Micah Update

In a previous post, I asked you all to be praying for Micah and his throat/tonsil problems. Those problems have not been resolved so he is continuing to see the speech patholigist for feeding therapy. Yesterday, we made an emergency trip to the pediatrician because he had woken from his nap screaming in pain from what turned out to be a very severe ear infection. He was in so much pain that he cried right up until we left for the doctor's office and then from the time we left there until I dropped him off with his Dad. I was gone last night, but Kevin said that he didn't go to sleep until after 9:30 and the tylenol and ibuprofen had seemingly no effect on the pain. He basically cried himself to sleep in our bed.

The infection happened to be on the same side where he still has a tube in as well as the side which has the more prominent swollen tonsil. And our pediatrician echoed my concerns that the ENT had not sufficiently evaluated Micah's problems and confirmed that it is very likely the ear infections and throat problems are related. So far, we still do not have a legitimate diagnosis and it seems we won't unless we pay cash to see a different ENT, which is probably what we will end up doing. Please pray for Micah and a quick resolution, as well as guidance for Kevin and me and the doctors as we try to search out a solution.

Daddy Lessons

Last Saturday, we had our photos taken for the church directory. The family picture actually came out pretty nice, but I was not at all happy with the other pictures they took. We had a birthday party later in the day, so we took the kids out to the park in between to try to get our own pictures of the three kids together. It turns out that no matter how many pictures you take of other people's kids, you can't always get your own kids to cooperate. Jadon wanted no part of being still, let alone sitting or standing next to his brother and sister. We did manage to get some cute pics of Chloe and Micah together, and Jadon by himself, but that wasn't the best part.

After the failed threesome shot, Micah said he was thirsty. I don't know what the deal is with this, but most of the parks around us have water fountains with spigots on the side for washing feet, I guess. But instead of lifting my boy up to the fountain, Daddy decided it was time for the child to learn to drink from his hands. Kevin and Micah and Chloe spent the next ten minutes soaking themselves and filling their hands with water to drink. Of course, Jadon thought all that water looked like fun so he had to get his hands in there a few times. By the time they were all done, I'm sure there was more water on them than in them, but they were sure pleased with themselves.

She's 6!!

So, as promised, I'm here to tell you all about Chloe's birthday. Her actual birthday was on Father's Day so we had to have it last Tuesday instead of on the actual day. She wanted a "horsey party" of course. So we got some horse themed decorations and a piñata and set up at the park near our house. We had it in the middle of a work day so not everyone who was invited could attend, but parties wear me out so that was just fine.

We had hotdogs and chips and punch, pretty usual junk food party stuff, but the best part was the cake made by my dear friend Amelia . They were gorgeous!

The kids loved the piñata, although some of them had some difficulty waiting their turns. Andy couldn't figure out why he had to go last, but as you can tell from this picture, he demolished the poor thing. As soon as I snapped this picture I was pelted by a downpour of candy. Doesn't he look scary going after this little horse?!

Anyway, Chloe had a great time and everyone had plenty of time to play at the park. I love that about a birthday party at the park. There really isn't much need to keep the kids entertained. They pretty much keep themselves happy.

Until next time, enjoy the pics!!

JJ

Don't tell anybody, but Jadon is in my favorite child stage(as far as the ones I know, anyway). I love the baby stage, and I am really enjoying Chloe and Micah's stages, you know what I mean, when they start being able to do so much more on their own. But I love this stage when they are just starting to talk, so everything they say is cute. I even giggle at the sound of his current favorite word "MY MY" despite the fact that he so rarely says it about something that actually is his. He's walking all by himself up and down stairs. Running away from Mommy and screeching at the top of his lungs when Chloe or Micah displeases him the slightest bit. All of these are behaviors that we deal with appropriately, but not without a little chuckle or just that little bit of tug on my heart. He is actually nearing the end of the cuddly stage, at least for this kid. And he won't be nursing much longer, or even sleeping in a crib. The next few years, will be battles over staying in bed and eating your vegetables instead of, or at least before, your candy(I type this as he walks into the room holding a half eated piece of candy still in the wrapper, maybe he's already reached the next few years.) I do not look forward to weaning this Mama's Boy and potty training is definitely not my idea of a good time. So today I'm feeling nostalgic about my boy who is learning to fold his hands during prayers and eat with a spoon without spilling and even say a few words that start with more than an "m" or a "b". But for at least a little while longer he'll be my baby to cuddle and rock and sing songs with at night. And now I have to go deal with the screaming in defiance of not being allowed to wake Chloe up from her nap.

The Rains Came Down...

...And the floods came up! Oh yes, can't you see where this is going. Our lovely little, landlocked commutiny has been issued a boil order (indefinitely) due to all of the flooding of the Mississippi and its tributaries. You know, I really shouldn't complain too much, but I'm going to anyway. After not quite 24 hours, I am sick and tired of boiling water. I realize that those people who live in communities closer to the river are much more harshly affected, many of them have been evacuated since last week, but anyone who lives in west central Illinois knows how far reaching that Mississippi River can be.

Chloe's birthday party was yesterday and soon I'll have pictures for you all, but as you can tell I've been a little busy today. Not to mention the three extra kids I acquired this morning. So we're having a good time playing new games and watching movies with cousins and washing dishes by hand, because you can't use your dishwasher during a boil order you know. Oops, did I go off on that again? Please, please, please pray that it will only be days, not weeks. In the meantime, here's my big 6yo girl.

In Daddy's Footsteps

As most of you already know, we are a baseball/softball devoted family. Kevin plays on three softball teams every week and in various other tournaments throughout the summer. Basically wherever he is invited to play, that's where he goes and we all trek right along with him. But this year, Chloe is old enough to play tee ball and she asked to play. So we signed her up and bought her a pink glove and a shiny new helmet. Of course we had to get some pink tee balls, too. She had a couple of practices before her first game and although she was a little shy at the first one, she has really seemed to enjoy it.

Last week was her very first game and we all walked down to the park to watch. We got there a little early, so Chloe had to watch the girls playing before her. She was giddy with anticipation. When it was finally her turn to play, she hesitated just a little until I got up to go with her. I went out into the field with her during the first inning, but she did it all by herself during the second. I'm sure you're all aware of how long a tee ball game can seem for parents and siblings watching, so I won't bore you with too many details. But Chloe did hit the ball without the tee both times she batted and she even got to field the ball once and throw to first (narrowly missing the head of the girl running to second) I did get quite a few good pictures of her and some other girls that I will email the link for if you email me or leave a comment with your email. But here are a few that I really liked.


Despite a few nerves, Chloe stepped up to bat. After just a couple of swings, she hit the ball and ran the bases with a huge grin on her face. Look at my girl go!!Chloe has seen enough softball games, that she had no trouble knowing when or where she was supposed to run around the bases. She's an old pro.


By the time the girls were ready for their second time at bat, it was 85 degrees and humid and they were exhausted. They perked up in the field, but you'd never guess they were having fun by those expressions.

She's Growing Up

I had a meeting at the church today. I dropped the kids off at the nursery, just like any other day. But when I came to pick them up, they had a surprise for me. On top of the counter was a plastic baggie with this in it.

Chloe has been talking about her loose tooth since her cousin lost her first tooth a month ago. At first it seemed she was just trying to be more like Claire, but then she started talking about it wiggling and hurting. And it actually wiggled! Now, when I was a kid and my teeth were loose, it totally grossed me out, but I tried to be supportive and excited for her. At least for the first few days. Then I told her I was very happy for her, but she had to find someone else to talk to about it. Once it fell out, it didn't bother me quite so much. Its just the wiggly thing that's creepy to me. And now my girl is so proud of herself. You just hate to squash that feeling you know.Look at that grin. Isn't she pretty, toothless gap and all!

Its finally summer!!

After such a long spring with buckets of rain and only an occasional warm day, just to tease us, I think summer is finally here to stay. (Please do NOT get all technical and calendary on me, its warm, ok?) My Chloe girl and cousin Claire were actually begging to play indoors this afternoon because they thought it was too hot outside to play. Good grief, girls, all I can say is that its just going to get hotter and more humid. I mean it is Illinois after all. And for crying out loud, Claire, didn't you spend the first 6 years of your life in Texas?! (She won't be 7 until next week) You'd think they had never seen 80 degrees before. Anyway, I didn't want them playing inside because my baby boy was trying not to take a nap and the extra kids in the house just encourage him to be more roudy. So Fun Aunt Becca decided this was a good time to get out the sprinkler.( I hope I didn't just start a really bad precedent, hmm... oh well. The kids had a pretty fun time.)

It has rained so much recently, that the ground was instantly a muddy, sloppy mess but that did not stop the kids from running and leaping over the sprinkler.

Sometimes they were not so careful and they ran into each other.

They even managed to knock each other down a few times.Claire looks like she's having fun. (I don't know why I did this to this picture, but I thought it was cool. Just ignore me, I sometimes get a little silly with my photos.)

And Caleb seems to be enjoying himself as well. (See there I go again with my silly pictures)

After a while, we started hearing Jadon screaming and pounding on his bedroom window. My attempt at getting him to sleep by sending the kids outside was doomed to failure. Especially considering that his window is right above the outside water spigot. So I got him up and he joined in on the fun. I just love this look of pure joy on his face.

Micah, however, was not quite so thrilled to play in the sprinkler. Only after he saw his cousins enjoying the water did he even ask to get his trunks on. After which he would run in a huge circle around the outside edges of the water spray. This was taken as he had just made a pass "through" the sprinkler and was yelling "I did it, Mom, I got wet!" Please notice the perfectly curled, completely DRY hair on top and the still fluffy, unwet swim trunks. I'm not sure if the child got a single drop of water on him. But he sure had fun running around watching everyone else get soaked to the bone!

License plate update

Now, just so everybody knows I fully intended to change the plates, here's the evidence. The class C misdemeanor plates have been removed.
Of course, I realized after I'd put the tool box away that I put the plates on the wrong way. I guess I just can't win

Pretty Things

I got pulled over today. I really hadn't done anything wrong. Except I hadn't yet made it home from the DMV. It's really not fair that they say it could take 6 weeks for your plates to be accurate when you switch them over and yet somehow, they change before you even get home to actually put the plates on. So this afternoon, of course, I got pulled over in my van.


Man in Uniform " Did you know your plates are expired?"

Me... (I'm gonna kill Kevin) "Yes, actually these are the accurate plates, I just got them changed over today and I haven't been home yet"

MIU "Well you need to get them switched right away, this is actually a class C misdemeanor"

Me "do you carry a wrench with you so you could do it for me?" no, I didn't say that really. But I don't understand how you can drive legally both to and from the DMV without getting on the ground in the nasty parking lot to actually change the plates. Or maybe my husband should have taken the paperwork back there himself last week like he was supposed to. At least I had the papers up to date, but seriously I have such a fear of authority I was shaking by the time he left. And did he really have to throw in that misdemeanor thing? Did he get a sufficient power trip by freaking out this mom in her minivan with 2 little boys? I'm not sure what the goal was, but that's certainly what he accomplished.

So to try to settle myself, I thought I'd enjoy some pretty flowers. My yard actually looks pretty bleak because, well, we don't like to mow and it's rained A LOT. And all that rain kind of pummeled my flowers. Except the lillies which have yet to bloom. So I'll share some pics I took before they were demolished by the downpour the other day.





These are some bearded irises that someone planted before we moved in, probably my mother-in-law. They are so pretty when they're all blooming at once. It's usually the first flower to bloom in the spring after the tulips are gone. I just love these dark purply-red ones.

I have absolutely no idea what this flower is, but several of them popped up in among the day lillies which haven't bloomed yet and I think they are just gorgeous. Don't you think they're pretty? I hope my pretty flowers have brightened your day. They've certainly made me feel better.

Argh!!

JJ has decided that naptime is not for him today. I put all three kids down about an hour ago, and I keep hearing his little voice. Then I heard some rattling. And some shrieks. So I went in there and put him back down and told him in my sternest (is that the right way to say that?) mommy-voice that he was to lay down and go to sleep. About two minutes later, I hear some giggling and more rattling. So I open the door to see him leap down onto the pillow like he'd been that way all along. Isn't it supposed to be another year or so before he starts pretending like he wasn't doing what I know he's doing? Why does he dive into his bed some days and others, like today, he just dances and sings and plays while his brother just dreams sweet dreams, completely oblivious to my baby boy's hijinx? Can someone please tell me, please?!

Read a good book today

My kids and I have been reading classics at bedtime for the last couple of months and I've really been enjoying it. I'm embarrased to say I kind of missed out on the classic childhood stories and read The Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley instead. But at least I was reading, right? We just finished Tom Sawyer last week and I hadn't remembered to get a new book the last time we were at the library.

So, I was looking over my bookshelf and noticed the Chronicles of Narnia. I read some of these books as a child, I think I got sidetracked around book 3, and then I got the collection for myself when my girl was born. These are GREAT books. If you've never read them, do it today. If you have read them, read them again. If you don't like to read, go watch the movie, it's pretty good too. But whatever you do, read to your kids and let them see you reading, too. In this day of tv and instant gratification, it's kinda nice to see my kids excited to hear who's going to go to Narnia next or what the White Witch might do when Edmund comes back. And they have such great imaginations, they don't need pictures or actors to tell them what's happening. They come up with great ideas all on their own. So curl up with a good book and your kids and enjoy the next rainy day. (that will probably be today)

*end of sermon

Prayer Warriors Needed *update

This is my little man. He is an awesome little guy that everybody loves. But he constantly makes this funny noise that sounds pretty nasty while he's eating, so he had an appointment last week with a feeding therapist. I'd never even heard of a feeding therapist before last week so it was quite educational for me. She is actually a speech pathologist that specializes in feeding. Apparently his funny sound that he makes when he's eating is him choking, two or three times every meal. It's actually kind of scary to realize that he chokes on his food every single time he eats. Evidently his tonsils are so large that he cannot swallow his food easily and instead is choking on it regularly. So sometime soon he will be having his tonsils and adenoids removed. Despite the fact this is a relatively minor surgery, and quite necessary, it's still surgery and we would appreciate all the prayers our little guy can get. Also, my baby's ENT who we really like, will not take little man as a new patient so our only option outside of traveling to Chicago is an ENT we are unfamiliar with in town. As a surgeon, he comes highly recommended, so I am not concerned about that terribly, but I want my little guy to be comfortable with his doctor, too. Pray that everything goes well and that I am able to be a good advocate for my. I have a tendency to get intimidated by doctors and I don't want little man to suffer for my insecurities.

*My guy has since seen the ENT who is not convinced he needs his tonsils out, in strong disagreement with both the pediatrician and the feeding therapist. We are having a test done, basically several x-rays taken while he eats, next week. Provided that he does what both I and the feeding therapist have observed him doing, this should help the ENT make a more informed decision.

Please note that while I am pleased that the surgeon wants to be thorough, I felt like my concerns were summarily dismissed and the opinion of the feeding therapist were utterly disregarded. Particularly since Micah had woken in the night with tonsils swollen and cutting off his breathing. Please pray for guidance and direction for both me and DH as well as the doctors and therapists as we try to help my little guy in the best way possible.