The other night Mason was trying to reenact a scene from the movie "Fantastic Mr. Fox." There is this scene where one of the characters takes a tube of some sort and shoots blueberries out of it by blowing in the tube, kind of similar to shooting spit balls out of a straw. Well he took a stray marble from one of our games and then used the vacuum attachment as his shooter. I was in the kitchen and did not see what happened next. Dave says he was unsuccessful at shooting the marble out the attachment, so he needed to analyze the problem. With the marble still in place, he pointed the attachment toward the ceiling to see what may have been the problem. Well, down slid the marble at full speed into Mason's open mouth, down his throat, and into his stomach. A loud gulp was heard, along with the words from Dave "You swallowed the marble didn't you?" I was in a bit of a panic while hearing this, but Mason was calm as could be and said "yep." Dave laughed it off and went back to what he was doing while I speed dialed the clinic line to see if he needed to be brought in. Because of his age, the lady on the line said he should go to the ER. So, my reluctant hubby got ready and away they went. Within the hour, the two were back with the x-ray. Dave explained that my cool as a cucumber son was asked "Can you see it?" and he said non shaulantly, pointing to the x-ray "Yep, there it is. That's the purple marble I swallowed." I asked Mason if he knew how the marble was going to get out of his tummy and he starting coughing and said "Um yeah, I'm just gonna cough it out of my mouth." I explained that he would have to poop it out and I think it took some time for him to digest that thought.
The next day was the big day. He was sure he seen it in the toilet, but Dave said it stunk so bad in there that he needed to flush the toilet and didn't feel it necessary to stand and examine. Mason was disappointed that Dave did that, but I sure do not blame him! Here's to hoping we don't need to make anymore trips to the ER, at least anytime soon.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Nice to meet you
Lilah is my spunky girl. She always has been. I remember when we were in the hospital after her birth, I could hear her screams down the hall because she was ready to eat. There was nothing gradual about when she got mad. It was all or none. On the morning we were suppose to go home, I walked to the nursery window and the nurse was trying to get her blood pressures, but Lilah wasn't having it. She was beet red in the face and screaming with all her might. As you know, I work in the nursery and there are things that we can do to try and calm a baby so we can get accurate blood pressures, like use a pacifier dipped in sugar water to soothe them, but not my girl. She wanted to eat right then. So, the blood pressures had to wait and out to me she came.
After her feeding, she went back to the nursery to get blood pressures. While she was in there, the PCT came to my room with a bag of Lilah's clothes. Turns out Lilah had projectile pooped all over everything, her clothes, her crib, her blanket. To be honest, I had changed hundreds of diapers, but never heard of projectile poop, so it was a little hard to picture what had happened. Fast forward a couple days later. We were at home and I was changing Lilah's already poopy diaper. Well, before I could get her clean diaper on, out shoots this fountain of poop, all over the changing table, and onto the carpet a couple feet away. I was shocked and panicked! I guess she would show me the true definition of projectile poop!
I guess when I think of who my kids are, it seems that their little personalities were already formed before they were born. From the first day of life Lilah was spunky. Mason was sensitive and it showed with his quivering lip. Brinlee is quiet and content. I know these personalities will be shaped by life experiences, but how amazing is it that if we really tune in, we can get to know who they are within hours of life. I think there are somethings that we cannot change about ourselves, somethings that just make us who we are from the very beginning. Although there are many things around us that we can control, perhaps this "personality" we see is a glimpse into our spirit.
After her feeding, she went back to the nursery to get blood pressures. While she was in there, the PCT came to my room with a bag of Lilah's clothes. Turns out Lilah had projectile pooped all over everything, her clothes, her crib, her blanket. To be honest, I had changed hundreds of diapers, but never heard of projectile poop, so it was a little hard to picture what had happened. Fast forward a couple days later. We were at home and I was changing Lilah's already poopy diaper. Well, before I could get her clean diaper on, out shoots this fountain of poop, all over the changing table, and onto the carpet a couple feet away. I was shocked and panicked! I guess she would show me the true definition of projectile poop!
I guess when I think of who my kids are, it seems that their little personalities were already formed before they were born. From the first day of life Lilah was spunky. Mason was sensitive and it showed with his quivering lip. Brinlee is quiet and content. I know these personalities will be shaped by life experiences, but how amazing is it that if we really tune in, we can get to know who they are within hours of life. I think there are somethings that we cannot change about ourselves, somethings that just make us who we are from the very beginning. Although there are many things around us that we can control, perhaps this "personality" we see is a glimpse into our spirit.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
It ain't nothing but a number. Right?
Do you know that for the past week I've been telling everyone that Brinlee is 3.5 months old? Guess what? It just hit me this evening as I was exchanging smiles and coos with her that she in fact just turned 4 months. 4 months already. And though it feels like she has been with us longer, actually having to say that she is now 4 months seems crazy! I was thinking about how we count the months of their life for 12 to maybe 18 months and then start referring to their age in years or years and a half after that. So, when I think about it, I could already be 1/4 done with referring to her age in months. Sad. Actually, I think I may continue to count her months until at least 18 months and maybe longer...I don't know that I will ever feel ready to count my baby's age in years. It's just unreal to think about how fast life goes the older you get. We all say that life is short, but man I thought about the fact that I'm turning 30 in November and those years flew by. Then think about how much faster another 30 years will fly and then I will be considered close to elderly. WHAT?! Well, I looked it up and depending on who you ask "elderly" can mean more than a number. In any case, I remember when 30 seemed old and now I'm thinking 60 seems old or at least "getting up there" in age, ya know? But, have no fear, I am going to rock whatever age I get to, haha! It's inevitable though, the number will not stop going up. If we can truly grasp that concept, then we can maybe truly remember just how short life really is.
Heartfelt thoughts: Today and this past weekend, I am thinking and praying for all the people effected by the tsunami. I hope that those deeply effected may find peace and healing after such devastation. I pray that they will feel comfort during such great loss.
Heartfelt thoughts: Today and this past weekend, I am thinking and praying for all the people effected by the tsunami. I hope that those deeply effected may find peace and healing after such devastation. I pray that they will feel comfort during such great loss.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Nothing Really?
I feel like it's been forever since my last post, but it hasn't even been 1 week. I think that it's because I'm over due on reflecting and just letting go. My mind has been racing lately and I've been over analyzing and worrying too much, thus the need to come here more to just let it go. I hate the feeling of not being able to shut my mind off and just relax. But, as I would make my way to the computer and think about what to write....I had nothing. Well, nothing that seemed worth writing about I guess. Really though? With all the stuff that moves through my mind I couldn't think of something to write? Well not entirely. I just wanted it to be something worth while especially if others are reading this. But, then I thought about it and realized that sometimes writing down all those "nothings" can really affect my "everything." My well being, my sleep, my energy, and the people around me.
So what is on my mind? Well, I went to the doc today in hopes to finally get the packing removed from my arm pit. I've had to have it removed and re-inserted 3 times this past week so I was not going to be surprised if he told me that it needed to be done again. I've adapted to it to some degree and as it's healing, it's been easier to handle. And, I would much rather take the packing over needing stronger antibiotics that prevent me from nursing (just another thing that I've been stressing might happen if this thing doesn't heal). Lucky for me, he removed it and said it could stay out. Woohoo! That's what I wanted to hear. One little thing that I'm not jumping up and down for is the care I have to do until this thing is completely healed. A warning: What you are about to read is not for weak stomachs. I now have to wipe the area around the hole with betadine and then stick the blunt end of the swab into the hole to keep it open until it completely closes itself during the healing process. Well, I can tell you that I am not going to be doing that! Dave is! It doesn't even really hurt to have done, but the thought makes me weak. I know, I know, again here I am this "can handle just about anything" nurse, but "cannot handle just about anything" patient.
I also haven't made it to the gym, but once this past week because of the abcess. O.K. that right there may have something to do with all this worry that I've been doing. I just had an "ah ha" moment! Duh! (notice how I went from Oprah "ah ha" to "duh" Charlie Sheen, wow, haha) Going to the gym must really help me to relax more, sleep better, and have more energy. I mean, I knew that, but didn't realize till I missed the gym over this past week just how much it helps me in so many ways. It's not just writing on here that helps, but also working out. Tonight we turn our clocks ahead, but I am bound and determined to wake up early and get a workout in regardless of how tired I may be. I need it!
I am already feeling some relief. Just taking the time to reflect on a couple of the things that are on my mind has helped me process it all one sentence at a time without the constant interruption of the many other things I also think about.
Cute Moment: We bought rock band for our Play Station 2 from a good friend of mine and Mason was so very excited to play it. When it was all set up and we all had our instruments, Dave on guitar, me on mic, Lilah on drums, and Mason on the other guitar. You should have seen Mason rock! He didn't have a care in the world and was boppin his head up and down and shakin his hips in perfect rhythm! He was in the zone and truly a natural!
Miss Lilah, my little shoe lover was pulling out stickers from her Mickey Mouse coloring book and came across a Minnie Mouse high heel shoe sticker. She put the sticker on the floor and puts her foot on top of it as if to try on the much smaller sticker on and says "Look at the shoe mom!" I said "Cool!" and she says "No....it's cute mom." Well then!
So what is on my mind? Well, I went to the doc today in hopes to finally get the packing removed from my arm pit. I've had to have it removed and re-inserted 3 times this past week so I was not going to be surprised if he told me that it needed to be done again. I've adapted to it to some degree and as it's healing, it's been easier to handle. And, I would much rather take the packing over needing stronger antibiotics that prevent me from nursing (just another thing that I've been stressing might happen if this thing doesn't heal). Lucky for me, he removed it and said it could stay out. Woohoo! That's what I wanted to hear. One little thing that I'm not jumping up and down for is the care I have to do until this thing is completely healed. A warning: What you are about to read is not for weak stomachs. I now have to wipe the area around the hole with betadine and then stick the blunt end of the swab into the hole to keep it open until it completely closes itself during the healing process. Well, I can tell you that I am not going to be doing that! Dave is! It doesn't even really hurt to have done, but the thought makes me weak. I know, I know, again here I am this "can handle just about anything" nurse, but "cannot handle just about anything" patient.
I also haven't made it to the gym, but once this past week because of the abcess. O.K. that right there may have something to do with all this worry that I've been doing. I just had an "ah ha" moment! Duh! (notice how I went from Oprah "ah ha" to "duh" Charlie Sheen, wow, haha) Going to the gym must really help me to relax more, sleep better, and have more energy. I mean, I knew that, but didn't realize till I missed the gym over this past week just how much it helps me in so many ways. It's not just writing on here that helps, but also working out. Tonight we turn our clocks ahead, but I am bound and determined to wake up early and get a workout in regardless of how tired I may be. I need it!
I am already feeling some relief. Just taking the time to reflect on a couple of the things that are on my mind has helped me process it all one sentence at a time without the constant interruption of the many other things I also think about.
Cute Moment: We bought rock band for our Play Station 2 from a good friend of mine and Mason was so very excited to play it. When it was all set up and we all had our instruments, Dave on guitar, me on mic, Lilah on drums, and Mason on the other guitar. You should have seen Mason rock! He didn't have a care in the world and was boppin his head up and down and shakin his hips in perfect rhythm! He was in the zone and truly a natural!
Miss Lilah, my little shoe lover was pulling out stickers from her Mickey Mouse coloring book and came across a Minnie Mouse high heel shoe sticker. She put the sticker on the floor and puts her foot on top of it as if to try on the much smaller sticker on and says "Look at the shoe mom!" I said "Cool!" and she says "No....it's cute mom." Well then!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A Bump In The Road
It's been a long couple of days. It all started Wednesday, when I had a sore in my armpit that was causing me some pain. I was at work, talking to my co-worker about it and she said it sounded like I maybe had an in grown hair. I have never had one before and if I did it must not have bothered me enough to know that that's what the problem was. So, I went home that morning and took a good look at this pea sized round bump under my skin trying to find anything unusual that may be causing the annoying problem. I even grabbed my mirror that enlarges images 10X and investigated, but couldn't really see the culprit. So, I had Dave, who by the way thinks I over react whenever I think something must be wrong with me, and told him to play doctor (in the not fun way!) and see if he could figure out the cause of my discomfort. He gave my arm pit a 2 second look and said he may have found what could be in grown hairs. I was pretty tired and willing to do what needed to be done to hopefully get rid of this. So, I grabbed the tweezers, soaked them in alcohol, handed them over, closed my eyes, held my breath, and told him to take them out. "OUCH! I think you pulled off some of my skin!" I said. He assured me he'd gotten the hairs from the center of the lump and not my skin. Whew, I fell into bed, hoping to wake up with the problem gone.
I pulled myself to the bathroom, still groggy from my sleep, looked into the mirror, only to see the bump was not only still there, but now more pink. Ugh! Later that night, I got to work and consulted with my nurse friend and this time I wanted her to take a look. She looks and says I should probably have it checked out. No need to convince me to see the doc. As the night went on, the burning pain was increasing and I was just hoping my doc would be able to fit me into her already booked schedule on a Friday. Great, I have the weekend off and now have to deal with who knows what is going on in my arm. Luckily for me, the doc was able to fit me in, unfortunately it would be right in the middle of my sleep (since I worked nights), but I was ready to take whatever I could get. I strolled into the clinic in a daze and was happy to be seen right away. Diagnosis: Cellulitis. If it gets bigger it would maybe need to be lanced and drained, but until then, antibiotics, heat, and pain meds would hopefully get me through.
The next 24 hours, I found myself looking at the lump every time I passed the bathroom mirror. Of course, I also had to have Dave look every time too. You could tell he was getting tired of looking at it by the roll of his eyes and response of "Yep still looks red and swollen." My whole arm started to tingle and the burning pain was getting more intense. The cherry red diameter was growing and lifting my arm was no longer a taken for granted luxury. I thought to myself, "maybe I need to give the antibiotics more time." I really didn't want to go into ER to have it lanced and more importantly I was nervous that they would put me on a different antibiotic where I wouldn't be able to nurse Brinlee. I've been there, done that with Mason and boy was that depressing. Pumping and dumping for 10 days, only to find out that the infection I had at that time, did not go away and thus I needed to do it all over again. But, over the next 24 hours, it became clear that this bump was not going away and was screaming at me to go get it checked out again. So, I gathered up a magazine, my Ipod, and a bottle of water and headed to the ER. Thank goodness I brought those things, since the wait time was 2 hours before I saw a doc. Don't get me wrong though. I didn't mind the wait. After all, the fate of this lump was in the doc's hands and I wasn't looking forward to what was sure to come.
I settled on the gurney, shut my eyes, and tried to sleep while I waited. The doc comes in and my relaxed feelings took a back burner. My mind was already spinning with what I was sure he would say before he even has a chance to tell me. After a brief hx, a look, and feel of this lump, which by the way is in my right arm, he tells me it will need to be lanced.
He left the room to gather his supplies and I looked up at the white tiles in the ceiling and said a prayer. I needed strength. I was over tired and could feel the emotions flooding through. He prepped my arm, I grabbed the side rail with my left arm, and took a few deep breaths. 4 pokes to infuse the numbing medicine, which stung so bad you would think it was on fire. It took everything in me to not pull my right arm away. It was finally numb and he did what he needed to do. I didn't even want to catch a glimpse of what was going on so I made sure to keep my head turned the other way. Isn't it something when you are the patient?? I can assist or clean wounds without a problem, but my whole demeanor changes when I'm the one needing treatment. He ended up packing the lump, which won't be removed till Tuesday. This sucks! Then he says he wants to add another antibiotic. Before I can ask that it be something that is compatible with nursing, I feel my eyes well up with tears. Thanks to my lack of sleep, hormones, and vivid memory from my previous experience were all flooding me with emotions. The doc checked with the Pharmacist and found a med that I was able to take while continuing to nurse. Whew! What a relief! Now, I pray that this will finally heal.
I know there are a lot of worse things that could be happening right now. This is just a little bump in my road. What is sad is that Mason and Lilah go through this similar experience quite often. I have empathy for them each time, but now a greater sense of what they must be going through. I am hoping that they will grow out of it and not have to deal with it for the rest of their lives. They sure are tough little cookies, unlike their mama!
Cute Memory: About 6 months ago while I was pregnant, Mason and I layed on the couch watching "My Sister's Keeper." I thought I knew what this movie was going to be about, but it turned out to be far greater than I imagined. Well, I was sobbing like a baby and unable to stop when Mason turned to me. Without saying a word, he grabbed my hand and interlocked his fingers into mine and then wiped a few of my tears. Boy, did the tears pour out after that! It was one of the most precious moments of my life!
I pulled myself to the bathroom, still groggy from my sleep, looked into the mirror, only to see the bump was not only still there, but now more pink. Ugh! Later that night, I got to work and consulted with my nurse friend and this time I wanted her to take a look. She looks and says I should probably have it checked out. No need to convince me to see the doc. As the night went on, the burning pain was increasing and I was just hoping my doc would be able to fit me into her already booked schedule on a Friday. Great, I have the weekend off and now have to deal with who knows what is going on in my arm. Luckily for me, the doc was able to fit me in, unfortunately it would be right in the middle of my sleep (since I worked nights), but I was ready to take whatever I could get. I strolled into the clinic in a daze and was happy to be seen right away. Diagnosis: Cellulitis. If it gets bigger it would maybe need to be lanced and drained, but until then, antibiotics, heat, and pain meds would hopefully get me through.
The next 24 hours, I found myself looking at the lump every time I passed the bathroom mirror. Of course, I also had to have Dave look every time too. You could tell he was getting tired of looking at it by the roll of his eyes and response of "Yep still looks red and swollen." My whole arm started to tingle and the burning pain was getting more intense. The cherry red diameter was growing and lifting my arm was no longer a taken for granted luxury. I thought to myself, "maybe I need to give the antibiotics more time." I really didn't want to go into ER to have it lanced and more importantly I was nervous that they would put me on a different antibiotic where I wouldn't be able to nurse Brinlee. I've been there, done that with Mason and boy was that depressing. Pumping and dumping for 10 days, only to find out that the infection I had at that time, did not go away and thus I needed to do it all over again. But, over the next 24 hours, it became clear that this bump was not going away and was screaming at me to go get it checked out again. So, I gathered up a magazine, my Ipod, and a bottle of water and headed to the ER. Thank goodness I brought those things, since the wait time was 2 hours before I saw a doc. Don't get me wrong though. I didn't mind the wait. After all, the fate of this lump was in the doc's hands and I wasn't looking forward to what was sure to come.
I settled on the gurney, shut my eyes, and tried to sleep while I waited. The doc comes in and my relaxed feelings took a back burner. My mind was already spinning with what I was sure he would say before he even has a chance to tell me. After a brief hx, a look, and feel of this lump, which by the way is in my right arm, he tells me it will need to be lanced.
He left the room to gather his supplies and I looked up at the white tiles in the ceiling and said a prayer. I needed strength. I was over tired and could feel the emotions flooding through. He prepped my arm, I grabbed the side rail with my left arm, and took a few deep breaths. 4 pokes to infuse the numbing medicine, which stung so bad you would think it was on fire. It took everything in me to not pull my right arm away. It was finally numb and he did what he needed to do. I didn't even want to catch a glimpse of what was going on so I made sure to keep my head turned the other way. Isn't it something when you are the patient?? I can assist or clean wounds without a problem, but my whole demeanor changes when I'm the one needing treatment. He ended up packing the lump, which won't be removed till Tuesday. This sucks! Then he says he wants to add another antibiotic. Before I can ask that it be something that is compatible with nursing, I feel my eyes well up with tears. Thanks to my lack of sleep, hormones, and vivid memory from my previous experience were all flooding me with emotions. The doc checked with the Pharmacist and found a med that I was able to take while continuing to nurse. Whew! What a relief! Now, I pray that this will finally heal.
I know there are a lot of worse things that could be happening right now. This is just a little bump in my road. What is sad is that Mason and Lilah go through this similar experience quite often. I have empathy for them each time, but now a greater sense of what they must be going through. I am hoping that they will grow out of it and not have to deal with it for the rest of their lives. They sure are tough little cookies, unlike their mama!
Cute Memory: About 6 months ago while I was pregnant, Mason and I layed on the couch watching "My Sister's Keeper." I thought I knew what this movie was going to be about, but it turned out to be far greater than I imagined. Well, I was sobbing like a baby and unable to stop when Mason turned to me. Without saying a word, he grabbed my hand and interlocked his fingers into mine and then wiped a few of my tears. Boy, did the tears pour out after that! It was one of the most precious moments of my life!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Jet Lag
You know that feeling you get if you've ever traveled to another country on a vacation in a different time zone? You know, the feeling of needing to get adjusted to the new time zone? Well I get that feeling every 1-2 weeks, only it's not from traveling to somewhere exotic. I work day and night shifts and so my body must transition every week or 2 to the opposite shift. Hence, the reason why I'm blogging at 2 am. To be honest, I actually enjoy both shifts. They each have something different and yet nice things to offer. I've always been more of a sleep all day, stay up all night person. However, I do like the work flow of what a day shift brings. So, I will likely keep these shifts forever. Evening shifts aren't my thing because I feel as if I'd miss out on too much stuff with home life, especially when the kids are in more activities. I do have some helpful things to get me through thankfully. I recently bought a CD with meditation/hypnosis specifically designed to help clear the mind, relax the body, and promote sleep. It's actually worked very well so far when I find myself struggling to switch my sleep pattern. I highly recommend this for anyone struggling to shut their mind off at bed time. Also gotta love coffee! One cup per shift has suited me quite well to keep me alert and awake. Then of course as I said before, getting exercise has also given me an added boost of energy.
I am winding down after a very fun day with my co-workers. I went to my co-worker's baby shower and got to meet her baby along with another co-worker who recently had a baby. I am so lucky to work with such a great group of women. They are really a second family to me. Everyone is so caring and kind. Lots of laughs were had by all.
Cute Moment of the Day: As our night was winding down at home, Dave was holding Brinlee and Mason came up face to face with her and started making this "Wawawawa" noise. Well, the seriousness that she had all day while co-workers tried to get her to smile disappeared and she laughed more than I've ever heard from her before. I have not heard Brinlee laugh so hard! You know when you are overtired and everything makes you laugh? I think that was part of her deal since she missed a nap, but also the fact that Mason giving her extra attention really got her going. Best part is that I was able to "bottle up" this memory cause I ran as fast as I could to pull out the video recorder in time to capture it.
I am winding down after a very fun day with my co-workers. I went to my co-worker's baby shower and got to meet her baby along with another co-worker who recently had a baby. I am so lucky to work with such a great group of women. They are really a second family to me. Everyone is so caring and kind. Lots of laughs were had by all.
Cute Moment of the Day: As our night was winding down at home, Dave was holding Brinlee and Mason came up face to face with her and started making this "Wawawawa" noise. Well, the seriousness that she had all day while co-workers tried to get her to smile disappeared and she laughed more than I've ever heard from her before. I have not heard Brinlee laugh so hard! You know when you are overtired and everything makes you laugh? I think that was part of her deal since she missed a nap, but also the fact that Mason giving her extra attention really got her going. Best part is that I was able to "bottle up" this memory cause I ran as fast as I could to pull out the video recorder in time to capture it.
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