This will be the last post on this site. Please follow us to our new site www.ourberryvine.blogspot.com
It is a little sad to be saying goodbye to our cute little girl only site. As excited and ready as I am to expand our family to include Grayson, I sometimes worry how this change will affect my sweet little Ruth. As you can see in the picture above, her little cherub face just makes you want to smile back at her. I worry that this new addition will bring her feelings of being cast aside.
So as I invite you to the new site, it is with a note of reminiscence that we leave this site. Please join us and follow our Berry vine.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A Great Day to Be a Hog and a Hokie
A Hog, of course, is an Arkansas Razorback. I love my hogs, even when we lose, but what a joy it is to hoot and holler when we win. Brian was working the flu shot event at Target yesterday so Ruth and I got to watch the first half of the Razorback game by ourselves without having to flip the channel to see other games, namely the Virginia Tech game that was being played at the same time. The VT game was a blow out so even when Brian got home we got to watch the Hogs until it was time to leave for our joint birthday party.
Ruth finally called the hogs yesterday. For those of you too unfortunate to live in Arkansas or attend the University of Arkansas, calling the hogs is a time honored tradition. You begin by placing your arms above your head and wiggling your fingers (like spirit fingers) and saying a very loud "woooooo," then you pull both arms down as you shout "pig" and then throw one arm up and yell "sooie". Ruth would do the spirit finger and say "woooo" and would say "sooie" but wouldn't do the rest. Let's hope the hogs keep winning and by the end of the season I am sure she will have it.
Ruth finally called the hogs yesterday. For those of you too unfortunate to live in Arkansas or attend the University of Arkansas, calling the hogs is a time honored tradition. You begin by placing your arms above your head and wiggling your fingers (like spirit fingers) and saying a very loud "woooooo," then you pull both arms down as you shout "pig" and then throw one arm up and yell "sooie". Ruth would do the spirit finger and say "woooo" and would say "sooie" but wouldn't do the rest. Let's hope the hogs keep winning and by the end of the season I am sure she will have it.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
We Need a New Name
For the blog, that is. Everything cool (the berry vine and anything we can think of associated with play on the name berry) has been taken.
So we need your help. Only 54 more days before we will need a new blog address. So send in your suggestions!!!!!!!
So we need your help. Only 54 more days before we will need a new blog address. So send in your suggestions!!!!!!!
Two Funny Stories
This morning was my doctor's visit. Nothing special. I am on the every two weeks visit now (but I did get the regular flu shot today).
All women who have been pregnant know that every time you go to the OB/GYN, no matter what, they want you to pee in a cup. Those people are fascinated by pee. Today I didn't think I could give them a "sample" (as they call it) and asked if I could wait until the end thinking maybe it would have time to build. Usually, Nurse Karen who thinks Ruth belongs to her holds Ruth for me so I can go in peace. But since I was giving them the "sample" at the end, Karen was involved with another patient. Ruth had to come in with me. No big deal. Ruth just has never seen me pee in a cup (well, not since she was in a car seat in the bathroom). After crying because I wouldn't let her color (I had to write my name on the cup after all), she observed the steps in peeing in a cup. We deposited the "sample" and left.
When we got home I promptly put her to nap eventhough it was only 9am. She went down without a fight (remember, we had a late night last night and she rose at the same early time this morning). When she got up from her nap, I had to go to the bathroom. Ruth took her normal position on her potty (with her clothes on) and then got up, got the cup we use for her bath off the bathtub, put it in the potty and then sat on it. I guess she figured this was the new way to use the bathroom.
Soon after we were having lunch. We usually make her stay in the high chair until we are finished eating. Ruth finished earlier than me, of course, and I was really too tired to fight her so I took off her tray and started to get her out so I could finish my lunch in peace. But Ruth reall just wanted to play with the straps that lock her in the chair. She was able to lock one side but not the other. She lifted her arms and said "dang" and then sighed and said, "pa-strated". This means, of course, frustrated. I have started saying that I am frustrated rather than mad because that is usually the case. I thought it was funny that Ruth said it for the first time in context and so calmly and matter-of-fact.
On the 54th day from now, Grayson will be here!
All women who have been pregnant know that every time you go to the OB/GYN, no matter what, they want you to pee in a cup. Those people are fascinated by pee. Today I didn't think I could give them a "sample" (as they call it) and asked if I could wait until the end thinking maybe it would have time to build. Usually, Nurse Karen who thinks Ruth belongs to her holds Ruth for me so I can go in peace. But since I was giving them the "sample" at the end, Karen was involved with another patient. Ruth had to come in with me. No big deal. Ruth just has never seen me pee in a cup (well, not since she was in a car seat in the bathroom). After crying because I wouldn't let her color (I had to write my name on the cup after all), she observed the steps in peeing in a cup. We deposited the "sample" and left.
When we got home I promptly put her to nap eventhough it was only 9am. She went down without a fight (remember, we had a late night last night and she rose at the same early time this morning). When she got up from her nap, I had to go to the bathroom. Ruth took her normal position on her potty (with her clothes on) and then got up, got the cup we use for her bath off the bathtub, put it in the potty and then sat on it. I guess she figured this was the new way to use the bathroom.
Soon after we were having lunch. We usually make her stay in the high chair until we are finished eating. Ruth finished earlier than me, of course, and I was really too tired to fight her so I took off her tray and started to get her out so I could finish my lunch in peace. But Ruth reall just wanted to play with the straps that lock her in the chair. She was able to lock one side but not the other. She lifted her arms and said "dang" and then sighed and said, "pa-strated". This means, of course, frustrated. I have started saying that I am frustrated rather than mad because that is usually the case. I thought it was funny that Ruth said it for the first time in context and so calmly and matter-of-fact.
On the 54th day from now, Grayson will be here!
Our First Emergency Room Visit
Today is Ruth's 19 month birthday. And we celebrated the end of her 18th month with a three hour tour of the Northside-Cherokee Emergency Room.
Let me set the stage. Ruth doesn't like vegetables. But last night she ate a good amount of black eyed peas. And a little bit of carrot. Very few noodles. And almost no chicken. Brian and I had chili. Brian and Ruth finished dinner early so I retired to the living room to watch some news with my remaining chili while Brian cleaned Ruth up and gave her the liquid Tri-Vi-Sol with Iron vitamins she takes. As soon as my bottom hit the couch, I heard the coughing.
But this wasn't normal coughing. This was choking. And the worse choking ever. As I walked in to the kitchen I could see Ruth's face as Brian took her out of the high chair in the dining room. She was red and coughing but obviously gasping for air and looked scared. Brian was remaining calm but I could see the look on his face: fear. She threw up the contents of her dinner on his shirt (so much for vegetables) and on herself. She was crying but still didn't sound right. We stripped her and Brian's shirt and washed her off a little. She wouldn't drink water and wouldn't take a paci. We finally got her calmed down and the two of them cuddled in the rocking chair looking so much like they did when Brian would hold her when she was a little bitty baby - both bare chested (or "naken" as Ruth likes to say). Ruth sounded like Lou Rawls when she talked, had a bad cough and still sounded a little wheezy when she breathed. A quick call to the nurse line confirmed that we needed to take her to the hospital. They said we didn't have to take her to the children's hospital in Atlanta (thank goodness) so we went to our little local one here.
Ruth is fine. During our three hour tour Ruth was checked over and had her first chest x-ray (I couldn't go because of being pregnant) but Brian said she did great. She was sounding much better by the time we came home (the two crying fits helped clean her out). The x-ray revealed that her lungs were clear. She sounded congested this morning but is sleeping great now. We didn't get home until almost 10pm and then she was up at normal time this morning at 6am. I had my doctor's appointment at 8:30 but Ruth went down without a fight at 9:15 and is still asleep. Let's home for a nice long nap so she can recover.
Not that I am a fan of the proposed national health care plan at all, but I did think last night how lucky we are to have good insurance and for Brian to have a good job that we were able to get care for our baby girl. So many other families would have been so stressed financially by the emergency visit. We were able to pay the co-insurance without worry. Most of you who read this blog are probably in the same situation we are in - insured with good coverage. But how many aren't? Socialized medicine is not the answer. But what is?
Let me set the stage. Ruth doesn't like vegetables. But last night she ate a good amount of black eyed peas. And a little bit of carrot. Very few noodles. And almost no chicken. Brian and I had chili. Brian and Ruth finished dinner early so I retired to the living room to watch some news with my remaining chili while Brian cleaned Ruth up and gave her the liquid Tri-Vi-Sol with Iron vitamins she takes. As soon as my bottom hit the couch, I heard the coughing.
But this wasn't normal coughing. This was choking. And the worse choking ever. As I walked in to the kitchen I could see Ruth's face as Brian took her out of the high chair in the dining room. She was red and coughing but obviously gasping for air and looked scared. Brian was remaining calm but I could see the look on his face: fear. She threw up the contents of her dinner on his shirt (so much for vegetables) and on herself. She was crying but still didn't sound right. We stripped her and Brian's shirt and washed her off a little. She wouldn't drink water and wouldn't take a paci. We finally got her calmed down and the two of them cuddled in the rocking chair looking so much like they did when Brian would hold her when she was a little bitty baby - both bare chested (or "naken" as Ruth likes to say). Ruth sounded like Lou Rawls when she talked, had a bad cough and still sounded a little wheezy when she breathed. A quick call to the nurse line confirmed that we needed to take her to the hospital. They said we didn't have to take her to the children's hospital in Atlanta (thank goodness) so we went to our little local one here.
Ruth is fine. During our three hour tour Ruth was checked over and had her first chest x-ray (I couldn't go because of being pregnant) but Brian said she did great. She was sounding much better by the time we came home (the two crying fits helped clean her out). The x-ray revealed that her lungs were clear. She sounded congested this morning but is sleeping great now. We didn't get home until almost 10pm and then she was up at normal time this morning at 6am. I had my doctor's appointment at 8:30 but Ruth went down without a fight at 9:15 and is still asleep. Let's home for a nice long nap so she can recover.
Not that I am a fan of the proposed national health care plan at all, but I did think last night how lucky we are to have good insurance and for Brian to have a good job that we were able to get care for our baby girl. So many other families would have been so stressed financially by the emergency visit. We were able to pay the co-insurance without worry. Most of you who read this blog are probably in the same situation we are in - insured with good coverage. But how many aren't? Socialized medicine is not the answer. But what is?
Friday, October 2, 2009
We are Okay!
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. With all the rain, appointments and grading papers, I haven't had the time or energy to post. Brian's parents are going to be here soon and we plan to take Ruth to the zoo tomorrow.
I will try to post next week.
I will try to post next week.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Game Day
Football season can be so crushing. Yesterday, during Brian's afternoon Virginia Tech game, he was frustrated and disappointed during most of the game until the last two minutes when VT pulled out a win. I was excited most of the first quarter, scared the second quarter, hopeful the third quarter, and sleeping and then ticked the fourth quarter. And that, folks, is college football.
As I update this blog, all three of us are in bed. Ruth is sitting on Brian's stomach singing and bouncing. Poor Brian is trying to sleep. We have decided to stay home from Sunday school and only go to church today. Brian is too tired and I, frankly, don't want to hear people who didn't even go to Georgia go on and on about how great they are (when we all know that Georgia is overrated).
But I digress.
I thought it would be fun to see pictures of Ruth and Brian from GAME DAY (it is in all caps because it is the first game of each season) from this year and the last year. How Ruth has changed.
The game heats up against Alabama.
Things are looking good at this moment.
Look how little Ruth looks in Daddy's lap last year!!!! Ruth and I took a nap during the second half of this game.
This is still her favorite seat in the house.
As I update this blog, all three of us are in bed. Ruth is sitting on Brian's stomach singing and bouncing. Poor Brian is trying to sleep. We have decided to stay home from Sunday school and only go to church today. Brian is too tired and I, frankly, don't want to hear people who didn't even go to Georgia go on and on about how great they are (when we all know that Georgia is overrated).
But I digress.
I thought it would be fun to see pictures of Ruth and Brian from GAME DAY (it is in all caps because it is the first game of each season) from this year and the last year. How Ruth has changed.
The game heats up against Alabama.
Things are looking good at this moment.
Look how little Ruth looks in Daddy's lap last year!!!! Ruth and I took a nap during the second half of this game.
This is still her favorite seat in the house.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Rain Rain Go Away
First, I want to tell you I love rain. I grew up learning not to curse the rain (farming community) except if hay had been cut. My dad always liked to gamble with the weather and cut more hay than he could bail in a day. Seems almost every year we would lose at least some hay to rain because of this.
But today it is me who is losing the game to weather. We planned a yard sale 2 weeks ago, advertised in the paper and waited. It has rained all week. Our yard sale started at 8am. No rain when we woke up. Brian and I had stayed up late getting ready. He built a sign for the road, we finished setting up the garage, Ruth and I ran to the grocery store for balloons. At 8am, it started to rain. So far we have only had three customers but have made $126 (this does not count the $20 of expenses that we have already paid our selves back). But our garage is still full of stuff. One customer told us that we should put the ad on Craig's List for free and then have it again next Saturday. We shall see. We have several more things that we would like to see sell so we can evaluate during the week.
Ruth is now down for a nap and the rain is comining and going. Brian and I are going to enjoy the quiet of the rain and each other's company. If you are in the area, come on by and see us. I'll make a pot of tea.
But today it is me who is losing the game to weather. We planned a yard sale 2 weeks ago, advertised in the paper and waited. It has rained all week. Our yard sale started at 8am. No rain when we woke up. Brian and I had stayed up late getting ready. He built a sign for the road, we finished setting up the garage, Ruth and I ran to the grocery store for balloons. At 8am, it started to rain. So far we have only had three customers but have made $126 (this does not count the $20 of expenses that we have already paid our selves back). But our garage is still full of stuff. One customer told us that we should put the ad on Craig's List for free and then have it again next Saturday. We shall see. We have several more things that we would like to see sell so we can evaluate during the week.
Ruth is now down for a nap and the rain is comining and going. Brian and I are going to enjoy the quiet of the rain and each other's company. If you are in the area, come on by and see us. I'll make a pot of tea.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
In Memory
A long standing member of my home church, Sidney Baptist, passed away Sunday night. Ms. Lillian and her family have known me since before I was born. This picture of Ruth, me and Ms. Lillian was taken on September 17, 2008 - almost exactly one year ago. Ruth always seems so transfixed by her.
Not to be preachy, but in the tradition of a Southern Baptist funeral, if you were to die today, could you say without a doubt that you will be in Heaven tonight? If not, I urge you to get down on your knees and ask Jesus into your heart. If you want to know more, you can e-mail me or call a local church.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Today
Just so no one thinks we forgot, we do remember. I have replayed my day several times. Brian chooses to do something different today and focus more on today rather than reliving the past. I have taken several moments to thank God for the many miracles of that day and to hug Ruth a little tighter.
I hope everyone had a day of hope and joy today.
We also had ice cream.
I hope everyone had a day of hope and joy today.
We also had ice cream.
The Adventures of Ruth
Ruth had her 18 month appointment on Tuesday morning. She is now up to 20 pounds and 12.8 ounces. This raises her from the 5% in weight to the 6%. However, she is in the 80% for head size. I guess from the post about Ruth asking to be taken to the mirror and pronouncing that she is cute is enough to tell us all that Ruth as a big head.
Wednesday evening the Sears repairmen came to my house. My husband was able to get the microwave up by himself but it took two of them to take it down and put it up. I am sure one could do it but that it made it faster. Ruth and I watched as they used electric screwdrivers to unscrew all the many screws to take it apart. As they lifted the back off the microwave, Ruth said, "Ta-da!"
One of the Sears men cut himself and bled on my kitchen rug. Now, it wasn't that much blood but even at the doctor's office if you have a band-aid with blood on it they put it in a special trash can. So I called Sears and filed a damage report. We are buying a new rug and are awaiting Sears to tell us if they will pay for it. Don't hold your breath.
Friday mornings are a little crazy at our house. Fridays are the day I step out of the mommy role and go be a "real" person at KSUand teach a lecture class. As Brian and I were getting ready for work this morning, Ruth did her usual go between her room with puzzles and our room to talk to us. At one point when she was in her room, she started yelling for us but we couldn't understand what. I walked into her room to find that she had crawled up on the big bed and from there crawled up on the changing table. She was sitting there, reaching for the wipes saying "dy-per".
Great, my child not only climbs but apparently feels that her diaper needs to be changed when barely damp.
Wednesday evening the Sears repairmen came to my house. My husband was able to get the microwave up by himself but it took two of them to take it down and put it up. I am sure one could do it but that it made it faster. Ruth and I watched as they used electric screwdrivers to unscrew all the many screws to take it apart. As they lifted the back off the microwave, Ruth said, "Ta-da!"
One of the Sears men cut himself and bled on my kitchen rug. Now, it wasn't that much blood but even at the doctor's office if you have a band-aid with blood on it they put it in a special trash can. So I called Sears and filed a damage report. We are buying a new rug and are awaiting Sears to tell us if they will pay for it. Don't hold your breath.
Friday mornings are a little crazy at our house. Fridays are the day I step out of the mommy role and go be a "real" person at KSUand teach a lecture class. As Brian and I were getting ready for work this morning, Ruth did her usual go between her room with puzzles and our room to talk to us. At one point when she was in her room, she started yelling for us but we couldn't understand what. I walked into her room to find that she had crawled up on the big bed and from there crawled up on the changing table. She was sitting there, reaching for the wipes saying "dy-per".
Great, my child not only climbs but apparently feels that her diaper needs to be changed when barely damp.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Hormones Talking
As I update this blog, my sweet husband is sleeping next to me and my daughter is asleep in her room. The house is quiet except for my typing and our humidifiers. It is peaceful. Grayson and I are awake. He is kicking probably due to the massive amount of dark chocolate chips I ate today. Come to think of it, that may be why I am wide awake at the late hour of 10pm.
Ruth had her 18 month check up today. Brian was able to go with us. I was so glad. The nurses always have a ton of questions for you and forms to fill out so you can't give your full attention to your child who is either trying to get into stuff or who needs comforting. In addition, Ruth is in a Daddy phase. At dinner she will only let Daddy help her. I tried to help her tonight since I was done eating (I started before everyone else) and Brian was trying to eat. She would hold out her fork and say "Daddy" and I would try to take the fork and say "I'm happy to help." Ruth would pull the fork away from me and re-extend it to Brian. Oh well. The two of them enjoy each other so much who am I to get in the way. Besides, it gives me a break. And I am the one who gets to "wing" with her in the afternoons on the front porch as we watch the "kool bas" (school buses) go by all the while singing on demand and changing mid verse from "The wheels on the bus" to "the horn on the bus", "the wipers on the bus", "the kids on the bus", "twinkle", "itty-bitty" (itsty-bitsy spider), to "speak a speak" (the theme song to Martha Speaks). I have gotten pretty good at being a quick change singer.
In the words of the characters in the movie Hope Floats, my cup runneth over. (yes, I know this is from the Bible too).
My cup runneth over and over and over.....
Ruth had her 18 month check up today. Brian was able to go with us. I was so glad. The nurses always have a ton of questions for you and forms to fill out so you can't give your full attention to your child who is either trying to get into stuff or who needs comforting. In addition, Ruth is in a Daddy phase. At dinner she will only let Daddy help her. I tried to help her tonight since I was done eating (I started before everyone else) and Brian was trying to eat. She would hold out her fork and say "Daddy" and I would try to take the fork and say "I'm happy to help." Ruth would pull the fork away from me and re-extend it to Brian. Oh well. The two of them enjoy each other so much who am I to get in the way. Besides, it gives me a break. And I am the one who gets to "wing" with her in the afternoons on the front porch as we watch the "kool bas" (school buses) go by all the while singing on demand and changing mid verse from "The wheels on the bus" to "the horn on the bus", "the wipers on the bus", "the kids on the bus", "twinkle", "itty-bitty" (itsty-bitsy spider), to "speak a speak" (the theme song to Martha Speaks). I have gotten pretty good at being a quick change singer.
In the words of the characters in the movie Hope Floats, my cup runneth over. (yes, I know this is from the Bible too).
My cup runneth over and over and over.....
Monday, September 7, 2009
Pictures from Arkansas in July
For those of you who know me, you know that I am not an animal person. The fact that Brian says I am a founding member and president of NAPO (Natalie Against Pet Ownership) is an understatement. I grew up on a farm surrounded by animals. Animals in the house make me nervous (sorry homeowners with pets) because I know what messes animals make - similar to children. So of course, God gave me a child who loves animals. When we are out, I let her talk to and pet animals because I don't want my dislike of animals to influence her. My parents have outside animals and Ruth loved playing with them. She would just hug and hug the kitty. I love the expression on the cat's face.
This is my friend Kara and her son Eston. He is nine months older than Ruth but seemed ages older. We had great weather that day and the kids played outside blowing bubbles and playing with balls. Remember, it is a farm and farm equipment is what you see in the background - along with my mother's English inspired garden.
These pictures were taken at the lodge where we stayed while Memommy (my mother) was at her library meeting. I had purchased Ruth this cute little tutu for cheap and she enjoyed wearing it around the hotel room. It has been in her closet ever since.
This is my friend Kara and her son Eston. He is nine months older than Ruth but seemed ages older. We had great weather that day and the kids played outside blowing bubbles and playing with balls. Remember, it is a farm and farm equipment is what you see in the background - along with my mother's English inspired garden.
These pictures were taken at the lodge where we stayed while Memommy (my mother) was at her library meeting. I had purchased Ruth this cute little tutu for cheap and she enjoyed wearing it around the hotel room. It has been in her closet ever since.
For my dancer friends, don't you love the parallel attitude in second. Pretty good form, I think. Knee and toes seem to be in the same line. However, she learned this move watching Daddy and this was during a phase when she thought standing on one leg was the coolest trick. That, sadly, has now passed. How quickly they move on to new tricks.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Ruth and the Apple
To answer your questions, yes, Ruth eats apples just like in the picture. Brian will start it for her and then she goes to town. She still spits out the peeling, or rather hands it to whatever parent is closest. In fact, she gets mad if you try to cut it up for her. She wants to be like daddy.
However, she will instruct us to "cut it" on whatever meat we put on the high chair, even though the pieces are quiet small already.
However, she will instruct us to "cut it" on whatever meat we put on the high chair, even though the pieces are quiet small already.
Be Thankful
Yesterday I ranted about Sears. Today I read this from my sorority sister, Debbie. I know we all can get stressed and be thankful for wonderful things. This is not meant to be a sob story. I am just so proud of my friend Debbie (by the way, Sooners, her husband is a die hard Sooner fan - born and raised in Arkansas). This is from their Caring Bridge website.
"September 3rd the dayone year ago that I took Adam to Dr. McNabb for his 3 year old Well Child Check-Up. (Adam was excited to see McNabb because Dr. McNabb is 'sweat to me') September 3rd, the day that has changed our lives forever.
I have such vivid memories:
* Dr. McNabb and every other Doc in the practice coming in to examine Adam
* Being told we need to go to Children's ER, they were expecting us
* Calling Mark at work, telling him to come home - but not telling him why
* The single tear down Alyson's face when she saw the CBC report McNabb sent with us to take to Children's
* The parade of Docs in the ER at Children's, each older than the last
* Being admitted for "tests" at 2:00am by a lovely nurse named Krystal
* The bone marrow aspiration, I was not strong enough to watch Adam through this, I curled up next to Mark's leg on the floor and cried
* Making the unthinkable phone calls to friends and family, Adam has cancer
It was real for me that day, something was amuch with my baby. I though it would be easier by now, I hoped we would be old hat at this and our abnormal, new normal would be easy. It was supposed to be easier by now. Don't get me wrong it is easier in some respects; no more middle of the night runs to Children's for fever, no more seriously ill child, no more intense everyday isolation. What has replaced those difficult times are now the semi-regular struggle to have Adam take whatever oral daily med, drug interactions, and the reality that his Friday chemo makes him feel horrible every weekend all weekend. We hurt for our baby because there isn't a thing we can do to make it better no matter how much we want to.
Those who have said that this world is a cold, cruel place don't know the world I live in. We have experienced so much giving and so much love over the last year. God has surrounded us with enough family, friens and medical professionals to support us through a very rough time in life. He has not let us down but equipped us to make this very difficult walk.
So today I declare my New Year. I have taken the day off from work and hope that Adam wakes fever free and feeling good so we can spend some quality time at the zoo with Grandma. Today truly brings about a new year that is more significant that the calendar year - a year of life. My New Year - New Life resolution is to cherish each moment as it is and not want for someting different. To cherish the fact that Adam wants me to hold and snuggle him rather than focus on the fact that the chemo makes him feel so rotten that he wants to be helf.
Here's to a New Year!
Debbie"
"September 3rd the dayone year ago that I took Adam to Dr. McNabb for his 3 year old Well Child Check-Up. (Adam was excited to see McNabb because Dr. McNabb is 'sweat to me') September 3rd, the day that has changed our lives forever.
I have such vivid memories:
* Dr. McNabb and every other Doc in the practice coming in to examine Adam
* Being told we need to go to Children's ER, they were expecting us
* Calling Mark at work, telling him to come home - but not telling him why
* The single tear down Alyson's face when she saw the CBC report McNabb sent with us to take to Children's
* The parade of Docs in the ER at Children's, each older than the last
* Being admitted for "tests" at 2:00am by a lovely nurse named Krystal
* The bone marrow aspiration, I was not strong enough to watch Adam through this, I curled up next to Mark's leg on the floor and cried
* Making the unthinkable phone calls to friends and family, Adam has cancer
It was real for me that day, something was amuch with my baby. I though it would be easier by now, I hoped we would be old hat at this and our abnormal, new normal would be easy. It was supposed to be easier by now. Don't get me wrong it is easier in some respects; no more middle of the night runs to Children's for fever, no more seriously ill child, no more intense everyday isolation. What has replaced those difficult times are now the semi-regular struggle to have Adam take whatever oral daily med, drug interactions, and the reality that his Friday chemo makes him feel horrible every weekend all weekend. We hurt for our baby because there isn't a thing we can do to make it better no matter how much we want to.
Those who have said that this world is a cold, cruel place don't know the world I live in. We have experienced so much giving and so much love over the last year. God has surrounded us with enough family, friens and medical professionals to support us through a very rough time in life. He has not let us down but equipped us to make this very difficult walk.
So today I declare my New Year. I have taken the day off from work and hope that Adam wakes fever free and feeling good so we can spend some quality time at the zoo with Grandma. Today truly brings about a new year that is more significant that the calendar year - a year of life. My New Year - New Life resolution is to cherish each moment as it is and not want for someting different. To cherish the fact that Adam wants me to hold and snuggle him rather than focus on the fact that the chemo makes him feel so rotten that he wants to be helf.
Here's to a New Year!
Debbie"
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Sears and Nap Time
Really, Ruth? After almost 18 months of life you still have to throw a fit at nap time? I am updating the blog, trying to get my frustration out before (or IF) the repairman from Sears ever shows up to our house to fix our less than two month old microwave.
This summer our old microwave, the one that came with the house, died. It was no surprise. I am sure it had been here the life of the house which is about 11 years if I remember correctly. It had been giving us clues for about six months that it was making arrangements for its final days. We bought a Kenmore, against both of our better instincts. The reason: everything else in the kitchen is a Kenmore so another Kenmore will match. But after the trouble we had with our fridge, multiple trouble, I had my doubts.
And now here we are, less than two months later and Saturday morning the microwave went out. And to make matters worse, Sears (fill in your favorite cuss word ever) gives us a time of 8am to 5pm of when they will be here. It is now 3pm, Ruth and I had to cancel our appointment today at Mother's Club and still no Sears man has called When I called Sears and got someone who I am sure was sitting at a desk in another country to ask if they could give me a more specific time, I was told "no" and that she would have the repairman call me. That was over two hours ago. Still no call.
Even though my father-in-law worked for Sears until early retirement, I think he wouldn't mind me saying this next statement: I HATE SEARS!!!!!! I will not shop there or at K-Mart and will gladly tell them why, if they had the customer service to listen or care.
Customer Service, if you are wondering, is something that existed in the old days when companies felt they owed their consumers a quality product with quality service. Now, companies want your money without having to deal with you.
I am off my soapbox.
This summer our old microwave, the one that came with the house, died. It was no surprise. I am sure it had been here the life of the house which is about 11 years if I remember correctly. It had been giving us clues for about six months that it was making arrangements for its final days. We bought a Kenmore, against both of our better instincts. The reason: everything else in the kitchen is a Kenmore so another Kenmore will match. But after the trouble we had with our fridge, multiple trouble, I had my doubts.
And now here we are, less than two months later and Saturday morning the microwave went out. And to make matters worse, Sears (fill in your favorite cuss word ever) gives us a time of 8am to 5pm of when they will be here. It is now 3pm, Ruth and I had to cancel our appointment today at Mother's Club and still no Sears man has called When I called Sears and got someone who I am sure was sitting at a desk in another country to ask if they could give me a more specific time, I was told "no" and that she would have the repairman call me. That was over two hours ago. Still no call.
Even though my father-in-law worked for Sears until early retirement, I think he wouldn't mind me saying this next statement: I HATE SEARS!!!!!! I will not shop there or at K-Mart and will gladly tell them why, if they had the customer service to listen or care.
Customer Service, if you are wondering, is something that existed in the old days when companies felt they owed their consumers a quality product with quality service. Now, companies want your money without having to deal with you.
I am off my soapbox.
Our Busy Saturday
Since Brian now works a "normal" work week (which in our area, due to traffic means leaving the house before 6:30 and getting home around 6:30), we have very busy weekends. And since this is the first year I have not had to Nutcracker (I have missed football Saturdays for five years!) rehearsals on Saturdays, we are living up on the weekends.
This past Saturday we had a birthday party at the Center for Puppetry Arts and then went to a park to hear our church's orchestra play. Ruth loved it. I have one picture twice but can't get it to remove today.
Look at the bicep.
What girl doesn't love hitting her own face with a balloon. I think she must have seen the movie "I Heart Huckabees" (this movie, by the way, is not talking about the former Gov. of Arkansas).
The best seat in the house.
"I think the trumpet section was a little off key."
Our family!
This past Saturday we had a birthday party at the Center for Puppetry Arts and then went to a park to hear our church's orchestra play. Ruth loved it. I have one picture twice but can't get it to remove today.
Look at the bicep.
What girl doesn't love hitting her own face with a balloon. I think she must have seen the movie "I Heart Huckabees" (this movie, by the way, is not talking about the former Gov. of Arkansas).
The best seat in the house.
"I think the trumpet section was a little off key."
Our family!Sunday, August 30, 2009
A glimpse of Ruth for Halloween
Since Ruth loves to make fish sounds, we have decided that she should be a fish for Halloween. And we found this great costume (with the tags still on it!!!!) at a second hand store.
And I am getting to post so many pictures because the computer system that Brian has installed is super fast!
Ruth in her big girl clothes
Ruth in her room wearing her big girl (2T) polo shirt. She loves playing with puzzles and thinks it is funny when Daddy jumps.Ruth the Artist
On this day, August 13, I was doing something very quickly and left Ruth to her own devices only feet away from me. When I looked down, this is what I saw: Ruth and her stage make-up artist rendition of Ruth as Cat.
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