Jack and his cousins!

Toothaches...

...suck.

Just an FYI.

Update: Wednesday, November 30, 2005 4:22am

It looks like I will be making a trip to the ER and/or dentist after getting the kids off to school. I am hoping to drop Julia off with my father.

What started off as a toothache has turned in to the left side of my face looking like I was used as a punching bag, to the point that my eye is almost swollen shut. The pain itself is barely there (thanks to the two Vicodan I took at 11 last night) but the swelling keeps getting worse, no matter how often I ice it.

I would take a picture to show y'all, but I might break the camera lens. Seriously, I look like a monster! Hey and no wise guy comments on that(AHEM RYUN)!

Anwyay, back later at some point to let y'all know how I made out!

Update 2 Wednesday, November 30, 2005, 2:32 pm.

I left the dentist with prescriptions for Motrin and Penicillin. Apparently, I have an abcessed tooth which is really weird considering how little pain I was in. Anyway, I was given an option...root canal for $724.00 after insurance or extraction for $115.00 after insurance.

My choice: Rip the sucker out. It's in the back and no one would be able to tell, unless I smiled, like really, really wide or something. Even then it might be hard. But yeah, $ 724.00...I don't think so.

I will be going back after the infection is gone.

Emily

Emily's Page has been updated!

He's back...

Welcome back Acidman.

The( Not So) Joys Of Motherhood

So, I was laying down on the couch with Julia, throwing her up in the air above me, cathcing her, and then tickling her. She was laughing so hard, she eventually got the hiccups. They weren't too bad though so I kept going. I tossed her in the air and she tossed her breakfast...all over my face. Yeah. I am pretty sure I may have removed some skin I scrubbed my face so hard.

Mommy lesson # 345: When the kid gets the hiccups, it's time to stop making her laugh.

Barry and Elliot...

...or Bernie and Phyl?

Who do you find more annoying?

Yum!

01. CHEESE or CHOCOLATE? Cheese.
02. BLUEBERRIES or STRAWBERRIES? Blueberries.
03. COFFEE or TEA? Coffee.
04. CORN MUFFIN or ENGLISH MUFFIN? Corn Muffin.
05. PANCAKES or FRENCH TOAST? French Toast.
06. YOGURT or CREAM CHEESE? Yogurt.
07. RICE or PASTA? Pasta.
08. CAKE or PIE? Pie.
09. GROUND BEEF or GROUND TURKEY? Ground Beef.
10. HOT DOGS or HAMBURGERS? Hamburgers.
11. JELLY or MARMALADE? Jelly.
12. SNAPPLE or REGULAR SODA? Regular Soda.
13. DIET SODA or NO SODA? No soda.
14. LEMONADE or ICED TEA? Iced Tea.
15. CHERRIES or GRAPES? Grapes.
16. CHOCOLATE QUIK or STRAWBERRY QUIK? Chocolate Quik.
17. WAFFLES or PANCAKES? Waffles.
18. WHITE BREAD or WHOLE-GRAIN/WHEAT BREAD? Whole-Grain/Wheat.
19. PEAS or CARROTS? Carrots.
20. PUDDING or FRUIT-FLAVORED GELATIN? Fruit-Flavored Gelatin.
21. COLD CEREAL or HOT CEREAL? Cold Cereal!
22. KETCHUP or MUSTARD? Mustard.
23. MUSTARD or MAYONNAISE? Mustard.
24. MAYONNAISE or KETCHUP? Ketchup.
25. BLACK OLIVES or GREEN OLIVES? Black Olives.
26. ONION or GARLIC? Garlic.
27. PLAIN BARBECUE or BARBECUE WITH SAUCE? Plain Barbecue.
28. SCRAMBLED EGGS or FRIED EGGS? Fried Eggs.
29. EGGS or EGG REPLACEMENTS? Eggs.
30. MEAT or VEGETABLES? Meat.
31. CHINESE TAKE-OUT or PIZZA? Pizza.
32. SUSHI or DELI SANDWICH? Deli Sandwich.
33. WHITE CLAM CHOWDER or RED CLAM CHOWDER? White Clam Chowder.
34. KEY LIME PIE or LEMON MERINGUE PIE? ! Lemon Meringue.
35. PIE & ICE CREAM or CAKE & ICE CREAM? Pie & Ice Cream.
36. WHIPPED CREAM or CAKE FROSTING? Whipped Cream.
37. HONEY or MAPLE SYRUP? Maple syrup

Via Accidental Verbosity

From the breaking news desk...

Emily's troop won 2nd place for the 2nd year in a row at this year's parade! They won $200.00 for their troop! Way to go Troop 54!

Julia

Daddy's "little" linebacker...complete with Uncle John's football and Patriots hat! Note the remote located in Ryun's hand.

The cutest picture ever...seriously.

Katherine...various party pics

Julia, having a nice combo of scrambled eggs and cupcakes on Katherine's birthday morning.

The cutest 6 and 8 year olds on the planet!

Opening presents!

Blowing out the candles on Thanksgiving.

Parade Pics

Emily is on the far left, waving!

And here's a close up before they left!

Oh yeah...

Let's hope this doesn't happen again.

Parade and Mall

Today is the Middleborough Christmas Parade. Emily is going to be on one of the floats (this years theme is Christmas Around America and her GS troops theme is Hawaii).

After that, Ryun is taking Emily to see Harry Potter and I am taking the other two to the mall so that Katherine can spend her birthday $ at Toy's R Us and we can pick out a present for her friend Emily. Emily's birthday party is tomorrow.

I will be back later with pics from the parade!

Katherine Elizabeth

Happy 6th Birthday to my adorable, smart, cuddly Katherine. No, I can't believe she is 6 and yes, I know I lament about my growing children all too often!

We are having a small (Ryun's family) party this evening. We had her friends party last weekend and we celebrated with my family (and my brother in law's) over Thanksgiving dinner last night!

Anyway, during this season of thanks, we have one very good reason among many to be thankful...Katherine Elizabeth!

Happy Birthday baby girl!

Just After Midnight...

Since it is officially (at least by my clock) Thanksgiving, and I know I won't have time to say it later in the morning, I will say it now...Happy Thanksgiving!

Funny Girl

"Oh Emily, you're hired."

"Well too bad, I just quit."

~a conversation between Emily and I, after she came up behind me and started massaging my shoulders.~

Emily

Emily's Page has been updated!

Slacker

So, I was supposed to make the fudge today for tomorrow but it will have to wait until tonight because I only bought one package of chocolate morsels and I need two. That, and I thought I had vanilla and I don't. So, I guess Ryun will have to stop on his way home and get them for me. I could go out and do it myself but Jen from EI will be here soon and soon after that, Emily and Katherine will be home.


I was kind of a sclacker last week and let the housework get by me, so I just played catch up. The kitchen is clean and all floors/rugs have been vacuumed. I also put a load of laundry in and transferred it.

I think we are going to be decorating the tree on Friday afternoon as opposed to tonight. Normally, we would do it on the weekend but we have the Christmas Parade that Emily is taking part in and a few other things going on. I have to make fudge, peel potatoes, and watch LOST tonight so I just don't think I will be able to fit the tree in. Ryun will be home Friday (YAY for two paid days off!) so we can do it as a family then.

So I am thinking that I will be kind of busy over the next few days, or more likely, for the next month! It's a good thing though...keeping busy. It keeps me happy, which is, you know, a agood thing.

Julia...

...is 16 months old today! Seems like an appropriate time for a Julia update, yes?

Let's see. Big news first...I think she said "Mama" the other day and meant it! Ryun was holding her over his shoulder and I was standing behind her. She looked right at me and said, "Mama." So yeah, I am pretty sure she meant it and God just how awesome is that? There's nothing like hearing that for the first time.

Also, today she recognized the feeling of being hungry and knew, that if she signed "more" she would be getting food. She has been signing for quite a while now but this was the first time she signed it without food actually being present. I went up to get her out of her crib this morning and as I was putting her on the changing table she signed "more." In the past, she has only done it when she was being fed, or had finished what she had fed herself and wanted more.

The signing is going so well with her that I am thinking of adding a few more simple signs to the mix. So far she signs "more," "all done/gone" and "down"(as in "I want to get down") very well and without any trouble at all. She has been waving "hi" and "bye" for a while now, which is also signing in a sense. Other signs that I am going to be introducing one at a time include, "help," "me," "want" and "play." It really is amazing how well signing has decreased her frustration level . Her language is coming right along (still delayed but at least progressing), but being able to communicate with her through signing has been a great thing.

There hasn't been much progress (if any) in the whole standing assisted or unassisted/walking area. I do PT with her every day, and she goes to the EI center every other week to meet with the Physical Therapist. It is very obvious (by her face and the sounds she makes) that bearing weight on her legs or pulling with her arms is difficult for her so, we make sure to make a huge deal out of it when she is successful with either thing. I am looking so forward to our appointment with the developmental pediatrician in December I can't even tell you.

Other than that, she is just the happiest, easiest baby in the world. She is constantly hugging and kissing us, snuggling with her favorite stuffed animal (who we call "Pink Bear Bear") and laughing at her silly sisters who are constantly finding new and improved ways of entertaining her!

Congratulate me!

Look, I have a "blog daughter!"

Pretty cool huh?

Katherine's birthday party pics

Katherine and her friend, Veronica.

From the left, Amanda, Elizabeth, Emily, Katherine and Veronica.

Blowing out the candles!

Posing with a present.

These are the kind of school papers I love!

"Katherine's Thanksgiving dinner will have turkey, grilled cheese, milk to drink, and blueberry pie for desert. The turkey needes to cook at 5 degrees for 5 hours."

~Katherine's Thanksgiving Dinner~

Today is...

Katherine's birthday party at the bowling alley. Then it's a small gathering at Ryun's sister's house for her birthday. Then it's Extreme Makeover Home with the Boston Red Sox.

So, I won't be around today! I might post pics from Katherine's party this evening, but if not, tomorrow for sure.

Peace.

Sullivan Through And Through

Ryun is fixing my car today! YAY! It's weird. I am not one that goes out a lot but for some reason, being unable to go out if I wanted to really bother's me. I suppose if I had really wanted to "escape" my father would have bailed me out. Did I mention that he got laid off last week? Yeah. Good timing huh? Right before the holidays. He is actually looking in to retiring and becoming a state elevator inspector but he hasn't made any decisions yet. He doesn't really want to retire but, prospects aren't looking too good as far as a job goes. He has also put a call into his brother to see if he could hook him up with anything. Also, if you have never met my father, and you were wondering what he looked like, the picture of my Uncle Eddie should give you a pretty good idea. They look a lot a like. And hey, what the heck, if you were wondering what I looked like, I look just like my father, which means I look like my Uncle. I'm a Sullivan through and through.

An-y-way, I am going out at some point later to get paper goods, goodie bags, and a cake for Katherine's birthday party tomorrow. She invited four friends from her kindergarten class and we are going bowling. There will be a total of 6 kids (including Emily and Katherine) so I am going to get a smallish cake, hoodsie cups, and a couple of packages of juice boxes. I am also going to get her presents, but we won't be giving her our gifts until her actual birthday which is on November 25th. She is going to be six! I have no idea how, after you have children time speeds up, but it does. I am pretty sure I just had her like, last week or something.

School Photos

Katherine's kindergarten picture.

Emily's 3rd grade picture.

Yeah, I know, they're adorable!

Funny Stuff

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last Year

I think, for various reasons, this might the last Christmas that Emily will still believe that there is a Santa Claus. She has asked a couple of times but my answers so far have been able to keep her believing, or at least acting like she does.

So, I am thinking...Maybe I should make this year extra special...not that every Christmas isn't special, and I am not talking in the way of presents necessarily. I am not really sure what I mean exactly but just doing something extra special and magical so that the last Christmas of believing for her will always be one she remembers. Does anyone have any thoughts?

One thing I might do is get her a Polar Express Bell. Just for sentimental reasons. Y'all know the story right?

This really is my favorite time of year...from Thanksgiving right on through to New Year's Day. I don't think it will be any less so when Emily, and subsequently Katherine and Julia don't believe, but it will be different.

I just want to capture the magic while it lasts, you know?

Update!

Emily's Page has been updated, with the details of yesterday's doctor's appointment.

Arrival

That head cold I was talking about? Yeah, it's here. Being a sick Mom is hard work, which I am sure all you other Mom's out there can agree with. Sometimes, only sometimes, I wish I was a kid again when being sick meant spending the day lounging in bed or on the couch watching cartoons. When someone else actually took care of me...Besides me. Ahh, those were the days.

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, things are just not going to go right? For example this cold. Why did it have to come today? Couldn't it have set in earlier in the week, when I had nothing to do? Of course not...it comes today...when Julia had PT, Emily has her appointment with her neuro, I have my regular Thursday night meeting. I am probably going to skip the meeting but I certainly could not have skipped PT or Emily's appointment.

Oh yeah, my father had to bring Julia and I to PT. Why you ask? Because cars suck, that's why. On Tuesday while waiting in line to pick Emily up from school, one of my brake lines decided to snap. Great timing huh? So I drove to Burtwood with no brakes to speak of and then all the way home afterward. I contemplated calling AAA but I didn't want to wait the hour with the baby for them to come rescue me. It was kind of fun though. I went 20 mph all the way home down 28 and had people flipping me off and passing me like nobody's business. Road rage at it's finest. Screw you people, I had my hazards on...obviously something was wrong. Who in the name of God would drive that slow without a reason? Sheesh.

Besides old people. They don't need an excuse to drive slow. They just do.

Anyway, my mother is going to come with me (and act as chauffeur) this afternoon for Emily's appointment. I have only ever been once by myself. It's nice to have the extra support though. Thankfully, this appointment is in Cape Cod, rather than in town. Driving to Cape Cod is much less stressful. Going to see a neurologist with your kid is enough stress, dontcha think?

One more observation regarding my cold: I always get a cold either right before or after that time of month. I guess my hormones are all out of whack and my immune system isn't up to par? I don't know. It's a fairly new thing...like since after I had Julia. It's just weird, predictable, and annoying.

Jack...with Daddy

For good measure, here is a picture of the proud Daddy (aka my awesome brother in law John)with his new son! This was taken in their driveway!

There is something so...innocent...about a sleeping baby!

Hospital Tells Jack To "Hit The Road!"

That's right! Jack went home today as planned!

YAY!

Checklist

Headache...yup.

Swollen glands..check.

Taste buds not functioning...yes siree.

Sinus Pressure/Stuffy Nose...accounted for.

Head cold from hell is definitely on the way.

Oh what fun!

Jack...the night before he heads home!

I know, babies don't smile this young generally, but it sure looks like he's about to crack one to me!

Aren't they gorgeous? Yes they, motherhood really agress with Suz (not that she wasn't gorgeous before)!

Cranberries And Shopping!

I bought cranberries the last time I went food shopping. I wanted to try out a few cranberry recipes, including this which came out great. I think I am going to make muffins tonight and possibly a pie tomorrow. Go me with all of the baking! I dropped the bread off at my parents for them to enjoy and I was thinking I might bring some muffins in to my mom's office if they come out good.

I decided to go out and do the errands/shopping today. I ended up getting the appliances we needed (coffee pot, electric frying pan and blender), as well as put a bunch of "crap" on layaway for the kids (Christmas). I think that they will be rather excited about what I got.

I also picked up a print pack for my PictureMate and a new ink cartridge for the regular printer.

Anyway, I am going to go print some pics and get some cleaning done before I have to leave and get the kids for Burtwood.

Weight Loss Woes

Katherine has lost 3 lbs since her last weight check at the doc's in August. At first, I was worried about this (kids aren't supposed to lose weight at her age) but then I remembered a few things that might explain it. The first thing is that she was basically sick for an entire week with the cold from hell and had no appetite to speak of. The second thing was the whole kindergarten adjustment. It was a major thing for her and I wouldn't be surprised if the stress/anxiety was a reason behind the weight loss. The third and final thing was that we moved. While this didn't seem to cause to much stress for outwardly, it could have been an internal thing that she never voiced.

It could be a good thing for her though. She isn't considered overweight by whatever current standards are in place but she was, for a couple of years there gaining weight at a higher rate than is considered "normal." One year, she gained 11 lbs in a year. Kids of her age are only "supposed to" gain between 3-4lbs (quotes indicate that I am not entirely sure I believe all of this crap about what is supposed to happen when and what is considered normal in regard to weight gain or loss).

So anyway, while it might be a good thing for her, it's a real pain in the ass getting her ready in the morning. None of her clothes fit her (well her pants at least are all too loose). She refuses to wear a belt (mostly because she has trouble with them and is afraid she will get to the bathroom and not be able to undo it in time and have an accident which would obviously be embarrasing). I have been putting her in the few random pairs of pants that she has in size 6 but even those are sometimes too lose. It seems like a complete waste to buy her new pants (since we just did at the beginning of the year) but I think we might end up having to.

Now, let's talk about how completely unfair it is that she can lose 3 pounds and have to go down a whole pants size or two. If I lost 3 pounds, you wouldn't even notice. Also...getting stressed and losing weight...again so not fair. I stress=I eat=I gain weight.

Yes, I know...

...I am a slacker. The day just got away from me.

I hosted "Monday Morning Scrap" this week. It was nice...and I got a lot done! Jackie and Julia played well together again which was nice. I think Julia enjoys having a little playmate!

The rest of the day was spent being a lazy schmuck but I don't feel too guilty. Being lazy is fun sometimes isn't it?

I was planning on going out shop tomorrow but the weather is supposed to be crappy so I might wait until Wednesday. I am actually starting the Christmas shopping with money Ryun and I got back from our health insurance company (long but good story, maybe worthy of another post at some point). Emily came home with a school fundraiser today so I went through the catalog and picked out a few random things for various teachers and friends. I have officially crossed 5 people of the shopping list! WOOT!

I can't believe I am even typing an entry regarding Christmas. Yikes.

Pics Of My Adorable Nephew

Looking up at Mommy.

It's rough being a baby you know.

Happy babies rock!

Yummy!

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Very popular, one of you is not enough.

What Kind of Candy Are You?

Quick Update!

Well, all I can say about the gathering at my father in law's was that he picked a great day for a cookout. The weather was nice and the kids had fun playing in the yard. Other than that, well nevermind.

Baby Jack has been well. If nothing else happens, he will be coming home to Haverhill on Wednesday!

I am going to go watch some tv and go to bed.

Back tomorrow with more!

Oops...

Forgot to say that we are going to pick up the kids at my parents, and then are heading over to my father in law's for the afternoon. I will probably update again this evening!

Museum, Baby

The Museum Of Science display was pretty cool. Ryun and I both enjoyed it, but were hoping for a little more. The part I liked the best was the "real life" uses of various Star Wars technologies on display. It's interesting to see how far medical science in particular has come along.

In other news, Jack is probably going to be in the hospital for another 3 days. Suzanne was feeding him the other day and his oxygen level went way down. Apparently, it came right back up but as a precaution, the doctor wants to keep him for a few days. Naturally, my sister was very upset...She couldn't even tell my mother and had to hand the phone off to her husband. So, I gave her a call and left her a message telling her that I loved her, and how great Jack was etc. etc. etc. and ended up getting emotional myself. I feel like the baby will be fine but I just feel so bad for her. Having to keep a child in the hospital under any circumstances is difficult, I can't imagine having to do it with an infant. That, on top of the fact that they thought they were bringing him home today before the oxygen incident...it just must be such a let down.

Anyway, can y'all keep Jack (and his parents) in your thoughts? I know they would appreciate any good thoughts you can send their way.

No Wonder Green Is My Favorite Color...

Your Heart Is Green

Love completes you, but that doesn't mean you seek it out. When love comes your way, you integrate it peacefully into the rest of you life. Your flirting style: Laid back Your lucky first date: Walking around aimlessly and talking Your dream lover: Is both enthusiastic and calm What you bring to relationships: Balance

What Color Heart Do You Have?

Via Jay and Deb

Jack...Of Course!

Here is a picture of Jack with out the oxygen hood! Isn't he a cutie? It ws so nice to be able to hold him today! Suzy-Q even got to breastfeed! I am soooo tired and am heading to bed but I just wanted to share this before I did!

YAY!

Today's Plans

Guess what? I am going to go hold my nephew today! YAY! I did end up going up on Wednesday, but was unable to hold him because of the oxygen etc. He has been off oxygen for a full 24 hours, but is still in the Special Care Unit for observation. He will probably be going home either tomorrow or Sunday.

Ryun and I may go up tomorrow before we head over to the Museum Of Science, but we're not sure. Basically, it all depends on whether the baby is going home or if Suzanne and John are up for visitors etc.

I really am looking forward to our day tomorrow. It's so nice to get out with just my husband sometimes. The Star Wars exhibit sounds very cool, and I know Ryun will just love it. It was quite an awesome idea for a birthday present wasn't it?

It's cold out today...and there was frost on my windshield when I went out to food shop! Thanksgiving is in two weeks! Christmas is in a month and a half! Holy crap, the year is almost over!

Baby news...as if there was anything else to write about?!?!

Baby Jack is breathing on his own! YAY!

I just talked to John who said that he was off of the oxygen for a couple hours last night, but when he fell back asleep, he needed it again. He has been off this morning since 11 and is not showing any signs of needing to go back on!

And...big news of the day...MOM AND DAD GOT TO HOLD HIM FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS MORNING! YAY!

Email

Below is an email I received from my brother in law, early this morning!

Jack Sullivan was born at 5:33pm November 9th. He weighed 7
pounds 15 ounces and measured 20 inches.

Jack swallowed some fluid in utero and was having some difficulty
breathing after birth. He was moved to the Special Care Unit and has been
receiving warmed, humidified oxygen since he arrived.

Suzanne and I saw him at at 11pm and he had a few big cries, which was
great. Dad visited again at 4am and he looked great. His breathing was quick and he was sleeping.

The first pic was taken shortly after birth. The one below was just after his arrival in the Special Care Unit.

Introducing...

Jack Sullivan Pratt
Born on November 9, 2005
7 lbz, 15 oz
20 inches

Baby Jack is here! Right after I typed my last entry, I got the call. He swallowed meconium and amniotic fluid, so he is in the NICU but he is doing much better. He is on oxygen but it was at 100%, now it's down to 27%, so he is improving. They are monitoring his heart and he has an iv for hyrdation. My sister is doing well...and looks fabulous. She hasn't been able to hold him yet though, so she has been a little emotional but overall, she is doing well. Here are a couple of pictures taken by my father in the NICU.

In case anyone is wondering about the name...Jack is for John's father (who's real name is John but everyone calls him Jack) and Sullivan is our maiden name.

So, YAY for a new nephew...and keep those healthy vibes coming!

Update

Decided not to go visit tonight. It's almost 6, baby hasn't arrived yet, so I don't want to go all of the way there (she is in Beverly Hospital) and only see her for a minute or two, or perhaps not at all. So, I am going to go tomorrow. More info when baby arrives!

FYI

Suzanne is 7-8 centimeters, 90% effaced! My nephew should be here in short order! YAY! Heather and I are driving up tonight to visit (I am skipping the PTA meeting which I feel sort of guilty about but hey, this is my nephew we are talking about). More when he arrives, and pictures for sure later! Wheee!

Lookout Russell Crowe...

You scored as Maximus. After his family was murdered by the evil emperor Commodus, the great Roman general Maximus went into hiding to avoid Commodus's assassins. He became a gladiator, hoping to dominate the colosseum in order to one day get the chance of killing Commodus. Maximus is valiant, courageous, and dedicated. He wants nothing more than the chance to avenge his family, but his temper often gets the better of him.

Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0
created with QuizFarm.com

Emily

I have set up a new page for Emily. Check it out !

Announcement

"KATHERINE, AUNTY PEED!"

~Emily~

upon hearing that Suzanne's water broke while on the toilet.

So yeah, Suz is in labor! WOO HOO!

Send some easy labor, healthy baby vibes her way, okay?

Pictures soon (I hope)!

Life With Two Adults,Two School Age Kids and a Baby

This week:

Monday: Scrap 9:30-11:30 Sharon
Union Meeting 7pm Ryun

Tuesday: Burtwood School 4:00 Emily and Katherine
Pick Up Katherine's fundraiser by 8:30 PM
7:00 appointment Sharon

Wednesday: EI 12:15 Julia
Girl Scouts 6-7 Katherine
PTA meeting 7pm Sharon

Thursday: 10:40 appointment Sharon
7-9 Meeting Sharon
Friday: Veteran's Day Parade, Emily marching with Scouts, 9:30 am
Oak Point Flag Ceremony 2:00 pm, Emily With Girl Scouts

Saturday: Ryun and Sharon, Museum Of Science Star Wars Exhibit, 2:15pm
Jeff and Jen's Party (monthly get together) 6:00pm

Reading and Scrapping!

I keep forgetting to mention how much Julia loves books/being read to. This is not surprising, given who her parents are but it is nice just the same. I love that all three of my children are readers!

I had Tracey and Kelly over to do our morning scrap thingy. I am so excited because we are going to do it every week! I love scrapbooking and actually having adult company is a great thing! We all have kids the same age (Emily and Emily(Tracey's daughter) are both 8, Nate (Kelly's son), Megan(Tracey's daughter) and Katherine are all 5-6, and Jackie (Kelly's daughter) and Julia are just three months apart). Jackie and Julia played so well together. Julia happily showed Jackie how to pull every magnet within reach off of the fridge (Jackie is walking so she has a higher reach) and they enjoyed playing with Julia's peek a boo blocks. They had a snack of pretzels and iced tea (with a few Dunkin Donuts munchkins thrown in for good measure) and watched a Baby Einstein video which they both just love. I managed to get three whole pages done which was nice, and right after I am done updating, I am going to go back and do some more. Julia was very tired after her little playdate so she is in for a nap.

Ryun has a union meeting tonight so he will not be home for dinner. I think I am going to do hotdogs and beans with the kids (which they will be very happy about) and then just chill for the night watching some shows that I have recorded.

Anyway, I am in "scrap" mode so I doubt I will be back around these parts again today. I might take a break at some point and if I have anything of interest to say, I might just pop back in and surprise you!

House pics...again!

Here is the view from Ryun's side of the bed, looking out toward the hallway.

This is the view standing in the hallway.

This is the bathroom that is just outside our bedroom door.

And this is the sink! How exciting!

Julia

It's time for a Julia update but first, isn't that picture adorable? She was smiling up at Mama of course(duh, who else would she be smiling at?!).

Julia is doing very well with signing. So far she can sign the words/phrases "more", "down", and "all done." She has started to sign "eat" but hasn't fully mastered that one yet. Other signs we are working on include "help", "want", and "me". Signing is a wonderful thing when you have a non-verbal child. Well, I mean she's verbal, she's just not saying anything specifically yet.

She continues to crawl all over the house like nobody's business...and she's fast! She can get from one end of the house to the other in record time. She has been doing something else lately which is a very good thing. Julia has been wanting to "get down". Don't get me wrong, she is still the little snuggle bunny that she has always been, she just doesn't like to do it as much! She is constantly straining to get out of her high chair, car seat or carriage and is rather frustrated that she can't. Sometimes, even when we are holding her in our arms, like carrying her in from the car or something, she folds herself in half trying to escape! She hasn't tried climbing the stairs again.

Julia is absolutely crazy about my magnets. She is constantly over at the fridge, taking them off and putting them back on, most of the time with success. In an attempt to get her not to damage any of my magnets, I got her a set of her own, complete with buttons to push, even one that sings a song when pressed. Of course, for some reason, she finds mine much more entertaining. So, I just put the ones with sentimental value out of reach.

She loves anything that she can take apart and out back together again, for example, the empty container of bread crumbs I finished up with dinner the other night. She has been sitting with that thing for huge chunks of time, opening it, closing it, putting her blocks in it, dumping them out etc. So far, she hasn't shown too much interest in opening the cabinets which is just fine by me. We don't have locks on them, but, anything that is dangerous is out of reach anyway.

As mentioned in a previous post, her teeth are coming in full force. I have lost count of the total (I might be minus a finger if I went in and tried to count!) but she has quite a few on both the top and bottom. She hasn't been sleeping well, although last night she did fine. Motrin seems to work best which is what we generally buy anyway. Infant Tylenol was on sale last time so I decided to get that. It did absolutely nothing for her, so Ryun got Motrin on the way home.

She has been doing very well with EI and PT (when they actually show!). It seems to take her a while to warm up, but once she gets going, she has a good time. She hasn't really been doing anything new in regard to standing unsupported, walking etc. Hopefully, things will start to progress. I am looking forward to the appointment with the developmental pediatrician in December though, to see if there are any underlying causes to the low tone or, if she just has it with no apparent reason present.

Amazon

Is anyone else out there having problems with their Amazon account? For some reason, I can't sign in. Everytime I do it tells me my password is wrong (which I know it isn't) and it won't send it to me via email. The message that comes up says something like, "We can not offer online password assistance, please sign up for a new account." Very weird. I was trying to add something to my wish list and this is what happened.

Busy

I always feel like such a slacker when I don't update.

Anyway, I 've been busy...and tired. Poor Julia is cutting four teeth at once and has been up for the better part of the last two nights. She really is the worst "teether" of the three, Emily and Katherine were never bothered by it. Just an FYI: Motrin works better than Tylenol.

My sister and I took the kids to the playground in Carver today. I have lived in Middleboro for 2 1/2 years now, and have never ventured over to the twon playground. I always go to Carver because it is so nice. It's only a few years old, completely enclosed and the kids love it. I suppose I should check out the Middleboro one at some point. I have seen it from a slight distance and it does look nice.

Ryun is out playing poker tonight so Heather is here and we are going to watch our Thursday night shows that we recorded. She ate dinner with us too.

During dinner, Katherine looked over at Julia's tray, which was covered with carrots and corn and yelled out, "HEY WHY DOES SHE GET CANDY CORN?" She was dead serious. That's what I love about Katherine...well, one of the many things I love about her! The other day she said Ryun, "Dad, could you please put the toilet seat down when you're done going to the bathroom?" There was something about that, perhaps it was the matter of fact way in which she said it, that had me laughing so hard I was in tears. Poor Ryun is no doubt going to have years and years of "put the toilet seat down" reminders.

She says things like that all of the time. The other day she came home and said, in all seriousness, "Mom, everyone in my class is from Middleboro." Then, we were driving on the highway and a mack truck passed us and she said, "MOM, WE'RE GOING BACKWARDS."

Oh my God, she just cracks me up.

Cranky

I've been kind of a cranky bitch over the last couple of days huh?

Sorry about that.

As it turns out, the invites will be mailed. Sometimes...well, people change their minds I guess.

Anyway, Katherine's parent/teacher conference went well. In a nutshell, she knows everything she is supposed to know and then some, works very well with her classmates, is polite, and behaves very well. Her teacher indicated that she was very pleased with her progress and that she felt Katherine was very well prepared for kindergarten when she started the year. It's always nice to know that your child is doing so well.

I was able to attend my meeting which was nice. I am so glad I am back to going regularly. I missed an entire month when we were in the process of moving and I swear I suffered withdrawal!

Today's plans include food shopping, housecleaning and dinner plans with my parents (who are coming over to see the house (they've been here but not since it has been organized and together) and have pizza with us).

Apparently...

it's against the law to print, stamp, and mail invites to my daughter's birthday party. So, I am going to go old school. I am going to handwrite the invites and deliver them courier style to the lucky recipients.

If anyone has a connection with the Man upstairs, feel free to ask him what the hell I did to deserve this because I sure as hell have no idea.

For the record, I don't plan on elaborating on this post either.

Update

Emily is home with me today and is definitely under the weather. She's mellow, and calm and just so not herself. Don't take this the wrong way, but it's kind of nice. I love the wired, silly, always on the go Emily too, but it is nice to get a break every once in a while. Of course, I would prefer the break occur under different circumstances (like her not being sick) but what can you do?

Katherine had a meltdown this morning when she found out Emily would not be going to school but when it came time to actually go outside and wait for the bus, she was fine. She got on without shedding a tear and the whole thing just went so much better than I had envisioned. Speaking of Katherine, I have her parent teacher conference this afternoon. I am pretty sure she is doing well, but it will be nice to hear it from the teacher. I am sure the whole "adjustment" thing will come up but she definitely seems to be getting past that so it shouldn't be a big deal.

Last night I had a meeting regarding the new elementary report cards. Don't you hate people who just, before they even hear what the presenter has to say, get on their high horse regarding why the new thing sucks and how we should all do this that or the other thing? Drives me nuts. Just listen to the presentation. Then talk. Some people are just so opposed to change that they don't even consider the possibility that the change might be a good thing. Sheesh. Anyway, I think the new report card will be great. I might post more about it at some point, after I read through the materials, but it seems like it will be much more informative and help to better understand exactly how your child is doing.

I am hoping to attend my regular meeting tonight but, between the parent/teacher conference, banking, and dinner, I am not sure if it will work out. I am really going to try though because some decisions are going to be made that I would like to be a part of (logistical stuff mostly but some other things too).

Fifty percent

I don't want to be a statistic. And no, I am not going to elaborate on that so please don't ask me to.

I am having kind of a rough day. Things just aren't going right (including my overall thought pattern). Ever have one of those days where everything and everyone seem to be working against you? Ever have one of those days when you are expecting your monthly visitor(TMI)? Yeah, that's me today.

So of course, the hormones are in full force and everything is probably being dramatized by me to be much worse than it is. At least I hope it is, because if this is reality, it really is going to suck.

Wanna know what else? I think Emily might be spending the day home with me tomorrow (came home from Girl Scouts saying she felt sick). She actually fell asleep before 8:30 and was tired and mopey for the entire evening before that point. She is currently coughing up a lung upstairs so, I am pretty sure she has what Katherine had.

Can someone please tell me how in the hell I am going to get Katherine on the bus without having Emily go on with her?

Please?

Argh.

Going to bed and hoping for an all around better day tomorrow.

How Not To Run A Business

I am sure that since EI is funded by the Department Of Public Health, which is a government based organization, the people in charge probably don't give a flying hoot but I am so sick of things getting rescheduled and cancelled and whatever else it isn't even funny.

Julia had a PT appointment at 9:10 today. This means I had to have all of us fed, dressed, ready and out the door by 8:30 this morning. I get up at 7. Getting all of us out the door in an hour and a half, well fed looking halfway decent is no small feat. So anyway, I'm doing well. Kids are on the bus at 8:20, Julia and I are in the car by 8:30. I stop and grab a coffee and am at the office at 9:07, 3 minutes before our scheduled appointment. I check in and wait. And wait. And Wait. Finally, at 9:40 (an entire half hour after our appointment is scheduled) I decide to check my messages at home to make sure she didn't try to call and cancel or something. No messages. So I check back in at the desk. The receptionist calls Vida on her cell phone. Vida says, "Oh no, I called all of my Wednesday people and rescheduled for tomorrow." I never got a message, I never spoke with her. I am aggravated and leave. I momentarily think that maybe Ryun took a message and forgot to give it to me. This happens on occasion but I always check the Caller ID and can tell if someone called and he forgot to tell me. I never, ever forget to ask him or check the ID if I have been out so I know, he is going to say "No" when I ask him if he took a message but, just to cover myself, I call him and check anyway. I'm right, he never spoke to anyone.

I am like so on top of my schedule, Ryun's schedule, the kids schedule, it's almost to the point of ridiculousness. I have regular wall calendar hanging on my desk, a computer printed monthly calendar hanging on the backsplash, a two week spread posted under the shelf, a calendar on the side of my refrigerator, and our regular weekly schedule, along with our emergency plan of escape in case of fire, and every damn doctor's/specialist's phone number posted on the front. I told you, it's insane. I know that there is no way in hell that I could have spoken with her or listened to a message and not remembered. It just doesn't happen. Period.

So, obviously, she never called. Just how unprofessional and wrong is that? Let's forget the fact that I just drove all the way to Taunton (ok, it is only a half an hour but still) and spent a half hour waiting in a office that for some really strange reason has absolutely nothing to entertain a child with (hello...it is an EI office...all about the children) . Thank God, Julia is easily occupied by just about anything and it wasn't until the end of the waiting that she got antsy (at which point I ended up letting her crawl all over the floor that looked like it needed a good scrubbing, but whatever, a little dirt never hurt). Still, let's not even talk about having a rushed morning when it could have been a relaxed one, or the cost of gas to go back and forth to Taunton...and now I have to do it twice in one week.

I really don't think I am asking too much. Am I wrong to expect a phone call when you aren't going to show up? Or a regular weekly appointment that stays regular for say more than a month? I have mentioned before that I don't think EI does anything that I don't already do. The extra help and encouragement are nice and I do think Julia benefits from it, but I am getting the point where I just feel like canceling the whole damn thing.

At the very least, I am going to get my head together and call a supervisor, maybe even follow up with a letter. I can write a damn good letter.

Busy

Today turned out to be a rather busy day... busy only because I kept myself busy...did laundry, took some pictures, worked on my demo book, made a few needed phone calls, set up a definite scrap with Kelly and Tracey, and brought the kids to Burtwood.

I am hoping to keep the same pace going tomorrow after Julia's PT appointment. Speaking of, Jen called to see if we could change out bi-monthy home visits from Wednesday at 9 to Wednesday at 2:30. For no good reason really, I called and left her a message saying that wouldn't work. I don't have specific plans for that time but I just like to get it in in the morning. That and I am god damn sick of her changing or rescheduling etc. We were going good for a while there, but honestly, this is getting annoying. It really isn't a big deal as to when (although I do prefer mornings) but I just want a regular time slot...and one that will remain the same for more than say a few weeks. Is that too much to ask? Honestly, when I got the message today I was ready to call and tell her not to come again, and that I wanted a new person. I am too nice to do something like that though, so let's just hope she gets her act together.

Picture's Of The House

"Mantown" (aka The Garage)
There is still all kinds of crap to go through over there, as you can probably see!

Standing at the top of the driveway, looking toward the street.

The walkway leading from the front door to the driveway.

Umm, what the heck is this? Oh yeah, the house!

Standing in the kitchen looking in to the living room.

The wood stove, which works very well! YAY for a low heating bill this winter!

Standing at the front door looking in to the livingroom.

Standing at the front door looking in to the kitchen.

No, but really...

...I have the cutest kids in the world.

The end.