This week has cruised by with ease and in a state of contentment...I thought I'd try to say something profound. Did it work? I'm just having a little fun...There isn't a whole lot to report but I really enjoy updating this.
I took the girls to see their pediatrician, Dr. Silas yesterday. They both have a rash. Steff has had hers for weeks and Sadie's showed up about 4 days ago. Please don't think I'm a rotten parent by allowing my daughters to have rashes for more than a day before taking them to see their doctor. You have to understand that Steff's looked painless and she didn't complain of any pain and she had no itching. At least not at first. It started out on her legs and once it spread to her torso and arms she started scratching a spot on her arm. That was the final straw, she needed to see the doctor. Come to find out it's an eczema type rash that she will have to deal with for an undetermined amount of time maybe even life. It also got worse cuz the season changed. The doc said it would usually get worse as the seasons change and to keep her lotioned and clean and dry. He gave her a cream and said it would clear it up but as I said, he advised to keep her clean and lotioned. Ryan and I feel bad for her but we weren't surprised since he has eczema on his face and I also have a hard time with drying, cracking and bleeding on my hands when the weather is cold.
You should have seen Steffanie with the nurse and the doctor...When we first got there they needed to weigh her so the nurse had her take her shoes off and stand on the "big girl" scale. She was so proud of herself. I was shocked to see she weighed 37 pounds! Then she needed her temperature taken but she wasn't hip on the nurse sticking the thermometer into her ear. So, we had Sadie try it first...Steff was fine with it once she saw it didn't hurt and we told her to listen for the beep. She said, "It's beepin!" It was cute. She was so good that she earned a sucker. I think the cutest thing she did was tell the doctor bye. "Bye, doctor Silas." Man, she is so cute...
Sadie's rash was completely different from Steff's and you probably could guess that it was a food allergy. Hers looked like Steff's at first but by the morning that I took them in to the doc it looked like it could be stinging. The doctor said to use some of Steff's cream and to keep her on foods that we know she doesn't have any allergies to, at least until it clears up. This morning it looked a lot better. She is getting up their in size. Even though we still think she looks very little. She weighed in at 19 pounds and 3 ounces. She is so close to being 20 pounds and in a forward facing card seat. I'm really looking forward to having her facing forward. I think they (children) look so cute when you first stick them in a forward facing seat.
Kieran doesn't have much new going on. I already talked about him being class president and finishing his book report book. The only thing new I can think of off the top of my head is how he caught and made the winning touch down at his game Tuesday. Which means I had to pay him $5.00. I made a deal with him during one of his practices that I would give him a dollar for every touchdown he makes unless it's the one that determines whether they win or not and that one would be worth $5.00. He really likes financial incentives. What kid doesn't like to earn a little money here and there? That of course, is not the only touchdown he's made but it was the big one.
Yesterday was a wonderful day. Ryan's brother Brad came to visit with us. It was wonderful hearing how he's doing and how school is going. It was also wonderful to talk about him and Lindsey and how marriage is treating them both. It goes without saying that it's a big adjustment but they seem to be doing well. They are fortunate enough to be able to spend each evening together and Brad said they usually are doing homework. I thought it was sweet and those are the things they will remember when their lives have changed and they have kids. I told him that the one thing I'd like to see them do is truly enjoy each other and the time they have together before they start having kids. Ryan and I know from experience that although children are wonderful blessings from the Lord you cannot get back that time to spend together.
Ryan's work is having an employee appreciation day and they have gotten tickets to a Weber State University football game. So, we'll be going to see the Wildcats play this next weekend. I'm pretty excited to spend a few hours with just Ryan and Kieran. I know Kieran will love it too. He loves to do things like that and we haven't had the chance to do them much. I'm sure I'll be back to blog about the game and anything exciting that might happen.
I want to take a minute to say I love my husband and my children. The Lord showed me how great our lives are when I watched Jenn's twins(while she worked). My family is my everything and my darling husband is my world. I thank God each day for his love and support. I may be on the verge of crazy but don't ever think for one minute that I'm complaining. I really have nothing to gripe about, how could I with 3 healthy children and an adoring husband? I pray each of you can see the blessings in your life and that during those times of desperation you can flip things around and change your perspective. I read something wise in this book Boundaries in Marriage that I would like to share as one last comment for this blog..."People who always want to be happy and pursue it above all else are some of the most miserable people in the world." Think about it...
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Back to Normal and Thankful for Everything
I'm back to express how grateful I am to have my normal routine back...I have been really enjoying my family this week. It's amazing how we have to have little reminders of how good our lives are from time to time. Having Jenn's twins really helped open my eyes to how good my family has it. I forgot how lucky my kids are to have a nice big back yard, a swing set and even fresh raspberries growing. It took me watching Jenn's twins to remember what blessings the Lord has sent our way and I'm thankful it wasn't a painful lesson.
Kieran finished the book he was reading! I was so happy and proud of him when he came back from his over-niter with his grandparents and he announced he'd finished it. He has been working on his book report and now that he has finished the book he has all the information he needs to complete it. Another big event in his life is that he is class President. He came home from school Monday all excited...he says he gets to do chores...imaging that. I have to fight with him to do them and Mr. Visser has him wanting to do them. Ironic...
Steffanie has been very talkative and expressive this week. One of the funniest things she says is, "That's right daddy/mommy" and "Good job daddy/mommy." Can you imagine your two year old telling you what a great job you are doing? It's hilarious...
Since last week we have been having play time because I realized how she watches far too much television. So, I turn off the tv, turn on the radio and tell her it's play time. She didn't like it at first and would ask for "td." Now she is happy to hang out with me and dance to the music. She uses her imagination and plays on her own too. One other cute thing she has been doing is playing with Sadie. She will toss a toy and tell Sadie to go "get it." I really like that she acknowledges her sister's existence. She has figured out that something small is a baby. She saw a small tube of toothpaste in the drawer, pulled it out and said it was a "baby." It's so fun to see her mind work and figure out things in life.
Sadie is busy, and for the past 3 days she has woke up on the wrong side of the crib. She now follows people around and wants to be held. If you walk by her and don't hold her she will follow you all the while crying. It's kinda cute but getting hard to deal with, particularly when you have things to do and she thinks you need to stop and hold her. She is such a people person. She has also been pulling up to standing on anything that looks sturdy. Notice the phrase "looks sturdy" because she pulls herself up on things that topple over the minute she stands up. So then we have tears and bruises. I don't remember Steff or Kieran doing this but I've decided with each baby you have to start all over again because you forget how to be a parent. Totally unfair...but God stated in the Bible that a woman would forget the pain of childbirth because if she could remember she wouldn't do it again, I guess being a parent of a baby goes in that category too.
Ryan has been doing very well. I hate to say it and I'm sure he'll cuss me for sharing this information but he has been on new medication and everything has changed. From his physical problems to his stress level he has been a completely different person. He laughs because he used to believe that a person could just get past their problems and no one needed medication. He calls himself a hypocrite. But, He now sees what a difference it makes to have it as opposed to living life half emotionally dead. He has been just a happier person and it's been nice. He reminds me of when we first started dating and how fun and comical he was. That was five years ago so it's been far too long since he was "normal" feeling. I'm very proud of him for seeing that he might have a chemical imbalance and that there is medication for it.
It's time for me to start my Susie Homemaking so I will see you all later. Love You Much!!!
Kieran finished the book he was reading! I was so happy and proud of him when he came back from his over-niter with his grandparents and he announced he'd finished it. He has been working on his book report and now that he has finished the book he has all the information he needs to complete it. Another big event in his life is that he is class President. He came home from school Monday all excited...he says he gets to do chores...imaging that. I have to fight with him to do them and Mr. Visser has him wanting to do them. Ironic...
Steffanie has been very talkative and expressive this week. One of the funniest things she says is, "That's right daddy/mommy" and "Good job daddy/mommy." Can you imagine your two year old telling you what a great job you are doing? It's hilarious...
Since last week we have been having play time because I realized how she watches far too much television. So, I turn off the tv, turn on the radio and tell her it's play time. She didn't like it at first and would ask for "td." Now she is happy to hang out with me and dance to the music. She uses her imagination and plays on her own too. One other cute thing she has been doing is playing with Sadie. She will toss a toy and tell Sadie to go "get it." I really like that she acknowledges her sister's existence. She has figured out that something small is a baby. She saw a small tube of toothpaste in the drawer, pulled it out and said it was a "baby." It's so fun to see her mind work and figure out things in life.
Sadie is busy, and for the past 3 days she has woke up on the wrong side of the crib. She now follows people around and wants to be held. If you walk by her and don't hold her she will follow you all the while crying. It's kinda cute but getting hard to deal with, particularly when you have things to do and she thinks you need to stop and hold her. She is such a people person. She has also been pulling up to standing on anything that looks sturdy. Notice the phrase "looks sturdy" because she pulls herself up on things that topple over the minute she stands up. So then we have tears and bruises. I don't remember Steff or Kieran doing this but I've decided with each baby you have to start all over again because you forget how to be a parent. Totally unfair...but God stated in the Bible that a woman would forget the pain of childbirth because if she could remember she wouldn't do it again, I guess being a parent of a baby goes in that category too.
Ryan has been doing very well. I hate to say it and I'm sure he'll cuss me for sharing this information but he has been on new medication and everything has changed. From his physical problems to his stress level he has been a completely different person. He laughs because he used to believe that a person could just get past their problems and no one needed medication. He calls himself a hypocrite. But, He now sees what a difference it makes to have it as opposed to living life half emotionally dead. He has been just a happier person and it's been nice. He reminds me of when we first started dating and how fun and comical he was. That was five years ago so it's been far too long since he was "normal" feeling. I'm very proud of him for seeing that he might have a chemical imbalance and that there is medication for it.
It's time for me to start my Susie Homemaking so I will see you all later. Love You Much!!!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Missing, Homemaking and More Twins
Wow, what a week we had...It was a long week but not a bad week...As you may recall I watched my best friend's 4 year old twins. Ryan and I both see a definite maturity in Steffanie after having older children to watch. She has been speaking more clear and talking more. She has been expressing her feelings too. Kieran was my little life saver because by the time he would get home from school I would be ready for a break. He would play with Heather, Vance and Steffanie while I was able to just sit back and watch for a few minutes. He did his chores with surprising ease and then he'd go off to play. Sadie continued to follow the twins around all week. They were equally sweet and fascinated by her.
Well, our long week is over and I discovered something about myself through this adventure...I learned I like being "Suzie Homemaker." I would spend much of my time making different deserts and various other food dishes while Steff and the twins watched television in the morning. Then in the afternoon, around 11 or so they would venture outside and play and that was usually when Ryan would get out of bed. He'd watch them outside while I continued my homemaking and get lunch taken care of. This was a far cry from the usual for me...as you can tell from the dates on these posts, I didn't spend much time blogging or doing the usual things that I do.
The jury is still out on what our decision is about having more children. I think we both feel that we could do it but that once Sadie starts getting older we don't really know if we want to start the sleepless nights all over again. We'll see when the time comes, which is in about 2 more years....Don't hold your breath for more Kelstrom's from us though, we wouldn't want you to be too disappointed when the jury comes in.
We didn't get much done in the way of house keeping and lawn care. It was just too hard to chase kids and care for them and be able to spend the time we usually spend on these things. We talked about me watching Heather and Vance on a more permanent level and after much thought and deliberation we decided that it wasn't a great idea. We both would love to help Jenn out but we learned that during the day before Ryan goes to work is when we have the chance to spend our quality time together. With extra kids it just wasn't possible and we both truly missed spending that time together.
Next week is back to normal so I'm sure I'll be back with more posts on the crazy and fun things my little family does and experiences. Thanks for all your support and love and of course for taking the time to check in and read about our lives. We love and miss those we don't see or hear from much. Take care of yourselves and remember to say your prayers.
Well, our long week is over and I discovered something about myself through this adventure...I learned I like being "Suzie Homemaker." I would spend much of my time making different deserts and various other food dishes while Steff and the twins watched television in the morning. Then in the afternoon, around 11 or so they would venture outside and play and that was usually when Ryan would get out of bed. He'd watch them outside while I continued my homemaking and get lunch taken care of. This was a far cry from the usual for me...as you can tell from the dates on these posts, I didn't spend much time blogging or doing the usual things that I do.
The jury is still out on what our decision is about having more children. I think we both feel that we could do it but that once Sadie starts getting older we don't really know if we want to start the sleepless nights all over again. We'll see when the time comes, which is in about 2 more years....Don't hold your breath for more Kelstrom's from us though, we wouldn't want you to be too disappointed when the jury comes in.
We didn't get much done in the way of house keeping and lawn care. It was just too hard to chase kids and care for them and be able to spend the time we usually spend on these things. We talked about me watching Heather and Vance on a more permanent level and after much thought and deliberation we decided that it wasn't a great idea. We both would love to help Jenn out but we learned that during the day before Ryan goes to work is when we have the chance to spend our quality time together. With extra kids it just wasn't possible and we both truly missed spending that time together.
Next week is back to normal so I'm sure I'll be back with more posts on the crazy and fun things my little family does and experiences. Thanks for all your support and love and of course for taking the time to check in and read about our lives. We love and miss those we don't see or hear from much. Take care of yourselves and remember to say your prayers.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
And then there were twins
Well hello again friends, family and fans alike. It's been an interesting week. I have been taking care of my best friend Jenn's twins. Ry and I agree they are beautiful children and well behaved as well. It's been nuts though. I must admit it's been more crazy because on Monday and Tuesday I hadn't had squat for sleep. I for some unknown, terrible reason woke up at the early hour of 3:30am. Yes folks, I have been zombified...but never fear, I got a full night of sleep and I am feeling alive and refreshed for the first time in days. It's been a true blessing to have them in my home even if it's added 2 extra minds and mouths to the mix. I think I could probably do this more often. Now, don't go getting any ideas like that we are going to be having more kids because if you'll recall we still have one that's on formula yet. She (Sadie) turned 11 months yesterday and I started the financial count down to formula freedom. It's been an adjustment for the whole family having Heather and Vance here for the week. Not a bad adjustment but more of an eye opener and reality check. Up til this week I couldn't figure out how my neighbor who has 3 kids under 5 did it. I'm thinking it's not that big of a deal....
Ryan has stated this will seal the deal that we aren't having any more. I think he thought it was going to be hell on earth and boy was he wrong. He's actually had a great time with them and secretly I think he's been looking at Vance and daydreaming about what it would be like to have a boy of his own. On Monday he pulled out the lawn tractor and trailor and gave the kids a ride all over our yard. Now remember we have a half acre and that makes for lots of room to pull doughnuts in...and he did. They wanted to "go fast" so he was zippin' all over our yard without regard to the sprinklers that he's always reminding Kieran and I not to run over. He's either got their placement memorized or he just flat out didn't think about it because of the great time he was having. I know he was having a good time because his smile match the kids' in size and authenticity. He's been a super big help too. He let me take a 45 minute nap yesterday and he took all four kids out to play. When I got up he said I missed all the fun and his hair layed perfectly flat on his head. I guess it was no big deal. He reminds me on a regular basis how wonderful he is. I don't know what I'd do without all his love and support.
Kieran has been Mr. Helpful this week. He's even managed to earn an extra dollar each day for all his invaluable help. He's come home from school, done his chores, and played with Heather, Vance and Steffanie. All without any complaining and mostly on his own accord.
He had his first flag football game last night and in spite of being the losing team he played well and as usual gave it his all. He wasn't too disappointed when he told me the score just more "mater of fact" like. I couldn't be more proud of this little gem of mine this week.
Steffanie has learned a little lesson this week. Up until now she hadn't been socialized around other children. Monday was a little tough for her with the sharing of her toys and mom and dad's time but Tuesday when she wanted something Vance had been playing with she took to reasoning that she could have a turn in a minute and that she needed to share quite well. I think she has enjoyed having others to play with. Ryan calls her and Vance "little spitfires" and just by watching them together you know they could get into serious mischief together. They are very much alike in their behaviors and attitudes.
Sadie has had an eye full this week. Monday she just crawled around and watched the twins but Tuesday she started following them around. It's been cute to watch her with them. You can tell she likes them by her reception of them when they come close to her. She always gives them big smiles. The twins watch out for her too. If she takes off and crawls into the kitchen inevitably one of them will pick her up and carry her back into the living room. It's really sweet but from a mother's view point...it makes me nervous.
It's just about time to take all the kids out to play in the yard and I have a few chores to get finished up so I'm sure I'll be back later this week with more stories to tell.
Ryan has stated this will seal the deal that we aren't having any more. I think he thought it was going to be hell on earth and boy was he wrong. He's actually had a great time with them and secretly I think he's been looking at Vance and daydreaming about what it would be like to have a boy of his own. On Monday he pulled out the lawn tractor and trailor and gave the kids a ride all over our yard. Now remember we have a half acre and that makes for lots of room to pull doughnuts in...and he did. They wanted to "go fast" so he was zippin' all over our yard without regard to the sprinklers that he's always reminding Kieran and I not to run over. He's either got their placement memorized or he just flat out didn't think about it because of the great time he was having. I know he was having a good time because his smile match the kids' in size and authenticity. He's been a super big help too. He let me take a 45 minute nap yesterday and he took all four kids out to play. When I got up he said I missed all the fun and his hair layed perfectly flat on his head. I guess it was no big deal. He reminds me on a regular basis how wonderful he is. I don't know what I'd do without all his love and support.
Kieran has been Mr. Helpful this week. He's even managed to earn an extra dollar each day for all his invaluable help. He's come home from school, done his chores, and played with Heather, Vance and Steffanie. All without any complaining and mostly on his own accord.
He had his first flag football game last night and in spite of being the losing team he played well and as usual gave it his all. He wasn't too disappointed when he told me the score just more "mater of fact" like. I couldn't be more proud of this little gem of mine this week.
Steffanie has learned a little lesson this week. Up until now she hadn't been socialized around other children. Monday was a little tough for her with the sharing of her toys and mom and dad's time but Tuesday when she wanted something Vance had been playing with she took to reasoning that she could have a turn in a minute and that she needed to share quite well. I think she has enjoyed having others to play with. Ryan calls her and Vance "little spitfires" and just by watching them together you know they could get into serious mischief together. They are very much alike in their behaviors and attitudes.
Sadie has had an eye full this week. Monday she just crawled around and watched the twins but Tuesday she started following them around. It's been cute to watch her with them. You can tell she likes them by her reception of them when they come close to her. She always gives them big smiles. The twins watch out for her too. If she takes off and crawls into the kitchen inevitably one of them will pick her up and carry her back into the living room. It's really sweet but from a mother's view point...it makes me nervous.
It's just about time to take all the kids out to play in the yard and I have a few chores to get finished up so I'm sure I'll be back later this week with more stories to tell.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Rocks, girlfriends and lawnmowers
It's early and the drama has begun. The girls are up and doing something a little different than their usual morning routine. Steffanie is watching Sprout and being very whinny. She's usually pretty docile but not today. Sadie is moving and shaking things up. She's getting into everything and off crawling all over the house. Which is actually pretty normal for Sadie.
It's been an interesting week with doctors appointments for regular check ups and the occasional trip to urgent care to have aquarium rocks removed from two year old nostrils. Yep, Steffanie decided to stuff an aquarium rock up her nose and it was a pretty big one too. But first, it wasn't enough that she dumped out the five gallon fish tank, she had to add to the drama and stuff that rock into the easiest orifice she could think of. Not only did she stuff it up her nose she did it at bed time. So, at 9pm I decided this pebble wasn't coming out on its own and I'd better take her to the doctor. The doctor got it out successfully but she also insulted me by accusing me of not watching my child around the fish tank. I couldn't believe it...I leave the room to get towels to mop up the water and the vacuum to suck up the rocks and this doctor implies that I dare leave my daughter alone with an aquarium. I should have said something but I think I was in too much shock that she could be so rude. We lived through the whole ordeal and the fish is now safely in it's tank(thank God I hadn't put it in yet) and Steff can breath again.
Kieran has been trying to get this girl to "go out" with him since the beginning of school. I want to know where they're going to "go." He has been dressing nicer and doing his hair the way she likes. I think it's ridiculous, especially since she told him he has a 2% chance out of 10 that she'll go out with him. I have to give him credit for being so persistent but I hate seeing my poor son come home disappointed that she still put him off. I wish he'd find better things to concentrate on. I figure if I feel this way now I don't have much hope when he's a teenager. Or better yet, when his sisters are teenagers......
He had his first flag football practice last night and it got him all fired up to play. He said he did pretty well and he likes his coach. His first game is on Tuesday at 5:30. All of his games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays so Ryan won't be able to go to them all since that conflicts with work and they changed the policy that personal time must be taken for "an emergency." I wonder if they'll bend a little since they are such a small company that prides itself on family being important. I'm sure he'll be able to make it to some of his games.
Ryan got his lawn mower experiment to work with success! The problem was that the lawn was just too wet and way too long. He was so excited the other day when he mowed the lawn and it worked. I'm very proud of him but I haven't seen him attempt to create something without luck to this day.
Sadie had another fall down more cement stairs. Steffanie innocently left the door to the mudroom open and she crawled out it and went head first down the four steps. At least I think that's what happened I was in our bedroom waking Ryan up for the day when I heard her crying. I figured she was just stuck in one of the many unusual spots she crawls into and then cannot get out of. When I found her she was stuck alright. She was head down on the last step and trying to figure out how to get out of her predicament. She weathered pretty well considering. She ended up with a dime sized bruise on her cheek and a quarter size raspberry on the top of her head. Try as I might I cannot keep this poor child out of harms way. I'm just glad I don't have to talk with that doctor and hear her accuse me of some sort of neglect. She'd probably accuse me of having a door that my two year could open. It was truly that ridiculous when she accused me of leaving my child unattended with a fish tank.
I've been feeling terrible lately though. I've had a persistent headache and have been feeling achy and icky from the effects of allergies. I hadn't gotten my Allegra filled until a couple of days ago and my understanding is that the stuff has to build up in your system before it will work. I had a migraine headache so I took a dose of Maxalt and I got so loony you could have poured me into a to go cup and I wouldn't have noticed or minded. The worst part is that I had to take two of these monsters to get the dog-on thing to go completely away. I am so thankful my mom was here to help me with my kids because I didn't know it was going to affect me that way. I know the next time I get a migraine I'll be sure I'd rather deal with the side affects over the pain of the headache. I even had a conversation that I couldn't recall with Kieran's football coach. I had to call and admit my escaping mind and ask for directions to practice again. The coaches wife said she understood and re-gave me the directions. Wow, I was gone...
As a family we are doing well. We haven't done anything exciting-at least not all together. All of our doctors appointments went well and Kieran is being tested for hypothyroid. His dad suffered from it his whole life and I don't know the last time Kieran was tested but he should have one once a year. He was a trooper when the nurse took his blood. After the initial prick he watched the blood go up into the vial. He thought that was pretty cool. That's pretty much the skinny on our family for the last week. I hope you all have had a little more luck and peace on your lives. God bless you and keep you.
It's been an interesting week with doctors appointments for regular check ups and the occasional trip to urgent care to have aquarium rocks removed from two year old nostrils. Yep, Steffanie decided to stuff an aquarium rock up her nose and it was a pretty big one too. But first, it wasn't enough that she dumped out the five gallon fish tank, she had to add to the drama and stuff that rock into the easiest orifice she could think of. Not only did she stuff it up her nose she did it at bed time. So, at 9pm I decided this pebble wasn't coming out on its own and I'd better take her to the doctor. The doctor got it out successfully but she also insulted me by accusing me of not watching my child around the fish tank. I couldn't believe it...I leave the room to get towels to mop up the water and the vacuum to suck up the rocks and this doctor implies that I dare leave my daughter alone with an aquarium. I should have said something but I think I was in too much shock that she could be so rude. We lived through the whole ordeal and the fish is now safely in it's tank(thank God I hadn't put it in yet) and Steff can breath again.
Kieran has been trying to get this girl to "go out" with him since the beginning of school. I want to know where they're going to "go." He has been dressing nicer and doing his hair the way she likes. I think it's ridiculous, especially since she told him he has a 2% chance out of 10 that she'll go out with him. I have to give him credit for being so persistent but I hate seeing my poor son come home disappointed that she still put him off. I wish he'd find better things to concentrate on. I figure if I feel this way now I don't have much hope when he's a teenager. Or better yet, when his sisters are teenagers......
He had his first flag football practice last night and it got him all fired up to play. He said he did pretty well and he likes his coach. His first game is on Tuesday at 5:30. All of his games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays so Ryan won't be able to go to them all since that conflicts with work and they changed the policy that personal time must be taken for "an emergency." I wonder if they'll bend a little since they are such a small company that prides itself on family being important. I'm sure he'll be able to make it to some of his games.
Ryan got his lawn mower experiment to work with success! The problem was that the lawn was just too wet and way too long. He was so excited the other day when he mowed the lawn and it worked. I'm very proud of him but I haven't seen him attempt to create something without luck to this day.
Sadie had another fall down more cement stairs. Steffanie innocently left the door to the mudroom open and she crawled out it and went head first down the four steps. At least I think that's what happened I was in our bedroom waking Ryan up for the day when I heard her crying. I figured she was just stuck in one of the many unusual spots she crawls into and then cannot get out of. When I found her she was stuck alright. She was head down on the last step and trying to figure out how to get out of her predicament. She weathered pretty well considering. She ended up with a dime sized bruise on her cheek and a quarter size raspberry on the top of her head. Try as I might I cannot keep this poor child out of harms way. I'm just glad I don't have to talk with that doctor and hear her accuse me of some sort of neglect. She'd probably accuse me of having a door that my two year could open. It was truly that ridiculous when she accused me of leaving my child unattended with a fish tank.
I've been feeling terrible lately though. I've had a persistent headache and have been feeling achy and icky from the effects of allergies. I hadn't gotten my Allegra filled until a couple of days ago and my understanding is that the stuff has to build up in your system before it will work. I had a migraine headache so I took a dose of Maxalt and I got so loony you could have poured me into a to go cup and I wouldn't have noticed or minded. The worst part is that I had to take two of these monsters to get the dog-on thing to go completely away. I am so thankful my mom was here to help me with my kids because I didn't know it was going to affect me that way. I know the next time I get a migraine I'll be sure I'd rather deal with the side affects over the pain of the headache. I even had a conversation that I couldn't recall with Kieran's football coach. I had to call and admit my escaping mind and ask for directions to practice again. The coaches wife said she understood and re-gave me the directions. Wow, I was gone...
As a family we are doing well. We haven't done anything exciting-at least not all together. All of our doctors appointments went well and Kieran is being tested for hypothyroid. His dad suffered from it his whole life and I don't know the last time Kieran was tested but he should have one once a year. He was a trooper when the nurse took his blood. After the initial prick he watched the blood go up into the vial. He thought that was pretty cool. That's pretty much the skinny on our family for the last week. I hope you all have had a little more luck and peace on your lives. God bless you and keep you.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
It's been another good few days. There hasn't been any serious drama to report and my kids have been pretty good. Ryan has been creating a bagging system for his lawn mower and it's been frustrating him to no end. I was going to take a picture so you could have a visual of what this "thing" looks like but he disconnected it because it wasn't working. After two days of tinkering with it to make it work he still ended up taking it off so he could mow the lawn. He was so frustrated and discouraged. I still have faith that he will get it working to his satisfaction. I know he'll at least try and try. He believes the reason it wasn't working was because the lawn was too long and too wet. You see, he has this 4 foot long tube that runs from the lawn mower in to a trailor and the grass kept getting clogged. It was and is an excellent idea but I believe the tube is too long and needs to run more straight. We'll see once the grass is dry and now that it's not too long.
Kieran got his Halloween costume yesterday. Yeah, he's already driving us crazy about Halloween and I was silly enough to say he might be able to have a party. I feel kind of bad for him because his birthday is in August so he's not in school to invite all of his friends to a big birthday party. He always has family parties. So, I was thinking that a Halloween party might be a good way to make it up to him. We'll see though...
Lately, we've been trying to teach Kieran how to save his money and not spend it the minute he gets it. It's been hard trying to get this through to him. If anyone has any ideas please email them to me or post them. He has the opportunity to earn a dollar a day doing chores and if he doesn't complete his chores or his homework he doesn't get his dollar for that day. Instead of giving him the cash each day we put stars and X's on a calendar and total the amount at the end of the month. He gets a star for the days he earns his dollar and an X for the days that he doesn't. We usually tally the amount on a sheet of paper and tell him that it's going into savings. He's allowed to "get" money from us and it's taken away from his total. This keeps him from having cash and spending it like it's burning a hole in his pocket but we want him to desire to save his money for something nice. It's evading to us what to do.
Steffanie has been quite the good little girl. She's been acting a little too independant though. She's been taking off outside when she feels like it and she's been going down our driveway to play in the gutter. We've tried all the disciplinary ideas we can think of and the only thing she truly hates is being put in time out. It's so dificult being a parent and trying to teach your children boundaries.
The napping and taking a rest idea that I mentioned in a previous post is working out really well. She took a rest yesterday but the 2 days before that she took good naps. She's been getting up somewhere between 6 and 7 and napping at around 1. Then to make things all that much better for me, she's been going to bed at about 8:30, 9:00...I love the break I get at nap time and then having her going to bed early has been a super treat.
Sadie has been quite animated lately. She's been pulling some of the funniest facial expressions and she just babbles away. She has been so cute, but honestly, when have I mentioned her being anything but adorable? She is such a mellow and content baby. I can hardly believe that when she was born she cried all the time and slept terrible. She's still not a big sleeper but she is a happy little critter. Don't get me wrong she will still crawl over to you and cry til you pick her up but she usually just roams around and plays on the floor. Her latest thing is to crawl after you as you go from room to room. She likes to be part of the party. She also just started pulling herself to her knees from anything. She likes to get on her knees. She usually will get on her knees and rock back and forth. It's so stinking cute.
Kieran got his Halloween costume yesterday. Yeah, he's already driving us crazy about Halloween and I was silly enough to say he might be able to have a party. I feel kind of bad for him because his birthday is in August so he's not in school to invite all of his friends to a big birthday party. He always has family parties. So, I was thinking that a Halloween party might be a good way to make it up to him. We'll see though...
Lately, we've been trying to teach Kieran how to save his money and not spend it the minute he gets it. It's been hard trying to get this through to him. If anyone has any ideas please email them to me or post them. He has the opportunity to earn a dollar a day doing chores and if he doesn't complete his chores or his homework he doesn't get his dollar for that day. Instead of giving him the cash each day we put stars and X's on a calendar and total the amount at the end of the month. He gets a star for the days he earns his dollar and an X for the days that he doesn't. We usually tally the amount on a sheet of paper and tell him that it's going into savings. He's allowed to "get" money from us and it's taken away from his total. This keeps him from having cash and spending it like it's burning a hole in his pocket but we want him to desire to save his money for something nice. It's evading to us what to do.
Steffanie has been quite the good little girl. She's been acting a little too independant though. She's been taking off outside when she feels like it and she's been going down our driveway to play in the gutter. We've tried all the disciplinary ideas we can think of and the only thing she truly hates is being put in time out. It's so dificult being a parent and trying to teach your children boundaries.
The napping and taking a rest idea that I mentioned in a previous post is working out really well. She took a rest yesterday but the 2 days before that she took good naps. She's been getting up somewhere between 6 and 7 and napping at around 1. Then to make things all that much better for me, she's been going to bed at about 8:30, 9:00...I love the break I get at nap time and then having her going to bed early has been a super treat.
Sadie has been quite animated lately. She's been pulling some of the funniest facial expressions and she just babbles away. She has been so cute, but honestly, when have I mentioned her being anything but adorable? She is such a mellow and content baby. I can hardly believe that when she was born she cried all the time and slept terrible. She's still not a big sleeper but she is a happy little critter. Don't get me wrong she will still crawl over to you and cry til you pick her up but she usually just roams around and plays on the floor. Her latest thing is to crawl after you as you go from room to room. She likes to be part of the party. She also just started pulling herself to her knees from anything. She likes to get on her knees. She usually will get on her knees and rock back and forth. It's so stinking cute.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Another great day!!!
Yep, it happened again, we had another great day. That's 2 in a row. I wonder if it has anything to with the fact that I have left the house for an hour or so each of these two days? Maybe they are great days because I got out and felt refreshed all day? Or maybe it's because the girls got to spend time alone with their daddy? Or maybe it's just been luck? Who knows? All I know is that I had two days where Steffanie didn't whine like a banshee, Sadie played very contentedly on the floor and Kieran didn't pester his sister and he did his homework with minimal whining. What luck and blessings this has been for me.
Kieran and I had a dental appointment today. And, as I suspected he had a cavity. I previously blogged about how I believed he was expending energy trying to trick me that he was brushing his teeth instead of actually spending the energy to do it. Having a cavity proves my theory but in spite of it I am so proud of him, he had it filled without any novocaine. No I'm not cruel nor do I enjoy hurting my children...The dentist believed there would be more pain from the shot to numb his mouth than the actual drilling of the cavity itself. Besides, he thinks he's big and tough. So, I'm sure you'll hear how he had a cavity filled without being numb. Just humor him...He's also had a great demeanor since his appointment with Dr. Kluthe. He always seems refreshed after he has a chance to express his feelings to someone he can trust. I cannot express what great things and clarity this man has brought to our family(Dr. Kluthe, that is). Especially since the untimely death of Sean. If your child is in the least bit troubled please get them professional help, you'll be glad you did.
Steffanie has just been a doll. What more can I say about her? She has been talking really well and asking nicely for things. She comes to me and tells me what she wants instead of throwing herself on the floor and crying. She still will take off out the door to play outside but she cooperates when I follow her and tell her she needs to come back into the house. I don't have to pick up her kicking and screaming little body and carry her in the crook of my arm like usual.
Sadie has a funny new thing she does. She will whine and cry but continues to play. She will be on her knees stretch her neck out and throw her head back and do this screeching crying thing. You cannot help but laugh...I gave her bath last night and put her hair into its first pony tail. I tried to take some pictures but her hair is so fair that it didn't show up well at all.
Ryan is sick of work. I think I understand what he's going through because I've been there. I think we all get to the point where we're sick of our jobs. It's the same old thing day in and day out and it feels like it will never end and we'll never get a break. He just had 4 days off and I think playing daddy and doing things around the house just bugged him even more than had he had work. I know he needs a break and I'm trying to come up with ideas and ways to get him out and about alone. I think he needs to take a day and go fishing. Especially with the mild weather we are having this week. He's a good man and he deserves a refresher. If you have any ideas please post them for me or send me an email. I really need to get the love of my life a break. tkelstrom@comcast.net.
I am doing well. Having an appointment on both yesterday and today was a short refresher from home. Maybe that's why I feel it's been two great days? Today, when I went to the dentist I had to have two previous cavities refilled. I am such a wuss...I had a shot of novocaine, and happy gas. Please keep in mind there was a dentist when I was child that got in trouble for his unkind practices on children and that same man filled many of my childhood cavities. I have a reason to fear the dentist and the drill and the smell...It's all making me nauseous now. I can deliver 3 kids and that's fine but don't expect me to have a tiny little cavity filled without happy gas.
Well, I've blogged and updated enough. Please send your responses of ideas for breaks for my darling husband to my email. I hope you have a great and blessed day yourselves.
Kieran and I had a dental appointment today. And, as I suspected he had a cavity. I previously blogged about how I believed he was expending energy trying to trick me that he was brushing his teeth instead of actually spending the energy to do it. Having a cavity proves my theory but in spite of it I am so proud of him, he had it filled without any novocaine. No I'm not cruel nor do I enjoy hurting my children...The dentist believed there would be more pain from the shot to numb his mouth than the actual drilling of the cavity itself. Besides, he thinks he's big and tough. So, I'm sure you'll hear how he had a cavity filled without being numb. Just humor him...He's also had a great demeanor since his appointment with Dr. Kluthe. He always seems refreshed after he has a chance to express his feelings to someone he can trust. I cannot express what great things and clarity this man has brought to our family(Dr. Kluthe, that is). Especially since the untimely death of Sean. If your child is in the least bit troubled please get them professional help, you'll be glad you did.
Steffanie has just been a doll. What more can I say about her? She has been talking really well and asking nicely for things. She comes to me and tells me what she wants instead of throwing herself on the floor and crying. She still will take off out the door to play outside but she cooperates when I follow her and tell her she needs to come back into the house. I don't have to pick up her kicking and screaming little body and carry her in the crook of my arm like usual.
Sadie has a funny new thing she does. She will whine and cry but continues to play. She will be on her knees stretch her neck out and throw her head back and do this screeching crying thing. You cannot help but laugh...I gave her bath last night and put her hair into its first pony tail. I tried to take some pictures but her hair is so fair that it didn't show up well at all.
Ryan is sick of work. I think I understand what he's going through because I've been there. I think we all get to the point where we're sick of our jobs. It's the same old thing day in and day out and it feels like it will never end and we'll never get a break. He just had 4 days off and I think playing daddy and doing things around the house just bugged him even more than had he had work. I know he needs a break and I'm trying to come up with ideas and ways to get him out and about alone. I think he needs to take a day and go fishing. Especially with the mild weather we are having this week. He's a good man and he deserves a refresher. If you have any ideas please post them for me or send me an email. I really need to get the love of my life a break. tkelstrom@comcast.net.
I am doing well. Having an appointment on both yesterday and today was a short refresher from home. Maybe that's why I feel it's been two great days? Today, when I went to the dentist I had to have two previous cavities refilled. I am such a wuss...I had a shot of novocaine, and happy gas. Please keep in mind there was a dentist when I was child that got in trouble for his unkind practices on children and that same man filled many of my childhood cavities. I have a reason to fear the dentist and the drill and the smell...It's all making me nauseous now. I can deliver 3 kids and that's fine but don't expect me to have a tiny little cavity filled without happy gas.
Well, I've blogged and updated enough. Please send your responses of ideas for breaks for my darling husband to my email. I hope you have a great and blessed day yourselves.
We had a GREAT DAY!!!
I know I just blogged but we had a great day!!! Kieran was cooperative, Steffanie was happy and Sadie layed on the floor and played. It was absolutely amazing.
Let me rave on about how wonderful yesterday was since it doesn't happen often. I still can't believe that Steffanie was happy most of the day. Don't get me wrong she still had a few fits but for the most part she was happy and cooperative. She took a nice three hour nap and when she woke up she was sweet and cute. She nicely asked for the things she wanted instead of whining or throwing a fit when I didn't get her something fast enough. She didn't act two at all.
Sadie was equally impressive. She is usually a happy and content baby but she does get bored with things and requires new surroundings (like playing on the floor, being in her bouncer, playing in her exersaucer). Yesterday, she simply just played on the floor. She crawled around and chewed on this toy or that one but she never acted bored. I actually almost forgot about her she was so quiet and happy. And, she only had her usually catnap in her bouncer and one short nap too. Maybe she was just too tired to complain and whimper for more?
Kieran was wonderful too. He was such a good and cooperative kid. He received a ticket at school for staying on task. I guess they go into a drawing for Friday in which they can receive prizes. He didn't mess with Steffanie much and he read his book almost all night. He's not a big reader so having him reading was excellent. His gram and I wish he would get into reading because he has the imagination for it and we really think he'd like it. Maybe times are changing?
Ryan and I had a sweet day. The kids and I took him a Starbucks coffee to his work. On the way home we stopped at 7-eleven and got him a frappucino and some candy then we took them back and put them in his truck as a nice surprise. He thought it was wonderful and sweet. I love doing wonderful and romantic things for him. He always appreciates it.
When we got home from seeing daddy all the kids went agreeably to bed. I followed shortly so I could get up early and spend some time alone in the morning. That's what I'm doing now. I'm enjoying my first of many cups of coffee and expressing my happy feelings about a great day.
Now I've documented a good day and I can go back and read about the good days instead of feeling exhausted and hopeless that the whining and complaining will never stop. Don't get me wrong I love my children and being a stay at home mom is a true blessing but let's face it; the rewards are in the long run and the pay is in kisses and tears. There was a survey done in which they (who is "they" anyway) figured out how many jobs a mother has and how much money she'd make a year. It was 10 jobs and about $180,000.00 a year. That's is insulting to me. Here is my reasoning...If we have 10 jobs then we're only making $18,000.00 a year per job. I don't know about all the other parents in the world but I'm a nurse, a psychiatrist, a chef, housekeeper, and the list goes on. I know nurses make more than $18,000 and so does a psychiatrist. Now, do you see why it's insulting to me? A parent's job is priceless. So, if you are a parent of young children or have successfully raised children you should feel good about yourself always. We are a hand selected bunch and God has the big picture in mind for us all. I know even on the days when I have one last nerve and my children are swinging from it I will one day be glad that I was blessed enough to have a husband that worked hard to support his family so I could stay home and raise our children. I also know one day my children will love and appreciate all the sacrifices that were made on their behalf. Hang in there ladies and gents it's a long road but what better gift can you give your kids and society?
Let me rave on about how wonderful yesterday was since it doesn't happen often. I still can't believe that Steffanie was happy most of the day. Don't get me wrong she still had a few fits but for the most part she was happy and cooperative. She took a nice three hour nap and when she woke up she was sweet and cute. She nicely asked for the things she wanted instead of whining or throwing a fit when I didn't get her something fast enough. She didn't act two at all.
Sadie was equally impressive. She is usually a happy and content baby but she does get bored with things and requires new surroundings (like playing on the floor, being in her bouncer, playing in her exersaucer). Yesterday, she simply just played on the floor. She crawled around and chewed on this toy or that one but she never acted bored. I actually almost forgot about her she was so quiet and happy. And, she only had her usually catnap in her bouncer and one short nap too. Maybe she was just too tired to complain and whimper for more?
Kieran was wonderful too. He was such a good and cooperative kid. He received a ticket at school for staying on task. I guess they go into a drawing for Friday in which they can receive prizes. He didn't mess with Steffanie much and he read his book almost all night. He's not a big reader so having him reading was excellent. His gram and I wish he would get into reading because he has the imagination for it and we really think he'd like it. Maybe times are changing?
Ryan and I had a sweet day. The kids and I took him a Starbucks coffee to his work. On the way home we stopped at 7-eleven and got him a frappucino and some candy then we took them back and put them in his truck as a nice surprise. He thought it was wonderful and sweet. I love doing wonderful and romantic things for him. He always appreciates it.
When we got home from seeing daddy all the kids went agreeably to bed. I followed shortly so I could get up early and spend some time alone in the morning. That's what I'm doing now. I'm enjoying my first of many cups of coffee and expressing my happy feelings about a great day.
Now I've documented a good day and I can go back and read about the good days instead of feeling exhausted and hopeless that the whining and complaining will never stop. Don't get me wrong I love my children and being a stay at home mom is a true blessing but let's face it; the rewards are in the long run and the pay is in kisses and tears. There was a survey done in which they (who is "they" anyway) figured out how many jobs a mother has and how much money she'd make a year. It was 10 jobs and about $180,000.00 a year. That's is insulting to me. Here is my reasoning...If we have 10 jobs then we're only making $18,000.00 a year per job. I don't know about all the other parents in the world but I'm a nurse, a psychiatrist, a chef, housekeeper, and the list goes on. I know nurses make more than $18,000 and so does a psychiatrist. Now, do you see why it's insulting to me? A parent's job is priceless. So, if you are a parent of young children or have successfully raised children you should feel good about yourself always. We are a hand selected bunch and God has the big picture in mind for us all. I know even on the days when I have one last nerve and my children are swinging from it I will one day be glad that I was blessed enough to have a husband that worked hard to support his family so I could stay home and raise our children. I also know one day my children will love and appreciate all the sacrifices that were made on their behalf. Hang in there ladies and gents it's a long road but what better gift can you give your kids and society?
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The days of our lives...
Well, summer is coming to an end and it's still hot. I have this gut feeling we're going to go from hot to cold virtually over night. I guess that's okay as long as the cold brings a lot of snow this year. It's been a dry summer so some water would be nice to have.
It's just another day in our house; Ryan is in bed, Kieran is at school, Steffanie is watching Sprout and Sadie is taking a catnap in her bouncer, I'm bored so here I sit blogging. I've decided this is more of a good way to journal all the happenings in our lives than it is anything else. I just so happen to be able to share it with the world. Maybe some other stay at home mom will see she's not the only one going through the motions of a careerless life.
Kieran is still enjoying school, he doesn't say a whole lot about it, he just gives the thumbs up and says he likes it. I sent an email out to our family asking for volunteers to join the PTA and I offered to do the time if they would sign up. So far, I owe quite a bit of time but his gram said she'd help. Praise the Lord. Ryan warned me not to get in over my head, sad part is...if I'm volunteering for the PTA he's home with girls so I volunteered his time too...Kieran has an appointment with his psychologist today at two so I'll be taking a break from home for about an hour. Tomorrow he has a dental appointment and dad and I are curious to see if and how many cavities he has. He says he brushes his teeth but I think he exerts as much energy trying to trick me as he would simply brushing his teeth. Kids...
Steffanie has been so whinny and emotional for so long that it feels like this terrible twos thing is going to last forever. Sad part is, I remember Kieran being a bigger stinker at 3 then he was at 2. Maybe she'll grow out of it and he was a late bloomer. I made an appointment with her cardiologist in October. It escapes us that she was born with 2 heart defects since she has always been okay. She never needed surgery and the hole in her two chambers had decreased in size the last time we took her in. This should be the last one as long as the hole has closed itself off. Please pray that her heart has healed itself so we don't have to face any of the surgery and such that can accompany a heart defect. Lately she has had a strange and almost non existent nap schedule. I've had to change it to a nap every other day and rest time on the opposite days. I need the quiet time and the break so instead of napping she has to go into her room and spend time being quiet and playing in there. I think she even feels refreshed after her quiet time. Not as refreshed as the days she takes a nap but she's happy to see me and be able to get out of her room. It's working-for now.
Sadie has gotten to be quite the little crawler. She has a little after burner she kicks in when she's trying to bolt into a room or out the door. It's so cute, she gets this determined look on her face and she takes off with her little head down as if she's trying to be more aerodynamic. Her poor little knees are red and irritated, it sure is taking a lot longer to build the callousess on her knees than I thought it would, and to boot she has sensitive skin. As I mentioned before she was napping in her bouncer but that is not so any longer. Steffanie woke her up so now she's just bouncing and babbling away. Every morning she takes a nap in her bouncer. I've tried to lay her in her bed but she just cries until I get her up, and then the moment she is in her bouncer and has her blankie and her silkie she lays her head down, jumps for a minute and lights out. Not much phases her either, well, not usually. She will usually sleep right through all of Steff's whinning and yelling. I should probably tell you what a silkie is. It's actually one of my satin nightgowns. It was hanging by her crib(she sleeps in our room for now)and she would pull it through the slats and nestle with it. I decided instead of trying to pull it out and hang it back up that she could just have it as a comfort item. It's quite cute.
Ryan has been trying to fix our camera. Every time we put the memory card in it, it reads "card unreadable" and will not format. He had it working then I took the card out to put the pictures on it into my computer and the error message came back. It's beyond him what he did to fix it so he's been running though all the stuff that he did before. He's handy...I don't know many other men that can build a computer from the ground up, fix an electric can opener, create a funnel system from pieces to another lawn mower and yet clean the house as if he's the house-dad. I love it and it's great for our kids. Our daughters will expect equality in their marriages and our son will learn how to tinker with things instead of requiring the help from someone else. He's such a great dad in more ways than just being present in their lives. His strength is an inspiration to me. He works around 50 hours a week, helps with the kids when he's home, cleans the house, and fixes all the broken stuff we have. All the while making sure he's loving to all of us. How he does it, I don't know.
I have been well, my hips haven't been too bad and my back has only been slightly in pain. I really need to get my butt back into therapy and learn how to deal with living in pain. I don't want to be on medication my whole life. I want to learn what triggers the pain and how to combat it. I have read that yoga is an excellent way to strengthen the muscles around the spine to create a stronger back and thus less pain. I would love to find a yoga class but I've just donated all my time to the PTA-hehehe...
It's just another day in our house; Ryan is in bed, Kieran is at school, Steffanie is watching Sprout and Sadie is taking a catnap in her bouncer, I'm bored so here I sit blogging. I've decided this is more of a good way to journal all the happenings in our lives than it is anything else. I just so happen to be able to share it with the world. Maybe some other stay at home mom will see she's not the only one going through the motions of a careerless life.
Kieran is still enjoying school, he doesn't say a whole lot about it, he just gives the thumbs up and says he likes it. I sent an email out to our family asking for volunteers to join the PTA and I offered to do the time if they would sign up. So far, I owe quite a bit of time but his gram said she'd help. Praise the Lord. Ryan warned me not to get in over my head, sad part is...if I'm volunteering for the PTA he's home with girls so I volunteered his time too...Kieran has an appointment with his psychologist today at two so I'll be taking a break from home for about an hour. Tomorrow he has a dental appointment and dad and I are curious to see if and how many cavities he has. He says he brushes his teeth but I think he exerts as much energy trying to trick me as he would simply brushing his teeth. Kids...
Steffanie has been so whinny and emotional for so long that it feels like this terrible twos thing is going to last forever. Sad part is, I remember Kieran being a bigger stinker at 3 then he was at 2. Maybe she'll grow out of it and he was a late bloomer. I made an appointment with her cardiologist in October. It escapes us that she was born with 2 heart defects since she has always been okay. She never needed surgery and the hole in her two chambers had decreased in size the last time we took her in. This should be the last one as long as the hole has closed itself off. Please pray that her heart has healed itself so we don't have to face any of the surgery and such that can accompany a heart defect. Lately she has had a strange and almost non existent nap schedule. I've had to change it to a nap every other day and rest time on the opposite days. I need the quiet time and the break so instead of napping she has to go into her room and spend time being quiet and playing in there. I think she even feels refreshed after her quiet time. Not as refreshed as the days she takes a nap but she's happy to see me and be able to get out of her room. It's working-for now.
Sadie has gotten to be quite the little crawler. She has a little after burner she kicks in when she's trying to bolt into a room or out the door. It's so cute, she gets this determined look on her face and she takes off with her little head down as if she's trying to be more aerodynamic. Her poor little knees are red and irritated, it sure is taking a lot longer to build the callousess on her knees than I thought it would, and to boot she has sensitive skin. As I mentioned before she was napping in her bouncer but that is not so any longer. Steffanie woke her up so now she's just bouncing and babbling away. Every morning she takes a nap in her bouncer. I've tried to lay her in her bed but she just cries until I get her up, and then the moment she is in her bouncer and has her blankie and her silkie she lays her head down, jumps for a minute and lights out. Not much phases her either, well, not usually. She will usually sleep right through all of Steff's whinning and yelling. I should probably tell you what a silkie is. It's actually one of my satin nightgowns. It was hanging by her crib(she sleeps in our room for now)and she would pull it through the slats and nestle with it. I decided instead of trying to pull it out and hang it back up that she could just have it as a comfort item. It's quite cute.
Ryan has been trying to fix our camera. Every time we put the memory card in it, it reads "card unreadable" and will not format. He had it working then I took the card out to put the pictures on it into my computer and the error message came back. It's beyond him what he did to fix it so he's been running though all the stuff that he did before. He's handy...I don't know many other men that can build a computer from the ground up, fix an electric can opener, create a funnel system from pieces to another lawn mower and yet clean the house as if he's the house-dad. I love it and it's great for our kids. Our daughters will expect equality in their marriages and our son will learn how to tinker with things instead of requiring the help from someone else. He's such a great dad in more ways than just being present in their lives. His strength is an inspiration to me. He works around 50 hours a week, helps with the kids when he's home, cleans the house, and fixes all the broken stuff we have. All the while making sure he's loving to all of us. How he does it, I don't know.
I have been well, my hips haven't been too bad and my back has only been slightly in pain. I really need to get my butt back into therapy and learn how to deal with living in pain. I don't want to be on medication my whole life. I want to learn what triggers the pain and how to combat it. I have read that yoga is an excellent way to strengthen the muscles around the spine to create a stronger back and thus less pain. I would love to find a yoga class but I've just donated all my time to the PTA-hehehe...
Labor Day Weekend
What a weekend this Labor Day brought for our family...coupled with the unofficial end of summer and that continues keeping us crazy. Oh, do let me explain. Keep in mind we have 3 kids and they're still young. One has to put their two cents in whenever possible, one wines all the time and the other thinks she needs to be held...We were feeling brave and decided to try and visit my dad and step-mom up at Memorial Park where they were camping. All we ended up doing was waiting for them to come back from wherever they meandered off to. Of course it was to no avail. While we waited Steffanie fell in the river (fully clothed) and Kieran shot his b-b gun way to close to dad and Steff (yeah, he got in trouble for that one) and Sadie was tired and wanted a nap so she wasn't her usual content self. Ryan and I fought about who's responsibility it was to make sure we were prepared and had towels and nourishment. Never did come up with the responsible party and the argument didn't last long, about as long as it took to type this sentence actually. But, when you argue as little as we do even a momentous occurrence is a big thing. To keep a positive attitude, it was a nice drive. This was Sunday. After that we just spent the rest of the day hanging out as a family and other non important dilly dallying.
Monday was much more exciting...Ryan, Kieran and I went golfing with Sherm and Diane at Schneiter's Bluff. It was hot, damn HOT!!! We all sweated profusely and experienced some form of exhaustion associated with dehydration. But, it was fun none-the-less. Kieran did really well and earned a couple bucks making some putts. Ryan even earned a five spot making this putt up a hill and right into the cup. It was truly beautiful. I did okay, still really new to the game and that gives me a slight disadvantage but I played well for me. Almost immediately after we got home we left to go have dinner at Marcus & Anne's house. It was fun but Steffanie hadn't had a nap and was a bit on the devilish side. She was a little better after she ate some dinner, but the horns shortly popped right back out. At the bar-b-que we had fillet Mignon and salad and bread and watermelon and baked potatoes and corn on the cob. All the summer table staples...it was wonderful. We were even blessed enough to have Grandmother Ogan give us some wonderful bread and steaks to take home. We're looking forward to grilling those. Maybe next weekend we can have a repeat of that great dinner at home or at least before it's too cool out to use the grill. Thank you Flora!!!
Once we came home daddy finished mowing the lawn and I played mommy. Kieran went off to play with friends and enjoy his last long summer day before the cold starts coming in and the days get shorter. It's been a long summer and it's been a hot one with Utah reaching, tying, and breaking all time high temps. I've enjoyed having all three kids under my roof day in and day out. Did you hear the sarcasm? Actually, it wasn't bad at all. Kieran and Steff managed to let me keep some of my hair and Sadie reached some major milestones.
I should be starting on my Christmas letter here in a couple of weeks so as not to bore anyone to death with it, yet I want to make sure I get all the highlights in. This year has been a mellow one, praise to the Lord.
I hope you enjoyed reading about our holiday weekend and that yours was one to be remembered. With this being the last summer holiday I want to let you all know you mean the world to me and my family. Thank you for all you do, and for all the thoughts and prayers we know are said in our name. We have been blessed in many ways and we have you all to thank for being a part of those blessings. I'll stop getting too sentimental, I just wanted to give you all a shout out for being blessings in our lives.
Monday was much more exciting...Ryan, Kieran and I went golfing with Sherm and Diane at Schneiter's Bluff. It was hot, damn HOT!!! We all sweated profusely and experienced some form of exhaustion associated with dehydration. But, it was fun none-the-less. Kieran did really well and earned a couple bucks making some putts. Ryan even earned a five spot making this putt up a hill and right into the cup. It was truly beautiful. I did okay, still really new to the game and that gives me a slight disadvantage but I played well for me. Almost immediately after we got home we left to go have dinner at Marcus & Anne's house. It was fun but Steffanie hadn't had a nap and was a bit on the devilish side. She was a little better after she ate some dinner, but the horns shortly popped right back out. At the bar-b-que we had fillet Mignon and salad and bread and watermelon and baked potatoes and corn on the cob. All the summer table staples...it was wonderful. We were even blessed enough to have Grandmother Ogan give us some wonderful bread and steaks to take home. We're looking forward to grilling those. Maybe next weekend we can have a repeat of that great dinner at home or at least before it's too cool out to use the grill. Thank you Flora!!!
Once we came home daddy finished mowing the lawn and I played mommy. Kieran went off to play with friends and enjoy his last long summer day before the cold starts coming in and the days get shorter. It's been a long summer and it's been a hot one with Utah reaching, tying, and breaking all time high temps. I've enjoyed having all three kids under my roof day in and day out. Did you hear the sarcasm? Actually, it wasn't bad at all. Kieran and Steff managed to let me keep some of my hair and Sadie reached some major milestones.
I should be starting on my Christmas letter here in a couple of weeks so as not to bore anyone to death with it, yet I want to make sure I get all the highlights in. This year has been a mellow one, praise to the Lord.
I hope you enjoyed reading about our holiday weekend and that yours was one to be remembered. With this being the last summer holiday I want to let you all know you mean the world to me and my family. Thank you for all you do, and for all the thoughts and prayers we know are said in our name. We have been blessed in many ways and we have you all to thank for being a part of those blessings. I'll stop getting too sentimental, I just wanted to give you all a shout out for being blessings in our lives.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
destructive baby
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