I'm sure you knew which child this post was about just by that title, didn't you?
Ever-loving John Paul was sta-oked about his first wiggly tooth. He proudly showed it to the dentist at his check-up. He stopped random people to tell him the first tooth was nearly a goner. He fiddled and whiddled and twirled that tooth until it finally met its destiny.
The black hole.
Yep, he proudly bounded into the living room one night to declare he had lost his tooth, grinning from ear to ear. When we asked where it was, he shrugged and happily shouted, "I don't know!" Well, at least he wasn't heartbroken over the deal. Fortunately the tooth fairy believed his older brother (to this day Will is the only one who actually saw the lost tooth). My guess is that they were rough housing and it got swallowed.
One will never know.
Congratulations John Paul on losing your first lost tooth. I would expect nothing less from you, my man.
Oh, and wiggly tooth #2 is hot on its heels. I'll keep you posted if we actually SEE this one.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Luke Update 1.28.11
Let's start with the good news. At Luke's weight check this week he gained an impressive 12 oz. in two weeks. So, we are almost 17 pounds, minus an ounce.
Bad news is that his weight gain has pretty much flat-lined. The virus he got just before Christmas, combined with his less-than-stellar eating habits have put him in a precarious situation. As our gastro doc said, "Luke is one virus away from being wiped out." So, the other bad news is that he's pretty much quarantined through cold and flu season. We are running through antibacterial gel and handsoap like it's candy around here. No playdates, no Mall outings, no basketball games, nada. Any large grouping of people and definitely any grouping of kids with germy hands is out of the question. At Mass, I've been keeping him away from as many folks as possible and we beeline to the car as soon as it's over. We've even traded off Masses, so he doesn't go at all. Small price to pay, I suppose. So, if you don't see us much or if we hustle Luke away from you, please don't take it personally. If I wasn't a germophone before, I'm definitely one now.
Here's the real hitch...we have to get Luke gaining weight on a steady basis. Even though he is WELL below any line on the normal or preemie growth chart, we just need to see progress. And, that my friends, is the problem. He hasn't progressed at all in the weight department in the last couple of months. It's part increased activity (yea!), part totally stinky eating (boo!).
Part of my "negotiation" with our doctor this week was to try some other weight-gaining options. Just to give you a visual, here's what we're doing:
- Boost for Kids, 1 a day, about 300 calories
- In his boost, we dissolve a packet of Duocal, about 200 calories
- He's on a daily probiotic, again mixed into a small bit of cold water that we try to get him to drink before mealtime
- A medicine, taken twice daily, to stimulate his appetite. Side effect? Drowsiness and dizziness
- Working with an occupational therapist to stimulate his sensory system and get him to swallow his food.
- And, we're doing our dead-level best to get him to eat table food. It is, by far, the most stressful part of my day.
That stress and constant worry about his weight gain is what has led our doctor to recommend putting in a G-button. For you non-medical folks out there, it's basically a tube, hooked directly to his stomach, that allows us to put liquid food directly into his belly. So, we would try our hardest to get him to eat table food throughout the day, and then over the course of two hours (probably at bedtime) we would do a slow drip of the liquid food.
I know, it sounds just lovely, doesn't it?
Dr. B was pretty firm about wanting the button, I lobbied for two more weeks. I just want to see what we can do. We have a great occupational therapist who's given us some good tips. I'm hopeful that we will see his eating habits turn the corner.
If not, though, then surgery it is. As much as I don't want to put him back in the hands of Dr. Meyer, his surgeon, if that's what he needs, then we will do it.
Offer up some prayers for Luke's continued progress, in whatever form that may be.
St. Luke, pray for us!
Bad news is that his weight gain has pretty much flat-lined. The virus he got just before Christmas, combined with his less-than-stellar eating habits have put him in a precarious situation. As our gastro doc said, "Luke is one virus away from being wiped out." So, the other bad news is that he's pretty much quarantined through cold and flu season. We are running through antibacterial gel and handsoap like it's candy around here. No playdates, no Mall outings, no basketball games, nada. Any large grouping of people and definitely any grouping of kids with germy hands is out of the question. At Mass, I've been keeping him away from as many folks as possible and we beeline to the car as soon as it's over. We've even traded off Masses, so he doesn't go at all. Small price to pay, I suppose. So, if you don't see us much or if we hustle Luke away from you, please don't take it personally. If I wasn't a germophone before, I'm definitely one now.
Here's the real hitch...we have to get Luke gaining weight on a steady basis. Even though he is WELL below any line on the normal or preemie growth chart, we just need to see progress. And, that my friends, is the problem. He hasn't progressed at all in the weight department in the last couple of months. It's part increased activity (yea!), part totally stinky eating (boo!).
Part of my "negotiation" with our doctor this week was to try some other weight-gaining options. Just to give you a visual, here's what we're doing:
- Boost for Kids, 1 a day, about 300 calories
- In his boost, we dissolve a packet of Duocal, about 200 calories
- He's on a daily probiotic, again mixed into a small bit of cold water that we try to get him to drink before mealtime
- A medicine, taken twice daily, to stimulate his appetite. Side effect? Drowsiness and dizziness
- Working with an occupational therapist to stimulate his sensory system and get him to swallow his food.
- And, we're doing our dead-level best to get him to eat table food. It is, by far, the most stressful part of my day.
That stress and constant worry about his weight gain is what has led our doctor to recommend putting in a G-button. For you non-medical folks out there, it's basically a tube, hooked directly to his stomach, that allows us to put liquid food directly into his belly. So, we would try our hardest to get him to eat table food throughout the day, and then over the course of two hours (probably at bedtime) we would do a slow drip of the liquid food.
I know, it sounds just lovely, doesn't it?
Dr. B was pretty firm about wanting the button, I lobbied for two more weeks. I just want to see what we can do. We have a great occupational therapist who's given us some good tips. I'm hopeful that we will see his eating habits turn the corner.
If not, though, then surgery it is. As much as I don't want to put him back in the hands of Dr. Meyer, his surgeon, if that's what he needs, then we will do it.
Offer up some prayers for Luke's continued progress, in whatever form that may be.
St. Luke, pray for us!
QOTW: January 28, 2011
"Ring around the rosary..."
John Paul, proof that our Catholic school tuition dollars are hard at work.
"Luke has really tiny feet."
Clare, when I asked her to put on Luke's socks. She was having a tough time.
"DA!"
Luke, screaming for his Daddy, every night, as soon as he hears the garage door open. Super cute, but where's the love for Ma? Coming soon, I hope.
"Mom, keep an eye on Wuke, ok?"
Clare, to me. Got it, Clare.
We have a fun, basketball-filled weekend in store. I have a ton of client work to do and I'm quite thankful for that unexpected workload. I'm still in disbelief that January is nearly over. Already the year is ticking by quickly. Our number one priority is to get Master Luke eating and gaining weight. More on that in my next post later today. Make it a great weekend!
John Paul, proof that our Catholic school tuition dollars are hard at work.
"Luke has really tiny feet."
Clare, when I asked her to put on Luke's socks. She was having a tough time.
"DA!"
Luke, screaming for his Daddy, every night, as soon as he hears the garage door open. Super cute, but where's the love for Ma? Coming soon, I hope.
"Mom, keep an eye on Wuke, ok?"
Clare, to me. Got it, Clare.
We have a fun, basketball-filled weekend in store. I have a ton of client work to do and I'm quite thankful for that unexpected workload. I'm still in disbelief that January is nearly over. Already the year is ticking by quickly. Our number one priority is to get Master Luke eating and gaining weight. More on that in my next post later today. Make it a great weekend!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Stealing from Nuns?
Surely that sends one straight to the confessional, no? I might as well fess up. The cat (er, FLAG's) out of the bag anyway. If you follow me on FB or Twitter, you know there was a little "theft", which I prefer to call "indefinite borrowing" that happened just prior to the LSU v A&M Cotton Bowl game.
Truthfully? I'm throwing Sr. Thomas Aquinas under the bus. I better type fast; I know she reads the blog :)
So, we're at carline - my absolute favorite time of day {insert sarcasm font here} - and the kids are waiting at the cone with STA. Will hops in the car and says, "Mom, Sister says they have an LSU flag hanging outside their house!" That did it. If I had never known that little nugget, I would've NEVER been led to sin. Gasp. A sister, leading an innocent Aggie to sin. Who woulda thunk it?
...
Hold on a sec.
Waiting for lightning to strike.
Anyhoodle, as we pulled out of carline, the wheels started clicking. We drove by the Sisters' Convent with a quick glance and indeed, the monstrosity was hanging there, flailing in the wind. I looked over at Will and said, "Buddy, you ready to steal a flag?" His eyes got as big as silver dollars. "MOM!" I reassured him we would replace it with a much better model - our beloved maroon and white Aggie flag. I'm pretty sure his response was one that entailed me not driving fast enough to get said flag.
A few minutes later, I had the entire car riled up chanting, "Aggies! Aggies!" In a flash, Will grabbed the Aggie flag, hopped back in the van and we began cooking our plan. We zoomed into their driveway, while I quickly checked the dashboard clock. I knew we only had a few minutes. The sisters arrive home between 4-4:15. Will is practically peeing in his pants while I figure out how to get the flag to stay put. In less than three minutes the *deed* has been done and we're back in the van, headed home.
Then...we waited.
Well, actually we waited, giggled and then I called Scott to tell him the news. After he stopped laughing, we started making hypotheses about when we'd be fingered. It took longer than we thought. Later that evening, we got an email, I tweeted too soon. Shoot, forgot that feed shows up on the blog. We played dumb. The next morning, Sr. Elizabeth Ann fires off a "return the flag or else" while holding our Aggie flag over the trashcan. Silly sister. Tricks are for kids. There are way more flags where those came from. I believe Scott's email reply was slightly more elegant than that.
Then, there was a phone call from a priest, wearing his confessional stole, asking if we wanted to "confess" anything. Pa-shaw. Will and I held our ground. May I insert here, that I've never been more proud of my son's lying skills? Yes, I may. Finally, Thursday morning, just as Scott's leaving to take the kids to school, who do we spy but two sweet sisters knocking on our door. As he drives off, I hear Scott say, "Sister, I sure hope they find out who's doing all the vandalism in the neighborhood."
I bite my tongue as I open the door.
They brought food. Biscotti. Homemade. And our sweet A&M flag. I promised them we would pass the food along to the vandals, you know, as a good will offering.
And that, as Paul Harvey would say, is the rest of the story.
NOTE: I did use the word "nuns" with a loose literary license. Technically, the Dominicans we tried to evangelize are sisters, because they live in community. Nuns are cloistered. But stealing from nuns just sounded better :)
Truthfully? I'm throwing Sr. Thomas Aquinas under the bus. I better type fast; I know she reads the blog :)
So, we're at carline - my absolute favorite time of day {insert sarcasm font here} - and the kids are waiting at the cone with STA. Will hops in the car and says, "Mom, Sister says they have an LSU flag hanging outside their house!" That did it. If I had never known that little nugget, I would've NEVER been led to sin. Gasp. A sister, leading an innocent Aggie to sin. Who woulda thunk it?
...
Hold on a sec.
Waiting for lightning to strike.
Anyhoodle, as we pulled out of carline, the wheels started clicking. We drove by the Sisters' Convent with a quick glance and indeed, the monstrosity was hanging there, flailing in the wind. I looked over at Will and said, "Buddy, you ready to steal a flag?" His eyes got as big as silver dollars. "MOM!" I reassured him we would replace it with a much better model - our beloved maroon and white Aggie flag. I'm pretty sure his response was one that entailed me not driving fast enough to get said flag.
A few minutes later, I had the entire car riled up chanting, "Aggies! Aggies!" In a flash, Will grabbed the Aggie flag, hopped back in the van and we began cooking our plan. We zoomed into their driveway, while I quickly checked the dashboard clock. I knew we only had a few minutes. The sisters arrive home between 4-4:15. Will is practically peeing in his pants while I figure out how to get the flag to stay put. In less than three minutes the *deed* has been done and we're back in the van, headed home.
Then...we waited.
Well, actually we waited, giggled and then I called Scott to tell him the news. After he stopped laughing, we started making hypotheses about when we'd be fingered. It took longer than we thought. Later that evening, we got an email, I tweeted too soon. Shoot, forgot that feed shows up on the blog. We played dumb. The next morning, Sr. Elizabeth Ann fires off a "return the flag or else" while holding our Aggie flag over the trashcan. Silly sister. Tricks are for kids. There are way more flags where those came from. I believe Scott's email reply was slightly more elegant than that.
Then, there was a phone call from a priest, wearing his confessional stole, asking if we wanted to "confess" anything. Pa-shaw. Will and I held our ground. May I insert here, that I've never been more proud of my son's lying skills? Yes, I may. Finally, Thursday morning, just as Scott's leaving to take the kids to school, who do we spy but two sweet sisters knocking on our door. As he drives off, I hear Scott say, "Sister, I sure hope they find out who's doing all the vandalism in the neighborhood."
I bite my tongue as I open the door.
They brought food. Biscotti. Homemade. And our sweet A&M flag. I promised them we would pass the food along to the vandals, you know, as a good will offering.
And that, as Paul Harvey would say, is the rest of the story.
NOTE: I did use the word "nuns" with a loose literary license. Technically, the Dominicans we tried to evangelize are sisters, because they live in community. Nuns are cloistered. But stealing from nuns just sounded better :)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Top Ten: Progress Report
I don't think I ever posted my "resolutions" for the year. No matter, they're all in my brain, if nowhere else. You probably don't care a hill of beans if I'm making progress or not, but I do. And I need to write this down so I can look back and say, "SEE! I did accomplish something!" Here goes:
TOP TEN: NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
1. Cook more. We got into a bad habit on and off throughout 2010 of eating out. Mostly due to our see-saw between Dell Children's and home. Maybe it was a good excuse, I don't know. But, after looking at how much we were spending eating out, I decided something had to be done. So far, we've only eaten out twice in January. And, we haven't been eating pre-prepared frozen meals either! I was reminded of what my pediatrician said when I told her we *usually* eat out only once a week: "Well, that's still 52 times a year." Touche.
GRADE: A-
2. Be more frugal. See #1. Eating out is part of it. We're also feeling the bigger pinch having three in Catholic school (still totally worth it) and I recognize that in another year that number will jump to 4. I'm working on asking myself the question, "Want or need?"
GRADE: B+
3. Make the "after school crazy" more organized. Over the Christmas break, we (i.e., Scott) made and installed a coat rack for the kids' backpacks and coats. I got the desk area organized and it has been a marriage made in heaven. Homework is going much smoother and I'm signicantly less stressed. It also has to do with #1. I know what we're having for dinner and am able to plan ahead. It's amazing how those two things combined make for a happier, less yelly household come 4pm.
GRADE: A
4. Spend more individual time with the kids. I'll admit, with a household of 7 some days are better than others. Anna-Laura needs reading help, Will math help, John Paul focusing on more than one task at a time help, Clare play time and Luke therapy time. Eeesh. What I've come to learn and embrace is that I do not have a personal stock of endless amounts of time. I'm trying to be more present, to really listen, to see things from their perspective. The dishes may not get done until later, or a sibling may be the one to put on the other one's shoes. Whatever the case may be, we're learning how to survive and thrive in a large household. I believe my children will be better for it.
GRADE: C+
5. Plan more date nights with Scott. We are still very hesitant to leave Luke...with anyone. I'm still nursing, so that's part of it. We just never know what's around the corner with him. We're still living in that hypersensitive state. And if the truth be told, I think Scott and I are only comfortable about leaving the house when it's one of us staying behind to take care of Luke. I know that will pass with time. So, sometimes our date nights are on our living room couch, with a bowl of popcorn and a movie. Sometimes it's us turning off the tv and just chatting. We'll break out of the house at some point. Quality time is what we're after.
GRADE: B+
6. Don't procrastinate the ironing. Way back when, in 2001, I had just given birth to Will, resigned my full-time job and our family income was cut in half. I started doing the ironing to save money...and I've never stopped! There's something very therapeutic about ironing Scott's shirts. I think it's a small way that I can be part of his day :) (Cue cheesy music now) There were a bad few months in there where I didn't iron. At all. Poor Scott was wearing wrinkled shirts to work, never once complaining. But I could tell. And I finally got off my lazy a$$ and got them ironed. So far, I've been pretty good at keeping up.
GRADE: A
7. Work out. Um, this one started off good and has plummeted miserably. I'll save you the excuses and just give you the grade. Needless to say, this one needs some mighty improvement.
GRADE: D-
8. Reserve the judging. Oh, this one cuts to the core. It's so easy to judge, right? Well, it is for me. I should know better. {sigh} Scott and I made a pact to eliminate this really horrible behavior from both our lives and we call each other on the carpet when we do it.
GRADE: B-
9. Spend more time on my own spirituality. We do go to Mass every week as a family, I listen to my Christian music in the van (which, to be fair, is quite a lot) and we pray with the kids. But, I could be doing alot more. For a while we were praying a decade of the rosary as a family each night. I really loved that. For me, the thing I've found myself doing is praying for all those people who send us requests when I'm nursing Luke to bed. It's a quiet part of my day and I find great joy doing it.
GRADE: C+
10. Write more. I've been toying with writing a book for a while. Not that I'm all that and a bag of chips...it's just I love doing it. Really love, love doing it. I have no flipping idea what about, but perhaps over the course of the year it will come to me. If Julie Powell can write a book about her Julie/Julia cooking project, then surely I can come up with something to write about! Eh, in due time. Due time.
GRADE: incomplete :)
TOP TEN: NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
1. Cook more. We got into a bad habit on and off throughout 2010 of eating out. Mostly due to our see-saw between Dell Children's and home. Maybe it was a good excuse, I don't know. But, after looking at how much we were spending eating out, I decided something had to be done. So far, we've only eaten out twice in January. And, we haven't been eating pre-prepared frozen meals either! I was reminded of what my pediatrician said when I told her we *usually* eat out only once a week: "Well, that's still 52 times a year." Touche.
GRADE: A-
2. Be more frugal. See #1. Eating out is part of it. We're also feeling the bigger pinch having three in Catholic school (still totally worth it) and I recognize that in another year that number will jump to 4. I'm working on asking myself the question, "Want or need?"
GRADE: B+
3. Make the "after school crazy" more organized. Over the Christmas break, we (i.e., Scott) made and installed a coat rack for the kids' backpacks and coats. I got the desk area organized and it has been a marriage made in heaven. Homework is going much smoother and I'm signicantly less stressed. It also has to do with #1. I know what we're having for dinner and am able to plan ahead. It's amazing how those two things combined make for a happier, less yelly household come 4pm.
GRADE: A
4. Spend more individual time with the kids. I'll admit, with a household of 7 some days are better than others. Anna-Laura needs reading help, Will math help, John Paul focusing on more than one task at a time help, Clare play time and Luke therapy time. Eeesh. What I've come to learn and embrace is that I do not have a personal stock of endless amounts of time. I'm trying to be more present, to really listen, to see things from their perspective. The dishes may not get done until later, or a sibling may be the one to put on the other one's shoes. Whatever the case may be, we're learning how to survive and thrive in a large household. I believe my children will be better for it.
GRADE: C+
5. Plan more date nights with Scott. We are still very hesitant to leave Luke...with anyone. I'm still nursing, so that's part of it. We just never know what's around the corner with him. We're still living in that hypersensitive state. And if the truth be told, I think Scott and I are only comfortable about leaving the house when it's one of us staying behind to take care of Luke. I know that will pass with time. So, sometimes our date nights are on our living room couch, with a bowl of popcorn and a movie. Sometimes it's us turning off the tv and just chatting. We'll break out of the house at some point. Quality time is what we're after.
GRADE: B+
6. Don't procrastinate the ironing. Way back when, in 2001, I had just given birth to Will, resigned my full-time job and our family income was cut in half. I started doing the ironing to save money...and I've never stopped! There's something very therapeutic about ironing Scott's shirts. I think it's a small way that I can be part of his day :) (Cue cheesy music now) There were a bad few months in there where I didn't iron. At all. Poor Scott was wearing wrinkled shirts to work, never once complaining. But I could tell. And I finally got off my lazy a$$ and got them ironed. So far, I've been pretty good at keeping up.
GRADE: A
7. Work out. Um, this one started off good and has plummeted miserably. I'll save you the excuses and just give you the grade. Needless to say, this one needs some mighty improvement.
GRADE: D-
8. Reserve the judging. Oh, this one cuts to the core. It's so easy to judge, right? Well, it is for me. I should know better. {sigh} Scott and I made a pact to eliminate this really horrible behavior from both our lives and we call each other on the carpet when we do it.
GRADE: B-
9. Spend more time on my own spirituality. We do go to Mass every week as a family, I listen to my Christian music in the van (which, to be fair, is quite a lot) and we pray with the kids. But, I could be doing alot more. For a while we were praying a decade of the rosary as a family each night. I really loved that. For me, the thing I've found myself doing is praying for all those people who send us requests when I'm nursing Luke to bed. It's a quiet part of my day and I find great joy doing it.
GRADE: C+
10. Write more. I've been toying with writing a book for a while. Not that I'm all that and a bag of chips...it's just I love doing it. Really love, love doing it. I have no flipping idea what about, but perhaps over the course of the year it will come to me. If Julie Powell can write a book about her Julie/Julia cooking project, then surely I can come up with something to write about! Eh, in due time. Due time.
GRADE: incomplete :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Cabelas + 7yo's = FUN TIMES
We decided to get off the Austin grid and do something a little different for John Paul's birthday. I mean, that's certainly appropriate for him, isn't it?!
We had a hunting/scavenger hunt theme party. I immediately thought of Cabela's and after several phone calls found out they did birthday parties. It was definitely on the down lo. They don't really advertise, but a little perserverance paid off.
I was super happy to find an adorable collection of camo-designed party collaterals on Etsy. That got my creativity going. The party favor bags were really fun to put together. A little water bottle, tricked out, a camo-decorated cookie, a camo notepad and a keychain that also doubles as a compass and thermometer. Best $1.99 I spent for the entire party. All the boys had them on their backpacks today at school.
The boys arrived, many in camo gear, along with their dads. I'm still not sure who was more excited, the 7yos or the 30-something Dads. HA. They took their handy passports I created with the questions Cabela's gave me and they were off to the races. It took them all over the store and they had a blast working together to get the answers. The last clue brought them to the party room, where they collected their fish food and tokens to use at the shooting gallery. Yes, it was all boy. But, ALG and Clare were right there in the thick of things. Not to be sideline sisters at all.
After a quick, but hopefully thorough, handwashing they all headed to the party room for pizza, singing and cookies. All in all? Success.
A few funny stories.
FUNNY HAHA #1
We had pitchers of drinks for the boys. One cute partygoer, "T", decided he was done with his lemonade. But, instead of pouring it in the sink, he poured it into the FULL pitcher of lemonade and said, "Can I get some root beer instead?" Thank the good Lord another Dad and I saw that and disposed of said contaminated beverage. Boys. {insert heavy sigh with small smile here}
FUNNY HAHA #2
At the shooting gallery, each player had to insert two tokens to get the guns to "shoot". Don't worry, it was infrared lighting and they were aiming at things like tin cans and doorways. It did have pretty sweet sound effects. {Note: I am/was an NRA certified gun instructor, so I could hold my own with those boys. Bet you didn't know that little nugget about me :) And here you thought I was Martha Stewart. I'm ruining my image.}
I digress. Ok, so the funny part of that story is one of the boys, "J", started searching all the token trays from the guns that had already been used, hoping that a token had been kicked back. Quite the entrepreneur, I'd say. J ended up with like 15 extra tokens and all the boys were bartering their older sibling to get an extra token. Heelarious.
FINAL FUNNY HAHA
Ok, so just a few hours after I dropped the invitations in the mail, I pick up the kids from school. I am STOKED to share all the details with John Paul. When I get to the "we're having cookies instead of cake" part, his eyes light up and he says, "Oh, Mom can you get some Yoda and Darth Vader cookies?"
SCREECH. What?!?! I'll save you the entire compromise conversation, but ultimately we struck a "deal." He got his Star Wars cookies for the basketball game snack and the class snack on Monday and I won camo cookies for the party. Totally figures, right? I get everything planned, signed, sealed and delivered and he decides he wants a totally different theme.
This kid.
We had a hunting/scavenger hunt theme party. I immediately thought of Cabela's and after several phone calls found out they did birthday parties. It was definitely on the down lo. They don't really advertise, but a little perserverance paid off.
I was super happy to find an adorable collection of camo-designed party collaterals on Etsy. That got my creativity going. The party favor bags were really fun to put together. A little water bottle, tricked out, a camo-decorated cookie, a camo notepad and a keychain that also doubles as a compass and thermometer. Best $1.99 I spent for the entire party. All the boys had them on their backpacks today at school.
The boys arrived, many in camo gear, along with their dads. I'm still not sure who was more excited, the 7yos or the 30-something Dads. HA. They took their handy passports I created with the questions Cabela's gave me and they were off to the races. It took them all over the store and they had a blast working together to get the answers. The last clue brought them to the party room, where they collected their fish food and tokens to use at the shooting gallery. Yes, it was all boy. But, ALG and Clare were right there in the thick of things. Not to be sideline sisters at all.
After a quick, but hopefully thorough, handwashing they all headed to the party room for pizza, singing and cookies. All in all? Success.
A few funny stories.
FUNNY HAHA #1
We had pitchers of drinks for the boys. One cute partygoer, "T", decided he was done with his lemonade. But, instead of pouring it in the sink, he poured it into the FULL pitcher of lemonade and said, "Can I get some root beer instead?" Thank the good Lord another Dad and I saw that and disposed of said contaminated beverage. Boys. {insert heavy sigh with small smile here}
FUNNY HAHA #2
At the shooting gallery, each player had to insert two tokens to get the guns to "shoot". Don't worry, it was infrared lighting and they were aiming at things like tin cans and doorways. It did have pretty sweet sound effects. {Note: I am/was an NRA certified gun instructor, so I could hold my own with those boys. Bet you didn't know that little nugget about me :) And here you thought I was Martha Stewart. I'm ruining my image.}
I digress. Ok, so the funny part of that story is one of the boys, "J", started searching all the token trays from the guns that had already been used, hoping that a token had been kicked back. Quite the entrepreneur, I'd say. J ended up with like 15 extra tokens and all the boys were bartering their older sibling to get an extra token. Heelarious.
FINAL FUNNY HAHA
Ok, so just a few hours after I dropped the invitations in the mail, I pick up the kids from school. I am STOKED to share all the details with John Paul. When I get to the "we're having cookies instead of cake" part, his eyes light up and he says, "Oh, Mom can you get some Yoda and Darth Vader cookies?"
SCREECH. What?!?! I'll save you the entire compromise conversation, but ultimately we struck a "deal." He got his Star Wars cookies for the basketball game snack and the class snack on Monday and I won camo cookies for the party. Totally figures, right? I get everything planned, signed, sealed and delivered and he decides he wants a totally different theme.
This kid.
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Different Perspective
I'll have your party recap...tomorrow.
Today, as I scrolled through my facebook and twitter feeds, I was reminded of an anniversary. Well, two actually. The first is the anniversary of the historic Roe v. Wade case. The second, much closer to home, was Luke's second emergency surgery. The one where his blood levels dipped so low that he was in serious danger of irrepairable damage.
I recognize that some of you who read my blog may not share my pro-life views. I'm not asking you to change, nor am I condemning your belief system. I'm just asking you to read my perspective and give it some thought.
I've always considered myself pro-life. Perhaps it was the way I was raised, our weekly attendance at church or my inability to see what could cause someone to make such a drastic, permanent, life-altering decision. In a few words, I think I lacked "life experience." Nearly ten years ago, I became a mom for the first time. I think most of us moms would agree that nurturing a life permanently changes your outlook. When I miscarried our daughter, Mary, my world felt like it was falling apart. I yearned for the one thing I could never have - in this life, anyway - to hold her in my arms and tell her how much she was loved. During my pregnancy with Luke, our newest member of the family, I learned at my 20-week ultrasound that he was an IUGR baby. As in, intra-uterine growth restriction. He wasn't growing well and the odds were not in our favor of delivering a healthy baby. In fact, my perinatologist wasn't shy about the harsh reality. It was almost certain I would deliver at 28 weeks, if not before. Life is considered viable outside the womb at 24 weeks.
Never once did I doubt that his life was any different than my other children's. He was just as loved (and in that moment, I believe slightly more so), just as wanted, just as beautiful. As it turns out, he hung on until 36 weeks, 3 days. Luke's health challenges are many. Eight specialists and weekly therapy appointments at last count. It's possible that he may always struggle. Yet, it's possible that he won't.
Either way, as I reflect on that other anniversary - Roe v. Wade - I can't help but have a permanently altered perspective. To think of what life would be like without Luke is quite nearly unbearable. Have we really come to this as a society? To think of children as a burden, not a joy? To see them as...something to discard, an inconvenience, a quick doctor's appointment in which they are terminated?
Believe me, please, when I tell you that some women make that decision without fully understanding the consequences. Yet, I also believe that many more women struggle for a lifetime with that decision. It can never be undone. Never be erased. Never be brought back to life.
We hear so many times about the fragility of life. That has been MY reality since Luke physically entered our lives on September 18, 2009. I understand what it's like to see a body broken, your life hooked up to so many tubes, wires and monitors that you can't see straight. I know what's it's like to look at the world and see other children developing normally and "on schedule" while yours struggles and works for every step, every bite of food, every heartbeat.
But I would live this life 100 times, 1,000...any amount...just to live it with Luke and our other children. Some may argue that we have the support to endure such a bumpy road. Perhaps. But I'll share this parting thought with you. I've never regretted our decision to give Luke a chance at life. I'm not sure those women who have endured the pain of abortion would say the same about theirs.
Sts. Philomena, Gianna, Gerard and (soon to be) Bl. Pope John Paul II - pray for us.
Today, as I scrolled through my facebook and twitter feeds, I was reminded of an anniversary. Well, two actually. The first is the anniversary of the historic Roe v. Wade case. The second, much closer to home, was Luke's second emergency surgery. The one where his blood levels dipped so low that he was in serious danger of irrepairable damage.
I recognize that some of you who read my blog may not share my pro-life views. I'm not asking you to change, nor am I condemning your belief system. I'm just asking you to read my perspective and give it some thought.
I've always considered myself pro-life. Perhaps it was the way I was raised, our weekly attendance at church or my inability to see what could cause someone to make such a drastic, permanent, life-altering decision. In a few words, I think I lacked "life experience." Nearly ten years ago, I became a mom for the first time. I think most of us moms would agree that nurturing a life permanently changes your outlook. When I miscarried our daughter, Mary, my world felt like it was falling apart. I yearned for the one thing I could never have - in this life, anyway - to hold her in my arms and tell her how much she was loved. During my pregnancy with Luke, our newest member of the family, I learned at my 20-week ultrasound that he was an IUGR baby. As in, intra-uterine growth restriction. He wasn't growing well and the odds were not in our favor of delivering a healthy baby. In fact, my perinatologist wasn't shy about the harsh reality. It was almost certain I would deliver at 28 weeks, if not before. Life is considered viable outside the womb at 24 weeks.
Never once did I doubt that his life was any different than my other children's. He was just as loved (and in that moment, I believe slightly more so), just as wanted, just as beautiful. As it turns out, he hung on until 36 weeks, 3 days. Luke's health challenges are many. Eight specialists and weekly therapy appointments at last count. It's possible that he may always struggle. Yet, it's possible that he won't.
Either way, as I reflect on that other anniversary - Roe v. Wade - I can't help but have a permanently altered perspective. To think of what life would be like without Luke is quite nearly unbearable. Have we really come to this as a society? To think of children as a burden, not a joy? To see them as...something to discard, an inconvenience, a quick doctor's appointment in which they are terminated?
Believe me, please, when I tell you that some women make that decision without fully understanding the consequences. Yet, I also believe that many more women struggle for a lifetime with that decision. It can never be undone. Never be erased. Never be brought back to life.
We hear so many times about the fragility of life. That has been MY reality since Luke physically entered our lives on September 18, 2009. I understand what it's like to see a body broken, your life hooked up to so many tubes, wires and monitors that you can't see straight. I know what's it's like to look at the world and see other children developing normally and "on schedule" while yours struggles and works for every step, every bite of food, every heartbeat.
But I would live this life 100 times, 1,000...any amount...just to live it with Luke and our other children. Some may argue that we have the support to endure such a bumpy road. Perhaps. But I'll share this parting thought with you. I've never regretted our decision to give Luke a chance at life. I'm not sure those women who have endured the pain of abortion would say the same about theirs.
Sts. Philomena, Gianna, Gerard and (soon to be) Bl. Pope John Paul II - pray for us.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Happy 7th J Pizzle
John Paul has many nicknames - JPizzle, JP, JPizzale, John Paul Harris {when he's in trouble}. He is truly one-of-a-kind. In the last seven years, we've racked up 13 family ER visits - 6 of those are John Paul. Shocker.
Oh, there is so much more to love about John Paul than just those scars.
I love his focus. Especially when he's creating art. You might as well just grab a cup of coffee and turn on the TV. When he's done, he will let you know. Rushing him only makes for an ugly scene.
I love his ability to make anything fun. He really does love to do just about anything. Rake leaves, play with Luke, clean up the kitchen, take a shower, bug the ever-livin' dog out of his siblings. He loves life, truly, truly.
I love that he can get any sibling in trouble in about one nanosecond. Even from across the room. That's talent, people. Half the time I can't tell if he's lying or telling the truth. Good luck to those high school teachers. The blue eyes get you every time.
I love that he is perfectly comfortable and happy in his own skin, doing his own thing. He's not one to bow to peer pressure and I pray that is a trait he carries with him for a lifetime.
I'm still in disbelief that he is seven. SEVEN. He's reading, writing short stories, playing outstanding athletics, telling funny jokes and making his mark in first grade. I love him. So much.
John Paul, never change. Our house is brighter, funnier, slightly messier and way more entertaining with you...just the way you are.
Happy birthday, big man. You are loved.
Oh, there is so much more to love about John Paul than just those scars.
I love his focus. Especially when he's creating art. You might as well just grab a cup of coffee and turn on the TV. When he's done, he will let you know. Rushing him only makes for an ugly scene.
I love his ability to make anything fun. He really does love to do just about anything. Rake leaves, play with Luke, clean up the kitchen, take a shower, bug the ever-livin' dog out of his siblings. He loves life, truly, truly.
I love that he can get any sibling in trouble in about one nanosecond. Even from across the room. That's talent, people. Half the time I can't tell if he's lying or telling the truth. Good luck to those high school teachers. The blue eyes get you every time.
I love that he is perfectly comfortable and happy in his own skin, doing his own thing. He's not one to bow to peer pressure and I pray that is a trait he carries with him for a lifetime.
I'm still in disbelief that he is seven. SEVEN. He's reading, writing short stories, playing outstanding athletics, telling funny jokes and making his mark in first grade. I love him. So much.
John Paul, never change. Our house is brighter, funnier, slightly messier and way more entertaining with you...just the way you are.
Happy birthday, big man. You are loved.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Happy Birthday Uncle Cory
It's a big birthday weekend around here. Uncle Cory's (Scott's brother) is today and John Paul's is tomorrow. I'm so happy I can hardly stand it. Planning birthday parties is definitely my cup 'o tea.
Cory, may today be filled with a short commute home from work, sweet time with your family and thankfulness for another year. I have a feeling it's going to be a good one. You are a really fantastic dad and a superb uncle. I'm thankful God's path led you, Jennifer and Alex back to Texas.
Cory, may today be filled with a short commute home from work, sweet time with your family and thankfulness for another year. I have a feeling it's going to be a good one. You are a really fantastic dad and a superb uncle. I'm thankful God's path led you, Jennifer and Alex back to Texas.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Top Ten: ARG!!
You know, sometimes the little things just get under your skin. Forgive me while I vent.
Disclaimer: No actual people were hurt during this rant.
TOP TEN: THINGS THAT JUST BUG THE HECK OUT OF ME
1. When the house gets cleaned and no less than an hour later, somebody spills her milk.
2. When printers don't have a decent pre-press department. If you are a designer, I know you feel my pain.
3. Inefficient carline systems. Drive. Me. Batty.
4. People who don't understand technology and then impose on you to be their tech support. Seriously. Call the 800 #.
5. When I'm all stoked about my afternoon 23 flavors and then realize I drank the last one yesterday.
6. Thinking that I have all the ingredients for a delicious dinner, only to realize I'm missing the most important ingredient. Sonic, anyone?
7. The FedEx/UPS man who rings my doorbell when there is clearly a sign that reads "PLEASE KNOCK."
8. Men (only say that because of the two I met today) who treat me like I don't know anything about agriculture. $40K and two diplomas later, I actually do understand it, thankyouverymuch.
9. When I realize, after I get home, that I was charged full price, not the sales price, on something.
10. When I ask my kids to use the bathroom and five minutes into our errands I hear, "Mommy, I need to go potty."
Sorry to be so ranty. One of those days.
Disclaimer: No actual people were hurt during this rant.
TOP TEN: THINGS THAT JUST BUG THE HECK OUT OF ME
1. When the house gets cleaned and no less than an hour later, somebody spills her milk.
2. When printers don't have a decent pre-press department. If you are a designer, I know you feel my pain.
3. Inefficient carline systems. Drive. Me. Batty.
4. People who don't understand technology and then impose on you to be their tech support. Seriously. Call the 800 #.
5. When I'm all stoked about my afternoon 23 flavors and then realize I drank the last one yesterday.
6. Thinking that I have all the ingredients for a delicious dinner, only to realize I'm missing the most important ingredient. Sonic, anyone?
7. The FedEx/UPS man who rings my doorbell when there is clearly a sign that reads "PLEASE KNOCK."
8. Men (only say that because of the two I met today) who treat me like I don't know anything about agriculture. $40K and two diplomas later, I actually do understand it, thankyouverymuch.
9. When I realize, after I get home, that I was charged full price, not the sales price, on something.
10. When I ask my kids to use the bathroom and five minutes into our errands I hear, "Mommy, I need to go potty."
Sorry to be so ranty. One of those days.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Basketball Has Begun
Of course the Aggies and Cyclones are playing good ball, but so are my Raiders and Tar Heels. We're back in the Upward league again this spring. Scott elected to coach Will's team and I think he might be having even more fun than they are!
The boys had a great season opener last week. John Paul's team is handily cleaning house, although at the end of every game I hear most of the boys say, "So, did we win?" They were having too much fun to notice the score! Proof that it really is all about having fun.
Will's team played the best one in the league and they held their own. It may not have been in the "W" column, but they are coming together. And, as fate would have it, all the kids on both the boys' teams are Catholic and attend Catholic school here in Austin. I still think that's funny. We're playing in a Baptist-sponsored league and the coaches and kids on both teams are all Catholic.
If you've never played Upward, I highly encourage it. It's a faith-based league with fair playing rules and a short 5-minute devotional during practice. They pray before the game starts, too. It's just a healthy, fun atmosphere. Yes, there's competition, but no parents are getting thrown off the court. That's refreshing.
Hopefully, I'll get some better action photos up as the season progresses. Still learning that feature on the camera :)
The boys had a great season opener last week. John Paul's team is handily cleaning house, although at the end of every game I hear most of the boys say, "So, did we win?" They were having too much fun to notice the score! Proof that it really is all about having fun.
Will's team played the best one in the league and they held their own. It may not have been in the "W" column, but they are coming together. And, as fate would have it, all the kids on both the boys' teams are Catholic and attend Catholic school here in Austin. I still think that's funny. We're playing in a Baptist-sponsored league and the coaches and kids on both teams are all Catholic.
If you've never played Upward, I highly encourage it. It's a faith-based league with fair playing rules and a short 5-minute devotional during practice. They pray before the game starts, too. It's just a healthy, fun atmosphere. Yes, there's competition, but no parents are getting thrown off the court. That's refreshing.
Hopefully, I'll get some better action photos up as the season progresses. Still learning that feature on the camera :)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
4-H Food Show
Many of you might read "4-H" and think, that's only for country folk. Not so, not so!
As a nearly 10-year 4-H member myself, I did just about every project except the animal ones. It wasn't for lack of trying. I lobbied hard for a horse project, but we didn't have any one to stable it for us, so I finally gave up and tried everything else! 4-H is in every county, in every state. Just google your state name and 4-H and click on your state's website. You'll find a wealth of information. I think the thing I love most about the organization is that you can find any interest and make it your project.
We started off slow and with something familiar for Will's first foray. In November, he competed in the county food show, in the main dish category with his Sausage-Stuffed French Loaf. He won (yea!) and qualified for the district show, held in Fredericksburg. Last Monday, we headed south for the big day and I couldn't have been more proud.
He selected the dish to make, prepared it (mostly) by himself and learned quite a bit along the way. The contestants are required to do the following: prepare the dish, plate it and then present it to two judges who then ask seven questions. The questions include food safety, nutrients and their functions specific to the dish, preparation steps, food pyramid guidelines, a description of a key ingredient and its function and a few others. I remember getting butterflies in my stomach, so when Will finished and told me, "Mom, my armpits are sweating!" - I knew exactly how he felt!
Thank the good Lord he was one of the first ones to go in for judging. I would've been a nervous wreck otherwise. A few procedural things have changed since I had my first food show back in 1983 (yikes), but much is still the same. Poise, articulation, public speaking, kitchen safety/nutrition knowledge - those are all things Will learned and will benefit him for life.
Because the show was on a Monday, we weren't able to stay for the afternoon awards ceremony. We did make time for a quick and slightly cool picnic lunch, a photo at the Museum of the Pacific War and a celebratory Sonic blast, though. We were super thrilled to get the email from our county agent later in the day that Will placed in the Top Four!! Way to do it right, big man.
Hopefully, we'll venture into shooting sports, a little consumer buying and perhaps some photography in the next year. I'm looking forward to being a Volunteer 4-Her this time around!
Ah, and the ever-reliable and super delicious Southern Living recipe...here you go! (p.s. Mom, aren't you proud? I'm already collecting photos for Will's first record book this summer. Old habits die hard.)
Sausage-Stuffed French Loaf
1 (16-ounce) loaf unsliced French bread
½ pound ground pork sausage
½ pound ground chuck*
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup (4-ounce) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 large clove garlic, crushed
*We usually just use sausage, no beef, personal preference
CUT off ends of loaf; set ends aside. Hollow out center of loaf with a long serrated bread knife, leaving a ½-inch shell. Position knife blade in food processor bowl; add bread removed from inside loaf. Process to make coarse crumbs. Set bread shell and crumbs aside.
COOK sausage, beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat is browned, stirring until it crumbles; drain. Add 1 cup of reserved breadcrumbs, cheese and next 6 ingredients; stir well. Spoon meat mixture into shell; replace loaf ends, securing with wooden toothpicks.
MELT butter in a saucepan. Add garlic; cook about 1 minute. Brush butter mixture over loaf. Wrap loaf in aluminum foil, leaving open slightly on top; place loaf on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes or until loaf is heated and cheese melts. Cut into 4 pieces.
YIELD: 4 servings
As a nearly 10-year 4-H member myself, I did just about every project except the animal ones. It wasn't for lack of trying. I lobbied hard for a horse project, but we didn't have any one to stable it for us, so I finally gave up and tried everything else! 4-H is in every county, in every state. Just google your state name and 4-H and click on your state's website. You'll find a wealth of information. I think the thing I love most about the organization is that you can find any interest and make it your project.
We started off slow and with something familiar for Will's first foray. In November, he competed in the county food show, in the main dish category with his Sausage-Stuffed French Loaf. He won (yea!) and qualified for the district show, held in Fredericksburg. Last Monday, we headed south for the big day and I couldn't have been more proud.
He selected the dish to make, prepared it (mostly) by himself and learned quite a bit along the way. The contestants are required to do the following: prepare the dish, plate it and then present it to two judges who then ask seven questions. The questions include food safety, nutrients and their functions specific to the dish, preparation steps, food pyramid guidelines, a description of a key ingredient and its function and a few others. I remember getting butterflies in my stomach, so when Will finished and told me, "Mom, my armpits are sweating!" - I knew exactly how he felt!
Thank the good Lord he was one of the first ones to go in for judging. I would've been a nervous wreck otherwise. A few procedural things have changed since I had my first food show back in 1983 (yikes), but much is still the same. Poise, articulation, public speaking, kitchen safety/nutrition knowledge - those are all things Will learned and will benefit him for life.
Because the show was on a Monday, we weren't able to stay for the afternoon awards ceremony. We did make time for a quick and slightly cool picnic lunch, a photo at the Museum of the Pacific War and a celebratory Sonic blast, though. We were super thrilled to get the email from our county agent later in the day that Will placed in the Top Four!! Way to do it right, big man.
Hopefully, we'll venture into shooting sports, a little consumer buying and perhaps some photography in the next year. I'm looking forward to being a Volunteer 4-Her this time around!
Ah, and the ever-reliable and super delicious Southern Living recipe...here you go! (p.s. Mom, aren't you proud? I'm already collecting photos for Will's first record book this summer. Old habits die hard.)
Sausage-Stuffed French Loaf
1 (16-ounce) loaf unsliced French bread
½ pound ground pork sausage
½ pound ground chuck*
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup (4-ounce) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 large clove garlic, crushed
*We usually just use sausage, no beef, personal preference
CUT off ends of loaf; set ends aside. Hollow out center of loaf with a long serrated bread knife, leaving a ½-inch shell. Position knife blade in food processor bowl; add bread removed from inside loaf. Process to make coarse crumbs. Set bread shell and crumbs aside.
COOK sausage, beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat is browned, stirring until it crumbles; drain. Add 1 cup of reserved breadcrumbs, cheese and next 6 ingredients; stir well. Spoon meat mixture into shell; replace loaf ends, securing with wooden toothpicks.
MELT butter in a saucepan. Add garlic; cook about 1 minute. Brush butter mixture over loaf. Wrap loaf in aluminum foil, leaving open slightly on top; place loaf on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes or until loaf is heated and cheese melts. Cut into 4 pieces.
YIELD: 4 servings
Friday, January 14, 2011
Luke Update 1.14.11
It seems like forever since I've done one of these and that's a really good thing! So much to say. Better get started.
On Tuesday, we visited two doctors: gastroenterology and nephrology (GI and kidney). The kidney news was mostly good. His levels are all normal and we'll repeat the ultrasound in six months (it will become an annual thing) to track the growth and location of his kidneys. All in all, Dr. Simon was really pleased with his progress. And, I was reminded once again just how much I love-love-love his specialists. They're pretty much awesome. Gastro was a different story.
I mentioned a few weeks back that Luke's weight gain was pretty terrible. So much so, that we've put him on a liquid dietary supplement which provides him with all his calories. Any table food he eats - still not much these days - is just gravy. To be frank, the weight gain, even on the new plan, still hasn't been great.
The news at the gastro was certainly a mixed bag. We can keep him on the supplement, but without substantial weight gain, it affects so much of his development. While he's making progress both cognitively and physically, it's too much of a risk to keep on the slow and steady gain. So, basically Luke has two weeks to show significant weight gain, or...
we go back to surgery. Damnit.
The surgeon (our amazing Dr. Meyer) would insert a GI button which would allow us to administer all those feeds directly into Luke's belly. Then, we could concentrate on oral stimulation, getting Luke to take in all his foods and calories by mouth. The button would be temporary until he's ready to get all his calories 100% by mouth.
I guess I have mixed feelings. Luke's eating habits are horrible. He doesn't really eat much of any one thing and he tends to "pocket" the harder foods (apples, meats, etc.) in his mouth and not swallow them. I worry about his eating from the time he wakes up until he's back asleep. It stinks. On the other side, he's eating some foods, progress is slow but he's eating. He's still nursing 3x day; I'm not sure how much he's getting, but we both love that time of day and I'm not ready to call it quits just yet. The therapist let us know that nursing is awesome for his oral stimulation, so I call it a winner.
Not sure what to think. For now, we've given it to the big man and we'll take the path that's best for Luke. Always do.
For me, the hardest part is seeing other babies his age doing so much more. Eating their whole trays of food, walking completely normal, talking, saying words, all that. In those moments of self-doubt, I just have to remind myself of just how far he's come. In Luke world, he is just amazing in my eyes. Sometimes I wish the human part of me didn't compare. The subconcious, I think. I am utterly amazed at how well he's doing. How happy he is. What a sweet personality he has. I often wonder what he'll be like in two years, five years, ten, 20. Sigh. I just know that I love him so much it sometimes hurts. I hope one day he knows how much he's loved :)
Make it a great weekend. I think I'm finally feeling a little better and will be back to blogging momma next week!
On Tuesday, we visited two doctors: gastroenterology and nephrology (GI and kidney). The kidney news was mostly good. His levels are all normal and we'll repeat the ultrasound in six months (it will become an annual thing) to track the growth and location of his kidneys. All in all, Dr. Simon was really pleased with his progress. And, I was reminded once again just how much I love-love-love his specialists. They're pretty much awesome. Gastro was a different story.
I mentioned a few weeks back that Luke's weight gain was pretty terrible. So much so, that we've put him on a liquid dietary supplement which provides him with all his calories. Any table food he eats - still not much these days - is just gravy. To be frank, the weight gain, even on the new plan, still hasn't been great.
The news at the gastro was certainly a mixed bag. We can keep him on the supplement, but without substantial weight gain, it affects so much of his development. While he's making progress both cognitively and physically, it's too much of a risk to keep on the slow and steady gain. So, basically Luke has two weeks to show significant weight gain, or...
we go back to surgery. Damnit.
The surgeon (our amazing Dr. Meyer) would insert a GI button which would allow us to administer all those feeds directly into Luke's belly. Then, we could concentrate on oral stimulation, getting Luke to take in all his foods and calories by mouth. The button would be temporary until he's ready to get all his calories 100% by mouth.
I guess I have mixed feelings. Luke's eating habits are horrible. He doesn't really eat much of any one thing and he tends to "pocket" the harder foods (apples, meats, etc.) in his mouth and not swallow them. I worry about his eating from the time he wakes up until he's back asleep. It stinks. On the other side, he's eating some foods, progress is slow but he's eating. He's still nursing 3x day; I'm not sure how much he's getting, but we both love that time of day and I'm not ready to call it quits just yet. The therapist let us know that nursing is awesome for his oral stimulation, so I call it a winner.
Not sure what to think. For now, we've given it to the big man and we'll take the path that's best for Luke. Always do.
For me, the hardest part is seeing other babies his age doing so much more. Eating their whole trays of food, walking completely normal, talking, saying words, all that. In those moments of self-doubt, I just have to remind myself of just how far he's come. In Luke world, he is just amazing in my eyes. Sometimes I wish the human part of me didn't compare. The subconcious, I think. I am utterly amazed at how well he's doing. How happy he is. What a sweet personality he has. I often wonder what he'll be like in two years, five years, ten, 20. Sigh. I just know that I love him so much it sometimes hurts. I hope one day he knows how much he's loved :)
Make it a great weekend. I think I'm finally feeling a little better and will be back to blogging momma next week!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Ugh
So, the post that I promised to get up yesterday obviously didn't happen. I started feeling lousy last night and it's permeated through the day today. No throwing up, just not feeling like myself. I'll be back soon, promise. Right now, my head is ka-illing me :(
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Accountability
I figure if I write it here, it must be the Gospel truth. Last January, I set a goal of completing the Cap 10K in April. Master Luke decided I needed him more. Admittedly, he was a cuter alternative. Now that some of that crazy has left the building, I've decided to dust off my Mizuno's and get back at it.
This time, I'm starting slow, just walking. Don't let the bird legs fool you, I am no athlete. Shoot, I was drum major in the band, people. I can't shoot a basket to save my life, much less anyone else's. And, the closest I've been to working out in the last decade is giving birth to five children. Impressive, yes. Athletic for the long term, no.
My goal? To walk 30 minutes 4x week. Not a leisurely stroll, either. I'm talking mom walk like one of my children is about to bite it off the slide but I'm in my best heels. So, not quite a run, but still lightning fast. I'll get up to running speed in another month. I'll give you a update on my progress in February. I like being the mom, I just want to be the hot mom...if only in my bathroom mirror :)
This time, I'm starting slow, just walking. Don't let the bird legs fool you, I am no athlete. Shoot, I was drum major in the band, people. I can't shoot a basket to save my life, much less anyone else's. And, the closest I've been to working out in the last decade is giving birth to five children. Impressive, yes. Athletic for the long term, no.
My goal? To walk 30 minutes 4x week. Not a leisurely stroll, either. I'm talking mom walk like one of my children is about to bite it off the slide but I'm in my best heels. So, not quite a run, but still lightning fast. I'll get up to running speed in another month. I'll give you a update on my progress in February. I like being the mom, I just want to be the hot mom...if only in my bathroom mirror :)
Monday, January 10, 2011
2010: In Review
I have good intentions of getting a fancy slide show up of some memorable photos from 2010. My goal is to get to that 'little' project (let's face it, nothing is little with five kids in the house) completed by the end of January. Instead, you get to read my writing. Lucky, lucky you.
We began 2010 with so much hope. Hope that the worst of Luke's ordeal with that nasty NEC (the horrible infection he contracted in the NICU that took away 16cm of colon and 16cm of small intestine in two surgeries) was truly behind us. Hindsight allows us to see that we couldn't have been more wrong. In the midst of juggling a fragile preemie, we also had four very needy children at home. And a needy husband and wife while we're counting. Sadly, my grandmother passed away just after the new year. It's a sad day when you realize that your father has no more living parents. I'm trying not to think of what that day will be like for me. Love 'em while you got 'em, people.
John Paul's fab sixth birthday party had to be cancelled and rescheduled because little Luke went into surgery at Dell...again. Four more hospital stays (only one planned!) would round out Luke's love affair with the children's hospital. That, and 10 specialists and a mountain of medical bills.
Through it all, though, we learned to trust. We learned to live in the moment. Because, quite honestly, we don't know how many moments we really have left.
Will did splendidly in spring basketball, even though we weren't able to make many games. His budding defensive side really blossomed and I couldn't have been more proud of his sportsmanlike conduct. I love watching Will on the court. He may not be the star when it comes to points on the board, but he is a leader. And a handsome one at that. In between vacations at Dell Children's and major sleep deprivation, we managed to squeeze in a little normal, and a lot of fun. There was SNOW, a ridiculous amount of late nights up watching the Olympics, a visit from the greats, a spectacular Games2U birthday party, the annual bluebonnet photo (they were spectacular!) and a few remodeling projects (here, here and here).
Just before school ended, we had to say goodbye to a really amazing family. Darn you Tucker's. We know they're living it up in Washington, the state. But it sure was hard to say goodbye. Anna-Laura turned FIVE and graduated from pre-school. Where did those years go??
Life lesson learned? Time goes by too quickly, just when you don't want it to.
Throughout the summer, I was recharged with some family reunions (gasp, I just realized I never blogged about the second reunion - HELLO sleep deprivation!), Clare's birthday, an awesome family vacay, one last surgery for sweet Luke and then school started in a flash. I sent three to school and I am still in healthy denial about that fact. The fall was awesome, filled with fun memories, Luke's big day, great holidays and a freaking boatload of therapy appointments.
As I scrolled through all those posts I got a little nostalgic. There was so much happiness, so much fear, so much joy, so much heartache. In hindsight, I think all of us has a year like that. I think we just tend to focus on the joy or the junk, depending on our perspective that year. And, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say, it's ok to have a joyful (or a junky) year. The point is, you HAD a year. You had sweet days full of memories. Whether we choose to remember the good ones or the bad ones is up to us.
I posted on facebook last week that I am hopeful for 2011. I'm hopeful that I won't use things like "Luke" and "surgery" in the same sentence...or "ER" and "John Paul" (hat tip to Shannon for the reminder). I'm also hopeful that...
...our family won't have any surgeries in 2011
...that I will keep true to my promise of writing down all the prayer requests people ask of me and putting them in my Bible. Since our Luke experience, I find GREAT joy in praying for other people. It's a reminder that so many people need those prayers. I felt them once - ok, lots - and now it's time to share the love.
...that I will always be true to self. No matter how hard it may be.
...that I will not drink as many Dr Pepper's. Oh, 23 flavors how I love thee.
...that I will yell less, and love more.
...that I will cherish each and every day I have with the people I love. This year has reminded me, as we've witnessed so much loss among family and friends, that we aren't guaranteed any amount of time on this earth. Life's too short to be petty.
...that I will take better care of myself - physically, emotionally and spiritually.
...that I will keep blogging about all the crazy things in life to keep things in perspective.
May your 2011 be your BEST year yet.
We began 2010 with so much hope. Hope that the worst of Luke's ordeal with that nasty NEC (the horrible infection he contracted in the NICU that took away 16cm of colon and 16cm of small intestine in two surgeries) was truly behind us. Hindsight allows us to see that we couldn't have been more wrong. In the midst of juggling a fragile preemie, we also had four very needy children at home. And a needy husband and wife while we're counting. Sadly, my grandmother passed away just after the new year. It's a sad day when you realize that your father has no more living parents. I'm trying not to think of what that day will be like for me. Love 'em while you got 'em, people.
John Paul's fab sixth birthday party had to be cancelled and rescheduled because little Luke went into surgery at Dell...again. Four more hospital stays (only one planned!) would round out Luke's love affair with the children's hospital. That, and 10 specialists and a mountain of medical bills.
Through it all, though, we learned to trust. We learned to live in the moment. Because, quite honestly, we don't know how many moments we really have left.
Will did splendidly in spring basketball, even though we weren't able to make many games. His budding defensive side really blossomed and I couldn't have been more proud of his sportsmanlike conduct. I love watching Will on the court. He may not be the star when it comes to points on the board, but he is a leader. And a handsome one at that. In between vacations at Dell Children's and major sleep deprivation, we managed to squeeze in a little normal, and a lot of fun. There was SNOW, a ridiculous amount of late nights up watching the Olympics, a visit from the greats, a spectacular Games2U birthday party, the annual bluebonnet photo (they were spectacular!) and a few remodeling projects (here, here and here).
Just before school ended, we had to say goodbye to a really amazing family. Darn you Tucker's. We know they're living it up in Washington, the state. But it sure was hard to say goodbye. Anna-Laura turned FIVE and graduated from pre-school. Where did those years go??
Life lesson learned? Time goes by too quickly, just when you don't want it to.
Throughout the summer, I was recharged with some family reunions (gasp, I just realized I never blogged about the second reunion - HELLO sleep deprivation!), Clare's birthday, an awesome family vacay, one last surgery for sweet Luke and then school started in a flash. I sent three to school and I am still in healthy denial about that fact. The fall was awesome, filled with fun memories, Luke's big day, great holidays and a freaking boatload of therapy appointments.
As I scrolled through all those posts I got a little nostalgic. There was so much happiness, so much fear, so much joy, so much heartache. In hindsight, I think all of us has a year like that. I think we just tend to focus on the joy or the junk, depending on our perspective that year. And, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say, it's ok to have a joyful (or a junky) year. The point is, you HAD a year. You had sweet days full of memories. Whether we choose to remember the good ones or the bad ones is up to us.
I posted on facebook last week that I am hopeful for 2011. I'm hopeful that I won't use things like "Luke" and "surgery" in the same sentence...or "ER" and "John Paul" (hat tip to Shannon for the reminder). I'm also hopeful that...
...our family won't have any surgeries in 2011
...that I will keep true to my promise of writing down all the prayer requests people ask of me and putting them in my Bible. Since our Luke experience, I find GREAT joy in praying for other people. It's a reminder that so many people need those prayers. I felt them once - ok, lots - and now it's time to share the love.
...that I will always be true to self. No matter how hard it may be.
...that I will not drink as many Dr Pepper's. Oh, 23 flavors how I love thee.
...that I will yell less, and love more.
...that I will cherish each and every day I have with the people I love. This year has reminded me, as we've witnessed so much loss among family and friends, that we aren't guaranteed any amount of time on this earth. Life's too short to be petty.
...that I will take better care of myself - physically, emotionally and spiritually.
...that I will keep blogging about all the crazy things in life to keep things in perspective.
May your 2011 be your BEST year yet.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Down Under
I'm going to take a quick moment and wish our sweet friends, the de Keratry's, a safe and completely uneventful MOVE to Australia. Yes, as in the country.
Peter and I have known each other since the eighth grade. Oh, do I have stories. We both won the 4-H Gold Star the same year. Peter married Colleen and she is awesome. They have two sweet boys, Jack and Andrew, and a new baby girl, Maddie Fitz, just a few weeks old.
I know, I thought it was supremely cruel of them to have a girl and then move down under.
They are on a great adventure. Peter will be serving as the Director of Development for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. I know it was a decision they prayed about many a night. It's just going to be weird to not have them just down the way. Thank goodness for skype, facebook and email.
The joke around our house is that Peter always lets us know Scott's next job. He was instrumental in getting Scott the job at the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the one here in Austin. I am indebted to both Peter and Colleen for helping grow my business. They began a fundraising consulting company, Petrus Development, for whom I serve as a freelance communications consultant. It is great fun and I am grateful to them for introducing me to so many of my fab-u-lous clients.
Perhaps Scott and I will get to take that belated honeymoon trip to Australia (our original plan was to head south, but because of Olympic travel, we headed north to Canada instead).
de Keratry's - you mean a great deal to our family. You are good people. I'm grateful God led you to Austin for a short bit...we'll catch you on the flip side. Hopefully in three years when the contract ends, right? :)
LOVE!!
Peter and I have known each other since the eighth grade. Oh, do I have stories. We both won the 4-H Gold Star the same year. Peter married Colleen and she is awesome. They have two sweet boys, Jack and Andrew, and a new baby girl, Maddie Fitz, just a few weeks old.
I know, I thought it was supremely cruel of them to have a girl and then move down under.
They are on a great adventure. Peter will be serving as the Director of Development for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. I know it was a decision they prayed about many a night. It's just going to be weird to not have them just down the way. Thank goodness for skype, facebook and email.
The joke around our house is that Peter always lets us know Scott's next job. He was instrumental in getting Scott the job at the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the one here in Austin. I am indebted to both Peter and Colleen for helping grow my business. They began a fundraising consulting company, Petrus Development, for whom I serve as a freelance communications consultant. It is great fun and I am grateful to them for introducing me to so many of my fab-u-lous clients.
Perhaps Scott and I will get to take that belated honeymoon trip to Australia (our original plan was to head south, but because of Olympic travel, we headed north to Canada instead).
de Keratry's - you mean a great deal to our family. You are good people. I'm grateful God led you to Austin for a short bit...we'll catch you on the flip side. Hopefully in three years when the contract ends, right? :)
LOVE!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Top Ten: How I Do It
I must hear this line about ten times a week, "I just don't know how you do it." My reply is usually, "Me either."
Fortunately, God gave me each of my children one at a time. We've added things along the way and we certainly weren't this organized ten years ago when we first started this parenthood gig. I thought I'd share some of the things we do to make it easier around here. Big disclaimer: Some days I am "Mom of the Year" other days (much more frequent), I am NOT her. Eh, you win some, you lose more. Hopefully, my kids therapy bills won't be too high. Here goes...
TOP TEN: HOW A FAMILY OF SEVEN DOES IT
1. Everything has a place, there's a place for everything. For reals, if we did not have "systems" in place, we would be covered up by that four-letter "c" word. The kids have baskets for their shoes, hooks for their backpacks, holders for their coloring and workbooks, etc. Find systems that work for you. Before long, your kids will know that when you say, please pick up your "X", they will not have to be told where it goes. Ok, maybe not AS often. Reality check.
2. Citizen of the household (COH) duties. Yes, we call them citizens of the household. The playroom gets picked up by everyone not because everyone made a mess, but because we are all - say it with me - citizens of the household. The same goes for taking out the trash and recycling, putting up laundry, clearing the table and on and on. We work hard to get the "that's not mine" out of their vocabulary. We operate as a team. Always.
3. The older ones help the younger ones. Will clearly helps more than the rest, but now that John Paul and Anna-Laura are in school, they have an amazing capacity to help and we encourage them to put it to work. Lazy does not exist in our house. Except during holiday breaks, summertime and the occasional weekend.
4. Just like everything has a place, our household operates on a schedule. If it's not on the family calendar, it doesn't happen. I'm serious. That thing is like the Holy Grail. We have it up in our office and then enter all that data into our phones. Scott and I sit down on Sunday nights and go over the week, day by day, so we're clear on who's doing what, when, where and with whom.
5. As a spinoff to #4, we also do the same things every week. Laundry is Monday, Friday night is family homemade pizza night, Saturday night is Mass (occasionally on Sunday morning if Saturday was crazy busy). I'm not trying to make it sound like a military camp around here, but there are some things that are absolutes around here. The rest of the week, we have plenty of time to spice it up.
6. School (just as a sidenote, that could be a whole post in and of itself) can be any family's downfall. The mountain of email, papers, requests and projects that flow through our doors is just mind boggling. And I only have three...in elementary school!! The kids deposit their backpacks, shoes and coats in the same place (see #1), put their folders on the desk for me to sign and then we begin the "after school" routine. Clothes changed, snack eaten, homework completed and checked, then playtime until dinner or an after-school activity. Some nights the playtime just doesn't happen because of our schedule. Which leads me to #7
7. We limit the kids to one activity per child, per season. So, the boys did flag football this fall and now they're involved in basketball. The girls are enrolled in dance. We don't do Cub Scouts - we're waiting until Boy Scouts. The only exception we've made is for Will, who's involved in 4-H. That's an activity where we can control his involvement so it's not overwhelming and right now, that seems to be working. For us, we've come to appreciate that kids need downtime. When they're running to a bazillion activities a week, that's not "well-rounded" that's insanity. We don't need any more of that around here, thankyouverymuch.
8. The kids earn their screen time - which includes tv, Wii, iPhone games, computer and movies - it's not just given to them. And, if the weather is nice enough to send 'em out, they go outside and play. Sometimes not very nicely, just ask my neighbors. But I believe that kids need fresh air. At our house, during the school year, screen time is limited to 30 minutes. Now, if the weather is nasty, I amend that rule. But earning it never gets amended.
9. Recently, Will has been helping me cook dinner. It's part of his 4-H Food project. He is loving it and so am I! When he turns 10 (and this may be a new family tradition), I plan on giving him one night a week where he's responsible for cooking dinner. And I mean all of it. I'll shop for the ingredients, but he has to pick out the receipe, get out the right tools, prepare it, plate it, serve it and clean it up. It should be fun.
10. The Internet and drive-thru's are my friends. I do a vast majority of my shopping online, I fill out forms online, bank online, pay bills online and request just about anything you can request (within legal limits, of course) online. I do as many errands through the drive-thru as possible - post office, dry cleaners, etc. When you have a large family, you either learn to be efficient or you get eaten by the wolves. I've chosen the former.
I could probably list another 10 or 20 things we do, but that's a start. Some days are tough and I wonder if I'm cut out to be a mom of a big family. But that's just all part of keepin' it real. As I look around the dinner table each night, when the kids share their "best" and "worst" parts of the day, I am reminded of the MANY blessings we have in our midst. And that gives me hope about tomorrow :)
Fortunately, God gave me each of my children one at a time. We've added things along the way and we certainly weren't this organized ten years ago when we first started this parenthood gig. I thought I'd share some of the things we do to make it easier around here. Big disclaimer: Some days I am "Mom of the Year" other days (much more frequent), I am NOT her. Eh, you win some, you lose more. Hopefully, my kids therapy bills won't be too high. Here goes...
TOP TEN: HOW A FAMILY OF SEVEN DOES IT
1. Everything has a place, there's a place for everything. For reals, if we did not have "systems" in place, we would be covered up by that four-letter "c" word. The kids have baskets for their shoes, hooks for their backpacks, holders for their coloring and workbooks, etc. Find systems that work for you. Before long, your kids will know that when you say, please pick up your "X", they will not have to be told where it goes. Ok, maybe not AS often. Reality check.
2. Citizen of the household (COH) duties. Yes, we call them citizens of the household. The playroom gets picked up by everyone not because everyone made a mess, but because we are all - say it with me - citizens of the household. The same goes for taking out the trash and recycling, putting up laundry, clearing the table and on and on. We work hard to get the "that's not mine" out of their vocabulary. We operate as a team. Always.
3. The older ones help the younger ones. Will clearly helps more than the rest, but now that John Paul and Anna-Laura are in school, they have an amazing capacity to help and we encourage them to put it to work. Lazy does not exist in our house. Except during holiday breaks, summertime and the occasional weekend.
4. Just like everything has a place, our household operates on a schedule. If it's not on the family calendar, it doesn't happen. I'm serious. That thing is like the Holy Grail. We have it up in our office and then enter all that data into our phones. Scott and I sit down on Sunday nights and go over the week, day by day, so we're clear on who's doing what, when, where and with whom.
5. As a spinoff to #4, we also do the same things every week. Laundry is Monday, Friday night is family homemade pizza night, Saturday night is Mass (occasionally on Sunday morning if Saturday was crazy busy). I'm not trying to make it sound like a military camp around here, but there are some things that are absolutes around here. The rest of the week, we have plenty of time to spice it up.
6. School (just as a sidenote, that could be a whole post in and of itself) can be any family's downfall. The mountain of email, papers, requests and projects that flow through our doors is just mind boggling. And I only have three...in elementary school!! The kids deposit their backpacks, shoes and coats in the same place (see #1), put their folders on the desk for me to sign and then we begin the "after school" routine. Clothes changed, snack eaten, homework completed and checked, then playtime until dinner or an after-school activity. Some nights the playtime just doesn't happen because of our schedule. Which leads me to #7
7. We limit the kids to one activity per child, per season. So, the boys did flag football this fall and now they're involved in basketball. The girls are enrolled in dance. We don't do Cub Scouts - we're waiting until Boy Scouts. The only exception we've made is for Will, who's involved in 4-H. That's an activity where we can control his involvement so it's not overwhelming and right now, that seems to be working. For us, we've come to appreciate that kids need downtime. When they're running to a bazillion activities a week, that's not "well-rounded" that's insanity. We don't need any more of that around here, thankyouverymuch.
8. The kids earn their screen time - which includes tv, Wii, iPhone games, computer and movies - it's not just given to them. And, if the weather is nice enough to send 'em out, they go outside and play. Sometimes not very nicely, just ask my neighbors. But I believe that kids need fresh air. At our house, during the school year, screen time is limited to 30 minutes. Now, if the weather is nasty, I amend that rule. But earning it never gets amended.
9. Recently, Will has been helping me cook dinner. It's part of his 4-H Food project. He is loving it and so am I! When he turns 10 (and this may be a new family tradition), I plan on giving him one night a week where he's responsible for cooking dinner. And I mean all of it. I'll shop for the ingredients, but he has to pick out the receipe, get out the right tools, prepare it, plate it, serve it and clean it up. It should be fun.
10. The Internet and drive-thru's are my friends. I do a vast majority of my shopping online, I fill out forms online, bank online, pay bills online and request just about anything you can request (within legal limits, of course) online. I do as many errands through the drive-thru as possible - post office, dry cleaners, etc. When you have a large family, you either learn to be efficient or you get eaten by the wolves. I've chosen the former.
I could probably list another 10 or 20 things we do, but that's a start. Some days are tough and I wonder if I'm cut out to be a mom of a big family. But that's just all part of keepin' it real. As I look around the dinner table each night, when the kids share their "best" and "worst" parts of the day, I am reminded of the MANY blessings we have in our midst. And that gives me hope about tomorrow :)
Ransom Note
Strange thing happened on Tuesday afternoon. We came home to an LSU flag in our garage. On it, was a ransom note. Something about "to get me back, one must pray a rosary and say a prayer of Thanksgiving for all the Aggies in the world, especially those in the neighborhood."
Weird, huh?
A little birdie tells me the full story is to come on Saturday, after the big game.
Weird, huh?
A little birdie tells me the full story is to come on Saturday, after the big game.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Christmas Catch Up, Part III
Ok, I promise this is it :) Photos, 1000 words, you fill in the captions :)
Photo by John Paul. Quite the stager. Nativity at Hogwarts.
Christmas Catch Up, Part II
Christmas Eve was just as delightful as I hoped it would be. We enjoyed a great lunch at Homeslice with the parentals and cousin Mickey. Man, can they make a pie or what?
The rest of the afternoon we spent drawing pictures of Jesus, writing notes to Santa and getting ready for Christmas Eve Mass. The evening service was quite nice. Scott and the boys went early and saved seats, the girls, Luke and I flew in just minutes before it started. Poor Scott had to beat off people wanting our front row seats! Everyone was a little squirmy, but all in all, I'd call it a success. I think what I love most about Christmas Eve Mass is the warmth, the happiness and the anticipation. You can just feel the excitement. I don't think, I KNOW, I will be sad when the kids aren't home to help us celebrate the season. I believe it is their innocence that makes Christmas such a wonderful time of year. They have such a raw faith. Total trust. Pure love. As I reflected on Mary, riding that donkey, all the way to Bethlehem one has to wonder what exactly she was feeling. I am thankful for her 'yes' - it changed the world.
Rightfully so, we sang a chorus of "Happy Birthday Jesus" upon returning home, enjoyed a home-cooked shrimp and pasta meal, read the Christmas story, opened presents, prepared for Santa and somehow got the kids in bed by 9pm. Whew.
Can I just say it again? I love Christmas!! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
The rest of the afternoon we spent drawing pictures of Jesus, writing notes to Santa and getting ready for Christmas Eve Mass. The evening service was quite nice. Scott and the boys went early and saved seats, the girls, Luke and I flew in just minutes before it started. Poor Scott had to beat off people wanting our front row seats! Everyone was a little squirmy, but all in all, I'd call it a success. I think what I love most about Christmas Eve Mass is the warmth, the happiness and the anticipation. You can just feel the excitement. I don't think, I KNOW, I will be sad when the kids aren't home to help us celebrate the season. I believe it is their innocence that makes Christmas such a wonderful time of year. They have such a raw faith. Total trust. Pure love. As I reflected on Mary, riding that donkey, all the way to Bethlehem one has to wonder what exactly she was feeling. I am thankful for her 'yes' - it changed the world.
Rightfully so, we sang a chorus of "Happy Birthday Jesus" upon returning home, enjoyed a home-cooked shrimp and pasta meal, read the Christmas story, opened presents, prepared for Santa and somehow got the kids in bed by 9pm. Whew.
Can I just say it again? I love Christmas!! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Christmas Catch Up
Oh blog, I have missed you. Mwah, mwah, smooch.
Blame it on technology, lazy mornings and the inability to find the right words. I know, me? I just wasn't feeling it over the break, so I decided to slowly back away from the computer and just enjoy time with the fam. Well played, I think.
At any rate, I'm back. Christmas break was absolutely lovely. Scott has a job where they break for the holidays - as has been the case ever since we were married - and it is such precious time. We usually sneak in (ok, *I* usually coax him into doing) a home improvement project or two. Just before his time off, we loaded up the van and headed to Granny's house in Bowie for the day. It was a long day (fun times 9 hours in the van is), but totally worth it.
We stopped and said "hi" to Poppy. Very sweet. Then, we enjoyed some lunch, playing with cousin Alex, Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Cory, a good game of marshmallow bingo with Granny and opening presents. We did attempt a nap with Luke and it was a total bust. Just in case you're wondering, it makes for a fu-un drive home :) It's tough to get six kids, ages 9 and under, under one roof, all happy and smiling, but I think we did a pretty good job. The kids were totally wired and that is a trend that continued until last night, just before school started up again!
Blame it on technology, lazy mornings and the inability to find the right words. I know, me? I just wasn't feeling it over the break, so I decided to slowly back away from the computer and just enjoy time with the fam. Well played, I think.
At any rate, I'm back. Christmas break was absolutely lovely. Scott has a job where they break for the holidays - as has been the case ever since we were married - and it is such precious time. We usually sneak in (ok, *I* usually coax him into doing) a home improvement project or two. Just before his time off, we loaded up the van and headed to Granny's house in Bowie for the day. It was a long day (fun times 9 hours in the van is), but totally worth it.
We stopped and said "hi" to Poppy. Very sweet. Then, we enjoyed some lunch, playing with cousin Alex, Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Cory, a good game of marshmallow bingo with Granny and opening presents. We did attempt a nap with Luke and it was a total bust. Just in case you're wondering, it makes for a fu-un drive home :) It's tough to get six kids, ages 9 and under, under one roof, all happy and smiling, but I think we did a pretty good job. The kids were totally wired and that is a trend that continued until last night, just before school started up again!
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