So, usually I'm not very good at documenting those funny moments and things that our kids make happen each day...but today I want to write these two down.
1. BEWARE: Potty humor! :)
Katherine flushing the toilet after taking care of business: "bye bye poopies, have fun with your family!"
2. Katherine sitting on the kitchen counter, flipping through our new cookbook acquisition, while daddy preps dinner. She looked through the book pretty intently for a few minutes, then closed it and said: "Okay daddy, now I'm ready to cook when I am older!"
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
5 weeks old
Oliver is now 5 weeks 2 days old!! Honestly, it is kind of hard for me to believe that he is ONLY 5 weeks and 2 days old. The poor little guy has had so much going on in his short 5 weeks, that it seems he's much older than that. His hospital admits have been two, and we are currently recovering from the nasty RSV bug that his our household. His first admit was at 4 days old, as you all know, for jaundice. His second admit was just last week, at 4 weeks old for RSV. I have to admit that the first admission was the most traumatic for me. Watching my 4 day old be poked on all extremities to try and get an IV going was really hard. Not being able to snuggle and hold my 4 day old as much as I wanted, but rather having to place him under that photolights was also hard. But we made it. We survived the 3 days, 2 night stay at our "home away from home" as we now call it. This last admission was easier, in the sense that I didn't have to watch my baby be poked for an IV. He was in for observation, and fluids would not be administered unless absolutely necessary. Fortunately, Oliver did very well. He did not need fluids the entire stay, but he was put on O2 for a day or so...just a tiny bit, but still needed the oxygen to keep his sats up. We have been home now for a few days, and we, the kids and I, continue to recover from this nasty cold. Daddy was lucky, and did not get it.
Here is a pic of my little guy...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Randomness of our day...
So, I apologize already because this is going to be a mish-mash of randomness from today's occurences. Whew...what a day!! We started out great...in my opinion. This morning I had two appointments with the kids, so I was needing to be up, ready and out the door early. Impressive enough, we did it. I managed to somehow have myself and the two oldest, bathed, dressed, and fed; as well as the baby, changed, and nursed by 9:20am. We were in the car and our way to the first appointment by 9:30am. I actually managed to get us to our first appointment early--that's normally impossible, if you know me.
Our first appointment was at a local christian school, that we are looking into for Katherine's first year of school...the K4 level. She is so enthusiastic about going to school, and has been asking for a long time so we thought it was time to enroll her in a pre-K program. Our school plan for the kids, while we are in Tulsa, is to enroll them in a spanish immersion program that is offered through two local public schools. However, neither one of these schools offer the immersion program for 4 year olds, so we had to look at alternatives. Anyway, Katherine was scheduled for a screening with the counselor today--we toured the school with her a couple of weeks ago and she loved it and walked away even more perky about school than when we first arrived. So, I walked into the school pushing our double stroller, with baby in the front in his carrier, Joshua sitting down on the back seat, and Katherine standing on the little step of the stroller. It was a sight to be reckoned--and they are HEAVY!!! We met the counselor and she walked Katherine back to her office with her for a few questions. Joshua, Oliver and I hung out in the office and waited. Funny how well behaved each kid is on his/her own...Joshua was a little angel, and sat next to me eating a snack while we waited. 20mins later, Katherine came out looking for her brothers, counselor followed closely behind. The counselor talked to me for a few minutes about the results and said that she thought Katherine would be a great fit into the 4 year old program. Apparently she had excelled on her screening est. She scored a 93/100...I was elated and my first thought was "Katherine, you got an A on your first test!!"....funny huh?? Anyway, Katherine just missed 3 things on her "test"....1. she wasn't sure about her middle name 2. she failed to hold the pencil correctly (the way that she does at home, each and EVERY time, she sits down to write and draw), and 3. to recreate the line drawings that were given to her. They asked her quite a few questions, from colors, to numbers, to building a tower of blocks, to "what is a stove used for?" "what is a car for?"....she got everything else right. I was so proud of my little girl....I thought it was funny though, that the counselor did say to me that she "had to redirect Katherine a little bit during the session"....hm...I thought, "are you saying my child is a bit hyper active/distracted?" however, she did assure me that "it was nothing to be worried about..." I wondered if that was code for, "she's okay, and doesn't need any medication for treatment"...these days so many little kids are diagnosed wid add and given the infamous ritalin!!
After the screening we were off to Oliver's 3rd appointment with the doctor this week. Turns out he was seeming a bit more tired, slept through half of the nose suctioning, was not eating with the same energy, and had not had much alert time all morning. So, the doctor decided to admit little Oliver for the night for observation. As it turns out, days 3 to 5 are usually the worse for RSV, and we are right in that timeframe. The dr. was afraid that Oliver might tire out and not do the work that he needed to do to get better, like eat for example. So, I called daddy; drove over to the children's hospital with all 3 kids, and waited for about 45 mins before daddy arrived to pick up Joshua and Kateli. Oliver and I waited another 3 hours or so for a room to become available on the second floor of the hospital. Hey, at least we are on a different floor this time...we got to see the "ocean" floor in the children's hospital. So, we're here tonight, and hoping and praying that the little guy does well overnight, does not run fevers, does not need oxygen and continues to take in food, even if not as much as when 100% himself. They just want to make sure that he is not getting dehydrated. We'll se what tomorrow brings. For now, I pray that he sleeps well; that the other two kids and daddy sleep well, that I get some rest, and that we can get home soon.
Our first appointment was at a local christian school, that we are looking into for Katherine's first year of school...the K4 level. She is so enthusiastic about going to school, and has been asking for a long time so we thought it was time to enroll her in a pre-K program. Our school plan for the kids, while we are in Tulsa, is to enroll them in a spanish immersion program that is offered through two local public schools. However, neither one of these schools offer the immersion program for 4 year olds, so we had to look at alternatives. Anyway, Katherine was scheduled for a screening with the counselor today--we toured the school with her a couple of weeks ago and she loved it and walked away even more perky about school than when we first arrived. So, I walked into the school pushing our double stroller, with baby in the front in his carrier, Joshua sitting down on the back seat, and Katherine standing on the little step of the stroller. It was a sight to be reckoned--and they are HEAVY!!! We met the counselor and she walked Katherine back to her office with her for a few questions. Joshua, Oliver and I hung out in the office and waited. Funny how well behaved each kid is on his/her own...Joshua was a little angel, and sat next to me eating a snack while we waited. 20mins later, Katherine came out looking for her brothers, counselor followed closely behind. The counselor talked to me for a few minutes about the results and said that she thought Katherine would be a great fit into the 4 year old program. Apparently she had excelled on her screening est. She scored a 93/100...I was elated and my first thought was "Katherine, you got an A on your first test!!"....funny huh?? Anyway, Katherine just missed 3 things on her "test"....1. she wasn't sure about her middle name 2. she failed to hold the pencil correctly (the way that she does at home, each and EVERY time, she sits down to write and draw), and 3. to recreate the line drawings that were given to her. They asked her quite a few questions, from colors, to numbers, to building a tower of blocks, to "what is a stove used for?" "what is a car for?"....she got everything else right. I was so proud of my little girl....I thought it was funny though, that the counselor did say to me that she "had to redirect Katherine a little bit during the session"....hm...I thought, "are you saying my child is a bit hyper active/distracted?" however, she did assure me that "it was nothing to be worried about..." I wondered if that was code for, "she's okay, and doesn't need any medication for treatment"...these days so many little kids are diagnosed wid add and given the infamous ritalin!!
After the screening we were off to Oliver's 3rd appointment with the doctor this week. Turns out he was seeming a bit more tired, slept through half of the nose suctioning, was not eating with the same energy, and had not had much alert time all morning. So, the doctor decided to admit little Oliver for the night for observation. As it turns out, days 3 to 5 are usually the worse for RSV, and we are right in that timeframe. The dr. was afraid that Oliver might tire out and not do the work that he needed to do to get better, like eat for example. So, I called daddy; drove over to the children's hospital with all 3 kids, and waited for about 45 mins before daddy arrived to pick up Joshua and Kateli. Oliver and I waited another 3 hours or so for a room to become available on the second floor of the hospital. Hey, at least we are on a different floor this time...we got to see the "ocean" floor in the children's hospital. So, we're here tonight, and hoping and praying that the little guy does well overnight, does not run fevers, does not need oxygen and continues to take in food, even if not as much as when 100% himself. They just want to make sure that he is not getting dehydrated. We'll se what tomorrow brings. For now, I pray that he sleeps well; that the other two kids and daddy sleep well, that I get some rest, and that we can get home soon.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
My first day home with the kids...sans aide!
What a day!! It was not my idea of a perfect start to the day, when I had to march into the pediatrician's office with 3 kids in tow...and two of them needed to be checked out. Yes, that is what I did yesterday morning, bright and early. We were out the door and at the clinic by 9:30am (okay, not so early, but it seems like 7am for a mom without much sleep). Joshua and Oliver had come down with something, that merit enough worry to take them in, especially Oliver, seeing as he is only 4 weeks old. Joshua woke up from nap on Monday afternoon with a 100.6 temp, and looking really tired. Oliver had been sounding a little stuffy, and Monday it got really really bad. That night, Joshua came downstairs during one of Oliver's feedings, and I promptly walked him back upstairs to his bed. Took an extra blanket to make sure he didn't get cold through the night, tucked him in and him good night. I came back downstairs, finished nursing the little guy, who by the way sounded like he was having a hard time breathing. Oliver would latch on, take a few good sips, then pull away, fuss and latch back on--poor little guy. I put him back down in bed, and walked upstairs to check on Joshua before I hit the sack again. He was fine, and fast asleep as was Katherine. I walked back to my room, and was ready to get in bed when I hear screaming upstairs. I walked over to the entryway and was quickly greeted by loud screaming that was coming from the top of the stairs. It was Joshua--"Oh no, he's got a high fever!!" is what quickly crossed my mind as I made myself up the stairs to him. When I reached him and touched his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief as he was NOT hot. So, I picked him up....gently asked if he wanted mommy to tuck him in bed again, and got no response other than continued loud crying. So, I picked him up, hugged him tight and walked him back into his room. As I went to lay him down in bed, my hand felt something wet and slimy, at the same time my nose was filled with the disgusting smell of vomit--"Oh no, your tummy doesn't feel well?" I asked and carried him back downstairs and into our room...woke daddy up to hold him while I got new pj's to change him into and cleaned up his bed. I put new sheets on, threw the dirty ones in the wash and made it back to the room only to find that both daddy and son were fast asleep. I nudged Dan to take him back upstairs, as his bed was nice and clean to which I got the response "do we really want him up there with Katherine?" and fell back asleep! Hm...I think he was too tired to walk him upstairs...so Joshua slept with us.
Anyway, that's how we ended up at the doctor's office in the morning. Joshua got examined first, then Oliver. The doctor checked both kids for RSV because it has been a real problem in the area lately...and because Oliver is only 4 weeks old, and it could be serious if he has it. So, Joshua's test came back negative...then the doc walks in and says..."Well, Oliver tested positive for RSV...the test is not 100% sensitive, so chances are Joshua has it as well"...."GREAT!! What now??" I thought. The doctor told me that the threat posed to a 4 week old is that he could develop apnea, so usually their plan of action would be to admit. However, because Oliver was not exhibiting any real distress in his breathing, he was eating, even though his feedings took longer, the congestion was not in his chest, he was not wheezing or running a fever...the doctor advised us to just bring him in daily to have him checked out until he starts to get better. Obviously, I was not real thrilled that Joshua has RSV as well, but he is older and with him it is treated as a cold, unless he starts wheezing and then we have to use the nebulizer. With Oliver it's a little more serious, so we have to keep a close eye on him when he sleeps that he's breathing well...make sure that he doesn't develop a feverwe have to keep a close eye on him and make sure that he's breathing when he's asleep. We also have to watch for his breathing patterns, as we don't want him to be in distress and have labored breathing; and we have to watch for fevers. So far, it's been a day and he doesn't seem to have gotten worse. He's been sleeping most of the day--I'm sure that will make for a fun night--but his breathing has been fine. He's eating, but not with the same vigor he eats when he is well. Joshua seems better, although still has the runny nose and nasty cough. No more fevers for Joshua, still no fevers for Oliver. We go back to the doctor's this afternoon. Pray that he is not worse, and that it doesn't last very long.
Anyway, that's how we ended up at the doctor's office in the morning. Joshua got examined first, then Oliver. The doctor checked both kids for RSV because it has been a real problem in the area lately...and because Oliver is only 4 weeks old, and it could be serious if he has it. So, Joshua's test came back negative...then the doc walks in and says..."Well, Oliver tested positive for RSV...the test is not 100% sensitive, so chances are Joshua has it as well"...."GREAT!! What now??" I thought. The doctor told me that the threat posed to a 4 week old is that he could develop apnea, so usually their plan of action would be to admit. However, because Oliver was not exhibiting any real distress in his breathing, he was eating, even though his feedings took longer, the congestion was not in his chest, he was not wheezing or running a fever...the doctor advised us to just bring him in daily to have him checked out until he starts to get better. Obviously, I was not real thrilled that Joshua has RSV as well, but he is older and with him it is treated as a cold, unless he starts wheezing and then we have to use the nebulizer. With Oliver it's a little more serious, so we have to keep a close eye on him when he sleeps that he's breathing well...make sure that he doesn't develop a feverwe have to keep a close eye on him and make sure that he's breathing when he's asleep. We also have to watch for his breathing patterns, as we don't want him to be in distress and have labored breathing; and we have to watch for fevers. So far, it's been a day and he doesn't seem to have gotten worse. He's been sleeping most of the day--I'm sure that will make for a fun night--but his breathing has been fine. He's eating, but not with the same vigor he eats when he is well. Joshua seems better, although still has the runny nose and nasty cough. No more fevers for Joshua, still no fevers for Oliver. We go back to the doctor's this afternoon. Pray that he is not worse, and that it doesn't last very long.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Just us...
Since Oliver's birth, we've had the blessing of having family here to help out with everything. It has been wonderful! I have been spoiled and allowed to sleep in with baby each day, take naps during the day; I haven't had to worry about meals, or cleaning the house in its entirety, or laundry...it has been nice. Unfortunately, that ends on Tuesday this week. Tomorrow, I'll still have daddy around to help...but it may be my last day to sleep in for a while. Tuesday will, officially, be my first day to be at home with the three kids all by myself. We'll see how it goes. I know it may be a challenge, especially the first few days until I can establish some type of routine and baby feeding schedule that is going to work for everyone. I'm definetly going to have to time Oliver's feedings/naps around our old schedule, and figure out what to do to keep the oldest occupied and out of trouble while I nurse. The hardest part maybe after naps, when I know Joshua wakes up wanting to have mommy time. He's really clingy and just wants his mommy. I'll have to make sure that little Oliver is asleep so that I can give my attention to my big boy! Regardless, I'm looking forward to the challenge and the time with my kiddos. Please pray that we survive and establish a plan early, rather than later.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
It's about LOVE...
The last 3 weeks 5 days, especially, have been all about LOVE around us. We have been surrounded by people who have showered us with love in one way or another. Family has taken time out of of their own personal routines to be here and help as we adjust to 3 little ones at home. Friends have blessed us with calls, food, and even taking our oldest two to give us some time with our new little guy. I want to say thank you for the ways in which you, and you all know who you are, have blessed our family since Oliver's arrival. I am humbled me to see how everyone has poured out and served us in such special ways.
Last night, my husband had the sweetest gesture, and reminded me why I love him and married him almost 6 years ago!! My sister has been here with her little one for the week. It has been awesome to have her here. She's been an awesome helper, with housework, the kids, and just great company. Last night, my dear husband, took all 4 kids, 3 week old included, and let us (my sister and I) have a night out. So, we got to get out of the house and watch a nice movie--kid free! Is he awesome or what?? Marta and I missed out on the new Valentine's Day movie, as it was sold out, but we did get to enjoy "Dear John"...which was a nice romantic, good sappy movie (except for the end, but I'm not going to ruin it for you by telling you all the details :) ). When we got home, after our movie night, dear hubby had managed to feed everyone dinner, put my niece to bed, kept our two oldest entertained, and the baby had slept through most the entire time, except for the last 10 mins before I got home. I think he was glad we were home, when we were because little Oliver was ready to eat. I had so much fun!!
Just to make something clear...I said that my hubby's gesture last night reminded me of why I love him and married him almost 6 years ago. It's not just that he took it upon himself to watch all four kids and let me get out to enjoy a movie with my sister...it's that he is selfless, and always thinking about others before himself. He didn't let the challenge of 4 kiddos deter him from allowing me to enjoy some much needed time alone. Oh, and on top of that...he had gotten me chocolates, and a valentine's card, which he had strategically placed in the driver's seat so that I would find it when we got in the car to go out. How thoughtful is that?
Last night, my husband had the sweetest gesture, and reminded me why I love him and married him almost 6 years ago!! My sister has been here with her little one for the week. It has been awesome to have her here. She's been an awesome helper, with housework, the kids, and just great company. Last night, my dear husband, took all 4 kids, 3 week old included, and let us (my sister and I) have a night out. So, we got to get out of the house and watch a nice movie--kid free! Is he awesome or what?? Marta and I missed out on the new Valentine's Day movie, as it was sold out, but we did get to enjoy "Dear John"...which was a nice romantic, good sappy movie (except for the end, but I'm not going to ruin it for you by telling you all the details :) ). When we got home, after our movie night, dear hubby had managed to feed everyone dinner, put my niece to bed, kept our two oldest entertained, and the baby had slept through most the entire time, except for the last 10 mins before I got home. I think he was glad we were home, when we were because little Oliver was ready to eat. I had so much fun!!
Just to make something clear...I said that my hubby's gesture last night reminded me of why I love him and married him almost 6 years ago. It's not just that he took it upon himself to watch all four kids and let me get out to enjoy a movie with my sister...it's that he is selfless, and always thinking about others before himself. He didn't let the challenge of 4 kiddos deter him from allowing me to enjoy some much needed time alone. Oh, and on top of that...he had gotten me chocolates, and a valentine's card, which he had strategically placed in the driver's seat so that I would find it when we got in the car to go out. How thoughtful is that?
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Oliver is growing
...eating all the time!!! Especially at night, thus the lack of updates and pics. I have lots that I'd like to share, just not enough energy and time to sit and post. So, enjoy!! :)
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