As mentioned in a previous post (which I am too lazy to go back through the archives and reference) Emily's neurologist increased her Lamictal from 100 mgs to 125 mgs. His reason for doing this was two fold: If she was in fact having seizures during sleep, this may be the way to stop them and Lamictal is also a mood stabilizer.
This was about 2 weeks ago.
For the past week or so, not only have I noticed some subtle changes in Emily's behavior (for the better) but she has not wet her pants once! This is good news obviously but, it does lead me to believe that she may have been having seizures at night.
Still, I am happy for the changes we have seen so far (including the apparent absence of the seizures)!
YAY!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Ok, So I Lied.
I do have something.
Or, some things, as the case may be.
I just sneezed...and Julia said bless you.
I swear to God.
It came out sounding like "wet you" but it was right after I sneezed so it was pretty obvious what she was trying to say.
Just to be sure, I faked a good sneeze a few minutes later, and she said it again!
Also, if you ask her what her name is she says, "Ju-la" and if you ask her how old she is she says "two."
All of this progress...all at once.
She really is doing so well!
Or, some things, as the case may be.
I just sneezed...and Julia said bless you.
I swear to God.
It came out sounding like "wet you" but it was right after I sneezed so it was pretty obvious what she was trying to say.
Just to be sure, I faked a good sneeze a few minutes later, and she said it again!
Also, if you ask her what her name is she says, "Ju-la" and if you ask her how old she is she says "two."
All of this progress...all at once.
She really is doing so well!
Sweet!
| You Belong in Dublin |
 Friendly and down to earth, you want to enjoy Europe without snobbery or pretensions. You're the perfect person to go wild on a pub crawl... or enjoy a quiet bike ride through the old part of town. |
Because I Too, Have Nothing
| You Are 16% Cynical |
 Cynical? Not even close! If anything, you're a bit naive. Overall, you enjoy life and try not to be paranoid. Even if you've been burned before. |
Via Deb.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Funky
This is one of the many reasons I LOVE Middleboro Schools.
Remember a while back, I posted about the principal dying his hair if the students tried their best on the MCAS tests?
I guess he meant it, huh?
He always was a fun principal ( did I ever mention that he was my principal when I was in elementary school in Carver)?
Remember a while back, I posted about the principal dying his hair if the students tried their best on the MCAS tests?
I guess he meant it, huh?
He always was a fun principal ( did I ever mention that he was my principal when I was in elementary school in Carver)?
Beach
Yesterday, my sister and I took the girls to the beach. We went to Onset Beach, which was just about a half hour from home. We had never been to this particular beach but we had heard a lot of good things about it, so we decided to check it out. It was fabulous! The water was actually warm (given the time of year and the fact that it is the ocean)and not at all rocky. We were able to park (no lie) 60 ft from where we sat on the beach so we only had a short walk with all of our stuff which was really nice. Julia had an opportunity for more PT (walking in sand is hard for an adult, let alone a kid with low tone who just learned how to walk a few months ago) and OT (playing in the sand and water, both of which she loved) then she has had since we started this whole thing with her! We went out for icecream at Perry's on 28 on the way home and had a cookout (after Ryun made an emergency run out to fill the tank!) for dinner. It was a great day, and, and actually a great weekend! I took a bunch of pictures, most of which require no explaining. 
Emily and Katherine buried Julia's legs in the sand. When we asked Julia where here toes were we could see her moving them under the pile of sand but she looked completely baffled!
if you were ever curious as to how a horseshoe crab, you know, did the deed, well, now you know. Yes, they were scooting all over the beach and in the water connected to each other. Didn't they know there were kids on the beach? Sheesh.
Katherine appears to be on some sort of a covert mission in this picture.
Emily and Katherine buried Julia's legs in the sand. When we asked Julia where here toes were we could see her moving them under the pile of sand but she looked completely baffled!
if you were ever curious as to how a horseshoe crab, you know, did the deed, well, now you know. Yes, they were scooting all over the beach and in the water connected to each other. Didn't they know there were kids on the beach? Sheesh.
Katherine appears to be on some sort of a covert mission in this picture.
The Paw Sox: Katherine Version
Some of the many reasons I just love my Katherine to pieces? Her innocence, her gullibility (is that even a word), and her absolute cuteness that is impossible to put in to words.
This was Katherine's first baseball game, as I mentioned in a previous post. She had so many questions, and asked them so honestly, and said so many "profound" things, I just had to share them with you all.
Here goes.
"That guy, that stands behind that boy that catches the ball? He's the guy that says, strike 1, strike 2, strike 3."
"What happens if the ball goes over the wall in to those trees? Does that mean the game ends?"
(Pointing to the base) "What's that white square thing?"
(After the leftfielder missed the ball) "He was supposed to catch that!"
"How are we gonna see the game if it turns night?"
Finally, we have the "Sweet Caroline" story. The song was playing over the stadium speakers. Katherine, Emily, and I were singing our hearts out. All of a sudden, Katherine puts her hands up and says, "Wait, stop singing. Is any one else singing or just us? Because if it is just us, I am not singning anymore."
Do you see what I mean?
She's priceless!
This was Katherine's first baseball game, as I mentioned in a previous post. She had so many questions, and asked them so honestly, and said so many "profound" things, I just had to share them with you all.
Here goes.
"That guy, that stands behind that boy that catches the ball? He's the guy that says, strike 1, strike 2, strike 3."
"What happens if the ball goes over the wall in to those trees? Does that mean the game ends?"
(Pointing to the base) "What's that white square thing?"
(After the leftfielder missed the ball) "He was supposed to catch that!"
"How are we gonna see the game if it turns night?"
Finally, we have the "Sweet Caroline" story. The song was playing over the stadium speakers. Katherine, Emily, and I were singing our hearts out. All of a sudden, Katherine puts her hands up and says, "Wait, stop singing. Is any one else singing or just us? Because if it is just us, I am not singning anymore."
Do you see what I mean?
She's priceless!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Paw Sox Game
Katherine was very excited about the game! Here she is looking quite adorable just before we ate.
Here's a shot of the field from our seats. We were behind home plate so the net was sort of in the way. This was taken just as the pitcher threw out the first pitch.
The scoreboard. The PawSox lost 7-4 but we still had a great time!
Ryun and Emily. No, they look nothing alike.
Shortly after the lights came on.
I love this picture of Ryun and Katherine.
Silly Katherine with her foam finger in front of her face!
Looking out in to left field, just before the game started.
Emily was very excited to be going to her 2nd Paw Sox game. Here she is just before we ate.
Emily's turn to block her face with the foam claw.
This was taken in a little alcove looking out over the field.
Here's Emily looking up at the fireworks they had after the game. The fireworks were really good and the kids had such a good time!
I love this shot of Katherine. She's watching the fireworks and I caught the picture in mid "ooh".
Avery cool picture of the fireworks.
And Another one.
And another one.
Things I Need To Post About
The Paw Sox.
The Beach.
I am too tired now though, so it will have to wait until tomorrow!
Night!
The Beach.
I am too tired now though, so it will have to wait until tomorrow!
Night!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Weekend In Review...So Far Anyway
Emily and Katherine spent yesterday with Mimi and Papa in Boston. They went on the Swan Boats and the Duck Tours and Mimi and Papa took them out to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory at Cambridge Side. They each got a souvenir (Emily a charm bracelet and Katherine a baseball cap...so typical on both counts). They came back to Mimi and Papa's house and spent the night there. Ryun spent the day in the garage organizing it and I must say, I am very impressed! He really accomplished a a lot. I spent the morning out birthday shopping for Emily and went to lunch with my sister.
Ryun and I decided to go the The 99 in Wareham and then hit Flagship to see The DaVinci Code. Awesome movie...not as good as the book but it usually never is.
Today has been very productive. I got the kids at about 10 after I did the food shopping. We came home, unloaded and went outside to organize their outdoor toys (balls, gloves, sand toys etc) and put them in to the deck box Ryun bought. I mowed the front, side and small back patch of grass off of the deck, and used the hedge clippers around the edges of the garden. I came in for a quick lunch break and went outside to clean my car. I vacuumed and pledged/windexed every surface and it looks so much better!
We are getting ready now to head out to the Paw Sox game tonight. Julia is sleeping over at Mimi and Papa's again tonight. My sister and I are thinking about taking the kids to the beach tomorrow!
Whew.
I think that's it!
Ryun and I decided to go the The 99 in Wareham and then hit Flagship to see The DaVinci Code. Awesome movie...not as good as the book but it usually never is.
Today has been very productive. I got the kids at about 10 after I did the food shopping. We came home, unloaded and went outside to organize their outdoor toys (balls, gloves, sand toys etc) and put them in to the deck box Ryun bought. I mowed the front, side and small back patch of grass off of the deck, and used the hedge clippers around the edges of the garden. I came in for a quick lunch break and went outside to clean my car. I vacuumed and pledged/windexed every surface and it looks so much better!
We are getting ready now to head out to the Paw Sox game tonight. Julia is sleeping over at Mimi and Papa's again tonight. My sister and I are thinking about taking the kids to the beach tomorrow!
Whew.
I think that's it!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Yeah, pretty much.
| Your Personality Is Like Ecstasy |
 You're usually feeling the love for the world around you - you want to hug everyone. And while you're usually content to sit back and view the world with wonder... Sometimes you're world becomes very overwhelming and a little scary. |
Via Deb.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Julia's Photo Shoot
Julia turned 22 months the other day and I forgot to mention it, the slacker that I am!
So in honor of that, here are some pictures!
Here she is looking all gorgeous.
My flash did this weird thing while taking this picture making it look like she was in motion. Here she is just being silly.
This bear is really scary looking!
Sometthing about this fruit snack tastes really yucky.
I'm a happy girl!
So in honor of that, here are some pictures!
Here she is looking all gorgeous.
My flash did this weird thing while taking this picture making it look like she was in motion. Here she is just being silly.
This bear is really scary looking!
Sometthing about this fruit snack tastes really yucky.
I'm a happy girl!
Weekend Plans
Today: Julia and I are going to Carnival Day with the MOMS Club. It should be fun, although I am not sure how much Julia will be able to do (Carnival's always strike me as something for older children), but, it's the MOMS Club...most children that participate are 5 and under so I am thinking the games will be geared toward the younger crowd. Ryun is going to XMEN tonight...I kind of want to see it too (I loved the first 2 and, well you know, Hugh Jackman...yummy) but, we don't have a sitter and I was able to convince him to come see The DaVinci Code with me tomorrow night so yay!
Tomorrow: Marie and Pete (aka Mimi and Papa/Mom and Dad) are taking Emily and Katherine to Boston for the day to do the Swan Boats and Heather is taking Julia for the day. All three are going to have a sleepover with Mimi and Papa and Ryun and are are going to use our free time to get some things done around the yard and then go to dinner and the movie tomorrow night.
Sunday: Ryun and I are taking Emily and Katherine to the Paw Sox game at 6 pm. They will be having fireworks after the game which should be exciting to the kids. Michael and Kelly are coming with Nate as well.
Monday: I am pretty sure Emily is marching in the Memorial Day parade with Girl Scouts but I have to confirm with her leaders. Kelly and Mike may possibly have a small cookout but I have to find out about that as well.
Other upcoming events: Emily's birthday and musical at school on June 1st
Plimoth Plantation with Emily's class, Mom's birthday and the
town meeting on June 5th
Zoo field trip with Katherine's class on June 9th, Emily's
girl scout overnight camp, and the Mitchell Club Crop.
Tomorrow: Marie and Pete (aka Mimi and Papa/Mom and Dad) are taking Emily and Katherine to Boston for the day to do the Swan Boats and Heather is taking Julia for the day. All three are going to have a sleepover with Mimi and Papa and Ryun and are are going to use our free time to get some things done around the yard and then go to dinner and the movie tomorrow night.
Sunday: Ryun and I are taking Emily and Katherine to the Paw Sox game at 6 pm. They will be having fireworks after the game which should be exciting to the kids. Michael and Kelly are coming with Nate as well.
Monday: I am pretty sure Emily is marching in the Memorial Day parade with Girl Scouts but I have to confirm with her leaders. Kelly and Mike may possibly have a small cookout but I have to find out about that as well.
Other upcoming events: Emily's birthday and musical at school on June 1st
Plimoth Plantation with Emily's class, Mom's birthday and the
town meeting on June 5th
Zoo field trip with Katherine's class on June 9th, Emily's
girl scout overnight camp, and the Mitchell Club Crop.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Emotional Day
I didn't get up this monring thinking it was going to be an emotional day but it sure was.
Today was Katherine's musical performance at school. They sang patriotic songs which always chokes me up anyway, but seeing Katherine up there, and realizing how quickly she is growing, made it even more emotional. She did very well too...sang every word, smiled and looked just awesome up there.
Then I came home and got a thank you note in the mail from Jen for the homemade cookbook I made her.
Here is what it said:
Thank you so much for my handmade cookbook. That was the most thoughtful gift I have ever been given. I have already made the chili cheese popcorn...it was yummy! I never realized how hard it was going to be to say goodbye to Early Intervention nd all of my families. It was a very emotional last week of work; but it's now or never for graduate school. The emotions are still high as I close one chapter of my life and begin another. I will always remember Julia and how she alwasy surprised us, like when I was putting in for a P.T. consult and she started crawling! Whenever I am overwhelmed at school I'll have Julia in my mind saying, "papa" in her quiet little voice. Keep up the good work Julia (you too Mom)!
Ok yeah, so that was a tearjerker!
Today was Katherine's musical performance at school. They sang patriotic songs which always chokes me up anyway, but seeing Katherine up there, and realizing how quickly she is growing, made it even more emotional. She did very well too...sang every word, smiled and looked just awesome up there.
Then I came home and got a thank you note in the mail from Jen for the homemade cookbook I made her.
Here is what it said:
Thank you so much for my handmade cookbook. That was the most thoughtful gift I have ever been given. I have already made the chili cheese popcorn...it was yummy! I never realized how hard it was going to be to say goodbye to Early Intervention nd all of my families. It was a very emotional last week of work; but it's now or never for graduate school. The emotions are still high as I close one chapter of my life and begin another. I will always remember Julia and how she alwasy surprised us, like when I was putting in for a P.T. consult and she started crawling! Whenever I am overwhelmed at school I'll have Julia in my mind saying, "papa" in her quiet little voice. Keep up the good work Julia (you too Mom)!
Ok yeah, so that was a tearjerker!
Ahhh...ahhh...ahhh...choo!
Julia...she's killin' me with the cuteness.
Her new thing? I go to take her picture and she pretends to sneeze. You know, pretends to sneeze like we all do to get the kid to smile? Yeah, just like that.
Her new thing? I go to take her picture and she pretends to sneeze. You know, pretends to sneeze like we all do to get the kid to smile? Yeah, just like that.
This Ones For You Jen!
I was going to write a post about LOST but I just don't know what to say!
Other than...
What the hell was up with the bunker in the middle of what appeared to be the Arctic Circle?
Is Michael really leaving his friends with The Others? Or, do you think he is going to bring Walt to safety and come back and rescue his friends?
Are Eko and Locke going to be okay?
YAY for Charlie and Claire getting back in each other's good graces!
How is Desmond's girlfreind involved in the whole thing?
So many questions and a whole damn summer to wait for answers!
Other than...
What the hell was up with the bunker in the middle of what appeared to be the Arctic Circle?
Is Michael really leaving his friends with The Others? Or, do you think he is going to bring Walt to safety and come back and rescue his friends?
Are Eko and Locke going to be okay?
YAY for Charlie and Claire getting back in each other's good graces!
How is Desmond's girlfreind involved in the whole thing?
So many questions and a whole damn summer to wait for answers!
AI
YAY Taylor!
Not that I thought there was any chance that he wasn't going to win, but YAY!
YAY!
YAY!
Not that I thought there was any chance that he wasn't going to win, but YAY!
YAY!
YAY!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Speech!
Below is the speech I am presenting tonight at the informational meeting for incoming kindergarten students.
When Mrs. Levesque asked me at a recent PTA meeting to speak here tonight, I was more than happy to oblige. I had not originally planned on writing anything down but I was afraid if I did not, I wouldn't be able to adequately convey how happy I have been with my daughter Katherine's kindergarten experience.
Like a lot of parents with a child entering kindergarten, I had many concerns. Is she ready emotionally? Is she ready academically? How will she handle a full day? And what's with this bus transfer? Mrs. Levesque answered many a phone calls from me early on. Little did I know at the time that I was sending my daughter to what I consider to be one of the best kindergarten programs and school systems in the state.
Words can not begin to describe what a positive and enriching experience kindergarten has been for Katherine. From the new friends she has made to the books that she now reads to me from her teacher to the administration, Katherine's growth as a person has been an amazing thing to watch. She has gone from a shy little girl that wanted nothing more than to spend her days at home with Mom to a little girl that ask me on the weekends, ”Do I have school today?”and looks sad when I tell her no.
She comes home with a new skill to share and a new story to tell everyday. One of my favorites was the time she came running down the driveway saying, in utter shock and amazement, ”Mom, everyone in my class lives in Middleboro!”
Having an older child who was not in a full day kindergarten setting (we moved to Middleboro when she started 1st grade) I have the benefit of seeing the difference between the traditional half day and the full day program. The full day was one of my main concerns in sending Katherine to school. After all, this was the girl who still took naps almost daily up until the day before her first day of kindergarten! Looking back, the benefits of a full day program clearly out weigh the short adjustment period Katherine went through in the beginning of the year. Katherine is much more prepared for first grade after a full day than my older daughter was after only having a half day. Katherine's reading and math skills, as well as her social skills, are far more advanced than a half day program can provide. A full day of kindergarten, though it may take adjusting to in the beginning, makes the transition in to first grade that much easier.
I remember thinking, when I attended this meeting a year ago, that I wasn't ready for this, regardless of whether or not Katherine was! One of the things I decided to do to help ease my own nerves? I got involved. I joined the PTA and, while I am unable to volunteer in the classroom because I am a stay at home mother to my youngest daughter, I do volunteer to do things at home such as coloring in mini books and making educational games for the classroom. I feel like by doing these things, I have a sort of inside track as to what goes on in my kids' classrooms and at the schools in general.
We are fortunate in Middleboro to have an amazing staff and administration that in my experience with both Katherine and my older daughter Emily, are dedicated, professional and willing to do whatever it takes to make these school years both a positve and educational experience for our children. Going the extra mile is a daily thing for them. I can't imagine sending my children anywhere else!
It's good, no?
When Mrs. Levesque asked me at a recent PTA meeting to speak here tonight, I was more than happy to oblige. I had not originally planned on writing anything down but I was afraid if I did not, I wouldn't be able to adequately convey how happy I have been with my daughter Katherine's kindergarten experience.
Like a lot of parents with a child entering kindergarten, I had many concerns. Is she ready emotionally? Is she ready academically? How will she handle a full day? And what's with this bus transfer? Mrs. Levesque answered many a phone calls from me early on. Little did I know at the time that I was sending my daughter to what I consider to be one of the best kindergarten programs and school systems in the state.
Words can not begin to describe what a positive and enriching experience kindergarten has been for Katherine. From the new friends she has made to the books that she now reads to me from her teacher to the administration, Katherine's growth as a person has been an amazing thing to watch. She has gone from a shy little girl that wanted nothing more than to spend her days at home with Mom to a little girl that ask me on the weekends, ”Do I have school today?”and looks sad when I tell her no.
She comes home with a new skill to share and a new story to tell everyday. One of my favorites was the time she came running down the driveway saying, in utter shock and amazement, ”Mom, everyone in my class lives in Middleboro!”
Having an older child who was not in a full day kindergarten setting (we moved to Middleboro when she started 1st grade) I have the benefit of seeing the difference between the traditional half day and the full day program. The full day was one of my main concerns in sending Katherine to school. After all, this was the girl who still took naps almost daily up until the day before her first day of kindergarten! Looking back, the benefits of a full day program clearly out weigh the short adjustment period Katherine went through in the beginning of the year. Katherine is much more prepared for first grade after a full day than my older daughter was after only having a half day. Katherine's reading and math skills, as well as her social skills, are far more advanced than a half day program can provide. A full day of kindergarten, though it may take adjusting to in the beginning, makes the transition in to first grade that much easier.
I remember thinking, when I attended this meeting a year ago, that I wasn't ready for this, regardless of whether or not Katherine was! One of the things I decided to do to help ease my own nerves? I got involved. I joined the PTA and, while I am unable to volunteer in the classroom because I am a stay at home mother to my youngest daughter, I do volunteer to do things at home such as coloring in mini books and making educational games for the classroom. I feel like by doing these things, I have a sort of inside track as to what goes on in my kids' classrooms and at the schools in general.
We are fortunate in Middleboro to have an amazing staff and administration that in my experience with both Katherine and my older daughter Emily, are dedicated, professional and willing to do whatever it takes to make these school years both a positve and educational experience for our children. Going the extra mile is a daily thing for them. I can't imagine sending my children anywhere else!
It's good, no?
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Grrr....
Is it against the law to speak ill of a public official?
Just wondering.
Eh, what the hell I am going to do it anyway.
Mr. LePage and Mr. Studley?
You suck.
And you can kiss my ass.
Apparently, you don't have kids in the public school system, or maybe you do and you just don't give a damn.
Either way, you still suck.
And you can kiss my ass. Again.
You know, I never imagined myself feeling so strongly about something. Just reading the article gave me that feeling in my stomach (you know the one...the angry, butterflies, "I think I'm gonna blow my top feeling). I also never imagined that I would ever feel so strongly about something that I am actually considering a letter to the editor, but I am. It's not like I think the library should close, or the PD anf FD should be understaffed but, if I had to choose, I would always choose education, always. Who knows? Maybe if we educate the children of today they might be able to balance a budget in the future? I'm just sayin'.
(Y'all know how I feel about cuts in educational spending...and if you didn't before you sure as hell do now).
Just wondering.
Eh, what the hell I am going to do it anyway.
Mr. LePage and Mr. Studley?
You suck.
And you can kiss my ass.
Apparently, you don't have kids in the public school system, or maybe you do and you just don't give a damn.
Either way, you still suck.
And you can kiss my ass. Again.
You know, I never imagined myself feeling so strongly about something. Just reading the article gave me that feeling in my stomach (you know the one...the angry, butterflies, "I think I'm gonna blow my top feeling). I also never imagined that I would ever feel so strongly about something that I am actually considering a letter to the editor, but I am. It's not like I think the library should close, or the PD anf FD should be understaffed but, if I had to choose, I would always choose education, always. Who knows? Maybe if we educate the children of today they might be able to balance a budget in the future? I'm just sayin'.
(Y'all know how I feel about cuts in educational spending...and if you didn't before you sure as hell do now).
Tomorrow Night
The season finale of American Idol.
The Season finale of LOST.
This happened last year too. It's wrong that my two favorite shows are on at the same time (well AI starts at 8 and LOST at 9).
The decision on which to watch and which to record is an easy one though.
I can't miss LOST. I just can't.
So, I will record AI and stay up really late watching the tape. Thank God for fast forward!
The Season finale of LOST.
This happened last year too. It's wrong that my two favorite shows are on at the same time (well AI starts at 8 and LOST at 9).
The decision on which to watch and which to record is an easy one though.
I can't miss LOST. I just can't.
So, I will record AI and stay up really late watching the tape. Thank God for fast forward!
Today
Julia and I are heading out in a little while to go to a MOMS Club evet (learning all about turtles).
I am going to come home in between, get some things done, then head back out to get Emily and Katherine to bring them to their class at Burtwood.
of course, we have AI tonight, as well has the usual homework, showers, and dinner events...so, I am thinking postings may be sparce today.
I am going to come home in between, get some things done, then head back out to get Emily and Katherine to bring them to their class at Burtwood.
of course, we have AI tonight, as well has the usual homework, showers, and dinner events...so, I am thinking postings may be sparce today.
Monday, May 22, 2006
"Paw Yee"
Yesterday, while at my parents house, Julia walked in to the bathroom and said, "Bum." My sister took out the potty chair, and Julia sat on it and went! She did it 5 more times throughout the day and night and has gone once more (so far) this morning! Somewhere, I heard that by the time the third kid rolls around, they basically train themselves. Could this be true?!?!
Either way, I am very proud of her (and I can't lie, thrilled with the possibility of no more diaper changing)!
We'll see if it sticks!
YAY!
Either way, I am very proud of her (and I can't lie, thrilled with the possibility of no more diaper changing)!
We'll see if it sticks!
YAY!
Is It Just Me?
I need to write a letter to the Middleboro Gazette about the PTA sponsored SHARP Program. For some reason, whenever I go to write a letter, I have to physically write it, then type it in to the computer. It's like the words come quicker and flow better that way. Weird.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Some day, we'll find it...
These are the pictures I took before, during and after a quick storm that blew through earlier this evening. The rainbow arched across 28 and looked just magical. Katherine was, in all seriousness asking me to go find the pot of gold at the end (I LOVE her). In true photographer style, I was outside, in my pajamas, wearing slippers and no coat, in the pouring rain. I just didn't want to miss the moment, you know? Anyway, aren't the pictures amazing?
Quick Update
It's been another busy weekend around here. Yesterday, Ryun spent the afternoon helping my father install a new fence around the pool, Emily was at a Girl Scout event and Katherine, Julia and I spent the day with Suzanne and Heather. My parents took the girls overnight and Ryun and I went to our friend Jeff's 30th birthday party (side note to those who read this that attended: I have some AWESOME pics that I will post to Shutterfly later...YAY)!
I am on my way back to Marie and Pete's now, to hang with my sisters and nephew while the fence is finished.
Later.
I am on my way back to Marie and Pete's now, to hang with my sisters and nephew while the fence is finished.
Later.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
The Blues
| You Are Periwinkle |
 You're very intuitive and sensitive. You often know other people better than they know themselves. You're also quite optimistic, and you think well of yourself and others. You know your dreams will come true. |
Accurate Results
| Your Political Profile: |
| Overall: 60% Conservative, 40% Liberal |
| Social Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal |
| Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal |
| Fiscal Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal |
| Ethics: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal |
| Defense and Crime: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal |
Friday, May 19, 2006
Tv Couples That Need To Get Together
Ray and Neela(ER): No disrespect to Michael,especially after the last two episodes, but seriously, these two have chemistry.
Booth and Bones(Bones): Just Do It (as Nike says).
Sawyer and Kate(Lost): Major, major electricity between these two.
Booth and Bones(Bones): Just Do It (as Nike says).
Sawyer and Kate(Lost): Major, major electricity between these two.
It's tough...
...being a toddler you know.
This is how I found Julia earlier this afternoon. I threw a blanket over her and went back later to check on her.
Ahh, what a life!
This is how I found Julia earlier this afternoon. I threw a blanket over her and went back later to check on her.
Ahh, what a life!
Emily
This is what Emily's neurologist is pretty sure she has.
He reviewed the results of her last EEG (almost 2 years ago) and saw that the notes written by the person who interpreted the results said that ESES was a possibility (kind of like she was just below the threshold for diagnosis). Based on the obvious neuropsychological deterioration (the behaviors I have listed before...some of which are referred to in the above referenced article), the wet underwear situation, recent concerns regarding numbness in her arms, and her last EEG (which in conversation he referred to as "active"), he has all but officially said that she has it. An over night EEG is needed for actual confirmation. We will be scheduling that, as well as an MRI within the next few days (making the appointment I mean).
He is also going to touch base with Dr. S, the Dr. that heads up the TS Clinic at Children's to schedule an appointment to see him again, as well as get a referral from him for neuropsychologist that can do some neuropsychological testing with Emily. Dr. C feels that it is important to follow up with Dr. S to see if anything has changed with Emily specifically, but also to find out if, since Emily's diagnosis two years ago, he has come across anyone else with the same concerns (as in a similar MRI or genetic testing results). He also feels that the testing should be done as a basis to see if there are any other concerns we should be treating or addressing.
He upped her Lamictal to 125 mgs instead of the 100 mgs that she has been taking. He did this because, conveniently, Lamictal is also used as a mood stabilizer (which would obviously help with the various behavioral issues that have been a concern).
The treatment he talked about for the ESES if in fact the EEG confirms this diagnosis is a high does of Valium. What he said was this:
"It is treated by giving her a high dose of valium, which of course would mean we keep her in the hospital."
Um ok, does that mean that she would be in the hospital for a prolonged period of time? I need to find out about that. It doesn't sound like (from what he said and what I have read) this thing just disappears after one medical intervention (on the plus side though, it does seem to disappear in the majority of cases in the teen years).
Emily was not at all thrilled with the thought of having to stay overnight at the hospital for even one night. She didn't want them to "glue those ugly thing to her head so she looks like an alien." I tried to talk to her...told her that this was all to help her feel better and maybe, help us all get along better etc. She seemed satisfied with my various explanations and, by the time we got to the restaurant for dinner, she was fine.
So, that's where we are at. That's the bad (but not really bad) news.
He reviewed the results of her last EEG (almost 2 years ago) and saw that the notes written by the person who interpreted the results said that ESES was a possibility (kind of like she was just below the threshold for diagnosis). Based on the obvious neuropsychological deterioration (the behaviors I have listed before...some of which are referred to in the above referenced article), the wet underwear situation, recent concerns regarding numbness in her arms, and her last EEG (which in conversation he referred to as "active"), he has all but officially said that she has it. An over night EEG is needed for actual confirmation. We will be scheduling that, as well as an MRI within the next few days (making the appointment I mean).
He is also going to touch base with Dr. S, the Dr. that heads up the TS Clinic at Children's to schedule an appointment to see him again, as well as get a referral from him for neuropsychologist that can do some neuropsychological testing with Emily. Dr. C feels that it is important to follow up with Dr. S to see if anything has changed with Emily specifically, but also to find out if, since Emily's diagnosis two years ago, he has come across anyone else with the same concerns (as in a similar MRI or genetic testing results). He also feels that the testing should be done as a basis to see if there are any other concerns we should be treating or addressing.
He upped her Lamictal to 125 mgs instead of the 100 mgs that she has been taking. He did this because, conveniently, Lamictal is also used as a mood stabilizer (which would obviously help with the various behavioral issues that have been a concern).
The treatment he talked about for the ESES if in fact the EEG confirms this diagnosis is a high does of Valium. What he said was this:
"It is treated by giving her a high dose of valium, which of course would mean we keep her in the hospital."
Um ok, does that mean that she would be in the hospital for a prolonged period of time? I need to find out about that. It doesn't sound like (from what he said and what I have read) this thing just disappears after one medical intervention (on the plus side though, it does seem to disappear in the majority of cases in the teen years).
Emily was not at all thrilled with the thought of having to stay overnight at the hospital for even one night. She didn't want them to "glue those ugly thing to her head so she looks like an alien." I tried to talk to her...told her that this was all to help her feel better and maybe, help us all get along better etc. She seemed satisfied with my various explanations and, by the time we got to the restaurant for dinner, she was fine.
So, that's where we are at. That's the bad (but not really bad) news.
You know...
...sometimes I wish the internet was never invented.
You start reading things and the more you read, the scarier it becomes and the more worried you get.
Emily had her appointment with the neurologist yesterday. I have news...which could be, well sort of bad. Not really, really bad, but certainly not in any way good either.
I have a lot to process...sorry to be so vague.
I will be back later with more detail.
You start reading things and the more you read, the scarier it becomes and the more worried you get.
Emily had her appointment with the neurologist yesterday. I have news...which could be, well sort of bad. Not really, really bad, but certainly not in any way good either.
I have a lot to process...sorry to be so vague.
I will be back later with more detail.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Julia Update: The I'm A Devil Version
So, remember when I went to the psychic a while back and she told me that "my youngest daughter was a little firecracker?" No? Well, I do. I also remember thinking that it was the one thing that she (the psychic) was wrong about. At the time, Julia wasn't talking, was barely crawling, and obviously, wasn't walking. She was calm and easy and never did anything that I thought might make me go grey.
Apparently, as psychics are supposed to, she saw something that I just didn't at the time because...OH MY GOD...she is so turning in to quite the little firecracker.
And quite the little spitfire.
And quite the little devil.
And quite the little (any other descriptive word you can fill in that means Julia's getting devilish and Mommy's going crazy)!
Apparently, as psychics are supposed to, she saw something that I just didn't at the time because...OH MY GOD...she is so turning in to quite the little firecracker.
And quite the little spitfire.
And quite the little devil.
And quite the little (any other descriptive word you can fill in that means Julia's getting devilish and Mommy's going crazy)!
The Julia Update...In List Form
-Over the past couple of weeks I have been teaching Julia how to say the word help and use it in context. Well, today, for the first time, she said it without prompting and in the right way. She was laying down on her night night (blanket)and was unable to pull it out from under her head. She looked at me and said "Night night, help." So stinkin' cute.
-She finally says "woof woof" when you ask her what a dog says. She has been saying the word "dog" for quite some time but refused to make the woof woof noise.
-The other day, when getting her food ready to serve here she said, "applesauce." I promptly put away the crackers I was going to give her and gave her what she had asked for. She has said it a couple of times since!
-She recently began putting her "baby doll" in her little crib, putting a blanket on top of her and saying (with her finger appropriately across her lip), "Shhh." Very cute.
-Last week, she woke up and instead of changing her immediately, I set her down on the rug for a minute, to help Emily with something. She looked up at and clear as day said, "bum" (as in change me right now and how dare you interrupt the routine)!
-I think that's it. There could be more that I am forgetting, but hey, there's always the next update!
-She finally says "woof woof" when you ask her what a dog says. She has been saying the word "dog" for quite some time but refused to make the woof woof noise.
-The other day, when getting her food ready to serve here she said, "applesauce." I promptly put away the crackers I was going to give her and gave her what she had asked for. She has said it a couple of times since!
-She recently began putting her "baby doll" in her little crib, putting a blanket on top of her and saying (with her finger appropriately across her lip), "Shhh." Very cute.
-Last week, she woke up and instead of changing her immediately, I set her down on the rug for a minute, to help Emily with something. She looked up at and clear as day said, "bum" (as in change me right now and how dare you interrupt the routine)!
-I think that's it. There could be more that I am forgetting, but hey, there's always the next update!
Move to the right a little, ok over to the side, chin up....
Being the camera/picture/scrapbooking freak that I am, I am constantly subjecting my kids to "random" photo shoots. The most recent one took place this morning with Emily.
Here are the results.
I love how her hair looks back like that with the barettes on the side. I love her hair period. It's so long, and shiny, and thick. I am so jealous of all three of my children's hair. It's not that I don't like mine...I just like their's better!
Here are the results.
I love how her hair looks back like that with the barettes on the side. I love her hair period. It's so long, and shiny, and thick. I am so jealous of all three of my children's hair. It's not that I don't like mine...I just like their's better!
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