Last Day of 2007

Here it is...the last day of 2007. So, I think this is going to be my last post of the year.

Happy New Year!

May 2008 be full of hope, love and joy for you and yours.

What a Difference Antibiotics Make

Here's what Kate looked like on Christmas Day...when we didn't know she had double ear infections. Can you see why I thought she might have pink eye?And here's what she looks like after just a couple days on Amoxicillin. Big difference.Thank goodness for drugs.

Should Have Known Better

I should have known. It should have been the first thing I thought of. All those months we spent last year on antibiotics should have triggered my memory.

But no.

When Kate started getting sick last Friday, I didn't think much of it. Then Saturday and Sunday, as she progressively got worse, as she complained about her eyes, as snot started pouring forth from her nose...I still didn't consider the possibility.

On Monday, Christmas Eve, when she had a fever and super red, puffy eyes that she was constantly rubbing and complaining about, I contemplated the possibility that she had pink eye. Of course, Tuesday was Christmas, so there wasn't much I could do about it then. She still had a fever, super snot, cough and red eyes. She went to Papa and BonBon's with us in the morning, but she and Daddy stayed home from Grammie's in the afternoon. No point in contaminating everyone.

Yesterday morning I called the clinic and managed to get her in right away. I wasn't convinced she had pink eye due to the fact that her eyes weren't goopy, but she looked HORRIBLE and was SUPER CRANKY and had been awake almost EVERY HOUR during the night, so I was desperate.

Double ear infections. Didn't even cross my mind that she had an ear infection, which is fairly ridiculous since she had them all winter and spring last year.

So, lots of videos this week. Fortunately, due to the holidays, we aren't missing any of our normal stuff. Just Momma's exercise. I guess I should be disciplined in my eating this week.

Next time I'll think of that first. Hopefully. Maybe we'll sleep more.

Oh, and no pink eye. Just a cold.

Seven for Stairs

Yesterday we did Christmas at Auntie's house in Sacramento. We had a full house for a while. Between my sister's kids, my cousin's kids, and my kids, there was never a dull, or quiet, moment.

Here's a series of shots as I attempted to get all of the cousins on the stairs. You can see what we had to work with. Which shot do you think is the best?

Clockwise starting at the top: Padyn (4), Trevor (3 months), Bella (4), Michael (8), Russell (2 months), Katelyn (20 months), and Reilly (2 1/2)

Christmas Musical 2007

I don't know if you remember what I wrote about Padyn's preschool performance last year, but I sure did as we got ready to "enjoy" her performance this morning. I remembered how, last year, she sat when she should have been standing, stood when she should have been sitting, and how the 45 minutes up in the front row on that stage must have felt like an eternity for her...an eternity where she wasn't singing or hand-jiving the way all the other kids were. I was ready to watch her, struck with performance anxiety, stand mute and motionless amidst 100 other preschoolers who were having the time of their life.

This, however, did not come to pass.

I don't know what has happened to my little Padyn, but she was a different child on that stage this year. Was it that she was back in the 3rd row, or the fact that her best friend, Emily, was standing next to her, or the pretty red party dress she was wearing? Who knows. But this Padyn...she did all the hand motions, sang all the songs, and looked like she was enjoying herself. (Shelby, the one in the blue shirt in front of Padyn, looks like she's also having a good time.) It was a drastically different child than last year.I guess a year really does make a difference. I'm so proud.

Kate, on the other hand, was bored after about 13 seconds. She sat in Daddy's lap for a bit, got tired of that, and started finding other trouble to get into. Eventually she decided that digging through my purse was a good idea.

I wonder what she'll be like up on that stage in a couple years...

Wagon? Minivan? Econobox?

Actually, it's all three...

I feel compelled to answer Angie's question about what the heck our new car is. Ok, Ang, here you go.

Oh wait. I already wrote about it. Never mind. Just read this.

For my day to day usage, it stays a wagon with 4 seats. Those few times a week where I lug other kids around town with us, I just have to make sure I don't have too much crap in the back when I pull that 3rd row up and make it a mini-minivan.

So far, we love it. Even Padyn loves it. I don't think I told you, but she was very against getting a new car. After we test drove the 5 for a day, she was always talking about how she didn't want a new car. She wanted her car. Who knew a new car would be that traumatic for a 4 year old? (I hate to think about how she'll feel when we move.) We had actual tantrums that stemmed from not wanting a new car. In-her-room-screaming-for-10-minute kind of tantrums.

Even when we went to the dealership on Saturday to pick up the car, she was still complaining about it. All our reassurances about all of her stuff getting transferred to the new car did not appease her. She was adamant. This was not o.k. with her.

Then, the second she stepped into the 5, she said, "I LOVE our new car, Mommy!"

Man, those 4 year olds are fickle.

But, after 3 days, she still says she loves her new car, so it must be true.

We love it, too.

Word Genius

Today we walked past a dirt patch in the middle of the sidewalk. It has rained all day, so there was a significant amount of water in said patch.

Padyn looks at it and says, "Hey, look! A muddle!"

Set aside for a moment the fact that muddle is a real word with a real definition and look at how clever my dear girl is. Mud + Puddle = MUDDLE!

I can't wait until she's old enough to play word games with me...

New Addition

We added a new member to our family this weekend. It doesn't have a name, or even gender, but we are all already in love. May I introduce you to our new car...the Mazda 5.

You're jealous, I know. I would be to if it wasn't sitting in my driveway.

Final Word on Kate's Leg (Hopefully)

We made another trip back to the orthopedist this morning. After seeing Kate walk and feeling her leg, he declared her to be on the mend. No additional x-rays were needed and there are no more follow-up appointments required. Whew. Mommy's pretty thankful for that. (Waiting in the orthopedist section is not quite as easy as waiting in pediatrics. There are no fish and TV in ortho. There aren't even magazines until you get into the exam room!)

The doctor thinks that in another 3 or 4 weeks she'll be back to her normal running self. But he did tell me to keep her from strenuous activity for the next 6 weeks. I guess that means keeping her home from gymnastics. Because, really. How else do you tell a 20 month old she can't be strenuous? That should be interesting. And really. What is strenuous activity for a child this age? Jumping off the couch? Probably. And you know I can't stop her from doing that if she really gets an inkling to do it.

Seriously, I am very happy to know she's healing and that we did it without the cast. Next time we might not be as fortunate.

Photo Friday

I have made up for my lack of photoing shooting over the last few weeks this past week. This morning I took 133 pictures off my camera. Over half of them aren't even worth sharing with you, but that's ok. At least the camera was in use again, right?

So, without further ado, here's a few of the things we did this week. Enjoy!

Padyn and Kate enjoying some reading together. (This was actually one of the two pictures I took the week before last. I figured you should see it. The other was of the same shot, just darker.)

We hit the streets last Saturday night to check out the Christmas lights around our neighborhood. Both girls think Christmas lights are the next best thing to Dibbs. And yes, that is a Jamba Juice Kate is drinking.

That same night, we made pizza for dinner. Aren't they so helpful?

I loved that all three of them were sitting quietly on the couch watching Super WHY. I just had to document the quiet moment. That doesn't happen much when Owen is over to play.

Padyn's been practicing her poses lately.For whatever reason, bagels have been a big hit this week. Every meal, Padyn wants a bagel with strawberry cream cheese. Of course, Kate immediately asks for the same thing. She can't quite figure out how to eat it without smearing it all over her face, though.

Padyn's dance class had a little Christmas performance yesterday. They did a little singing and dancing to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. When Padyn's back was to the audience, she did all the motions, no problem. But once she was up front, facing the audience, she wasn't as into it. Performance anxiety, I guess. It was still pretty cute.

Happy Friday!

Interview with a 4 Year Old

I missed writing an update for Padyn's 4th birthday last month, and since I haven't been motivated to write one, I thought I'd try something different. I got this idea from another momma.

I interviewed Padyn to find out what she thought about herself. Who's in a better position to tell you all about Padyn than she is? Some of her answers were expected and some were a complete surprise. I don't think she gave much thought to them. She just gave the first answer that came to her. So, I can't say how valid this information is, but here it is...

Favorite color-pink and purple
Favorite book-Berenstain Bears and Too Much Teasing
Favorite TV Show-Super WHY
Favorite thing to play with-the doll house
Favorite dress-up outfit-princess
Favorite food-Peanut Butter Toast
Favorite drink-"special water" (ie Propel with calcium)
Favorite place to go-Emily's house
Favorite animal-duck
Favorite game-Hullabaloo
Favorite thing about Christmas-the tree

I couldn't think of any other "favorites" that she would know the answer to.

So there you have it. What Padyn thinks are her favorite things. I'm sure it will be different next week.

We Have some Walking

Katelyn tentatively started walking yesterday. Well, she did a bit on Saturday, but only while holding my hand. And yesterday, she would only take a few steps, then ask me to pick her up. Today she's walking even more, but it's still very careful. She favors her left leg and takes very short steps. But she seems happy about it.

It's a bit strange to see your very active child learning to walk again at 20 months...

Update on Katelyn

We went back to the orthopedist today for a follow-up. It's been 12 days now since Kate injured her leg on the slide. I think the doctor was surprised to hear that Kate is still not walking. But after I told him I'm not giving her Motrin anymore, and she's pretty happy, he decided that she was healing. His diagnosis was supported when she didn't leap out of my lap as he pressed on her little shin today. She didn't like it, but her reaction was not as dramatic as last week. Getting better, it seems.

We also took another x-ray. Dr. F said there is a shadow on her tibia which might be bone growth. It would make sense that it was growing there over where he believes the fracture to be. So that was good news, too.

But, she still isn't walking. She absolutely refuses to. He thought it might be another week. I hope it's not too much longer. My back is getting tired from carrying her 26 pound frame around.

We go back next Friday again. I'll let you know.

Big Girl Bella

Happy 4th Birthday, Bella!

Your cousins, Padyn and Katelyn, really wanted to come to your birthday party today. I assured them that we could have a birthday party for you next week.

I'm sure Padyn will let you pick what kind of cake you want. I don't think she'll let you help make it, though. She'll want it to be a surprise.

Wish we were with you today! We love you!

Photo Friday-Fun with Camera

I almost didn't post today because I have not taken a picture in a week and a half. A WEEK AND A HALF! And I only took TWO pictures that day. How insanely stupid is that? My beautiful camera...just hanging forlornly on the coat closet door...dying to come out. I'll try to make up to it this weekend, but for now, let's figure out what pictures I can show you.

I can't show you the two pictures I took last week because they are still on the camera, and that's downstairs, and I'm lazy. I just looked back over old posts to see what photos I've already shared. Padyn dancing? Check. Kate sticking her tongue out? Check. Girls in pretty dresses on Thanksgiving? Yup.

Ok, let's try to find some recent, yet random, possibly not good enough to post, and post them today. Won't that be fun? Of course it will. It's Friday. Everything is fun on Friday.

I looked in the folder of photos that my mom took on her camera when she was visiting at the beginning of November. The doggies were with her. Kate LOVED them. Here's a couple of Kate trying to get better acquainted with Tori. The rest in that folder are of duck pond pictures, which you've seen already.

How about a couple from Padyn's camera that I just downloaded? I think Kate actually took one of these shots. I don't think she knew it. I think she was just playing with the camera and it kept snapping pictures.

This is the one Kate took. Can you see it? It's Padyn watching TV, and apparently, that's the couch Kate is sitting on.

Padyn wanted to take pictures of me. I won't show you the one she took of my (covered) chest, or the one of me and Grandma where we both look extremely pissed off. Not at her...just in general.

How about some pictures from the car? Padyn must have taken these when Bella was here and they were going to breakfast with Papa. Because this is my car, and that's Bella, but in the next picture (not shown), it shows that Papa is driving, not me.This one is actually one of the best. It's clear, almost focused and has decent light. Too bad my backyard is such a mess. But the dogs look good, right? (Leo and Tori don't like my backyard much. I think that's why they are pacing.)

She had a lot of pictures of the dogs. And of blackness. And wall hangings. Funny kid. But hey, now that I've uploaded her pictures from last month, she can finally take more. Maybe the two of us should use our cameras together tomorrow. We can compare shots. I'll try for that. Maybe I'll have something more interesting to share with you next week. Until then...

Happy Friday.

Trying to Find the Time

Once NaBloPoMo ended last Friday, I really have not been motivated to blog. I stopped looking at all the details of the day through my blogging filter, so nothing has seemed post worthy in a few days.

Add to that a few stressful issues that I have on my plate, and I REALLY have not been motivated to post. I'd rather address my Christmas cards. That should clearly tell you how unmotivated I've been.

But, I did miss a few important days, and cute little phrases that have spilled forth from the mouths of my babes. I can't remember the utterances anymore, but I can tell you about one of the days...

Tuesday, Dec. 4th was Daddy's birthday. I didn't end up posting about it because all my allotted computer time was spent trying to create something for his birthday that in the end, didn't get created. (Don't you hate it when your photo project is lost forever due to the computer freezing up? Yea...that pretty much bites.) So, anyway, it was Daddy's birthday. I wish I could have done more to celebrate it, but I worked with the limitations of the day. It's funny...the two of us are kind of going in opposite directions concerning our birthdays. He is less and less interested in making a big deal out of his birthday, while I'm becoming more interested in celebrating mine. So, it was a mellow birthday date. I had fun, anyway. I think he did, too.

I did make him a chocolate chip banana bread, which made the whole house smell like bananas for the next 24 hours. And if you know me well, you know I hate bananas, so it was appreciated. Padyn helped. She didn't want to mash the bananas, but she did a good job stirring.

So, Happy Belated Blog Posted Birthday, my love. Here's to 50 or so more.

Kate's New Trick

Actually, it's more of a terrible annoyance than a trick...

Katelyn has recently decided that she should scream when she doesn't get her way. Not cry...scream. Loudly. Eardrum-piercing loudly. Her face gets all red, her eyes are squeezed tight, and her mouth is open as far as she can make it go.

This has yet to work for her, yet she continues to try it out.

I wonder how long this will last. Because, really? I'm thinking if it doesn't end real soon, she's going to be spending a lot more time in her crib than she's used to.

Things Padyn Taught Me This Weekend

She's a cowgirl and cowgirls don't like cookies.

If I drive faster, her tummy won't hurt.

Katelyn is a "chunker" because she spills yogurt on her shirt.

She will only eat spinach in something, but no tomato.

Blinking lights on the tree are better than not blinking lights.

It's a good thing she's around to keep me up on the latest...