Today, my crew and I were doing errands... in a motley fashion, I might add. The kind of style that hopefully won't turn too many heads. One was dressed in a bathing suit with a coverup and donned wet hair to complete the "just came from the pool and I am not embarrassed" look. Another, in a dance leotard and the biggest pink and orange tutu you have ever set eyes on. And yet another, in a loud pink and green tutu with a blue polka-dot onesie because she is wearing her lunch in splots all over her mismatched outfit. (Girls are in no particular order.) And me, the "MOM uniform".
It is only like 146 thousand degrees outside, so who really cares what we are dressed like? Right?
After two stops, we decide to take our "party" indoors to a coffeeshop and purchase much needed refreshments. "Caffeine" is on my mind. After all, I only have about 18 hours left in my day.
We spent a few minutes perusing the option board. Finally, we made conclusive decisions on items to purchase. Upon ordering, the cashier gave us the once over and asked, "For here or TO GO?"
I answered, "TO GO."
She replied, "THANK YOU."
I thought to myself, Is she thanking me for the small order or is she thanking me that we are NOT staying?
So, for a joke, I fake laughed and said, "It would be best if my lively bunch ate and drank at home."
And she said, with a straight face, "I appreciate it!"
(PS I think she will not be having children in her future)
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Blessings.
A- B- C- D- E- F- G-...
THANK YOU GOD FOR FEEDING ME.
But somehow in our home the children's prayer has become a routine requet:
A- B- C- D- E- F- G-...
DON'T FORGET TO FLUSH YOUR PEE.
There is never a dull moment in our home. Or yours, I bet. With children or without. There is always humor and a story. Whether, your children are of the furry variety with four legs. Or your children are grown up. There is always a daily memory. Sometimes, you just have to find it!!
My middle little loves to whine for attention. The bellowing, annoying, earbreaking kind of whine. The kind of whine that is difficult to ignore because it is grating in your head and causing a split--Grand Canyon size . And you wonder if this is a stage? Or will this continue for the next 15 years?
One day, recently, middle little was in a full blown whine tantrum lying flat on the ground with the loudest of bellows coming from her wee vocal chords. I let her know that I was ignoring her.
middle little: "When is daddy coming home?"
me: "later".
middle little: "I want my daddy."
me: "later."
me: "please stop whining, it's hurting my ears."
middle little: "my daddy loves my whine."
Daddy arrives. Finally.
middle little: "daddy, do you love my whine?"
daddy: "what?"
middle little: "daddy, you love my whine."
daddy: "of course, i lov.....
me: "DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT SAYING THAT... EVER... THIS IS NOT A JOKE!"
daddy: "i love you but you don't need to whine."
middle little: "I SAID, DO YOU LOVE MY WHINE?"
me: glare from hell peering into husband's big brown eyes.
A- B- C- D- E- F- G- ...
Thank you God for blessing me!
THANK YOU GOD FOR FEEDING ME.
But somehow in our home the children's prayer has become a routine requet:
A- B- C- D- E- F- G-...
DON'T FORGET TO FLUSH YOUR PEE.
There is never a dull moment in our home. Or yours, I bet. With children or without. There is always humor and a story. Whether, your children are of the furry variety with four legs. Or your children are grown up. There is always a daily memory. Sometimes, you just have to find it!!
My middle little loves to whine for attention. The bellowing, annoying, earbreaking kind of whine. The kind of whine that is difficult to ignore because it is grating in your head and causing a split--Grand Canyon size . And you wonder if this is a stage? Or will this continue for the next 15 years?
One day, recently, middle little was in a full blown whine tantrum lying flat on the ground with the loudest of bellows coming from her wee vocal chords. I let her know that I was ignoring her.
middle little: "When is daddy coming home?"
me: "later".
middle little: "I want my daddy."
me: "later."
me: "please stop whining, it's hurting my ears."
middle little: "my daddy loves my whine."
Daddy arrives. Finally.
middle little: "daddy, do you love my whine?"
daddy: "what?"
middle little: "daddy, you love my whine."
daddy: "of course, i lov.....
me: "DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT SAYING THAT... EVER... THIS IS NOT A JOKE!"
daddy: "i love you but you don't need to whine."
middle little: "I SAID, DO YOU LOVE MY WHINE?"
me: glare from hell peering into husband's big brown eyes.
A- B- C- D- E- F- G- ...
Thank you God for blessing me!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
on vacation.
gotcha!!!
Not really a vacation, but a mental vacation. A mental no-blogging vacation.
So we have been to six birthday parties, one soccer post-season party, one tennis post-season party, one gymnastics party, one ranch (a glorified farm -- for those of you from the north/midwest) party, two church parties, one mommy party, two mommy events, 14 doctor appointments ... all in eight days.
And to add a cherry ...
I discovered that one of my girls is a scientist. Yes, at this early undefined age, she is performing science experiments. And. I drink.
Recently, one of her experiments involved CAUSE and EFFECT.
WHERE?
WHY?
HOW?
WHEN?
WHAT?
Where will an object go ... IF I SWALLOW IT? ON PURPOSE.
Why does the object NOT resurface immediately upon swallowing it? Why doesn't the object just drop out my bottom? You know, like a straw?? In one end and out the other end.
How come I can't see my object?
When will I find it?
and the effect of mommy's plea:
What in the HELL did you swallow?
Not really a vacation, but a mental vacation. A mental no-blogging vacation.
So we have been to six birthday parties, one soccer post-season party, one tennis post-season party, one gymnastics party, one ranch (a glorified farm -- for those of you from the north/midwest) party, two church parties, one mommy party, two mommy events, 14 doctor appointments ... all in eight days.
And to add a cherry ...
I discovered that one of my girls is a scientist. Yes, at this early undefined age, she is performing science experiments. And. I drink.
Recently, one of her experiments involved CAUSE and EFFECT.
WHERE?
WHY?
HOW?
WHEN?
WHAT?
Where will an object go ... IF I SWALLOW IT? ON PURPOSE.
Why does the object NOT resurface immediately upon swallowing it? Why doesn't the object just drop out my bottom? You know, like a straw?? In one end and out the other end.
How come I can't see my object?
When will I find it?
and the effect of mommy's plea:
What in the HELL did you swallow?
How many Matrushka Dolls tell me do you see?
one. two. three. four. five.
five Matrushka Dolls.
they are orange.
How many Matrushka Dolls tell me do you see?
one. two. three. four.
four Matrushka Dolls.
they are red.
Four? Four? Oh My God!
Where's the baby Russian Doll?
"She's sleeping in my belly."
Monday, April 11, 2011
for the love of...
MONDAY.
My day began at 12:16 am. That's right. I just couldn't wait to start the week so I started Monday a bit on the early side. I should clarify, not by choice.
My middle little woke up vomiting. Yup, that's right. Vomiting.
The good news is that it isn't flu related. Nor cold related. Nor virus related. Whew!
Her illness is garlic-related.
"Poison Control, can I help you?"
"Oh, yes, please. My daughter drank and ate an excessive amount of garlic."
"Ma'am, can you repeat that please?"
"M y d a u g h t e r d r a n k a n d a t e a n e x c e s s i v e a m o u n t o f g a r l i c." I repeat.
"Garlic?"
"Yes, G-A-R-L-I-C."
No response. So I continued...
"She drank an entire large bowl of what could be called "garlic soup". So that garlic was cooked. But she also ate several cloves of garlic while we were gardening."
"Raw garlic?"
"Yes, I plant garlic bulbs next to my freshly planted flowers and vegetables. It keeps the bugs away. Apparently bugs do NOT like garlic like we do."
"I need to put you on hold."
"Hold? What for, I need to know what to do?"
"For garlic poisoning?"
"Yes, for garlic poisoning. You see, her vomit smells horrible! She smells horrible. I can smell her on the other side of the house. I cannot even hear the phone ring from the other side of the house, but I can smell her. She SMELLS bad!!!"
---- ON HOLD ----
"Well, garlic is not toxic."
"So, she doesn't have some Toxic Garlic Syndrome?"
"Garlic is really quite healthy in moderate dosages."
"We love garlic here, so what do you consider moderate?"
"One clove at the most -- for each person."
"Well, she must have had 8 or 9 raw bulbs and who knows how much when it was cooked?"
"Like I said, moderation. All she will have is a very upset stomach. Please try to give her bland foods over the next 24 hours. No spices. No sugar. Nothing but plain rice. Or plain potatoes. PLAIN foods."
"Yes, bland foods, got it. So, she is okay? I don't need to take her into the ER to have the rest of her stomach pumped?"
"No."
Back to bed with a very smelly garlicky child. The garlic is oozing out of her pores.
By 8:00am, middle little has had three showers. The first shower was at 12:31 am. And she still stinks. But, she's clean!
At 8:03am, the phone rings. It is the pediatrician.
"Garlic poisoning?" Dr. S bursts out laughing.
"Well, better safe than sorry." I suggest.
"The poison control has to report the phone call with us. In case I need to see your daughter for a follow up visit."
"I think we are doing okay. She just smells soooo bad. Can I bathe her in tomato juice like you would if you got skunk spray on you?"
"You can try it. But it will just take time. Remember, bland foods."
"Yes, I am glad it was just garlic and not lysol."
"Have a great week. And call us if you need anything."
Off to school...
"Oh, my!" exclaims the teacher.
"Oh, yes, I should warn you that my middle little has an undesirable odor today. She ate a lot of garlic yesterday. And, well, now today... she just smells really horrible."
"Well, well, well..." speechless teacher responds.
My day began at 12:16 am. That's right. I just couldn't wait to start the week so I started Monday a bit on the early side. I should clarify, not by choice.
My middle little woke up vomiting. Yup, that's right. Vomiting.
The good news is that it isn't flu related. Nor cold related. Nor virus related. Whew!
Her illness is garlic-related.
"Poison Control, can I help you?"
"Oh, yes, please. My daughter drank and ate an excessive amount of garlic."
"Ma'am, can you repeat that please?"
"M y d a u g h t e r d r a n k a n d a t e a n e x c e s s i v e a m o u n t o f g a r l i c." I repeat.
"Garlic?"
"Yes, G-A-R-L-I-C."
No response. So I continued...
"She drank an entire large bowl of what could be called "garlic soup". So that garlic was cooked. But she also ate several cloves of garlic while we were gardening."
"Raw garlic?"
"Yes, I plant garlic bulbs next to my freshly planted flowers and vegetables. It keeps the bugs away. Apparently bugs do NOT like garlic like we do."
"I need to put you on hold."
"Hold? What for, I need to know what to do?"
"For garlic poisoning?"
"Yes, for garlic poisoning. You see, her vomit smells horrible! She smells horrible. I can smell her on the other side of the house. I cannot even hear the phone ring from the other side of the house, but I can smell her. She SMELLS bad!!!"
---- ON HOLD ----
"Well, garlic is not toxic."
"So, she doesn't have some Toxic Garlic Syndrome?"
"Garlic is really quite healthy in moderate dosages."
"We love garlic here, so what do you consider moderate?"
"One clove at the most -- for each person."
"Well, she must have had 8 or 9 raw bulbs and who knows how much when it was cooked?"
"Like I said, moderation. All she will have is a very upset stomach. Please try to give her bland foods over the next 24 hours. No spices. No sugar. Nothing but plain rice. Or plain potatoes. PLAIN foods."
"Yes, bland foods, got it. So, she is okay? I don't need to take her into the ER to have the rest of her stomach pumped?"
"No."
Back to bed with a very smelly garlicky child. The garlic is oozing out of her pores.
By 8:00am, middle little has had three showers. The first shower was at 12:31 am. And she still stinks. But, she's clean!
At 8:03am, the phone rings. It is the pediatrician.
"Garlic poisoning?" Dr. S bursts out laughing.
"Well, better safe than sorry." I suggest.
"The poison control has to report the phone call with us. In case I need to see your daughter for a follow up visit."
"I think we are doing okay. She just smells soooo bad. Can I bathe her in tomato juice like you would if you got skunk spray on you?"
"You can try it. But it will just take time. Remember, bland foods."
"Yes, I am glad it was just garlic and not lysol."
"Have a great week. And call us if you need anything."
Off to school...
"Oh, my!" exclaims the teacher.
"Oh, yes, I should warn you that my middle little has an undesirable odor today. She ate a lot of garlic yesterday. And, well, now today... she just smells really horrible."
"Well, well, well..." speechless teacher responds.
HAPPY MONDAY TO ALL!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
art at home
I love children's art.
Probably because that is the only kind of art I can do.
I could totally pass my art off as my 3 year old's creation.
We would be rich!
We would be deceptors! (Like that one man and his daughter... cannot recall the name... probably because I am extremely exhausted. Or because I really don't pay attention to little trivial details. Like names.)
Anyway, I love the art my children create.
Perhaps, because I wear the PARENT GOGGLES!
But, honestly, I despise the MESS.
So today we painted outside.
And then I hosed the girls off. Well, one girl in particular.
Probably because that is the only kind of art I can do.
I could totally pass my art off as my 3 year old's creation.
We would be rich!
We would be deceptors! (Like that one man and his daughter... cannot recall the name... probably because I am extremely exhausted. Or because I really don't pay attention to little trivial details. Like names.)
Anyway, I love the art my children create.
Perhaps, because I wear the PARENT GOGGLES!
But, honestly, I despise the MESS.
So today we painted outside.
And then I hosed the girls off. Well, one girl in particular.
Matroshka Dolls and Polka Dots are a few of our favorite things
Find the hidden picture.
The doors are being put in the playhouse.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
a man in uniform
Today started like any regular, normal, ordinary day in the "T" household. One attending full-day school, one napping, one working, one day-dreaming and one playing.
The doorbell rang.
Which in itself is an oddity. Since we were doorbell-less for nine years. Something about "cutting" the wrong wires when I was cleaning. Yeah, don't ask! In those nine years, we didn't miss the bell. Really. So, when it does chime I barely recognize it. Usually I think it is the kids playing with their electronic toys. And since the wire mishap in 2001, technology has advanced itself in the form of WIRELESS DOORBELLS. Yipee!! We have been saved from a big re-wiring project that involved crawling around in a one-hundred degree attic!
So, the wireless doorbell chimed.
And it was Mr. Fed-Ex.
Since I was armed with 3 month old baby, Mr. Fed-Ex offered to bring my boxes inside the foyer (new testing shoes have arrived; one for walking and one for running!!) And that is when it happened!
"P" came around the corner to see who was "visiting". She had been playing whatever it is two year olds play ... not sure she even realized what she was playing.
Mr. Fed-Ex: "Well, NOW, I have SEEN everything!"
Me: "Yeah, well, I uhhh...."
Mr. Fed-Ex: "This is great."
Me: (silently) "Could it get any worse?"
Mr. Fed-Ex: "My sister-in-law is pregnant, do you mind if I take your daughter's picture and send it to her?"
Me: "Go ahead. I am not sure if I should be embarrassed or not?!"
Mr. Fed-Ex: "This has made my day."
"P" is sporting her ball-baby-belly; announcing to Mr. Fed-Ex that she has tummy-sick and she goes to her pretend kitchen sink and vomits.
Me: I smiled as if to say that this play was exactly what happens daily in our house.
(internal conversation) "Glad it made someone's day because I am in dire need of a double shot {espresso, people}!"
Toddler Lesson #1938: one can never quite know what to expect from a precocious personality.
Friday, October 29, 2010
More Flavors of Fall!
PS Thank you C.C. for adding cupcakes and callas to our flavors of fall
Autumn in Texas is usually a late bloomer. It arrives in October. At first, it is felt only in the early mornings and late evenings when the temperature is perfectly set at 72 degrees. The leaves begin to change colors slowly and a few fall off the trees; just enough to say "It's Fall". The afternoon highs of 86 degrees shout that "It's Still Summer"... but the heat does not stick around for long.
Evening walks.
Crunching leaves that sound like Cornflakes.
Morning stroller rides.
Clear skies.
Crisp breezes.
Happy thoughts.
Serene moments.
Everything seems a little bit brighter. Sharper. In Focus.
I love Fall.
Monday, October 25, 2010
recaps of the last six weeks
21. More Random. Ness. More beauty. That could not be displayed with bugs.
Cats.
Double Rainbows.
Shadows.
These are some of my favorite kind of days.
Cats.
Double Rainbows.
Shadows.
These are some of my favorite kind of days.
Friday, October 15, 2010
recaps of the last six weeks
Brother Mark and his family; wife - Andrea, Adam, Katie, and Joshua
More family from Michigan ventures to Texas to experience the daily 107 degrees firsthand. Surely, they wouldn't believe it without FEELING it for themselves!!
Plus, they wanted to test their antibodies and immunity against our contagious flu/virus.
They survived! The only "thing" they caught was dehydration!
We had so much fun together ... even in the midst of being ill ... laughter resulted in coughing fits. But we managed to just have fun!
Monday, October 4, 2010
recaps of the last six weeks
 |
| My mother with the three girls at the Drive-In |
6. I.Love.This.Place
It is For Sale. Somebody please buy it and keep it open. Besides, who EVER gets an opportunity to buy a Drive-In? Please, don't turn it into yet another vacant strip mall!!
Recently, we took the girls to the Drive-In. A real Drive-In. We were an obvious group of drive-in newbies.
Or would it be: Drive-in virgins?
Yes, virgins, because our backseat was being used to hold carseats, coolers, outdoor chairs, and blankets. Joking aside, we were definitely the ONLY other vehicle that had never been to the drive-in before. All the other vehicles (except that other one) parked backwards. And most vehicles were PICK-UPS. We are definitely in TEXAS.
Now Showing:
Toy Story 3 and Shrek Forever After
We parked near the concession stand and restrooms... because with little kids... that is where we needed to be. Plus the concession stand had speakers (and FOOD). I wanted to listen to the movie without turning on the car because with my luck, the car battery would die. Unfortunately, the original drive-in speakers at each car park were long gone - just don't "hit" the posts that still exist.
Although we came prepared with snacks, popcorn and bubbles at the drive-in was necessary!
Luckily, we weren't in the vehicle that had to be jumped - only one car battery died that evening.
While the children watched the movie, ran around outside, and climbed from backseat to middleseat to front seat, I proposed buying a Pick-Up to my husband. A Pick-Up for all our future Drive-In evenings. He rolled his eyes while I dreamily crooned, "a pick-up for the drive-in; a pick-up for a haulin'; a pick-up for drivin' (get it?); a pick-up for..." and he didn't let me finish!
Since that didn't fly...
I proposed buying a "weekend home" so that we could frequent the Drive-In and the quaint town on weekends. And you know what he said... "NO"! Actually it was shouted. And I quote verbatim, "YOU WANT TO PURCHASE A WEEKEND HOME THAT IS 25 MINUTES FROM OUR CURRENT HOME?"
"Why Not?" I ask.
"BECAUSE WE ARE ONLY 25 MINUTES FROM OUR FRONT DOOR... IT TAKES LONGER TO GET TO DALLAS... AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO DRIVE 25 MINUTES TO SPEND THE WEEKEND AWAY FROM HOME. GO SPEND THE WEEKEND AT "L's" HOUSE. THEY LIVE 20 MINUTES AWAY."
Since that didn't fly...
I offered a new suggestion, "Let's buy a weekend home in Dallas, then!"
PS I think "he's" upset with me -- he has stopped talking -- and probably that includes listening!
PPS I didn't even think about proposing to BUY the Drive-In... I think I'll do that tonight. I'll let you know how that goes! :+)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
recaps of the last six weeks
I wanted to change the room I call "nursery" because it has been almost exactly the same since 2003. The monograms have changed. The wall letters have changed. The photos in the frames have changed. But mostly, the room has not changed.
Blue walls
Stars
Claire's Check by Waverly (blue/green/yellow plaid fabric)
I thought about adding a "monkey mural" -- I had the perfect one selected but I decided not to change the entire room because really it is a nursery for such a short time. And in 18 months, I will be redecorating on a whole new level: a big girl room.
I did add vintage 1972 Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy prints. I love this duo. They are classic. It reminds me of a simpler time.
This is the mural I would have painted:
Friday, September 24, 2010
recaps of the last six weeks
1. The Hospital Stay
The stay at the hospital was not what I remember from the prior two pregnancies. I actually enjoyed the visits, and the food, and the TV, and the serenity. This time around, not so true. In fact, it was the worst experience EVER. And this is probably not even the worst it is going to become once the "new health care" kicks in.
The shifts between nurses did not TALK to each other. Each time the shift changed, I had to explain my situation to the new incoming nurse. Thank God I was in the maternity ward so that was a little bit self-explanatory!! I would not have wanted to be on a different floor with an unknown situation.
The time it took for the nurses to move me out of labor/delivery to the recovery room was HOURS. Like 2:00am to 10:00am. All I wanted to do was sleep and the nurse kept me awake because she kept promising to move me. That never happened. As did the sleep, that never happened either.
So, with ZERO sleep and within hours of delivering a baby who weighed 7 pounds of my 11 pound weight gain. Plus the placenta. My blood pressure stayed extremely HIGH. Is it any wonder? I am a nervous/anxious person without pregnancy so why is it a surprise that my blood pressure was elevated? And WHY does the NURSE insist on taking the blood pressure when I am COMPLETELY pissed off at the SHIFT for their neglect, disorganization, and unprofessionalism.
I held my breath during blood pressure readings. Result: HIGH. I was full of anxiety. Especially when they would take the reading and the cuff would reset itself... I knew then that the reading would be higher than normal.
The nurse took my new baby and did not return her for HOURS. I called the nursery every 30 minutes. How long does it take to give her a bath? In fact, when she was returned to me... she was still messy.
The on-call Doctor was a b***h. She would not even give me a moment of her time. She did not even check in on me over the next 12 hours. She poked her head into the room ONCE... and it was to ask the nurse a question. Where oh where is my beloved doctor???
Finally moved to the recovery room.
OKAY, who was SICK?
Was it the person who delivered my meal from the cafeteria? Was it the Tech or Nurse who didn't bother to show up for work the next day? Was is the other Nurse? Was it the other Tech? Was it the lady who came around to educate me on State Immunizations? Was it the chaplain from the hospital? Oh, and why is that person here?? Was is the Lactation Consultant? Was it the hospital photographer?
My doctor showed up the next morning. Thank God. He left orders with the nurses regarding my discharge.
On my last day, the day of discharge from the hospital, the nurse nor the tech even bothered to show up for work. Not one person followed my doctor's orders. In fact, I did not see one person for 12 hours. Someone finally returned my baby again. After another 12 hours!!
The nurse who happened to be there (just never seen) upon my discharge was more concerned with the tightness of the carseat straps than my discharge orders. I could have had a serious blood-clot or hemorraging condition and that did not even matter compared to the carseat situation.
I finally arrived home. I was very happy to be in our safe, quiet haven. I would have been in a strait jacket by morning had I had to stay one more night in the hospital. I arrived home about 9:00pm.
Until I woke up at 11:00pm with the FLU. The FLU. YES, that's right, the FLU! Again. This was bad. My baby is 2 days old and I have the FLU.
I spent the next two days in bed at home. Trying to isolate myself from the rest of the family.
It did NOT work. Because my FLU transformed itself into another viral form and was passed along to daughter #1.
Daughter #1 was rushed to the Emergency Room at 4:00am because she could not breathe. When a child tells you that he/she cannot breathe -- there is no waiting around. She was admitted to the same hospital I just left a week ago. She has the CROUP. And some Resistant Airways Disease. My FLU gave Daughter #1 the Croup. UGH.
Three days later, the incubation period, Daughter #2 came down with the Croup. This time I knew what to do without going to the Emergency Room. Luckily. But this is so not fun!
So far, Daughter #3 is somewhat safe. Although she has horrible nasal congestion. And when her breathing becomes labored, we go and stand in the steamy shower for five minutes so that she can breathe. I cannot bear to stick her head in the freezer after the steam. So I just let the cool humidifier blow air on her. She is just one week old at this time. She is on the verge of becoming ILL. So I am doing everything I can to prevent a full blown case of RSV or Croup or whatever other illness we could possibly catch.
And three days later after Daughter #2, my mother comes down with the FLU. The adult version of the Croup -- which is what I had.
The only Flu escapee is my husband who was currently working out of town!!
We spent the first two weeks of baby girl #3's life -- fighting the FLU.
The only positive aspect of this situation was that I lost all plus more baby weight in 5 days. I packed up the maternity clothes on day 7 when I could slip into all my prepregnancy clothes. So for me, nursing doesn't take off the baby weight -- it was the FLU -- compliments of my hospital visit.
The stay at the hospital was not what I remember from the prior two pregnancies. I actually enjoyed the visits, and the food, and the TV, and the serenity. This time around, not so true. In fact, it was the worst experience EVER. And this is probably not even the worst it is going to become once the "new health care" kicks in.
The shifts between nurses did not TALK to each other. Each time the shift changed, I had to explain my situation to the new incoming nurse. Thank God I was in the maternity ward so that was a little bit self-explanatory!! I would not have wanted to be on a different floor with an unknown situation.
The time it took for the nurses to move me out of labor/delivery to the recovery room was HOURS. Like 2:00am to 10:00am. All I wanted to do was sleep and the nurse kept me awake because she kept promising to move me. That never happened. As did the sleep, that never happened either.
So, with ZERO sleep and within hours of delivering a baby who weighed 7 pounds of my 11 pound weight gain. Plus the placenta. My blood pressure stayed extremely HIGH. Is it any wonder? I am a nervous/anxious person without pregnancy so why is it a surprise that my blood pressure was elevated? And WHY does the NURSE insist on taking the blood pressure when I am COMPLETELY pissed off at the SHIFT for their neglect, disorganization, and unprofessionalism.
I held my breath during blood pressure readings. Result: HIGH. I was full of anxiety. Especially when they would take the reading and the cuff would reset itself... I knew then that the reading would be higher than normal.
The nurse took my new baby and did not return her for HOURS. I called the nursery every 30 minutes. How long does it take to give her a bath? In fact, when she was returned to me... she was still messy.
The on-call Doctor was a b***h. She would not even give me a moment of her time. She did not even check in on me over the next 12 hours. She poked her head into the room ONCE... and it was to ask the nurse a question. Where oh where is my beloved doctor???
Finally moved to the recovery room.
OKAY, who was SICK?
Was it the person who delivered my meal from the cafeteria? Was it the Tech or Nurse who didn't bother to show up for work the next day? Was is the other Nurse? Was it the other Tech? Was it the lady who came around to educate me on State Immunizations? Was it the chaplain from the hospital? Oh, and why is that person here?? Was is the Lactation Consultant? Was it the hospital photographer?
My doctor showed up the next morning. Thank God. He left orders with the nurses regarding my discharge.
On my last day, the day of discharge from the hospital, the nurse nor the tech even bothered to show up for work. Not one person followed my doctor's orders. In fact, I did not see one person for 12 hours. Someone finally returned my baby again. After another 12 hours!!
The nurse who happened to be there (just never seen) upon my discharge was more concerned with the tightness of the carseat straps than my discharge orders. I could have had a serious blood-clot or hemorraging condition and that did not even matter compared to the carseat situation.
I finally arrived home. I was very happy to be in our safe, quiet haven. I would have been in a strait jacket by morning had I had to stay one more night in the hospital. I arrived home about 9:00pm.
Until I woke up at 11:00pm with the FLU. The FLU. YES, that's right, the FLU! Again. This was bad. My baby is 2 days old and I have the FLU.
I spent the next two days in bed at home. Trying to isolate myself from the rest of the family.
It did NOT work. Because my FLU transformed itself into another viral form and was passed along to daughter #1.
Daughter #1 was rushed to the Emergency Room at 4:00am because she could not breathe. When a child tells you that he/she cannot breathe -- there is no waiting around. She was admitted to the same hospital I just left a week ago. She has the CROUP. And some Resistant Airways Disease. My FLU gave Daughter #1 the Croup. UGH.
Three days later, the incubation period, Daughter #2 came down with the Croup. This time I knew what to do without going to the Emergency Room. Luckily. But this is so not fun!
So far, Daughter #3 is somewhat safe. Although she has horrible nasal congestion. And when her breathing becomes labored, we go and stand in the steamy shower for five minutes so that she can breathe. I cannot bear to stick her head in the freezer after the steam. So I just let the cool humidifier blow air on her. She is just one week old at this time. She is on the verge of becoming ILL. So I am doing everything I can to prevent a full blown case of RSV or Croup or whatever other illness we could possibly catch.
And three days later after Daughter #2, my mother comes down with the FLU. The adult version of the Croup -- which is what I had.
The only Flu escapee is my husband who was currently working out of town!!
We spent the first two weeks of baby girl #3's life -- fighting the FLU.
The only positive aspect of this situation was that I lost all plus more baby weight in 5 days. I packed up the maternity clothes on day 7 when I could slip into all my prepregnancy clothes. So for me, nursing doesn't take off the baby weight -- it was the FLU -- compliments of my hospital visit.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
There's no red hair
I was expecting red hair.
There is not one red strand.
There is, however, an extraordinary amount of hair. Black hair.
Long black hair.
Blue eyes.
Blue for now. Blue forever?
Ten tiny fingers.
Ten tiny toes.
Lanky arms and legs. Yes, even at birth she has a lankiness about her.
In my August 5th ultrasound I had the tech check one last time for gender. It was still a girl. I did not want to be surprised at the last minute. After the third and final push, I did ask if she was still a she because I was too tired to deal with that kind of "mistake".
Beautiful soft red skin. No jaundice. Ever. First two babies had a lot of jaundice... and pretty olive/yellow skin.
Eyebrows and eyelashes are very light brown... maybe even a tinge of auburn.
Oh... and the NOSE.
Have I mentioned the NOSE?
Have you seen the NOSE?
It was truly a sight those first couple of weeks. A really big prominent nose. A nose set in the middle of a very fine featured tiny itty bitty face. My husband blamed it on my French/American Indian side. I claimed it was from his Polish/Croatian side. Poor Girl -- she got the NOSE. And she is slowly growing into the NOSE. I immediately set up a "Rhinoplasty" fund. She has my blessing.
There is not one red strand.
There is, however, an extraordinary amount of hair. Black hair.
Long black hair.
Blue eyes.
Blue for now. Blue forever?
Ten tiny fingers.
Ten tiny toes.
Lanky arms and legs. Yes, even at birth she has a lankiness about her.
In my August 5th ultrasound I had the tech check one last time for gender. It was still a girl. I did not want to be surprised at the last minute. After the third and final push, I did ask if she was still a she because I was too tired to deal with that kind of "mistake".
Beautiful soft red skin. No jaundice. Ever. First two babies had a lot of jaundice... and pretty olive/yellow skin.
Eyebrows and eyelashes are very light brown... maybe even a tinge of auburn.
Oh... and the NOSE.
Have I mentioned the NOSE?
Have you seen the NOSE?
It was truly a sight those first couple of weeks. A really big prominent nose. A nose set in the middle of a very fine featured tiny itty bitty face. My husband blamed it on my French/American Indian side. I claimed it was from his Polish/Croatian side. Poor Girl -- she got the NOSE. And she is slowly growing into the NOSE. I immediately set up a "Rhinoplasty" fund. She has my blessing.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A Birth Story
The entire moment happened so quickly that I still cannot grasp that it currently is in the past -- by almost six weeks. The miracle feels like yesterday.
Our summer joke for 2010 was a reminder of the big event of 2009 on the first day of school for Victoria. Daughter #2 unintentionally chose that day and hour -- moments before our departure to school -- to fall and cut her forehead open; requiring immediate sutures and consequently, a yellow tardy slip. UGH. What a memory! Therefore, all summer we joked that the first day of school 2010 would arrive and so would BABY GIRL #3 !!
And SHE did !!
Like an omen. Or an "abracadabra" moment. Or an illusion. Or ESP. Or telepathy. Or witchcraft. Or God.
On Wednesday morning, August 11, a mommy friend from gymnastics inquired about my upcoming due date. Although, I had only gained eleven, yup -- 11, pounds my pending due date still looked like it was two or three months away. Like in October. But no, I have had enough of this hot Texas heat. I feel done. Anyway, I sarcastically replied, "Tomorrow! August 12th is my official due date but what baby appears on their chosen date?" I had absolutely NO SIGNS of delivering by tomorrow. No contractions. No pains. Nothing. In fact, I had an appointment and ultrasound scheduled for August 13. The doctor was going to pick an induction date.
Surprise!
At 6:00pm, I took the girls for an evening swim to cool off since the temperatures were hovering in the low 100's for days. Evenings were a crisp 95 degrees. We swam. We played. We splashed. I was growing irritated and tired. I wanted to go inside to cool off in the 80 degree air-conditioning.
At 7:45pm, we finally retreated to the air-conditioning. The girls were getting ready for bedtime. My husband had just arrived home from work. Without his wedding band. Another story, his side, for another time. Fortunately, I was fatigued.
At 8:00pm, I started to question my 6 bathroom trips (in the past 15 minutes) ... surely I did not ingest that much pool water. I haven't had a glass of water since 6:00. What is going on??
At 8:05pm, I hunt my mother down as I am gushing water. My two prior pregnancies resulted in scheduled inductions. I had never gone into natural labor before. My water has only been broken by my doctor while lying in the delivery room. I ask my mother what she thinks is going on. She thinks my water is broke. But where is the plug? Where is the other stuff? Where is the bloody show? Where are the contractions? I don't bloody know (or care) because I didn't have any warning sign at all !!
Of course, I am NOT ready... I have been procrastinating! I had all of my hospital supplies in a general gathering area. But nothing was organized or packed.
So what do I do?
At 8:15pm, I advise my bandless husband to pack a bag for himself because I think my water has busted. By now, I am quite sure because I am in the bathroom every 30 seconds. The girls are crying in panic ... Victoria because her first day of school is in the morning. That is one thing I do have ready!! And Petra is crying because her big sister is crying.
I jump in the shower to rinse off the chlorine, SPF 50 and Cutter OFF. I even blow dry my hair and throw in some hot rollers. Because, damn it, these hospital photos are going to be "CUTE". The photos with baby #2 are hideous because I was vomitting until she graced us with her presence! So, in reality, I do not have photos of delivery #2.
After showering, I prepare my "hospital favors". My mother keeps humming (or it is possibly a hissing sound) under her breath that I should probably get to the hospital. I did not have any contractions yet and I reminded her that I have 23 more hours to deliver a baby due to the broken amniotic sac. But my goal was to be at the hospital by 10:00pm.
By 9:30pm, I am finally getting around to "packing" my bags. The ones that should have been packed last month. And the contractions start. Ooooh, seems like they are coming quite frequently, not the 20 minutes or 15 minutes apart -- more like every 10 minutes. A hard one. A soft one. A hard one. A soft one.
At 9:48pm, we depart. The hospital is only a 6 minute drive at night. We finally get to drive the hospital route that we mapped out eight years ago (for baby #1). The front doors are still open but they will lock at 10:00pm and then we would have to arrive at the Emergency Room Entrance and walk to the other side of the hospital. And who wants to do that? Besides, I have to stop every three and a half minutes because the contractions are coming fast and hard.
At 10:10pm, we arrive on the second floor in the labor/delivery area. We are shown to a room and I am told to get into bed. It feels much better standing and walking then lying in bed with back pain and contractions. A nurse arrives at 10:30pm to check my progress. I am hooked up to monitors and my blood pressure is climbing. Contractions still every 3 minutes... and dilation is 6.
At 11:00pm, dilation is 7.
At 11:30pm, dilation is 8, the doctor has been called but he won't arrive for another 30 minutes. (Something about delivering another baby via c-section). So the nurse brings me Demerol. The pain meds flow into the IV. Ahhh. Don't know how or why... but I fall asleep. Into a deep sleep. Like a weird dream state of sleep -- the kind of weird dreams you have when you eat too much before bed. So, I believe this dream was the result of too much Demerol before bed. I was in a foreign market with winding alleys and ... I have had this dream before. I just cannot figure out where I am. Or IF I have been there before. I know it so well...
Anyway, sleep.
At 12:30am, the nurse tries to wake me. My eyes are glued tightly shut.
At 1:00am, the nurse returns and I still cannot manage to open my eyes.
At 1:10am, the nurse is still hovering over my head demanding that I wake up. God, I make a bad drunk (or is it a cheap drunk?). I was slurring my words. That demerol is some strong shit. I haven't been that drunk since July 9th, 1988. (Another story for another time-- it's the day I stopped drinking. Seriously.)
Nurse: "You need to PUSH"!
Me: "Push what?"
Nurse: "It's time to PUSH".
Me: "I didn't push your call button, I am sleeping here."
Nurse: "The doctor is here."
Me: "Husband, are you awake? Can you bring the camera? They want me to push -- something about having a baby now."
Nurse: "Let's go!"
Me: "I'm really tired -- can you just pull her out?"
Nurse: "Push, I said."
Me: "No, really, can you just use some forceps or something?"
Nurse: "NOW"
Me: One push.
Nurse: "Another one."
Me: "Is she out?"
Nurse: "NOW"
Me: Second push.
Me: "Does she have hair?"
Nurse: "Another one."
Me: "Just pull her the rest of the way. I want to go back to bed."
Nurse: "NOW"
Me: Third push.
Me: "Are we done?"
Nurse: makes this guffallowing sound. {yes, I made that word up... but that is what it sounded like to me}
Me: "I'd like to go back to bed now".
INTRODUCING:
Alexandra Pearl
12 August 2010
1:27 am
7 pounds, 7 ounces
20 inches
PS Pearl (or Perle) is a French Family name ... my grandmother. And my other grandmother and special great aunt share a name that has the meaning "Pearl".
PPS My blood pressure remains a medical issue... pregnancy-induced hypertension.
PPPS Baby is healthy
PPPPS Husband was home for the birth of baby girl #3. However, he did leave four days later and worked out of state for the following two work weeks.
Monday, September 13, 2010
It's alright, It's okay Mondays
It's alright, It's okay
... to admit that you do NOT text (even if you are the ONLY one)
... to NOT wear your wedding ring (but not okay for HIM)
... to invest in teeth whitening AFTER your supply of RED wine is depleted
... to still believe in fairy tales
... to go on a diet after the last bite of JUNK FOOD has been swallowed
... to have more than ONE junk drawer
... to want more "ME" time
... to call a friend "JUST BECAUSE" you have not heard their voice in a long time
... to admit that you do NOT text (even if you are the ONLY one)
... to NOT wear your wedding ring (but not okay for HIM)
... to invest in teeth whitening AFTER your supply of RED wine is depleted
... to still believe in fairy tales
... to go on a diet after the last bite of JUNK FOOD has been swallowed
... to have more than ONE junk drawer
... to want more "ME" time
... to call a friend "JUST BECAUSE" you have not heard their voice in a long time
Monday, September 6, 2010
It's alright, It's okay Mondays
It's alright, It's okay
... to pluck your gray hairs (wherever they may be?!)
... to have a body distortion issue (these jeans aren't tight, it's the new style)
... to have rubbing thighs once in a lifetime
... to be grandiose and think you are "wonder woman"
... to think riding 6 miles on a bike is a BIG deal
... to have toys strewn all over a dirty house
... to love watermelon with a fork and not your hands
... to suck at air hockey
... to pluck your gray hairs (wherever they may be?!)
... to have a body distortion issue (these jeans aren't tight, it's the new style)
... to have rubbing thighs once in a lifetime
... to be grandiose and think you are "wonder woman"
... to think riding 6 miles on a bike is a BIG deal
... to have toys strewn all over a dirty house
... to love watermelon with a fork and not your hands
... to suck at air hockey
Monday, August 9, 2010
It's alright, It's okay Mondays
It's alright, It's okay
... to eat leftover cake for breakfast
... to write a real letter instead of an email or text
... to read a worthless novel and be unable to recall the title, plot, or author
... to wear the same outfit five days in a row (in your hometown)
... to be conservative
... to be a "real" feminist while donning makeup, a dress and a brain!
... to use coupons
... to watch "Sesame Street"
... to eat leftover cake for breakfast
... to write a real letter instead of an email or text
... to read a worthless novel and be unable to recall the title, plot, or author
... to wear the same outfit five days in a row (in your hometown)
... to be conservative
... to be a "real" feminist while donning makeup, a dress and a brain!
... to use coupons
... to watch "Sesame Street"
Monday, August 2, 2010
It's alright, It's okay Mondays
It's alright, It's okay
... to appear in public with your child's vomit wiped on your yoga pants
... to wear a black shirt with obvious wet spit-up
... to like tofu
... to eat real burgers
... to visit the beach and complain about sand in your "drawers"
... to name a lower bodily function; a "fluffy"
... to refer to slow recall items as "whatchamacallits"
... to eat pancakes for dinner
... to appear in public with your child's vomit wiped on your yoga pants
... to wear a black shirt with obvious wet spit-up
... to like tofu
... to eat real burgers
... to visit the beach and complain about sand in your "drawers"
... to name a lower bodily function; a "fluffy"
... to refer to slow recall items as "whatchamacallits"
... to eat pancakes for dinner
Saturday, July 31, 2010
two weeks; more or less
My estimated due date is fast approaching.
And I am not ready.
Let me announce this with greater clarity: I am NOT ready.
Although the alternative is NOT great -- keeping baby #3 inside until I am DEFINITELY ready ... because she would come out like some smelly, hormonal, hairy teenager at the age of 14. And then, I may get stretch marks. Plus, that's like fourteen more summers in Texas!
So I ask, what fun would that be?
Therefore, I must suck it up and get ready.
As of my last appointment, I am beginning to dilate.
And that is ONLY because the doctor probably initiated that when he reached up to "feel" the baby's head. shit. that hurt. Why didn't the doctor just break my "water" and get this baby moving on its way out? Because ONE is never really ready to go through the rigors of labor and delivery, right? So just have a baby when you are NOT ready. It is much easier than waiting around for the due date.
Baby #1 -- my husband was in Los Angeles. Yes, that's right. California. With a two hour time difference. A 4+ hour flight to DFW. And I am sure he drank beer (or something a bit stronger) the entire flight. It isn't confirmed. But I have my hunches.
Baby #2 -- after settling me into my room, my husband went home to pick up a few things (like beer, wine and champagne), check on the existing children and grandparents, do some house stuff, clean the pool, fiddle in the garage... meanwhile, baby #2 decided to go from 2 cm to 10 cm in 45 minutes. And, too bad for me -- my cell phone was dead and I was too sick to think about calling him anyway.
Baby #3 -- yet to come.
Although, husband did leave me a note yesterday morning before he left for work (an extra hour early):
Dear Easy-Going, Loving Wife:
I have three business trips back-to-back this month. When do you think this baby is arriving? Is it possible for you to hold her in until one of the Saturdays? I really should be in on these negotiation/training trips. Just let me know your thoughts!
Anybody want to come sit with me in room 201? I will provide food and beverages. Gratis.
And I am not ready.
Let me announce this with greater clarity: I am NOT ready.
Although the alternative is NOT great -- keeping baby #3 inside until I am DEFINITELY ready ... because she would come out like some smelly, hormonal, hairy teenager at the age of 14. And then, I may get stretch marks. Plus, that's like fourteen more summers in Texas!
So I ask, what fun would that be?
Therefore, I must suck it up and get ready.
As of my last appointment, I am beginning to dilate.
And that is ONLY because the doctor probably initiated that when he reached up to "feel" the baby's head. shit. that hurt. Why didn't the doctor just break my "water" and get this baby moving on its way out? Because ONE is never really ready to go through the rigors of labor and delivery, right? So just have a baby when you are NOT ready. It is much easier than waiting around for the due date.
Baby #1 -- my husband was in Los Angeles. Yes, that's right. California. With a two hour time difference. A 4+ hour flight to DFW. And I am sure he drank beer (or something a bit stronger) the entire flight. It isn't confirmed. But I have my hunches.
Baby #2 -- after settling me into my room, my husband went home to pick up a few things (like beer, wine and champagne), check on the existing children and grandparents, do some house stuff, clean the pool, fiddle in the garage... meanwhile, baby #2 decided to go from 2 cm to 10 cm in 45 minutes. And, too bad for me -- my cell phone was dead and I was too sick to think about calling him anyway.
Baby #3 -- yet to come.
Although, husband did leave me a note yesterday morning before he left for work (an extra hour early):
Dear Easy-Going, Loving Wife:
I have three business trips back-to-back this month. When do you think this baby is arriving? Is it possible for you to hold her in until one of the Saturdays? I really should be in on these negotiation/training trips. Just let me know your thoughts!
Anybody want to come sit with me in room 201? I will provide food and beverages. Gratis.
Monday, July 26, 2010
"5" - today's rating
Was it the cashier who coughed on our receipt?
Was it the toddler who had a runny nose?
Was it the child at gymnastics who did not want to "skip" a class?
Was it the restaurant - sticky seats, unkempt booth, and tabletop breeding bacterium?
Was it church?
Was it the germ harbouring but never catching neighbor?
Three of us are down and one to go...
I have always been healthy during prenancy. Never sick. Maybe a slight sinus cold. Maybe a few headaches. But never the flu.
Can I just tell you that being 36 weeks pregnant and catching the stomach virus is so NOT fun? No, it is not morning sickness. Nor is it third-trimester sickness. Nor is it food poisoning. It is the stomach flu. And it hurts!!!
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