So, I got a new job. I haven't had a job (besides Tastefully Simple consulting) since the beginning of the fall semester last year, after I quit working at The Children's Place. I finished the semester and kind of wanted a job, but doubted anyone would hire someone that far along in their pregnancy unless the place was desperate. So, I had off until Archer was born and now he is 4 months old and things at Zach's work place were not getting any better.
Zach worked 40 hours a week at his job until his hand injury the day before Halloween. Two surgeries and months of physical therapy and 8 months later, he was finally cleared to go back to work full-time. Only, the business had hired other people while he was gone and the first week he got 14 hours. The following week it was 13, and last week it was 21. Obviously, we cannot survive on this income, and with the economy being in a downward trend there was nothing legally we could do to make his boss give him his hours back, even though it would be the fair thing to do in this situation. The whole thing had him depressed and in a bitter mood all of the time, and I started filling out applications for both of us online and emailing resumes and so forth.
I had an interview last week, and was offered the full-time position today. I will explain more about the job once I have worked at it for a few days, but I think I will like it a lot. It's 40 hours a week, so I am going to be bringing home the bacon, while Zach does daddy duty at home. He is also going to look for something part-time, I think this is important because I don't want him to become demoralized by not contributing (even though I understand staying at home is MORE work sometimes) and I'll be damned if my paychecks go towards golf more than once in a great while.
I start on Thursday and I'm super excited about it...although I'm not sure how I will manage taking classes in the fall. I think it is important I get my degree, but I already had to forgo massage school because I just can't be there 20 hours a week while working 40- I would never see my kids or hubby.
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Zach and Declan are off at Vacation Bible School for the third night in a row (2 more nights after this) and for the second night in a row, Riley is opting to stay at home with me. It was important to me that he try it, and he did the first night... but it is supposed to be fun. If he wasn't having fun, I wasn't going to make him go back over and over again- that's not necessary. Declan is painfully shy at times, so Zach has been volunteering to be nearby when Dec needs him. Archer is in bed (for now, anyway) and it's so peaceful I may just crack open my book. I'm on the second book of the game of thrones series and it is fantastic!!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Potpourri...or is it hodgepodge?
Thought I'd take a quick moment to jot some thoughts down, although it is risky considering Archer took a wonderful nap this morning, so the nap he is currently embarking on is probably not going to be that long!
What's new:
Zach started back to work. He worked full-time at this job up until October 30, 2010 at which point he donated his dominant hand to the company. He will NEVER regain more than 50% grip in his right hand. Upon arriving at this job, he was actually only allowed to work 3 out of 5 days, only 2 of which made it onto his paycheck due to the way the pay periods work. So, to support his family of 5 he is now expected to make ends meet with only 1/3 of what workers comp was giving him, which was obviously less than what he made with full-time hours as well. They don't appear to be working him into the schedule either since he was already told not to come in until Tuesday.
We already contacted a lawyer and unfortunately due to the economy, there isn't anything we can do. It's so frustrating. I've started looking for jobs, but the whole thing has Zach so pissed off that he isn't really in the mood for looking. Everything was fine, and now not only is he fucked for the rest of his life by this company, they don't even have the decency to give him a straight answer about his future with the company. "I'm going to see what I can do", he has heard. Which means, despite everything he gave up for the company (including the paid golf tournament he was scheduled to play in the Saturday (non-workday) he came in to work on the day he got injured), those are the breaks. It's enough to make me cry. In fact, I have.
Other than that, things are going great. Diet is going fabulous, not even hungry most of the time.
Archer is doing so well, laughing and trying new foods. Mostly sleeping well at night, but not always just to keep me on my toes!
My school starts in 2 weeks, which is also when Declan's 4th birthday party will be.(A week early so to avoid the people unable to attend on the holiday weekend his birthday actually falls on).
Oh, and since most of my shows are on hiatus until the fall (except for Game of Thrones), I have been able to read a lot more, which I love.
Here is my reading list, if you have a book you would recommend I add to it, please let me know!
Red Princess Series (halfway through the 2nd of 3 books)
Of Ice and Fire Series (game of thrones is based on this)
The Hunger Games Series (because it is too trendy to be ignored!)
and for some crazy reason, I am planning to reread the Madeline L'Engle series that includes A Wrinkle in Time, etc.
That's all for now.
What's new:
Zach started back to work. He worked full-time at this job up until October 30, 2010 at which point he donated his dominant hand to the company. He will NEVER regain more than 50% grip in his right hand. Upon arriving at this job, he was actually only allowed to work 3 out of 5 days, only 2 of which made it onto his paycheck due to the way the pay periods work. So, to support his family of 5 he is now expected to make ends meet with only 1/3 of what workers comp was giving him, which was obviously less than what he made with full-time hours as well. They don't appear to be working him into the schedule either since he was already told not to come in until Tuesday.
We already contacted a lawyer and unfortunately due to the economy, there isn't anything we can do. It's so frustrating. I've started looking for jobs, but the whole thing has Zach so pissed off that he isn't really in the mood for looking. Everything was fine, and now not only is he fucked for the rest of his life by this company, they don't even have the decency to give him a straight answer about his future with the company. "I'm going to see what I can do", he has heard. Which means, despite everything he gave up for the company (including the paid golf tournament he was scheduled to play in the Saturday (non-workday) he came in to work on the day he got injured), those are the breaks. It's enough to make me cry. In fact, I have.
Other than that, things are going great. Diet is going fabulous, not even hungry most of the time.
Archer is doing so well, laughing and trying new foods. Mostly sleeping well at night, but not always just to keep me on my toes!
My school starts in 2 weeks, which is also when Declan's 4th birthday party will be.(A week early so to avoid the people unable to attend on the holiday weekend his birthday actually falls on).
Oh, and since most of my shows are on hiatus until the fall (except for Game of Thrones), I have been able to read a lot more, which I love.
Here is my reading list, if you have a book you would recommend I add to it, please let me know!
Red Princess Series (halfway through the 2nd of 3 books)
Of Ice and Fire Series (game of thrones is based on this)
The Hunger Games Series (because it is too trendy to be ignored!)
and for some crazy reason, I am planning to reread the Madeline L'Engle series that includes A Wrinkle in Time, etc.
That's all for now.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Creamsicles
If you don't already know, we live with Zach's mom and his two brothers. There are a lot of people in this house and for the first month since the brothers have been back from college we have made it work relatively well. There's never any milk many mornings since they stay up til 5 am, and they fluctuate from scrubbing the kitchen floors in the middle night to leaving a crumby, sticky disaster on the counters. (I'll let you figure this out on your own, why they are like this.)
So yesterday, I saw one of them eating an orange creamsicle. We don't share food, everyone gets their own stuff, we keep our stuff on separate shelves in the fridge and corners in the freezer. Even though this "uncle" heard Declan asking me about the creamsicle that he was eating, I told him loudly that those weren't ours and that mommy would get him a box at the store.
I go to the grocery store and am home around 9pm, put the stuff away. Come down this morning and I noticed the creamsicle box in the freezer is open...oh no! I pick it up and there is ONE CREAMSICLE OUT OF 12!! WTF?? Who needs to eat that many popsicles??? I didn't let Declan have even one of their stinkin box, which by the way I saw in the trash before I even went to the grocery store. They also demolished half the box of cheezits, some of the chicken in a biscuit crackers, and quite a few of the pringles as well. We are on a fixed workers comp income for pete's sake. Don't eat all of our damn snacks. Those aren't snacks that I eat and they last an almost 4 year old and 6 year old a long time. They shouldn't disappear in the first night they are in this house.
We are lucky to have a home to live in, and I know when we moved here everyone had to adjust but I thought we all did a great job of working together before they came back. One of them is set to graduate after taking a class at hacc in the fall and the other one isn't even going back to school, so there isn't even a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that the food will be replaced by my MIL but all I want is just the respect we give to be returned.
Sigh...
They are both so touchy, that Zach won't even be able to bring it up without a huge argument breaking out. Sometimes I wish I could fastforward time...
So yesterday, I saw one of them eating an orange creamsicle. We don't share food, everyone gets their own stuff, we keep our stuff on separate shelves in the fridge and corners in the freezer. Even though this "uncle" heard Declan asking me about the creamsicle that he was eating, I told him loudly that those weren't ours and that mommy would get him a box at the store.
I go to the grocery store and am home around 9pm, put the stuff away. Come down this morning and I noticed the creamsicle box in the freezer is open...oh no! I pick it up and there is ONE CREAMSICLE OUT OF 12!! WTF?? Who needs to eat that many popsicles??? I didn't let Declan have even one of their stinkin box, which by the way I saw in the trash before I even went to the grocery store. They also demolished half the box of cheezits, some of the chicken in a biscuit crackers, and quite a few of the pringles as well. We are on a fixed workers comp income for pete's sake. Don't eat all of our damn snacks. Those aren't snacks that I eat and they last an almost 4 year old and 6 year old a long time. They shouldn't disappear in the first night they are in this house.
We are lucky to have a home to live in, and I know when we moved here everyone had to adjust but I thought we all did a great job of working together before they came back. One of them is set to graduate after taking a class at hacc in the fall and the other one isn't even going back to school, so there isn't even a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that the food will be replaced by my MIL but all I want is just the respect we give to be returned.
Sigh...
They are both so touchy, that Zach won't even be able to bring it up without a huge argument breaking out. Sometimes I wish I could fastforward time...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
sour grapes
Life is too short to spend it being miserable. I've figured this out, and I wish it would rub off on my husband. I love him, but he is the most ornery, grouchy, victimized person I know. I literally cringe when I hear his footsteps in the morning on a day like today where we didn't have anywhere to be first thing. Those footsteps are always accompanied by some type of bitter remark, as if he is persecuted. (This is what I get for allowing him to sleep in 3 extra hours that I didn't AFTER being the one that does night feedings.) He bounces back and forth between I should get a job, but yet when I am gone for a few hours (like doing a TS party), he is all but throwing the kids at me when I walk in the door!
School starts up again soon, I'm not going to have time for a job on top of taking care of three kids and schoolwork and my consulting.
Some people I know have husbands who they may not have around much longer...and no, of course I don't want that but what I do want is for him to realize that at any moment, I could be gone- and maybe then he will wish he hadn't spent our whole marriage complaining.
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Side notes: Diet going great, Archie's sleeping/schedule is much better!
Have a happy memorial day, everyone!
School starts up again soon, I'm not going to have time for a job on top of taking care of three kids and schoolwork and my consulting.
Some people I know have husbands who they may not have around much longer...and no, of course I don't want that but what I do want is for him to realize that at any moment, I could be gone- and maybe then he will wish he hadn't spent our whole marriage complaining.
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Side notes: Diet going great, Archie's sleeping/schedule is much better!
Have a happy memorial day, everyone!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Fabulous
Only three more days of school for Riley before his graduation on Thursday from kindergarten! I can hardly believe this, to me he will always be my baby. My other baby who is getting too big is Declan, who graduates from the terrific threes preschool program tomorrow. Heck, my actual baby is getting too big too quickly- rolling over, eating cereal, cutting teeth. He'll be 3 months old already on Saturday!
Had a fabulous weekend, my parents' kept Archer from 4 pm Saturday til 1 pm Sunday...I missed him like crazy, but we were able to focus on the older two and it was fabulous. We went and saw a movie, and then after dinner stayed up late playing the video game Riley proudly bought with the gift card he won at the track and field day raffle. After they were in bed, since my MIL was home, we went for frozen custard and some snacks and drinks with my best friend. After all of this action packed grown up time, I was still in bed by 11 and slept in until 8! I really appreciated my night off from baby duty, even when Zach does help I am still home and hear Archer crying or fussing and awake and I wouldn't be able to just sleep through that. I feel all too strongly that since I am a SAHM, it is my responsibility to be up with him- even though Zach still isn't back to work yet from his injury.
Speaking of work, I go in to talk to a guy tomorrow about a job offer. He pretty much already gave me the job, but I don't want to go too much into it yet because there are a few important dates that I definitely can't work this summer and I have to go over all of the scheduling nonsense. Don't want to jinx it, a little me money would definitely be appreciated. School starts in a month, until then I am going to enjoy as much of summer as I can with my boys, definitely not looking forward to being at school Mon-Thursday evenings, which is my favorite playtime in the summer. (Not too hot, lightning bugs anyone?)
The dieting is still going great, except of course Saturday evening but I don't even feel guilty about that- I planned to splurge so it wasn't like I just caved into some pressure and had no willpower. I had babysitters for all my munchkins and I felt like eating something extra yummy. I can still feel a difference in my body already and it hasn't even been a weak. Drinking more water, taking extra steps in a day- all positive changes, and I've found that if I eat the right kinds of things, I'm practically eating all day long and still under 1200 calories!
I have been wanting to organize my coupons for awhile, so I'm going to get on that while Archer is down for his nap- have a great day everyone!
Had a fabulous weekend, my parents' kept Archer from 4 pm Saturday til 1 pm Sunday...I missed him like crazy, but we were able to focus on the older two and it was fabulous. We went and saw a movie, and then after dinner stayed up late playing the video game Riley proudly bought with the gift card he won at the track and field day raffle. After they were in bed, since my MIL was home, we went for frozen custard and some snacks and drinks with my best friend. After all of this action packed grown up time, I was still in bed by 11 and slept in until 8! I really appreciated my night off from baby duty, even when Zach does help I am still home and hear Archer crying or fussing and awake and I wouldn't be able to just sleep through that. I feel all too strongly that since I am a SAHM, it is my responsibility to be up with him- even though Zach still isn't back to work yet from his injury.
Speaking of work, I go in to talk to a guy tomorrow about a job offer. He pretty much already gave me the job, but I don't want to go too much into it yet because there are a few important dates that I definitely can't work this summer and I have to go over all of the scheduling nonsense. Don't want to jinx it, a little me money would definitely be appreciated. School starts in a month, until then I am going to enjoy as much of summer as I can with my boys, definitely not looking forward to being at school Mon-Thursday evenings, which is my favorite playtime in the summer. (Not too hot, lightning bugs anyone?)
The dieting is still going great, except of course Saturday evening but I don't even feel guilty about that- I planned to splurge so it wasn't like I just caved into some pressure and had no willpower. I had babysitters for all my munchkins and I felt like eating something extra yummy. I can still feel a difference in my body already and it hasn't even been a weak. Drinking more water, taking extra steps in a day- all positive changes, and I've found that if I eat the right kinds of things, I'm practically eating all day long and still under 1200 calories!
I have been wanting to organize my coupons for awhile, so I'm going to get on that while Archer is down for his nap- have a great day everyone!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My Fitness Pal Day 1
So with Jenny Craig being way too expensive to continue for any rate of time, and my husband not being supportive at all (although I'm sure he'd like to see me more like the old me he fell in love with, he is constantly suggesting the fattiest foods for us to eat together...sigh.), I needed something to hold me accountable!
A few people suggested the myfitnesspal.com website and smartphone app. So I started using my fitness pal and I love the program! I'm not ready to start exercising until next week, I've experienced in the past that starting too much at once (diet and exercise) after doing nothing is really difficult.
Today I was under by 59 calories! Woot! However, I was then scolded for not eating enough.
A few people suggested the myfitnesspal.com website and smartphone app. So I started using my fitness pal and I love the program! I'm not ready to start exercising until next week, I've experienced in the past that starting too much at once (diet and exercise) after doing nothing is really difficult.
Today I was under by 59 calories! Woot! However, I was then scolded for not eating enough.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Get on board PLEASE- Sleep Training.
It really sucks not agreeing with the other parent- especially when it is practically all the time! I have never agreed with his firm style of discipline, although when he was helping out at Track and field day at Riley's school on Friday the kids in his group were better behaved than the majority of the other kindergarteners (except for one kid who was a crybaby mess because his mom didn't stay very long, poor guy!) so much so that teachers were coming up to Mary and I telling us how amazing Zach was with the kids. At home though, his sternness translates to just mean a lot of the time and I get the same treatment when we are in disagreement on something so I know it is a character flaw of his and not me overreacting. Once he gets on someone about something he is relentless and doesn't stop until you are either crying or in tears. I'm pretty sure he needs counseling regarding this.
But that isn't even what I'm upset about today. He doesn't support me at all where the baby's sleeping habits are concerned. I know a lot of people do this alone and I'm not saying I don't appreciate having him around, it just might be easier not having someone tell you you're a terrible mom for sleep-training your baby. I have been laying him down and walking away for about a week now, and now I can do it for naps and when he wakes up to eat at night. I get a little more sleep, even with him teething by laying him down after he burps instead of walking around singing him back to dreamland- AND I NEED THAT SLEEP! How dare he question me as he sleeps soundly through these night feedings and gum pain?? He judged me for laying him down and letting him cry for 2 minutes, when he wasn't even crying hard-more or less tossing his head back and forth trying to decide which way he wanted his head to rest. This is something I didn't do with Declan, and he got up multiple times until he was over 18 months old (that's just when I stopped counting!). Not able to put himself back to sleep if he woke up at that age and drank some of his cup...I mean seriously! I am determined to do better with this child as far as the sleeping goes- and a little support would be nice.
Don't get me wrong, I do love my husband. I just wish he would be on my team for this difficult training. It is hard enough for me to do this.
But that isn't even what I'm upset about today. He doesn't support me at all where the baby's sleeping habits are concerned. I know a lot of people do this alone and I'm not saying I don't appreciate having him around, it just might be easier not having someone tell you you're a terrible mom for sleep-training your baby. I have been laying him down and walking away for about a week now, and now I can do it for naps and when he wakes up to eat at night. I get a little more sleep, even with him teething by laying him down after he burps instead of walking around singing him back to dreamland- AND I NEED THAT SLEEP! How dare he question me as he sleeps soundly through these night feedings and gum pain?? He judged me for laying him down and letting him cry for 2 minutes, when he wasn't even crying hard-more or less tossing his head back and forth trying to decide which way he wanted his head to rest. This is something I didn't do with Declan, and he got up multiple times until he was over 18 months old (that's just when I stopped counting!). Not able to put himself back to sleep if he woke up at that age and drank some of his cup...I mean seriously! I am determined to do better with this child as far as the sleeping goes- and a little support would be nice.
Don't get me wrong, I do love my husband. I just wish he would be on my team for this difficult training. It is hard enough for me to do this.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Worrying
I haven't blogged about my hubby's hand in awhile, so it's necessary that I update you on his current prognosis. He is STILL on light duty (and his line of work doesn't ever have light duty available) and receiving the flat rate workers comp check every week. It's not much to live on, there's no opportunity to get overtime and it just sucks. That's one of the reasons I've decided to go to a technical school as opposed to picking up again with my college classes in the fall... I have way too much school left to do and especially working around my busy schedule as a mom of 3. I needed a program that is always the same time so I know when I need someone to be with the boys and exactly when I will be done with classes (March of 2013). With this particular degree, I will be able to go whichever direction I choose-be it the spa route, the personal business route, or the chiropractor/therapy/medical route. Which again, will give me flexibility to be what my main job will always be: a mom.
But back to the hand...
It is probably never going to be able to do the things he was able to do before he was injured. He can't grasp things in his right hand still... and the grip he has now is likely the best it will ever get again. It makes me wonder just how many people are affected by injuries like this working these warehouse jobs where they don't even make that much money and then are unable to get the only kind of work they have ever done... which of course makes it hard to get into another line of work, especially since my hubby was a college dropout just like me.
I know a lot of people who did finish school that aren't doing any better...but I sure wish I had stayed in school, if it meant I still would have met Zach and then of course had my boys. Since that is something I would never change, even if it means always living paycheck to paycheck. You can't put a price on love, after all.
Many of you know that my hubby had a little trouble with the law awhile back, which also limits his job opportunities. That's why I need to finish school, start my career and be the breadwinner. I'd like to get to the point where my paychecks are what runs the household and Zach's earnings would be savings and play money. This is all several years down the road, and for now we are really lucky to have supportive family who help us out when we need it. Especially my mother in law, who opened her doors to our whole family to live here while we regroup from the crippling changes in our financial status.
I hope I'm not being too cryptic. I am annoyed when people are mysterious on facebook or in blogs, but that is everyone's personal right as well. I don't keep my secrets for myself, but for someone else who I don't want to embarrass. So if you have read this, and want more details- just ask me. I'm not ashamed of anything and I'm definitely not perfect, which I will be the first to admit.
This has been slightly liberating.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Early to bed....
You know it has been a long day when you send your kids to bed at 6:30. They used to go to bed at 8:08, like Sporticus from the silly show Lazytown. Once Riley started kindergarten, it changed to 7:30, and then got moved up to 7 since nothing ever happens on time anyway. Today, I'm on duty alone and 6:30 was the time I decided. Hey, it beats losing my temper right? I was getting to that point, so I thought the wiser choice would be to just call it a day!
Tons more to say, but obviously I won't be saying any of it. I bet you can guess why...which was one of the things I really wanted to write about it. Love him-but Archer is driving me freaking insane.
Tons more to say, but obviously I won't be saying any of it. I bet you can guess why...which was one of the things I really wanted to write about it. Love him-but Archer is driving me freaking insane.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May
I cannot believe it is May already....already the last month of kindergarten/preschool for my big boys, Archie is smiling and just about laughing... life is amazing. Zach and I have been getting along remarkably well, after a huge blowout a week or so ago. The baby is sleeping better and pretty much on a schedule with a few surprises here and there. That definitely helps with lessening the stress, since we now know we can squeeze food, a show/movie for grownups and not starring a cartoon, and snuggling in without him waking up interrupting.
Still haven't found a job to match my limited availability, school doesn't start for another almost 2 months... life is just on cruise control right now.
Today the older boys are with my parents while Zach golfs with his cousin, and it is pretty quiet right now while Archie is napping. I cleaned the boys room (except for vacuuming since I don't want to wake the little prince) and even went through their clothes to pull out things that don't fit Declan anymore....I'm really happy I have one more little man to wear some of these items. He has so many clothes!
Riley will need some more shorts and sandals...his whole body has grown, including his feet. I am excited about him wearing a uniform for first grade, he will look so adorable.
Enough of this string of random thoughts... time to try to sneak some laundry out of my bedroom to put away in Ry and Dec's room without waking the baby!
Still haven't found a job to match my limited availability, school doesn't start for another almost 2 months... life is just on cruise control right now.
Today the older boys are with my parents while Zach golfs with his cousin, and it is pretty quiet right now while Archie is napping. I cleaned the boys room (except for vacuuming since I don't want to wake the little prince) and even went through their clothes to pull out things that don't fit Declan anymore....I'm really happy I have one more little man to wear some of these items. He has so many clothes!
Riley will need some more shorts and sandals...his whole body has grown, including his feet. I am excited about him wearing a uniform for first grade, he will look so adorable.
Enough of this string of random thoughts... time to try to sneak some laundry out of my bedroom to put away in Ry and Dec's room without waking the baby!
Monday, April 25, 2011
When I grow up
Had a wonderful weekend (which of course is still going on today since there is no school or work for any of us!) and especially Easter Sunday. Not that we are a family full of drama or anything...but we are. This has been the first major holiday gathering in at least a year where there was no fighting or arguing or people not showing up when they are supposed to... it was lovely. We ate here, my mother in law cooked her famous lamb (the only time of year we eat such an expensive meat) with plenty of yummy sides, my parents joined us here too, that was a first and very nice. A little too much wine, but plenty of people to play with the kiddos and hold babykins so I got a nap and woke up feeling quite refreshed. The best part was the weather...simply gorgeous. Kids in the front yard playing baseball with Daddy, their Uncles and one of Daddy's friends that stopped by...as well as grandparents getting in on the game. I love watching the boys get older and their skills improving. Maybe it will be time to get them into some organized sports before too long...I hear the discipline is good for kids, go figure. Riley is always a little apprehensive to start new things which is what has held me back so far...but I think if the conditions were right, or maybe one of his friends from school was doing it too, it might be okay. Saturday we went to an Easter Egg Hunt at the Lazer Factory (in Annville) and the boys got lots of candy- Dec found a prize egg, which allowed him to stuff a bunny. (generic build a bear) He was so proud and pleased, but it was hard to be excited for him since Riley was so bummed out he didn't find one. Well, maybe saying it was hard is wrong...holding in my excitement was the hard part. That is one of the toughest parts of parenting at this stage of the game for the older two...the constant rivalry involved. Riley has been going to birthday parties of classmates for a few years now and that was just fine and dandy. Today is Declan's first party for a classmate, and Riley is pretty torn up with the fact that he can't go to it. Declan doesn't get upset when Riley gets things that he doesn't, or gets to go to places he doesn't...I think it is just the different personalities. I'm hoping Declan will always stay this mild mannered, calm and sweet. Riley is definitely more of a pistol, the squeaky wheel, and the first to get his feelings hurt. Isn't it amazing how kids in the same household can be so different?
I love wondering what they will be when they grow up...based on their interests now, here are my predictions for my three boys:
Riley: fabulous at video games, super smart at all of his school subjects, has an endless memory- can tell you the make and model of almost any car he sees just from Zach telling him once when he was 2 what any given model happens to be. He has just recently started to come into his body a little better, and loves to run around and burn off energy. He loves the military, and also knows alot about military weapons. The books he signs out from the school library are always either about one of the branches of the military, race cars, or an eye spy book. When I ask him what he wants to be, he says a cop. I would prefer him in a safer position of something computer related. I definitely could see him programming video games and staying a kid at heart forever.
Declan: he is my little artist. He loves to draw, to create with clay or play-doh, to paint. He also loves to play...whereas Riley wants someone to play with him always, Declan can play alone for hours and I hear the cutest little stories coming out of him as he plays. He often creates whole cities out of his toys, and more recently he creates video game levels (think Mario Galaxy) where you have to travel in certain ways to get to the other side of the playroom, fighting "bosses" as you go. He is definitely very creative, and yet he also has quite an arm on him! A little more shy, he comes out of his shell with encouragement. I could see him in the role of an architect... although he has told me many times that he wants to be a Daddy when he grows up, although just now he has said he wants to play tennis when he grows up.
Archer: Still getting to know this guy, as of now he is definitely going to be a musician. He loves music more than any of my other babies. Riley and Declan both say that Archie is going to play golf like Daddy, though.
But for now...let's just get through today.
I love wondering what they will be when they grow up...based on their interests now, here are my predictions for my three boys:
Riley: fabulous at video games, super smart at all of his school subjects, has an endless memory- can tell you the make and model of almost any car he sees just from Zach telling him once when he was 2 what any given model happens to be. He has just recently started to come into his body a little better, and loves to run around and burn off energy. He loves the military, and also knows alot about military weapons. The books he signs out from the school library are always either about one of the branches of the military, race cars, or an eye spy book. When I ask him what he wants to be, he says a cop. I would prefer him in a safer position of something computer related. I definitely could see him programming video games and staying a kid at heart forever.
Declan: he is my little artist. He loves to draw, to create with clay or play-doh, to paint. He also loves to play...whereas Riley wants someone to play with him always, Declan can play alone for hours and I hear the cutest little stories coming out of him as he plays. He often creates whole cities out of his toys, and more recently he creates video game levels (think Mario Galaxy) where you have to travel in certain ways to get to the other side of the playroom, fighting "bosses" as you go. He is definitely very creative, and yet he also has quite an arm on him! A little more shy, he comes out of his shell with encouragement. I could see him in the role of an architect... although he has told me many times that he wants to be a Daddy when he grows up, although just now he has said he wants to play tennis when he grows up.
Archer: Still getting to know this guy, as of now he is definitely going to be a musician. He loves music more than any of my other babies. Riley and Declan both say that Archie is going to play golf like Daddy, though.
But for now...let's just get through today.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Well, things are (dare I say) a lot better around here concerning Archer. He now gets up only twice a night and isn't nearly as fussy in the evenings, and since we know him a little better we can get him to stop and fall asleep a lot sooner. Knowing all of his tricks certainly helps- we end up having a full blown singing-in-the-shower karaoke fest in the living room most nights. He loves music and our terrible singing and it gets him to calm right down almost all of the time, and pretty quickly.
Took him to his 2 month appointment today, he's not quite 2 months but his doctor goes on vacation next week so he got all of his terrible shots today. He is now 12 lbs and 4 oz and 24 inches long. So that would make him the 77th% for weight and 94th% for length. Everything with him looks great, so that is always nice to hear- you're doing things right!
In other news, I've quit Jenny Craig already. Stretching my budget to paper thin when I can just as easily count calories of foods I make myself seemed silly. I'm still operating on the 1200 calories a day rule, and eating lots of fruits and veggies (for me, a MAJOR change!) and just trying to choose more healthy foods. Although for anyone with money to burn and weight to lose, the Jenny Craig entrees and snacks were all really yummy-totally surprising. I'm continuing to eat the ones I've already purchased!
Archer is sleeping right now, completely worn out from his doctor visit and Riley, Declan and Zach are all collecting the green stars in Mario Galaxy 2. This is the first moment I've sat down and just chilled with the "old" fam...it's kinda nice! At the same time, I feel like I should be doing something!
What else has happened lately? I had a phone interview yesterday that seemed to me to go really well, hoping to hear from the actual department hiring to see if I get a real interview. Although, with the holidays she did warn me it might take a little longer to move to the next step. Yesterday, I also had my financial aid meeting for KTI where I will be starting my classes (evenings only, Monday-Thursday) June 27th. I was excited to learn that besides the $50 registration fee, there are no other costs that need paid prior to school beginning or even until 6 months after completion of the course. Very nice for our family, with a very limited workers comp paycheck.
5 whole days off before Riley has school again... so grant me patience, and Tylenol to get through this.
Happy Easter, everyone! Only a few more days til Starbucks!!!
Took him to his 2 month appointment today, he's not quite 2 months but his doctor goes on vacation next week so he got all of his terrible shots today. He is now 12 lbs and 4 oz and 24 inches long. So that would make him the 77th% for weight and 94th% for length. Everything with him looks great, so that is always nice to hear- you're doing things right!
In other news, I've quit Jenny Craig already. Stretching my budget to paper thin when I can just as easily count calories of foods I make myself seemed silly. I'm still operating on the 1200 calories a day rule, and eating lots of fruits and veggies (for me, a MAJOR change!) and just trying to choose more healthy foods. Although for anyone with money to burn and weight to lose, the Jenny Craig entrees and snacks were all really yummy-totally surprising. I'm continuing to eat the ones I've already purchased!
Archer is sleeping right now, completely worn out from his doctor visit and Riley, Declan and Zach are all collecting the green stars in Mario Galaxy 2. This is the first moment I've sat down and just chilled with the "old" fam...it's kinda nice! At the same time, I feel like I should be doing something!
What else has happened lately? I had a phone interview yesterday that seemed to me to go really well, hoping to hear from the actual department hiring to see if I get a real interview. Although, with the holidays she did warn me it might take a little longer to move to the next step. Yesterday, I also had my financial aid meeting for KTI where I will be starting my classes (evenings only, Monday-Thursday) June 27th. I was excited to learn that besides the $50 registration fee, there are no other costs that need paid prior to school beginning or even until 6 months after completion of the course. Very nice for our family, with a very limited workers comp paycheck.
5 whole days off before Riley has school again... so grant me patience, and Tylenol to get through this.
Happy Easter, everyone! Only a few more days til Starbucks!!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
3 is the Magic Number!
Today is day one of Jenny Craig for me. It's going ok so far... the breakfast was french toast with fresh berries, and some light syrup. It was pretty yummy. Then around mid morning you are supposed to eat an anytime bar if you are feeling hungry at all, which I was- plus Archer was being extra fussy (due to his teething)and the idea of chocolate sounded pretty good. It was actually tasty too. Just finished my lunch too, and I ate all of it- even the peas which I do not normally like. Mixed together with the corn and mashed potatoes (and there was chicken and cheese as well) I couldn't really pick out the flavor of the peas. And a tropical fruit cup packed in juice. So far so good... now about exercising... haven't done any of that except for all the pacing and walking I do with Archie on a daily basis. I am pleasantly surprised by the taste of the food... I did nutrisystem after I had Riley and it was just disgusting. Although, I am pretty picky. The main thing about the program that I like so far is how nice everybody is at the center, and that the food is all prepackaged and basically doesn't require thought. I'm way too busy to prepare a separate meal for everyone in the house (the boys don't like the same kinds of foods for the most part, Zach is a very peppery and oniony type of guy and the boys don't like that-neither do I. Plus veggies are a struggle enough without feeding the boys corn for every meal!). So it is nice that everything is ready and I don't have to think about it, plus they are labeled by what type of meal as well (lunch, dinner, snack, breakfast) so you don't have to even think about the actual calories depending on what kind of mood you are in- so I like that as well-it's all interchangeable. Obviously the one negative point is the price....
Which brings me to the next new thing... I'm on the job hunt for a weekends only kinda job to bring in some extra cash for the next 6 months while I try to lose this weight. I applied at a few different places yesterday, and already I have one interview set up for Tuesday. Hoping this pans out and quick, because otherwise Jenny Craig does not really fit into my budget at all! And I really want to stick with this program so a part time job is a necessary thing.
Which brings me to my third thing... I have been back and forth and on the fence for awhile about classes and what I want to do with my life. So far I took some generic classes that could go to pretty much any degree at HACC (with some transfer credits from my first attempt at college straight outta HS) but I know I no longer want to be an ultrasound tech which was what my major was when I decided to go back, and I love English and was thinking about an English degree which then I could go back and get my masters so I could be a librarian which would be a dream job for a bookworm like me. I don't want to be in school for the next 3 years trying to get the english degree and then more school after that...all while just spending money and not bringing any in! So I started thinking of trade schools which led me to my third decision...went to a meeting yesterday and signed up for classes that start June 27th to be a massage therapist. I hesitate to even mention this because a lot of people don't think that I follow through with anything, but the process will be over 17 months after it starts and then I can be a financial contributer with flexible hours that fit around my family's schedule. I will be able to decide as my classes near completion what kind of route I want to go...whether it be the more medical route working in a chiropractors office, or the more resorty route working at a spa or a hotel. I would also have the choice of whether or not I wanted to freelance out of my home or even start a business (wow, that sounds like a lot of work!).
So basically a lot of changes, but I think they are all good ones that will make me happier. I haven't been in a dark place, per say, but I haven't been in the best of moods and I needed to start with something that is for me- and the confidence from bettering myself will better everyone in the family.
Whew.
Which brings me to the next new thing... I'm on the job hunt for a weekends only kinda job to bring in some extra cash for the next 6 months while I try to lose this weight. I applied at a few different places yesterday, and already I have one interview set up for Tuesday. Hoping this pans out and quick, because otherwise Jenny Craig does not really fit into my budget at all! And I really want to stick with this program so a part time job is a necessary thing.
Which brings me to my third thing... I have been back and forth and on the fence for awhile about classes and what I want to do with my life. So far I took some generic classes that could go to pretty much any degree at HACC (with some transfer credits from my first attempt at college straight outta HS) but I know I no longer want to be an ultrasound tech which was what my major was when I decided to go back, and I love English and was thinking about an English degree which then I could go back and get my masters so I could be a librarian which would be a dream job for a bookworm like me. I don't want to be in school for the next 3 years trying to get the english degree and then more school after that...all while just spending money and not bringing any in! So I started thinking of trade schools which led me to my third decision...went to a meeting yesterday and signed up for classes that start June 27th to be a massage therapist. I hesitate to even mention this because a lot of people don't think that I follow through with anything, but the process will be over 17 months after it starts and then I can be a financial contributer with flexible hours that fit around my family's schedule. I will be able to decide as my classes near completion what kind of route I want to go...whether it be the more medical route working in a chiropractors office, or the more resorty route working at a spa or a hotel. I would also have the choice of whether or not I wanted to freelance out of my home or even start a business (wow, that sounds like a lot of work!).
So basically a lot of changes, but I think they are all good ones that will make me happier. I haven't been in a dark place, per say, but I haven't been in the best of moods and I needed to start with something that is for me- and the confidence from bettering myself will better everyone in the family.
Whew.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Enter Sandman
Things are getting a little easier, especially as far as fussy time goes. Fussy time used to last for 2 1/2-3 hours of passing Archer back and forth and standing and walking around. Now he fusses for maybe a half an hour to an hour at the very most and doesn't do it every day anymore. (With exception to the beautiful day on Monday when I think my poor little man was just sticky and hot) His first "sleep" of the night is usually the best, but at the very most was 4 hours (and that only happened twice, usually it's three max). After that he is up every two-two and half hours. Every couple of nights he wakes up around 3 and won't go back to sleep. He isn't fussy at this point, he is just awake and won't be laid down or put in a bouncy seat of course. So I have to sit up and keep talking and playing with him. Today he finally fell back asleep at 5:30 am and then was back up by 7:30, starving and acting really awake. So I got up and got myself in gear and he is sleeping still, (fell asleep while eating) and so is the other person home, Declan.
Love him to pieces, but I am so tired these days. I have been wanting to go back to school for summer classes, but honestly I don't think I will be going until the fall at this point. I am registered though, just in case he should surprise me and start sleeping a little better for me. During the day, his naps have gotten a little better, we are almost in a routine with that. 1-2 hrs in the late morning, 2 hrs in the late afternoon, bedtime is between 8 and 9.
The only thing that kept me from falling back asleep myself is spending some quality time with Declan...what a litle brat, still asleep. He has been such a help with the baby and handling the jealousy pretty well. He seems to be doing ok back in preschool now, for awhile he was crying and wanting us all of a sudden (which he never even did when preschool started in the fall) but that seems to be wrapping up, hopefully.
Riley is still acting out, but seems to be doing a little better with certain parts of it.. he has come to terms with the fact that I do mean business when I say it is time to do homework and no he won't be playing wii until he has completed it without whining. I am doing a little better with standing behind Zach when he sends him to his room or takes something away from him.... I hate seeing my baby upset, but at the end of the day Riley does still love me even when I've punished him. Parenting is harder than I thought it would be...I thought once they weren't babies anymore it would get a little easier- but it is definitely a whole new set of challenges.
Love him to pieces, but I am so tired these days. I have been wanting to go back to school for summer classes, but honestly I don't think I will be going until the fall at this point. I am registered though, just in case he should surprise me and start sleeping a little better for me. During the day, his naps have gotten a little better, we are almost in a routine with that. 1-2 hrs in the late morning, 2 hrs in the late afternoon, bedtime is between 8 and 9.
The only thing that kept me from falling back asleep myself is spending some quality time with Declan...what a litle brat, still asleep. He has been such a help with the baby and handling the jealousy pretty well. He seems to be doing ok back in preschool now, for awhile he was crying and wanting us all of a sudden (which he never even did when preschool started in the fall) but that seems to be wrapping up, hopefully.
Riley is still acting out, but seems to be doing a little better with certain parts of it.. he has come to terms with the fact that I do mean business when I say it is time to do homework and no he won't be playing wii until he has completed it without whining. I am doing a little better with standing behind Zach when he sends him to his room or takes something away from him.... I hate seeing my baby upset, but at the end of the day Riley does still love me even when I've punished him. Parenting is harder than I thought it would be...I thought once they weren't babies anymore it would get a little easier- but it is definitely a whole new set of challenges.
Friday, April 8, 2011
This week has literally flown by- even with being tired much of the time, the days just slipped away. For many reasons, I don't want Monday to come- but at the same time, I need it to come very badly. I think I spend so much time worrying about the outcome and having it loom over our heads that it will be a relief for some type of resolution to this whole matter. I mean it has been a year and a half already, and the whole time spent counting down to the next date. Oh, only a month left... three weeks, two weeks, one week, then days, then hours. Always thinking this might be the last time we do this in a long time... for every activity. Feeling guilty because sometimes I wished for this very thing...him not to be around for awhile. It will be harder in a lot of ways, but easier too. Not exactly a relief, but in some ways exactly that.
He is a different person now, and I wish that counted for something. Not that he is a ball of sunshine- but he is a loving father and still improving every day.
He is a different person now, and I wish that counted for something. Not that he is a ball of sunshine- but he is a loving father and still improving every day.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Several paragraphs- and he's still sleeping!
A few things...
Declan DID have a ruptured/punctured eardrum. He now has antibiotics and eardrops and it should heal itself in about a week. They can be caused by allergies, loud noises, a blow to the head, or the ever popular sticking something in your ear. Declan has allergies, it's always pretty loud in our house, he had had several bumps to his head wrestling with Riley in the past week and we also caught him coming down the stairs with q-tips sticking out of both ears last week. How's that for a run-on sentence?
Archer took a fabulous nap yesterday...fell asleep on the way to pick up Riley (so like 2:30ish) and didn't wake up until after 5 in the car on the way home from the doctors. He slept through the entire visit. :) He made up for it by being awake last night for well over an hour after a feeding...which is NOT his usual style. He wasn't crying though- small miracles.
I registered for my classes yesterday. I am taking one class for each of the two summer sessions, 2 online classes and 2 regular classes for the fall semester. It's hard to believe that the first summer session is only a month and 1/2 away and we finally had the first nice weather (besides the flukey days in February/early March) yesterday. Although it is supposed to rain at least a little bit every day as far as the forecast stretches.
Which leads me to my next topic-golf. I'm really happy that my husband has a hobby that he likes, that isn't as self destructive as past hobbies. He also made a friend who shares the interest that lives nearby and has a pretty open schedule so that makes me happy too, he has an outlet. At the same time...I'm going absolutely freaking insane watching the golf channel day and night and hearing about golf. He is playing multiple times in a week, or at least at the driving range. When he can't make it away from our house, he is in the front yard chipping or putting. I mean really, calm down Tiger! He has such an addictive personality that he gets the tunnel vision whenever he is interested in anything. I've seen him take a liking to many things since I met him almost 8 years ago... his "souped up" Civic, motorcyles, guns and reloading bullets, and golf. I love my hubby, but even if he finds a new show that he likes...we have to watch every single episode available on demand in the quickest fashion. It shouldn't be a race.
Doesn't look like his plans for Monday will be pushed back at all though. That's a blog I'm not quite ready for though.
And finally, Happy 50th Birthday to my Daddy, Jeffery Leese today. I couldn't have asked for a better father!
Declan DID have a ruptured/punctured eardrum. He now has antibiotics and eardrops and it should heal itself in about a week. They can be caused by allergies, loud noises, a blow to the head, or the ever popular sticking something in your ear. Declan has allergies, it's always pretty loud in our house, he had had several bumps to his head wrestling with Riley in the past week and we also caught him coming down the stairs with q-tips sticking out of both ears last week. How's that for a run-on sentence?
Archer took a fabulous nap yesterday...fell asleep on the way to pick up Riley (so like 2:30ish) and didn't wake up until after 5 in the car on the way home from the doctors. He slept through the entire visit. :) He made up for it by being awake last night for well over an hour after a feeding...which is NOT his usual style. He wasn't crying though- small miracles.
I registered for my classes yesterday. I am taking one class for each of the two summer sessions, 2 online classes and 2 regular classes for the fall semester. It's hard to believe that the first summer session is only a month and 1/2 away and we finally had the first nice weather (besides the flukey days in February/early March) yesterday. Although it is supposed to rain at least a little bit every day as far as the forecast stretches.
Which leads me to my next topic-golf. I'm really happy that my husband has a hobby that he likes, that isn't as self destructive as past hobbies. He also made a friend who shares the interest that lives nearby and has a pretty open schedule so that makes me happy too, he has an outlet. At the same time...I'm going absolutely freaking insane watching the golf channel day and night and hearing about golf. He is playing multiple times in a week, or at least at the driving range. When he can't make it away from our house, he is in the front yard chipping or putting. I mean really, calm down Tiger! He has such an addictive personality that he gets the tunnel vision whenever he is interested in anything. I've seen him take a liking to many things since I met him almost 8 years ago... his "souped up" Civic, motorcyles, guns and reloading bullets, and golf. I love my hubby, but even if he finds a new show that he likes...we have to watch every single episode available on demand in the quickest fashion. It shouldn't be a race.
Doesn't look like his plans for Monday will be pushed back at all though. That's a blog I'm not quite ready for though.
And finally, Happy 50th Birthday to my Daddy, Jeffery Leese today. I couldn't have asked for a better father!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Haven't had a chance to blog in awhile (or fold the mountain of laundry, for that matter!)-just so busy adjusting to this little guy. He is still colicky in the evenings, but he is either more comfortable because his senses are improving or it is just naturally winding down because he has skipped a few evenings lately. So that is good...isn't really sleeping any better at night..3 hours is still the maximum, and he kills his 4 oz at every wake-up. Maybe he needs 5 oz at a time? That seems like a lot-an ounce for every week he's been around! The other boys are doing well, Riley is still ultra sensitive and faking out of school every other week. He cries so easily, and then Zach and I end up arguing because I scold Zach (later) for being hard on him when we know how sensitive he is. Some people are just not thick skinned- and he is only six! Declan ruptured an eardrum (at least that is what the dr thinks via the phone and webmd agrees) but it will apparently heal on its own in 1-2 weeks. If he complains of any more pain, he will need to be seen to make sure the rupture isn't infected, but for now he is just extra gooey. Yuck.
I had a whole list of things in my head that I wanted to blog about..but naturally, Archer just woke up so that won't be happening anytime soon.
To be continued...
I had a whole list of things in my head that I wanted to blog about..but naturally, Archer just woke up so that won't be happening anytime soon.
To be continued...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Free Stuff
All of a sudden it occurred to me to try to get free stuff for Archer by registering for his diaper and formula brands. I never did this with the other two, and I'm fairly disappointed with myself for that.
Here are the links to the sites:
www.sharegiftstogrow.com
Pampers
You get to enter codes from diapers and wipes to earn points towards free stuff...how cool is that?
www.enfamil.com
I think most formula brands have a program where you can sign up to earn 200-300 bucks worth of samples and other gifts. Make sure you have done this ladies, if you like free stuff!
This seems like something I would like to do often...scour the net for deals and things I can get for free,cheap or discounted.
So, your homework ladies: what's your favorite mommy group that helps you save money? Let me know of anything I should be signing up for!
Here are the links to the sites:
www.sharegiftstogrow.com
Pampers
You get to enter codes from diapers and wipes to earn points towards free stuff...how cool is that?
www.enfamil.com
I think most formula brands have a program where you can sign up to earn 200-300 bucks worth of samples and other gifts. Make sure you have done this ladies, if you like free stuff!
This seems like something I would like to do often...scour the net for deals and things I can get for free,cheap or discounted.
So, your homework ladies: what's your favorite mommy group that helps you save money? Let me know of anything I should be signing up for!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Overstimulated, underenthused.
Things are basically in a routine now...it's not a routine that I exactly like, but it could be labeled a routine since it is pretty much always the same each day. Here it is:
(and I am starting at the time the alarm goes off)
6:45 am: Alarm goes off. This is pretty much the afterglow of the last feeding of the nightshift where I wake with him in the crook of my arm snuggled against me. It is next to impossible to turn the alarm clock off without disturbing Archer, but sometimes I am successful.
6:45-7:20 : Rush around getting Riley dressed, his backpack packed up with his lunchbox, his belly fed. By 7, I am back in the room creeping around trying not to wake the baby BUT wake Zach, who at least can dress himself without complaining too much.
7:30 : Riley leaves for school with Zach, if Archer isn't already awake, he wakes up and so does Declan...usually at the exact same time. Everybody wants fed. Cartoons go on for Dec.
8-12. Archer falls back asleep about 3 times. 2 times for 20-30 minutes and one time for an hour max. This is not enough sleep for his age group, and he is a bit grouchy.
12-2 Figure out how to feed Declan lunch when Archie is being super fussy. Usually end up pushing him back and forth in his stroller, unless Zach or my MIL are here to help by holding him. If it's a T/R, then Dec heads off to preschool with Zach. Yes, I am incredibly lucky that he is on disability right now and able to do all these school runs! At some point, usually more towards 2, Archer drops off completely exhausted after a feeding of some type. At this point he may sleep for 1-2 hours.
3-5 Riley comes home from school (and Dec if he had preschool) and it gets pretty loud. If Archer's nap is crappy, this is undoubtedly why. Try to get homework out of the way and if it's not too chilly, boys outside with Daddy for a little fresh air.
5-7. Dinner, and usually a little videogame or tv time for the older boys. Every other day, unless incredibly dirty, they get a bath around 6:45.
7-7:30 Bedtime for Riley and Declan, Archer starts to fuss.
7:30-10ish Archer fusses. We pass him back and forth, take turns singing to him, and he eventually drops off, exhausted. Until he falls asleep, his eyes look like they are bulging out of his skull. He is WIDE AWAKE and HYPER ALERT.
10-6:45: I sleep in mini two hour increments. He was waking up closer to three hours apart, but since he had the little cold, he is back to every two because of all the snot sucking that was going on. He normally goes right back down, unless he makes a poop in the night, then it takes a little bit more finesse. There is rarely any fussing though.
*************
I hate to sound like I'm complaining, I know he is a true blessing. I just wish he was a true blessing that wasn't so stressful. I think if he was my first baby, he might be my last! Riley and Declan were never this fussy. I have been doing some reading about it, and I think Archer falls into the colic category. I hope that is true, because then it could be over sooner than later. I like to think he feels safe with us, and the fact that it is the same window of time makes me think it might be colic. The way his little eyes seem propped open point to overstimulated and just plain exhausted. He does have beautiful propped open eyes though.
(and I am starting at the time the alarm goes off)
6:45 am: Alarm goes off. This is pretty much the afterglow of the last feeding of the nightshift where I wake with him in the crook of my arm snuggled against me. It is next to impossible to turn the alarm clock off without disturbing Archer, but sometimes I am successful.
6:45-7:20 : Rush around getting Riley dressed, his backpack packed up with his lunchbox, his belly fed. By 7, I am back in the room creeping around trying not to wake the baby BUT wake Zach, who at least can dress himself without complaining too much.
7:30 : Riley leaves for school with Zach, if Archer isn't already awake, he wakes up and so does Declan...usually at the exact same time. Everybody wants fed. Cartoons go on for Dec.
8-12. Archer falls back asleep about 3 times. 2 times for 20-30 minutes and one time for an hour max. This is not enough sleep for his age group, and he is a bit grouchy.
12-2 Figure out how to feed Declan lunch when Archie is being super fussy. Usually end up pushing him back and forth in his stroller, unless Zach or my MIL are here to help by holding him. If it's a T/R, then Dec heads off to preschool with Zach. Yes, I am incredibly lucky that he is on disability right now and able to do all these school runs! At some point, usually more towards 2, Archer drops off completely exhausted after a feeding of some type. At this point he may sleep for 1-2 hours.
3-5 Riley comes home from school (and Dec if he had preschool) and it gets pretty loud. If Archer's nap is crappy, this is undoubtedly why. Try to get homework out of the way and if it's not too chilly, boys outside with Daddy for a little fresh air.
5-7. Dinner, and usually a little videogame or tv time for the older boys. Every other day, unless incredibly dirty, they get a bath around 6:45.
7-7:30 Bedtime for Riley and Declan, Archer starts to fuss.
7:30-10ish Archer fusses. We pass him back and forth, take turns singing to him, and he eventually drops off, exhausted. Until he falls asleep, his eyes look like they are bulging out of his skull. He is WIDE AWAKE and HYPER ALERT.
10-6:45: I sleep in mini two hour increments. He was waking up closer to three hours apart, but since he had the little cold, he is back to every two because of all the snot sucking that was going on. He normally goes right back down, unless he makes a poop in the night, then it takes a little bit more finesse. There is rarely any fussing though.
*************
I hate to sound like I'm complaining, I know he is a true blessing. I just wish he was a true blessing that wasn't so stressful. I think if he was my first baby, he might be my last! Riley and Declan were never this fussy. I have been doing some reading about it, and I think Archer falls into the colic category. I hope that is true, because then it could be over sooner than later. I like to think he feels safe with us, and the fact that it is the same window of time makes me think it might be colic. The way his little eyes seem propped open point to overstimulated and just plain exhausted. He does have beautiful propped open eyes though.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Strawberry Shampoo
So you know that relaxed feeling just before you fall asleep, when you aren't dreaming yet but sometimes you think of the most random things that you haven't thought of in years? Last night the thing that popped into my head was Suave Strawberry Shampoo/Conditioner. I hope they still make it, because there is nothing I want more than to locate and use some.
That's it for my random piece of this blog. Sadly, I woke up this morning and thought to myself that I didn't remember sending Riley to his room yesterday. Has it gotten that bad, that it is strange to me when a day goes by where he isn't backtalking and suffering the consequences for that? I'm just going to hope he is turning over a new leaf and finally making the connection that behavior is directly related to punishments/rewards.
Declan is becoming an avid golfer, like Daddy. The two of them are practicing their putting in the living room with the automatic ball return gizmo Zach made the mistake of letting Dec know he has. Now, it's all he's interested in... which you would think would make Zach feel happy and honored- in reality, he doesn't like to share since he is really trying to improve his game. He has it in his head that he will be a pro golfer if he keeps up his practicing. (Anytime Zach is interested in anything, he becomes a little OCD with it. I've seen this happen with cars, motorcycles, guns/reloading bullets, and now golf.)
And, now the youngest. Archer is fussy every evening at 7, 7:30 and it lasts until at least 9 pm. It's at this time that all the regular tricks don't work, and I'm pretty sure he is overstimulated, because his first sleep is always much longer than the rest of the night. Normally he sleeps for 3- 3 1/2 hours the first time through, then it turns into 2 1/2, 3 if you're lucky for the rest of the night. However, last night it was 2 hours max between wakeups. Hubby brought me chocolate and Pepsi Max and I'm doing the best I can. I'm actually not that grouchy about it now, although it is frustrating that Archie is now snoozing away, but I can't get any rest since Declan is pretty much an attention hog when he has nobody else to compete with. Not that I blame him, but can't we snuggle together on the couch??
I think I am getting the hang of the routine though, and ready to immerse myself back in the land of adults. I had a tastefully simple open house, wasn't a huge turnout since many people didn't come because they or someone in their home had germies they didn't want to share with our fam, especially Archer. I do appreciate that, but having an open house is a lot of work and there are SO MANY leftovers. Still, it was a small success and it was nice to do something that was for me, and not directly for one of my kiddos or my husband. This week, I plan to actually leave the house for dinner without feeling guilty...although it is hard not to feel that guilt when I know what it is like dealing with Archer in the evenings.
Still, we are all healthy and that is something to be thankful for...so many of my friends are dealing with medical health issues and I can't imagine what that must be like on top of the other everyday stresses of young children. My heart goes out to these people, even though we have our own problems which are always just a date on the calendar growing closer. We have been lucky so far, but I know that will eventually run out and I don't want to think about that.
One final thing, my brother stayed overnight in the hospital on the cardiac floor after being rushed by ambulance there from his regular doctor. They have done multiple tests and I am hoping they find some answers and that isn't anything too serious. I know he has a lot of stress in his life, too. Don't we all?
That's it for my random piece of this blog. Sadly, I woke up this morning and thought to myself that I didn't remember sending Riley to his room yesterday. Has it gotten that bad, that it is strange to me when a day goes by where he isn't backtalking and suffering the consequences for that? I'm just going to hope he is turning over a new leaf and finally making the connection that behavior is directly related to punishments/rewards.
Declan is becoming an avid golfer, like Daddy. The two of them are practicing their putting in the living room with the automatic ball return gizmo Zach made the mistake of letting Dec know he has. Now, it's all he's interested in... which you would think would make Zach feel happy and honored- in reality, he doesn't like to share since he is really trying to improve his game. He has it in his head that he will be a pro golfer if he keeps up his practicing. (Anytime Zach is interested in anything, he becomes a little OCD with it. I've seen this happen with cars, motorcycles, guns/reloading bullets, and now golf.)
And, now the youngest. Archer is fussy every evening at 7, 7:30 and it lasts until at least 9 pm. It's at this time that all the regular tricks don't work, and I'm pretty sure he is overstimulated, because his first sleep is always much longer than the rest of the night. Normally he sleeps for 3- 3 1/2 hours the first time through, then it turns into 2 1/2, 3 if you're lucky for the rest of the night. However, last night it was 2 hours max between wakeups. Hubby brought me chocolate and Pepsi Max and I'm doing the best I can. I'm actually not that grouchy about it now, although it is frustrating that Archie is now snoozing away, but I can't get any rest since Declan is pretty much an attention hog when he has nobody else to compete with. Not that I blame him, but can't we snuggle together on the couch??
I think I am getting the hang of the routine though, and ready to immerse myself back in the land of adults. I had a tastefully simple open house, wasn't a huge turnout since many people didn't come because they or someone in their home had germies they didn't want to share with our fam, especially Archer. I do appreciate that, but having an open house is a lot of work and there are SO MANY leftovers. Still, it was a small success and it was nice to do something that was for me, and not directly for one of my kiddos or my husband. This week, I plan to actually leave the house for dinner without feeling guilty...although it is hard not to feel that guilt when I know what it is like dealing with Archer in the evenings.
Still, we are all healthy and that is something to be thankful for...so many of my friends are dealing with medical health issues and I can't imagine what that must be like on top of the other everyday stresses of young children. My heart goes out to these people, even though we have our own problems which are always just a date on the calendar growing closer. We have been lucky so far, but I know that will eventually run out and I don't want to think about that.
One final thing, my brother stayed overnight in the hospital on the cardiac floor after being rushed by ambulance there from his regular doctor. They have done multiple tests and I am hoping they find some answers and that isn't anything too serious. I know he has a lot of stress in his life, too. Don't we all?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Happy Birthday, Ash!
Today is the eighth birthday of my niece Ashley! Since her little butt was the first I've ever diapered, I never in a million years realized just how many butts would need changed by me in eight years time. I used to watch Ashley for a work overlap when she was a newborn, and 3 months after she was born was when I met Zach. The first time he held her, I knew I wanted kids with him someday. Someday just was much sooner and the kids just kept coming!
So Happy Birthday to a beautiful little girl I am proud to call my niece <3
So Happy Birthday to a beautiful little girl I am proud to call my niece <3
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Whispers
Declan didn't sleep through the night until he was 18 months old. The first month and a half of his life was spent sleeping in someone's arms, until I finally ignored all the warnings and put my over-sized infant to bed on his belly. Then he slept for 3-4 hours straight between feedings. The pressure on his belly was what he wanted...and I'm afraid it's what Archer wants too. I haven't put him down to sleep on his tummy because it's almost like I am afraid he will break even though I know he is 100% healthy now and has no more chance of developing health problems than any other baby. Someone suggested I read the baby whisperer book on my FB wall and my dad promptly had it shipped to my house. After reading through it last night, I was armed for bedtime with a few tricks up my sleeve. (For those of you who have read the book- Archie falls under the category of the Spirited baby.)
First, I wrapped him tighter in his swaddling blanky. I waited til his eyelids were extremely heavy, but still fluttering open and closed and then laid him down in his bassinet, told him I was nearby, and held my breath. He slept for three hours before waking up hungry. For all but one wakeup, this worked like a charm. The time that didn't work, I had run down to the kitchen to drop off some used bottles and grab a drink for myself. When I came back in the room, Archer was no longer in his bassinet but in Zach's arms. Zach was already half asleep again and claimed he was fussing for a long time. Um, I was literally gone for 2 minutes tops. I asked him to please not grab him right away (there was no way he woke up screaming bloody murder immediately- the door was open to our bedroom and there is no way I wouldn't have heard him crying AT ALL) the first time he makes a little cry or fidgety fussy noise. Archer was already asleep again, so he couldn't have been that upset. Zach then hands him back to me and rolls over and goes back to sleep. I must admit I was furious. I read him excerpts from the book and told him what I wanted to try that night and he just didn't even try to help. Was it an overreaction of mine when I told him he needed to sleep on the couch if he was going to be bothered by little cries? I am not trying to hold the baby all the time- love him to pieces, but he IS my third baby and I am exhausted at the end of the day and want to at least get the three hours in a row on my OWN. Is that selfish? I mean maybe he should hold him all night if that is the way he wants to raise him....right?
Most of the time, things are calm and becoming smoother around here...balancing and juggling that is. There are still moments of stress, but overall I feel like I can do this. I guess I better feel that way- I AM doing this!
First, I wrapped him tighter in his swaddling blanky. I waited til his eyelids were extremely heavy, but still fluttering open and closed and then laid him down in his bassinet, told him I was nearby, and held my breath. He slept for three hours before waking up hungry. For all but one wakeup, this worked like a charm. The time that didn't work, I had run down to the kitchen to drop off some used bottles and grab a drink for myself. When I came back in the room, Archer was no longer in his bassinet but in Zach's arms. Zach was already half asleep again and claimed he was fussing for a long time. Um, I was literally gone for 2 minutes tops. I asked him to please not grab him right away (there was no way he woke up screaming bloody murder immediately- the door was open to our bedroom and there is no way I wouldn't have heard him crying AT ALL) the first time he makes a little cry or fidgety fussy noise. Archer was already asleep again, so he couldn't have been that upset. Zach then hands him back to me and rolls over and goes back to sleep. I must admit I was furious. I read him excerpts from the book and told him what I wanted to try that night and he just didn't even try to help. Was it an overreaction of mine when I told him he needed to sleep on the couch if he was going to be bothered by little cries? I am not trying to hold the baby all the time- love him to pieces, but he IS my third baby and I am exhausted at the end of the day and want to at least get the three hours in a row on my OWN. Is that selfish? I mean maybe he should hold him all night if that is the way he wants to raise him....right?
Most of the time, things are calm and becoming smoother around here...balancing and juggling that is. There are still moments of stress, but overall I feel like I can do this. I guess I better feel that way- I AM doing this!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Gripe-Gripe-B$tch
My little baby was so fussy and gassy last night and tempers in the home were reflective of this... honestly my hubby can be a big help sometimes and other times he acts like he has done me a huge favor if he so much as bends a pinky finger to do something so that I don't have to. The first few nights home we took turns getting up with Archer...Zach is still off work with an injury (an injury that DOESN'T hinder him from newborn care) so he would stay up a few extra hours and get one more feeding in so I could get a headstart on sleep. All of that has fallen by the wayside already, I don't know why I am surprised. Then he gets irritated and said that I act like everything he does with the baby or the bigger boys is wrong (our parenting styles do not match up in a lot of situations)anyway. I mean sometimes I may act like that because it IS wrong, but I thought I had gone out of my way to say how smooth the transition was going and thanking him especially for stepping up when I was in the ER. Maybe I should have gotten him an actual engraved trophy?
All I'm asking is that if Zach gets to sleep all night long, can I please have a nap? I got one yesterday, but only after he yelled at me and acted like he had been helping me at night (one time he got me a change of clothes for Archer when he piddled on his clothes). No, it isn't a contest. Yet...which one of us actually birthed the child, lost too much blood, was internally examined 3 1/2 days post birth AND can barely sit down a week later? That would be me. So, no- I don't think a nap is too much to ask for.
I am still doing the laundry, cooking him 2 meals a day, bathing the bigger kids, getting Riley's homework done... the only thing he does do most of the time is feed the baby a bottle during the day. It would be nice if he would do some of the other chores so I could actually enjoy feeding baby while I'm awake.
Declan has me all to himself for a second, and he wants that attention pretty badly-so enough complaining for now!
All I'm asking is that if Zach gets to sleep all night long, can I please have a nap? I got one yesterday, but only after he yelled at me and acted like he had been helping me at night (one time he got me a change of clothes for Archer when he piddled on his clothes). No, it isn't a contest. Yet...which one of us actually birthed the child, lost too much blood, was internally examined 3 1/2 days post birth AND can barely sit down a week later? That would be me. So, no- I don't think a nap is too much to ask for.
I am still doing the laundry, cooking him 2 meals a day, bathing the bigger kids, getting Riley's homework done... the only thing he does do most of the time is feed the baby a bottle during the day. It would be nice if he would do some of the other chores so I could actually enjoy feeding baby while I'm awake.
Declan has me all to himself for a second, and he wants that attention pretty badly-so enough complaining for now!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Some type of normal
The weekend was crazy...lots of visitors, lots of noise, and lots of extra hands to help.
We live with my mother-in-law, for those who don't know, so she is around at times but she teaches college courses at two different schools so her schedule is pretty hectic a lot of days. She kept her schedule quite clear this weekend and was available to help a lot, including a night shift the day after I got out of the hospital (the second time.) since Zach was also running on empty up all night worrying about the brand new baby discharged from the NICU and his wife off at the ER. He is a worrier by nature, so I'm sure he was even more of a mess than was showing (which was enough!).
Today, it is much quieter. Riley is at school, MIL at work, Zach was gone most of the morning (until just a few minutes ago actually) at hand therapy. Archer was super fussy- he couldn't make up his mind what he wanted, I don't think he even knew! At first he was basking in the sunlight like a little kitten, purring on my shoulder. A few minutes later he was pissed off that the sun was shining on him and tried to eject himself from my arms (he did not succeed.) Declan played quietly all morning and we caught up on some of our favorite cartoons (currently we are into The Cat in the Hat, Clifford, still Caillou, Bubble Guppies...) and was actually quite pleasant. He was such a grouch yesterday, so that was a relief. I love Riley to death, but I swear Dec gets much more vinegary when he spends the whole day with Ry. The whining, backtalk and stubbornness is airborne, apparently.
What else is going on this week? Wednesday, Archer has his newborn photo shoot @ Jeni's (feel free to post a shameless link to your site if you are reading this, Jeni!) so it will be interesting to see how that goes! He is normally a good baby, so it should be fine. I just have to watch anyway and feed him and change him- she will have the much tougher job!
We live with my mother-in-law, for those who don't know, so she is around at times but she teaches college courses at two different schools so her schedule is pretty hectic a lot of days. She kept her schedule quite clear this weekend and was available to help a lot, including a night shift the day after I got out of the hospital (the second time.) since Zach was also running on empty up all night worrying about the brand new baby discharged from the NICU and his wife off at the ER. He is a worrier by nature, so I'm sure he was even more of a mess than was showing (which was enough!).
Today, it is much quieter. Riley is at school, MIL at work, Zach was gone most of the morning (until just a few minutes ago actually) at hand therapy. Archer was super fussy- he couldn't make up his mind what he wanted, I don't think he even knew! At first he was basking in the sunlight like a little kitten, purring on my shoulder. A few minutes later he was pissed off that the sun was shining on him and tried to eject himself from my arms (he did not succeed.) Declan played quietly all morning and we caught up on some of our favorite cartoons (currently we are into The Cat in the Hat, Clifford, still Caillou, Bubble Guppies...) and was actually quite pleasant. He was such a grouch yesterday, so that was a relief. I love Riley to death, but I swear Dec gets much more vinegary when he spends the whole day with Ry. The whining, backtalk and stubbornness is airborne, apparently.
What else is going on this week? Wednesday, Archer has his newborn photo shoot @ Jeni's (feel free to post a shameless link to your site if you are reading this, Jeni!) so it will be interesting to see how that goes! He is normally a good baby, so it should be fine. I just have to watch anyway and feed him and change him- she will have the much tougher job!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Relief, Less Relief
What a rollercoaster ride this week has been! Between the NICU, the emergency room, and trying to get used to things at home- I am absolutely drained! I commented on Monday and Tuesday that I didn't feel like I had just had a baby-there was no pain, I obviously didn't have a baby in my room, I slept well and was up and about walking all over the hospital-which I have never done previously since there was always a newborn in my room to tend to.
Rooming in was more like it-but even then he slept pretty well and I wasn't that tired since I had plenty of sleep the night before and even a nap before I was discharged. Time to visit with my boys at home before heading back in with Zach to spend the night also helped a lot, I had been missing them.
The day Archer was discharged was Thursday- and that was when my body let me know it had enough of what I was putting it through. After waiting around pretty much all day (he still hadn't been circumcised prior to that since they didn't want him crying excessively until the pneumothorax was gone) we finally were discharged around 3 pm. Only home for a little bit, I decided to try pumping with my brand new electric breast pump. I had it on for a bit, maybe ten minutes (Archer was dozing in his bouncer) and Zach had taken Riley outside to practice golf swings (don't ask) so Declan was the only one around to witness the excessive shaking that started in my hands and traveled up my arms until the whole top half of my body was shaking. I also became super cold and yelled for Dec to get Daddy. He couldn't get the garage door or the front door open (which is great really, but I could have used him to) so I had him banging on the window. Nothing. Finally, Riley came into pee and we got him to get Daddy. By then I was pale as a ghost and just my hands were still shaking and I had no feeling in them. I laid down for a bit and just couldn't get warm, so I went up and laid first in a warm bath and then in my bed.
My MIL came home then and took one look at me and found my doctors phone number. I had also lost some big gushes of fluid and she was worried since I am rather anemic and had lost an excessive amount of blood post delivery when my uterus stopped contracting after pushing the kiddo out. They told me to head to the ER, so that is where I spent my next 6 hours.
An EKG, chest x-ray, multiple blood tests, and a very painful pelvic exam... the only thing they could come up with was that perhaps holding the bottles while pumping caused me to have some type of carpal tunnel issues. Um, excuse me? What is he even talking about?
I took my iron prescription the following day and I have felt fine since. My parents and MIL all think I just overdid it by all my wanderings up and down the hall from my room to the NICU and the stress of everything plus missing my iron pills Thursday while we we were stuck waiting for discharge all day. Who knows?
Rooming in was more like it-but even then he slept pretty well and I wasn't that tired since I had plenty of sleep the night before and even a nap before I was discharged. Time to visit with my boys at home before heading back in with Zach to spend the night also helped a lot, I had been missing them.
The day Archer was discharged was Thursday- and that was when my body let me know it had enough of what I was putting it through. After waiting around pretty much all day (he still hadn't been circumcised prior to that since they didn't want him crying excessively until the pneumothorax was gone) we finally were discharged around 3 pm. Only home for a little bit, I decided to try pumping with my brand new electric breast pump. I had it on for a bit, maybe ten minutes (Archer was dozing in his bouncer) and Zach had taken Riley outside to practice golf swings (don't ask) so Declan was the only one around to witness the excessive shaking that started in my hands and traveled up my arms until the whole top half of my body was shaking. I also became super cold and yelled for Dec to get Daddy. He couldn't get the garage door or the front door open (which is great really, but I could have used him to) so I had him banging on the window. Nothing. Finally, Riley came into pee and we got him to get Daddy. By then I was pale as a ghost and just my hands were still shaking and I had no feeling in them. I laid down for a bit and just couldn't get warm, so I went up and laid first in a warm bath and then in my bed.
My MIL came home then and took one look at me and found my doctors phone number. I had also lost some big gushes of fluid and she was worried since I am rather anemic and had lost an excessive amount of blood post delivery when my uterus stopped contracting after pushing the kiddo out. They told me to head to the ER, so that is where I spent my next 6 hours.
An EKG, chest x-ray, multiple blood tests, and a very painful pelvic exam... the only thing they could come up with was that perhaps holding the bottles while pumping caused me to have some type of carpal tunnel issues. Um, excuse me? What is he even talking about?
I took my iron prescription the following day and I have felt fine since. My parents and MIL all think I just overdid it by all my wanderings up and down the hall from my room to the NICU and the stress of everything plus missing my iron pills Thursday while we we were stuck waiting for discharge all day. Who knows?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Discharged
Sitting around and waiting til I can go back up to feed Archer again...for the last time while I am a patient here. I hate that I can't just hold him while he's sleeping (even though I scolded everyone who did that with Declan-who ended up unable to sleep unless someone was holding him due to spoiling while in the hospital. Declan was unable to sleep in baby swings, bouncers or even in the moving car. Definitely not in a crib or bassinet! It was someone's arms or nothing. ) Sometimes I'm in the way, or they are doing something with another baby nearby and I come back to my room and watch the clock. And I did just have a baby- so I do need to sit down and relax from time to time. I wish he could relax with me.
Last night was a little rough. We decided before I went to sleep that Zach would go up for his midnight feeding and I would sleep and then take care of the next one. At quarter til one Zach wakes me in a tizzy. His IV wasn't flushing and they couldn't give him his antibiotics, so they were attempting a new IV line. Which just wasn't working. Zach was pretty much ejected from the room because he couldn't handle all the needles poking his son. So I had to go back up there with him so he didn't get thrown out of the hospital- he is the most overprotective parent when it comes to that sort of thing. He's never been able to watch the boys gets shots without getting really pissed off, either. Zach had to be hospitalized when he was in 5th grade and he remembers a traumatic tale of getting a feeding tube put in that just wasn't working. They kept doing it, the whole situation was escalating and it ended up there was a much easier way to take care of what needed to be done. So this is the mantra he is living by, that they should be able to give Archer his antibiotic in a different form. Which by the way, they ended up doing but it isn't as potent when given as a shot and can be very painful. As if the constant jabbing and failed attempts at the IV weren't painful.
He slept well after we finally left at 2:30. Needless to say, I feel more like I have a newborn now. Pretty tired today, and feeling guilty because I fell back asleep after they came in for my 5 am vitals. I meant to go up and feed him. Turns out he was getting some tests then anyway, but I felt like I cheated by getting those extra two hours before I went up.
He was moved to a crib room sometime after 2:30 am, which is a step in the right direction. I am going up in a little bit to see what the doctors at rounds have to say about his current condition/expected release date.
Also very excited about the free double electric breast pump I just received. Apparently covered by my insurance 100%. Yay :) I never thought I would be using one of these, but I also never thought I'd have a post term baby in the NICU either.
Last night was a little rough. We decided before I went to sleep that Zach would go up for his midnight feeding and I would sleep and then take care of the next one. At quarter til one Zach wakes me in a tizzy. His IV wasn't flushing and they couldn't give him his antibiotics, so they were attempting a new IV line. Which just wasn't working. Zach was pretty much ejected from the room because he couldn't handle all the needles poking his son. So I had to go back up there with him so he didn't get thrown out of the hospital- he is the most overprotective parent when it comes to that sort of thing. He's never been able to watch the boys gets shots without getting really pissed off, either. Zach had to be hospitalized when he was in 5th grade and he remembers a traumatic tale of getting a feeding tube put in that just wasn't working. They kept doing it, the whole situation was escalating and it ended up there was a much easier way to take care of what needed to be done. So this is the mantra he is living by, that they should be able to give Archer his antibiotic in a different form. Which by the way, they ended up doing but it isn't as potent when given as a shot and can be very painful. As if the constant jabbing and failed attempts at the IV weren't painful.
He slept well after we finally left at 2:30. Needless to say, I feel more like I have a newborn now. Pretty tired today, and feeling guilty because I fell back asleep after they came in for my 5 am vitals. I meant to go up and feed him. Turns out he was getting some tests then anyway, but I felt like I cheated by getting those extra two hours before I went up.
He was moved to a crib room sometime after 2:30 am, which is a step in the right direction. I am going up in a little bit to see what the doctors at rounds have to say about his current condition/expected release date.
Also very excited about the free double electric breast pump I just received. Apparently covered by my insurance 100%. Yay :) I never thought I would be using one of these, but I also never thought I'd have a post term baby in the NICU either.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
No words
As I'm sure you already know, if you are reading this, Archer Gregory Richards made his debut after much anticipation on Monday, February 28th at 10:45 am. He is actually my smallest baby, at 7 lbs 13 oz and 20 inches long.
This pregnancy has been so different from my first two babies, so much so that I was convinced it was going to be a little girl. EVERYTHING was different. From the things I wanted to eat (blander foods for the most part, cereal and so forth with the occasional indulgence in loaded cheese fries thrown in for good measure!), to how much weight I gained (not much at all in comparison!) Archer has been full of surprises. So, of course Archer chose to march to the beat of his own drum when he entered the world as well. Here is the birth story...
Sunday morning: Things are a little tense at home (boys squabbling, me being grumpy and overdue, Zach not dealing well with my grumpiness) so I decided we needed a scene change. We decided to go visit my parents, and I would hang out there while Zach went to hit some golf balls, then he would return for dinner and maybe we could all go for a walk since it was unseasonably lovely out that day. We got to their house around noon, and sometime between 1:30 and 2 I noticed I was leaking fluid. Nothing was gushing out, but it couldn't be called dripping either. I had never had my water break on its own before, so I wasn't even sure what to make of this. My mom and I decided to take the boys on a walk right then, to see if maybe I could get some contractions going if this was indeed the start of my water breaking.
We made it about two blocks before my pants were no longer fit to be viewed by the other people out and about. This was definitely my water breaking. I called Zach who was just finishing up anyway and he headed over to pick me up. Since I wasn't having any contractions that were regular or close (or even painful!) we went back to our house to get all of our stuff (my bag, Riley, Declan and Archer's bags, and of course the computer and camera) then headed to Hershey Med. They confirmed that it was my water breaking and admitted me, although I was still just 2 cm dialated (as I was on my appointment on Friday). This is not shocking. I am the slowest dialater...I can push my babies out with no tearing and make it look easy, but getting there is never a quick process for me. So we went for walks and time passed and nothing changed. The monitor was downright embarrasing- it was like a breezy nothing happening. A contraction every five minutes that barely blipped on the screen, and then not another one for like twenty minutes. I mean seriously. Eventually, I got started on some pitocin. Even though they increased it gradually every forty five minutes or so, it still didn't even hurt until after midnight. And by hurt, I mean mildly uncomfortable. I got an epidural anyway, sometime shortly after that to avoid what happened with Declan's delivery (when the anesth. didn't come back in time and I was left to deliver without it) since I knew it had to start hurting eventually!
My contractions were still pretty lame. They were 2 minutes apart, but still not very intense. I took a nap, watched episode after episode of NCIS (thanks USA for the marathon!) At 5ish, I am only dialated to 4 cm. Yup.
A little bit after that, things finally started happening. Two hours later I was at 5 1/2 and two hours after that I was at 9. It finally started to seem like there would be an actual baby coming along. Half hour after that it was full and complete and time to meet Archer. Now this next line may be hard for some of you to read... but I think I deserve some ease during my delivery. Four sets of pushes later and Archer was here!
His breathing sounded a little like grunts, so even though he got great Apgar (or however you spell that) scores, he had to go hang out in the regular nursery so they could keep an eye on him for 2-4 hours. The doctor there was just about to return him to me, but his x ray came back with a little spot on his lung. (* see below for medical definition). So then he went upstairs to the NICU, where he will be for a few days. The problem he has is something that can go away on its own in 3-4 days or they can fix it if it doesn't. So he should be ok, but it is still hard to not have him in the room with me or be able to hold him right now. And I know he won't be able to go home with us tomorrow, which is going to be very hard.
Looking forward to seeing my other babies come visit me today- I miss them like crazy, but they are also in great hands with my mom and dad.
*Here is the official medical term for what Archer has:
Pneumothorax
•Pneumothorax is a lung problem in babies that can have a wide range of severity. It is a condition in which air leaks from the lungs into a place outside of the lungs. Pneumothorax can happen for no apparent reason or can be secondary to other lung diseases or mechanical ventilation. A baby who has needed resuscitation or a more fragile premature infant may be at risk for pneumothorax. A baby with this condition may have difficulty breathing and need additional oxygen. A neonatologist (baby doctor) may also decide to remove the excess air by entering the chest with a small needle and syringe or leaving an air collection system in place until the leak heals
Read more: Lung Problems in Babies | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5169327_lung-problems-babies.html#ixzz1FLlPQmJo
This pregnancy has been so different from my first two babies, so much so that I was convinced it was going to be a little girl. EVERYTHING was different. From the things I wanted to eat (blander foods for the most part, cereal and so forth with the occasional indulgence in loaded cheese fries thrown in for good measure!), to how much weight I gained (not much at all in comparison!) Archer has been full of surprises. So, of course Archer chose to march to the beat of his own drum when he entered the world as well. Here is the birth story...
Sunday morning: Things are a little tense at home (boys squabbling, me being grumpy and overdue, Zach not dealing well with my grumpiness) so I decided we needed a scene change. We decided to go visit my parents, and I would hang out there while Zach went to hit some golf balls, then he would return for dinner and maybe we could all go for a walk since it was unseasonably lovely out that day. We got to their house around noon, and sometime between 1:30 and 2 I noticed I was leaking fluid. Nothing was gushing out, but it couldn't be called dripping either. I had never had my water break on its own before, so I wasn't even sure what to make of this. My mom and I decided to take the boys on a walk right then, to see if maybe I could get some contractions going if this was indeed the start of my water breaking.
We made it about two blocks before my pants were no longer fit to be viewed by the other people out and about. This was definitely my water breaking. I called Zach who was just finishing up anyway and he headed over to pick me up. Since I wasn't having any contractions that were regular or close (or even painful!) we went back to our house to get all of our stuff (my bag, Riley, Declan and Archer's bags, and of course the computer and camera) then headed to Hershey Med. They confirmed that it was my water breaking and admitted me, although I was still just 2 cm dialated (as I was on my appointment on Friday). This is not shocking. I am the slowest dialater...I can push my babies out with no tearing and make it look easy, but getting there is never a quick process for me. So we went for walks and time passed and nothing changed. The monitor was downright embarrasing- it was like a breezy nothing happening. A contraction every five minutes that barely blipped on the screen, and then not another one for like twenty minutes. I mean seriously. Eventually, I got started on some pitocin. Even though they increased it gradually every forty five minutes or so, it still didn't even hurt until after midnight. And by hurt, I mean mildly uncomfortable. I got an epidural anyway, sometime shortly after that to avoid what happened with Declan's delivery (when the anesth. didn't come back in time and I was left to deliver without it) since I knew it had to start hurting eventually!
My contractions were still pretty lame. They were 2 minutes apart, but still not very intense. I took a nap, watched episode after episode of NCIS (thanks USA for the marathon!) At 5ish, I am only dialated to 4 cm. Yup.
A little bit after that, things finally started happening. Two hours later I was at 5 1/2 and two hours after that I was at 9. It finally started to seem like there would be an actual baby coming along. Half hour after that it was full and complete and time to meet Archer. Now this next line may be hard for some of you to read... but I think I deserve some ease during my delivery. Four sets of pushes later and Archer was here!
His breathing sounded a little like grunts, so even though he got great Apgar (or however you spell that) scores, he had to go hang out in the regular nursery so they could keep an eye on him for 2-4 hours. The doctor there was just about to return him to me, but his x ray came back with a little spot on his lung. (* see below for medical definition). So then he went upstairs to the NICU, where he will be for a few days. The problem he has is something that can go away on its own in 3-4 days or they can fix it if it doesn't. So he should be ok, but it is still hard to not have him in the room with me or be able to hold him right now. And I know he won't be able to go home with us tomorrow, which is going to be very hard.
Looking forward to seeing my other babies come visit me today- I miss them like crazy, but they are also in great hands with my mom and dad.
*Here is the official medical term for what Archer has:
Pneumothorax
•Pneumothorax is a lung problem in babies that can have a wide range of severity. It is a condition in which air leaks from the lungs into a place outside of the lungs. Pneumothorax can happen for no apparent reason or can be secondary to other lung diseases or mechanical ventilation. A baby who has needed resuscitation or a more fragile premature infant may be at risk for pneumothorax. A baby with this condition may have difficulty breathing and need additional oxygen. A neonatologist (baby doctor) may also decide to remove the excess air by entering the chest with a small needle and syringe or leaving an air collection system in place until the leak heals
Read more: Lung Problems in Babies | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5169327_lung-problems-babies.html#ixzz1FLlPQmJo
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Oh what a night!
Guess I better get used to long nights. Here is a little how last night went:
9:30 pm- get into bed.
10:30 pm- waken up by Zach asking me questions that must have been too pressing to wait until morning. Might as well get up and pee.
12:00 am- time to pee again, and need a bottle of water.
1:30 am- zach gets up to pee, so naturally that wakes me up and I must go too. No, I only drank a sip of that water.
2:00 am. Must have just drifted back to sleep. Logan has pinned me to the bed and I can't really move. Afraid of getting a cramp, so I kick him out of the room. Might as well pee.
4:00 am- Hear laughter coming from the boys room. They are watching the special features of a movie (Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2) and wide awake. Well, Riley is wide awake. Dec is watching but looks downright miserable and has his hands clamped over ears. Mini freakout by me. Followed by.... a pee break.
4:30 am- Still laying awake from the last wakeup. Hear the terrible dive bomb sound of a stinkbug.
4:45 am- Still looking for the stinkbug, Zach is now up too looking with me. We can't find him.
5:00 am- Since I am starting at the clock, I see the stinkbug crawl across the face of the digital time. I remove and flush him, stopping of course to pee.
6:30 am- laying awake still, head is hurting and trying desperately to fall back asleep. zach is making funny noises. I think I hear the boys stirring, too.
7:30 am- Wake up, although I don't remember falling back asleep. Logan is whining outside of the door and wants to go out to pee I think. I certainly can understand having to pee, so I get up, stopping to take care of my own needs first and let him out. Try to sneak back to my bed but the boys pop out of their room riproaring to go.
7:45 am- Taking breakfast orders and coming to terms with the fact that nighttime is officially over.
8:15 am- Bitching about it in a blog.
9:30 pm- get into bed.
10:30 pm- waken up by Zach asking me questions that must have been too pressing to wait until morning. Might as well get up and pee.
12:00 am- time to pee again, and need a bottle of water.
1:30 am- zach gets up to pee, so naturally that wakes me up and I must go too. No, I only drank a sip of that water.
2:00 am. Must have just drifted back to sleep. Logan has pinned me to the bed and I can't really move. Afraid of getting a cramp, so I kick him out of the room. Might as well pee.
4:00 am- Hear laughter coming from the boys room. They are watching the special features of a movie (Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2) and wide awake. Well, Riley is wide awake. Dec is watching but looks downright miserable and has his hands clamped over ears. Mini freakout by me. Followed by.... a pee break.
4:30 am- Still laying awake from the last wakeup. Hear the terrible dive bomb sound of a stinkbug.
4:45 am- Still looking for the stinkbug, Zach is now up too looking with me. We can't find him.
5:00 am- Since I am starting at the clock, I see the stinkbug crawl across the face of the digital time. I remove and flush him, stopping of course to pee.
6:30 am- laying awake still, head is hurting and trying desperately to fall back asleep. zach is making funny noises. I think I hear the boys stirring, too.
7:30 am- Wake up, although I don't remember falling back asleep. Logan is whining outside of the door and wants to go out to pee I think. I certainly can understand having to pee, so I get up, stopping to take care of my own needs first and let him out. Try to sneak back to my bed but the boys pop out of their room riproaring to go.
7:45 am- Taking breakfast orders and coming to terms with the fact that nighttime is officially over.
8:15 am- Bitching about it in a blog.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Hubby is nesting
I think my hubby is nesting now! I took the bouncer out of the package and acted like I was going to assemble it myself... which worked like a charm. He put it together, and then went out and installed the carseat as well, picked up the family room of all the toy disaster and vacuumed it AND the living room. Who is this guy? I like it! :)
Obviously, I have nothing else to mention or I would have. But it is still nice when the hubby steps up without being asked. This after the wonderful day he gave me yesterday where he let me take a nap and even helped Riley with his homework while I did so- just a nice break.
Head is still kiling me...makes me just about worthless, that's how bad it hurts.
Obviously, I have nothing else to mention or I would have. But it is still nice when the hubby steps up without being asked. This after the wonderful day he gave me yesterday where he let me take a nap and even helped Riley with his homework while I did so- just a nice break.
Head is still kiling me...makes me just about worthless, that's how bad it hurts.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Every inch of me is bruised...
Sometimes I really hate being right all of the time. When I keep telling the boys to stop the game they are playing (some weird mix of wrestling and tag) and nobody is listening (all the while I am online looking up different books about behavioral problems bordering on ADHD to help Riley with paying attention and keep him out of trouble) and 30 seconds later there is a terrible crash followed by terrible crying...I must venture to say, it isn't easy being right all of the time. Poor Dec has a huge welt in the middle of his forehead from the shelf his little skull bounced off of when Riley pushed him down.
Moments like these, I can't believe there will be a third boy running around that I am in charge of keeping out of harm's way.
Moments like these, I can't believe there will be a third boy running around that I am in charge of keeping out of harm's way.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Knock on wood!
It seems like all my FB buddies are sick, or someone in their family is pretty sick. We all (knock on wood) are healthy as horses here, except of course for broken bones and my everlasting headache.
Accomplished a lot around the house this morning, even with Ry being home from school for President's Day and Zach away for a few hours getting fitted for a new contraption for his fingers/hand. It is some type of machine that attaches to his hand and keeps his hand always moving and stretching so the tendons don't get stuck in scar tissue again. (That's why he needed the second surgery) Now I just have to fold the laundry when the last of it is through the dryer and after that I plan on doing nothing besides feeding and watering the fam and myself. Although, I might make lemon bars.
Have decided to officially stop stressing over something I can't control and just let nature take over and guide Archer. I still can't wait to meet him but constantly trying different ways to stir things up is exhausting me and I really just want to enjoy the peace and quiet for a few more days.
Accomplished a lot around the house this morning, even with Ry being home from school for President's Day and Zach away for a few hours getting fitted for a new contraption for his fingers/hand. It is some type of machine that attaches to his hand and keeps his hand always moving and stretching so the tendons don't get stuck in scar tissue again. (That's why he needed the second surgery) Now I just have to fold the laundry when the last of it is through the dryer and after that I plan on doing nothing besides feeding and watering the fam and myself. Although, I might make lemon bars.
Have decided to officially stop stressing over something I can't control and just let nature take over and guide Archer. I still can't wait to meet him but constantly trying different ways to stir things up is exhausting me and I really just want to enjoy the peace and quiet for a few more days.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
For family day this week we had two seperate days of fun. Yesterday was "Cousin" Day. We used to live right next door to their cousins and since they only get to spend every other weekend with my brother now due to some degenerative decisions made by their mom, cousin events are very exciting. We finally decided on seeing Gnomeo and Juliet, which was super cute. After the movie was over, we went over to visit their great grandmother who lives just a few blocks from the theater where we had gone to see the movie. She wasn't expecting us, but seemed pretty excited to welcome the wild bunch in...ordered some yummy pizza and played for a few hours there before heading home and heading straight to bed.
Today was day two of fun, just our little family. We went bowling, and this was Declan's first time bowling, Riley's second (he went to a birthday party a week ago where there was bowling), Zach's first time bowling left handed and my first time bowling in about 8 years and 9 months pregnant! We must have been quite a sight! Everybody had fun, even Zach who came in dead last.
I felt a few twinges but of course nothing continued. I can't even bowl my baby out of me. He's in there until he decides it is time to come out and join us.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Listening to the freight train wind!
The wind made for a very snuggly night but now that I am awake and making plans for the day, I'm not so much a fan. It would be wonderful if we could have some of the weather we had over the past few days on a Saturday and actually enjoy the whole day as a family while poor Ry isn't stuck at school!
The boys are in great moods this morning, both ate healthy breakfast choices (well yogurt and cereal, and oranges and cereal is better than the poptarts they have been asking for lately!) and my headache is hiding out for the moment. We picked up the van last night, so I feel 100% ready for Archer now although I am only dilated one centimeter at this point. I took forever to dilate with Ry and Dec so to me this is no progress, pretty disappointing. I have another doctor appointment on my due date, and an induction scheduled for March 1st if he doesn't make his own appearance before then.
Think I'm going to grab a shower while the boys are so content snuggling with their grandma watching mickey mouse clubhouse.
The boys are in great moods this morning, both ate healthy breakfast choices (well yogurt and cereal, and oranges and cereal is better than the poptarts they have been asking for lately!) and my headache is hiding out for the moment. We picked up the van last night, so I feel 100% ready for Archer now although I am only dilated one centimeter at this point. I took forever to dilate with Ry and Dec so to me this is no progress, pretty disappointing. I have another doctor appointment on my due date, and an induction scheduled for March 1st if he doesn't make his own appearance before then.
Think I'm going to grab a shower while the boys are so content snuggling with their grandma watching mickey mouse clubhouse.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Somehow I am still alive and haven't passed out from these constant headaches. They really are the most debilitating ones I have ever experienced. Who knows if they would still be around if I could actually take something stronger than Tylenol? The doctor didn't seem concerned about them, but I plan to mention it again when I go there today. (Although I was really hoping I wouldn't be able to keep this appointment!) Woke up just about every hour last night to pee or because I needed to switch sides which I can't do without being very careful about it or my entire pelvic girdle pops and cracks, which is pretty painful. Everytime I woke up, it took awhile to fall back asleep with my head pounding. So not only does my head hurt, I'm cranky and tired.
I find I have little to no patience lately. All Declan wants to do during the time of day he is allowed to play Wii is play Mario Galaxy 2, which obviously is too challenging for him. He is really good at some other games but is obsessed with Mario and the gang so him playing Mario consists of me playing it while he dictates where I go and which levels I do. The most annoying part of all is he has favorite galaxies and we have to do some of them over and over even though we don't get anything for doing them anymore, since they are technically complete. I am not a videogame person, at all.
So that is my griping for the day. The good news is that it is gorgeously warm outside and Friday. As much as I want this baby to be born, I could actually use some weekend without him where I can hopefully sleep past 6:30.
I find I have little to no patience lately. All Declan wants to do during the time of day he is allowed to play Wii is play Mario Galaxy 2, which obviously is too challenging for him. He is really good at some other games but is obsessed with Mario and the gang so him playing Mario consists of me playing it while he dictates where I go and which levels I do. The most annoying part of all is he has favorite galaxies and we have to do some of them over and over even though we don't get anything for doing them anymore, since they are technically complete. I am not a videogame person, at all.
So that is my griping for the day. The good news is that it is gorgeously warm outside and Friday. As much as I want this baby to be born, I could actually use some weekend without him where I can hopefully sleep past 6:30.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Well my plan to eat spicy tacos for dinner last night did NOT send me into labor as hoped. However it did cause plenty of other unpleasant side effects. Add that to my favorite daily headache that I woke up with and I am feeling a little frustrated. I'm hoping that the taco effects will at least be over with by mid morning so I can take Dec to the Dollar Tree as I promised I would before he has preschool this afternoon. He has Valentine's money ($5!!) burning a hole in his little pocket.
The good news is that hubby has therapy every day this week (which apparently doesn't feel very fabulous after having surgery on Tuesday) and he made his appointment at a time that would allow him to drive Riley to school first and then head straight to Lancaster for pt. His appointment tomorrow allows him to pick Riley up from school and head straight there- taking Ry with him! (Riley LOVES physical therapy, he does all the activities and encourages his Daddy as well- super cute stuff.) Is it wrong to already be planning a way to make Dec fall asleep tomorrow afternoon so I can get a nap??
In other news, it is so nice to see the grass again-even if it is dead. I am thinking maybe a walk later today for some fresh air, get the scooters out... basically just not be sitting on the couch no matter how inviting that sounds.
The good news is that hubby has therapy every day this week (which apparently doesn't feel very fabulous after having surgery on Tuesday) and he made his appointment at a time that would allow him to drive Riley to school first and then head straight to Lancaster for pt. His appointment tomorrow allows him to pick Riley up from school and head straight there- taking Ry with him! (Riley LOVES physical therapy, he does all the activities and encourages his Daddy as well- super cute stuff.) Is it wrong to already be planning a way to make Dec fall asleep tomorrow afternoon so I can get a nap??
In other news, it is so nice to see the grass again-even if it is dead. I am thinking maybe a walk later today for some fresh air, get the scooters out... basically just not be sitting on the couch no matter how inviting that sounds.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Today is definitely one of those slow-starting mornings. The mornings where you say yes to the poptart for breakfast and stay in your comfy clothes til the last possible second. And yes, the mornings where you take your kid to school in yoga pants and slippers. I hope Riley isn't scarred by my lack of even running a brush through my hair before shoving it in a ponytail on days like this.
Boys were up by 5 am... having a blast. I could hear them on and off, but they stayed in their room so I stayed in my bed until I had to get up to use the potty anyway. I told them to get back in their beds and go to sleep but while they quieted down I'm pretty sure they never fell back asleep. Oh well, that probably means Declan will take a nap after preschool today... but that is definitely not guaranteed. He hasn't taken a regular nap for over a year now and I miss it like crazy. I have a feeling that is about to get a whole lot worse should I ever decide to not be pregnant anymore.
My dad has already collected Zach for his surgery in Lancaster. I'm really lucky to have the kind of parents who have always been so helpful and accepting. I'm sure few would find Zach to be the ideal son-in-law but my extended family has seen him for what really matters: he is a fabulous father and my other half. In the end, that is all that matters to me.
In other news, I'm not quite sure how I'm going to lose any baby weight after looking through Tastefully Simple's new spring/summer catalog. Portion control will be key since everything looks so yummy.
Going to finally get in the shower so I can start the last load of baby clothes that I need to wash before he arrives. Although, I'm sure there is no rush.
Boys were up by 5 am... having a blast. I could hear them on and off, but they stayed in their room so I stayed in my bed until I had to get up to use the potty anyway. I told them to get back in their beds and go to sleep but while they quieted down I'm pretty sure they never fell back asleep. Oh well, that probably means Declan will take a nap after preschool today... but that is definitely not guaranteed. He hasn't taken a regular nap for over a year now and I miss it like crazy. I have a feeling that is about to get a whole lot worse should I ever decide to not be pregnant anymore.
My dad has already collected Zach for his surgery in Lancaster. I'm really lucky to have the kind of parents who have always been so helpful and accepting. I'm sure few would find Zach to be the ideal son-in-law but my extended family has seen him for what really matters: he is a fabulous father and my other half. In the end, that is all that matters to me.
In other news, I'm not quite sure how I'm going to lose any baby weight after looking through Tastefully Simple's new spring/summer catalog. Portion control will be key since everything looks so yummy.
Going to finally get in the shower so I can start the last load of baby clothes that I need to wash before he arrives. Although, I'm sure there is no rush.
(the pic was taken at 9:45 am... what happens to Declan when his wild and crazy brother wakes him up at 5 am. )
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day!
I've always been a sucker for Valentine's Day, love giving presents, LOVE getting the cute little kid valentines from my kids especially. Last year we got our boys pillow pets and they are still in love with them and sleep with them every single night. This year we went the route of Indian Echo Cavern gift shop toys... Riley made such a fuss about this gigantic anaconda (stuffed) he wanted when we were there last week. It was a little much for a just because present (besides we are really trying to get away from the you-get-a-present-everytime-you-go-somewhere method) but I did go back for it since I pass there on my way to the OB once a week. Dec was so tickled by the bats we saw in the cave that I got him a stuffed bat and storybook to go with it. Both were thrilled and that was my mission- definitely accomplished.
I didn't get what I wanted for Valentine's Day...at least not yet. Very unlikely that I will at this point. Just walking through the mall with the hubby yesterday had me contracting rather painfully, but still nothing productive. I was hoping if I tried some (or almost all) of the tricks upon returning from the mall that I could get something going but Archer seems no more eager to come out than his older brothers were. I know I'm not due for another 11 days but this third pregnancy has definitely done a number on my bones and I am ready to have my body back.
Bought a minivan on Saturday morning... picking it up Thursday. Zach has ligament surgery tomorow and possibly replating the one finger. Still having headaches on and off...told the doctor about it but she says I am fine. Makes it hard to do anything besides lay around with my eyes closed. And Declan is definitely not allowing that one today.
I didn't get what I wanted for Valentine's Day...at least not yet. Very unlikely that I will at this point. Just walking through the mall with the hubby yesterday had me contracting rather painfully, but still nothing productive. I was hoping if I tried some (or almost all) of the tricks upon returning from the mall that I could get something going but Archer seems no more eager to come out than his older brothers were. I know I'm not due for another 11 days but this third pregnancy has definitely done a number on my bones and I am ready to have my body back.
Bought a minivan on Saturday morning... picking it up Thursday. Zach has ligament surgery tomorow and possibly replating the one finger. Still having headaches on and off...told the doctor about it but she says I am fine. Makes it hard to do anything besides lay around with my eyes closed. And Declan is definitely not allowing that one today.
Friday, February 11, 2011
TGIF!
I've had the most difficult time getting the Tastefully Simple HQ personnel to update my address and it hasn't been working very well. I called them when I moved at the end of May and updated them on my info-yet the problem persists. I've had numerous things sent to my old address that in turn take twice as long to get to me (not products, just like newsletters and prizes, stuff like that) after they bounce around for awhile. The only way to update it is to talk to someone @ HQ and have them do it for you, so that's what I keep doing and for awhile I thought the problem was solved. I've been getting regular mail from HQ...until the other day when I got a shipment notification that my preordered spring items were on their way to my old address. Luckily I check my email enough to see this right away and with some help from a customer service rep @ TS was able to get the address changed before it left the UPS warehouse. I very specifically told the girl (who told me that both of the addresses were listed for me) to please DELETE the old one. So she emails me that this is completed and life is merry again. Right? WRONG! Today I get another email...something else is shipping (I think a prize that was on backorder?) to my old address. WTH?? Do I need to head out to Minnesota and fix the problem myself? What could be so difficult about this?
Luckily, I have more to be happy about today then grouchy but I did need to share that since it is just so ridiculous!
Happy Federal Tax Return Hit the Bank Day!
Time to get a minivan.
Luckily, I have more to be happy about today then grouchy but I did need to share that since it is just so ridiculous!
Happy Federal Tax Return Hit the Bank Day!
Time to get a minivan.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Oh, BS.... lots of you today!
This may be long, and this may be a little over the top bitchy as well. You've been warned.
So, Zach's representative (her name is Ashley) at his workers comp company gave him serious crap over not being approved for light duty in mid January. She made various rude comments about how she found it hard to believe that broken fingers would keep some one out of work for three months blah blah etc. etc. She threatened him that if he wasn't back on light duty by February, she would suspend his benefits and put him under investigation. So at his most recent doctor appointment, Zach made sure his doctor checked the light duty box on his little paper, even though the doctor didn't think he should go back. It took some convincing, and Zach explained what the workers comp rep was saying and finally got his checkmark.
Tuesday was Zach's first four hour shift back. The pay period runs through Wednesday. So that makes 4 hours of pay. This is supposed to be subtracted from his workers comp paychecks that run Mon-Friday (for example this week should run 2/7-2/11) and get mailed out Tuesdays for the week we are already in. So by 2/11 or 2/12 he gets the paycheck for this week. Except nobody returned his calls all week and now he isn't getting a paycheck at all from workers comp for this week, until maybe the end of next week when she figures things out. I can't even tell you what this paycheck in front of me from his actual work looks like.
Super frustrated... and need big prayers for the fed. return that supposedly hits our bank account tomorrow. I've been let down by that before...last year in fact. Please let that not be the case since we won't have a paycheck for who knows how long??
Oh, and all of this is for two days of work that she practically forced him into...since he now has his next surgery on Tuesday. What was the point of going back for those days? They had to look around for things for him to do considering he does warehouse work and they had him in the office. His work didn't want him (not that they don't love him!), but workers comp insisted.
AHHHHHHH!
So, Zach's representative (her name is Ashley) at his workers comp company gave him serious crap over not being approved for light duty in mid January. She made various rude comments about how she found it hard to believe that broken fingers would keep some one out of work for three months blah blah etc. etc. She threatened him that if he wasn't back on light duty by February, she would suspend his benefits and put him under investigation. So at his most recent doctor appointment, Zach made sure his doctor checked the light duty box on his little paper, even though the doctor didn't think he should go back. It took some convincing, and Zach explained what the workers comp rep was saying and finally got his checkmark.
Tuesday was Zach's first four hour shift back. The pay period runs through Wednesday. So that makes 4 hours of pay. This is supposed to be subtracted from his workers comp paychecks that run Mon-Friday (for example this week should run 2/7-2/11) and get mailed out Tuesdays for the week we are already in. So by 2/11 or 2/12 he gets the paycheck for this week. Except nobody returned his calls all week and now he isn't getting a paycheck at all from workers comp for this week, until maybe the end of next week when she figures things out. I can't even tell you what this paycheck in front of me from his actual work looks like.
Super frustrated... and need big prayers for the fed. return that supposedly hits our bank account tomorrow. I've been let down by that before...last year in fact. Please let that not be the case since we won't have a paycheck for who knows how long??
Oh, and all of this is for two days of work that she practically forced him into...since he now has his next surgery on Tuesday. What was the point of going back for those days? They had to look around for things for him to do considering he does warehouse work and they had him in the office. His work didn't want him (not that they don't love him!), but workers comp insisted.
AHHHHHHH!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Haircuts, headaches and leg cramps
At the risk of sounding whiny (and this is a risk I am willing to take!), I cannot wait until this baby is born! I have had bad headaches since Saturday (so this would be the 5th day) that go away with tylenol but come back a few hours later in the exact same place. Tylenol just isn't strong enough to keep it away! After some facebookers urged me to consider pre-eclampsia, I checked my symptoms and don't have any of the other ones besides having a headache. And supposedly the type of headache would be all over and not just in one spot, like they are. I have had only normal BPS through this pregnancy, but I am going to check at the grocery store since I'm going there anyway just to make sure that remains true. I hate feeling like this, it makes me into a lazy person who just wants to nap when I have a million things I could be doing instead. My next dr. appointment is on Friday, so I will definitely be mentioning this at that time. I've also been getting leg cramps... maybe I need more fluids? After all, then I could go to the bathroom every 20 minutes instead of every 30!
Other than that, things are pretty tame here. Today isn't one of the days that Zach has to go to work or even therapy so I am happy he is here playing with Dec since I don't feel well. He even took Riley to school which is normally something I do (and enjoy doing) so I didn't have to.
The boys got haircuts last night at the barber shop. This is the first time they have been to anyone besides my grandma and I couldn't believe how well they both did! Riley behaved and sat relatively still, and chatted cutely with the girl the whole time. Declan didn't move a muscle and did everything she told him to. (By this time, freshly shorn Riley was bouncing all over the shop but at least his hair was already finished). I really need to remember to pick up a new charger for my camera since the other one mysteriously vanished so I can take pictures of these moments- and obviously a big moment coming up!
Here's a question though... what do you do when your child says something embarrassing in public about another person? I wanted to get up and flee with them before they could speak up because I knew seeing someone as different as a little person wasn't going to go well. Sure enough, Declan saw him first (mostly because Zach had already grabbed Riley and was coaching him through the moment) and wanted to know why that man was so little? It was so loud and he wasn't being mean or laughing, he just wanted to know. I just said people are all different heights and left it at that but I wasn't sure if I should have done more? Or if it was best mostly ignored even though unless the guy was hard of hearing he must have heard the commotion that he caused when walking through the doors. I was proud of Riley though, once Zach spoke to him he kept his mouth shut, which is really hard for him to do (and I saw him gazing down towards the little person- it was definitely still on his mind!).
Other than that, things are pretty tame here. Today isn't one of the days that Zach has to go to work or even therapy so I am happy he is here playing with Dec since I don't feel well. He even took Riley to school which is normally something I do (and enjoy doing) so I didn't have to.
The boys got haircuts last night at the barber shop. This is the first time they have been to anyone besides my grandma and I couldn't believe how well they both did! Riley behaved and sat relatively still, and chatted cutely with the girl the whole time. Declan didn't move a muscle and did everything she told him to. (By this time, freshly shorn Riley was bouncing all over the shop but at least his hair was already finished). I really need to remember to pick up a new charger for my camera since the other one mysteriously vanished so I can take pictures of these moments- and obviously a big moment coming up!
Here's a question though... what do you do when your child says something embarrassing in public about another person? I wanted to get up and flee with them before they could speak up because I knew seeing someone as different as a little person wasn't going to go well. Sure enough, Declan saw him first (mostly because Zach had already grabbed Riley and was coaching him through the moment) and wanted to know why that man was so little? It was so loud and he wasn't being mean or laughing, he just wanted to know. I just said people are all different heights and left it at that but I wasn't sure if I should have done more? Or if it was best mostly ignored even though unless the guy was hard of hearing he must have heard the commotion that he caused when walking through the doors. I was proud of Riley though, once Zach spoke to him he kept his mouth shut, which is really hard for him to do (and I saw him gazing down towards the little person- it was definitely still on his mind!).
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Guess who's back? Tell a friend!
I've noticed a lot more of my mommy friends are blogging these days and I felt a little bit jealous. I haven't used this for about a year, and a lot has changed however today feels a little more like the old days.
Zach is back at work for the first time since October today. He broke two fingers the day before Halloween on a non-regular workday when they were crushed beneath some fitness equipment. After a surgery that was only half successful and months of physical therapy, he is approved for light duty for four hours at a time twice a week. Don't worry, he's been getting paid this whole time. He does require another surgery though- it seems only the middle finger (thank goodness for that since it is one of his favorites!) that was corrected with a plate is progressing. The index finger was fixed with pins and needs a plate now. (I'm not a doctor, but maybe they should have just fixed them both with plates to begin with??) That surgery will probably be scheduled after another consultation on Thursday.
Today it is just me and Declan for now, although we have to leave for preschool in half an hour. We played restaurant for a bit this morning, but more and more it feels like I am bothering him and he wants to play independantly on his ds (handed down from Riley when Ry needed a new one since he broke the bottom screen- the old one still works for some games and Dec was thrilled that Riley wanted to give it to him!) or swordfight on Wii. He amazes me when he is swordfighting, he is wild and wicked and has the highest score of anyone in the family since he can move those little arms so much faster than we can move ours.
I've gotten a little housework done, but mostly I am waiting for the school to call. Riley seems to want to stay home more and more and comes up with fake sick excuses which the school nurse buys everytime since it is just kindergarten, not med school. We tried to figure out what was really going on, and he told a little story about how two of the kids in his class are trying to get him and his best pal to do bad things with them. He didn't elaborate on what the bad things were, but Riley gets a good star for behavior everyday in his folder so I know he isn't actually confessing something that has already happened and blaming it on some kids. I emailed the teacher but haven't heard a response yet. He is such a sweet kid, he can get the teacher to finish any of his projects he is working on just by saying please and you're so good at it (she confessed she needed to work on this but had a hard time resisting his charm) so it makes me sad to think of him feeling sad at school. So far so good, no call yesterday or today thus far.
Two and a half weeks til my due date for little Archer. I am a little nervous about the labor just because everything else has been so different about this pregnancy. I hope this one is uneventful like the other two were... and I know I won't remember quite how badly it hurts until it is already happening again! Although at this point, he is coming out one way or another so I better just suck it up! Just about ready for him though, just need Zach to put a few more things together but I try not to rush him with these since he has only one regularly functioning hand. I guess I could do it myself but that would hurt his feelings, so I just try to be patient.
I may miss Zach a little since he is at work for the first time in months, but I am perfectly content with that feeling since it means I get a little just me time during preschool...
Zach is back at work for the first time since October today. He broke two fingers the day before Halloween on a non-regular workday when they were crushed beneath some fitness equipment. After a surgery that was only half successful and months of physical therapy, he is approved for light duty for four hours at a time twice a week. Don't worry, he's been getting paid this whole time. He does require another surgery though- it seems only the middle finger (thank goodness for that since it is one of his favorites!) that was corrected with a plate is progressing. The index finger was fixed with pins and needs a plate now. (I'm not a doctor, but maybe they should have just fixed them both with plates to begin with??) That surgery will probably be scheduled after another consultation on Thursday.
Today it is just me and Declan for now, although we have to leave for preschool in half an hour. We played restaurant for a bit this morning, but more and more it feels like I am bothering him and he wants to play independantly on his ds (handed down from Riley when Ry needed a new one since he broke the bottom screen- the old one still works for some games and Dec was thrilled that Riley wanted to give it to him!) or swordfight on Wii. He amazes me when he is swordfighting, he is wild and wicked and has the highest score of anyone in the family since he can move those little arms so much faster than we can move ours.
I've gotten a little housework done, but mostly I am waiting for the school to call. Riley seems to want to stay home more and more and comes up with fake sick excuses which the school nurse buys everytime since it is just kindergarten, not med school. We tried to figure out what was really going on, and he told a little story about how two of the kids in his class are trying to get him and his best pal to do bad things with them. He didn't elaborate on what the bad things were, but Riley gets a good star for behavior everyday in his folder so I know he isn't actually confessing something that has already happened and blaming it on some kids. I emailed the teacher but haven't heard a response yet. He is such a sweet kid, he can get the teacher to finish any of his projects he is working on just by saying please and you're so good at it (she confessed she needed to work on this but had a hard time resisting his charm) so it makes me sad to think of him feeling sad at school. So far so good, no call yesterday or today thus far.
Two and a half weeks til my due date for little Archer. I am a little nervous about the labor just because everything else has been so different about this pregnancy. I hope this one is uneventful like the other two were... and I know I won't remember quite how badly it hurts until it is already happening again! Although at this point, he is coming out one way or another so I better just suck it up! Just about ready for him though, just need Zach to put a few more things together but I try not to rush him with these since he has only one regularly functioning hand. I guess I could do it myself but that would hurt his feelings, so I just try to be patient.
I may miss Zach a little since he is at work for the first time in months, but I am perfectly content with that feeling since it means I get a little just me time during preschool...
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