 4300 ft elevation, and in Washington I am at sea level.
The race was on June 12, 2010 and it was absolutely awesome. It was one of the funnest things I've ever done! The sights were beautiful, my training paid off, I had a great time! I was shooting for a time of 2:30, but secretly hoping for 2 hours--though I figured it was impossible with the elevation. My final time? 1:58:26.
To say the least, I am back to running. I love it. I am loving Zumba. I have the best job in the world coaching cross country, and can't wait for this upcoming season. I am so blessed!
STORY: When I was a sophomore at Idaho Falls High School, there were a few guys that I had my eye on, and might go so far as to say that I rather 'liked' them, if you know what I mean. Well, these guys being the type of guys they were, took advantage of me. NO NOT LIKE THAT, goodness! This is a HAPPY story! Anyway, these guys were on the track team as well as the cross country team, and, they convinced me that if I wanted to be really cool, and be where all the 'cool' people were, then I needed to come do track. So I did. And the funny thing? I liked it. The funnier thing? I wasn't too bad at it! The following fall, they used to same tactics to try to get me out for cross country. Now, this took slightly more convincing due to the fact that it involved running a LOT. And I was not a runner (yet). But, for some reason, I decided to give it a try. That was probably the only time in my life that my pride was a good thing. I didn't want to look dumb in front of the guys, so I didn't stop and walk, and I didn't give up. And at some point during the season, I realized that I was enjoying it! I wasn't the best runner, but I wasn't the worst either. Most of the time I ran varsity, and I was even a team captain my senior year!
Fast forward to BYU-Idaho: I was too scared to go out for the Intramural sports my first year, and I was surprised as just how much I missed it (it didn't help that I gained a bit of weight that first year)! The next year, I didn't make that mistake again. I did both track and cross country, and made some great friends, and some amazing memories. Running up there was completely different, both because it wasn't competitive in the sense of competing against other schools, and also because the Gospel was incorporated into it. Words cannot express how much I loved running at BYU-Idaho.
It's now 2005: In August, I graduated from college. Three days later, I began work as a brand new social worker. A month later, I married Nathan. A month after that? I was pregnant with Tanner. I was sick, I was working as a social worker, learning that it was not the funnest job in the world, I missed my friends, and I missed running! In March 2006 we moved to Portland, in July Nathan and I became parents, and in September, we moved to Seattle. We had bought a fancy jogging stroller of Craigslist in Portland, but it was only used occasionally for walks. Throughout the next few years I would take Tanner running from time to time in the stroller in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Orem, and Ogden, but it became clear that my running days were over at my ripe old age of 25. I missed it. Then, in 2009, my life changed.
We moved to Pasco in January, when Preston was 4 weeks old. I insisted that we find a double jogging stroller (used) before we left, and we did (just barely in the nick of time!). After we'd been up here for a month or so, and I had been through/ was in the throes of postpartum depression, Nathan being gone a lot, a new area, etc, my mom asked one day if I was getting out much with my stroller. I said no, and she said, "You need to get out and use it! You'll be so much happier!" I started walking with friends, and found that I did feel better. But something was still missing.
One day in the shower, I had the craziest thought: what if I were to someone find a local high school who needed/wanted an assistant for their cross country team? I didn't know what I would do with my kids, but the thought of having a set running schedule--and people to run with--made me giddy. I waited a little bit before telling Nathan my idea, and finally, after a while, I confessed my crazy idea to Nathan's parents. They both got weird looks on their faces and kind of laughed, which made me feel silly, until Nathan's mom said, "Do you know who the Pasco High cross country coach is?" Turns out it was a guy in their ward who was also a close family friend of Nathan's parents. It wasn't long before I talked to him about it, and the timing was perfect. His team DID need a new assistant, and he desperately wanted a female assistant. John bent over backwards to get me the position, and by that fall, I was hired on. Suddenly, I was back in the swing of running. Then I got a stress fracture.
The stress fracture wasn't until near the end of the season, and by following doctors' orders, I healed up great. I decided that I was going to throw my whole heart (and money reserve!) into running. I bought brand new running shoes, and an iPod. Nathan bought me a fancy pedometer that plugs into my iPod for Mothers' day. But the biggest thing was my friend Barbara telling me about the Teton Dam Half Marathon. Now, I may be a runner, but I've never done more than a 5K in terms of a race. But the thought of running 13 miles in the Rexburg, ID area was too much for me to pass up. I began training for it, and took up doing Zumba for my 'cross training' along with regular runs. I couldn't believe how excited I was for the race, despite the fact that it was at 4300 ft elevation, and in Washington I am at sea level.
The race was on June 12, 2010 and it was absolutely awesome. It was one of the funnest things I've ever done! The sights were beautiful, my training paid off, I had a great time! I was shooting for a time of 2:30, but secretly hoping for 2 hours--though I figured it was impossible with the elevation. My final time? 1:58:26.
To say the least, I am back to running. I love it. I am loving Zumba. I have the best job in the world coaching cross country, and can't wait for this upcoming season. I am so blessed!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Children are a(n) heritage unto the Lord
If there is a 'worst mom of the year' award, I am pretty sure I am in the running for it after today. I don't remember if we are going on week 7 or 8 in a row of Nathan being gone for four days and nights a week. Either way, it is really taking its toll on me--and the kids--this week. My patience is worn thin, I am tired of doing 3 meals a day by myself with the kids, etc. Am I having a BAH-HUMBUG week? You better believe it.
In case you were not previously aware, let me be the first to inform you that my son has a stubborn streak. The son I am referring to is Tanner--though Preston fits the bill too. Tanner is old enough now to talk back to me, hit me, ignore me, etc. I am just immature enough that it is not unheard of for me to fight back with him, and duke it out with him. And this has been one of those weeks.
By the time tonight came around, Tanner and I had fought for what seemed like ALL DAY, which is bad considering that last night it felt like that too. At bedtime, Tanner refused to cooperate, and ended up getting yelled at and a spankin' from me. However, as I was walking back to his room from grabbing the scriptures to read, he walked in and saw a comb on my dresser. He announced, "Mom! I want to comb your hair." So he did. And, leading by example, his actions prompted Preston to come and join him. Getting my hair combed is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE things, and Tanner does a really good job. As he was combing it, I couldn't help but feel really, really humbled at how incredibly wonderful he was being to me after a day when I was a less-than-wonderful mother to him. I think I will try to do better tomorrow.
In case you were not previously aware, let me be the first to inform you that my son has a stubborn streak. The son I am referring to is Tanner--though Preston fits the bill too. Tanner is old enough now to talk back to me, hit me, ignore me, etc. I am just immature enough that it is not unheard of for me to fight back with him, and duke it out with him. And this has been one of those weeks.
By the time tonight came around, Tanner and I had fought for what seemed like ALL DAY, which is bad considering that last night it felt like that too. At bedtime, Tanner refused to cooperate, and ended up getting yelled at and a spankin' from me. However, as I was walking back to his room from grabbing the scriptures to read, he walked in and saw a comb on my dresser. He announced, "Mom! I want to comb your hair." So he did. And, leading by example, his actions prompted Preston to come and join him. Getting my hair combed is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE things, and Tanner does a really good job. As he was combing it, I couldn't help but feel really, really humbled at how incredibly wonderful he was being to me after a day when I was a less-than-wonderful mother to him. I think I will try to do better tomorrow.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
A word from the expert
Should you ever be faced with the arduous task of feeding Preston...I pity you. I won't share my hoity-toity thoughts I USED TO have on parents with picky eaters as children because I now have one of my very own. However, I have discovered two little tidbits of knowledge that have changed mealtime as we once knew it:
1. If Preston won't eat it, put ketchup on it.
(this one works about 75% of the time).
2. If he still doesn't eat it, ask Tanner to feed it to him.
(hasn't failed me yet).
****************************************************************************
Preface to the story I am about to tell: Every Wednesday evening I drop the children off at Nathan's parent's house so that I can go to my Zumba class. And every Wednesday evening as I leave for my class I am faced with a hysterical Tanner (yes you read that right. I said "Tanner," not "Preston") who is in tears, sobbing, "DON'T GO MOM!!! I don't want to lost you!!" He repeats this about 10 times and finally his death grip on my legs is released by Nathan's mom prying him off. It is such a happy time. Okay, not really.
Story: Last night was Wednesday night. As we were driving down to Nathan's parent's house Tanner started saying, "Mom, I don't want you to go. I don't want to lost you." My patience had worn thin and I was in NO MOOD for these antics that we go through weekly. So, while driving, I talked very sternly to Tanner: "Tanner," I said, "Mommy has to go to her Zumba class. It makes me a happy mommy, and if I don't go I am an angry mommy who yells and is not nice. I need you to NOT CRY when we get to Grandma's and DO NOT throw a fit. Got it???" He piped out a quiet, "Yes."
After a few moments of silence, this is what I heard from him:
"Mommy, Earth is not a planet for throwing fits."
Ever quick-witted, I replied, "You are correct. Earth is not for throwing fits. That is what Mars is for. If you'd like to throw a fit, you'll have to go to Mars."
"But Mommy! I don't WANT to go to Mars!" he wailed.
"Then do NOT throw a fit. Then you don't have to go to Mars."
It was so refreshing to leave my in-law's house for Zumba with Tanner giving me a kiss on the cheek, telling me goodbye, and calmly waving. No fits involved.
Sometimes I like to think that my psychology degree gets used.....on an hourly basis. :-)
1. If Preston won't eat it, put ketchup on it.
(this one works about 75% of the time).
2. If he still doesn't eat it, ask Tanner to feed it to him.
(hasn't failed me yet).
****************************************************************************
Preface to the story I am about to tell: Every Wednesday evening I drop the children off at Nathan's parent's house so that I can go to my Zumba class. And every Wednesday evening as I leave for my class I am faced with a hysterical Tanner (yes you read that right. I said "Tanner," not "Preston") who is in tears, sobbing, "DON'T GO MOM!!! I don't want to lost you!!" He repeats this about 10 times and finally his death grip on my legs is released by Nathan's mom prying him off. It is such a happy time. Okay, not really.
Story: Last night was Wednesday night. As we were driving down to Nathan's parent's house Tanner started saying, "Mom, I don't want you to go. I don't want to lost you." My patience had worn thin and I was in NO MOOD for these antics that we go through weekly. So, while driving, I talked very sternly to Tanner: "Tanner," I said, "Mommy has to go to her Zumba class. It makes me a happy mommy, and if I don't go I am an angry mommy who yells and is not nice. I need you to NOT CRY when we get to Grandma's and DO NOT throw a fit. Got it???" He piped out a quiet, "Yes."
After a few moments of silence, this is what I heard from him:
"Mommy, Earth is not a planet for throwing fits."
Ever quick-witted, I replied, "You are correct. Earth is not for throwing fits. That is what Mars is for. If you'd like to throw a fit, you'll have to go to Mars."
"But Mommy! I don't WANT to go to Mars!" he wailed.
"Then do NOT throw a fit. Then you don't have to go to Mars."
It was so refreshing to leave my in-law's house for Zumba with Tanner giving me a kiss on the cheek, telling me goodbye, and calmly waving. No fits involved.
Sometimes I like to think that my psychology degree gets used.....on an hourly basis. :-)
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
29 Things You May or May Not Have Known About Nathan
I dreamed up this post to celebrate Nathan's birthday which was....Sunday. Three days ago. My high hopes of posting this ON his birthday did not materialize. Let's be serious though, shall we? Am I ever on time for anything?
In honor of Nathan turning 29, I give you, "29 Things You May or May Not Have Known About Nathan"
29. He will not get angry or even disgruntled if you call him Nate. Unless you're his wife, who wants to call him that. Don't ask, because I can't understand it.
28. Nathan has his own hand towel. Its primary purpose is for HIM to dry his hands prior to putting in or taking out his contacts. End of story. I made the mistake of using it after we were married to dry my hands on, and apparently his roommates in college did too. No, it is not one certain towel that he always has--he just picks a hand towel and then designates it as "his."
27. Nathan enjoys a little bit of meat with his barbecue sauce. Thus, we buy a LOT of barbecue sauce. I never thought I'd meet someone who loves the stuff more than I do, but I did. And I married him.
26. Strange quirk of MINE: Whenever I am buying something, be it a shirt or a lotion or whatever, I nevr take the top one or the one in front. I grab whatever it is from the middle of the pile or the back. One day when we were dating Nathan and I were shopping, and I did this. He asked what I was doing, and I was slightly embarrassed to tell him, thinking he would totally die laughing at me. Turns out he had done the same thing all his life too. Consider yourselves forwarned should you be out shopping with either or us. :-)
25. You want another strange quirk? Growing up, my family kept a "gas log," meaning we dutifully wrote down each time we put gas in the car, journaling the date, the mileage, the number of gallons, and the total price. My dad is probably the one to thank for that. When I discovered that Nathan's family did the exact same thing, I came home that night and announced to my roommates that we were getting married. And yes, we still do that to this day, and we now include the price per gallon we pay each time. :-)
24. I am married to an ice cream connisseur. He used to work for an ice cream distributing company that dealt with Tillamook, Haagen Dazs, Breyers, Dreyers,and Ben & Jerry's. It is very rare that you will find store brand ice cream at our house.
23. Nathan is incredible at cleaning bathrooms. Not only can he do it faster than me, but it's cleaner than when I do it. And he wonders why he gets stuck with that chore now.
22. Nathan (and myself) do not like marshmallows.
21. His all-time favorite ice cream flavor is Wavy Gravy. Unfortunately, Ben & Jerry's no longer sells it, much to his dismay.
20. Nathan was born the same day as his sister Kiersten's dance recital.
19. He served a mission in Tampico, Mexico.
18. He.loves.football. and totally fibbed when we were engaged saying he "liked it alright, but wasn't a huge fan." Whatever. Come football season, he loves watching it on tv, and really loves going to high school games. Lucky for him, he has a son who also loves football.
17. When we got married, Nathan couldn't sleep in past 7:30am. It was great when Tanner was born! I have corrupted him though,and he is now a nightowl like me who has absolutely no problem sleeping in.
16. Nathan is very particular about the lawn, taking great care to see that it is mowed weekly, that the sprinklers are working properly, etc. He is the entire reason our lawn looks as good as it does.
15. Every Sunday growing up, Nathan's family would eat grits. Nathan has decided that is going to be our tradition too. He has two little boys who couldn't be happier about this (and I like them too--just without the egg).
14. Nathan loves swing dancing.
13. Nathan is a movie lover. Apparently when he was a teenager he would watch Independence Day a lot....and I mean, a lot. He especially likes sports movies--Radio, Remember the Titans, the Blind Side, etc.
12. When he was in high school, he played soccer, and one year his team won the State Championship.
11. During his high school soccer career, he ended up getting and elbow or shoulder in the face, which broke some bones in his face, and required him to have a metal plate put in under his skin. He still has it, and he always will. Lucky for him, it doesn't go off when he goes through airport security.
10. Nathan is living his dream of being an airline pilot.
9. During the spring and fall, he referrees soccer games.
8. Nathan loves taking Tanner fishing.
7. It is a rare occassion that Nathan can beat Tanner at the game "Memory." However, it is rare that Tanner loses to anybody. :)
6. When it comes to playing games, Nathan is pretty competitive. He can get especially vicious with the game Ticket to Ride.
5. When we moved into our house, I wanted French doors built in. Nathan really didn't care about having French doors, but he knew how much it meant to me, so he built a wall, framed in the doors, hung the doors, painted the doors, textured the wall, the whole works. He is a good husband. :-)
4. Nathan is a big fan of Dave Ramsey.
3. Nathan is not a big fan of Obama.
2. Nathan was born in Kennewick, WA.
1. Nathan loves to play raquetball.
In honor of Nathan turning 29, I give you, "29 Things You May or May Not Have Known About Nathan"
29. He will not get angry or even disgruntled if you call him Nate. Unless you're his wife, who wants to call him that. Don't ask, because I can't understand it.
28. Nathan has his own hand towel. Its primary purpose is for HIM to dry his hands prior to putting in or taking out his contacts. End of story. I made the mistake of using it after we were married to dry my hands on, and apparently his roommates in college did too. No, it is not one certain towel that he always has--he just picks a hand towel and then designates it as "his."
27. Nathan enjoys a little bit of meat with his barbecue sauce. Thus, we buy a LOT of barbecue sauce. I never thought I'd meet someone who loves the stuff more than I do, but I did. And I married him.
26. Strange quirk of MINE: Whenever I am buying something, be it a shirt or a lotion or whatever, I nevr take the top one or the one in front. I grab whatever it is from the middle of the pile or the back. One day when we were dating Nathan and I were shopping, and I did this. He asked what I was doing, and I was slightly embarrassed to tell him, thinking he would totally die laughing at me. Turns out he had done the same thing all his life too. Consider yourselves forwarned should you be out shopping with either or us. :-)
25. You want another strange quirk? Growing up, my family kept a "gas log," meaning we dutifully wrote down each time we put gas in the car, journaling the date, the mileage, the number of gallons, and the total price. My dad is probably the one to thank for that. When I discovered that Nathan's family did the exact same thing, I came home that night and announced to my roommates that we were getting married. And yes, we still do that to this day, and we now include the price per gallon we pay each time. :-)
24. I am married to an ice cream connisseur. He used to work for an ice cream distributing company that dealt with Tillamook, Haagen Dazs, Breyers, Dreyers,and Ben & Jerry's. It is very rare that you will find store brand ice cream at our house.
23. Nathan is incredible at cleaning bathrooms. Not only can he do it faster than me, but it's cleaner than when I do it. And he wonders why he gets stuck with that chore now.
22. Nathan (and myself) do not like marshmallows.
21. His all-time favorite ice cream flavor is Wavy Gravy. Unfortunately, Ben & Jerry's no longer sells it, much to his dismay.
20. Nathan was born the same day as his sister Kiersten's dance recital.
19. He served a mission in Tampico, Mexico.
18. He.loves.football. and totally fibbed when we were engaged saying he "liked it alright, but wasn't a huge fan." Whatever. Come football season, he loves watching it on tv, and really loves going to high school games. Lucky for him, he has a son who also loves football.
17. When we got married, Nathan couldn't sleep in past 7:30am. It was great when Tanner was born! I have corrupted him though,and he is now a nightowl like me who has absolutely no problem sleeping in.
16. Nathan is very particular about the lawn, taking great care to see that it is mowed weekly, that the sprinklers are working properly, etc. He is the entire reason our lawn looks as good as it does.
15. Every Sunday growing up, Nathan's family would eat grits. Nathan has decided that is going to be our tradition too. He has two little boys who couldn't be happier about this (and I like them too--just without the egg).
14. Nathan loves swing dancing.
13. Nathan is a movie lover. Apparently when he was a teenager he would watch Independence Day a lot....and I mean, a lot. He especially likes sports movies--Radio, Remember the Titans, the Blind Side, etc.
12. When he was in high school, he played soccer, and one year his team won the State Championship.
11. During his high school soccer career, he ended up getting and elbow or shoulder in the face, which broke some bones in his face, and required him to have a metal plate put in under his skin. He still has it, and he always will. Lucky for him, it doesn't go off when he goes through airport security.
10. Nathan is living his dream of being an airline pilot.
9. During the spring and fall, he referrees soccer games.
8. Nathan loves taking Tanner fishing.
7. It is a rare occassion that Nathan can beat Tanner at the game "Memory." However, it is rare that Tanner loses to anybody. :)
6. When it comes to playing games, Nathan is pretty competitive. He can get especially vicious with the game Ticket to Ride.
5. When we moved into our house, I wanted French doors built in. Nathan really didn't care about having French doors, but he knew how much it meant to me, so he built a wall, framed in the doors, hung the doors, painted the doors, textured the wall, the whole works. He is a good husband. :-)
4. Nathan is a big fan of Dave Ramsey.
3. Nathan is not a big fan of Obama.
2. Nathan was born in Kennewick, WA.
1. Nathan loves to play raquetball.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Viva Las Vegas!
Once upon a time, in 2009, we decided that we should all go to Las Vegas and see Nathan's sister Emily, her husband Matt,and their daughter Madelyn. After all, we fly free, and we have never been to their house in years, let alone seen their first home that they just bought.
But as humans tend to do, we got "too busy" to take a trip to see them, and so it was in 2010 that it went on the priority list. Wtih April and May as Nathan's safety auditing months with him picking his own schedule, it seemed only fitting that we make time for the long-awaited trip. Before we knew what had hit us though, Nathan found himself laid-off from the auditing position, and back to the grind of being gone for what seemed like an eternity. "I am guessing that you won't be coming after all, " Emily said to me one day. I started to agree, then stopped. "No. We are not flaking out AGAIN," I said. "We will come anyway, even if I come alone with the kids. As long as you'll meet me at the airport and find carseats for me to use." And so that is what happened. Last Thursday the kids and I (sans Nathan) flew down on stand-by via Allegiant Airlines (aka: the party wagon, or the 2-hour long happy hour). As promised, Matt picked us up, and off to the muchly-anticipated dwelling.
And so began a whirlwind of a trip. Nathan flew down Friday night, and unfortunately we had to fly back sooner than expected. The flights didn't look promising for going back, and when you're traveling stand-by, it gets iffy really quick. So we left at 5am Sunday morning, after MUCH too quick of a visit. Aside from the nitty gritty travel details, I am already to come back down for a visit! Here are some of the pics from our visit:
Uncle Derrick (Nathan's youngest brother) came down for a visit too, unbeknownst to me beforehand. Derrick is the most amazing uncle, and it is always more fun when he is around.
In the atrium at the Bellagio. It is absolutely stunning! I loved it, and so did the kids. Never have they been so well behaved as when we walked up and down The Strip. I think they were a little overwhelmed with everything! Unfortunately, we went in the morning and the Bellagio water fountain shows don't even start until 3pm. Bummer. Guess we'll have to come again.
Hot-looking Emily with Madelyn (don't ask about the "hot" thing. It was one of many strange and hilarious conversations I had with Emily's husband Matt).
Tanner looking um..... ????? If only the rest of the statues around him were in the picture, as they were all statues of naked people. These are Preston's sunglasses that Tanner has recently taken a liking to. The aquarium here is the one inside Caeser's Palace. The kids loved it--and so did I!
Inside the Venetian, watching the gondolas and the gondoliers. For now, this is the closest any of us are going to come to experiencing Italy (Emily and Matt have already been).
The kids played so well together, and had so much fun in Madelyn's wagon.
I didn't post a picture of Emily's new baby, Mason, but he was part of the fun too. Other highlights of the trip include a visit to Cafe Rio, lunch from In 'N Out Burger, playing Settlers of Catan with Matt and Derrick, and being reminded of how truly awesome I am (not) when it comes to Geography, and other similar subjects. Attempting to catch Matt's rabbit (named Kyrk) was another fun one.
But as humans tend to do, we got "too busy" to take a trip to see them, and so it was in 2010 that it went on the priority list. Wtih April and May as Nathan's safety auditing months with him picking his own schedule, it seemed only fitting that we make time for the long-awaited trip. Before we knew what had hit us though, Nathan found himself laid-off from the auditing position, and back to the grind of being gone for what seemed like an eternity. "I am guessing that you won't be coming after all, " Emily said to me one day. I started to agree, then stopped. "No. We are not flaking out AGAIN," I said. "We will come anyway, even if I come alone with the kids. As long as you'll meet me at the airport and find carseats for me to use." And so that is what happened. Last Thursday the kids and I (sans Nathan) flew down on stand-by via Allegiant Airlines (aka: the party wagon, or the 2-hour long happy hour). As promised, Matt picked us up, and off to the muchly-anticipated dwelling.
And so began a whirlwind of a trip. Nathan flew down Friday night, and unfortunately we had to fly back sooner than expected. The flights didn't look promising for going back, and when you're traveling stand-by, it gets iffy really quick. So we left at 5am Sunday morning, after MUCH too quick of a visit. Aside from the nitty gritty travel details, I am already to come back down for a visit! Here are some of the pics from our visit:
Uncle Derrick (Nathan's youngest brother) came down for a visit too, unbeknownst to me beforehand. Derrick is the most amazing uncle, and it is always more fun when he is around.
In the atrium at the Bellagio. It is absolutely stunning! I loved it, and so did the kids. Never have they been so well behaved as when we walked up and down The Strip. I think they were a little overwhelmed with everything! Unfortunately, we went in the morning and the Bellagio water fountain shows don't even start until 3pm. Bummer. Guess we'll have to come again.
Hot-looking Emily with Madelyn (don't ask about the "hot" thing. It was one of many strange and hilarious conversations I had with Emily's husband Matt).
Tanner looking um..... ????? If only the rest of the statues around him were in the picture, as they were all statues of naked people. These are Preston's sunglasses that Tanner has recently taken a liking to. The aquarium here is the one inside Caeser's Palace. The kids loved it--and so did I!
Inside the Venetian, watching the gondolas and the gondoliers. For now, this is the closest any of us are going to come to experiencing Italy (Emily and Matt have already been).
The kids played so well together, and had so much fun in Madelyn's wagon.
I didn't post a picture of Emily's new baby, Mason, but he was part of the fun too. Other highlights of the trip include a visit to Cafe Rio, lunch from In 'N Out Burger, playing Settlers of Catan with Matt and Derrick, and being reminded of how truly awesome I am (not) when it comes to Geography, and other similar subjects. Attempting to catch Matt's rabbit (named Kyrk) was another fun one.
Addendum to long medical post
After Stevie's comment, I realized that I left out one key thing: Some of you dearly faithful friends and readers may remember when Tanner turned one (exactly one day later actually) and he started throwing up. And he didn't stop for 5 months. And all that was compounded with diarrhea. We never did get any answers on that.....until now.
After telling the doctor Tanner's ENTIRE history, all the pieces started to fit together, and it would appear that he was born with a milk allergy. The good news? It is a thing of the past (most likely). The only way to overcome a milk allergy is to outgrow it, and when he returned to normal health after so many months, it is most likely because he outgrew it. But all the sensitivities to what I was eating while he was taking in breast milk, his intense formula sensitivity to certain kinds, it all adds up. So we're starting to get somewhere in terms of answers!
After telling the doctor Tanner's ENTIRE history, all the pieces started to fit together, and it would appear that he was born with a milk allergy. The good news? It is a thing of the past (most likely). The only way to overcome a milk allergy is to outgrow it, and when he returned to normal health after so many months, it is most likely because he outgrew it. But all the sensitivities to what I was eating while he was taking in breast milk, his intense formula sensitivity to certain kinds, it all adds up. So we're starting to get somewhere in terms of answers!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
You are my Sunshine
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy, when skies are grey
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Oh please don't take this sunshine away.
While in Las Vegas last week, I told Preston (as I frequently do), "Pres, you are a full-time job!" My ever-so-quick-witted brother in law replied, "Well, you DID say you wanted to work full-time, didn't you?"
Though they are time, money,and energy-consuming, these little boys truly are my sunshine, and I love them more and more everyday.
When I was pregnant with Tanner and word was just barely spreading around the place I worked, my boss pulled me in one day to chat with me. A little bit of background first--I worked for an agency that worked with mentally ill adults, some of which were quite severe (this is mental illness, not special needs people who are mentally handicapped). Anyway, this day that my boss pulled me in, he and I discussed the future of me working there after the baby was born. He told me that, while they thought I was a good employee and would love to have me back, that the most important work I would do would be with the little baby in my tummy. I could do more good for him/her than anyone else. He said, "These people we work with, no matter how hard you work with them and for them, you can't change their life or their problems. But your baby, you can have so much more of an impact on them, and change their life."
Each day as I watch Tanner and Preston, I think of what my boss told me. When Preston runs to me and gives me a hug after I have been gone for an hour to a Zumba class, or when Tanner and I have our deep conversations centered on policeman and helicopters, I think of my boss's words. I hope I am making a positive impact on these little boys.
You make me happy, when skies are grey
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Oh please don't take this sunshine away.
While in Las Vegas last week, I told Preston (as I frequently do), "Pres, you are a full-time job!" My ever-so-quick-witted brother in law replied, "Well, you DID say you wanted to work full-time, didn't you?"
Though they are time, money,and energy-consuming, these little boys truly are my sunshine, and I love them more and more everyday.
When I was pregnant with Tanner and word was just barely spreading around the place I worked, my boss pulled me in one day to chat with me. A little bit of background first--I worked for an agency that worked with mentally ill adults, some of which were quite severe (this is mental illness, not special needs people who are mentally handicapped). Anyway, this day that my boss pulled me in, he and I discussed the future of me working there after the baby was born. He told me that, while they thought I was a good employee and would love to have me back, that the most important work I would do would be with the little baby in my tummy. I could do more good for him/her than anyone else. He said, "These people we work with, no matter how hard you work with them and for them, you can't change their life or their problems. But your baby, you can have so much more of an impact on them, and change their life."
Each day as I watch Tanner and Preston, I think of what my boss told me. When Preston runs to me and gives me a hug after I have been gone for an hour to a Zumba class, or when Tanner and I have our deep conversations centered on policeman and helicopters, I think of my boss's words. I hope I am making a positive impact on these little boys.
May 2010 medical issues for the Hall kids
This all started two weeks ago. Tanner woke up puking, Preston had a fever. Nathan was gone (of course). One trip to the doctor later and we learned that Preston had an ear infection and was given antibiotics. Two days later all was well again....or so we thought. Preston had blow-out after blow-out and one nasty case of diarhhea. After a BBQ with some friends that night, I asked Tanner how he had liked it. He responded by puking all over...again and again.
Tanner's doctor had me take in a stool sample to the lab, which came back "negative," meaning all was "normal" according to that. It was determined that Preston's diarrhea was not due to him catching Tanner's stomach bug, but actually from the antibiotic he was on. His antibiotic was switched, and he was given some samples of a cream for the HORRIBLE diaper rash he had developed.
That weekend (well, last weekend to be exact), we all flew down to Vegas to spend some time with Nathan's sister and her family. Aside from yet more puking (from Tanner) and more blow-outs (from Preston) it was an awesome time, which I will focus on more in another post!
Fast forward to yesterday. After preschool, Tanner came home and had no appetite for lunch, was extremely lethargic, and seemed to have developed a nasty cough (he gets coughs a lot, so I wasn't too worried). After a few hours of this though, and still no appetite, I discovered he had a fever, so I gave him some tylenol, which seemed to help a lot. That evening, I was a bit stumped. I didn't want to be the over-reactive mother who rushes her baby into the doctor or ER for every sniffle, but he was sounding bad! Possibly even wheezing? I had never heard wheezing, so I ddn't know what to listen for. I called Nathan's brother who is an M.D. just finishing up residency, and based on what I told him, he said it might be a good idea to take him to an Urgent Care, which I did.
He was actually the last patient seen (we got there around 7:40pm and they close at 8), which was nice because we weren't rushed at all. Anyway, within moment of getting back to see the doctor, she could tell he sounded horrible. Within moments she informed me that he was "wheezing all over the place." Apparently his lungs sounded absolutely terrible, and he once again had a low-grade fever (the Tylenol was starting to wear off). Oh, and did I mention that she found that he had an ear infection too? Since the radiologist was still there, she had her take some chest x-rays. Wow. The concept of "holding your breath" is one that Tanner did not and still does not comprehend. At any rate, they were still able to get a decent x-ray. His lungs were pretty junky, but the good news is that he doesn't have pneumonia.....yet. The other thing that I found interesting was how much fecal matter showed up on the x-rays!! Mind you I had to be informed that they were fecal matter, as I had to idea what the 3 big dark masses were. Apparently the reason he has had issues with throwing up is because he is having intestinal blockage that is causing reflux/vomiting.
They put him in Augmentin (the exact same stuff Preston went on, then was taken off of last week because of the severe diarhhea it caused him), and said that a few loose stools wouldn't hurt Tanner--in fact it might be good for him. He was given a nebulizer treatment right there in the office, and since we already had albuterol inhaler, they told me to give him 2 puffs before bed, and then every 4 hours tomorrow. He was also given a dose of steroids (prednizone) and a prescription for them. I was also told to get him so MiraLax....and a vitamin that has a)sufficient Vitamin D, and b) little or no iron in it.
TODAY: Tanner seems a lot better and has an appetite. I actually switched his doctor today, and took him to the doctor who treated him at the Urgent Care. To say the least, we were there for quite awhile going over issues with the kids.
Tanner's issues: he has the bronchiolitis, and was given a nebulizer to use for albuterol treatments. It was speculated that he was born with a milk allergy, but that he outgrew it at 16 months. Because of his bowel issues (possible IBS?) he now has to take Prevacid or Pepcid daily. He also needs a blood test to see if any allergies show up. I am not looking forward to the test of telling him that he has to get it.
Preston's issues: his ear infection is gone (yay!!), but the diaper rash is actually a yeast infection...and diaper rash. So he is now on Diflucan and a mitoconazole cream. Because of his err, "poop issues," now we get to take a stool sample of HIS in for testing. Oh boy. He is supposed to be on something like acidopholus, which name I cannot remember right now. He also needs some blood tests, both for his iron levels, WBC/hematocit count, and also an allergy test for him.
There. Now I have all this written down!
Tanner's doctor had me take in a stool sample to the lab, which came back "negative," meaning all was "normal" according to that. It was determined that Preston's diarrhea was not due to him catching Tanner's stomach bug, but actually from the antibiotic he was on. His antibiotic was switched, and he was given some samples of a cream for the HORRIBLE diaper rash he had developed.
That weekend (well, last weekend to be exact), we all flew down to Vegas to spend some time with Nathan's sister and her family. Aside from yet more puking (from Tanner) and more blow-outs (from Preston) it was an awesome time, which I will focus on more in another post!
Fast forward to yesterday. After preschool, Tanner came home and had no appetite for lunch, was extremely lethargic, and seemed to have developed a nasty cough (he gets coughs a lot, so I wasn't too worried). After a few hours of this though, and still no appetite, I discovered he had a fever, so I gave him some tylenol, which seemed to help a lot. That evening, I was a bit stumped. I didn't want to be the over-reactive mother who rushes her baby into the doctor or ER for every sniffle, but he was sounding bad! Possibly even wheezing? I had never heard wheezing, so I ddn't know what to listen for. I called Nathan's brother who is an M.D. just finishing up residency, and based on what I told him, he said it might be a good idea to take him to an Urgent Care, which I did.
He was actually the last patient seen (we got there around 7:40pm and they close at 8), which was nice because we weren't rushed at all. Anyway, within moment of getting back to see the doctor, she could tell he sounded horrible. Within moments she informed me that he was "wheezing all over the place." Apparently his lungs sounded absolutely terrible, and he once again had a low-grade fever (the Tylenol was starting to wear off). Oh, and did I mention that she found that he had an ear infection too? Since the radiologist was still there, she had her take some chest x-rays. Wow. The concept of "holding your breath" is one that Tanner did not and still does not comprehend. At any rate, they were still able to get a decent x-ray. His lungs were pretty junky, but the good news is that he doesn't have pneumonia.....yet. The other thing that I found interesting was how much fecal matter showed up on the x-rays!! Mind you I had to be informed that they were fecal matter, as I had to idea what the 3 big dark masses were. Apparently the reason he has had issues with throwing up is because he is having intestinal blockage that is causing reflux/vomiting.
They put him in Augmentin (the exact same stuff Preston went on, then was taken off of last week because of the severe diarhhea it caused him), and said that a few loose stools wouldn't hurt Tanner--in fact it might be good for him. He was given a nebulizer treatment right there in the office, and since we already had albuterol inhaler, they told me to give him 2 puffs before bed, and then every 4 hours tomorrow. He was also given a dose of steroids (prednizone) and a prescription for them. I was also told to get him so MiraLax....and a vitamin that has a)sufficient Vitamin D, and b) little or no iron in it.
TODAY: Tanner seems a lot better and has an appetite. I actually switched his doctor today, and took him to the doctor who treated him at the Urgent Care. To say the least, we were there for quite awhile going over issues with the kids.
Tanner's issues: he has the bronchiolitis, and was given a nebulizer to use for albuterol treatments. It was speculated that he was born with a milk allergy, but that he outgrew it at 16 months. Because of his bowel issues (possible IBS?) he now has to take Prevacid or Pepcid daily. He also needs a blood test to see if any allergies show up. I am not looking forward to the test of telling him that he has to get it.
Preston's issues: his ear infection is gone (yay!!), but the diaper rash is actually a yeast infection...and diaper rash. So he is now on Diflucan and a mitoconazole cream. Because of his err, "poop issues," now we get to take a stool sample of HIS in for testing. Oh boy. He is supposed to be on something like acidopholus, which name I cannot remember right now. He also needs some blood tests, both for his iron levels, WBC/hematocit count, and also an allergy test for him.
There. Now I have all this written down!
Friday, February 05, 2010
Diary of a (married) single mom
I have seriously been debating whether or not I want to come full circle back to the blogging world. At the same time, I have been wanting to religiously journal SOMETHING on a frequent basis. People tell me that my blog CAN be my journal...wow, what a concept. I say that with as much satire as I can muster, because 'back in the day' we used to talk about hiding our diaries, no posting them for all to see on the internet.
Anyway, back to my thoughts. I would much prefer writing in a journal, but being on the computer is so much more in my habits and routine, that it just seems more feasible. I don't know which to choose.
Nathan has been working as a safety auditor for SkyWest for the past 2 months (Dec and Jan), where he could literally pick his own schedule, as long as he went on 32 flights per month. This month (Feb) he has gone back to being gone 4 days a week (next week will be 5 days!). It is very different being the 'single mom' (NO I am obviously not a legit single mom, since I am happily married) and going back to that routine. As sad as it may sound though, life feels 'normal' again! LOL! Perhaps it is because I am slightly stubborn and enjoy doing things/schedules MY way. Whatever it is, this first week on my own was not nearly as bad as I'd feared. The days were long, but the sweet silence and calmness that occurred each night as I walked downstairs after getting both kids to bed was more than enough to make up for the mishaps that may have occurred during the day. Last night as I was changing Preston's diaper, Tanner walked by and asked, "Mom, what you doing?" I replied by telling him that I was changing his brother's diaper. To that, he asked, "Mom, Preston is not my brother. He is my brethren." I about died--it caught me so off guard. Today everytime I say something in reference to Preston and Tanner being brothers, Tanner corrects me by saying, "No Mom. Preston my BRETHREN." Who would have thought that the kid listens in church? I can only guess that he picked it up there.
Tomorrow I think I am going to reveal my list of projects or goals I have in mind. Hopefully typing them out will make me feel more accountable to them.
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