Here we go again -- we're on to the next virus. Caitlin started puking last night around 8 and hasn't stopped since -- dry heaves and everything. She was up most of the night with it.
We took her to the doctor this morning, but unfortunately, unless she gets much worse, there isn't anything they can give her to stop it because of her age. The doctor warned me that the diarrhea is next.
The good news is that she is still hydrated and doesn't have a fever. I just hope and pray that no one else in our family gets this. It has been horrible thus far! Poor little bug.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Weekend at the Cabin
Conall and his "cabin boots" -- one of my favorite pics!Conall's school was out Friday and Monday, so Stu and I headed to the cabin this weekend with the kids. Other than trying to get Caitlin to sleep at night, which was an absolute nightmare, we had a great time!
Conall was on his best behavior and the kids actually seemed to enjoy playing together. The weather was perfect -- not too cold, not too warm.
Stu and Conall tried fishing one day, but the river was too high and the water was running too fast. We had some nice walks in the woods, saw lots of wildlife, enjoyed the fireplace at night, and just generally had some wonderful family time. Conall is already planning our next trip!
Here are some photos from the trip -- these are just highlights -- I'll put together a slideshow or post more later. Some of the photos have some funny stories that go with them.
Conall and Caitlin at a creek in the area
Caitlin on our "walk"
Starting out on the walk -- she wanted to hold my hand
Reading on the back porch with daddy -- you can see the river from here
Stu and Conall coming back from fishing
On one of the docks
Conall lining up the stuffed animals
Caitlin trying to climb up on the trundle bed
The kids looking out the side windowFootsie Still Needs Prayers
Please continue to pray for Big Footsie. He has been diagnosed with terminal Cardiomyopathy (enlargement of his heart). Please also pray for his mom, Aunt Susan, and all of the kids who count on him at the Arkansas School for the Blind.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Prayers for a Very Special Cat
Your prayers are needed for a very special cat -- Big Footsie. Footsie is the therapy cat at the School for the Blind and has touched many children's (and adults') lives. For those who have met our friend and neighbor, Aunt Susan, this is her #1 cat (like Inkspot is to me).
Despite treatment, Footsie is having a lot of trouble with his asthma and his vet recently noticed that his heart is enlarged. He sees a specialist about his heart tomorrow.
Please pray for him -- he is a VERY special cat. Many of you have heard me tell stories about him -- he is Susan's black polydactyl who wears bat wings at Halloween, participates in the school's Homecoming parade, has his photo taken for the yearbook, goes to the library with Susan to help teach the kids about reading and love, and is a general spokescat for all cats in need of help.
Aunt Susan, baby Conall, Footsie
Big Footsie (with bat wings)
Despite treatment, Footsie is having a lot of trouble with his asthma and his vet recently noticed that his heart is enlarged. He sees a specialist about his heart tomorrow.
Please pray for him -- he is a VERY special cat. Many of you have heard me tell stories about him -- he is Susan's black polydactyl who wears bat wings at Halloween, participates in the school's Homecoming parade, has his photo taken for the yearbook, goes to the library with Susan to help teach the kids about reading and love, and is a general spokescat for all cats in need of help.
Aunt Susan, baby Conall, Footsie
Big Footsie (with bat wings)Conall's Birthday
I just realized that I hadn't posted any photos from Conall's birthday. I guess I thought I had. It has been such a busy couple of months around here between birthdays and illnesses.
There are so many that I put them into a slide show.
There are so many that I put them into a slide show.
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| Make a Smilebox slideshow |
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Conall, Caitlin, and Molly
The kids love to pretend that they are sleeping in the living room. They drag out every throw blanket and pillow in the living room and make palletes on the floor.
In this picture, Caitlin is pretending to sleep while Conall pets Molly and ignores Caitlin. You can tell Caitlin really cares!
In this picture, Caitlin is pretending to sleep while Conall pets Molly and ignores Caitlin. You can tell Caitlin really cares!
Hat and Gloves
Grandma bought Conall a Cars winter hat and glove set this weekend. Conall liked them so much, he wore the gloves inside the house!
Apparently, Caitlin liked them, too. She keeps running off with them and putting the hat and gloves on. Conall keeps telling her to leave them alone because "you'll stretch them out."
Here Caitlin is with the hat, gloves, and a Wall-E mask around her neck.
Apparently, Caitlin liked them, too. She keeps running off with them and putting the hat and gloves on. Conall keeps telling her to leave them alone because "you'll stretch them out."
Here Caitlin is with the hat, gloves, and a Wall-E mask around her neck.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
It Stinks In Here
This morning before church, I browned some turkey breast, onions, and bell peppers on the stove to put into the Crock Pot as part of a recipe. Once I had the Crock Pot going, I came back into the living room where Conall was watching "Peter Pan".
Conall looked at me, wrinkled up his nose and said "It stinks in here."
He was referring to the smell of the meat, onion, and peppers cooking. I laughed to myself, explained what it was from, and asked him if he'd like me to light a candle. With his nose still wrinkled up and a look of utter disgust on his face, he said "Yeah" with complete contempt for the whole thing.
A few minutes after lighting the candle "It still stinks in here!" and "Go wipe the stinky stuff off."
I had a hard time not laughing hysterically.
Conall looked at me, wrinkled up his nose and said "It stinks in here."
He was referring to the smell of the meat, onion, and peppers cooking. I laughed to myself, explained what it was from, and asked him if he'd like me to light a candle. With his nose still wrinkled up and a look of utter disgust on his face, he said "Yeah" with complete contempt for the whole thing.
A few minutes after lighting the candle "It still stinks in here!" and "Go wipe the stinky stuff off."
I had a hard time not laughing hysterically.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Random News
Conall came running out of his room last night after having gone to bed. He ran to the bathroom and puked. Poor guy! I'm hoping and praying that it was just from drainage. His gag reflex is still so sensitive.
Anyway, other than waking me up a few times last night (oh how I'd love to have a full night's sleep!) and having some coughing, drainage, etc. the anti-puke medicine seemed to do the trick. Since today is his class Valentine's party, I dosed him with Zyrtec and sent him to school. He didn't have a fever and I know how upset he'd be if he missed it.
So far, no call from the school, so I'm guessing he's ok -- they've already had lunch at this point. I'll be up there for his party this afternoon, and I'll get a better idea of how he's doing. If he's ok, he has a play date after school with one of the boys from his class (and Caitlin is invited too) -- he's really excited!
Other news -- I rejoined Weight Watcher's last night (along with Aunt Amy). I couldn't believe how much I've gained since I quit last year -- very depressing! But, I know I need to do this for my sake and the kids' sakes. Just letting everyone know so you can help me out by being supportive, especially by not being offended if I don't want to eat something or don't want an extra helping.
Anyway, other than waking me up a few times last night (oh how I'd love to have a full night's sleep!) and having some coughing, drainage, etc. the anti-puke medicine seemed to do the trick. Since today is his class Valentine's party, I dosed him with Zyrtec and sent him to school. He didn't have a fever and I know how upset he'd be if he missed it.
So far, no call from the school, so I'm guessing he's ok -- they've already had lunch at this point. I'll be up there for his party this afternoon, and I'll get a better idea of how he's doing. If he's ok, he has a play date after school with one of the boys from his class (and Caitlin is invited too) -- he's really excited!
Other news -- I rejoined Weight Watcher's last night (along with Aunt Amy). I couldn't believe how much I've gained since I quit last year -- very depressing! But, I know I need to do this for my sake and the kids' sakes. Just letting everyone know so you can help me out by being supportive, especially by not being offended if I don't want to eat something or don't want an extra helping.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Building a Model Car
We finally finished up all of Conall's Valentine's for school last night. His teacher not only wanted the kids to sign their own names to the Valentines, but to also write the names of their classmates. That is quite a task for pre-K!
The Valentine's were due at school today for tomorrow's party, so we had to work on them straight through last night to get them done. If Conall finished them before bedtime, he and daddy got to put together the model car kit that I got him from freecycle (along with 5-6 Lego's kits). He'd been wanting to put it together since I picked it up yesterday.
He finished them even before dinnertime, so he and daddy started on the car. I had to keep Caitlin corralled since they were working on it in the living room. She, and all of the cats, thought they needed to be in the middle of everything.
A few hours later, the car was done. Conall loved the one-on-one time with daddy and, of course, building something. He is so proud of his car.
The Valentine's were due at school today for tomorrow's party, so we had to work on them straight through last night to get them done. If Conall finished them before bedtime, he and daddy got to put together the model car kit that I got him from freecycle (along with 5-6 Lego's kits). He'd been wanting to put it together since I picked it up yesterday.
He finished them even before dinnertime, so he and daddy started on the car. I had to keep Caitlin corralled since they were working on it in the living room. She, and all of the cats, thought they needed to be in the middle of everything.
A few hours later, the car was done. Conall loved the one-on-one time with daddy and, of course, building something. He is so proud of his car.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Caitlin's First Haircut
I took Conall this afternoon to get a haircut at the new kids salon in town, Pigtails and Crewcuts. They have barber chairs shaped like a fire engine, a car, and an airplane. They also have tv sets playing kids shows and one even had some sort of Wii or Nintendo or other video game (you can tell I'm really up on all that).
Conall loved the fire engine seat and was happy to move on to the train table when he was done. He also got a great haircut for only a few dollars more than the barbershop!
They also offer a "First Haircut" package. So, on a whim, I got Caitlin her first haircut. She was really interested in the cool barber chairs, but didn't want to sit in one alone, and since they aren't adult-sized, she sat in my lap in the traditional barber chair.
They took a photo and kept her locks of hair for me. Caitlin wasn't sure what she thought of it, but she behaved fairly well. No screaming or crying as long as I held her. They just trimmed her hair a bit and added some layers to make her curls look a little prettier.
Here is the card we came home with that has her photo and hair on it.
Conall loved the fire engine seat and was happy to move on to the train table when he was done. He also got a great haircut for only a few dollars more than the barbershop!
They also offer a "First Haircut" package. So, on a whim, I got Caitlin her first haircut. She was really interested in the cool barber chairs, but didn't want to sit in one alone, and since they aren't adult-sized, she sat in my lap in the traditional barber chair.
They took a photo and kept her locks of hair for me. Caitlin wasn't sure what she thought of it, but she behaved fairly well. No screaming or crying as long as I held her. They just trimmed her hair a bit and added some layers to make her curls look a little prettier.
Here is the card we came home with that has her photo and hair on it.
Conversation in the Car
Conall "Woof, woof"
Caitlin "A doggie!"
Conall "You aren't a doggie Caitlin, you are a princess"
Then, a few minutes later, Conall "Mommy, did you know I'm a boy?"
Caitlin "A doggie!"
Conall "You aren't a doggie Caitlin, you are a princess"
Then, a few minutes later, Conall "Mommy, did you know I'm a boy?"
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Growing and growing
I was helping Conall get dressed for Sunday school this morning, when I realized how tight the waist of his khaki pants are. I had to put them on the loosest notch of the adjustable waist and they were still pretty snug.
Then, I was helping him with his shoes when I realized how tight they were! Conall's poor toes are right up to the edge! He is growing so fast! It is such a good feeling to know that he is gaining weight and growing well.
Then, I was helping him with his shoes when I realized how tight they were! Conall's poor toes are right up to the edge! He is growing so fast! It is such a good feeling to know that he is gaining weight and growing well.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Caitlin Building "Puppy"
Grandma and I took Caitlin to Build a Bear on Wednesday. It was her first experience there. For those of you who don't know what Build a Bear is, here is a link http://www.buildabear.com/ .
At first, Caitlin had a hard time picking which animal she wanted, but once she did, she would not let it go -- even for the lady to stuff it! We had to grab a different one for them to stuff and then do a quick switch!
Trying to decide which animal she wanted
Deciding that Puppy's sunglasses should be on her face instead of the animal's
Brushing the dog's fur
Picking out clothing/accessories
Entering "Puppy" into the database and creating a birth certificate for it
Ready to go home with puppy and not letting go for anything!
At first, Caitlin had a hard time picking which animal she wanted, but once she did, she would not let it go -- even for the lady to stuff it! We had to grab a different one for them to stuff and then do a quick switch!
She picked out a dog that she started calling "Puppy," but since has started calling "My Doggie". She picked out a pink skirt "princess skirt", pink shirt with "sparkles" and hearts on it, a pink purse, pink glass slippers, pink and white Sketcher's, and a pair of silver sunglasses. The lady who helped us gave Caitlin some pink bows for the dog's ears.
Every time the lady who worked there tried to help us, Caitlin would freak out because she was convinced the woman was trying to take "Puppy" away. Caitlin was willing to brush the stuffed animal, but she wouldn't use the blow dryer/vacuum cleaner thing on it -- she was scared of the noise.
That day when it was time to pick Conall up from school, I had to wake Caitlin up. She would not let "Puppy" go and drug her all the way through the school. She has slept with her every night and nap time since. Wednesday night she was up on and off all night with the ear infection and "Puppy" was right there with us every time.
Trying to decide which animal she wanted
Deciding that Puppy's sunglasses should be on her face instead of the animal's
Brushing the dog's fur
Picking out clothing/accessories
Entering "Puppy" into the database and creating a birth certificate for it
Ready to go home with puppy and not letting go for anything!Thursday, February 5, 2009
Update
Yep, the ear infection never went away. Caitlin now has a new antibiotic, Tylenol with codeine, and numbing ear drops to help her get over it. Hopefully this will take care of it.
I'm also hoping that once the hyperactivity from the codeine (yep, my kids get the paradoxical effect -- lucky us) wears off, she'll sleep well and so will everyone else. I could use a night of uninterrupted sleep!
I'm also hoping that once the hyperactivity from the codeine (yep, my kids get the paradoxical effect -- lucky us) wears off, she'll sleep well and so will everyone else. I could use a night of uninterrupted sleep!
Long Week
Ok, so I thought it had been a long time since I posted last. I was wrong ... it just feels like a long time.
The night before last, Conall woke up every hour. No fever or anything yesterday morning, but he had a sniffly nose last night and was complaining of his throat hurting this morning. Still no fever, though, so I sent him to school.
Yesterday, Caitlin woke up before 7 (highly unusual for her) and was clingy/fussy all day. Yesterday evening, she started grabbing her right ear (same as last time) and crying and saying "want bunny, want kitty." I didn't have a clue -- I thought maybe she was wanting a stuffed animal since we had gone to Build a Bear with grandma that morning.
She did it again later, but this time, Caitlin walked me to the freezer. She wanted her Boo Boo bunny and kitty. I gave them to her and she immediately put them on her right ear. She was up most of last night holding her ear and crying.
She still doesn't have a fever, but Stu and I are going to get her an appointment for this evening at the After Hours Clinic. She just finished her antibiotic a few days ago, so it is likely the ear infection didn't go away completely.
I have cute pictures of her from Build a Bear that I will post soon. My tendinitis is acting up from holding Caitlin so much and it is difficult to type with the pain and numbness.
The night before last, Conall woke up every hour. No fever or anything yesterday morning, but he had a sniffly nose last night and was complaining of his throat hurting this morning. Still no fever, though, so I sent him to school.
Yesterday, Caitlin woke up before 7 (highly unusual for her) and was clingy/fussy all day. Yesterday evening, she started grabbing her right ear (same as last time) and crying and saying "want bunny, want kitty." I didn't have a clue -- I thought maybe she was wanting a stuffed animal since we had gone to Build a Bear with grandma that morning.
She did it again later, but this time, Caitlin walked me to the freezer. She wanted her Boo Boo bunny and kitty. I gave them to her and she immediately put them on her right ear. She was up most of last night holding her ear and crying.
She still doesn't have a fever, but Stu and I are going to get her an appointment for this evening at the After Hours Clinic. She just finished her antibiotic a few days ago, so it is likely the ear infection didn't go away completely.
I have cute pictures of her from Build a Bear that I will post soon. My tendinitis is acting up from holding Caitlin so much and it is difficult to type with the pain and numbness.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
100th Day of School
Today is the 100th day of school at Conall's elementary. The class has been counting down for weeks to this day and they have lots of activities planned that involve counting.
Sometime last week, they sent home a note that we needed to help our child decorate something to wear with 100 things. Of course, I was busy with his party, so we didn't do it until last night. That, and I kept wracking my brain to figure out 100 things that would fit on a shirt, stay on a shirt and be big enough and easy enough for him to count to 100.
We got a shirt (it had to be red) and paint and foam stamps at the craft store. The whole exercise was very frustrating for all of us. Stu had to keep Caitlin away so she didn't mess it up or get paint everywhere. She kept screaming for mommy and throwing tantrums about being left out.
Conall got bored with the counting thing pretty early on and wanted to just decorate the shirt without any regard for how many things it would have on it. When told he couldn't do this, he wanted to quit and wanted to do other things while I decorated his shirt. Ugh! I made him stay at the table and at the shirt until it was done. He kept saying "100 is a lot!" When it looked like it might be midnight before we got 100 stamps on it, I started helping stamp.
He was pretty excited when it was done and woke up at 5 this morning because he was so excited about wearing it. He is really proud of it. He picked out the shirt, paint, and stamps. He keeps saying he wants to wear it different places. I'm not sure I'll let him out of the house in it again. Here are the pictures.
Sometime last week, they sent home a note that we needed to help our child decorate something to wear with 100 things. Of course, I was busy with his party, so we didn't do it until last night. That, and I kept wracking my brain to figure out 100 things that would fit on a shirt, stay on a shirt and be big enough and easy enough for him to count to 100.
We got a shirt (it had to be red) and paint and foam stamps at the craft store. The whole exercise was very frustrating for all of us. Stu had to keep Caitlin away so she didn't mess it up or get paint everywhere. She kept screaming for mommy and throwing tantrums about being left out.
Conall got bored with the counting thing pretty early on and wanted to just decorate the shirt without any regard for how many things it would have on it. When told he couldn't do this, he wanted to quit and wanted to do other things while I decorated his shirt. Ugh! I made him stay at the table and at the shirt until it was done. He kept saying "100 is a lot!" When it looked like it might be midnight before we got 100 stamps on it, I started helping stamp.
He was pretty excited when it was done and woke up at 5 this morning because he was so excited about wearing it. He is really proud of it. He picked out the shirt, paint, and stamps. He keeps saying he wants to wear it different places. I'm not sure I'll let him out of the house in it again. Here are the pictures.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Love You Daddy
Stu finally got an "I love you" from Caitlin. He put her to bed tonight and she said "Good night daddy, I love you." Sweet.
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