Thursday, January 28, 2010
X-ray Day
I finally took Crew in this morning to have his cranial x-rays done. I've been putting it off for a million reasons, but I checked it off my list today. I've been told that this is just a "precaution" and that even on the chance that he does have very mild craniosynostosis to go with his little ridge, the Powers That Be will probably recommend doing absolutely nothing about it. Oh, and by the way, these x-rays aren't the best diagnostic tools for this condition anyway. In other words, doing the x-rays and playing this game is a colossal waste of my time and money.
We went to the Primary's satellite that is close to my house. The radiology techs tried to convince me to leave the room because Crew would cry and it would best if I left, for both of us. Ha ha. Whatever. I donned a lead vest from the corner stash and hovered annoyingly wherever I pleased.
It is done. Now we wait patiently for the results.
We went to the Primary's satellite that is close to my house. The radiology techs tried to convince me to leave the room because Crew would cry and it would best if I left, for both of us. Ha ha. Whatever. I donned a lead vest from the corner stash and hovered annoyingly wherever I pleased.
It is done. Now we wait patiently for the results.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Jeesh, Boys
There are many facets about Crew's development that remain of deep concern to us, but one thing we can cross off the list: he knows his own farts are supposed to be funny.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Naked Hair Cut Day
I was brave and didn't shave it all off. I left a little on top. I like how it turned out.
No, he's not really naked.
No, he's not really naked.
A White Fang Thank You
Thank you so very very much for your wonderful words of encouragement for my sweet little reading gal. She feels so special.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Welcome Home, Chloe!!
After 149 days in the NICU, welcome home, Chloe! We couldn't be happier for all of you! We love you!!!
Friday, January 22, 2010
White Fang Book Report
Last summer, I purchased several of the Classic Starts books from Barnes and Noble during their summer sale. My intention was to read them for bedtime stories to the big kids. The day I brought them home, Kinley absolutely forbid me to read "White Fang" to them because she wanted to read it on her own. Knowing the difficulty of the book, even the "abridged and carefully rewritten for younger audiences" version, I was extremely skeptical and figured she would forget about it or give up a few chapters into it.
She did neither.
She started reading it in earnest a few months ago, taking breaks now and then to read simpler books, always returning to White Fang eventually. When she came across big words she didn't understand, she asked me for an explanation or made a good guess based on the context of the sentence. 144 tiny-printed pages later, she finished this week. These books are fantastic for a lot of reasons. They include many discussion questions at the end of the book and she surprised me by being able to answer each and every one of them. It seems she really did understand what she was reading! She presented me with two book reports "to share on the blog". I am granting her request. (I have now been forbidden to read Anne of Green Gables.)
She knows that I'm posting them today, so I would really appreciate it if you could leave her a warm and fuzzy comment.
"Finaley a nather book raport. To day's book raport is White Fang. White Fang is a realy good book. White Fang is a wholf. White Fang is the best book I'v ever read in my whole life. Sam of the parts macke me cry. Now I can't tell you eny more caus I don't want to spoyl you readying it. The End"
Translation:
Finally another book report. Today's book report is White Fang. White Fang is a really good book. White Fang is a wolf. White Fang is the best book I've ever read in my whole life. Some of the parts make me cry. Now I can't tell you any more because I don't want to spoil you reading it. The End"
"The thing I lernd in White Fang was to love people. The thing I want to do cuase of White Fang is to get a dog. I did not hate eny thing. I did love the book. It was asum."
Translation:
The thing I learned in White Fang was to love people. The thing I want to do because of White Fang is to get a dog. I did not hate anything. I did love the book. It was awesome.
She did neither.
She started reading it in earnest a few months ago, taking breaks now and then to read simpler books, always returning to White Fang eventually. When she came across big words she didn't understand, she asked me for an explanation or made a good guess based on the context of the sentence. 144 tiny-printed pages later, she finished this week. These books are fantastic for a lot of reasons. They include many discussion questions at the end of the book and she surprised me by being able to answer each and every one of them. It seems she really did understand what she was reading! She presented me with two book reports "to share on the blog". I am granting her request. (I have now been forbidden to read Anne of Green Gables.)
She knows that I'm posting them today, so I would really appreciate it if you could leave her a warm and fuzzy comment.
"Finaley a nather book raport. To day's book raport is White Fang. White Fang is a realy good book. White Fang is a wholf. White Fang is the best book I'v ever read in my whole life. Sam of the parts macke me cry. Now I can't tell you eny more caus I don't want to spoyl you readying it. The End"
Translation:
Finally another book report. Today's book report is White Fang. White Fang is a really good book. White Fang is a wolf. White Fang is the best book I've ever read in my whole life. Some of the parts make me cry. Now I can't tell you any more because I don't want to spoil you reading it. The End"
"The thing I lernd in White Fang was to love people. The thing I want to do cuase of White Fang is to get a dog. I did not hate eny thing. I did love the book. It was asum."
Translation:
The thing I learned in White Fang was to love people. The thing I want to do because of White Fang is to get a dog. I did not hate anything. I did love the book. It was awesome.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
St. NICU
I found this while blog-hopping tonight to another twin-loss micropreemie blog. I had never read this poem before, and I just loved it! I laughed, I cried and it is SO TRUE!
St. NICU
Twas the night before Christmas, and in each isolette
Little creatures were squirming and getting all set;
Machinery sat by their bedsides with care,
In hopes that good breathing skills soon would be there.
Day shifters were home all snug in their beds,
As visions of overtime danced in their heads;
While preemies on ventilators, and some on CPAP,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap...
When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,
The residents woke up to see what was the matter.
Away from the sink I flew like a jet
To make sure all was well at my baby's isolette.
Some bilirubin lights with their powerful glow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to babies below,
When, there before my wondering eyes, it would seem,
Was an oversized stroller and a medical team.
With a handful of needles with which they could stick you,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nicu.
More rapid than eagles his specialists came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
"Now, Nurses! Now, Residents! Now, Neonatologists!
On, Social Workers! On, Respiratory and Occupational Therapists!
From the front of the unit! To the end of the hall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
Up to each baby's cribside they flew,
With the stroller full of toys, and St. Nicu too.
And then, in a twinkling, they stopped at each bed
And tucked in the babies and got them all fed.
As I looked at my baby, and was turning around,
Down our aisle St. Nicu came with a bound.
He was dressed in red scrubs, and I could instantly tell
That his clothes had an obvious hospital smell;
A bag of stuffed animals was flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
A little red pen he held tight in his teeth,
And a stethoscope encircled his neck like a wreath.
He was chubby and plump, with a few extra pounds,
And I laughed when I saw him there doing his rounds.
A turn of his clipboard and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke few words, but came straight to my side,
And running down his face was a tear he had cried.
And laying his hand on the back of my head,
He gave me a nod, and slowly he said:
"Each night you come here you're aware of the danger,
But your baby is loved by the One in the manger."
Then the medical team gave a thumbs-up and smiled
And St. Nicu placed an animal next to my child.
But I heard him exclaim, as they rolled out of sight,
"Merry Christmas, tiny baby, and have a wonderful night!"
St. NICU
Twas the night before Christmas, and in each isolette
Little creatures were squirming and getting all set;
Machinery sat by their bedsides with care,
In hopes that good breathing skills soon would be there.
Day shifters were home all snug in their beds,
As visions of overtime danced in their heads;
While preemies on ventilators, and some on CPAP,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap...
When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,
The residents woke up to see what was the matter.
Away from the sink I flew like a jet
To make sure all was well at my baby's isolette.
Some bilirubin lights with their powerful glow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to babies below,
When, there before my wondering eyes, it would seem,
Was an oversized stroller and a medical team.
With a handful of needles with which they could stick you,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nicu.
More rapid than eagles his specialists came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
"Now, Nurses! Now, Residents! Now, Neonatologists!
On, Social Workers! On, Respiratory and Occupational Therapists!
From the front of the unit! To the end of the hall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
Up to each baby's cribside they flew,
With the stroller full of toys, and St. Nicu too.
And then, in a twinkling, they stopped at each bed
And tucked in the babies and got them all fed.
As I looked at my baby, and was turning around,
Down our aisle St. Nicu came with a bound.
He was dressed in red scrubs, and I could instantly tell
That his clothes had an obvious hospital smell;
A bag of stuffed animals was flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
A little red pen he held tight in his teeth,
And a stethoscope encircled his neck like a wreath.
He was chubby and plump, with a few extra pounds,
And I laughed when I saw him there doing his rounds.
A turn of his clipboard and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke few words, but came straight to my side,
And running down his face was a tear he had cried.
And laying his hand on the back of my head,
He gave me a nod, and slowly he said:
"Each night you come here you're aware of the danger,
But your baby is loved by the One in the manger."
Then the medical team gave a thumbs-up and smiled
And St. Nicu placed an animal next to my child.
But I heard him exclaim, as they rolled out of sight,
"Merry Christmas, tiny baby, and have a wonderful night!"
Mush-Faced Prince
He may need a haircut and a good face-scrubbing, but he's so sweet.
We've really been battling the middle-child quandary lately. Tanner is not my squeaky wheel and I fear it just exacerbates the issue. It seems that he has spent his life being swept up in Kinley's adventures or Crew's endless needs. Well, it seems that way because that is exactly what has happened!
I have recently realized that he is every bit Kinley's equal in intellect and compassion. Kinley has set a fine example and he has clearly taken notes! I love our little Tanner-Banner.
One thing that always amuses us is that he will never ever get out of bed until Kinley does. He has been known to lay in his bed for more than an hour, waiting patiently until Kinley climbs down her ladder from the top bunk. Then they come out of their shared room together. In the morning, nap time (if she's home and napping) it doesn't matter. He will never come out without her unless she somehow made it out of the room without waking him first. He'll wake up, check her bed and come out if she's gone, stay put if she's still up there sleeping. Honestly, I can't think of a single time when he has broken that tradition. Once or twice I have waved to him from his doorway and silently encouraged him to come out, and he's done it. Other times, I'll walk by his door and wave to him and he'll wave back and keep waiting (mean, aren't I?) As soon as Kinley wakes up, he bounds out of bed, dragging his Bambi blanket behind him.
We've really been battling the middle-child quandary lately. Tanner is not my squeaky wheel and I fear it just exacerbates the issue. It seems that he has spent his life being swept up in Kinley's adventures or Crew's endless needs. Well, it seems that way because that is exactly what has happened!
I have recently realized that he is every bit Kinley's equal in intellect and compassion. Kinley has set a fine example and he has clearly taken notes! I love our little Tanner-Banner.
One thing that always amuses us is that he will never ever get out of bed until Kinley does. He has been known to lay in his bed for more than an hour, waiting patiently until Kinley climbs down her ladder from the top bunk. Then they come out of their shared room together. In the morning, nap time (if she's home and napping) it doesn't matter. He will never come out without her unless she somehow made it out of the room without waking him first. He'll wake up, check her bed and come out if she's gone, stay put if she's still up there sleeping. Honestly, I can't think of a single time when he has broken that tradition. Once or twice I have waved to him from his doorway and silently encouraged him to come out, and he's done it. Other times, I'll walk by his door and wave to him and he'll wave back and keep waiting (mean, aren't I?) As soon as Kinley wakes up, he bounds out of bed, dragging his Bambi blanket behind him.
Kinley at Home
Kinley has been off track since Christmas. It's been really really nice to have her home and I'm already sad about her having to go back to school next week. For the most part, our vacation together has been low-key and relaxed. We've enjoyed many playdates with new friends, old friends, and cousins. It's been pretty perfect.
She was off track in October and it was awful, still trying to get unpacked and settled into our new house, with the Swine Flu raging through half our family for her entire "vacation". This was much better. She and Tanner have a great time together, something I'm always thankful for. Also during this vacation, I gave them both a few more chores and their housekeeping skills have improved. That's nice for me! If they could just remember to turn off lights once in a while...
I'm so lucky to have Kinley. She is not just smart and beautiful; she is also wise, compassionate, witty, inquisitive, forgiving, funny, sweet, generous and a many more things. Having her around has been very helpful for my exercise goals and I'm a little nervous about being without her! Her brothers worship her, and she totally deserves every bit of their adoration. She is an amazing daughter and I can't imagine our family without her influence.
She was off track in October and it was awful, still trying to get unpacked and settled into our new house, with the Swine Flu raging through half our family for her entire "vacation". This was much better. She and Tanner have a great time together, something I'm always thankful for. Also during this vacation, I gave them both a few more chores and their housekeeping skills have improved. That's nice for me! If they could just remember to turn off lights once in a while...
I'm so lucky to have Kinley. She is not just smart and beautiful; she is also wise, compassionate, witty, inquisitive, forgiving, funny, sweet, generous and a many more things. Having her around has been very helpful for my exercise goals and I'm a little nervous about being without her! Her brothers worship her, and she totally deserves every bit of their adoration. She is an amazing daughter and I can't imagine our family without her influence.
My Pretty Baby
This kid always smells like kissy-spit. I can't help but smooch His Royal Sweetness a thousand times a day. Even though I changed seven poopy diapers yesterday.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Shredding Level 2
Waaaaaahhh.....
Ok, not really. I feared it, I faced it, I survived it. I took the weekend off the whole thing, ate a few brownies, indulged in an extra serving of spaghetti, and started fresh this morning into Shredding Level 2. I plan to do this for 10 days and then move on to the dreaded Level 3. I chose a few of the modified moves, but didn't have to use all of them. I didn't need to stop the DVD at all through the entire workout! It's tougher than Level 1, but not much tougher. Not overwhelmingly, crushingly tougher. I'm definitely tired and feel like I just had my butt kicked, but it's totally doable. Each of the workouts are less than 28 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down. I can do anything for 28 minutes, right?
I will tell you this though. This was tough enough to make me rethink some of the naughty food choices that have been tempting me. I'm not wasting one measly calorie this week!
Ok, not really. I feared it, I faced it, I survived it. I took the weekend off the whole thing, ate a few brownies, indulged in an extra serving of spaghetti, and started fresh this morning into Shredding Level 2. I plan to do this for 10 days and then move on to the dreaded Level 3. I chose a few of the modified moves, but didn't have to use all of them. I didn't need to stop the DVD at all through the entire workout! It's tougher than Level 1, but not much tougher. Not overwhelmingly, crushingly tougher. I'm definitely tired and feel like I just had my butt kicked, but it's totally doable. Each of the workouts are less than 28 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down. I can do anything for 28 minutes, right?
I will tell you this though. This was tough enough to make me rethink some of the naughty food choices that have been tempting me. I'm not wasting one measly calorie this week!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Oh, Happy Low-Cal Yummy Day!
I was just reviewing my Olive Garden Salad dressing recipe. I made it this weekend and was curious on the calorie calculations, so I plugged it into my magical calorie counter. If you use fat-free mayo and light corn syrup, it's only 37 calories for 2 tbs of dressing! Pass me another bowl of salad.
Lest We Forget
I read this poem today and it really just zoomed right to the core of my soul. I've thought often of this very girl and the conversations we might have together on a quiet evening. My life is very different from the one that I envisioned many years ago. I briefly toyed with the idea of being a hard-nosed corporate attorney, but I always fancied myself more of a "save the world" kind of gal. When I wasn't researching admission requirements to the Peace Corps, I planned to study Bengal tigers in India, teaching English literacy in huts during my down time. My actual life is far less exotic and I'm far less important to the world at large than I imagined. Nevertheless, I believe the girl I used to be would still be pleased with the woman I've become. The real satisfaction in life comes when we are busy fulfilling our personal mission, whatever it is, wherever it may lead. The beautiful thing is that we all have different journeys, separate paths we are meant to follow. How boring would it be if we were all exactly the same?
Lest We Forget
She came tonight as I sat alone
The girl that I used to be. . .
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye
And questioned reproachfully:
"Have you forgotten the many plans
And hopes that I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame
All the wonderful things to do?"
"Where is the mansion of stately height
With all of its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you
And the jewels in your hair?"
And as she spoke, I was very sad,
For I wanted her pleased with me . . .
This slender girl from the shadowy past
The girl that I used to be.
So gently arising, I took her hand,
And guided her up the stair
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay
So innocent, sweet and fair.
And I told her that these are my only gems,
And precious they are to me,
That silken robe is my motherhood
Of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love,
And the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltering walls
For the dear ones who come and go.
And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
She smiled through her tears at me,
And I saw that the woman that I am now
Pleased the girl that I used to be.
—Anonymous
Lest We Forget
She came tonight as I sat alone
The girl that I used to be. . .
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye
And questioned reproachfully:
"Have you forgotten the many plans
And hopes that I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame
All the wonderful things to do?"
"Where is the mansion of stately height
With all of its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you
And the jewels in your hair?"
And as she spoke, I was very sad,
For I wanted her pleased with me . . .
This slender girl from the shadowy past
The girl that I used to be.
So gently arising, I took her hand,
And guided her up the stair
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay
So innocent, sweet and fair.
And I told her that these are my only gems,
And precious they are to me,
That silken robe is my motherhood
Of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love,
And the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltering walls
For the dear ones who come and go.
And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
She smiled through her tears at me,
And I saw that the woman that I am now
Pleased the girl that I used to be.
—Anonymous
Dodging Bullets
While dancing around the kitchen after a phone call.
Kinley: What was that all about?
Mommy: She's pregnant! They've been trying to have a baby for more than 4 years and she's finally going to have one!
Kinley: How do you "try" to have a baby?
Ah, crap.
I mumbled something unintelligible and hid in my closet until she forgot the question. Duck, dodge, and avoid, my friends.
Kinley: What was that all about?
Mommy: She's pregnant! They've been trying to have a baby for more than 4 years and she's finally going to have one!
Kinley: How do you "try" to have a baby?
Ah, crap.
I mumbled something unintelligible and hid in my closet until she forgot the question. Duck, dodge, and avoid, my friends.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Level 1 Shredding DONE!!
Alright, I have made it through 10 days of Shredding and have lived to tell the tale.
I love it. Well... I hate it, but I love it. I am feeling much stronger already and my stamina is vastly improved.
Day 1:
I had to pause the DVD three times during the 2-minute "Cardio Circuit 1" segment! 2 minutes of jumping jacks and fake jumping rope almost killed me. I did all the lazy beginner moves and was embarrassingly tentative throughout the entire workout. I paused it a million more times before the 28-minute workout was finished and then laid on the floor imitating a quivering blob of fat. I couldn't climb the stairs to put Crew to bed that night and I had to take 800 mgs of ibuprofen just to slither out of my covers the next morning. If I didn't feel like Jillian herself would email me the next morning and call me a chicken, I may have quit right then. But I don't want to be fat forever, so I faced my demons.
Day 10:
I haven't needed any ibuprofen since that first "morning after"; I never need to pause the DVD (except for the occasional potty run during jumping jacks -- I did have 4 children, you know)! I give my all, exerting high intensity, working up respectable sweat. I feel like I have faced Level 1 and conquered it. It seems silly to quit now. I don't always want to do it, but I'm always glad I did.
The Results
I could lie and say this is all about feeling good and getting in overall better shape, but we all know that's only part of the dream. I want to lose weight and inches. I want out of these big-girl clothes and back into my skinny skirt. I don't expect to ever be as small as I was after my mission in Latvia or my 5-month teaching stint in Russia because I never intend to endure stomach ulcers or severe manutrition again. As far as other options, Justin doesn't approve of the throwing up thing (meanie), so that's out (plus it adds an additional component of anxiety and it doesn't work... ahem, or so I've heard). I can't stick to any of the most popular deprivation diets out there because I just love my comfort foods too much.
So, I'm left with eating less/better and moving more.
&*%$#@!.
Well, I can't deny that the sane approach is working. I have been using an online food journal to keep my daily calories between 1200-1500, no more and no less. I have let Jillian kick my butt 10 times in the last 12 days. In that time I have lost 4.2 pounds and 7.1 inches all over my body. I have dropped one pant size. Sometimes I look at those numbers and they seem very impressive and I feel so motivated. Other times they just seem so small compared to what remains and I am tempted to despair.
So, next stop: Level 2! Yikes! Wish me luck!
I love it. Well... I hate it, but I love it. I am feeling much stronger already and my stamina is vastly improved.
Day 1:
I had to pause the DVD three times during the 2-minute "Cardio Circuit 1" segment! 2 minutes of jumping jacks and fake jumping rope almost killed me. I did all the lazy beginner moves and was embarrassingly tentative throughout the entire workout. I paused it a million more times before the 28-minute workout was finished and then laid on the floor imitating a quivering blob of fat. I couldn't climb the stairs to put Crew to bed that night and I had to take 800 mgs of ibuprofen just to slither out of my covers the next morning. If I didn't feel like Jillian herself would email me the next morning and call me a chicken, I may have quit right then. But I don't want to be fat forever, so I faced my demons.
Day 10:
I haven't needed any ibuprofen since that first "morning after"; I never need to pause the DVD (except for the occasional potty run during jumping jacks -- I did have 4 children, you know)! I give my all, exerting high intensity, working up respectable sweat. I feel like I have faced Level 1 and conquered it. It seems silly to quit now. I don't always want to do it, but I'm always glad I did.
The Results
I could lie and say this is all about feeling good and getting in overall better shape, but we all know that's only part of the dream. I want to lose weight and inches. I want out of these big-girl clothes and back into my skinny skirt. I don't expect to ever be as small as I was after my mission in Latvia or my 5-month teaching stint in Russia because I never intend to endure stomach ulcers or severe manutrition again. As far as other options, Justin doesn't approve of the throwing up thing (meanie), so that's out (plus it adds an additional component of anxiety and it doesn't work... ahem, or so I've heard). I can't stick to any of the most popular deprivation diets out there because I just love my comfort foods too much.
So, I'm left with eating less/better and moving more.
&*%$#@!.
Well, I can't deny that the sane approach is working. I have been using an online food journal to keep my daily calories between 1200-1500, no more and no less. I have let Jillian kick my butt 10 times in the last 12 days. In that time I have lost 4.2 pounds and 7.1 inches all over my body. I have dropped one pant size. Sometimes I look at those numbers and they seem very impressive and I feel so motivated. Other times they just seem so small compared to what remains and I am tempted to despair.
So, next stop: Level 2! Yikes! Wish me luck!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
"Back" To Tax Season
As some of you may know, Justin has returned to public accounting. I was mulling over the implications of the upcoming tax season when it occurred to me: HE NEVER LEFT! For two years he has done industry accounting, but he has always moonlighted during tax season at his old accounting firm. There were many reasons for this, including keeping professional relationships alive and maintaining his mad skills. Last year he didn't intend to work for his old firm during tax season but, frankly, we had mounting medical bills and an uncertain future. So we did it.
And now...
He is fully back in public accounting, this time hanging his own shingle with pride. Well, he shares "his own shingle" with one other very talented CPA, a long-time friend of ours. If the extended hours he is already putting in are any indication of what the next few months are going to be like, I'm considering renting out the other half of my bedroom.
His absence is one of the reasons I am being successful with Shredding. I just can't bring myself to workout when he can see the carnage. Lumbering around the livingroom, stuffed into my workout skivvies like a sausage is humiliating enough without an audience. So I hope to present him with a fitter, more slender wife come April 15th. I'm well on my way! Stay tuned for the update and prepare to be amazed... or something.
And now...
He is fully back in public accounting, this time hanging his own shingle with pride. Well, he shares "his own shingle" with one other very talented CPA, a long-time friend of ours. If the extended hours he is already putting in are any indication of what the next few months are going to be like, I'm considering renting out the other half of my bedroom.
His absence is one of the reasons I am being successful with Shredding. I just can't bring myself to workout when he can see the carnage. Lumbering around the livingroom, stuffed into my workout skivvies like a sausage is humiliating enough without an audience. So I hope to present him with a fitter, more slender wife come April 15th. I'm well on my way! Stay tuned for the update and prepare to be amazed... or something.
Leaning Tower of Crew
Crew has gotten very comfortable leaning to one side. You can't tell really well in this picture, but he's a good leaner now! I can put toys off to one side and he'll stretch to the side to get it! Yay, big boy! Yesterday in church he even slowly, purposefully stretched out in front of himself to get from his bum to his belly!! Whoa! Let's see if he'll repeat that again!
Shredding
I'm still Shredding with Jillian! I'll post an update later this week when I pass "Shredding Day 10". It's awesome!!
Kinley's Talk
Justin and I were asked to speak in church later this month and Kinley was completely offended that she was not asked to speak as well. To calm the hysteria and dry the tears, I suggested she write her own talk and share it with us for Family Home Evening last night. She took time throughout the weekend to write a wonderful talk on a topic of her own choice: reading the scriptures. It was pretty much the best talk ever (I'm not biased, of course) and I'm filing it away in case it she needs something for Primary one day.
I just could not resist sharing one very amusing line in her talk. And yes, she thinks 'scriptures' is a singular word:
"The scriptures is very big. So if your family scriptures is not big then you have a problem."
We found her up in her bed at 10pm last night reading in her Book of Mormon, doing her part to keep the challenge the bishop gave to us to read the whole book this year. We told her that by reading 10 pages a week, she'd be done by the end of the year. Ever the overachiever, she is insisting that she wants to read 10 pages a day. She made it to page 6 last night before Daddy insisted she get some sleep. I'm positive that her comprehension is not 100%, but I'm impressed with her desire. Tanner slept with his Bible last night, saying he's going to read the whole Bible this year. (No, he's not a reader yet)
I just love my kids. They are such good examples for us poor schlubs that are raising them.
I just could not resist sharing one very amusing line in her talk. And yes, she thinks 'scriptures' is a singular word:
"The scriptures is very big. So if your family scriptures is not big then you have a problem."
We found her up in her bed at 10pm last night reading in her Book of Mormon, doing her part to keep the challenge the bishop gave to us to read the whole book this year. We told her that by reading 10 pages a week, she'd be done by the end of the year. Ever the overachiever, she is insisting that she wants to read 10 pages a day. She made it to page 6 last night before Daddy insisted she get some sleep. I'm positive that her comprehension is not 100%, but I'm impressed with her desire. Tanner slept with his Bible last night, saying he's going to read the whole Bible this year. (No, he's not a reader yet)
I just love my kids. They are such good examples for us poor schlubs that are raising them.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Too Cold For Grilling
MMmmm...... it's too cold for grilling, but this recipe can be done in the oven. Just put the kabobs on a lightly sprayed cookie sheet, BROIL for 20 minutes on one side and 10 on the other. Yummy!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Brave Little Crew
Crew made two women tear up yesterday. He is becoming such a big boy, making such wonderful progress. His PT Julie was blown away and overwhelmed with emotion when she saw the strides he has made since she was here before the holidays. Continuing PT after the move was the best decision we have ever made for Crew. Julie is truly a gift. She is always ready with a new challenge, but is ever so observant of even the tiniest improvements that he makes between visits. As a bonus, she told me she doesn't consider me high maintenance at all, but in fact I am her favorite, most involved, and fearless mommy. See, I'm not so bad.
Now that Crew sits, we feel like the sky is the limit! We've been working on sitting for five months and at times we were tempted to despair. Reaching this hard-fought milestone has made us very very happy. We feel confident that he will one day crawl and then walk. It will just take time and work. Time we have; work we're willing to do.
Crew is now reaching with both hands equally, with no signs of weakness in his left arm/hand anymore. We taught him to pull a towel off his head yesterday. He fake-coughs to play. He had Julie in stitches with that one! Whenever she tried to get him to do something he wasn't in the mood for, he would just start fake-coughing at her, trying to distract her with his humorous new communication. Hey, it totally worked!!
Crew is now starting to reach for objects that are off to one side of him when he is sitting. It throws off his equilibrium, which he has worked so hard to establish. He's not real keen on it, but he's starting to get the feel for it, gaining confidence. Basically, his curiosity is starting to override his complacency and fear.
He is just doing great, great things. I'm so proud of him! I love you, Crew!!
Now that Crew sits, we feel like the sky is the limit! We've been working on sitting for five months and at times we were tempted to despair. Reaching this hard-fought milestone has made us very very happy. We feel confident that he will one day crawl and then walk. It will just take time and work. Time we have; work we're willing to do.
Crew is now reaching with both hands equally, with no signs of weakness in his left arm/hand anymore. We taught him to pull a towel off his head yesterday. He fake-coughs to play. He had Julie in stitches with that one! Whenever she tried to get him to do something he wasn't in the mood for, he would just start fake-coughing at her, trying to distract her with his humorous new communication. Hey, it totally worked!!
Crew is now starting to reach for objects that are off to one side of him when he is sitting. It throws off his equilibrium, which he has worked so hard to establish. He's not real keen on it, but he's starting to get the feel for it, gaining confidence. Basically, his curiosity is starting to override his complacency and fear.
He is just doing great, great things. I'm so proud of him! I love you, Crew!!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Low-Cal Eating
I am looking for your low-cal favorites please. Generally speaking, low-cal is rarely my favorite. Butt, I'm willing to expand my horizons so that I can stop expanding my backside.
My recent low-cal passion:
Turkey Mango Quesadilla
1 Mission Tortilla (110 cals)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (110 cals)
2 oz Deli turkey (50 cals)
2 Tbs mango salsa (20 cals)
My recent low-cal passion:
Turkey Mango Quesadilla
1 Mission Tortilla (110 cals)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (110 cals)
2 oz Deli turkey (50 cals)
2 Tbs mango salsa (20 cals)
Total: 290 calories
Spread cheese and turkey on tortilla. Fold in half, toast in pan on both sides until cheese is melted. Open up quesadilla and spread salsa on the inside. Seal quesadilla back up, sink your body into a comfy chair, turn on soothing music, close your eyes, and eat slowly.
Spread cheese and turkey on tortilla. Fold in half, toast in pan on both sides until cheese is melted. Open up quesadilla and spread salsa on the inside. Seal quesadilla back up, sink your body into a comfy chair, turn on soothing music, close your eyes, and eat slowly.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I'm Gonna Be So Hot
That's right. Me. Hot mama. Comin' atcha. I didn't even need ibuprofen to get out of bed this morning. I was very inspired by The Biggest Loser last night. Do you think that I can lose 34 pounds in one week like Michael? How about just a measly 13 like his mom? I'd probably need a tapeworm, huh?
Ok, so fine. I'll take longer than a week to drop the weight. I'll give it two weeks.
And for any other BL fans out there: "Koli and Sam" are no "Sione and Felipe".
Ok, so fine. I'll take longer than a week to drop the weight. I'll give it two weeks.
And for any other BL fans out there: "Koli and Sam" are no "Sione and Felipe".
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
The "Museum"
I recently presented Justin with a list of local attractions that we just had to have passes for. He mostly laughed/choked and said "we'll talk about it later...maybe" but he did approve a Lifetime Membership to Cabela's!
What? You say that doesn't count because it's a store? And admission is free? Well, you haven't lived until you have taken small children to the Cabela's "Museum"!
Kinley was freaked out by the aquarium, but Tanner was mesmerized by the sunken rowboat and one dead fish, seen below.
Thanks to Night at the Museum, my kids are totally ruined for places like this. They tried to convince me to come back after store closing tonight, "when all the animals will come alive".
We found a hunting display that bore an alarming resemblance to one former U.S. president...
Hunting isn't my thing. I mean, it really really really isn't my thing, but I'm glad for the hour of entertainment we found in the hunter's retail habitat. Kinley said it was even better than Thanksgiving Point. I disagree, but I'm happy she enjoyed it so much anyway.
My only mistake was asking the kids on the drive home what their favorite part of the trip was:
Kinley: My favorite thing was holding that little stuffed mountain lion you didn't buy for me. Which is totally fine. But I'm just sayin'. 'Cause you asked.
Tanner: Yeah, my favorite thing was holding that little toy alligator that you wouldn't buy for me.
What? You say that doesn't count because it's a store? And admission is free? Well, you haven't lived until you have taken small children to the Cabela's "Museum"!
Kinley was freaked out by the aquarium, but Tanner was mesmerized by the sunken rowboat and one dead fish, seen below.
Thanks to Night at the Museum, my kids are totally ruined for places like this. They tried to convince me to come back after store closing tonight, "when all the animals will come alive".
We found a hunting display that bore an alarming resemblance to one former U.S. president...
Hunting isn't my thing. I mean, it really really really isn't my thing, but I'm glad for the hour of entertainment we found in the hunter's retail habitat. Kinley said it was even better than Thanksgiving Point. I disagree, but I'm happy she enjoyed it so much anyway.
My only mistake was asking the kids on the drive home what their favorite part of the trip was:Kinley: My favorite thing was holding that little stuffed mountain lion you didn't buy for me. Which is totally fine. But I'm just sayin'. 'Cause you asked.
Tanner: Yeah, my favorite thing was holding that little toy alligator that you wouldn't buy for me.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year, Baby Crew
Crew has recently become a "sitter". He sits, and he sits well. We are crazy proud of him! He has also become a thousand times easier to feed. He is eating solid foods twice per day. We're still doing jarred food (never did get around to making my own baby food) and he'll eat any veggie and any fruit offered. While he is still particular about temperature and texture, he'll now eat his food mixed with rice, oatmeal, or mixed cereal.
We have wasted so much food over the last several months, never knowing whether he'd really try to eat it or just cry until we gave him a bottle. He seems to have figured out that solid food is, well, food. Justin and I no longer draw straws or gauge who has the greatest depth of patience in a given moment to decide who will feed him. He no longer needs a bath after every meal. I no longer have to sing songs at the top of my lungs to keep him focused and calm. We no longer have to tap his lips to get him to creep them open enough to sneak a bite of food in there. He would often get so frustrated because you could tell he wanted us to shovel faster, but he couldn't figure out that he had to open his mouth to get it. He's Mr. Jaws now. I didn't even realize how tense mealtime was until it stopped being so tense. It's quick and cheerful playtime for us now instead of the most dreaded chore in the house.
Crew has also figured out that whatever we put in our mouths is also food. His arms have become windmills at the dinner table and nothing is safe. We are letting him sample a few things here and there. He still has an overactive gag reflex, but I can tell it's improving.
Crew is also successfully passing toys between his hands. I think in the next month or so I'll be able to report that he is rolling onto his belly. He's getting so close. We are focusing on getting him interested in independent movement. We are trying to get him to roll onto his belly and get up on his knees. His current preference is to lay on his back and scream until we carry him where he wants to go. The catch is that when he's upset is not the time to try to teach him motor control to solve his own problems. It's an interesting balance.
We have a good feeling about this year for our little Crew. He has come so very very far in the last year. 14 months ago they told us he probably wouldn't live through the week. This time last year he was still only 2.5 pounds. One year ago this week they told us that Crew appeared to have Cerebral Atrophy; some said we were facing a worst case scenario, potentially fatal but certainly catastrophically damaging. Every day he is here is a miracle. Every milestone he reaches is cause for rejoicing.
He has such a beautiful little face. Even after all that has happened, it's hard to imagine having two of this exact same, perfect little face in our home. Dex and Crew are identical twins, but I never saw Dex with his eyes open. I still see the clear resemblance when Crew is sleeping, but it's difficult for me to imagine Dex's spirit and soul peering out at me through these eyes that I have come to know as Crew's most dominant facial feature. Methinks the world couldn't have handled so much cuteness!
We have wasted so much food over the last several months, never knowing whether he'd really try to eat it or just cry until we gave him a bottle. He seems to have figured out that solid food is, well, food. Justin and I no longer draw straws or gauge who has the greatest depth of patience in a given moment to decide who will feed him. He no longer needs a bath after every meal. I no longer have to sing songs at the top of my lungs to keep him focused and calm. We no longer have to tap his lips to get him to creep them open enough to sneak a bite of food in there. He would often get so frustrated because you could tell he wanted us to shovel faster, but he couldn't figure out that he had to open his mouth to get it. He's Mr. Jaws now. I didn't even realize how tense mealtime was until it stopped being so tense. It's quick and cheerful playtime for us now instead of the most dreaded chore in the house.
Crew has also figured out that whatever we put in our mouths is also food. His arms have become windmills at the dinner table and nothing is safe. We are letting him sample a few things here and there. He still has an overactive gag reflex, but I can tell it's improving.
Crew is also successfully passing toys between his hands. I think in the next month or so I'll be able to report that he is rolling onto his belly. He's getting so close. We are focusing on getting him interested in independent movement. We are trying to get him to roll onto his belly and get up on his knees. His current preference is to lay on his back and scream until we carry him where he wants to go. The catch is that when he's upset is not the time to try to teach him motor control to solve his own problems. It's an interesting balance.
We have a good feeling about this year for our little Crew. He has come so very very far in the last year. 14 months ago they told us he probably wouldn't live through the week. This time last year he was still only 2.5 pounds. One year ago this week they told us that Crew appeared to have Cerebral Atrophy; some said we were facing a worst case scenario, potentially fatal but certainly catastrophically damaging. Every day he is here is a miracle. Every milestone he reaches is cause for rejoicing.
He has such a beautiful little face. Even after all that has happened, it's hard to imagine having two of this exact same, perfect little face in our home. Dex and Crew are identical twins, but I never saw Dex with his eyes open. I still see the clear resemblance when Crew is sleeping, but it's difficult for me to imagine Dex's spirit and soul peering out at me through these eyes that I have come to know as Crew's most dominant facial feature. Methinks the world couldn't have handled so much cuteness!
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year's Day
After a long celebratory night that was full of festivities and lacking in sleep, we headed to Heber City for a day of fun in the snow! Matt is Justin's brother. Matt's wife is Kim. Kim's parents lives in Heber. Matt, Kim and their family were gracious enough to invite us out to their property to enjoy a day of snow tubing.
Preston, Kinley, Kaden, and Tanner giving me the obligatory group shot.
My snow princess.
Do you suppose he knows how handsome he is?
Whatever. Go ahead and eat it. I can't seem to stop you anyway.
Kaden and Kinley hiking up the hill yet another time.
The tough little men, posing with attitude.
He has perfected his eye-cross face, in case you couldn't tell...
Tanner and Preston recognize a "park" when they see one!
Kim's dad refurbished an old Tracker for his towing business. They needed something to dig snowmobiles out of sticky situations that the big tow truck can't access. He took off the wheels and added snow....feet. I don't know what they are called, so I'll call them snow feet. Brad pulled the kids around in the snow on a deflated tube. (There were a lot of tube explosions today). I was surprised that Tanner was willing to join in this activity and shocked that he loved it so much. With a face full of snow, the little volunteers were all smiles! Here they are being supervised by Uncle Matthew.
Thank you so much for inviting us Matt, Kim and fam! We had a great time and really appreciate it!
Preston, Kinley, Kaden, and Tanner giving me the obligatory group shot.
My snow princess.
Do you suppose he knows how handsome he is?
Whatever. Go ahead and eat it. I can't seem to stop you anyway.
Kaden and Kinley hiking up the hill yet another time.
The tough little men, posing with attitude.
He has perfected his eye-cross face, in case you couldn't tell...
Tanner and Preston recognize a "park" when they see one!
Kim's dad refurbished an old Tracker for his towing business. They needed something to dig snowmobiles out of sticky situations that the big tow truck can't access. He took off the wheels and added snow....feet. I don't know what they are called, so I'll call them snow feet. Brad pulled the kids around in the snow on a deflated tube. (There were a lot of tube explosions today). I was surprised that Tanner was willing to join in this activity and shocked that he loved it so much. With a face full of snow, the little volunteers were all smiles! Here they are being supervised by Uncle Matthew.
Thank you so much for inviting us Matt, Kim and fam! We had a great time and really appreciate it!
New Year's Eve
We rang in the new year with Justin's brothers and their families. We ate and played, then played and ate. The big kids are at great ages to play together without constant refereeing. Everyone showed up at 10 in the morning and spent the night. Games, games, games!! Board games, card games, and video games. It was fantastic!
The kids played many games, including "Tumble" (Thanks for the perfect gift, Grovers!!)
Tanner and Preston played wonderfully together. They are one month apart in age.
Tanner and Preston carried around Transformers all day and night. It kept them happy.
Silly boys.
Kinley and Kaden enjoying a little snack together.
He is so totally crazy.
Justin thought he'd get me to stop taking pictures by swatting a ping-pong ball at me. I showed him! It's the best pic of the night!! Cool, huh??!
Crew played ping-pong too. We had a ping-pong tourney to get the blood pumping before midnight. I tied for fourth place.
I pooped out at 12:15, but the par-tay kept going until 3:45... Or so I've been told.
The kids played many games, including "Tumble" (Thanks for the perfect gift, Grovers!!)
Tanner and Preston played wonderfully together. They are one month apart in age.
Tanner and Preston carried around Transformers all day and night. It kept them happy.
Silly boys.
Kinley and Kaden enjoying a little snack together.
He is so totally crazy.
Justin thought he'd get me to stop taking pictures by swatting a ping-pong ball at me. I showed him! It's the best pic of the night!! Cool, huh??!
Crew played ping-pong too. We had a ping-pong tourney to get the blood pumping before midnight. I tied for fourth place.
I pooped out at 12:15, but the par-tay kept going until 3:45... Or so I've been told.
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