tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76469661666439662652024-03-13T22:40:12.503-07:00LeBlanc tripletsHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.comBlogger710125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-50595245181127796452014-05-19T17:10:00.001-07:002014-05-19T17:10:02.068-07:00(Best) Face ForwardWe said goodbye to Everett's unwanted little friend (the granuloma on his right cheek) this morning very (way too) early.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cixgZVaiTxGnOY--vrMxjTcnUl1fvuCv15qbrulIwvw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6fmZuHaze_Q/U3QT7D-Z3ZI/AAAAAAABsAM/WswrZFS44Yw/s400/IMG_0316.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The pic above was from a month ago. The bump had almost doubled in size and I couldn't keep him from scratching it and causing it to bleed.<br />
<br />
Everett did really well with the surgery. They were able to "gas him down" quickly, make a very small incision, remove the lump and some surrounding tissue for send off and close with 3 little stitches. I'll bring him back to the plastic surgeon in the morning just for a look-see to make sure everything is ok 24 hours post op.<br />
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Beyond recovering for a little over an hour, a reeeally grumpy wake up at 4am when he usually nurses...but couldn't much to his GREAT dismay, and a 3 hour catch up nap this afternoon, sweet Ev has been go go go as usual this afternoon.<br />
<br />
Gracious thanks for the thoughts and well wishes. Hoping for some super uneventful healing and pathology results!<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-45522679233294962292014-05-14T18:19:00.001-07:002014-05-14T19:59:43.044-07:00"Hanging in there"My typical answer for the general "how ya doing?". And it's true. I logged into this blog for the first time in months a few minutes ago, took a deep breath, and started this. I'm not sure what will come through, but it's time...<br />
<br />
We've had a time of monumental change and I needed to retreat to a tiny corner and sit for awhile. Process, love on the littles, and just be. Thoughts have been a blur, and I literally am unable to think 5 minutes into the future anymore (which, I'm finding is quite nice actually).<br />
<br />
Everett had his last visit with the hematologist in March. Fully recovered, he is within normal limits for both circulating and stored iron.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, he has his first visit with a plastic surgeon. He has a rapidly growing granuloma on his cheek. It is (upon a dermatologist visit) thought to be one that continues growing rapidly and never resolves, is very unstable (as evidenced by Ev running into David on Sunday or so and bleeding and oozing just about non-stop since), and it needs to be surgically removed (meaning stitches...meaning scarring...on his face...hence the plastic consult). It is thought to be benign and the greatest concerns would be 1. sedation, 2. infection, 3. amount of scarring and 4. reducing chance of regrowth as much as possible. I'll post more here as I know more.<br />
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Mary Louise and David had eye check ups in January. They went well - very little change in vision. However, David's left eye has been wandering outward during exhaustion since I can remember. It was corrected with glasses to some degree. But the vision in that eye has declined faster than the right. I am now putting dilating drops in the unaffected eye weekly and patching as much as he'll let me (we play pirates...often...and super heroes...who only need one eye...and when all else fails, I let him watch a show I wouldn't normally allow (Spiderman). My favorite David conversation so far was the first time I put the patch on:<br />
<br />
Me: Hey David? Remember those super cool pirate patches we got at the store?<br />
D: Yeah!!<br />
Me: How about you come and choose a color and decorate one. Then we can try it out and be rockin' pirates Bub!<br />
D: OK!! YAY!<br />
ML: I want to wear an eye patch!!<br />
Me: ...<br />
(David put stickers on his patch...I put it on)<br />
D: Hey Mom! I can't see if you cover my eyes!<br />
<br />
Sweet baby really doesn't seem to be able to see much out of that left eye...but we're working on it. We go back mid summer for a recheck...hoping for some resolution or at least slowed progression.<br />
<br />
Mary Louise has had a couple of visits with her pulmonologist. He will see her again mid summer to hopefully stop all meds completely for awhile. This. THIS. is huge. She is taking 1 puff of Advair daily right now. No nasonex, no adenoid removal, no sinus surgery on the horizon...She runs, she plays, we've used the nebulizers once this year during the winter. Vitamins, probiotics, kicking dairy, elderberry syrup, local honey, nettles based allergy vitamin, shark liver oil immune boosters and the correct (CORRECT) preventative prescriptions. It's what's working. Each little step pushed her to get a little bit better, recover from illness a little easier, faster, stronger. Each brick is so important. And with the doctors seeing that with diligence, this preventative approach is well worth the outcome, perhaps hope will resume (because, let's face it, it is so very needed). The next time they find an ubber obnoxious wild eyed bear momma sitting in their office insisting that "it's just not good enough" and "my baby CAN and WILL be better - I just need to find the way"...perhaps in this critical but relatively typical situation, they can offer something more than "well, this med will work, but it's expensive (without even looking at our ins. coverage)..." or "you know, when people come to me, they usually just want a quick fix script - not a long term diet change".<br />
<br />
Mary Louise and David will have their end of the year recital this weekend. David is nervous, ML is hard to contain and has informed David that he must NOT mess up her "big stage". Ha. Stinkers. They will have swimming lessons and a fine motor / handwriting course this summer. and....they will attend a Montessori preschool program 3 days per week in the fall!!! It's very small (15 students total), in home, and they are beyond excited to attend "real" school. I'm nervous...mostly about exposure to illness. But, developmentally, it's time for them. They are begging to try. Having an opportunity to get them into a program like this is a great blessing. So, we'll dive in in a few more months!<br />
<br />
We've had another round of birthdays here as well...5 and 2 ya'll...5 and 2. 5 and 2...5 and 2...FIVE AND TWO!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uVG0JGFNzuj-UvDIzCBglzA07pFfUockSlB3Bnbr5D8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-be9BqkwsNQs/U0dGIW8cDiI/AAAAAAABqw4/VJXwD7jrKo4/s400/IMG_9851.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Mouth in the middle:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tA73AUIXWQtdlOaIkAUDojA07pFfUockSlB3Bnbr5D8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OscGDH1WNbg/U0dGkVUNd-I/AAAAAAABqyI/CtS_JGqwODM/s400/IMG_9861.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3vPHSc2Yd-RmJZvsgovP4DA07pFfUockSlB3Bnbr5D8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ps1b6F36JYU/U0dIvhCqrLI/AAAAAAABq5A/zrtS4OYmWcs/s400/IMG_9916.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
Ma Monkeys...<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E3OFjg98W80LkE27qgloZTA07pFfUockSlB3Bnbr5D8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BGSJk80DACs/U0dLrrfGbPI/AAAAAAABrBI/jkGPzxPQRCA/s400/IMG_9981.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YHzUfPlskIwfhiMSjUVEvjA07pFfUockSlB3Bnbr5D8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AvvFXpoIDXY/U0dN7D6eRpI/AAAAAAABrIY/zn2StmrhBxA/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
My greatest lesson: if you see a field of flowers...stop and enjoy...<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/orunijcxlWn1rnhGIqY4YTA07pFfUockSlB3Bnbr5D8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VE4YK13xoDo/U0dOcpPAzNI/AAAAAAABrKA/iPXi7IVhWDw/s400/IMG_0053.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3a-CxXKUmbUjnbPvVT72yTA07pFfUockSlB3Bnbr5D8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lm0Fo8ZSXd0/U0dPFOn-58I/AAAAAAABrLo/-RYVqCUqk8Y/s400/IMG_0066.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wdbwAi-HYPxSQkXBweKywjA07pFfUockSlB3Bnbr5D8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MbNNf-T5ZA4/U0dP6ylZWII/AAAAAAABrNo/k5chiyrD8s4/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hdk96yH5k8ST-IXKplPTwDA07pFfUockSlB3Bnbr5D8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xNPE2A0x7_g/U0dQqO4xxMI/AAAAAAABrPY/geCX2gpX5t0/s400/IMG_0096.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
and...you know...if you're allergy prone, perhaps have the appropriate antihistamine cream on hand post crimson clover dance...always learning...<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
<br />
Heather<br />
<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-27620397155359529502013-12-16T08:01:00.000-08:002013-12-16T08:03:33.271-08:00And to continue...Everett and I went to the hematologist today for a follow up. Verdict: 3 more months of iron therapy. Boo on this. Good news: his numbers are improved. He is no longer anemic as far as his hemoglobin but is deficient in ferritin (iron stores). Simply put, he lacks stored iron. So, if he should need extra for any reason, it's not there. His dosing is the same. He's 24 pounds now (growing!!) and doing well otherwise - feisty as ever. The hematologist still believes this stems from his traumatic birth...I giggled as he and David marched to bed the other night: Everett in 2T footies and David in 3T. I predict they'll share shorts in the spring...<br />
<br />
He has been talking more and more; demanding more and more; and doing everything he can to keep up with his big brother and sister. It's a little (very) overwhelming to watch the three of them play together. Mary Louise and David adore Everett and submit, albeit begrudgingly, to his every whim.<br />
<br />
In the past few weeks, we have replaced our (commercial) downstairs heating and cooling unit, had issues with our kitchen faucet and the kids have braved a strep (ML) and cold (E and D) combo. One dog is on antibiotics for a skin issue and the other is on Prozac for, well, a noggin' issue.<br />
<br />
Mary Louise and David started rehearsals yesterday for Rudolph - this year's civic ballet production. They are so cute. It's a bit of a mass chaos on stage but eventually kids part and leave sweet David searching for his sister...who typically tries to brush him off once before conceding to take his hand or at least let him follow her. They're both doing well with it all and (I think) loving the attention.<br />
<br />
But busy is an understatement here. With all of the pressure, over booking, under sleeping, I still find little moments (when the kids are on stage or at the end of the night when Everett is nursing while falling asleep) to be grateful. The irony that this (happy) sort of busy even gets to me a little after all of the appointments, therapies and just plain organizational mess I've had over the past few years isn't lost on me. I finally have the luxury to think of things as optional - even though it's sometimes on a subconscious level.<br />
**************<br />
<br />
Some long over due pics:<br />
There are few things that light up Everett's face as much as a simple ball and game of catch:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NJHgRoYMM_f2LL4DHdxx_lnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AIFfy9jyLus/UqzsuW_jNEI/AAAAAAABpvY/xOaBEDol6WU/s400/IMG_9519.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
We did have a jackolantern this year...but the only little that would touch the "guts" was Everett:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iOKWBiZLb0JDumkK7qhOW1nQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5_fm7CZ8RI/Uqzt4I6mzoI/AAAAAAABpzI/omxjsZk5ZfQ/s400/IMG_9549.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HRT-pwWjATVeQ9FOz5Vrh1nQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsyk3p_qDd8/UqzuHbqNiYI/AAAAAAABpz4/rjVBqOX1p2s/s400/IMG_9555.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Mary Louise on Halloween:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JQQIs5e6UEE1IwCOz3V-HlnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ut_yOy6sy58/UqzvBaJ_VAI/AAAAAAABp24/VwEmurK6D_0/s400/IMG_9579.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
She spent the evening concerned that someone might need help and mistake her for a "real" doctor. She was so anxious about it that I had a hard time getting her to trick or treat at all. She made sure to tell anyone who would listen that she had not, in fact, finished "docca school" just yet and was therefore not qualified to be of assistance. Sweet baby. What a gift.<br />
David, on the other hand:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4YwEBs0L-0pXZaIe404LXFnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1Me2pdCtcTk/UqzvIcFj1iI/AAAAAAABp3Q/PR7z2C6Lk-s/s400/IMG_9582.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
promised he could absolutely save anyone and everyone from a blaze - no problem - you know, because that "dus what fire fighters do Mom". (I pretty much believe him. My hero.)<br />
Typical:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LVlbyea7fobsF9L9Lpn1BFnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YTskGdvca7w/UqzvqWiVRJI/AAAAAAABp5A/bGxe1xqIDr0/s400/IMG_9596.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Just because:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hRQhNZwmHkGYoVjgRL_AVVnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FYJkCtK43To/UqzwQO_x7jI/AAAAAAABp7Y/0DnyZTZAS5k/s400/IMG_9615.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Betcha can't find David (group pic for Rudolph):<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xDulF_rVOGBbN3wegB-hyFnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YZ4k8pFnd3k/Uqzwxj70tvI/AAAAAAABp9E/7qfsZ3ewJm0/s400/IMG_9630.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
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Back stage:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9WTb5yb6LkC0IlEWRWup4VnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B_zuOhcFf5Q/UqzyAdkakVI/AAAAAAABqAc/cOQl7A7WdeE/s400/IMG_9658.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pE0gIYiWk96wh_NSU8n2zVnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ejo6ZPX4r-U/UqzyEtWlIGI/AAAAAAABqAs/IBcoaNwzhUo/s400/IMG_9660.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CKHh4M02yj5j4iMATECo7lnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u34nRee58LE/UqzyYgtPVKI/AAAAAAABqB0/ICl09MWlntc/s400/IMG_9669.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b28vFUR6OWoirOU4K532w1nQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y1KTNAhHnv4/UqzzBVlJtWI/AAAAAAABqD0/MiAHOOTxwkE/s400/IMG_9685.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4XdxnYt9XSANR98Jw1Of0FnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7bEqixCF4JA/UqzzwE4ZIHI/AAAAAAABqGc/ErlCP9kTHyY/s400/IMG_9706.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/63Fa7XaF2mXT6NkqLoWK8VnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GU5qCZMhU6I/Uqz0QWDNibI/AAAAAAABqIE/NTbVMSH5c5g/s400/IMG_9719.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
David's congratulatory reward:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LXghZnhcJcaA4Ny_cgOjo1nQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2-FxYjG9YYg/Uqz0ohUx7fI/AAAAAAABqJM/c5wDQSW76hg/s400/IMG_9728.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
Mary Louise's:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fd61z30-LkHgsw_h1w9_wVnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-60VrqwqmLDk/Uqz1EOqBVvI/AAAAAAABqKU/BBCeSxwX81s/s400/IMG_9737.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
Truth be known, Mary Louise wanted flowers after each rehearsal as well.<br />
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They were so excited all of their grandparents and Uncle Kyle and Sean came to see "da big stage" performance. Mary Louise begged to see the final showing "from the chairs" and Uncle Kyle happily obliged. (David requested a "Supa Keer-oh show" that evening. Apparently, he'd had enough ballet for the day.)<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/90NqAPpbU-_fO_2LUo48xVnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J5OWACngsxA/Uqz2yYGQe7I/AAAAAAABqO8/kTmy2Daj0fE/s400/IMG_9774.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
This picture makes me laugh:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/comruR-kmTHWP-0HTE_EoVnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BcupwGi0t8I/Uqz2_dLNlvI/AAAAAAABqPk/kLCGqKbYVdI/s400/IMG_9779.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
Doting uncles:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ixSKY6m3odb8azcWFFMhnFnQ4ujJohhZKcC54UTs2JE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I18rVLCMvFk/Uqz3jU9qWyI/AAAAAAABqRM/QVIaRGnU0wk/s400/IMG_9792.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
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Good. Times.<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-18989535612477172122013-11-03T19:03:00.001-08:002013-11-03T19:03:51.543-08:00The ImpossibleSince Friday:<br />
<br />
6 batches homemade cookies<br />
plumber fixed kitchen sink<br />
family pictures organized and done<br />
3 bulk batches of granola<br />
some light garden tending<br />
attended a baby shower for a wonderful friend<br />
2 hours of shopping ALONE at a store without carts!!<br />
a few other home recipes made and done<br />
laundry...there's always laundry...<br />
market on Saturday morning<br />
special order of bulk cookies delivered<br />
dinner with family (out!! at a restaurant!!)<br />
movies with family<br />
meals cooked / cleaned<br />
Brent cleaned the house (ah! be still my heart. Love.)<br />
nursing, nursing, nursing the E man<br />
running with David while he rides his bike a few miles (amazing right?)<br />
<br />
I get 2 comments most often:<br />
I don't know how you do "it".<br />
You have your hands full.<br />
<br />
The latter happened 13 times in 2 hours during a trip to a scarecrow festival at a nearby garden recently. 13 times. really. So, I obviously don't make "it" look easy.<br />
<br />
The physical is that I get "it" done by making lists. By prioritizing, plugging away - one thing at a time. Crossing things off of a physical list gives me peace. I know...total nerd.<br />
<br />
Perspective. Keeping things in perspective. Staying in the moment - focusing on the most mundane keeps life extraordinary. Though areas usually suffer (hello, blog - long time no see!), I am doing the best I can and enjoying those painfully sweet moments without worrying about obsessively recording. Looking back, I see happy. That is more than good enough.<br />
<br />
Time is flying. It is racing by so fast that focusing on those tiny seconds is all I can do.<br />
<br />
Business is going well for which I am so grateful. If anything, I am constantly trying to rein myself in - trimming grandiose ideas into neat and tidy "attainable today" goals.<br />
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Mary Louise and David are working on numbers and letters and doing well. We got some old school desks refinished with chalk board paint at a festival my elementary school has each year. We draw letters and numbers together on the desk tops, seats - all over. Something about drawing on furniture...never gets old! Everett keeps up with our lessons too - sounding out and imitating everything. He speaks in 2 to 3 word sentences often - extremely verbal and so sweet and polite saying "tank-oo" appropriately.<br />
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They are rarely in "street" clothes anymore - very deep into a massive dress up phase. We took them to raid the clearance costumes the day after Halloween. They literally spend hours (ummm...days. definitely days and if they had their way, nights too) as "Supa Keer-ohs" and "Docca- Bal-uh-weena-Pwinceses". Today I caught David, dressed as a police officer, doing a monologue in the mirror:<br />
<br />
"Calm down boys and girls! Bo-weese opisuh Dabid is here!"<br />
"You can buh-wax now. I won't gib you a ticket...(holds the brim of his hat and looks down his nose with a sly grin) un-wess you are doing sumping wong! he he heee"<br />
<br />
The kids have all had growth spurts and are looking very long and lanky. Everett is breezing through clothing David wore last winter. We seem to suddenly have "young children" rather than babies. I'm sure, just like that, I'll be trying to catch my breath as I stare at adolescents and teens in a few years.<br />
<br />
All amazing. All. Deciding to believe in "possible"...<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Heather<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-37332602352435723552013-10-02T14:42:00.000-07:002013-10-02T14:42:55.984-07:00Blessings and Business*This post was started an embarrassingly long time ago - but alas, life happens and blogging, well, sometimes doesn't...*<br />
<br />
So, since Downtown Naturals made its debut at a local farmers' market about a month ago, business has been growing, busy and wonderful. I'm am so humbled to be able to provide a local treat, healthy indulgences, and immune boosting elderberry syrup to our community...it just leaves me speechless and awestruck.<br />
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Brent and I have daydreamed often about running a cafe, opening a restaurant - just cooking and tasting the days away, together - working hard but feeling like we are hardly working. All we have is our passion for quality ingredients, local, healthy, organics - the opinion that things don't need to be cooked all stinkin' day for flavors to properly marry. People! Nutritious does not equal (taste of) sticks and stones!<br />
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This is our first taste of our dream...and I must say, it tastes UH-mazing.<br />
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We do our math lessons over a batch of granola. I ask the kids to tell me exactly what they taste as they test a new recipe. It is our family's effort and love that is in every bite of the products on our market table. The kids tag along on (most of the) Tuesdays for market. They watch as grown ups taste, critique and purchase their hard work. They watch money exchange hands. They are learning the value of a dollar so early, and so comfortably...<br />
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Tonight, for dinner, Mary Louise, David and Everett enjoyed pan seared tilapia and cod cooked in avocado oil, local herbs, Bragg's liquid aminos, organic lemon and fresh cracked black pepper. These are the tastes of their childhood. This is what they will want for comfort into adulthood. We are raising little "foodies". Unafraid of foods, flavors and new tastes...this is important.<br />
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I dropped a package by a neighbor's house today. She ordered some molasses cookies for her friend for a birthday. I made... MADE a birthday present!! I made a birthday present with spelt flour, blackstrap molasses, turbinado, local eggs and (partly) organic spices...I made a birthday present that keeps giving in enjoyment, taste, community support, sustainability and nutrition. The fact that someone thought of us when they were looking for a gift is humbling. What an honor to be a small part of their happy celebration!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e3Ctqq0ujp0MRV3t_bVNLVIHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ty6-l_LYaw/UkyLre31V0I/AAAAAAABpl4/FLtkkSoa7P8/s400/1237260_578135925555579_574715074_o.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
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This morning was one of those that I woke up and decided to make the day wonderful. It was a conscious decision because, in truth, I was tired, run down and a little grumpy...but, nonetheless, I got us dressed and went to our local Children's Museum. Mary Louise and David are very familiar with the set up - but get so excited to play with everything every time we go. Everett has just recently started to really get into the pretend playing and props there - his sweet mouth was open and in awe for almost all of the 2 hours we spent there.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vBxx-rpNhpcNiU88h1zjX1IHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dvq57oYBpXU/UkyM48afdqI/AAAAAAABpmA/_WuUP77w7Uw/s400/559879_10151722485537336_1766619032_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4ekL4CdYlJZCtC_U0TTBRVIHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ujx7cw_Ve3I/UkyNGyEelFI/AAAAAAABpmI/A_hNprTXSTw/s400/1382361_10151722490802336_1116303117_n.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vKVTseM7iAi3gpgSdvYzBlIHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PwAcw7xZrxA/UkyP2UDMtHI/AAAAAAABpmU/-A13FTXmtkI/s400/540318_10151722506732336_503550722_n.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fyrm8IhdOom5LwsRusL7C1IHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="225" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P9EaAEKWFms/UkyQMVqTDkI/AAAAAAABpmc/VU3bgI51KCM/s400/1385490_10151722478452336_941259584_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
We had a great time and I got us out of there just before the SUPER hungries hit and while we were all still having fun (one of my greatest Mom lessons was learning to stop things BEFORE they got boring and BEFORE anyone felt too hungry. I still slip from time to time, but make every effort to stop while we're still having fun - so they always want to go back for more later.) As we walked out of the door and I heard the, "Thank you Mom!!" and "But I wanted to play a little more!", I decided that today, we all needed to play a little longer. We went to lunch together. This never happens - especially not without Brent in tow. But there we were. We sat at a table, Everett in my lap and David across, Mary Louise next to me. We talked and ate, laughed and smiled. Then we played some more. It. was. fabulous. Everyone was happy, and we even made it through Sam's on the way home.<br />
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I had some errands to run - other than Sam's - but opted for some sofa snuggles this afternoon instead. Because days like this...well, they should be stolen, often. My happy spot is right under my nose (and usually under my feet) but it's just too easy to get wrapped up in business and forget to really savor that time your little girl couldn't understand how Mommom could be a mommy because she doesn't have her hair in a bun and play with babies all day.<br />
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Today, today has been savored.<br />
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As promised, a few pics of our stay with Mere and Pops on our way home from St. Augustine:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7gjLjFGG6fpSsg__kpX7oJiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SvkvJuOu1FI/UjkY6YBs08I/AAAAAAABoEY/xGTCIRsiIwQ/s400/IMG_8927.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k7XASYjSUGOK5WYVwR2P55iHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xjobMmOVX9g/UjkZp1mZABI/AAAAAAABoGE/6GMEkIfMpsI/s400/IMG_8941.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w1ljl63Q9Cp0zsYnFeS_vpiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ApmzoS2D9ts/UjkbSXMU_BI/AAAAAAABoKI/h0JP3Zwcvks/s400/IMG_8973.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ut_G8ggHJ2IRAuGEVin2SJiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QXfeDTcJMlg/UjkbZrEksMI/AAAAAAABoKg/BTcUq_06xkI/s400/IMG_8976.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PnDmIkLJcm3ayAgwnk9_gZiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vO7_OOHATSs/Ujkc1hQ0UsI/AAAAAAABoOw/CfoLzsfneVA/s400/IMG_9010.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Nx5VlT-BPR-q4HEYVCsm5piHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BDm7-3BC7-o/Ujkdb1BPNeI/AAAAAAABoQA/a5Bk2O6Ut58/s400/IMG_9020.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0lShkALZJJmO77voVDgMG5iHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Mh6bd42lj-k/Ujkd_wF9KSI/AAAAAAABoRw/MGYQHDVntRw/s400/IMG_9034.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
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xo,<br />
Heather<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-11161208500481313472013-09-20T08:36:00.001-07:002013-09-20T08:36:43.436-07:00St. Augustine 2013We spent the first week of September in St. Augustine, Fl. Time at the beach, visiting Granny, time as a family: some of life's greatest gifts. I'd looked forward to that week for months. Even though it was stressful, it was wonderful to breathe that sweet sea air and see the littles squeal in the waves and enjoy the sand between their toes. If you were otherwise unaware, we have quite the family of beach bums:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WQxxs2TqyMhcmrZMUNa1_JiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pngobdPzwRM/UjmDfL4rjLI/AAAAAAABolQ/nE9YGCDitbw/s400/IMG_9185.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G3I94cm8yUDIiX21eJ1tmpiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOt_8JMYEPs/UjmBSHF9gDI/AAAAAAABoeI/KDEeGQqWSpY/s400/IMG_9128.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0aYgzq-PQP33KNJNMpYu_piHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hw1gMhZHl9I/UjmBimbfrtI/AAAAAAABofA/hjO6WWrKfao/s400/IMG_9135.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N-DuIOB68Dp2ZDC2gZqam5iHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mG7H0P95YnU/UjmwqQuk_sI/AAAAAAABo-w/sxTWzh6vBEU/s400/IMG_9383.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/113721573151545953269/StAugustineTripSeptember2013?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">St. Augustine trip September 2013</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/60N8RH8Fl45Cy9qn-uPoapiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2D-12KFq0g/UjmxeuOLlHI/AAAAAAABpBo/OFCbn6SPbIE/s400/IMG_9406.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yIoAKthGQpMlKlS-DVDb35iHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HCjILAR8Lbc/Ujmx1ataD5I/AAAAAAABpC4/5eSIjh3NvEU/s400/IMG_9416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/32j1XgQa5HQ1HOgowFtrwpiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CV1l2oV5dbM/UjmzF8TpjLI/AAAAAAABpHA/6oJl87CA94Q/s400/IMG_9449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just watching them delight in the simple pleasures of sand and water...beautiful. (and yes, you probably did see a few spatulas and a turkey baster...dollar store kitchen section: the only place to find "sand" toys that might be able to hold up to a week of abuse courtesy LeBlanc kiddos.)</div>
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And watch this:</div>
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One happy to be at the sea wall; one sassy pants not wanting to take pictures:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n-TVwrq3MvmwL3bmX4uRu5iHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3sCrvoGF2Vs/UjmGMI1hAhI/AAAAAAABosY/qFiwzKOwwg4/s400/IMG_9242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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happy one snuggles up to sassy one:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/de_nDU4Tz4Z_qxKhNCmyxpiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s1xYUwkHvUw/UjmGS2TnTVI/AAAAAAABosw/g3jjaFB7u7Q/s400/IMG_9245.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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stinkers:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JOeZVoO1EkGQX1P6ndIw9JiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DBtMUNoUyqQ/UjmGXjPOO2I/AAAAAAABotA/VfVSRkPUoaw/s400/IMG_9247.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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"You smile May-weeze!"</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aPoaQcZ-jpCKgdfkUlTH2JiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gpFcul_LbY0/UjmGmqCvslI/AAAAAAABoto/rr3CaB9_nQE/s400/IMG_9252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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yep - better together:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1JeliVop86M6onU83RmKq5iHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jMiULTwddzU/UjmHNCHIr0I/AAAAAAABouw/ObqOqTURmZE/s400/IMG_9261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GqeCIznlIu42C6xDzGfVWpiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bP9nvq7NJzM/UjmHR4hun7I/AAAAAAABovA/qycDQpoHg3M/s400/IMG_9263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hH_TLa3E_Ch0jCF-yxMJlpiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aU5MMTglesY/UjmHzcklDXI/AAAAAAABowI/kE2lwjbnFfo/s400/IMG_9272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's my "big kids".</div>
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Visiting:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rCjX7qQQj714tUc1AnZbc5iHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IF3luGKXCTY/Ujmui1xL3hI/AAAAAAABo4g/mfUEkbpg24E/s400/IMG_9333.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SMurjMnMdlDJULhvCSF71piHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q8mwugT9q9w/UjmvaPExKGI/AAAAAAABo64/RD5wzQeauWo/s400/IMG_9352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KB1YtKFZSPiASPv7ppqMFZiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tYuOKkMTYm4/UjmvwIwI_QI/AAAAAAABo74/v6EXZmXzxu4/s400/IMG_9360.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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And of course, we got in some great hugs and chats with this gal:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JHmV6F1BW2pKXnUKHWJ62ZiHdnEc-V41kdj3z2AHD3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-91kd1_2_at8/UjmwaXREGMI/AAAAAAABo94/t2yf9L7UEOI/s400/IMG_9376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I owe all of my "color red" obsession to you dear Granny.</div>
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The trips there and back came complete with nice stops at Mere and Pops' house...which means another picture post coming up!</div>
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xo,</div>
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Heather</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-77085953074092399332013-09-14T18:13:00.000-07:002013-09-14T18:13:33.968-07:00True Story ThursdayDavid and I went to the American Apparel outlet while on vacation. At the check out counter, there were about 15 bins of sweat bands (think 1980's Rocky sort of things - because, clearly, the 80's styles need to come back 1. more. time. *sigh*).<br />
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David picks up a red, white and blue band. He put it on his head.<br />
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D: Yook Mom!! I have a head band! Dis means I work out. You work out Mom??<br />
Me: Uhh. yes. I do David.<br />
D: Yeah. I work out Mom! See? (he gets on the floor. I am a little stunned and grinning at the same time) I'm pushin' me up! Yook Mom!! I can push me up!! (he tries to do a push up but ends up looking like he's sort of break dancing)<br />
Me: That's great David!! Look how strong you are! ... please get off the floor now Bub? (he does) (I scold my self internally for chancing ruining a moment because I saw a dust bunny roll across the floor as he...uh...pushed himself up. Dear self: please relax...a little...now a little more...your heart thanks you.)<br />
D: I pushed me up because I have a head band. Could we take dis head band with us to our home Mom?<br />
Me: David, I think it's 100% necessary to take that head band with us. Are you sure that's the color you want? (there were about 4 different green ones. Anyone who spends 5 minutes around David knows green is, hands down, that kid's "fa-bor-wit" color.)<br />
D: I want DIS one Mom. DIS is da one I want!! (proudly wearing the red, white and blue)<br />
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We went to 2 other stores while at the outlets. David asked anyone who made eye contact with him if they worked out, and then demonstrated that he could "push me up" because of his head band. He walked with the swagger of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.<br />
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When I tell you David rocks that sweat band I mean it with every fiber of my being. He is awesome. I wish I'd had even a third of that grounded confidence in myself and my decisions at his age - or anytime during my childhood. My sweet individual boy.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DOy0q-GJfnm3dpXRJTD0MFIHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hbe4mMBvJlY/UjEpNSybdGI/AAAAAAABn8k/m_HShmWLLqg/s400/1267429_10151666112152336_1593933890_o.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v4jQohXW7I7CB4EuDJGv4VIHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5PrvrfXfPKE/UjEo6gMUW_I/AAAAAAABn8c/uYeK9AfvqeM/s400/1003388_10102566971395775_481272572_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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**I started this post on Wednesday - but ended up spending all of Thursday cooking! So, it's a late "True Story Thursday"...apologies!**<br />
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Everett's absolute favorite thing in the world right now (because you know, this can change next week - or in a few minutes really as all things toddlers go) is playing ball. He sees balls everywhere we go, points, grins and says, "ball". In our room on vacation, there were photos of a sunset over the bed. Every morning, Everett would wake up, look at the photos and say, "ball" with a HUGE grin.<br />
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While in St. Augustine, my cousin Ashley was married. It was the first wedding Mary Louise and David had ever attended. They were fascinated. On the way home (after the reception) Mary Louise asked the following questions:<br />
ML: why did Ash-wee have that big beautiful white dress on Mommy?<br />
Me: it's a wedding dress baby. She was getting married and it's tradition that the bride wear white as it's a sign of purity.<br />
ML: ok...<br />
D: yeah - but dat dress dus dragged da ground! It's gonna get all dirty! she should pick dat dress off da ground!<br />
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ML: But why did Ash-wee throw dose beautiful flowers all over? They broke and fell on da floor. I would never throw beautiful flowers like dat!<br />
Me: ummm...the person who catches the flowers is supposed to be next to marry...but I'm not sure how that started...<br />
ML: (frowning) broken flowers dus make me sad...I would never throw my beautiful flowers...<br />
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ML: So Mommy, I wuv David...can I marry him one day?<br />
Me: Well, David is your brother Meesey.<br />
ML: yeah - but I wuv him so I can marry him right?<br />
Me: well, not really. You choose a person to marry that is not in your family. They choose to be with you and you with them. David will always be there for you - he's your brother. That never changes. When you fall in love, you choose each day to be with that person and you choose to make that person your partner and part of your family...does that make sense?<br />
ML: sort of...maybe a yittle bit?<br />
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<br />
Ballet started the week we were gone, so for us, the first class was this week. Mary Louise is taking again - this time with David too! David asked almost every week if he could take classes with Mary Louise last year. After a little (too much) thought, and viewing amazing performances put on by the company, we decided to let him try things out.<br />
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My reservations were washed away by: 1. Mary Louise exclaiming over and over that she would show David the ropes such as how to stay on his dot. She promised she would help him to settle into the class. But most of all - 2. Mary Louise and David's faces as they came out of the class. They were the epitome of pride; the ultimate in satisfaction. In short, they became "big kids" the very moment they let go of my hand, embraced one another's and walked through that class door. They loved it and talked about it all the way home.<br />
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Let them do what they love. Let them do what they love. As long as there are more good days than bad, ballet classes will be in our routine. May they be limber and graceful, confident and balanced -with poise that makes others take pause and peace that passes understanding. May they experience all of that and more...while pretending to be any animal they wish as they dance across the floors of their ballet studio (which, from what I gather, is one of their class time practices). Most of all, may they transform and enjoy those moments of absolute freedom as they grow older, more aware and responsibilities increase. Go as far as you wish sweet babes. It's our privilege.<br />
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Mary Louise was my "big helper" at market this morning. We went to a new farmers' market that is just a few blocks from our home. Brent and the boys walked over mid-day. Mary Louise and I got 2 solid hours between sales to chat.<br />
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ML: Mommy? Is that OUR ell-da-bur-we syrup right there?<br />
Me: well, it's like ours, but it's to help others. We have some at home for you.<br />
ML: I yike dat syrup.<br />
Me: I'm glad Meesey...you take it every morning. I'm glad it tastes good.<br />
ML: Me too Mommy. Why you making it for other people doe?<br />
Me: Well, I like taking care of others. I found something that works for us and thought other people might like to know about it too. We all take care of one another. It's what people do.<br />
ML: I stink you a good Mommy, Mommy.<br />
Me: Thank you my Meese. That means an awful lot...<br />
<br />
*grin* these moments, in all their glorious cheesey-ness and adorable fluffiness really do happen you know...and I smile every time...<br />
**************<br />
<br />
For those in our area (or not...I can ship a few things as needed or interest dictates), I now have a Downtown Naturals Facebook page. Keep up with all of our goings on - and our newest products - AND provide much wanted (and needed) feedback there! Business is going quite well - even in these very early learning stages and I'm excited to be adding a few things very soon!!<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Heather<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-34321974851348903442013-09-11T19:20:00.001-07:002013-09-11T19:20:02.372-07:00On the MendEverett and I made the hour+ drive to see his hematologist yesterday afternoon. There is a strict "one kid / 2 adults" policy there so Brent stayed behind with the big kids. We pulled in to the parking lot and I saw Everett shrink notably in his seat. My sweet baby boy...<br />
<br />
I lifted him out of the car to my chest. He melted into my shoulder and wrapped his arms tightly around my neck. We entered via the double automatic doors. He gave me the best hug...ever. If I didn't know he was so nervous, I wouldn't feel quite so guilty saying how much I loved that moment...<br />
<br />
We checked in and walked across with our lab paperwork. This place is one of the most efficient offices we've ever visited. Honestly - the most efficient. Somehow, there are no lines, people are patient, soft spoken and courteous. We were taken back immediately for Everett's blood tests.<br />
<br />
About 30 seconds later, his vials of life were off and spinning. I had almost 2 hours to use before our appointment time.<br />
<br />
We played outside, ate snacks, played in the car and made our way up to the doctor's office with 30 minutes to spare.<br />
<br />
We stared at the fish tanks for a few minutes before being called back.<br />
<br />
Everett LOVES the toys in those rooms. There are little classic wooden cars and activity cubes - all very clean and in pristine condition. He makes "vroooom" noises as he scoots the cars across the tables and chairs and giggles when they fly onto the floor.<br />
<br />
The doctor came in with a smile. The blood work had just been printed and he had a chart comparing his results over time (1st draw, second, and the newest results).<br />
<br />
He's improving!!! In fact, he's improving so fast, the doctor decreased his iron dose just a bit.<br />
<br />
What does this mean????? Iron deficiency anemia. That's it!! Thalassemia is off the table and we'll continue with 3 more months of iron therapy while the unhealthy old red cells die off and healthy ones take their places.<br />
<br />
Aaannnnd in other news: the sweet potato gained 2 pounds in 3 weeks!!<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-82877325440935049322013-09-09T17:26:00.001-07:002013-09-09T17:27:10.846-07:00Smelling the RosesMary Louise and I have been spending wonderful amounts of time together...at various doctors' offices. She loves her "Mommy - Meesey time" and I make every effort to stay very present while waiting with her. We read, color, talk, snack and giggle. We snuggle, laugh, listen and learn. Love and laughter in (almost) every minute. It should be everyone's goal.<br />
<br />
I've been stressed lately. Very stressed. I've felt overwhelmed and needed breaks. With the number of doctor appointment mounding, home tasks getting away from me, and the school year (David's therapy) and ballet lessons starting, cracks are showing and cackles are starting...and then there's my bright idea about a booth at the markets here...way to pile it on, self!<br />
<br />
Mary Louise and I went to the pediatrician yesterday to chat about allergy test results. The doctor was running late, so I requested we be put in a room (there are some nasty bugs going around our area - and measles has made its way to Houston - a short 3 hours from us. I am not very keen on sitting for an hour in the waiting room.) We waited 45 minutes in the room. When the doctor made it in, the table was a Mary Louise graffiti original and we were reading books after doing a math lesson on the IPad.<br />
<br />
The doctor listened while I explained that I was very wary of doing weekly (or twice weekly) injections as it would entail me waiting with 3 little ones in a pedi waiting room twice a week, however long it took to get us in and out. So, I asked, would the risk to our family (being exposed to every illness entering our area), outweigh the benefit of the shot? or vice verse? Would the injections work for her? why?<br />
<br />
I had a list of changes we had already started implementing for Mary Louise at home: HEPA filters in the bedroom and downstairs playroom (her 2 areas of most indoor play) as well as upgrading the central air filters. Increasing her elderberry and honey dosing, and introducing a nettles based allergy vitamin, washing our pups twice weekly, protectors on the mattresses and new pillows with protectors on them while also being aware of seasonal patterns and pollen blooms. I've also contacted an herbalist / acupuncturist friend of Brent's who has agreed to help us streamline our efforts and diet to best suit Mary Louise's needs.<br />
<br />
For those who have written, the pets have never been allowed upstairs anyhow - except for Lizzie who sleeps in our (master) bed room as of about a month ago when her aging nerves prevented her from settling down to rest...ever. She climbs the stairs with me at night, sleeps in the corner (down the hall from the kids) and goes right back down in the morning. The cat is outside all day everyday and many nights. When he does decide to sleep inside, he's in the laundry room (we don't leave clothing in there). Anyhow, we are not re-homing our pets...haha...an ad would look a bit like this:<br />
<br />
<i>11 and 13 year old dogs and a 12 year old cat to be re-homed due to newly diagnosed allergies. All animals have sort of pleasant dispositions as long as they are allowed to sleep undisturbed for the greater portion of the day. The kids love them, and they tolerate the kids (or run from them). They are house broken - but, when angry, the little one (Chester) is sort of an asshole and tends to pee on your foot. All have lovely stink breaths and need water added to their foods so they can chew. Up to date on shots, and will forward their vet files...but it may cause a paper shortage. Oh. And if the grass is wet, don't expect either dog to set foot there for relief. They think the driveway, or sidewalk works just fine. Let me know if interested!! (*grin*)</i><br />
<br />
The pedi's response was very positive and extremely supportive. She said that Mary Louise's allergies, while significant, are not absolutely horrible so unless I had come in pushing for injections, in our situation, the risk of bringing her into the office so often outweighed the benefit of the injections so she would not have gone ahead with them (at this time).<br />
<br />
Outside the office, there were masses of blooming rose bushes. "Please can we stop and 'mell dem Momma?"<br />
<br />
"Yes baby. Of course."<br />
<br />
We went to the ENT the next day. He looked over the results and asked how her symptoms were at home. I told him about the herbal measures and holistic approach. He admitted to not knowing much about it and said it was, of course, my choice if I wanted to explore that route - it wouldn't hurt as far as what I had planned or was already implementing. After an exam, he stated Mary Louise's adenoids were remarkably smaller as compared to our first visit. At this time, he wouldn't make any changes - and supported our plan not to go ahead with the allergy shots.<br />
<br />
We also discussed alternatives to the allergy shots should her symptoms worsen over the next year or so. We could do sublingual (under the tongue) drops at home instead of the injections. He has the facility and staff to mix her drops in office and said she would be a candidate for the home therapy should her condition worsen. If it came to that though, she would likely need an adenectomy (adenoid removal). We go back to him for a recheck in 6 months.<br />
<br />
Long overdue updates to come - we've just returned from a trip to St. Augustine, Fl.!<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-44402236329034122782013-08-18T06:32:00.001-07:002013-08-18T06:54:14.289-07:00Convos with 4 year oldsDavid and I talking over pancakes this morning:<br />
<br />
David: What's that??<br />
Me: Peach syrup Daddy got while in Ruston. Would you like to try it?<br />
David: Ummmmmmm sure!<br />
Me: (pouring)<br />
David: So dis is peach syrup yike da peach we ate yast night with da red skin?<br />
Me: yes - like the peaches Daddy brought home a few weeks ago...<br />
David: da peaches with da red skin and I didn't yike dat red skin but the peaches were deeeee-wishus but I didn't yike dat red skin so you took it off???<br />
Me: yes. The peach syrup is made from peaches just like that.<br />
David: and nay-pool syrup is made from...nay-pools?<br />
Me: well, the sap of maple trees. Maple syrup comes from trees...<br />
David: ok. So nay-pool syrup comes from trees and peach syrup comes from peaches with da red skin I didn't yike and nights come from castles??<br />
Me: well, yes...in a manner of speaking...<br />
David: ok! and maybe I can be a knight? and maybe dus a supa-hewoe? or maybe a ba-weese officer? or maybe a fireman? and and umm can I go pway with my friend May-weese now?<br />
Me: yes, you can go play and you can do all of those things David? Do you know why you can do all those things?<br />
David: umm - yes Mooom...because I can do any-ting I want to...*sigh*...can I go pway now?<br />
Me: yes Bub. Go play.<br />
<br />
*Lincoln Log explosion in the play room...LOTS of giggles and all 3 working together...win*<br />
***************<br />
<br />
Last night with Mary Louise:<br />
Me: ok Drama Queen...<br />
ML: Moooom, you don't call me Drama Queen. You call me boo-ti-ful.<br />
Me: Excuse me. I stand corrected.<br />
ML: hmph.<br />
*********<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mary Louise was running down a brick walk at the farmers' market yesterday morning. Brent was following with Everett and David yelling at Mary Louise to slow down. She fell and cut her leg just above her knee pretty badly. She recovered quickly though - blood and all and I got her in her car seat with some clean tissues until we could get to the pharmacy (thankfully, it was at the very end of the market day so we just packed up and left a few minutes early). Bandaids, Neosporin and Motrin in hand, I went to clean her up a little better:</div>
<div>
<br />
ML: Mom, you da docca now and putting a bandaid on da docca Meesey Pie's knee! You such a good docca Mommy!! Thank you!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love these kids and loving their quizzy and helpful ages. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had a good first day at the market. Though I'm not sure we're really with our "niche" group of customers, we'll give the Sulphur location one more try. Other vendors said it was a very slow day. But the weather was beautiful, I talked to alot of interested people, and if I enticed a person enough to simply SAMPLE what I had, they almost always bought something. So there's that. I'm still working on getting in on the ones closer to the house though - in part because, well, they're closer, but mostly because I think our products will do better there. (A number of people saw "organic" and "molasses" and "local honey" and said, "oh no sug, I don't do none of that healthy stuff." This makes me sad...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A pic Brent snapped with his phone:</div>
<div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ch6GTM_IdhaN7bsDZNO_NFIHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Va0B5PaVx4/UhDL4ZDBhDI/AAAAAAABnmA/Ip9RJVk8rbg/s400/1185698_10151776168728984_57547537_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It can only get better from here right???</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
xo,</div>
<div>
Heather</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-89090219516742240482013-08-16T19:33:00.000-07:002013-08-16T19:34:01.314-07:00Week in ReviewJust to recap the week:<br />
<br />
Brent and I did our first triathlon relay together. It was fun.<br />
**********<br />
We met our hematologist and found out Everett probably doesn't have some completely random and bizarre genetic disorder. We were happy. He does, however, have a pretty severe iron deficiency and will be on daily medications as well as a high iron diet until Christmas. So, there's that.<br />
**********<br />
Everett is cutting a top molar. He's taking it well all things considered - just clingy and nursing as much as possible. Odd thing is: he seems to be getting all of his teeth on the right side of his mouth first.<br />
**********<br />
I committed to having a booth at one of the local farmers' markets. My first day is tomorrow. I'll sell homemade granola, molasses cookies and organic elderberry syrup made with local honey under the name "Downtown Naturals". I'm excited...and nervous. But, mostly excited. Even if the whole thing is a flop, at least I'm trying it out and fulfilling my exotic dream of participating as a vendor at a farmers' market. (I know - I should simmer down - dreamin' big here!)<br />
***********<br />
AAAAAnd Mary Louise had allergy testing today. She looked like this in the waiting room:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zuCTcxlqrTOrRLJU57J9lFIHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nnXZLHDOAuI/Ug7f-lzAcrI/AAAAAAABnlw/4ZW3DhOAx50/s400/1185828_10151631806017336_78338530_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
She was so very excited to have a little "Mommy-Meesey time" believe it or not! (sweet baby girl - love her)<br />
<br />
As it turns out, she's allergic to just about everything - including dogs, cats, horses and cows as well as grass, pollen, weeds, a few molds and a number of trees. Superb. Please excuse me while I sit in the corner and have a small pity party.<br />
<br />
Here's how it went:<br />
Me: wow Mary Louise! you're doing so well! (as the nurse is applying the allergens - ML didn't move at all)<br />
RN: I know! she's being so patient and calm!<br />
Me: What's that giant growing red dot? Is that something she's allergic to?<br />
RN: uh - yeah. That's dog saliva.<br />
Me: (jaw drop) (the sound of the selfish portion of my heart breaking into a thousand pieces. Never in my life have I been without a dog.) But I have 11 and 13 year old dogs?<br />
RN: There are things you can do to lessen their impact on her health...I don't ever tell people they HAVE to get rid of their pets...but she is clearly allergic...the shots will help...(her back looked like this - I was taking pics so Brent could see - not great quality, but the idea is there):<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kmhgXVOH7uLU7V9n6R9nhVIHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sVdEu2BVY6s/Ug7WoIRt8tI/AAAAAAABnlE/YfdatxUortw/s400/photo%2520%252810%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
a couple of minutes goes by. Nurse is still in the room discussing a few early allergy reactions.<br />
<br />
RN: We're going to have to stop now.<br />
Me: That was fast...I thought she had to sit for at least 20 minutes?<br />
RN: well, she's reacted to almost everything. Some of the areas are about to grow outside the lines I drew. So we can stop here. 8 minutes.<br />
<br />
Mary Louise: Mommy? I thought you were going to paint my nails?<br />
<br />
and that's pretty much what happened. I'll go on Monday morning to discuss a plan of action with the pediatrician. Mary Louise and I go to her ENT on Tuesday to recheck her adenoids.<br />
<br />
Momma = tired.<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Heather<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-23998236142031293442013-08-15T09:59:00.000-07:002013-08-15T11:09:21.467-07:00Team ImpossibleBrent and I participated as a team in a triathlon last weekend. It was our first time working together for a race and we were SO excited! Brent has been back at riding at least 5 days a week for about 6 weeks now. So, the race was an early check on progress. I completed the swim and run portions of the triathlon with Brent doing his bike in the middle.<br />
<br />
We did well! (and more importantly, had a whole heap of fun participating!)<br />
<br />
There was a 350m swim. I finished 5th overall (out of 78) and my time was 5 min. 11 seconds. Not too shabby for getting in the pool a total of 5 times in the last decade and a half. (in all fairness, I did US swimming for 9 years and high school swimming for 5. I've lost most of my mannish upper body strength...but not much of that good old "kill myself to move up in line" spirit - ha).<br />
<br />
Brent did his 13 mile race in about 45 minutes. I don't know the exact time - nor do I care. He looked wonderful riding in on that bike to high five me off to do the final leg - a 5k.<br />
<br />
I finished the 5k in under 30 minutes - a 9.25 pace. It's nothing to write home about - but it's a great time and pace for me so I'll take it.<br />
<br />
When I ran across the final finish line, Mary Louise was bouncing up and down, Everett was toddling towards me, Mommom was yelling, Brent was snapping pics and yelling, David was crying and running to tell me why - and I was grinning.<br />
<br />
Not too shabby for a first debut - and we stole first place in relays!!<br />
<br />
David buried his face in my sweaty lap (gross kid - gross) and blubbered something about wanting to play with the IPad. A man walked by and said to the person next to him, "ha - after all that, she still has to play "mom" at the end. Sucks."<br />
<br />
No, it doesn't - but I can understand your point sir. I was tired, drenched in sweat, slightly dehydrated and coming off a a super adrenaline high. But nothing compares to those sweet cheers and the kisses and hugs as well as the, "Mommy? I so pwoud of you!!" after working hard to show those kids that anything really is possible.<br />
<br />
I've long referred to (our family) as "The Impossibles". Our children are here despite impossible mortality odds, without profound disability despite impossible morbidity rates. Brent was born an early preemie, I was born in the car in the middle of the night in February (Mommom didn't quite make it the hospital). He and I met at just the right time after years of passing one another during swim meets, gym workouts, and Mardi Gras festivities.<br />
<br />
All things considered, I don't really know how we all scraped by to get here today. I just know that this is where I am supposed to be...<br />
<br />
Right here, right now...<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/69fN4ji0QLcfIu5Ezw2Y8VIHnFYmPbvtmwxx2TZxGJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KQdvdjzjUzQ/Ug0IMgyfBsI/AAAAAAABnkc/l-rAbH34nL4/s400/970698_3284197441189_35685418_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
(Everett was so proud to get a medal too - there was an extra one at the end and the race officials graciously passed it to our sweet boy!)<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Heather<br />
<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-66164546407427587482013-08-14T18:38:00.000-07:002013-08-14T18:39:15.536-07:00It's (not) all GreekRemember that time someone told you that your red head / super fair child might have a genetic disorder that typically runs in Greek / Mediterranean families lines and you were all, "huh?!" and they were all, "yeah. I think so." and you said, "so what does that mean?" and they were like, "well, not much...unless he falls in love with one of those olive complected beauties and wants to have babies with her...I mean...he doesn't have any other symptoms of the disease...right?"<br />
<br />
Enter description of symptoms:<br />
bone deformities<br />
brain damage<br />
slow to gain milestones<br />
signs of poor oxygenation<br />
frequent severe illness<br />
immune suppression<br />
<br />
P.S. - the above isn't from Google - it was actually brought up and discussed during Everett's first and second blood draws.<br />
<br />
Then that someone added:<br />
"because his white count looks ok so I don't *think* it's Leukemia...but it might be lead poisoning so let's see how that test comes back...I'll get back with you in a few days on that one"<br />
<br />
and then you were like, "wait...I just wanted a 12 month check up and am a little late..."<br />
<br />
and they were all, "well, you should probably see a specialist."<br />
<br />
Remember that time?<br />
<br />
So, you cried and cried and stared at your sweet little *deceivingly* healthy baby for a few days before harassing the specialist's office to give you a dang appointment 5 days after the last blood work was done...because, let's be honest, 3 weeks with all of those possibilities would likely end in you stress eating yourself to death. "Therefore," you said, "the continuation of your family unit depended on you getting your bumpkin in there, like, asap?"<br />
<br />
What about that time? Remember that?<br />
<br />
Sadly, I do.<br />
<br />
Letterhead with "HEMATOLOGIST / ONCOLOGIST" across the top that contained explicit instructions about the exact number of family members (2) that could enter the room with the patient and that they were to be adults - absolutely NO other children allowed during appointments (as well as the intake paperwork for new patients of course) arrived at our house over the weekend. I dreaded filling it out. I dreaded having another doctor contact in my phone. But most of all, I dreaded having a conversation with the man whose name was on that letterhead. I just didn't want him as part of our medical family. I'm not sure how else to describe it. I was shutting down. I just didn't want to hear anymore. Everett looked healthy (still does) and I flat didn't want to know anything else.<br />
<br />
But, we went to the appointment.<br />
<br />
We arrived in the parking lot of the specialty center, got Everett out of his seat - grinning, but worried as he'd just ridden an hour in the car with *only* his momma and daddy. (Mary Louise and David were home with Mommom who popped over after visiting family in Lafayette.) Kiddo knew something was up. I caught a glimpse of something pink on the parked car beside us: "In Memory of Meghan" with an angel underneath the wording. We were there...this was it.<br />
<br />
I walked in and shuffled down the longest isle ever to bring the paperwork to the receptionist. (no seriously, the design of the waiting area, I swear, would insight panic in even the calmest of parents...maybe not...I'm high strung...there it is.)<br />
<br />
I turned and went to the restroom. 1 private stall with a suspiciously comfy antique wooden chair in the corner. It appeared completely pristine but wreaked of vomit. This could not be our new home...<br />
<br />
We were called back quickly and the nurse was amazingly sweet. Everyone was relaxed and caring. Everett was completely freaked out -but I did manage to get him interested in a few super cool toys that were around...and I'd brought markers - always a win!<br />
<br />
The doctor sat down calmly. He looked over the paperwork and test results I'd brought (a good thing because the proper history sure wasn't faxed even though I'd confirmed with our pedi office it had been...they faxed blank results sheets???)<br />
<br />
He asked me the following:<br />
Why are you here?<br />
Why were blood tests run in the first place?<br />
What were the circumstances of Everett's birth?<br />
What was his birth weight?<br />
Any concerns before this?<br />
Do you even have Greek or Mediterranean heritage?<br />
How are you giving his medication?<br />
Does he take it well?<br />
How much is he getting?<br />
Are you sure that's the concentration?<br />
<br />
He went over the blood work step by step with me with this funny little smirk and SUPER calm demeanor the whole time. Then he said those golden words, "here's why I think Everett is just severely iron deficient...and why Thalassemia isn't likely"<br />
<br />
Reasons stated:<br />
He had a severely traumatic birth which included extreme stress and bleeding<br />
He was slightly premature which means he missed out on at least 3 more weeks of iron stores he would have gotten from you (Heather) during a full term pregnancy<br />
<br />
Me: so what about his age? Isn't it true that most 1 year olds are at least slightly anemic?<br />
<br />
Dr.: yes - growth during the first year literally uses everything your body has...when else are you going to double (almost quadruple) your weight? Never...I mean, if you were 150 pounds and you suddenly grew to 450 pounds, you'd probably be anemic too, yes?<br />
<br />
The doctor continued:<br />
I see you gave the iron supplement for 2 weeks and saw minimal improvement. Everett is 9.9 kg today. The CORRECT low dose that I start severely anemic children at is 3mg / kg.<br />
<br />
(Everett has been getting 15mg total per day. He SHOULD have been getting twice that per his weight.)<br />
<br />
Please start him on 30mg and we'll recheck him in 3 weeks. Expect to keep him on the iron supplement for 3 months AFTER his blood work comes back at low normal - which I would expect to be at the 3 week mark. We can go up on his iron supplement dosage again if needed. He can have as much as 6mg /kg. I suspect his iron stores are nonexistent at this point so the 3 months following normal result should help his body to recover from this. What he is experiencing is something I would consider to be as normal per his history, age and growth. His red cells will remain small and deformed until he has healthy iron stores again (and wouldn't, alone, indicate Thalassemia).<br />
<br />
See you in 3 weeks.<br />
<br />
I wanted to hug him. Literally. Hug. I didn't. But I thought about it...and thought about yelling, "WTF" really loudly as well. Instead, I just sighed, kissed Everett on the forehead, hugged him closer and smiled at Brent.<br />
<br />
The doctor also asked me if Everett was the baby of the family and if Mary Louise and David ever had anemia. (they didn't believe it or not) He said he did a study in 1995 and 9 out of 10 anemic children were the youngest in the family. He couldn't find the reason - it just was.<br />
<br />
*Sigh*. I seriously couldn't make this stuff up if I tried. We'll go back to that same office in 3 weeks for repeat blood work. As long as it's normal, I believe we'll have another recheck 3 months later then done.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much, again, for all who have checked on us and offered gracious thoughts and prayers. It is all very very much appreciated. I promise.<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Heather<br />
<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-82939608717099449532013-08-08T19:16:00.000-07:002013-08-08T19:17:14.101-07:00Just SmileSometimes, there's nothing to do but smile - one of those big inappropriate smiles that comes from the depths of a mother's crazy soul (um. let's face it. Mother's are a breed all their own. We're all a bit off...some more than others clearly...but anyway...back to inappropriate smiling...) After the inappropriate smiles come the ear piercing cackles. The cackles sometimes consist of audible curse words - so cover your ears little ones - ear muffs. After the cackles comes the heart breaking silence. Just a sea of nothing between the fog so thick one can't even breathe and that final acceptance and clarity.<br />
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I am on the verge of cackling - so we're ok right now. </div>
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Everett had his blood work rechecked today. What I thought would be a few minutes and a whine or 2 from a finger stick turned into an hour wait because the doctor wanted to make sure to see us personally (we only had a nurse's visit on the schedule so we had to be fit in). Once in the room, the nurse was overly formal with the computer work, really quick and efficient with the finger stick, then painfully slow at getting the results...probably not - but that's what my neurotic little heart processed while waiting and throwing a half ton of gold fish crackers at the big kids while they drew murals on the table paper and learned phonics Ipad style. (how's that for a nice fat run on sentence?)</div>
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(before I move on, it should be noted that Everett is OK. The following is what we've found out, how I found out and what considerations need to be kept in mind from here until we see the pedi hematologist. After that visit, some of this may change. However, the diagnosis is very likely correct from what I've been told.)</div>
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Our dear pedi entered. I tried to read her. She's a hard read. Then she sighed. She's much easier (to read) when she sighs. Then she looked at Everett and I started to cry. She said <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalassemia">Thalassemia</a> and a ba-jillion questions entered my mind but I couldn't focus on even half of one. She said Leukemia was pretty much ruled out because Everett's white cells have been stable. But, his blood work had only marginally improved. (I know, you're still on Leukemia right? ruled out...try to let it go)</div>
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For the medical pros and curious among us: Everett has been on ICAR for exactly 2 weeks today - 15mg / 1.5 mls ; 1.5 mls daily</div>
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7/25/13 - first CBC</div>
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Lead: 5.1</div>
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WBC 7.5</div>
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HGB 8.6</div>
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HCT 27.8</div>
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MCV 60.5</div>
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MCH 18.9</div>
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PLT 285 (low normal)</div>
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MPV 7.2</div>
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8/8/13 - second CBC (no lead repeat - moderate range in first screen)</div>
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WBC 8.9</div>
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HGB 9.2</div>
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HCT 29.5</div>
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MCV 62.9</div>
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MCH 19.7</div>
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PLT 209</div>
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MPV 7.5</div>
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normal ranges:</div>
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WBC 6-17</div>
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HGB 10.5 - 13</div>
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HCT 33-38</div>
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MCV 70-84</div>
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MCH 23-30</div>
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PLT 250 - 600</div>
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MPV 8-11</div>
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Essentially, this means Everett is anemic and his red cells are very small. There is still some concern that an iron deficiency anemia is contributing to the abnormal labs. But the general feeling is that Everett has Thalassemia Trait (or Minor). This means he carries and is chemically affected by the genetic mutation that is Thalassemia but he does not physically express the disease process. He's heterozygous for one of the forms of Thalassemia. (I invite you to review your high school <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punnett_square">Punnett Square</a> genetics lessons *grin*). </div>
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Concerning? yes. End of the world as we know it? no. He's still the healthy smiling sweet poop a doop (as Granny calls him) he's always been - and he'll continue to be so. Right now, this means we need to know his blood work will always appear very concerning - always irregular. We might have to have checks every so often so that we can know his normals in case a situation should arise where such information would be important (blood transfusion parameters and processing). He will also need to keep this in mind if he chooses to have children (in 30 to 45 years...I'm softening ha). If his spouse (um. hoping - ha) should carry the same genetic trait, the baby could have Thalassemia Major which is devastating. </div>
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Why are we so shocked? This is a genetic mutation that tends to run in Greek and Mediterranean blood lines. Umm...if we have relatives in Greece, be forewarned to make a bed Sug because I'd like to come and visit! Furthermore, you may or may not have noticed the whole super white kid / fair hair, light eyes, freckled face thing we have going on here...this was just not even close to being on our radar.</div>
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So, right now, we are waiting on a call from the pediatric hematologist. (Because, you know, we don't have that "ologist" in our contacts just yet.) He will (likely) run further (more specific) testing which will hopefully offer a more complete picture on our little Everett. If this is Thalassemia Trait, Everett would not need further care or any treatment at this time- there's nothing we can do and his body seems to have compensated well for his deficiencies. We will simply have the information if or as we need it.</div>
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We have Mary Louise's allergy testing at the end of next week and an ENT check up (where we will likely learn if an adenoidectomy will be recommended (please...please no)). So, I'll be updating on our family medical status quite a bit for awhile...</div>
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Many many many thanks for the check ins, thoughts and prayers...sometimes all I can do is smile...or maybe cackle (ha!).</div>
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xo,</div>
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Heather</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-87946866081129097732013-08-06T12:35:00.002-07:002013-08-06T12:35:54.762-07:00DueYesterday, 4 years ago, I should have been delivering triplets...well, not really. When we found out we were expecting triplets, no breaths were taken between telling us "the news" and telling us due dates were really just arbitrary. Their importance lay only in telling us HOW early our babies would be born - not if they would be. Our babies would be premature. That was a fact. Typical gestation was about 32 weeks - though some mothers (who typically had previous pregnancies) made it to 34. 36 weeks happened - but was exceedingly rare. Our bottom line goal was to make it past 28 weeks with the babies each weighing over 2 pounds. That would give us the most positive outcome for all involved.<br />
<br />
Part of me still feels like I should be snuggling with 3 - 4 year olds.<br />
<br />
I had, I think, a unique perspective as a NICU mother. I'd seen the inside of those walls before - for the last 6 weeks of nursing school, I spent evenings in the NICU caring for tiny TINY babies. I had just enough experience and vocabulary to know what 24 weeks pregnant meant...and to know that we wouldn't have luxuries like holding, discussion of the social implications of long term nursing, arguing over co-sleeping and differences in upbringing. It didn't matter what outfits they had, what they would ride home in, if we had a room ready. It was quite simple: when one has a baby at 24 weeks gestation, there is really only one question: is the baby alive? well, is he? is she? now? what about now? still alive? ok...what about now?<br />
<br />
I remember when I came out of my initial fog enough to see Brent's face - really see it. I have no idea what day it was or how much time I'd lost. He was changed. He was afraid. He was in so much shock. Every single family member or friend who came to see our babies cried. Cried. They would try to tell us how beautiful our family was on occasion...but end up sort of whispering, knowing that beautiful just wasn't really appropriate...because it wasn't. There were people that just came and sat and stared at me - or us. There really wasn't anything to say. It just was.<br />
<br />
And were they alive now?<br />
<br />
On occasion, I read things like <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/05/opinion/end-of-life-at-birth.html?hp&_r=2&">this</a>. I know how detached medical professionals can be. I relied heavily on that detachment to get through making heart wrenching decisions for our children. I watched as a nurse judged us and took jabs at us with medical terms and medicine dosing when we were just trying to have a moment's peace with Kuylen. I still remember the cold explanation when we rejoiced over a tiny TINY (1cc) wet diaper only to be told it was artificially induced by heavy doses of renal medications. I was angry. However, I remember asking "why" during school to the utter horror of my preceptor as I watched twin boys suffer for days before succumbing to their extreme prematurity. I know that the nurse was doing the same thing. The worry must have been there that she would be "stuck" caring for this suffering "lost cause" for shift after shift while we sat crying, wringing our hands and begging that he be alright. Her heart was pure, but her actions were just so bitter. I know that *the right* thing was done when we did discuss end of life care for Kuylen with the doctor and nurse practitioner. They saw us come solemnly into the NICU and stand staring at Kuylen. The doctor quietly asked that the NP stand by as they turned off the color skewing billi lights and quieted the machines. For the first time, we saw him. No matter how much we wished it was different, we both, I think, knew what Kuylen was saying. It was time. Those few moments and that one request by the doctor gave us a lifetime of peace about our decisions. If you just listen, they'll tell you. Children are born so wise. You teach the child the world. The child teaches you about himself - even if said child only has moments to survive.<br />
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Everything in the NICU has consequences - and many times, the "good" outcome, isn't really. The scars referred to in that link exist on Mary Louise and David's heels. Their skin would blister with certain tapes and adhesives. I worried about contractures and severe facial scaring from tape and skin tearing as we gained hope that we would be able to bring *some part* of our 2 survivors home. Though somewhat gratuitous, the doctor is right - people don't understand. How in the world can they? There needs to be support and explanation. There needs to remain a standard of care but also flexibility to assess individual situations. But medical personnel are typically ill-equipped with time and psychological training to provide such - and even if they try their very hardest, most people simply can't understand until they are there...or more often, in hindsight. Furthermore, those same medical "experts" can't be what we, as NICU parents really want: future predictors. They can't tell us with all certainty what's to come. They offer statistics and probailities - but for each and every number they offer, there are high and low cases - that's what makes the average true. There's always possibility fueling the everlasting pleading hope of the NICU parent.<br />
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Once home, there is more - so much more. You've brought baby home alive. Congratulations. You are now part of a mass machine of checks and balances and more experts to make sure sweet one stays that way. A system that is always on the verge of utter chaos and bankruptcy, corruption and politics. A system that is designed to help those in need, but also, unfortunately, those who typically lack voice. Enter mass budget cuts, insurance denials, maxed out finances. No where to turn.<br />
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The percentages, the outcomes, the quality of life conundrums - and at the center is the fluidity of the medical field and the religion. The religion we grasp and cling to keep in hopes that it can overcome the very science God allows us to explore and the technology that exploration allows us to create.<br />
<br />
Most people have never seen the inside of a neonatal unit. They've never passed a tiny bed only to see a mound of fabric move and realize that a 1 pound human was just shifting in slumber. They've never watched with a smile as their child turned blue and had to be pounded and rubbed on the back - because sweet baby was just trying to learn to breathe while eating and regardless of outcome, you, as a parent were just so happy to touch the wee one for an instant. Unless you must, there is no way to personally understand the gravity of decisions made in the bustle of an eerily quiet but incredibly packed delivery room where the only sound is the weeping mother.<br />
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There are monitor beeps and ventilator rhythms. There are no cries, no coos and there darn sure isn't any question about "spoiling" the baby that "wants to be held again". Yet, the room is filled with children.<br />
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And...are they still alive?<br />
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Yesterday was my due date. 4 years past. Mary Louise and David and Kuylen are still very much alive. It is with the grace of humanity that they continue to each hold special places in so many hearts.<br />
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The other day I spoke to an IT guy about our router (I know - amazing. Sometimes, I can do things like that.) He asked about the noise level here and asked the inevitable: How many?<br />
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"3 at home," I answered smiling as I took the advice of a loved one who offered it so long ago as I struggled to continue to acknowledge Kuylen in a non-confrontational way.<br />
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He picked up on it immediately. "At home?" he asked.<br />
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"Yes, we lost a son and that is my way of acknowledging him."<br />
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And that was that - we moved on with simple explanation.<br />
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Thank you, IT guy. <br />
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Yesterday, we went for a run / bike ride at the nearby state park. David rode 4 miles!! Mary Louise rode 1.5 (!!) then the rest in the stroller. I walked / ran 3.5 miles with Everett and ML. Brent rode the 4 with David. On our way out, Mary Louise saw a deer we'd passed while riding.<br />
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"Das a Mommy deer I think."<br />
"Oh? ok."<br />
"What should we name her Mom?"<br />
"I don't know, what do you think?"<br />
"ummm....Fuschia."<br />
"Mary Louise, did you say you wanted to name that deer Fuschia?"<br />
"Yes. That's her name."<br />
"Of course it is."<br />
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That's my girl.<br />
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David actually cried when we put his bike back on the truck after he'd rode 4 miles. He wanted to "go wound da bwok and far far away AGAIN!" We were honestly worried he'd get over heated...but ultimately, his determination and get up and go attitude will take him as far as he wants to go.<br />
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Kuylen continues to offer quiet strength in times of need. I have gained empathy, compassion and tolerance. I know people see *just* 2. Though I still cringe slightly as I manage a smile response when some asks, "TWINS?!" (for the record, I still think it's a bizarre exchange: "Twins?!" ... (smile, slight affirmative head bobble), "I thought so." stranger goes on about their business - what is the point exactly? Can someone please explain that to me?), I understand what they see - and am occasionally (pleasantly) surprised when people pick up on my ambiguity in response.<br />
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Our children have scars - both physical and emotional (or perhaps, the emotional scars are more mine...). But, with careful encouragement and care, they thrive. They are, by all appearances, pretty typical - very typical. I wished for a day that they would be identified by who they are, and not by their extremely early births. At age 4, they are Mary Louise and David - the children - not the micro-preemies.<br />
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I'm pretty sure that day has arrived. Rock on kiddos. Happy due date!<br />
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xo,<br />
Heather<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-19725102899458520062013-07-31T17:29:00.001-07:002013-07-31T17:30:39.913-07:00True Stories Thursday (a little early)Mary Louise loves to make *pretend* phone calls:<br />
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Hello? Uncle Collin?<br />
Yes. How are you?<br />
Umm...we're going to da docca taday so day can yook at me...den we going to da dentist so dey can yook at Evie's teef.<br />
Yes. Oh. You at work or you at Mommom's house. Yes. Ok. Mommom at exa-size or is she at home? ok.<br />
Yes. You doing ok?<br />
Good. Wuv you!<br />
<br />
and then:<br />
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Hello docca? yes. Dis May-wuhweeze-wuhbwan.<br />
Yes. I need appointment. Evie. Yes. Check his heart.<br />
You need ta yisten to it wiv a stefacope?<br />
yes.<br />
ok. 8 weeks until an appointment?<br />
(she gets out her magnadoodle and scribbles)<br />
hmm. yes. I think we can make that.<br />
ok. Is Uncle Collin working?<br />
Yes. and you need to yisten 3 times to Evie's heart?<br />
(scribbling)<br />
Yes, I writing it all down.<br />
Thanks. Bye.<br />
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*************<br />
ML: Mom!!! David's interrupting my priba-see in da orange room where I am playing. I dus need some priba-see Mom!! So I can pway! hmph.<br />
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*************<br />
ML: Hey Dad!! Dis a MMM mmm *emmmm* for May-wuh-weeze! (pointing to a random M on a magazine)<br />
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Everett kisses the phone when I talk to Brent while he is away. He also blows kisses to the kids while to climb the stairs to bed. Sweet boy.<br />
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(He calls every living furry animal a cat and can identify his belly button with pointing and his nose by sniffing when asked where his nose is.)<br />
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D: Hey Mom!! Does dis say "bolcano"? (and it did - it said volcano - David had been practicing the letter "V" and early reading skills on the IPad.)<br />
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ML: (holding David and Everett's hands in hers before eating dinner) Now boys, you need ta yisten to me. We gonna eat our dinnah and Mommy will be so happy. It's such a nice dinnah. See. (eating some) Mmmmm! Nice dinnah. ok, now you try a bite.<br />
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(David tries a bite. Everett watches, grinning.)<br />
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D: MMMM! Dis is so good! I'm eating!<br />
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E: (starts shoveling)<br />
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ML: Very good boys!! You eating all you dinnah!! MOM!!! Da boys are eating all dere dinnah!! It's so good!!<br />
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Brent recently won an I-Pad Mini at a meeting. We were so excited to use it - especially with David who has responded very well to electronic feed back during school and therapy sessions. I downloaded some apps for the kids to see how they would do. Between David and Mary Louise, they have yet to miss a phonics or letter question!! It's been really wonderful to see how much they've retained from just random lessons on letters and numbers.<br />
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They will be home again this (school) year. We have a truck load of reasons for not enrolling them in school...perhaps I'll discuss them in length later...but for right now, this is just the best thing for them and for our family. I am in contact with our school of choice and am patterning lessons and year goals after their program. I feel very lucky to have such wonderful community support as we enter a more formal weekly schedule and more uncharted territory.<br />
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As for future years, we'll see! Right now, we're just exploring this one (year)!<br />
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We went to an allergy consultation today at our pedi's office. There has been some confusion about appointments, doctors (who will manage Mary Louise's allergy care) and where and when all of the consults and testing will take place. We've ironed it all out for now and made it to an in town (win!) appointment this morning and will have an allergy (scratch) test done on the 16th. From there, we will know if allergy shots will benefit Mary Louise and reduce her seasonal symptoms. I'm begging for a big fat "no"...but we'll see.<br />
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We had a really good day considering Mary Louise had the appointment described above, then Everett had a 1pm dental check up. I had all 3 kids in tow and was prepared with my enormous red bag (sheesh I love red) full of tricks to keep the "waiters" entertained while the "patients" were seen: Ipad with phonics, early reading, spelling and math games loaded and ready; crayons and markers for the table paper (that stuff is a great canvas!), easy hand snacks - dried fruits, protein bars and nuts and gum as a last resort.<br />
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We had just enough time between appointments to have a picnic lunch followed by a 30 minute run around at a nearby park.<br />
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Then off to the pedi dentist (one of our many doctor office homes). The big kids love their dentist...well, they don't mind the actual dentist, but really, they love his office. It's a super neat train themed set up complete with a playroom attached on the side made from an old caboose. There is an electric train that runs around the exam area non-stop. All that and the fact that Mary Louise and David leave with literally a bag a swag - toothbrushes, toys, toothpaste, stickers - each time they go makes it a happy place for all.<br />
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They were so sweet with Everett - giving him a pep talk pre-exam:<br />
ML: now, Evie, it's ok to be a yittle bit nervous about the dentist. But it's really nice. See the trains?<br />
D: Yeah!!! See da trains!! Hey yook! ANOTHER TRAIN!!<br />
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Everett did well and only fussed a little when the dentist needed to get a little closer for a better look at the concerning tooth.<br />
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The verdict: NO CAVITY!!!!!<br />
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Everett's tooth may not have formed quite right and just has an indentation on the front. Right now, there is no cavity - but it's a very likely spot (due to the pitting) for one to develop. So, we must continue to brush often (at least 1 to 2 times daily). We are already flossing as his bottom teeth are close together. Sweet boy is a great sport about it all - mostly because he wants to be just like his big brother and sister. We will also add a tiny dot of OTC fluoride gel via Q-tip on the pitted area for extra protection until Everett learns to properly spit fluoride toothpaste post brushing.<br />
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After the dentist, we came home. Mary Louise and David begged for a viewing of Bubble Guppies. I obliged and after their 30 minutes of couch time, they played and played and played until dinner.<br />
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They ate SUPER well: brown rice mixed with scrambled eggs, sesame oil, Bragg's liquid Aminos, and green peas, some left over round roast, and fresh beets - they ate the beets!!! Well, Mary Louise ate the beets. David ate about 3 bites - I'll take that - and Everett ate a few beets, half his eggs and rice, then finished his roast, got seconds and pulled roast off of ML and D's plates (and he's nursing again now).<br />
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Again, I'm just not sure about that iron...testing for that next week!<br />
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xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-16897172198574938232013-07-28T07:32:00.000-07:002013-07-28T07:33:03.470-07:00Medical updatesDavid is doing very well - no real updates or concerns right now. He continues to use his preventative inhaler (Qvar) before bed and takes his vitamins, probiotics and elderberry syrup in the morning. That's it! (yay!)<br />
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Mary Louise is in the middle of check ups and meetings with a few specialists. (Pulmo, ENT and allergist)<br />
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We had a visit with the pulmo last week and I am very happy to report that we have been able to reduce her preventative medications to just one puff of Advair daily until September. We will go back up to twice daily then as it will be RSV and flu season and she'll need the extra protection. She'd had immune function testing during her last visit with him and he reported everything was normal and very stable so her respiratory condition is uncomplicated by secondary factors.<br />
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We are participating in a few activities this fall(ballet classes for one), but must remain very mindful and weigh our winter outings carefully to protect Mary Louise and David as best we can. Their immune systems are becoming more specialized and will continue to develop over the next few years. Preventing any further serious illness or hospitalizations is one of our top priorities as doing so can offer our sweet big kids the very best long term heath outcome.<br />
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The doctor spoke with me at length -discussing our plans socially and medically to formulate the best road for Mary Louise. It was a very positive visit and he is pleased with our decisions and progress so far. He asked that we consider a beach vacation (we have one planned) as swimming in salt water works wonders for asthmatic patients with seasonal allergies - helping their sinuses to clear and reducing inflammation. (ha - I can't say I mind that sort of medicine!)We will have another check up in 3 months.<br />
<br />
P.S. precious girl is 30 pounds 15 ounces as of last week. WHAT?!! we have a 30 pound kid in this house!!<br />
**************<br />
<br />
Everett went in for his (late) 1 year check up last week. It was a circus with all 3 kids in need of some sort of immunization. We vaccinate - but do a very mixed schedule. Mary Louise and David reacted, in some way, to every shot they had - typically fever and pain, general malaise - so we only give 2 at a time now. It works for us. Our doctor is supportive. But it means I am trucking back and forth to the office a few times extra to get things done. Anyhow...<br />
<br />
This was the very first time Mary Louise and David have reacted - emotionally - to shots. Keep in mind, these kids have been poked and prodded more than some terminally ill patients I've encountered. They have a history of not even flinching - much less fussing - for shots or blood draws.<br />
<br />
Yeah - those heart breaking quiet days are apparently over. Those 2 were WILD. So much so that I'm pretty sure the office breathed a sigh of relief when we were finally able to cart the screaming banshees out of the door. (Gracious thanks to Mommom for helping with the wrangling). Mary Louise tried to escape at one point. David tried to kick me in the face a few times. I stood wide eyed and drenched in sweat when all was said and done. Good times.<br />
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Everett has a concerning spot on one of his top teeth so we'll be making his first appointment with the dentist next week.<br />
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He is on the petite / normal side at 20 pounds 15 ounces and just over 30 inches long. But he's growing just the same.<br />
<br />
The doctor did a routine CBC (general bloodwork) and lead screening. The lead screening takes a day or 2 as the lab does them in batches. I didn't hear anything yet so it's either normal or I'll hear something Monday.<br />
<br />
The CBC was very concerning. Everett has moderate anemia. The cause is, as of now, unknown. We have started a prescription supplement (though the insurance company lists it as an OTC drug so they will not cover it and I have no appeal recourse as the classification is preventing the coverage...could someone please explain that to me?! It's not very expensive - so that's not the issue - it's the principle: We pay for the policy. The policy should cover NEEDS. This is a need. It should be covered. I've spoken to 2 pharmacists. There is no OTC med that comes close to this and this is, in fact a prescription medication.). We will have repeat blood work done in 2 weeks time. The expectation is that, if he is simply iron deficient, the lab values will show notable turn around. If not, further testing is warranted and there are a couple of pathological processes to rule out.<br />
<br />
I wish I could say that I am not worried at all...but I am terrified. The idea that something might be awry with that boy makes me ache inside, makes my brow furrow uncontrollably, makes my lips draw into a permanent slight frown and my shoulders tense. I want to shield him (and Mary Louise and David) from all that makes life difficult at times. I haven't succeeded with any of them of course - that want was poo-poo'd from the moment their cells became an organized mass for goodness sake. But the want is still there. It's not just that though...this is Everett:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/00KDpa2mYTcljgbkwt7zMz16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zBCTyIyFC44/UeWq_WqTVXI/AAAAAAABmzs/--QiyKKYtDw/s400/IMG_8529.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4gSpqxd1xJfy2NjSDdJGez16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LmqLkhqNYZA/UeWrGh_n1WI/AAAAAAABm0E/7AlhDUoB2Mo/s400/IMG_8532.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
It boggles my mind that anything could even be off with that child - much less "moderate to severe"ly off. It just doesn't make sense.<br />
<br />
Truth be known, I thought about asking for repeat blood work right there - thinking they might have accidentally switched the vials somehow...I just don't understand...<br />
<br />
So, we are giving the medication as prescribed (ICAR) and focusing on an iron rich solid diet as much as possible. I spoke with the lactation consultant where the kids were delivered about whether or not increasing my iron would help. She couldn't find any particular research stating it would, but said it would make sense that me taking in more iron would increase the iron in my milk. So, I'm do all I can with regards to my diet as well as Everett still nurses a considerable amount of time (though I can't say how much volume he's getting...) (oh, and because this is a hot topic in breastfeeding discussion groups: Breastmilk is not considered a "high iron" food. However, the iron there is much more easily absorbed which makes it nutritionally sound and, in most cases, supplementation of vitamins and minerals is unnecessary.)<br />
<br />
In 2 weeks *sigh* we will have more answers...and hopefully not too many more questions. I'll, of course, update here...<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Heather<br />
<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-86146358330378041952013-07-27T19:40:00.002-07:002013-07-27T20:25:24.648-07:00Special days indeedSpecial days take 4 have come and gone...well, we're still on David's currently but, you know, it is after 9pm. We celebrate Mary Louise and David's homecoming by allowing them whatever they wish on their anniversaries.<br />
<br />
Mary Louise asked for a "Mommy - Meesey Day". Since she's been begging to have her nails painted, I took her to a salon. It didn't work out, however - she burst into tears and begged to leave as soon as we walked in the door. We went back to the car and she asked if we could go shopping (no, I'm not kidding). I asked where: The Mall. I asked what we were looking for: shoes, I dus want to try some shoes.<br />
<br />
Umm. Ok. Mary Louise, I'm going to need to you go ahead and be slightly more girly. bahahaha.<br />
<br />
We walked The Mall, talked and tried on shoes. I catered to her every whim and actually allowed her to ride on the little quarter (now 50 cent) rides, and eat ice cream. She literally tried on shoes at 5 different stores, putting each pair back in its box and moving on to the next - never asking for anything...until...she saw these little gems:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E8O970CQCtO26CUSgk4zw00XUmYEKkq1mgQin-g9568?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7BeP-agCEPQ/UexJehMih4I/AAAAAAABnaQ/z1fgF0rc3r8/s400/IMG_8809.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
(yes, she spent the whole day in that leo and tutu.)<br />
Bless her sweet heart, she insisted that David needed the red one. She was so proud when we got home and she presented him with his special gift.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q73-m7ru2jmrwM1m8TMlrk0XUmYEKkq1mgQin-g9568?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZRc9UPYxct0/UexJj9-j1RI/AAAAAAABnag/f7Q8UZOiuVo/s400/IMG_8811.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
They have begged everyday to play with those umbrellas.<br />
<br />
My baby girl. 4 years home. Our beautiful miracle.<br />
*****************************<br />
David's special day was today. It coincides with my dad's birthday. We woke up, had breakfast and offered to take David to see a movie he's been asking about since he saw a short preview a few weeks ago: Turbo.<br />
<br />
Brent and I talked ahead of time: if the kids could not handle movie theater etiquette, we would simply leave and have a wonderful day together doing something else. Attempting this with 3 kids 4 and under would be a bold move for us.<br />
<br />
It worked far better than we ever could have hoped. Mary Louise and David did get a bit restless about half an hour before the ending - but just needed to move around a bit. Everett nursed a little then fell asleep and snuggled into my shoulder for the entire show.<br />
<br />
The movie was so sweet as well. The underdog wins - BIG. Being different is so much more than ok - it's celebrated and encouraged. Brent and I grinning ear to ear over the soft downy heads of our babes - teary eyed with happiness. Listening to David and Mary Louise giggle and describe what they saw on that HUGE screen. Everett breathing deeply on my chest. Oh my heart was and is just so full.<br />
<br />
Ya'll. We went to the movies with kids for the FIRST TIME EVER!!! How normal!!!<br />
<br />
But the day had just begun. We left, stopped at home for a quick change, and were off to the university for some swimming.<br />
<br />
I went last week to join there as Brent and I have signed up for a triathlon in a few more weeks. We'll be doing a relay: I am swimming and running and Brent is biking. Back to David's day...<br />
<br />
We had the whole pool to ourselves! Mary Louise and David are gaining confidence quickly around water, can kick very well, float on their backs and put faces in while moving their arms. Everett is amazing as well - overcoming apprehension very quickly and attempting to copy anything and everything "the big kids" do.<br />
<br />
On the way home, we asked David what he'd like for supper: noodles. (we occasionally get Chinese take out but this time, he wanted to eat there)<br />
<br />
A family dinner around bed time - in public- could have been a complete disaster...but it wasn't. In fact, on our way out, 3 people commented about our well behaved children saying they barely noticed we were there at all!!<br />
<br />
David was so proud. "Thank you for my special Day Mom! Wub you Daddy! Thank you!" big kisses and plenty of hugs sent our tired little superman off to bed.<br />
<br />
Special days indeed.<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-74569950765629179382013-07-27T19:09:00.002-07:002013-07-27T19:10:09.905-07:00The Birthdays of MenBrent and Pops had birthdays this week.<br />
<br />
When I turned 16, Nanny Pan (Amanda) threw me a surprise party. A party with friends, classmates and family. A wonderful celebration of life. I don't remember a thing about presents to be honest. I don't even know if there were any. What I remember is warmth and love. I remember going shopping with my mom and the outfit we chose together (I thought I was going to dinner with my friends). I remember the look on Mom's (Mommom) face when I got ready. I remember my dad - cooking dinner especially for me - and I didn't think much of it (in terms of him not knowing I was planning on going to dinner with friends) because he never really knew if we had plans anyhow. I remember Amanda's face when I looked at her after everyone yelled, "SURPRISE!!" She was proud that she'd carried out the planned charade.<br />
<br />
I remember love. I remember the celebration of me as a person and the realization that these people came together because I brought them there. (ok - we were 16. There was a distinct possibility they were there because they *heard* it was a party. Romantically realistic. yes.)<br />
<br />
I remember standing in the "family" room of the hospital where my dad died. Numb and devastated at the same time. My breath would not return to my chest for years. I literally could not inhale completely. Mom stood and looked around. She said, "he brought me you." It was the first time of many she would verbally thank Dad for bringing our family together - for creating us with her - and proclaim that no matter what happened in the future, she would not hypothetically change nor regret her past - because it brought her us. Not a day goes by that I don't think of that moment.<br />
<br />
Brent and Pops had a simple wish: time with family. People, we made it happen.<br />
<br />
Pops wanted a family meal.<br />
<br />
We gussied and went out for a wonderful Sunday lunch. Then came home for coffee and dessert...and a whole bunch of playtime!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6P6TK11jbcuurZC3ZLK3gz16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rk4DacsK2LY/UeWugBlRI-I/AAAAAAABm-I/lXPE8DKaZ7o/s400/IMG_8612.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pT6AoxGAkMDzR932Rnnflz16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Js98ZQJbncM/UeWujHWeJvI/AAAAAAABm-Q/nRnI3T-xr0k/s400/IMG_8613.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YPxLSlpFgB8eLijeqdV9rD16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lyo_zGOhPKk/UeWvFQsHJ-I/AAAAAAABm_w/vFbL0dvfE4w/s400/IMG_8625.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
Don't think I let this crew get out the door without some good old group shots!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3fIfwNIXZ0GsFzhq_8Ny1T16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SNOlRDwq8x4/UeWwtLpgxBI/AAAAAAABnFI/_KQz_aad3rY/s400/IMG_8668.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9zymmZ8Wj1fUuAw6unKCHT16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IVl-ad7dHaA/UeWxQEbmXmI/AAAAAAABnG4/I4ac2QY2DyM/s400/IMG_8682.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B0JpjFFcD9T7E_znRBnoiT16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZWgNDng2r0/UeWxhhJX5oI/AAAAAAABnHw/Gi1RjYHADOQ/s400/IMG_8689.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MWYwn8Rl8oc4SpR4nZvt9D16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MKYuhKGyC7k/UeXAH-lwTiI/AAAAAAABnNk/b0ciHst3Nho/s400/IMG_8723.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9su9U5hD_0iucJhx9EcPMD16OVny48dshN5O-50Nzio?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LGEaNdkhlqc/UeXAThI2C1I/AAAAAAABnOM/yDNUoinmdZA/s400/IMG_8728.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
It was happy. It was a celebration of Pops - and acknowledgement of the gift he is to us. It was, simply put, a good day.<br />
<br />
Brent's birthday was later that week:<br />
<br />
Mary Louise and David helped with the cake - red velvet! and gift wrapping (we had so much fun)<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/83ltoI6kiA1H9RuiMP-z8k0XUmYEKkq1mgQin-g9568?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1rqdkicxJC8/UexGgk4YzjI/AAAAAAABnRg/VG4kWkRAjyk/s400/IMG_8739.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c3aVYa7KfIJ-k2txa0mZ4E0XUmYEKkq1mgQin-g9568?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pU6QtDJdn0E/UexGjKLBRVI/AAAAAAABnRo/vpYGCjqWNU8/s400/IMG_8740.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
(that's 38 - ha)<br />
<br />
and you know there are plenty of willing hands around here for unwrapping!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hkoqAFX9_0wW3FcgV_OOH00XUmYEKkq1mgQin-g9568?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XwPpd9nqLeA/UexG2WVihXI/AAAAAAABnSg/PNaaisJbycQ/s400/IMG_8747.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
and candle extinguishing<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z6a7uRWME5zay-jipH8Hfk0XUmYEKkq1mgQin-g9568?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AQ9DNrHBYT8/UexHiuhBiRI/AAAAAAABnUo/zJLqiHaei5w/s400/IMG_8764.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T2NQcwB9OkdfMuwMRilS1U0XUmYEKkq1mgQin-g9568?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TPTyUUjRLmU/UexHk3NpzDI/AAAAAAABnUw/j8kJ_iTBPUY/s400/IMG_8765.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Even Everett helps!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f2-IcFJ-qOY_Fv0og5NHh00XUmYEKkq1mgQin-g9568?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qaVVJfYG4UM/UexIyn6ib6I/AAAAAAABnYY/5KiCqKiCp4Y/s400/IMG_8794.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
(no - David does not have pants on. No, I didn't notice at the time. Yes, I do have to check everyone for pants before leaving the house.)<br />
<br />
Happy birthdays to Daddy and Pops. Thank you for the gift of time as a family. May we have many more years of celebration together.<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Heather<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-4315432516511881812013-07-16T17:55:00.000-07:002013-07-16T17:58:33.523-07:00Sometimes we go a-visitingWe skipped town for about 10 days of visiting friends. Yep. We have friends... and they are, well, fabulous.<br />
<br />
I've often said that I'm a passive flake: I don't answer my phone that often, I have been known to avoid social events just because I'm tired and I'm really just fine by myself. I'm a rather natural homebody and with computer access, I can literally get all of the social interaction I need just by answering email. The friends I've kept through the years are so much more than simple acquaintances or a few phone calls. They are family in every societal sense. These are people I can see after years of no contact, say nothing, and they know just by a smirk or slant of my eyes what I'm thinking. <br />
<br />
We stayed a week with Nanny Pan (Amanda). My family has known hers for decades. She and I (apparently) met at the ripe old age of 2. She has been by my side through every. single. major event in my life. Every. one. (and most of the minor ones to be honest).<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vhG0HgbheWw2ftGNAMnWPt4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Bw6X-gjTqcY/UdxM-AmJhXI/AAAAAAABl6g/OuV7_DW_dEA/s400/IMG_8110.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Oh the months I've been waiting to meet this squishy face!:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v4SjLY3OU4DzTdbCu_zOl94TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O_8LeSpd-EU/UdxK0lZwCoI/AAAAAAABlzo/rw8AD5ktMQc/s400/IMG_8055.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
(sweet Wade - just a few months younger than Everett. So much fun to watch them play!)<br />
<br />
A few days into our stay, this precious face appeared: "Miss Alisha"<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iZf_Z4z8Th42L2dsOY2qmd4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GXUkDkugurY/UdxNXS-nL_I/AAAAAAABl74/PNdchE0OPWQ/s400/IMG_8121.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Little did we know the years of friendship that would result from that fateful day she joined our 4th grade class at St. Matthew's, got seated behind me, and I followed my mother's instructions to, "always be nice and introduce yourself to any new kids".<br />
<br />
It was a good week filled with the feel of home and simple fun. We went to the park, the nature center, did a 5K race and just visited - lots.<br />
<br />
Just a few favorites:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oYIYWEUKZg33wqEAKUes4N4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FmDeJNPZatY/UdxH0PsEgvI/AAAAAAABlrA/4gO7pojjvXM/s400/IMG_7986.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BmRo3--5xOGUKR4DbFVYgN4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qFmuaER07FQ/UdxH5OrJVCI/AAAAAAABlrQ/PzNF_kfe0C8/s400/IMG_7988.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vWIS2FNfrH5VAZvRcvub8t4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d7LDNEDP3bU/UdxIUFOwcgI/AAAAAAABlsg/iWlFILkomyk/s400/IMG_7998.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2BDw_cGbvRITu4zRabYHD94TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YsLNNQ3MlLE/UdxIviD2NPI/AAAAAAABltw/MJZ6fdmcnfw/s400/IMG_8008.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/86FAiQs3qllS_u5DgLDWId4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WCcJmI5ocoE/UdxLDOJxNYI/AAAAAAABl0g/yj9AMOIPRGw/s400/IMG_8062.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EATBuy-yhwIt6m4VepM_k94TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m8u_u18hHsE/UdxLqpUjdiI/AAAAAAABl2g/5mS2CKYdeWg/s400/IMG_8078.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6o29I5uCV3IDxWxx8mCMtN4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQ0IxBRtaAY/UdxNOnAcvBI/AAAAAAABl7Y/XpuA--3Leo4/s400/IMG_8117.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
ha! this is how we do nature centers!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BOQdGnYX4NatgCXRGArpW94TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_viWHGuCOdI/UdxPLAgWJ7I/AAAAAAABmB4/RBCY8TDWSeI/s400/IMG_8169.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DgwnYfTyYoe0iid6b7uTxt4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B9eDcjzF17g/UdxPxZJfRkI/AAAAAAABmEA/qGHBy6nINwM/s400/IMG_8186.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
My proud walker!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XYjY35CQ4NiZ-mJnKJmwKd4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zc-lyZRW7qU/UdxQ6amWdnI/AAAAAAABmH4/leSh008fHjM/s400/IMG_8217.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8TqmaLootNfOQWjQ5YFVut4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JgGBqLYo2jg/UdxRMRJN0_I/AAAAAAABmI4/lCkIrgXGBrU/s400/IMG_8225.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
next in line!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dNV_7eCGVl0HTCoyUwmnSN4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sxYJRdEnLR4/UdxRef1x38I/AAAAAAABmJ4/jYG1VsBZTCw/s400/IMG_8233.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Impromptu family floor time:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OhJzv0Xhyj9j2R5-h6qRTN4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_U3Y_LspzYo/UdxSRpe5ROI/AAAAAAABmMY/0taXLLBzdNM/s400/IMG_8253.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
First thought when I saw this pic: Yay! David for sticking your tongue all the way out!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KBUJuUzj2sd_BLdPp3nAc94TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ewpeSb4H1lY/UdxtOoQXlsI/AAAAAAABmQ8/Neiq_gxJKmc/s400/IMG_8278.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
Proud Momma:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RUI6ex_SlkymwnunWDRSyt4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7fqp87giOtA/UdxtS8wpOtI/AAAAAAABmRM/OmCFgABoRTY/s400/IMG_8280.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TsOoj6P5Rhzs1QJWOog89d4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Gs0VxbVPmxk/UdxtmlYyGQI/AAAAAAABmSM/221xRJ8OCwE/s400/IMG_8288.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Love these guys!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mbCW26yNBV5THzerK-Wsi94TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CSsMAmnbR3c/UdxvGJZuX8I/AAAAAAABmWs/IOd6GZ5YwAs/s400/IMG_8324.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
and these gals!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9yHwWn4fZUkYt87t5QBXbt4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eb2LDbzaTdM/UdxyUL9bI2I/AAAAAAABmZs/xKG8eh99YCQ/s400/IMG_8339.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Race day/ leaving day (taken during the first mile - no. I don't always look so happy running):<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uGOIvCWDOW5xzhD5zOP3XN4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N4LXpIl6y9I/UdyT_8p3YvI/AAAAAAABmjA/WCTinc1u28k/s400/IMG_8412.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
On the way home, we stopped for the night at my friend McCall's house. You can *meet* her yourself: <a href="http://leemeandthegirls.blogspot.com/">here</a>. Though we were pretty tired, and the kids were wild, we did have a great visit and Mary Louise was in girly girl Heaven with Libby and Hollyn.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7fvCOF8Hktz8J9Tm-CHiwd4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z7V3nMqXQv0/UdyXiXyvoDI/AAAAAAABmtA/KNmGW-KYdr0/s400/IMG_8492.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/engzjgfHgDwI8koWVghN9t4TpoODL4-tBDpkn9KqmXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CdQ-0UZ6idg/UdyXI5yeXvI/AAAAAAABmr4/nNzOUCAZm0M/s400/IMG_8483.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
10 days gone and many MANY great memories made.<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-66406764548792366622013-06-27T09:39:00.003-07:002013-06-27T09:40:39.596-07:00True Stories ThursdayDavid: Mom! I don't know how to read these letters to make them fit this puzzle!<br />
Me: Well, let's sound them out and find the matches. What is this letter?<br />
David: Umm, uhhh, Duh, Duh, Duh...a Gee!<br />
Me: Think about it David. "G" makes a "guh" sound and "D" makes a "duh" sound. You had it right the first time.<br />
<br />
He puts it in the right spot. I cheer and clap. We do a "high five".<br />
<br />
Me: Let's do another letter.<br />
D: ok! I want to find the one that goes with the Guh Guh Guh...Grapes!<br />
Me: Ok, well, we're looking for the letter "G" then. It makes the sound "guh" as in grapes. Do you see it?<br />
D: ...<br />
Me: here it is! (I put in in the slot)<br />
D: VERY GOOD MOMMY!!! Good job!! You did great matching the letter and the picture!! (puts his hand up for a high five with a HUGE grin on his face)<br />
************<br />
<br />
Mary Louise: (whining)<br />
Brent: Mary Louise. I just asked that you eat what you asked to have. Eat what's on your plate before asking for something else.<br />
ML: But I don't want this! I want something else!<br />
B: Then you shouldn't have asked for that. Just try it. Then you can have something else.<br />
ML: (whining)<br />
B: If you keep behaving that way, we can't go anywhere today. No one likes to be around whining.<br />
ML: Something ELSE! (stomps her feet and balls her fists) you stop being mean Daddy!<br />
B: Mean? I'm not the one whining and not eating. Maybe you should call Mere and Pops like you wanted to and tell them I'm being mean. Maybe they can help you.<br />
ML: Mere and Pops don't like me! I can't call them.<br />
B: What are you talking about? Mere and Pops adore you.<br />
ML: I'm talking about Mere and Pops don't like me when I'm whining. I can't call them right now.<br />
*************<br />
<br />
Me: Mary Louise what is wrong?<br />
ML: I feel angry!!! I have my angry face ONNNNN!!!<br />
Me: Well, what can I do to help you find your happy face again? I miss my happy Meesey-pie.<br />
ML: I don't know where to find my happy face Mommy! It's around on my body somewhere...but I can't find it right now.<br />
<br />
I love that they can tell me how they feel.<br />
*************<br />
<br />
The big kids have fully embraced teaching Everett all they know. Furthermore, Everett has fully embraced the role of "student". It has empowered Mary Louise and David who I've heard, on more than one occasion, speaking softly but sternly to Everett about table etiquette, toy room manners and navigation of the house in general. They demonstrate, he watches and listens, he tries it, they offer constructive advice. It's amazing. The added pressure and responsibility of having a constant audience sponging in all they do has tailored their behavior in such a positive way. My hope is that they look back on these years with all of the fondness - maybe more - that I have for my baby bros.<br />
<br />
Mary Louise and David are constantly asking about boundaries as well: Mom? Is this ok? Can we...? Are we...? Will we...? Is this how you say...? They are spending less time pushing boundaries and more time understanding why they are there in the first place.<br />
*************<br />
<br />
And finally:<br />
<br />
PEOPLE!!!! WE HAVE A WALKER!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Everett has been taking steps for quite some time - months in fact. However, he typically does so when he's set up - I place him standing, Brent sits with arms open waiting, Everett giggles the few steps in between us and so on.<br />
<br />
Last night, Brent walked in and Everett suddenly got down from me on the sofa and crossed 2 rooms to get to his daddy! We were all so proud - possible none so much as Everett himself. He's continued his efforts today. He'll fall and instead of reverting to a crawl, he stands and tries again.<br />
<br />
Growing babies, greatest blessings.<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Heather<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-27249048185364863122013-06-24T09:45:00.000-07:002013-06-24T09:46:17.450-07:00Back to it...Happy Monday.<br />
<br />
Within 72 hours of completing summer camp (which was absolutely wonderful), the entire family has snot noses. I really should have just made pedi appointments for this week way back in January when I signed the big kids up for camp. But, I wanted to be hopeful...and I still am as we're not THAT bad right now- in a snotty, "darnit, I don't have time for this" sort of way.<br />
<br />
Hanging in there...<br />
<br />
It occurred to me this morning that I'd never shared the kids' birthday party here. I'm somehow sure it doesn't need to be discussed or even mentioned, but I did not have the easiest of Springs. The luxury of mourning beat on my emotional door and I chose to let it in a bit...sigh on this.<br />
<br />
We gave the kids gifts on their actual birthdays:<br />
<br />
bikes for Mary Louise and David as well as "professional what I want to be" outfits:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jez-0VsZbxwV3nDeuuc_0EIS188LYcDRHMnMyw5WwI8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_wCRaeA85_A/UYAJfzst11I/AAAAAAABf4c/Vv-XiVzz69w/s400/IMG_6641.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XA7VYDrC2Kw9TDZWXRY7fUIS188LYcDRHMnMyw5WwI8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-efpkCjBYhpo/UYAJu0TMj7I/AAAAAAABf5M/hzf0mcc2zC4/s400/IMG_6647.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cDyTbqH4YbZ08GCZSOph-kIS188LYcDRHMnMyw5WwI8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P9lCzu2Ko-o/UYAKINDAafI/AAAAAAABf6U/H3k9icJTzW4/s400/IMG_6656.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
"Docca Meese"<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WYAN5P7f2e1fELjNrED3pGApvPjs8VbDqn588bLiL7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Bb5wLLgpFuw/UYBdcghB8uI/AAAAAAABhI8/wprSviXIK_8/s400/IMG_6425.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
"on call":<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iSnQP1gwVGWxbehh6qw2BWApvPjs8VbDqn588bLiL7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0Y4fFU9B5lU/UYBdqkkZ4kI/AAAAAAABhJs/lIa8ju-27eI/s400/IMG_6431.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
her first patient:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UvCfz36HAP1-8FwUSlcX6WApvPjs8VbDqn588bLiL7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cEeg77oh-Fg/UYBd6J_YDCI/AAAAAAABhKc/IILHe62q6tA/s400/IMG_6437.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Fire Fighter David:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Tp2y5KYUUpB1P78_YuERd2ApvPjs8VbDqn588bLiL7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-32mzDi10YVQ/UYBh1pG5gmI/AAAAAAABhNk/s4p9cCmFUWE/s400/IMG_6461.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/emLFrkj_ta_o8YQfO-WbvmApvPjs8VbDqn588bLiL7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZGwpj43gNtM/UYBhtmE4ZjI/AAAAAAABhNM/102Plkfuq5o/s400/IMG_6458.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
and Everett got a "tent city":<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WfP2Uu6cvNwBYu1R-l4jJzTaTKRzUG_1eiXGjxaNTR4?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3lrl-ssHMAE/UXa3S31r0bI/AAAAAAABfJQ/X1x8LSH0joU/s400/IMG_6255.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U_qI_bvB2E0otki4JOgbzDTaTKRzUG_1eiXGjxaNTR4?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vDsTUX6siCM/UXa3Jvkb-EI/AAAAAAABfIw/ObSmw0GRctc/s400/IMG_6251.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
From 14 ounces and 10.75 inches in length to a big boy bicycle and fire fighting dreams...from 1 pound 6 ounces and 12 inches in length to a big girl bicycle and healing the sick dreams...from having 7 minutes to live to happily exploring houses just his size...Bicycles, dress up and tent cities...it might have been their birthdays, but the enormity of the gifts I've been entrusted to love and protect has not, for one second escaped me...<br />
****************<br />
<br />
A few weeks later, we celebrated with friends and family at home - a big LeBlanc kid birthday bash!<br />
Cake table: fireman cupcakes with green icing per David's request; ballerina cupcakes with pink icing per ML's request and a fruit salad with watermelon - our traditional first birthday celebratory food!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WoO_3eQPGEx1yqxg8Fbh4gyr7BQFaM5JVdz7P_vhN98?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s1CKZ5wNpb0/UYBp_lBEt-I/AAAAAAABhlQ/ejnrUeORzYA/s400/IMG_6718.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jfMXvo3MkmurVmEZhOqptAyr7BQFaM5JVdz7P_vhN98?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RmBQJ6V_Kts/UYBp0Y8deuI/AAAAAAABhks/8sxBlMGO5o8/s400/IMG_6714.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rWDjzD3jwNrvFw56ePyJqwyr7BQFaM5JVdz7P_vhN98?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UKTK8cJf0FY/UYEHhKJH25I/AAAAAAABiRo/CS4cELtyKJk/s400/IMG_6713.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MI3rYcMHjgwytzXBf2FBOQyr7BQFaM5JVdz7P_vhN98?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qhgq83xIuL8/UYBpxpgG1BI/AAAAAAABhkk/9FhuxKHiDJg/s400/IMG_6712.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Party favors:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mSeb6qCW_fZL71t9KJuQlUIS188LYcDRHMnMyw5WwI8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZPqw22j1Qqc/UYAMkOnqXWI/AAAAAAABgB0/GuWgSHo0_rw/s400/IMG_6716.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Mary Louise and David really loved helping to make everything!<br />
<br />
I made clothesline garlands with pictures of the kids.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-iknwQgmjzbNap3-82xbBkIS188LYcDRHMnMyw5WwI8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-83TsR_TaR3c/UYAOThyyhUI/AAAAAAABgHU/_DEnXFCQljE/s400/IMG_6760.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We had a ton of balloons. I made play-doh and put chalk and bubbles outside. We borrowed a small space walk from a friend. I bedazzled the mess out of some party hats - then totally forgot to <strike>force people to wear</strike> use them.<br />
<br />
It was fun - a wonderful celebration. I still can't quite comprehend how we all of a sudden have 2 4 year olds and a 1 year old at home...<br />
<br />
No matter how much time passes, I still have moments of such intense gratitude...for these precious moments we've been given...<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-50768506166311838782013-06-20T12:43:00.000-07:002013-06-20T12:45:07.972-07:00True Stories ThursdayI think we need a day to stop, sit back, and take in all that happens around here. The ironies, the funnies, the sads, the happies. All of it. Realizing that's pretty much the whole blog...I still think we should have a "thing" here to recognize those moments that aren't super mega spectacular in the world news sort of scale - but things I'd want to remember and laugh about later. A celebration of these early years that are a blur now, even as I'm in their midst. I know they are going by way to fast and I'm holding on - hoping some of it stays with me so I can savor the smell and marvel at the fading blooms a little longer...<br />
**************<br />
<br />
We came home from the last day of "school" today to find quite the surprise. A man was here working on our windows. Lizzie, our 11 year old Weimaraner, had broken out of her kennel (she's been kennel trained since I was given her at age 4 months and often "puts herself to bed" when we stay up later than what pleases her.). She was running around the house wide eyed and exhausted. She had been quite busy. One would *think* she might have been busy barking at windows with strange men peering in them. No no. In all of her geriatric glory, she broke open a new box of her "Mix ins" food packets. She didn't actually eat any of the food - she is a notoriously picky eater which is why we have those funky things at all. She just broke open the box, shredded the card board and spread the packets around. Fair enough, easy clean up. However, she wasn't quite done with her attempt at stress eating. She broke into a 5 pound bag of organic garbanzo beans sitting on the counter. We eat a ton of hummus - enough to justify ordering garbanzos in bulk from the co-op. Apparently, Lizzie would like in on that action? It looked as if she'd had fun at any rate. After letting her out, she promptly went back into her kennel blankets for a rest. I'm pretty sure busy girl's eyes closed before her rump hit the bed. At least David is very into helping me clean right now.<br />
****************<br />
<br />
For the last day of camp, Mary Louise and David got to release butterflies! It was really beautiful and the kids were very respectful of the delicate insects. I love watching them learn. Their enthusiasm is contagious!<br />
<br />
To quote their teacher's Facebook status:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">You know you've been a good teacher, when on the last day, your kids respond like this:</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">"Would you come see me, please?" </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">"But we can see you from here, would you rather us come walk to you?"</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">"Mrs. Dru, my vertebrae scratches (itches), would you help me?"</span><br />
<br />
We all had a wonderful time participating over the past 2 weeks. The big kids learned all sorts of wonderful things about the world around them in the company of great friends. Their teacher got to follow a great calling and share her beautiful gift with us. I got a little running time each morning - about 2 hours to be exact. I am hooked again. Monday, I got 7 miles done. Tuesday, I did 7.6 miles in the morning and dragged on to the gym in the afternoon - putting 1 more mile in as well as lots of stretching and abdominal work. I feel wonderful and am hoping I can continue at least some of what I've been working on.<br />
<br />
I've learned loads about Mary Louise and David throughout their class time as well. We are staying at home next year. This process (camp) has helped me view their learning from an outsider's perspective. I am excited (and nervous) to facilitate learning together, growing together and playing together. It's what we've been doing all along, but with more of a (concrete) purpose (I think). Ha- clearly, I'm still a bit unsure...<br />
*****************<br />
<br />
Everett and I are on day 2 of a dairy reaction. He got some of David's eggs last night...said eggs had cheese in them (a very rare treat but one that David thoroughly enjoys when offered about once a week or so). I am happy to report that Everett's reaction is far less severe than it was a year ago. However, the reaction is certainly still there. Boo on this. Mr. Grump Grump is definitely running full force. I can't wait to have my happy little man back. I miss that sweet guy.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e8XSG3o3RAFLRlTF4686I3kT2OMDww_sFC3VuURPtFc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AO0D5tqo55Q/UcNIu092unI/AAAAAAABlTk/4R25WZ6Kqfs/s400/IMG_7821.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
So very ready for the weekend!!!!!! We've had our front porch rebuilt and the windows sealed. We have a ton of painting work to do over the summer - but for now, we rest and enjoy the company of Daddy (he'll be home tonight - weeeee!! after almost a decade of marriage...I'm still embarrassingly giddy over our time together...- we've missed our Brent so much this week!!)<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-39137774227582257822013-06-14T09:39:00.000-07:002013-06-14T09:40:53.237-07:00So, we joined a co-op!Yep! That's right. We're what I would consider to be "deep" in that Kool-Aid...but we don't drink Kool-Aid...so don't miss the irony in the expression...<br />
<br />
I'll be honest, Brent has been "importing" odds and ends from various locations throughout Louisiana since, well, since we moved the Lake Charles. We've always been foodies really - but the <strike>obsession</strike> hobby has certainly intensified with children, dietary restrictions, motivating health issues and learning in general. I LOVE food. But what's more, I love to know exactly what's in the food I'm eating - where it comes from, how it was grown, how to use it best to maintain greatest nutrition. I love starting with raw ingredients and making something beautiful, boxless, delicious, and satisfying. If there is a processed food that I'm thinking I can't get around, I learn about it - the processing to achieve that finished product. After that, I think about making it myself, cutting it altogether or only using very sparingly. Learning about our food from start to finish - including how our bodies process it once eaten - has helped me to cut portion sizes, enjoy each bite, and to simply listen to what I'm craving in terms of nutrients over food products.<br />
<br />
The kids do what they see. It's that simple here. So, we try our best to stay on the fresh whole foods train (and of course derail on occasion and as necessary).<br />
<br />
Anyhow, the co-op. So, my immediate thought about food co-ops: bunch of granola hippies. (and I mean that in the most affectionate, playful non-negative way if you're sitting there all puffed up with the hair on your legs standing on end. Sniff some lavender and embrace the humor. I'm in this with you...minus the body hair...)<br />
<br />
I'm not here to clear the stereotype. Stereotypes are typically earned over time. They don't apply to everyone in a group - usually the loudest - but they do apply...digress digress...stay on task...<br />
<br />
There was an Azure Standard drop organized about 20 minutes away from us. I looked into it. Actually, you can too. Just go <a href="http://www.azurestandard.com/">here</a> and you can browse their offerings yourself. You can also order without a drop near you but you're limited to non-perishable items and you'll have to pay shipping without a co-op. Anyhow, I opted to try it out and see how it would go.<br />
<br />
Our order was dropped today. I wish I would have had a camera...because I kind of got tickled at the scene.<br />
<br />
So, most of the pick up people were, of course, mothers. Mothers with kids - lots of kids - some had 5 little ones following like ducklings in a row - each waiting for Mother's orders to help with a box. There were a few men picking up - but we'll leave those sweet boys out for now because the women totally dominated.<br />
<br />
Large 18 wheeler truck - 1 young (man) driver hops out. Mass of women hover around with black sharpie names on white papers as if we're all waiting to pick up a mega famous super star. I picture us screaming and fainting for a minute and smile to myself. The fact that most of the group is so straight faced and serious only makes it more comical to me. Man gives out clear, concise order information. I'm rather dazed (still making up stories in my head) and ML and D are dancing around my legs begging to play on a nearby swing set. I don't hear a thing. I ask the lead Mom in Charge (that's her official title...not really - but it fits). She graciously reiterates and organizes me, my kids and my things. I think I should get my ***t together for next time maybe - or just continue to be *that* mom...it's not so bad...I don't think I can be quite as zealous as the "unloader moms" so I might as well just stand and allow our order to fall at my feet. I think I might have adult ADD...I had this problem in school too...thank goodness for clinical experience...co-op...stay focused.<br />
<br />
I'm sad I forgot my coffee on the kitchen counter.<br />
<br />
I grab a few of our boxes. Of course I try too many at first and ML and D are miffed because they are all too heavy for them to carry. They still want to play on the swings anyhow and begin a wind up I can see from about 2 miles out. I walk faster with the boxes toward our vehicle. They get louder. I fumble one box and leave it in the grass for a minute so I can get the kids tucked in and the other box put away. We make it just in time for them to crawl back into their seats with just a few whines and sighs. A man saw that I was having trouble and gracious brings the stray box to me. I thank him and haul what's left at the drop site to the car. It's 9am and 90 degrees with 100% humidity. I wore work out clothes and wet hair. Win.<br />
<br />
Everett was sleeping when we left and I know he's waking now and probably yelling, "nuh nuh NUH!!!" Brent is probably trying to give him water and snacks. Everett is probably throwing them back in his face. Literally. Sure enough, they're waiting at the back door when I drive up.<br />
<br />
I bring the boxes in as Brent and the kids watch. Brent is excited (for me- ha - he has no idea what's in said boxes. Sweet man is just excited because I am.) He helps me divide items and doesn't even ask what in the world I plan to do with 5 pounds of organic wheat germ. He does ask, however, how often "this truck" will be in town - ha.<br />
<br />
I mention that I'll make some granola. Brent grins and says he's going to work unless I need something else. He likes my homemade granola. Everett yells, "NUH NUH!" while doing the sign for milk. It's the only sign he knows...and that makes me laugh.<br />
<br />
The items are wonderful by the way- packaged and shipped at proper temps and delivered perfectly. The whole pick up took about an hour - and over half of that was driving to and from the drop site. Far easier than grocery shopping and I didn't have to bother Brent for anything.<br />
<br />
That, my friends, is (us) participating in a co-op (in case you've ever wondered about such). I'm off to organize and make some granola with flax and chia...because, you know, I have stereo types to maintain.<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646966166643966265.post-54732939859303267412013-06-13T14:07:00.000-07:002013-06-13T14:09:03.117-07:00True StoriesLast night Brent had a funny smirk on his face as he came down from reading the big kids to sleep. David's prayer for the night included the following:<br />
<br />
"Please God, help Mommy to not be very very tired."<br />
"Please god, help Mommy to not be too angry so that I can watch a yittle show on my TV"<br />
***********<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I was cleaning downstairs. Mary Louise stopped, looked at me with her hand on her hip and said, "Umm, Mom? Could you please stop all dis queening business uh-cause it's annoying us and it's hurting our ears."<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/995Tvp1BdbLtNUveJ5mOlUbUKtZPX8W_hZ4xnvEwP58?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z2T52IJacOQ/UbeVeYHIA-I/AAAAAAABk4A/NWvjoCmFmCQ/s400/IMG_7586.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
*They are learning about their 5 senses at camp. Don't worry, I thanked the teacher for facilitating that little gem.*<br />
<br />
Working together at camp:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/113721573151545953269/20130608?authkey=Gv1sRgCMmX-v-NnsGgHg&feat=embedwebsite#5888332338072420162"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cmNogmr3oDQ/UbePEFJAf0I/AAAAAAABkgo/9Nrtxubu108/s400/IMG_7673.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
***********<br />
<br />
Everett saw that the gate was open when we were all upstairs. I went to get him. We made eye contact. He smiled and crab crawled backward toward the top step so fast I thought he'd surely fall. To my surprise, he stopped just short to check his placement with his toes before easing down the first step. That boy is processing his environment and all around him so fast it makes MY head spin. He just sat and giggled on the first step as I carefully bent to<strike> grab him tightly </strike>snuggle him.<br />
<br />
When he was backing up, his faced looked a bit like this:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/113721573151545953269/GrannyInLouisianaMinnoniteFishingJune2013?authkey=Gv1sRgCMDYoPL0yLDW7gE&feat=embedwebsite#5888336826831831570"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UrMAHwetvRs/UbeTJXEpghI/AAAAAAABkvQ/Tf6s8O6AAHI/s400/IMG_7511.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
***********<br />
<br />
Everett wore size 18 to 24 month shorts this morning. The waist was big, but his fluffy double stuffed Fuzzi Bunz diaper held them up just fine.<br />
<br />
David wore size 24 month shorts this morning. The waist was big, but his Dapper Snappers held them up just fine.<br />
<br />
Since Everett nursed and ate beef stew, roasted zucchini and squash for lunch, and David ate rice cakes, crackers and a little hummus for lunch, it is within the realm of possibility that David might actually wear Everett's hand me downs at some point...<br />
***********<br />
<br />
Last weekend, we went fishing at the nearby Minnonite catfish ponds. David, in particular, LOVED it (which makes his dear daddy wicked happy).<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/50mJLBfgHs_J45fJxhpixUbUKtZPX8W_hZ4xnvEwP58?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tfxkWhocLNU/UbeZNdquhII/AAAAAAABlCE/-VX2_7r3d4A/s400/IMG_7666.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2vFn6kg-kzNX6eqbJdgTAUbUKtZPX8W_hZ4xnvEwP58?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9JJbnqgQ-2c/UbeXiBInfKI/AAAAAAABk9M/_JiiH8nIyJ0/s400/IMG_7627.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Mary Louise could take it or leave it <br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/65C3I_1Bc18ljzv7cqQU9EbUKtZPX8W_hZ4xnvEwP58?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rGRi0uaRli0/UbeVwpQUU4I/AAAAAAABk44/M0N1OohucN8/s400/IMG_7593.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
having a great time until that big fish came popping out of the water - which is when she would use Everett as a sort of human shield (he didn't mind):<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gu-86gKcp5Wwt5p0fWclREbUKtZPX8W_hZ4xnvEwP58?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NCtPOiQcOKE/UbeWLDoBK_I/AAAAAAABk6A/JGp3idGbVrA/s400/IMG_7602.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
Everett did a whole lot of this:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KNAuqb9LnG0qgSs23CIUTEbUKtZPX8W_hZ4xnvEwP58?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c00WrvOfuZg/UbeYBqpCB8I/AAAAAAABk-s/74IheNgr78A/s400/IMG_7639.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
(you know, in between protecting his big sister)<br />
<br />
and I picked up the slack. This isn't really my "thing" but, I surprised Brent by effectively holding my own and helping David out a couple of times. Photo proof:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aS5pDL3oZjsiUaqLL5LeX0bUKtZPX8W_hZ4xnvEwP58?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OWqMMSYvO_o/UbeYNsvemhI/AAAAAAABk_M/Zy7pYwY8KRM/s400/IMG_7643.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
xo,<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291791918107701310noreply@blogger.com0