In this series of posts about the goings on of my valentines, I'm most overwhelmed to write this one.
-Pat has been nothing but 100% amazing since my dad came. He's by my side always helping with care for my dad or care for our kids or our home, and he is my true help-meet.
-He's starting a new job (because we felt like we needed a little more life change right now. :) ) Still at the same company, but working for the local division in a senior-level position instead of for corporate. It will be a great move for him and I'm so proud of his desire to learn and grow in his career.
-I have never been more aware of the importance of the priesthood in our home, and I'm so grateful for a husband who holds the priesthood and uses it to bless his family. I've had my fair share of hard days lately. And break downs. And he's always there to step up and lead and bless. And I couldn't do any of this without him.
Pat is currently: incredibly patient, an amazing dad making time for our kids and giving them the attention they need right now, taking the baby so I can take naps when possible, understanding to the max, supportive when I need to leave the house, thoughtful and genuine, the love of my life
Sunday, February 14, 2010
All about Charlie
Oh, my baby love.
-Charlie is the gentle giant. Weighing in at over 16 pounds at his 2 month check, he is definitely my biggest baby (Sam weighed around 14 pounds at 2 months) and his chub is irresistable. He has rolls in places I've never seen them before and looks a lot bigger than a 2 month old.
-We blessed our boy last weekend and had a great time with family in town. When pictures finally finish downloading (they've been at it for an hour since I started this post) I'll get them up. He looked oh so sweet and his blessing was perfect.
-Charlie is testing my dedication to nursing with a new-found cow milk protein intolerance. As a girl who has always proclaimed ice cream as my favorite food, it's a bit of a struggle, but we're making it through. It was rather disheartening to find a diaper full of blood, especially given Pat's issues. Hopefully eliminating dairy from my diet will resolve all of Charlie's issues.
Charlie is currently: a spit-up machine (I've taken to using receiving blankets as burp cloths which still end up soaked by the end of his post-feeding burps), smiling on cue, sleeping fairly well except when the binky is lost, loving naps in the swing, cuddling my cares away
-Charlie is the gentle giant. Weighing in at over 16 pounds at his 2 month check, he is definitely my biggest baby (Sam weighed around 14 pounds at 2 months) and his chub is irresistable. He has rolls in places I've never seen them before and looks a lot bigger than a 2 month old.
-We blessed our boy last weekend and had a great time with family in town. When pictures finally finish downloading (they've been at it for an hour since I started this post) I'll get them up. He looked oh so sweet and his blessing was perfect.
-Charlie is testing my dedication to nursing with a new-found cow milk protein intolerance. As a girl who has always proclaimed ice cream as my favorite food, it's a bit of a struggle, but we're making it through. It was rather disheartening to find a diaper full of blood, especially given Pat's issues. Hopefully eliminating dairy from my diet will resolve all of Charlie's issues.
Charlie is currently: a spit-up machine (I've taken to using receiving blankets as burp cloths which still end up soaked by the end of his post-feeding burps), smiling on cue, sleeping fairly well except when the binky is lost, loving naps in the swing, cuddling my cares away
All about Addie
This girl never ceases to amaze me.
-She is a sensitive soul which although it can be trying sometimes, it may also be one of her greatest strengths. It's been sweet to watch her think about my dad as she goes about her day, drawing pictures for him (which include fancy illustrations like his cane) or stopping to play cards or show him her Barbies. I really appreciate her including him.
-She is a huge help. She loves Charlie and always wants to hold him. She's the first to run back to get a burp cloth or diaper or whatever I need (and luckily if she's not around, Sam's happy to help, too). She's tickled pink when Charlie smiles at her and coos, and I love watching that nurturing instinct in my sweet girl.
-She is oh so girly. Sometimes this means oh so dramatic. Always it means oh so concerned with her appearance and her accessories and her lip gloss and her clothes. Oh, her clothes. We've gone the rounds so many times about what she wears. I miss the days when I could dress her in whatever I wanted. I miss the days when putting on shoes did not start world war III. But I appreciate her desire to look her best. And I pray that I can instill a healthy body image and confidence in her so that she realizes no amount of accessories or lip gloss or clothes can make her any more beautiful than she already is.
Addie is currently: eating as many grape tomatoes as I'll let her eat, concerned with making healthy choices and helping my dad get better, listening to my every word and trying to figure out how the world works, nervous and excited about kindergarten in the fall (registration is in 9 days!), writing letters and drawing pictures with reckless abandon, playing with Sam the majority of every day, amazing me with her maturity and her love
-She is a sensitive soul which although it can be trying sometimes, it may also be one of her greatest strengths. It's been sweet to watch her think about my dad as she goes about her day, drawing pictures for him (which include fancy illustrations like his cane) or stopping to play cards or show him her Barbies. I really appreciate her including him.
-She is a huge help. She loves Charlie and always wants to hold him. She's the first to run back to get a burp cloth or diaper or whatever I need (and luckily if she's not around, Sam's happy to help, too). She's tickled pink when Charlie smiles at her and coos, and I love watching that nurturing instinct in my sweet girl.
-She is oh so girly. Sometimes this means oh so dramatic. Always it means oh so concerned with her appearance and her accessories and her lip gloss and her clothes. Oh, her clothes. We've gone the rounds so many times about what she wears. I miss the days when I could dress her in whatever I wanted. I miss the days when putting on shoes did not start world war III. But I appreciate her desire to look her best. And I pray that I can instill a healthy body image and confidence in her so that she realizes no amount of accessories or lip gloss or clothes can make her any more beautiful than she already is.
Addie is currently: eating as many grape tomatoes as I'll let her eat, concerned with making healthy choices and helping my dad get better, listening to my every word and trying to figure out how the world works, nervous and excited about kindergarten in the fall (registration is in 9 days!), writing letters and drawing pictures with reckless abandon, playing with Sam the majority of every day, amazing me with her maturity and her love
All about Sam
A few things I need to record for posterity about this energetic 3 year old boy.
-Sam has a friend named Danny. Danny came to play recently because his mom helped me out and kept my kids while I took my dad to another appointment. Danny told his mom he wanted to come to "Bam's house" soon. I told Sam that Danny wanted to come to "Bam's house" and Sam said, "dilly Danny, I not Bam, I Dam." He still has trouble with those S's. I'm equally amused to hear him call the neighbor's dog, "Die! Dum here." The dog's name is Sky. Can't you tell?
-A few weeks ago Sam was getting in trouble and I asked him what he wanted me to take away (usually a toy or movie or some beloved item goes into time-out). Without missing a beat, he kept playing and said "Charlie." I guess I know how he feels about his new baby brother. It was hard not to laugh as I tried to communicate that taking Charlie away wasn't an option.
-Sam recently watched Super Why about the tooth fairy. He was telling me all about losing teeth and how the tooth fairy would then come visit him. I assured him that not only would she visit, but she'd give him money when he lost a tooth. "Oh, so I can buy a new tooth." Makes perfect sense, now doesn't it.
-A couple of weeks ago Pat went in to tuck Sam in and found his head covered in some thick sticky substance. We quickly discovered the uncovered tub of vaseline with tell-tale finger marks having scooped out a large amount. He then rubbed it all over his head. Despite multiple hair washings the next day, we couldn't get it out, so I gave him a hair cut later that night. When asked what he was thinking, he quickly replied, "I wanted my hair pikey (spikey). I needed product." Some things remind me quickly that he has a big sister.
-Sam is currently: obsessed with my dad's cane, always on the lookout for treats and trying to avoid nutrition, still loving his Christmas and birthday stash (Star Wars, firemen, and Batman are found everywhere), filling his bed every night with the most random of things to be found around his room, snoring like a trucker and getting ready for a consult to have his tonsils removed, wearing pull-ups on busy days and underwear when we're home all day in hopes of potty training starting to sink in, holding my hand when we're out and about and melting my heart
-Sam has a friend named Danny. Danny came to play recently because his mom helped me out and kept my kids while I took my dad to another appointment. Danny told his mom he wanted to come to "Bam's house" soon. I told Sam that Danny wanted to come to "Bam's house" and Sam said, "dilly Danny, I not Bam, I Dam." He still has trouble with those S's. I'm equally amused to hear him call the neighbor's dog, "Die! Dum here." The dog's name is Sky. Can't you tell?
-A few weeks ago Sam was getting in trouble and I asked him what he wanted me to take away (usually a toy or movie or some beloved item goes into time-out). Without missing a beat, he kept playing and said "Charlie." I guess I know how he feels about his new baby brother. It was hard not to laugh as I tried to communicate that taking Charlie away wasn't an option.
-Sam recently watched Super Why about the tooth fairy. He was telling me all about losing teeth and how the tooth fairy would then come visit him. I assured him that not only would she visit, but she'd give him money when he lost a tooth. "Oh, so I can buy a new tooth." Makes perfect sense, now doesn't it.
-A couple of weeks ago Pat went in to tuck Sam in and found his head covered in some thick sticky substance. We quickly discovered the uncovered tub of vaseline with tell-tale finger marks having scooped out a large amount. He then rubbed it all over his head. Despite multiple hair washings the next day, we couldn't get it out, so I gave him a hair cut later that night. When asked what he was thinking, he quickly replied, "I wanted my hair pikey (spikey). I needed product." Some things remind me quickly that he has a big sister.
-Sam is currently: obsessed with my dad's cane, always on the lookout for treats and trying to avoid nutrition, still loving his Christmas and birthday stash (Star Wars, firemen, and Batman are found everywhere), filling his bed every night with the most random of things to be found around his room, snoring like a trucker and getting ready for a consult to have his tonsils removed, wearing pull-ups on busy days and underwear when we're home all day in hopes of potty training starting to sink in, holding my hand when we're out and about and melting my heart
Monday, February 1, 2010
February?
Wow, I guess my silence on the old blog was a big enough statement letting everyone know how we're doing. :) Actually, we're adjusting quite nicely. Things got changed due to insurance reasons, so after the week of fun with Amy, we were off to Boise on Monday to go through training, and we drove back Wednesday, the 20th. So, today is day 13 and so far so good. In some ways it's harder than I ever imagined. The pace of life is hard to keep up with, but I know it will continue to improve and we will continue to adjust. The daily routine includes foot care and putting on TED hose, checking blood sugars 4 times a day and administering insulin at least twice a day, more often as needed, making healthy low-carb meals for my dad on a fairly strict schedule, usually at least one appointment every day be it doctor or physical therapy, helping with exercises, and taking care of my own family. When it comes right down to it, we have been so incredibly blessed, and that is how we are making it through. I'll be back to post soon. My kids have done too many cute things lately I don't want to forget.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Good News
Lots of good news to report on around here.
-We found out this week that my dad is planning to be released with a cane instead of a wheel chair! He's walking with a quad cane and working on stairs and doing so well. I have felt so grateful. There has been a peace in my heart all week since I found this out and I've felt the love of God so abundantly through this experience. Lots to do in the next 2 weeks to get ready for his arrival, but no ramp and no wheel chair are huge blessings!
-My BFF from high school arrives tomorrow for the week! IKEA, Nordstrom Rack, and delicious food are all on the agenda. Can't wait to see Ames!
-Charlie is a champ. Aside from a little cold (so lovingly shared by his big brother and sister) he is doing amazingly well and getting into a groove with some really decent stretches of sleep. I knock on wood as I type that for fear of jinxing it, but I am so happy he's just growing and sweet and cuddly.
-Addie is really growing up. It seems like she turned 5 and instantly she's wanting to have deeper conversations and is constantly eaves-dropping on mine. Tonight's suggested dinner table conversation brought up by Miss Adelynn involved discussing the things we believe in and what makes up our testimonies. Loved it. When did my baby become a little lady?
-Sam picked up on a not so fantastic conversation a few days ago. Maybe this shouldn't go in a post entitled "good news." I was at my wits end trying to get everyone out the door with a definite deadline, and Sam wouldn't stop carting around a huge bundle of plastic hangers he'd collected. Finally, in not my proudest moment, I instructed him to leave them the he** alone so we could leave. He then walked around with a new song in his head, "weave da he** awone." I guess the good news is his song only stuck for about 5 minutes. My resolve for this week is to speak more kindly. :)
-Charlie is taking a bottle on occasion, and I couldn't be happier. I'm able to pump and leave and enjoy some freedom! Last night Pat gave me the chance to get out of the house and enjoy a fabulous dinner at 712 with some of my college besties. I had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed the ability to go without rushing back to feed a baby.
Have a happy week, everyone! Aside from company coming, some house prep is in order to get ready for my dad, and Sam will be 3 Saturday. Lots to look forward to!
-We found out this week that my dad is planning to be released with a cane instead of a wheel chair! He's walking with a quad cane and working on stairs and doing so well. I have felt so grateful. There has been a peace in my heart all week since I found this out and I've felt the love of God so abundantly through this experience. Lots to do in the next 2 weeks to get ready for his arrival, but no ramp and no wheel chair are huge blessings!
-My BFF from high school arrives tomorrow for the week! IKEA, Nordstrom Rack, and delicious food are all on the agenda. Can't wait to see Ames!
-Charlie is a champ. Aside from a little cold (so lovingly shared by his big brother and sister) he is doing amazingly well and getting into a groove with some really decent stretches of sleep. I knock on wood as I type that for fear of jinxing it, but I am so happy he's just growing and sweet and cuddly.
-Addie is really growing up. It seems like she turned 5 and instantly she's wanting to have deeper conversations and is constantly eaves-dropping on mine. Tonight's suggested dinner table conversation brought up by Miss Adelynn involved discussing the things we believe in and what makes up our testimonies. Loved it. When did my baby become a little lady?
-Sam picked up on a not so fantastic conversation a few days ago. Maybe this shouldn't go in a post entitled "good news." I was at my wits end trying to get everyone out the door with a definite deadline, and Sam wouldn't stop carting around a huge bundle of plastic hangers he'd collected. Finally, in not my proudest moment, I instructed him to leave them the he** alone so we could leave. He then walked around with a new song in his head, "weave da he** awone." I guess the good news is his song only stuck for about 5 minutes. My resolve for this week is to speak more kindly. :)
-Charlie is taking a bottle on occasion, and I couldn't be happier. I'm able to pump and leave and enjoy some freedom! Last night Pat gave me the chance to get out of the house and enjoy a fabulous dinner at 712 with some of my college besties. I had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed the ability to go without rushing back to feed a baby.
Have a happy week, everyone! Aside from company coming, some house prep is in order to get ready for my dad, and Sam will be 3 Saturday. Lots to look forward to!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A Brighter Outlook
Things are looking so much better since my last post. This week when I talked to the hospital social worker after the weekly staff meeting about each patient, my dad was doing much better. His insurance seems to have worked out so hopefully he'll be able to stay where he is long enough to meet his goals- a huge relief. The social worker said not to start knocking out walls or doing major house reno's yet because hopefully my dad will be able to do some walking, so our bathroom doesn't necessarily need to be wheelchair accessible, although it's still highly likely we'll need a ramp for him to enter our house. His outlook seems much brighter and he's been progressing faster than they'd initially anticipated, so they increased some of his goals. I know his recovery will be full of ups and downs, but I am grateful that this week was mostly ups. Things are still out of control with his diabetes, but hopefully will improve soon. I spent a lot of hours this week working on his social security disability application and I'm still not done. I'm trying to find the determination to finish it up- this paperwork process can be a beast. I was talking to Ben a lot trying to piece together the last 15 years of my dad's employment history, and for each job there are about 40 questions to answer. At one point we just started laughing at the ridiculousness of assessing how many hours he spent sitting/standing/kneeling/bending/stooping/reaching/lifting etc. etc. etc. to answer all of these questions.
It's been interesting for me to start this new year knowing this huge life change is on the horizon. I'm usually all about making goals and striving to improve, but it's so hard to know what our life is going to look like that I'm hesitant to set many goals knowing that I may have no time or energy to devote to them. My realistic goals for the new year are to meet everyone's needs, trust in the Lord, and be happy during this experience. If we can make it through accomplishing all of the above I'll feel like it's been a success.
In other news there has been joy to document. When we read the Christmas story from Luke on Christmas Eve we then asked Addie to retell it after we were done reading. She could not remember that Mary and Joseph were the couple of the hour and kept referring to Mary and John. She also cracked us up when she taught that the wise men brought gold, Frankenstein, and myrrh.
Since Christmas the kids have been busy enjoying their toys. Current hits include Addie's markers which see daily use and Sam's fire truck and "big boy doll house" in the form of a firehouse. He keeps asking if I have a fire for him to put out. Pat tried to tell Sam of course I had a fire because I was so hot. Sam looked at me and seriously said, "You're not very hot, mom." Obviously his understanding of the word is a little different, but I have to agree, with my current schedule of showering and the fact that I can count on one hand the number of times I've done my hair or put on make-up in the last month, I'm not very hot in either sense of the word.
Speaking of the last month, Charlie is a month old today. The months pass so much more quickly when a baby is out of you than when they're in you. He's big and strong and doing so well. He is such a blessing in our home and I find myself wishing him to grow up and stay little all at the same time. He's letting me know that he's ready for me, so I'd better leave the computer.
Thanks again for all of your support. I feel the prayers of so many for our family right now, and I'm so grateful to know that although things seem hard, I'm not in this alone.
It's been interesting for me to start this new year knowing this huge life change is on the horizon. I'm usually all about making goals and striving to improve, but it's so hard to know what our life is going to look like that I'm hesitant to set many goals knowing that I may have no time or energy to devote to them. My realistic goals for the new year are to meet everyone's needs, trust in the Lord, and be happy during this experience. If we can make it through accomplishing all of the above I'll feel like it's been a success.
In other news there has been joy to document. When we read the Christmas story from Luke on Christmas Eve we then asked Addie to retell it after we were done reading. She could not remember that Mary and Joseph were the couple of the hour and kept referring to Mary and John. She also cracked us up when she taught that the wise men brought gold, Frankenstein, and myrrh.
Since Christmas the kids have been busy enjoying their toys. Current hits include Addie's markers which see daily use and Sam's fire truck and "big boy doll house" in the form of a firehouse. He keeps asking if I have a fire for him to put out. Pat tried to tell Sam of course I had a fire because I was so hot. Sam looked at me and seriously said, "You're not very hot, mom." Obviously his understanding of the word is a little different, but I have to agree, with my current schedule of showering and the fact that I can count on one hand the number of times I've done my hair or put on make-up in the last month, I'm not very hot in either sense of the word.
Speaking of the last month, Charlie is a month old today. The months pass so much more quickly when a baby is out of you than when they're in you. He's big and strong and doing so well. He is such a blessing in our home and I find myself wishing him to grow up and stay little all at the same time. He's letting me know that he's ready for me, so I'd better leave the computer.
Thanks again for all of your support. I feel the prayers of so many for our family right now, and I'm so grateful to know that although things seem hard, I'm not in this alone.
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