Back to School

So after 10 days "out sick" from school, BB1 finally got to go back. . . And it was time. . . not only for her sake but for my sanity as well. I was right to think that I would run out of ideas for ways to keep her occupied and out of trouble. I ran out of ideas/thing to do yesterday. So timing worked out just about right.

I took her into school and the second she walked into the classroom, 3 little girls jumped up and where like "BB1", "BB1's back", "Oh, we have missed you BB1" It was too cute. One little girl (who lives in the neighborhood and who has been a super close friend) refused to leave her side, until BB1 was done taking off her jacket and hanging up her backpack and went to sit down at her desk. Again, too cute.

I just love how excited kids seemed to get to just see someone who has been gone. I guess I can liken the feeling to when I get to see family and friends whom I haven't seen in a while - you just feel all warm and bubbly inside.

So it's good that she is back at school and back to full health. I am not sure what BB2 will do, since I think she has gotten used to having BB1 around to play with her all day. This has actually been really great for me in terms of giving me some free time to get other, non-kid related things done (like paying bills, cleaning the house, shoveling snow, yelling at the phone company, you know!) And I have to say, they have been playing really well together. I love that right now, they get along and are at just the right age that BB1 can boss BB2 around, and BB2 doesn't seem to mind. I know it won't last, so for now I will enjoy their camaraderie (sp?) and BB2's tolerance of BB1's orders while I can.

Snow Day anyone?

So just how much snow do you have to get here in order to get it officially termed a snow day? Apparently the 4+ feet that we received in one day was not enough to warrant that status.

My heart went out to the kids that I saw standing on the corner just waiting for their bus to come and take them to school. The smart ones were bundled up to where no ounce of flesh could be seen, but there was one silly boy (Jr. high or high school/freshman age) in a simple black T-shirt and shorts and tennis shoes. He was not so bright and deserves whatever sicknesses come his way.

Here are just a few pictures of our mailbox, the front walkway up to the house, and the walkway around to the garage. I only wish I had a ruler (or a tape measure) to actually see how much was up there.

Papa Bear and I both were outside tackling the white stuff, and the first round definitely went to Mother Nature and her snow attack as I kid you not, just as soon as we would finish clearing a walk way or deck we would turn around and same said path/deck was covered right back up again. Talk about feeling like you were getting no where fast.

At least we were both able to take a moment an appreciate the total silence that seems to be unique to a massive snow fall. I love how everything is so perfect and white. I love watching the big fat snow flakes fall from the sky almost to the point where you feel like you are punching into hyper drive and shooting through space. It was a great moment, ended all to soon, by BB1 and BB1 screaming bloody murder inside the house, because hey, if mom and dad were both outside then that's where they needed to be as well. Never mind the RSV, ear infections and walking pneumonia. BTW - the girls are getting better and doing just fine.

And for those of you in warmer weather that don't have to deal with the snow, I have only one thing to say to you - Lucky!!!

Just a cold . . . yah right!

That's what I thought we were dealing with and like all good mom's I did everything I could think of to provide some relief to my coughing, runny nose, feverish child. Especially since the FDA decided that OTC medicines were ineffective for kids under the age of 6. So commenced the steamy baths to relieve the cough, medicated chest rub for easier breathing, cough drops for relief from the hacking cough. Motrin and Tylenol alternating out every 4 hours to help with the fever and lots and lots of liquids, Popsicles, hugs and kisses.

3 days later came the statement, "my ear hurts" and I knew it was time to call the Dr.'s office. This was on Saturday, so I knew I wasn't going to get in during normal hours, but they have a kids clinic on the weekends (thankfully) so I thought I would be able to get her seen at the clinic. Of course there was a mix up with the clinic hours posted on the web site (it said they were open till 6) and when the office was actually open (they stopped seeing patients at 4), so she couldn't get in on Saturday. (did I mention I made the call to the Clinic at 3:45)

So after talking with the on-call nurse, she tells me to keep doing all the things I am already doing and just call in and get an appointment Sunday morning during Sunday clinic hours. Guess there is no previous scheduling for the clinic. So Sunday morning dawns cold and snowy, but I call in and get the 10:45 slot. Leave BB2 at home with dad and take BB1 through a nasty snow storm to the doctors to find out that her cold is not a cold, it's worse than we thought.

After having the nurse and then the Dr. come in and check all her vitals and ears,and throat and heart rate/pulse, I get the possible diagnosis. It's either Bronchiolitis, RSV or Pneumonia. Oh and on top of that possible diagnosis, her right ear drum has definitely ruptured from the infection that is present in both of her ears and and her oxygen levels are at 87% (normal is 95+). When presented with that huge list of problems, it's easy to be overwhelmed. Luckily the Dr and I were on the same page and our first priority was to fix her oxygen levels, so the Dr. ordered a breathing treatment asap and a full panel to rule out RSV, Influenza and a whole slew of other things that I don't remember, but that didn't sound very good. Of course that involved some deep suctioning of BB1's nasal passages (she was not happy or amused about that one) but as long as she wasn't getting a shot she was able to keep it all in perspective (at least that of a 5 year old) with a little persuasion from mom.

After the breathing treatment, her oxygen levels were reassessed and she had only gone up one percentage point to 88 so the Dr. suggested sending her upstairs to the Pediatric Unit to be admitted for oxygen, another breathing treatment, monitoring and a chest x-ray (to help rule out pneumonia) and if none of that came back with any more answers, then we would order blood work and take it from there. Given BB1'a absolute intolerance to anything shot related, I appreciated the Dr's taking her fears into account and going about the diagnosis process in a way that still gave answers without torturing my little girl.

So upstairs we went, and once she was in her room she got the breathing treatment, hooked up to a monitor and given a round of antibiotics for her ear. An hour later, the x-ray tech came and gave her a ride in a wheel chair down to the x-ray room (she thought that was pretty cool) and she did awesome standing very still while the tech took some pictures of her insides. She asked to see what they looked like and she thought it was pretty cool that she could see her ribs and lungs and other insides.

SO back upstairs in the wheelchair and back onto the monitor where her oxygen levels continued to fluctuate between 89 and 91 (are the treatments working?) I still didn't know if she was going to have to be admitted overnight and the nurses, didn't know either. So we spent the afternoon watching movies (4 in total), having a room service delivery of chicken fingers, chicken noodle soup and an Oreo milkshake, followed up with a blue Popsicle, sprite and graham crackers and an apple. BB1 was happy as a clam and kept wanting to order something else from the room service menu, and she really had me questioning just how sick she was. Even the nurses commented that if they didn't know better, they wouldn't think she was sick from outward appearances. I guess she just hasn't learned to milk it yet (should I be grateful for this?)

During the next 5 hours we had plenty of time to wait for updates and her oxygen levels decided to jump up a bit and she got in the 93 - 94 range, which was good news to me, but still no word on the results from the x-ray or what we were going to do next.

By 6:30 the Dr. who first saw her in the clinic earlier that morning came up and finally gave us the news on the x-ray. She didn't have the really bad version of Pneumonia, just more of a walking type pneumonia, which isn't good, just not as bad as it could have been. They were still waiting on the results from the full panel they had requested that morning (guess it takes a day to get info back) for the RSV/Influenza possibilities, but given that her oxygen levels were back up where they should be and given how good she was acting, they didn't' think she needed to stay overnight for observation. But they did want to send her home with oxygen, a monitor and a nebulizer for additional breathing treatments, should her stats take a turn back down.

So armed with what felt like a hundred different prescriptions (in truth - 5) and an order for home health to come and bring us multiple machines (oxygen, nebulizer and a pulsoxomiter(sp?), we set off for the only open, 24-hour pharmacy in Northern Utah on a Sunday evening. we were home by 8:45 and BB1 was in bed by 9:30.

All in all, a very long day, but we were home. I have to admit after the home health guy left and seeing all the equipment and tubing now installed in her room, I almost wonder if staying at the hospital would have been easier?

So how is BB1 doing today - just fine. She's on antibiotics for the ear infection and breathing treatments to help her lungs open and heal up. She gets a week off from school and I am only hoping I can find enough things to do around the house to keep her entertained and me from going stir crazy since we won't be leaving the house and going anywhere anytime soon.

Before I forget - the results from the full panel are back and she tested positive for RSV, which is viral and so antibiotics won't do her any good (dump one prescription down the drain).

Incidentally - BB2 is beginning to get the same cough and stuff that BB1 started out with. And tonight the fever is kicking in. Guess it's a good thing that BB1 has a follow-up appointment tomorrow during regular Dr's hours and I had the foresight to book an appointment for BB2 as well.

All in all I just have to say for all the ups and downs, I am grateful for clinics and Dr's and good health insurance and for pharmacy's that are open on Sundays in a state where everything seems to be closed and especially for kids that no matter how miserable they might be feeling are still the best kids ever.

There is also some humor to be found (isn't there always when you most need it) This afternoon, when asked to come down stairs to eat her lunch - for the 3rd time, mind you -
BB1's reply:"Mom, I didn't hear you. My ears are broken"

Twas the Day After Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas and all throughout the house

all the kiddies were up and running around through the house.

So many presents to play with and good treats to still eat.

While mom and dad might be sleepy, the kids keep us on our feet.

Wrappings and ribbons are still strewn on the floor

a huge mess indeed, that I am choosing to ignore.

The kids will spend the day playing with their goodies galore

and I will be grateful that I don't have to go to any stores.

I am happy to be living and breathing with my loves ones so dear,

and I am content to just sit here, remembering a great year!!

The End.

OK - so I am not as eloquent as others I know, but I thought it would be fun to try and create a little story to capture what our Christmas Day (and the aftermath) consisted of.

And now I am done. Sorry if that was painful for some of you.

Here's what's been going on at our house since last I posted.

Christmas Eve - 7:30 ish - the girls got new Jammies. How stink'in cute do they look. BB1 loved her nighttime dress and who doesn't like a kid in polka dots.

Christmas Eve - 11:30 ish - Santa was in Cedar City, UT according to NORAD tracking. Good thing we are went to bed when we did, so that Santa could come.

Christmas Day - 7:30 am - BB1 wakes up first (which I thought was awesome considering Papa Bear and I both woke up at 5 wondering when we were going to get pounced on by the wee ones) She went to Papa Bear's side of the bed first (I guess she has learned that I don't respond so well that early in the morning) and told him that Santa had come and there were some really big presents under the tree. . . SO big they weren't even wrapped. . .and to hurry up and come down stairs. She then immediately ran into BB2's room and the words that came floating back down the hallway were - "BB2, wake up - Santa came and there are sooooo many presents. YIPPEEEE!!" This statement was then immediately followed up with excited giggles, laughter and clapping from both of them. I LOVE IT!

I got video of them sliding down the stairs and their first reaction to the bounty that awaited them. Once I figure out how to upload video, you'll get to see the comedy and joy that only kids on Christmas morning can create.

Question - Can you really be in 5 different places at once. Answer - YES!, if there are presents with your name on them in 5 different places. Trust me on this one.

Stockings came first and the rest of the morning was a blur of ribbons and wrapping paper flying around the room. What I remember the most is the warm and happy feeling in my heart as I watched the ones I love the most so excited and happy.

BB1 is now a rock star and we expect some pretty spectacular performances from her in the near future and BB2 is on her way to becoming a great mommy (she loves her new little baby) and a Galaxy Explorer with her new Space Buggy. It was all we could do to get her out of the car and eat some breakfast.

Both the girls where great when it came to not eating all of the candy from their stockings (I am still not sure how I got so lucky on that one) and after a breakfast of really yummy crumb cake, bacon and eggs, they spent the next several hours just playing with all their new toys. Both the girls got new teddy bears which have been named Sugar (BB1) and Spice (BB2) and they could not be more appropriate in describing the child they belong too.

The rest of the day was just hanging around. Papa Bear hung a new light fixture in the garage and shoveled a bunch of snow. I cleaned out the play room, to make room for all the new toys and BB1 got all dressed up to play in the snow. We all got to take a nap (one of the best things about Christmas Day), except for BB1 who said she was not in the slightest bit tired.

Dinner consisted of the most delicious of spiral sliced ham (thank you Target for having such a great deal on them - 1.14/lb.) and yummy salad and rolls. If anyone is in the mood for a nice ham sandwich you know where to get one, seriously, we will be eating it all week!

So definitely a great Christmas. The only way to improve on it would be to have family and friends near by to share it with. We only hope everyone had as great a Christmas where ever you are.

Oh - before I forget- On Christmas Eve - BB1 wanted to get her face painted like a clown. Not sure where the idea came from, but she got all dressed up as a clown (thanks JoJo the clown costume for finally fitting 2 years after we purchased it for Halloween) and the pictures are just too cute not to share. Enjoy!

Tracking Santa

Yep - that's right. As I type this post, we are currently tracking Santa's where abouts. Right now he is in Valparaiso, Chile. BB1 couldn't be more excited about seeing where he is right now, cause as she just informed me seconds ago "it means he is on his way to our house."

As a kid, I could never fall asleep on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa to come. I would just lay there in bed telling myself to go to sleep, but my little body was filled with so much raw excitement and energy it took all my strength to not pop out of bed like a Mexican jumping bean every 2 seconds. I never actually remember falling asleep, but eventually I must have as Christmas morning always came and Santa had always made his delivery just like I hoped he would.

Even now I still feel that boundless excitement and energy, and even more so now that I can see the joy that Christmas brings to my two little ones. I love seeing the light and wonder of the season shining through their eyes. I hope they have a good Christmas and take away the most important presents of all - love for all mankind, peace for the earth, joy in the heavens and the miracle of the birth of one tiny baby and the endless possibilities of hope that event has brought for all of us.

I know BB1 got it this year about the giving of presents, especially to her teacher and classmates. She was so excited to give out her little present and she got so sad when she thought she was one short (side note - she wasn't and everyone walked away with a treat) BB2 loves going up to the tree and looking up at the lights and ornaments and have been REALLY good about not taking them off. (did I get lucky or what). Just a little glimpse into our Christmas doings.

Well, BB1 just told BB2 that they both needed to be sure to get to bed on time so that Santa could come and deliver his presents. It's 7:30 and the earliest these two have wanted to go to bed for a while, especially at thier own request. I will not say be saying no to this one.

Also, Santa is now in Moyobamba, Peru and getting closer and closer and closer.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Christmas Letter to Santa

Because this is too cute not to share. Below is the letter that BB1 emailed to Santa for Christmas. She wrote it (with the help of Papa Bear) and all the words (for the most part) are from her own mouth.

Dear Santa,
I have been super nice this year! I have listened to my parents and done most things that they have asked me to. I love my little sister so much and help her with lots of things like walking and eating and getting dressed. I keep my room and my play room clean most of the time. Most of the time I make my bed and I put my pajamas away. Below are the toys I would like for Christmas.

Kawasaki 4-Wheeler
Barbie Bicycle
Fur Real Friends Butterscotch Pony
Kitchen Set
Hannah Montana Microphone Set
Barbie Corvette
Barbie TV-DVD
Video Games
Laptop Computer
Straightening Iron
Arts and Craft Supplies

Love, BB1

That being shared - I find simple joy in the way that technology keeps up with even something as simple as being able to send a letter via email to a big fat man with a predisposition for red and all thing jolly, with all your wishes attached, and knowing he will get it and even respond (yep, Santa had already written BB1 a response back).

I guess there is some merit to being on the "nice" side of the list more times than the "naughty" one.

So, what are you asking Santa for Christmas this year?

Letter to Santa

This letter was sent to me by my sister-in-law (author unknown) but it's message needed to be shared with all the wonderful moms, grandmothers, aunts, friends and women I know who can appreciate the sentiment expressed within. Enjoy!

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the kids doctors office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,
MOM...

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.