Disappointing supper for the boys... (sad) PIZZA

Tonight, while the boys were playing in the sandbox, I asked them "How do you want your pizza? Squares? Triangles? Or both?"

Both boys excitedly replied BOTH. (WOW! That was easy.)

So, I rounded them up and we went inside to wash hands. At the table, I said the magic words ABBRA CADABBRA and started to cut the pizza into squares AND triangles, as requested.

When I served the pizza, Sydney started to freak out - talking/whining, sounding much like a mosquito.

"What's the matter?" I immediately quizzed.

"Where are the boats?"

Perplexed, I replied "What?"

"You said we were cutting the pizza into BOATS. We wanted boats!" We all laughed at this misunderstanding (that I had said BOTH, not BOATS). I think I made up for it by bribing them with some pecorino romano cheese in a shaker jar and let THEM put it onto their squares and triangles themselves.

Mike got a kick out of the story when he got home from work and wondered if I had blogged it yet. MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED.

I did it! Day one... DONE

It's been kind of crazy trying to arrange for my home health visit to administer my first dose of the Copaxone. The nurse that was going to do it is on vacation and I had been assigned to someone else instead. That replacement called me today, but she said that she works during the week so, she would only be able to come on weekends... driving over 6 hours to get here from Nebraska!!! I ended up telling that one that I may as well wait for the original one to get back from vacation because she lives only an hour away and I really liked the fact that SHE also has MS and uses the drug. We decided that it was best for me to call the drug company and have an on-call nurse talk me through giving myself my first injection and that Carla, the nurse with MS, will bring me my WELCOME KIT and check up on me post-vacation.

Earlier in the day, I had talked to an on-call nurse and asked about the penetration depth of my auto-injector, as well as some other questions. She had me take a shot out of the fridge at that time and then, encouraged me to call them back tonight after Mike got home from work so that he would be home for my shot, that would be room temperature and ready to go.

So, we did JUST THAT!

The same nurse from earlier talked me through it step-by-step. Then, when it was done, she offered praise "Good for You! Congratulations! You did it! You're well on your way!" (Mike had to refrain from laughing, thinking THAT was a little over the top; it's not like I had just won the lottery or anything, but I was lucky enough to have them walk me through it all as a refresher course.)

Now, I have been instructed not to touch or rub the area. So, my belly has a blotchy red blob shape on it and the tiniest welt where the needle went in. It burned a little bit, but that seems to be getting better = 20 minutes later.

Think I will need to sleep with an extra pillow on my stomach tonight... to make sure that the cats don't step on me; that was a problem I had with this in my former life.

Day one... DONE.

Still waiting for a CURE...

• • • • •
In the kit that had been mailed to me in September 2010, there was a fridge magnet where you can customize it by inserting a (family) photo. On that frame, it says (something along the lines of) THIS IS WHY I DO IT. Mike keeps reminding me of that, too.

In a few days, I look forward to attending the local MS support group's monthly meeting. It will be nice to talk to others who are taking this same medicine and "wear the same shoes".

Right Now_2012 SEPT

September 2012 – Right now:

Outside my window.... the night temperatures are dropping and the leaves are starting to change colors pretty quickly.
I am thinking... I haven't written a letter to THE BOYS in a while. I really, Really need to find/make time to back up the photos from my computer. I am still rather sore from stopping our breastfeeding journey and am amazed that Silas has stopped signing for MILK after such little time. I am thinking that flannel sheets on the bed will feel nice (soon).
I am thankful for... Mike's job that allows for my opportunity to stay home with the kids each day. I am thankful that the drug company has a special co-pay rate of $35 for my medicine instead of the $85 copay that the insurance company wanted me to pay; what a lovely surprise!
In the kitchen... we need to secure the toekick by the laundry cabinet; that silly thing keeps falling down, despite being glued repeatedly. The dishwasher needs emptying. Dishes, that won't fit inside the dishwasher, are waiting to be done. The ceiling tiles WOW everyone; I love the ceiling, light fixtures and the new cabinets!
I am wearing... black yoga pants and an aquamarine/teal Eddie Bauer long-sleeved tshirt.
I am creating... digital prints for my Project Life album; I lay out an entire PAGE in InDesign and then, crop them out as 6x4 photos to be printed (whenever there is a sale at Walgreens or when I get around to it)
I am going... to be going back on Copaxone soon. (I was really enjoying feeling NORMAL these past few years by NOT having to give myself an injection every day!)
I am reading... STILL ALICE for book club; then, quickly moved on to the next book club selection GONE GIRL.
I am watching... Parenthood and Glee. I really hate to proclaim my love for a show because it seems that when I do just that, the show soon gets cancelled (i.e. LIE TO ME) but SERIOUSLY I think that Parenthood is brilliant and one of THE BEST SHOWS ON TV... EVER!
I am hoping... for FDA approval on the new pill to manage MS, instead of having to give myself a shot every day. I am hoping that I will not be incredible sore from the shots since my 1 and 3 year olds use me as a human jungle gym. I am hoping to improve my outlook on going back on meds again; I need to remind myself that it IS a good thing!
I am hearing... A quiet house. Sydney protests naps these days so, mommy rushes bedtime. (He's in a near-constant meltdown state from 5pm on, making for a long night!) It helps that it is getting dark outside earlier and earlier.
Around the house... I think I really SHOULD run the vacuum after every single meal. I have (at least one) cardboard box of papers hidden under the bed that I really DO need to go through one of these days. We have painting to be done; my job is to tackle the faux finish in our bedroom where the wooden boards were removed behind the door.
One of my favorite things... Project Life! It makes scrapbooking SO EASY to accomplish in my busy mom life.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Vacation days for Mike means NO BLUE SHIRT! (I wonder if we'll go anywhere?) Sydney has school on Tuesday/Thursday mornings.
A picture to share... Thanks to a self-timer, we captured a family picture; LOVE THIS! Also, thanks to the zoom lens on the camera, I was able to capture FALL - without the view of our bonus room roof in it; it sure is getting pretty out there!

The arrival of the blue box AND encouragement

 Today is the day that is marked on our dry erase calendar "Copaxone arrives" - along with a sad face. :(

The sadness comes simply because I am NOT overly excited to give up my sense of NORMALCY. It has been SO NICE these past few years to NOT give myself a shot each day. Stupid, I know, because afterall, there ARE worse things in the world to contend with...

My friend, Meg, reminds me to keep a positive attitude and reminds me that the Copaxone IS a good thing. (Meg's mom has MS and has been on Copaxone for years!)

It didn't work out to have the Shared Solutions nurse (with MS herself) to come administer my training session and first dose before her vacation - since my box didn't arrive until close to 4:30pm. She's put in a call to get someone else to step in instead; we'll see what happens...

IF I wanted to, I could have tried to give myself a shot without a nurse BUT my box shipped with a label on it indicating that there were NOT alcohol swabs inside the box (as I had expected). SO, I will need to pick some of those up tomorrow while we're out and about.

I haven't decided YET if I will just go ahead and do it without a nurse or if I will wait for the starter kit and the latest explanation. (In theory, I "should" hear from someone no later than Friday.)

Meg's text message made me smile. She's always SO positive!

Acknowledging MY NEW NORMAL.

The box that NOW resides in our fridge.

Mike reminded me: You're doing this for THEM!

I'm doing this for US!

What do you do at 12:34am?

The time is 12:34am. I am hopelessly AWAKE.

After putting the boys to bed, I followed up on some email. I updated some Bucket List items on my blog. I watched one of my favorite shows on tv (Parenthood on NBC) while snuggling with my cats. I loaded the dishwasher. I scoured the kitchen sink. I hand washed the balance of the dishes that wouldn't fit into the dishwasher. I swept the kitchen floor. I threw in a load of laundry. I made a TO DO LIST for the days ahead. I contemplated getting out the vacuum, but decided that 11:30pm was NOT the best time of day to do that. I went to bed. I tried to sleep.

I tried to wake Mike at 12:30, hoping that I could get him to snuggle with me, but I couldn't get him to  roll over to cooperate with my plans so, I went downstairs and swapped the load of laundry from the washer to the dryer. I wrote a note on the dry erase board on the fridge. I heard the dishwasher BEEP that it is done, but I doubt that clanking dishes is overly advisable at this hour of night.

I feel like I haven't slept overly well all week.

I think I am nervous about my shots.

I got an automated recording on the phone today, reminding me that they SHOULD arrive on Wednesday. (OH, JOY!)

On Monday night, I got a call back from the nurse that is supposed to come to our house to (re)train me on giving myself shots and to witness the administration of the first dose. Unfortunately, she is leaving on vacation and won't be back until October 7th. She wondered IF I would like to have the drug company arrange for someone else to come sooner than that. (I am supposed to let her know when my medicine arrives to see IF she can make the one hour drive to Dubuque for me on Wednesday.)

On August 1st, after reaching my goal of breastfeeding Silas for 15 months, I made the decision to go back on the medicine and called Madison to have them get the ball rolling. (I had heard that it takes the better part of a month before all is said and done.) Being that August was Breastfeeding Awareness Month, I felt ODD quitting that month, but I let them know that I would be ready to start on September 1st. They told me that they would get the ball rolling and get back to me when they needed to talk more about it.

And then... I waited.

After 3 weeks, each time that the phone would ring, I would tell myself "It's probably Madison." but, it never was. Mike assured me "Maybe it is a sign that you don't need to go on the medicine since they didn't call you back yet." (I love his optimism.)

I waited... and waited...

I think it was closer to 6 weeks before I finally got the nerve to call Madison to inquire (on September 11th), as I was feeling STRESSED whenever the phone rang. Then, I got disappointed that no one called me back that day.

The next day, Madison called me back and informed me that their records indicated that they had faxed my paperwork to the drug company (already); they were also glad that I had called to check up on it - as I had somehow gotten lost in cyberspace. (No one took the blame for it.) They re-sent my information and got confirmation back right away. I had wondered if I had to wait ANOTHER MONTH to start the medicine; they assured me "Absolutely NOT! It shouldn't take long at all." I was told that someone would be in contact with me in the near future. I wasn't expecting later that day.

When looking online, I saw an ad that talked about a $35 co-pay - ASK HOW. So, I did. I was told that because I was interested in that, a case worker would run a test claim and see IF I would qualify for it. (I was NOT really looking forward to my $85 co-pay.) "IF you don't hear back from us within a week, give us a call back to check on your case." So, I marked my calendar.

On the seventh day, I got a teleconference call from the insurance company and mail-order pharmacy. They wondered if I had supplemental insurance. When I said NO, they told me that it would be an $85 copay and wondered how I would like to pay for it. I asked "Do I not qualify for the $35 copay? They told me that they would get back to me within a week." SO, I decided to hold off on placing the order for my meds until I talked to the drug company. Turns out, I really DO qualify for the reduced co-pay.

Nice.

I find myself wondering... IF the nurse isn't available to do my shots, is that yet another SIGN that I am not meant to do them (yet)? Part of me worries about that heart palpitations that I was having last summer after the birth of Silas. Part of me worries about the hivelike reaction that I did get a few times while on this drug. Part of me worries about the rare(r) flushing reaction where you feel like you are having a heart attack, but "it normally resides within 20 minutes." Part of me worries about the electrical shock sensations I get when I tip my head forward. (I haven't been having that as often as I have been lately again... at least, not for a long time.) Part of me worries that there was NO DAMAGE reported on my optic nerve from any of my MRI's or former appointments, but my last checkup, it was noted that there IS some scarring on my right optic nerve. Part of me worries about my leg that has suddenly gave out at me - in the knee - a few times during the past few weeks; thankfully, I haven't fallen or gotten hurt. Part of me worries about my balance with Sydney hanging onto my feet/legs a lot more recently, thinking that it is great fun. Part of me worries about my sudden inability to type like I normally do - with fingers that keep hitting the wrong keys on the keyboard. Part of me worries about the boys climbing on me and (potentially) being SORE from the shots. Part of me wants to go in for one last massage before my body has 7 locations that are OFF LIMITS to massage.

All of these little "parts of me" NEED to STOP WORRYING! (My neurologist told me the story about the patient who worried ALL THE TIME about the MS and eventually, she died of a heart attack instead.)

Mike often reminds me IT IS WHAT IT IS. He reminds me that when given the chance to sink or swim, I'd like to try to swim... and taking Copaxone is likely the opportunity I need to do just that. I need to remind myself that I am doing THIS for my kids, hoping to be around for a long, long time and to enjoy our lives together. I need to admit that I am doing THIS to take care OF MYSELF!

I kind of want to go sneak on of the boys out of their bed to snuggle with me, but I doubt anyone would really appreciate THAT at 1:21am either. MAYBE when I go back to bed, Mike will agree to snuggle... to hold me for a few minutes while I feel comforted and safe in his arms.

I hope my mind and conscience are clearer now and that I am able to sleep. I just let out a BIG YAWN; I take THAT as a good sign.

FPoD_2012SEP23

What's the Favorite Part of your day?

SEPTEMBER 23, 2012

MOMMY: Going out to eat for dinner; not having to cook OR clean up.

DADDY:  Enjoying homemade "cinnamon rolls" with mommy and the boys - made from crescent rolls, marshmallows, butter and cinnamon sugar. Getting a bunch of junk cleaned out from the garage and later, discovering that my wife was busy cleaning in the gross, dirty basement.

SYDNEY: Looking at our (Project Life) picture from TRUCK NIGHT.

SILAS: Playing "run, chase and BOO!" with Papa and Sydney in the yard.

WISHING: We got A LOT of work done around the house this weekend. We were wishing that we could have had more time spent PLAYING and HAVING FUN.

I think that our breastfeeding journey has ended :(

My Facebook status from this evening is that I: achieved GREATNESS for nursing Silas for just shy of 17 months (and Sydney for 15 months). I think our breastfeeding journey is officially over; I have successfully put him to bed (without nursing) for the past few nights and am SO GLAD that he's OK with his thumb and a snuggle instead. I could come up with a bunch of reasons NOT to quit yet... get him to 17 months, get him through this current round of teething, get him through the snuffles, get him through cold & flu season, I never video-taped his evil/excited laugh when he saw boobs, etc... BUT I will be returning back onto meds for MS next week so, it is NOW time to take care of myself instead. Nursing has been a FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE (and I miss it already!)

• • • • •

I'm feeling pretty full and admiring my (now) shapely figure. Honestly, I much prefer the FULL-look to the flat-tire-look, but am unsure how I will end up when all is said and done. Time will tell, I guess...

• • • • •

My old neighbor, Kate, just reminded me that WE were going to go bra shopping after I quit nursing Sydney. Turns out, I was pregnant already then so, we never shopped together. She has since had another baby and said that she, too, just quit nursing this past week and suggests that we go shopping.

I think I have been walking around with a partial Victoria's Secret gift card in my wallet for the past 3 years or more... wondering if there is ANY credit left on there after all this time (or if it was a "you don't use it, you lose it" kind of situation.

• • • • •

Thankfully, Silas hasn't asked for MILK all that often. (It is SERIOUSLY SO CUTE to see him sign it!) Once in a while, he might ask during the day, but I've managed to hold him to JUST BEDTIME. On Tuesday night, I went to book club and Mike put him to bed. At some point in the night, either Tuesday LATE or Wednesday EARLY, he woke crying and I took the opportunity to nurse him (for my own comfort).

Last night, he asked for it, but seemed satisfied to snuggle with his fuzzy polartec blanket and his mommy instead. When he asked for it, I started to cry. Then, he scrunched up his nose and imitated my sniffles. (He is SUCH a cute kid!) Mike and I both thought it was pretty cute. Mike reminded me that we've had a FANTASTIC JOURNEY!

Tonight, he asked for it and I shook my head, announcing "All gone." He looked at me with a bewildered face and then, pulled at the neck of my polo shirt - trying to show me "IT'S DOWN THERE, MOM!"

• • • • •

My medicine will be delivered on Wednesday. (I still need to contact the home visit nurse to set up my re-training session and my first dose under medical supervision.)

A year ago, my OB/GYN, my pediatrician, my lactation consultant AND a pharmacist whom I trust A LOT all gave me the verbal OK to take Copaxone while breastfeeding. My neurologist strongly disagreed. (At my appointment in July 2012, he didn't seem nearly as offended by the thought of it.) Mike has HINTED that he is OK with my decision IF I want to try to breastfeed while on the medicine.... you know, having my cake AND eating it, too! (I think I would have a hard time forgiving myself IF something happened to Silas because of that decision.)

Silas is cutting teeth right now and has been fussy (for him) this past week. PLUS he just got a cold. It would be nice to offer him the comfort that he needs, but somehow, I will always be able to come up with more reasons NOT to quit YET.

I really NEED to start taking care of MYSELF!!! (And with that... I just glanced at the computer clock and realized that I should have gone to bed 35 minutes ago!)

Weekend in WI_SEPTEMBER2012

Rachel tries to contain the little cousins for a quick picture.
16 month old Silas and AvaLynn are trying to make a break
for it, while 3 year old Sydney sits on the bench next to his
newest cousin, 3 month old Abigail. WORK FAST!

Abigail Pease is 3 months old already!

AvaLynn is 16 months old.

AvaLynn is 16 months old.

AvaLynn is 16 months old.

Group photo from our visit: Great-Great-Aunt MaryPat holds Sydney.
Eileen (Nana)  holds Silas. Sarah sits behind Beamer-the-dog.
Bill (Papa) peeks out between his Uncle Dave and his Aunt Barbara.

AvaLynn and Silas were born in May 2011 - 3 weeks apart.

The May Babies: AvaLynn - 16 months.
Sydney - 3 years 3.5 months. Silas - 16.5 months.

The May Babies are cousins.
16 months old for the little ones. Sydney is 3.

WORK FAST! The May Babies are on the move!

Silas is all tuckered out; he fell asleep on Nana's bed.
Nana reads Sydney one of the Mr. Putter & Tabby library books.

After a shopping trip to Kohl's, we discovered that the July 4th
fireworks were rescheduled for Saturday night. We watched them
from the school's parking lot. (Sydney is still afraid of loud noises
and was fearful that we were too close to them any closer than this.)

Silas giggles as Beamer licks food out of his booster seat.

Beamer is licking me (and my chair!)

Giggles from Silas... Beamer is on clean-up patrol.

FPod_2012SEP15

What's the Favorite Part of your day?

SEPTEMBER 15, 2012

MOMMY: Going shopping and finding a super cute "happy green jacket" at the Columbia outlet store.

SYDNEY: Going to Kohl's with Nana!

SILAS: Playing with new toys at his friend Hank's house.

NANA: Spending the day with Sarah, Sydney and Silas.

FpoD_2012SEP13

What's the Favorite Part of your day?

SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

DADDY: When Sydney proudly read a bedtime story to Silas called "Time for Bed"

MOMMY: Watching how proud Silas was for helping to set the table. (He did a great job for his first time AND kept asking for "MORE" things to put on the table, as well as trying out all of the empty glasses. ;)

SYDNEY: SCHOOL!

SILAS: Sam's (He LOVES samples at Sam's Club!)

Faulty Toddler Logic re: THUNDERSTORMS/schooldays

This morning, it was dark and gloomy. In fact, I had to WAKE Sydney up to get ready for school, with his breakfast waiting for him at the table. (He's been waking before sunrise lately.) After he ate, I got him dressed (Silas was dressed before Sydney woke up) and we ventured out to the car, where we noticed that the car (and ground) was all wet.

"Looks like it is rainy today." Sydney announces. "Look, those clouds over there might be rain clouds, too. Maybe with thunder in them?" he pondered, pointing to the sky.

We drove to school and I attempted to located the rear wiper switch. (Mission: accomplished.)

When we got to school, Sydney wondered if I had an umbrella in the car and was disappointed when I did not find one. (I found it later in the storage compartment under the floor in the back.)

As we got out of the car, Sydney announced "I don't hear any thunder. I guess it doesn't thunder on school days. No thunder today cuz we're going to school!"

Faulty toddler logic.
Funny.

Following up and counting down

Made a call to UW-Madison on Tuesday morning, inquiring upon my medicine (that we were told COULD take a month and that we would be contacted when the time was right). Left a message.
Went to bed that night rather disappointed that no one had called me back.

It's not that I really WANT to go back on the medicine... it's just that it is LIKELY the best option for someone in my position, who wants to be able to walk and be there for her small kids for a long, long time! (Mike kept reminding me that IT IS A SIGN that I wasn't mean to go on the meds right now, since they hadn't called us yet; he is such an optimist.)

This afternoon, they called me back and THANKED ME for following up with them. They had indicated that the paperwork was faxed, but the drug company had NOT received the orders so, they sent them again yesterday. Today, the drug company confirmed with UW-Madison that they received it. Madison told me that someone will contact me in the near future.

A few hours later, I got a call from a nurse. She is the home health nurse that will come to our house to help me administer my first shot - paid for by the drug company. She told me that the needles have gotten smaller since I was on the medicine last. She also told me about some new tools to use. I found it interesting that SHE, too, has MS and uses the same medicine. She gave me the phone number for the drug company and encouraged me to follow-up on my case, if I "REALLY" wanted to know how soon to expect the meds to ship. (She also wondered if Mike wanted to be there for the instructional meeting.)

I cried after I got off the phone with the super nice nurse. I guess I should have been more prepared for it... knowing for the past month that EVENTUALLY the insurance paper trail would be worked out and I would be the lucky recipient of a month supply of syringes. It just felt SO REAL at that moment.... as if my freedom and sense of normalcy was coming to an end quicker than I anticipated.

I am a human jungle gym to our kids. Soon, I will be sore in 7 different locations.... switching daily. NOT FUN!

I called the drug company. I also inquired upon the ad on their webpage that said "Ask about our $35/month copay." So, I did! They put a note in for the case manager to review and run my insurance claims, hoping to qualify for the reduced rate. Otherwise, we'll pay $85/month, I believe, through our insurance WITHOUT their special rate. (With our recent and upcoming vet bills AND Sydney's dental check-up and filling, our bank account has been hit quite hard. Mike recently discovered that he has a screw in his tire... I am hoping for the best with that!)

The drug company let me know that they DO offer a locked box for the meds to be stored in so that children can't get into trouble. (Free? Amazing!)

Silas is nursing very infrequently now. He asks for it more often (likely for comfort and teething pain) but remains distracted from it quite easily. He LOVES his sippy cup. He also seems to be frustrated with the quantity and speed. He pulls off and signs MILK in my face, as if he is shouting at me in sign language. Often, he just lets go and signs ALL DONE, swapping back to his thumb instead.

I don't look forward to cleaning out the fridge to find an easily accessible spot to store 30 syringes.

I do remain hopeful that I will be able to get a massage ONE LAST TIME before I will have 7 locations that are OFF LIMITS.

I remain hopeful that my injection site reactions will be minimal.

I remind myself how fortunate I have been and HOPE to have that same good fortune in the future.

I will TRY to be a good sport about this - even IF I don't like it (one. single. bit.)

FPoD_2012SEP11

What's the Favorite Part of your Day?

SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

DADDY: Family drop-off and pick-up at preschool, spending time together as a family.

MOMMY: When dropping Sydney off in his classroom at school, I asked him for a hug or a kiss. He denied me and then started to walk away. Then, he proudly BLEW ME A KISS from across the room.

SYDNEY: Playing with Emily (babysitter) while Mommy went to make cards.

SILAS: Playing DINOSAURS with Mommy.

WHAT A DAY!

Took Sydney to the dentist this morning for his filling. Mike met us there, not knowing how it would go and IF one of us would need to contain Silas elsewhere.

Thankfully, they have a television in the exam room and they quickly turned PBS on... Sesame Street! AWESOME!

Dr. May talked to Sydney about his filling. She showed him all of her tools and gave him a brief child-like explanation. She even let him touch a piece of filling - squishing it in his hand. Afterwards, they used her magic blue flashlight and turned it HARD! (Quite impressive demonstration, I'd say.) And then, she told him that he gets to wear a baby elephant mask.

"She's going to turn you into an elephant?" I asked. "How cool is that?!?"

Sydney smiled a BIG GRIN!

Poor kid... he wasn't doing so well with the elephant mask. She even stopped to have him try to blow his nose. (A skill he has not yet acquired.) So, eventually, she had him breathing through his mouth as she held his nose. (Mommy was NOT the most comfortable watching THAT, but we all made it through.)

He did really well for the dentist. It is AMAZING how quickly they worked.

Then, we had to go pay the bill... $335.
(Sigh.)

• • • • •

From there, Mike went back to work and we headed towards the library for Story Time. We arrived early so, we checked out some new books and got to play with toys. Then, it was time for Toddler Time.

Afterwards, we picked out a couple MORE books... on dinosaurs! And started making our way to the door.

Hmm.... MISSING TODDLER...
Sydney ran off (to hide) between the shelves of the library (where he proudly claims that he was hiding and looking out the windows). NOT FUNNY! (He did this last week, too. NOT FUNNY then either.)

Talked to another mom outside for a minute or two while Sydney slid down the concrete ramp next to the stairs. (He seems to have lost almost ALL listening skills by this point.)

I instructed him that I needed him to be my helper, needing him to hold Silas' hand. And then, we attempted to cross the street.

Halfway across the street, Sydney started to screw around and started running us in circles with Mommy as the pivot point. Silas was losing his footing as Sydney had one of his hands and I had the other. I managed to get him standing on his feet and we crossed the street, but it wasn't before injury occurred.

I had heard a POP/SNAP sound and Silas started wailing.

Sydney took full advantage of the fact that 1) I did not have a stroller and 2) my hands were full with an overflowing diaper bag and some more books that would not fit inside AND 3) we HAD just exposed him to "happy gas" at the dentist a short time earlier.

Tried to check out Silas' arm, but couldn't tell what was the matter. Although, my youngest child who almost never cries would NOT STOP so, I knew that SOMETHING was wrong. Called Mike once we were in the car - after scolding Sydney for being naughty while crossing the street and now, we'd managed to hurt Silas. Mike suggested we try the walk-in clinic; he'd meet us there.

Poor Silas...
he wailed.
And wailed.
And wailed.

I tried to console him with a boob while we waited. He wanted NOTHING to do with that either!

When they finally got to him, they pulled and twisted JUST RIGHT and heard/felt a POP. They thought that his elbow had been dislocated. Then, they sent us to the waiting room for him to calm down and to see if he would use his arm again.

Within seconds of seeing the fish tank in the waiting room, Silas stopped crying. When he dropped his truck (a prize from the dentist's office) he picked it up with his left hand. YAY!!!

And so, Silas IS FIXED and good as new again!
(Although, they said that it MAY slip out easier now.)

WHAT A DAY!

First day of Preschool (pics)

A backpack as big as HE is!

First thing we do at school is WASH OUR HANDS!

Sydney's drawing from the Open House is (left) a hot air balloon
and (right) THE BACKSON (from the Winnie the Pooh movie.)

His teacher makes sure he can find his cubby to hang his backpack.

Getting his name tag on.

Peeking in the window to witness CIRCLE TIME.

LOVE that I captured their shadows - holding hands.

Twas the night before preschool

Surprised Sydney with this book today. Daddy read it to him, just before leaving for work. Then, at bedtime, I surprised him with "Curious George's first day of School".

Then, after the kids were both in bed, I wanted to quickly post this picture on the blog and I sat down to quickly write this silly, little rhyme:

Twas the night before preschool

and mom's a bit sad.

Her oldest son's growing

(but that's really NOT bad.)

Dad has been teasing

for weeks and for days

that the clothes are picked out,

and will mom want to stay?

He'll wear his new backpack.

It's blue - like his eyes

We'll take him to school

and we'll say our good-byes.

His brother will miss him

and mom surely will, too

but it is good for us all that 

He's going to school!

Written by MOMMY, 9/5/12,
on the night before preschool.

Happy Birthday Little one - 16 months

Silas is NOW 16 months old.

He's still breastfeeding; although, it is on his own terms. Some days, he is distracted enough that he only asks for it at bedtime. Other days, he asks for it throughout the day. Eating and drinking whatever his brother has is becoming more important to him than sitting down to nurse.

My goal had been to nurse him until 15 months, but then I felt badly quitting during Breastfeeding Awareness Month so, we carried on...

At bedtime lately, I am lucky to get him to nurse for one minute. He is much more interested in Sydney's water cup or looking at books. (Sigh.) I think our days are numbered.

Silas has exploded with words. His new favorite this week is "NO!"

Other favorite words are:
Mom and Dad
Braahr (brother)
Cat
Meow
Daahg (dog)
GO!
Car
Kuck (truck)
Ffffssss (fish)
Ball
More
Caahp (cup)
Kohr (color)
Dat (that)
Jeece (juice)
Cheese
Teeth
Ssssock (sock)
Oosh (shoe... just like Sydney said it!)

He signs: MILK, MORE, ALL DONE, PLEASE, THANK YOU, EAT, DRINK and BALL.

He LOVES to take a bath! (He can almost climb in and out himself now.)

He LOVES to eat! (He'll eat ANYTHING!)

He LOVES to "Go!"

He's wearing size 4 diapers, but has been becoming more and more interested in sitting on the potty chair and wearing big boy pants, like his brother. (According to readiness surveys, he is NOT ready, but he IS showing an interest already!) Hard to believe that one year ago was when Sydney started to potty train!

Silas likes to play with the cookbooks on the shelf in the office. Sometimes, he's managed to throw them into the bathtub.

When we ask "What's the favorite part of your day today?" we offer him suggestions from the day. He answers by nodding his head YES or NO. (It is cute!)

He LOVES to jump on the bed with Sydney. He also LOVES to jump ON Sydney when he is laying on the floor; they both giggle and Sydney begs for MORE!

Silas LOVES to look at books. He'll proudly point out BALLS, CARS, CATS, and DOGS.

He loves to build towers out of wooden blocks and then, knock them down. He giggles and announces "BOOM!" or a toddler version of the word CRASH! (They enjoy building and demolition together.)

They like to sit together in the recliner to watch tv. Silas is also showing an interest in Dinosaur Train and Sesame Street.

Silas looks for Daddy all the time! Whenever he wakes, he looks for daddy... in bed, in the recliner, in the downstairs bathroom. He likes to yell "Dad!" into the door when we are playing outside, too. (It is cute.) He is Daddy's little buddy!

Recently, Silas started throwing temper tantrums. He also suffers from broken leg syndrome from time-to-time. (He's taken good notes from his brother.)

He is (still) an EXCELLENT SLEEPER! He practically DIVES into his bed!! (Sometimes, he has company to wake him..... Grrrrr!)

Silas LOVES his blanket! He looks like LINUS from Peanuts. He carries it with him when he is tired He also LOVES his thumb!

Some of his favorite foods? Hmmmm..... our super sweet yellow cherry tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, cheese, beets, lima beans, craisins and Daddy's scrambled egg omelets.

We giggle at this new SKILL that Silas picked up... he licks his fingers, like Daddy, to turn the pages of a book. However, he normally licks his fingers on the one hand and turns the page with the opposite hand. It is SUPER CUTE to see though! :)