30.1 inches in the month of december...
...more due in the next 2 days...
...it's the "Snow-pacolypse"...
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
"Snow-maggedon"
...winter in the Frozen Tundra has struck with with a vengeance. Twelve inches of snow on Friday, followed by 2.5 inches of snow last night and plummeting temperatures. We woke to -10.8 degrees this morning and the winds gusting to 40 mph.
who knew you could have moguls forming in a flat yard? who knew that we would have 7-8 foot high snow piles in December? who knew we would have over 30 inches of snow by January. (although our record is 52 inches in a recent December.)
apparently global warming is taking the winter off here. grrrr! or I should say brrrr!
who knew you could have moguls forming in a flat yard? who knew that we would have 7-8 foot high snow piles in December? who knew we would have over 30 inches of snow by January. (although our record is 52 inches in a recent December.)
apparently global warming is taking the winter off here. grrrr! or I should say brrrr!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Code 4
I work in a level 1 trauma center, so we are used to hearing constant calls for "codes" (a patient emergency that requires a medical team to take emergency measures) and to hearing the medical helicopter coming in & out bringing with patients. It's routine for us, so we give way to teams rushing by or wheeling patients to tests, scans or the operating rooms.
Tuesday was a typical day for our team. I work for Dr. Fracture, and we were seeing a wide array of patients in clinic that day. After we finished seeing our morning patients Dr. Fracture, the residents (Dr. McBroken and Dr. ScutMonkey), our medical assistant (Ms. Organized) and I, headed down to the cafeteria for lunch. We inhaled our hospital food (no taste, so we eat fast) and reluctantly headed up.
On our way up, we saw a gurney rushing down the hall. It was loaded with machines, oxygen, tubes and a very small appearing patient. (We are attached to a children's hospital, also). There were 3 medical personnel guiding the gurney and they were intent on moving this patient along.
Dr. McBroken jumped back to get out of the path the gurney, Dr. Fracture and I pinned ourselves up against the wall. Our entourage split like the "Red Sea".
As the gurney whisked by with a breeze, we all quickly looked at the patient.
It was a baby doll. She was intubated, on heart monitors and had IV's in place.
Dr. McBroken wondered if it would be a Workmen's Comp case if he would have been hit by the gurney with a baby doll.
...disaster averted...
Tuesday was a typical day for our team. I work for Dr. Fracture, and we were seeing a wide array of patients in clinic that day. After we finished seeing our morning patients Dr. Fracture, the residents (Dr. McBroken and Dr. ScutMonkey), our medical assistant (Ms. Organized) and I, headed down to the cafeteria for lunch. We inhaled our hospital food (no taste, so we eat fast) and reluctantly headed up.
On our way up, we saw a gurney rushing down the hall. It was loaded with machines, oxygen, tubes and a very small appearing patient. (We are attached to a children's hospital, also). There were 3 medical personnel guiding the gurney and they were intent on moving this patient along.
Dr. McBroken jumped back to get out of the path the gurney, Dr. Fracture and I pinned ourselves up against the wall. Our entourage split like the "Red Sea".
As the gurney whisked by with a breeze, we all quickly looked at the patient.
It was a baby doll. She was intubated, on heart monitors and had IV's in place.
Dr. McBroken wondered if it would be a Workmen's Comp case if he would have been hit by the gurney with a baby doll.
...disaster averted...
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
girl's day out
Today Kate & I got to go for a day of girly, girl fun. She went with me to have my hair cut and had a wonderful time entertaining the other ladies in the salon. She munched on her dog-bone shaped graham crackers and soaked in the atmosphere.
After we finished, we headed to the down town Frozen Tundra for a special Christmas play. We got down there a little early, so we went to the *Starbuck*s overlooking the outdoor skating rink. Kate loved watching the skaters and enjoying the Holiday atmosphere.
We finished our drinks and headed to the theatre to see Harry*Connick, Jr*s production of The*Happy*Elf. The cast was so talented and the music was fantastic. Kate was pretty excited about it, but I think I was more excited when Harry*Connick, Jr.* stood up from the audience and talked to us. (I think that part was lost on her.)
She was exhausted by the end our adventure and slept all the way home.
We had a fun day together and I'm so happy that this little girl joined our family 3 years and 1 day ago. Can't image life without our spicy girl.
the mouths of babes...
...kate & sam are playing...(well, she's trying to tell him how to play...)
after sam refused to follow kate's multiple directions, she begins to cry...very hard...and says,
"sammy will not listen and obey me!"
****************
...we are at the dinner table and runner boy announces that we are going to be focusing on our manners...
he proclaimes, "we are now going to act like civilians"...
sam replies, "i no want to be a civilian..."
after sam refused to follow kate's multiple directions, she begins to cry...very hard...and says,
"sammy will not listen and obey me!"
****************
...we are at the dinner table and runner boy announces that we are going to be focusing on our manners...
he proclaimes, "we are now going to act like civilians"...
sam replies, "i no want to be a civilian..."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Momma bear...
...i never imagined how much i would love my children. even in the little things, i want to defend and protect them.
for instance, i took sam (also known as samasaurus rex) to the B&N bookstore for a little playtime. he was having a great time playing at the *thomas*the*tank engine table until "they" showed up. 2 boys...a bruiser of a 4 year old and a bully of a 2 year old...they came in, swept up the train cars and blurted at sam, "hey, that's MINE!"
sam looked up in surprise...
i am amazed at the volcano of emotions that erupted in my heart. they messed with my kid...sam just stood there. so did kids' ridiculously passive mother...who suggested that her little one "be sweet".
thankfully they left before momma bear went on the prowl.
for instance, i took sam (also known as samasaurus rex) to the B&N bookstore for a little playtime. he was having a great time playing at the *thomas*the*tank engine table until "they" showed up. 2 boys...a bruiser of a 4 year old and a bully of a 2 year old...they came in, swept up the train cars and blurted at sam, "hey, that's MINE!"
sam looked up in surprise...
i am amazed at the volcano of emotions that erupted in my heart. they messed with my kid...sam just stood there. so did kids' ridiculously passive mother...who suggested that her little one "be sweet".
thankfully they left before momma bear went on the prowl.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving
It's hard to know where to start when it comes to giving thanks. Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that is full of tradition, yet it carries fewer obligations than Christmas. Sadly, giving thanks should occur on a daily basis in my life...not be limited to a 24 hour period when I reflect on my blessings.
And, I don't want Thanksgiving to be just a time when I give thanks to the general idea of gratitude. Instead, my thanks should be focused on the One who has gave His life for me and walked me through times of joy and deep, unspeakable pain.
Thus, I am thankful to God.
Because...
He has never let go of me...when I wanted to walk away from Him.
He has taken pain and developed depth.
He never wearies of persistence. In fact, He likes it.
He has given me more than I could have ever deserved or dreamed of.
For that...I am thankful.
I am thankful for Runner Boy...
...he loves me when I am tough to love.
...forgives me when I'm a jerk.
...encouraged me to run when I said "I want to do a marathon" and was there at the finish line when I did.
...believes in me more than I do.
...supports my passions.
...he's a great leader, planner and teacher.
...is the best Dad ever.
...and, people like him.
Then, there's this peanut...
I am so thankful that God brought her into our lives. There will never be another moment like the first time I held her in my arms. (Runner Boy let me hold her first.)
she's inquisitive, energetic, sensitive, coordinated and animated...
did I mention tenacious, dramatic and stubborn?
I am so thankful for the opportunity to call her my daughter...I cannot imagine all of the details that had to fall into place so that this little girl, from a rural part of China, could become our daughter.
Which leads me to this dude...
who knew that our 4 lb. 15 oz. boy would turn into this cutey?
I am so thankful to have carried him and experience the miracle of a newborn. I'm thankful for his smile, dimples and big blue eyes. I am thankful that he didn't inherit all of my personality...
I am thankful for his big hugs and tackles. He's all boy and it's great.
Thank you God. Thank you for your Grace...for giving us your Son, that we may get a glimpse of your Love.
Monday, November 24, 2008
it's baaaack!
remember this?
well, it's back. like a bad dream. literally.
after months of planning, painting, cleaning, de-cluttering, staging and stressing...we sold our house and moved this past weekend.
when you de-clutter, the clutter must go somewhere. ours went to the trash, the good*will and the big, evil portable storage unit.
it was delivered to our new home today. i didn't miss any of the stuff except the kids' winter coats and my way-to-expensive chili pot. (it snowed today, so i needed the coats and the chili pot!)
the big, evil portable storage unit has been here for 12 hours and no one from our new community has complained. the city engineer people haven't been here...the police haven't been here...no major accidents have occurred due to the big, evil portable storage unit...phew.
...now if i could just figure out to do with all the stuff...
well, it's back. like a bad dream. literally.
after months of planning, painting, cleaning, de-cluttering, staging and stressing...we sold our house and moved this past weekend.
when you de-clutter, the clutter must go somewhere. ours went to the trash, the good*will and the big, evil portable storage unit.
it was delivered to our new home today. i didn't miss any of the stuff except the kids' winter coats and my way-to-expensive chili pot. (it snowed today, so i needed the coats and the chili pot!)
the big, evil portable storage unit has been here for 12 hours and no one from our new community has complained. the city engineer people haven't been here...the police haven't been here...no major accidents have occurred due to the big, evil portable storage unit...phew.
...now if i could just figure out to do with all the stuff...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
change...
stuff.
we have alot of it. more than we thought. til we packed it up and loaded into a truck. it didn't all fit. got a second truck. put the rest in that one.
unloaded 1.3 trucks into new house. rethinking how much stuff we have.
last time we moved we didn't have this much stuff. didn't have 2 kids either.
not wanting our new house to be crammed with so much stuff. need to share, but don't want to let go of the memories attached to some of the stuff.
it was hard to leave our little house. many memories there...bringing home kate...bringing home sam...first words...first steps...tears, joy, pain and laughter. growing together, growing up and outgrowing our space. didn't really get a chance to say goodbye to our old house...time ran out.
closed on new house and got the keys. unlocked the front door to new memories, traditions and hope. cousins came to help settle...laughter heard all over the house.
kids eagerly explore rooms, closets and cabinets.
mom & dad are overwhelmed by stuff.
kids sleep soundly after playing.
parents sleep from sheer exhaustion.
change
we have alot of it. more than we thought. til we packed it up and loaded into a truck. it didn't all fit. got a second truck. put the rest in that one.
unloaded 1.3 trucks into new house. rethinking how much stuff we have.
last time we moved we didn't have this much stuff. didn't have 2 kids either.
not wanting our new house to be crammed with so much stuff. need to share, but don't want to let go of the memories attached to some of the stuff.
it was hard to leave our little house. many memories there...bringing home kate...bringing home sam...first words...first steps...tears, joy, pain and laughter. growing together, growing up and outgrowing our space. didn't really get a chance to say goodbye to our old house...time ran out.
closed on new house and got the keys. unlocked the front door to new memories, traditions and hope. cousins came to help settle...laughter heard all over the house.
kids eagerly explore rooms, closets and cabinets.
mom & dad are overwhelmed by stuff.
kids sleep soundly after playing.
parents sleep from sheer exhaustion.
change
Monday, November 17, 2008
the quotes keep coming...
setting: dinner table. kate refusing to try her sweet potatoes.
M: kate, you know when we met you, you loved sweet potatoes.
Runner Boy: yes, kate, you ate sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and lots of cheesey eggs.
{{she now rejects all of these foods...}}
K: i did?
R.B.: yes, mommy made them all the time for you.
K: what did sammy eat?
M: sammy was a little, tiny baby, so he only had milk.
{{he was nursing at the time}}
K: did he drink his milk open top?
R.B. no, it was more like top-less kate...
********
setting: first measurable snow of the season...
k: daddy, i want to go outside and catch the snow and eat it!"
k: mommy, i think this is da beginning of winter...
must she remind us?
M: kate, you know when we met you, you loved sweet potatoes.
Runner Boy: yes, kate, you ate sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and lots of cheesey eggs.
{{she now rejects all of these foods...}}
K: i did?
R.B.: yes, mommy made them all the time for you.
K: what did sammy eat?
M: sammy was a little, tiny baby, so he only had milk.
{{he was nursing at the time}}
K: did he drink his milk open top?
R.B. no, it was more like top-less kate...
********
setting: first measurable snow of the season...
k: daddy, i want to go outside and catch the snow and eat it!"
k: mommy, i think this is da beginning of winter...
must she remind us?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
kate quotes...
setting: we are driving to Chinese class and Kate is trying to engage me in interesting conversation:
K: Mom?
M: Yes, Kate?
K: Mom, when da people get dressed up...an' go house to house ringing 'da doorbells, they say "Krispy*Kreme?" right?
M: Do you mean "Trick or Treat" Kate?
K; Yah. Sometimes we go get doughnuts. I don't like da trick or treat.
*********
setting: we are all sitting around the supper table and Kate is describing how she would like to decorate her bedroom.
K: Mom, I want a pink rug with Hello*Kitty and lots of princesses all over it. Dat's what I want.
I'll get right on that...
K: Mom?
M: Yes, Kate?
K: Mom, when da people get dressed up...an' go house to house ringing 'da doorbells, they say "Krispy*Kreme?" right?
M: Do you mean "Trick or Treat" Kate?
K; Yah. Sometimes we go get doughnuts. I don't like da trick or treat.
*********
setting: we are all sitting around the supper table and Kate is describing how she would like to decorate her bedroom.
K: Mom, I want a pink rug with Hello*Kitty and lots of princesses all over it. Dat's what I want.
I'll get right on that...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
let me help you
kate has decided that it's time to potty train sam. in the past 2 weeks or so she thinks he ought to try to sit on the potty and try to pee before bedtime. now i was in NO hurry to rush him to potty training since he's still pretty young, he's a boy and we're in the middle of a transition with lots of change.
however, this is not stopping "sissy" from helping her brother.
one night she sat him down on the little potty then popped up on the big potty herself. we then heard, "okay sammy, go potty not. go pee pee."
he did it. "yoook mamma, dahdee, i wen' pee pee!"
he's now done it about 5 days in a row. on command for his sissy, kate.
how did she do that?
next on her agenda...teaching him to wipe.
"sam," she said, "here take this toilet paper an' wipe from da front to da back..."
he looks between his legs with a quizzical expression...
however, this is not stopping "sissy" from helping her brother.
one night she sat him down on the little potty then popped up on the big potty herself. we then heard, "okay sammy, go potty not. go pee pee."
he did it. "yoook mamma, dahdee, i wen' pee pee!"
he's now done it about 5 days in a row. on command for his sissy, kate.
how did she do that?
next on her agenda...teaching him to wipe.
"sam," she said, "here take this toilet paper an' wipe from da front to da back..."
he looks between his legs with a quizzical expression...
the good, the bad & the ugly...
it's been a dry season here. creativity dried up, time limited, lots of change. ...i hate that.
the cure: how 'bout a little retail therapy?
runner boy took the kids and sent me off to the mall. so many stores...so little time.
it was a mix of the good, the bad & the ugly.
the good: i've dropped a size...without trying...without losing weight. just went to the store and dropped a size...marketing is good. makes me feel good about my fitness without so much as doing a thing.
the bad: i hardly made a dent into my shopping list...still have no shoes for work...
the ugly: (i'm hoping this scene will not be kate & i in 12 years.) picture a mother with her 16 year old daughter wandering through the shoe department at macy*s. daughter is decked out in low rise jeans tightly hugging below the waist...muffin top peaking above the beltline...her toes staring up through the black straps of her flip flops. (mind you, it's 30 degrees outside.) her eyes defined by thick black eyeliner and blue shadow...
mom ask daughter, "honey do you think these boots look good? are they cool?"
oh, dear. this is like a scene out of TLC's "*What Not to Wear*" why are you asking her?
the cure: how 'bout a little retail therapy?
runner boy took the kids and sent me off to the mall. so many stores...so little time.
it was a mix of the good, the bad & the ugly.
the good: i've dropped a size...without trying...without losing weight. just went to the store and dropped a size...marketing is good. makes me feel good about my fitness without so much as doing a thing.
the bad: i hardly made a dent into my shopping list...still have no shoes for work...
the ugly: (i'm hoping this scene will not be kate & i in 12 years.) picture a mother with her 16 year old daughter wandering through the shoe department at macy*s. daughter is decked out in low rise jeans tightly hugging below the waist...muffin top peaking above the beltline...her toes staring up through the black straps of her flip flops. (mind you, it's 30 degrees outside.) her eyes defined by thick black eyeliner and blue shadow...
mom ask daughter, "honey do you think these boots look good? are they cool?"
oh, dear. this is like a scene out of TLC's "*What Not to Wear*" why are you asking her?
Friday, October 31, 2008
mommy guilt
i was feeling a little guilty about neglecting halloween. we bought the kids pumpkins, but i had decided not to take the kids trick or treating based on kate's reaction to seeing people dressed in costumes last year. it was ugly.
she pronounced the man dressed as a gorilla to be a terrible, tremendous, horrible, horrendous thing.
she grabbed me around the neck with a choke hold and refused to let me go.
it was like i had a barnacle attached to me.
i felt bad for scaring her to pieces.
so no trick or treat until she gets a better grip on real vs pretend.
therefore we skipped giving out candy today and i thought we were out of the woods.
wrong.
so some kids dressed up ignored all of our signals and rang our doorbell.
you'd a thought satan himself had stopped by.
kate thought they were clowns.
did i mention kate hates clowns? (she gets it from me.)
well we told the "clowns" (or satan) we had no candy and they left.
kate's now in therapy for post traumatic trick or treat disorder.
she pronounced the man dressed as a gorilla to be a terrible, tremendous, horrible, horrendous thing.
she grabbed me around the neck with a choke hold and refused to let me go.
it was like i had a barnacle attached to me.
i felt bad for scaring her to pieces.
so no trick or treat until she gets a better grip on real vs pretend.
therefore we skipped giving out candy today and i thought we were out of the woods.
wrong.
so some kids dressed up ignored all of our signals and rang our doorbell.
you'd a thought satan himself had stopped by.
kate thought they were clowns.
did i mention kate hates clowns? (she gets it from me.)
well we told the "clowns" (or satan) we had no candy and they left.
kate's now in therapy for post traumatic trick or treat disorder.
Monday, October 27, 2008
a little get-a-way...
runner boy & i got a way for a wonderful weekend retreat in tuscon, arizona.
hiking, talking, praying, laughing, reading, dreaming, planning...
more pics to follow...
busy processing reality now...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
conversations...
at the dinner table last night...
setting: phrenetic conversations, constant stream of conciousness flowing from 4-year old mouth, occasional screams from 2-year old...
Mommy puts her head on the table and rocks back and forth...
Kate: Momma, what are you doing?
Momma: I'm coping, Kate.
Kate: Why are you coping, Momma?
******************
during our walk around the neighborhood tonight...
setting: Sam and Kate playing...
Kate: You stand there and I will tackle you please, Sam.
(We play p-o-l-i-t-e-l-y at our house.) Sam falls over just before Kate gets over to him...
Sam: Dah-dee, I play foooball! ha-ha. Tackle me!
setting: phrenetic conversations, constant stream of conciousness flowing from 4-year old mouth, occasional screams from 2-year old...
Mommy puts her head on the table and rocks back and forth...
Kate: Momma, what are you doing?
Momma: I'm coping, Kate.
Kate: Why are you coping, Momma?
******************
during our walk around the neighborhood tonight...
setting: Sam and Kate playing...
Kate: You stand there and I will tackle you please, Sam.
(We play p-o-l-i-t-e-l-y at our house.) Sam falls over just before Kate gets over to him...
Sam: Dah-dee, I play foooball! ha-ha. Tackle me!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
fall adventures...
we've had some very, very busy days lately, so we've taken some time on the weekends to enjoy the fall (while still dreading winter!) crisp apples, crunchy leaves, orange pumpkins, hay rides, tractors and field corn made up the setting...
kate must have tried at least 6 apples during our time in the orchard...she loved them...
then it was on to the pumpkin farm...kate decided the straw pile was a "pool"--here she is "splashing" in the"water"...
next we headed into the corn maze...kate led the charge...sam was the caboose...as usual...
snackin'
sam could have cared less about he pumpkins...he stopped in his tracks every time he heard the tractor coming in from the field...john deere, international, case...loves them all...
we got six pumpkins out of our trip...i picked them...sam was on the tractor watch and kate was swimming in a pile of hay...steve was the lifeguard...memories for a lifetime...
kate must have tried at least 6 apples during our time in the orchard...she loved them...
then it was on to the pumpkin farm...kate decided the straw pile was a "pool"--here she is "splashing" in the"water"...
next we headed into the corn maze...kate led the charge...sam was the caboose...as usual...
snackin'
sam could have cared less about he pumpkins...he stopped in his tracks every time he heard the tractor coming in from the field...john deere, international, case...loves them all...
we got six pumpkins out of our trip...i picked them...sam was on the tractor watch and kate was swimming in a pile of hay...steve was the lifeguard...memories for a lifetime...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Momma
Kate was telling me about her day tonight at dinner. She was munching away when she looks up and says,
"Mom"
Me: Yes, Kate
Kate: Mom, I had a meltdown today when I was upstairs during nappies today. I don't want you to ever do anything. I want you to stay will me all day.
Me: Okay...hmmm...just heap on the guilt Kate.
"Mom"
Me: Yes, Kate
Kate: Mom, I had a meltdown today when I was upstairs during nappies today. I don't want you to ever do anything. I want you to stay will me all day.
Me: Okay...hmmm...just heap on the guilt Kate.
Monday, September 22, 2008
dental diva
today was kate's first visit "official" visit to the dentist.
her first unofficial visit was a bit dramatic.
this dental office was made for kids. she got a complete tour, got to see hold the instruments and got to hold a mirror to watch her exam.
i was apprehensive since i was sure she was going to go nuclear, but was i surprised. she was a rock star!
it all started with the hygienist putting "lipstick" on her. she was thrilled. this was followed by a very gentle exam. then she met the kind, soft spoken dentist who pronounced her teeth "wonderful".
but the real highlight was at the end. the hygienist painted her nails! she has a choice between purple and pink. then they dried her nails with the instrument they use to blow air on her teeth. she was smiling from ear to ear with her bright pink lips.
who knew one would get a makeover and manicure at the dentist? my dentist never did that for me.
she in now the dental diva and is asking for lipstick every 5 minutes. move over ms. palin....kate has lipstick, too.
ps
sam did not get lipstick or his nails painted. he got two little cars for being so good and allowing them to take an xray due to an injury to his front tooth.
xray results revealed:
1) his baby tooth did not receive enough trauma to kill it off
2) his adult teeth appear to be the size of a large beaver's
3) know a good orthodontist?
kate did want to know where sammy's lipstick was...
her first unofficial visit was a bit dramatic.
this dental office was made for kids. she got a complete tour, got to see hold the instruments and got to hold a mirror to watch her exam.
i was apprehensive since i was sure she was going to go nuclear, but was i surprised. she was a rock star!
it all started with the hygienist putting "lipstick" on her. she was thrilled. this was followed by a very gentle exam. then she met the kind, soft spoken dentist who pronounced her teeth "wonderful".
but the real highlight was at the end. the hygienist painted her nails! she has a choice between purple and pink. then they dried her nails with the instrument they use to blow air on her teeth. she was smiling from ear to ear with her bright pink lips.
who knew one would get a makeover and manicure at the dentist? my dentist never did that for me.
she in now the dental diva and is asking for lipstick every 5 minutes. move over ms. palin....kate has lipstick, too.
ps
sam did not get lipstick or his nails painted. he got two little cars for being so good and allowing them to take an xray due to an injury to his front tooth.
xray results revealed:
1) his baby tooth did not receive enough trauma to kill it off
2) his adult teeth appear to be the size of a large beaver's
3) know a good orthodontist?
kate did want to know where sammy's lipstick was...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
I'll have a...
today when I went to Star*bucks I wanted to say:
"I'll have a caffe mocha vodka valium latte to go, please!"
I really could use one...
this drink was designed by a mother of 5, L.D.
"I'll have a caffe mocha vodka valium latte to go, please!"
I really could use one...
this drink was designed by a mother of 5, L.D.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Oh, doctor, doctor...
kate's decided to be a doctor again.
i think she wants to be an orthopaedic surgeon, actually.
we bought her some little tools for her birthday (that's what she asked for) and they are now being used to fix people. she decided that i needed an appointment to see her tonight.
she looked in my ears with a phillips head screwdriver, unscrewed my hand with another screwdriver and put a new one on (she's amazing) and measured my age with ruler. sadly she is not part of my HMO, so i'll have to pay for an out-of-network appointment. great.
then she decided i should be the doctor. when i looked in her ears with the screwdriver, she informed me that i was using the wrong one. (yes, i was using the one for removing and replacing hands.) who new I would mix the screwdriver? i guess i missed that class in med school. she seems to think i did okay with the check up.
we'll be checking out med school for her in the future. she seems to have some unique approaches so we may be looking into an alternative med school...
i think she wants to be an orthopaedic surgeon, actually.
we bought her some little tools for her birthday (that's what she asked for) and they are now being used to fix people. she decided that i needed an appointment to see her tonight.
she looked in my ears with a phillips head screwdriver, unscrewed my hand with another screwdriver and put a new one on (she's amazing) and measured my age with ruler. sadly she is not part of my HMO, so i'll have to pay for an out-of-network appointment. great.
then she decided i should be the doctor. when i looked in her ears with the screwdriver, she informed me that i was using the wrong one. (yes, i was using the one for removing and replacing hands.) who new I would mix the screwdriver? i guess i missed that class in med school. she seems to think i did okay with the check up.
we'll be checking out med school for her in the future. she seems to have some unique approaches so we may be looking into an alternative med school...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
football
...you know you live in the frozen tundra when...
...you're at the gym and everyone is tuned into the packer game...and when they score, everyone on the treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes cheer together...
...when it rains all day and you don't mind...at least it wasn't snow...
...you're still wearing shorts in december...because it's really not that cold yet...
...you're at the gym and everyone is tuned into the packer game...and when they score, everyone on the treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes cheer together...
...when it rains all day and you don't mind...at least it wasn't snow...
...you're still wearing shorts in december...because it's really not that cold yet...
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Hands
I love hands. They are one of the most expressive and amazing parts of the human body.
Just before I started my journey into the medical profession, I had a memorable conversation with my Uncle, a physician. I told him I was a little concerned about taking gross anatomy and the dissection of a human body. I have never forgotten his response. He told me to pay special attention to the hands of my cadaver. He asked me to think about what they did as she lived her life. He said think of those hands stroking her children, combing their hair and wiping their tears. Think of all the things they were used for to comfort, guide and create during her life.
It turns out that our cadaver had amazing hands. We were able to expose the tendons, joints and bones to see their exquisite design. Can you imagine what you would not be able to due without those amazing fingers at the end of your arms?
That formed the foundation of my love of hands.
I love to hold my son's hand and feel his chubby grip around my fingers. I love to tickle him with my fingers and see his eyes light up and hear his hearty laugh. I love to stroke his soft crew cut and wonder where that blond hair came from. I love to see him explore the world and figure out how to push buttons, buckle up and cram mac 'n cheese into his mouth.
I love to braid my daughter's fine, straight hair. I love to have the privilege to comfort her and brush away her tears when she is sad. I love to see her jump up and grab the uneven bars or rings with her hands to do another gymnastics "routine".
I love to see them wave to me when I come home. I love the hand prints in the patio stone they made for me. (Thanks Daddy!)
I'm looking forward to seeing how their hands will make a difference in the world.
Just before I started my journey into the medical profession, I had a memorable conversation with my Uncle, a physician. I told him I was a little concerned about taking gross anatomy and the dissection of a human body. I have never forgotten his response. He told me to pay special attention to the hands of my cadaver. He asked me to think about what they did as she lived her life. He said think of those hands stroking her children, combing their hair and wiping their tears. Think of all the things they were used for to comfort, guide and create during her life.
It turns out that our cadaver had amazing hands. We were able to expose the tendons, joints and bones to see their exquisite design. Can you imagine what you would not be able to due without those amazing fingers at the end of your arms?
That formed the foundation of my love of hands.
I love to hold my son's hand and feel his chubby grip around my fingers. I love to tickle him with my fingers and see his eyes light up and hear his hearty laugh. I love to stroke his soft crew cut and wonder where that blond hair came from. I love to see him explore the world and figure out how to push buttons, buckle up and cram mac 'n cheese into his mouth.
I love to braid my daughter's fine, straight hair. I love to have the privilege to comfort her and brush away her tears when she is sad. I love to see her jump up and grab the uneven bars or rings with her hands to do another gymnastics "routine".
I love to see them wave to me when I come home. I love the hand prints in the patio stone they made for me. (Thanks Daddy!)
I'm looking forward to seeing how their hands will make a difference in the world.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
still rings
to say kate loves gymnastics would be an understatement. she loved watching the olympics and "practices" as much as possible.
here is our little gymnast performing on the rings at our local park...
she opens with her trademark big smile...
next is her transition into her now famous...
inverted handstand...
she now prepares for her dismount...
the jump...
where she stuck the landing! (you have to imagine that picture--i forgot to take it!)
she clearly was a child born in the year of the monkey!
here is our little gymnast performing on the rings at our local park...
she opens with her trademark big smile...
next is her transition into her now famous...
inverted handstand...
she now prepares for her dismount...
the jump...
where she stuck the landing! (you have to imagine that picture--i forgot to take it!)
she clearly was a child born in the year of the monkey!
fall
as we turned the page of the calendar into september, i was a little sad.
...summer was over...
...the leaves would soon turn...
...our schedule would become very busy...
...and my oldest would be starting preschool...she's growing up so fast...
so we went backpack shopping together and she picked out her own backpack. she realized the one she REALLY wanted (Hello*Kitty) was too big, so she went with choice number 2. mommy thought number 2 was a little gawdy, but she LOVED it. so we acquired and she wore it for the next 24 hours.
daddy took her the first day, because i had a meeting at work, but i got to pick her up. she smiled. she sported her backpack with pride and talked all about the neat snack they had (fruity*cheerios). little brother was happy to see "sissy", but missed her, too.
I love these kids...
Friday, August 29, 2008
busy, busy
With all the activity going on around the house, the little guy has been looking for things to keep himself occupied. (some of these activities are more dangerous than others...)
Trying on hats has become a new obsession. He stole this one from Grandpa...
He felt very comfortable with the crown...he certainly acts like the little prince...
With Brett Favre gone from the Packers, Sam sees the opportunity to start at quarterback...
He only wore this one under the direct supervision of grown-ups...
If I've told him once, I've told him hundred times...no gangsta' look...ugh.
Oh dear, he's run out of hats to try on...now look at him. This worries me...he looks like he's well...about to...deliver a...
...teddy bear? in a breech position no less!
Clearly this tired the little guy!
What will tomorrow hold?
Trying on hats has become a new obsession. He stole this one from Grandpa...
He felt very comfortable with the crown...he certainly acts like the little prince...
With Brett Favre gone from the Packers, Sam sees the opportunity to start at quarterback...
He only wore this one under the direct supervision of grown-ups...
If I've told him once, I've told him hundred times...no gangsta' look...ugh.
Oh dear, he's run out of hats to try on...now look at him. This worries me...he looks like he's well...about to...deliver a...
...teddy bear? in a breech position no less!
Clearly this tired the little guy!
What will tomorrow hold?
the problem unit...
Here it is...the portable storage unit that caused all kinds of consternation with the city engineers.
Compared to alot of things that can cause problems in a residential area, this thing is a dream. It didn't smell, make noise, play loud music, scare neighborhood children, litter or bark. It was also temporary.
My biggest disappointment with it was that it didn't load itself.
But, alas, it's gone now...as it left, we heard the champagne bottles pop open at city hall.
Compared to alot of things that can cause problems in a residential area, this thing is a dream. It didn't smell, make noise, play loud music, scare neighborhood children, litter or bark. It was also temporary.
My biggest disappointment with it was that it didn't load itself.
But, alas, it's gone now...as it left, we heard the champagne bottles pop open at city hall.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Nothing ever really happens...
Sometimes Kate watches a video series called *Kipper the Dog*...he's a cute little dog with a British accent. One of Kipper*s lines is "Nothing really ever happens..." Well, sometimes it feels like that, but the reality is we have been busy here. So busy that I have been low on creativity and energy.
Lately we have had this done:
When Sam saw the heavy equipment, he just about went apoplectic. It was better than any video a boy could imagine. The only thing that would have been better for him would have been to drive it.
Our front stoop had serious structural issues, thus we needed this to fix the problem. Let me warn you, it you need one of these, it will co$t you. Alot. More than you think.
Then when the machine is done. You're left with this: It was so ugly that I had to doctor the picture.
The city frowns on leaving the house looking like this, so we had to pay more $$$$ to get a new stoop.
You know once you rip out the stoop, the landscape starts looking pretty crummy. If you pull out the landscape (with your 4 wheel drive vehicle), you're left with no stoop and no landscape. Wait, that can be fixed with more $$$$$.
Come to think of it...when you get a new stoop and walk into the house, the eye is immediately drawn to the worn out carpeting on the stairs. What? I can't live with shabby carpeting in the entryway. Yes, we fixed that, too. The good news is that it only cost $$$.
With all the newness happening, things started looking pretty cluttered, so we rented a mobile storage unit and had it delivered to the house, so we could load extra stuff into it. We pulled the permit, welcomed the delivery driver and had it dropped along the side of the road (which was acceptable per the permit).
It was but 15 minutes when one of the city inspectors aggressively knocked on the door. "Excuse me, but you have a mobile storage unit...it's impeding traffic in the northbound lane and you DON'T have a permit," he announced to me.
Hmm, he's thinking he's got fresh meat, I thought.
"Sir, I know it's in the street. We had it put there. We have a very narrow driveway. I have a permit," I replied.
"You do?" he said with a hint of suprise in his voice.
"Yes, I do. And YOUR office gave it to us...and YOUR office knows it's in the street."
"Oh, sorry ma'am."
So, I called the engineers office and suggested that their employees check to see if residents pull permits before trying to make a kill.
***
Fast forward to 8 o'clock that evening.
Door knocking heard again, Runner Boy answers this time.
This time it's a city police officer.
"Excuse me sir, but there's a mobile storage unit in front of your house," she points out.
Runner Boy replies, "Yes, I do. I have a permit, the city knows it's there."
"Well, we're worried it may cause an accident...but...you really have a permit?" she asks.
"Yes, we've already spoken with the city again today...they are aware of the location of the mobile unit and should be sending flashing barricades out."
Said police officer then expedites the barricades out and we crossed our fingers.
The unit got loaded with only 2 more calls to the city and we finally got rid of it.
Stay tuned more projects to come...
Lately we have had this done:
When Sam saw the heavy equipment, he just about went apoplectic. It was better than any video a boy could imagine. The only thing that would have been better for him would have been to drive it.
Our front stoop had serious structural issues, thus we needed this to fix the problem. Let me warn you, it you need one of these, it will co$t you. Alot. More than you think.
Then when the machine is done. You're left with this: It was so ugly that I had to doctor the picture.
The city frowns on leaving the house looking like this, so we had to pay more $$$$ to get a new stoop.
You know once you rip out the stoop, the landscape starts looking pretty crummy. If you pull out the landscape (with your 4 wheel drive vehicle), you're left with no stoop and no landscape. Wait, that can be fixed with more $$$$$.
Come to think of it...when you get a new stoop and walk into the house, the eye is immediately drawn to the worn out carpeting on the stairs. What? I can't live with shabby carpeting in the entryway. Yes, we fixed that, too. The good news is that it only cost $$$.
With all the newness happening, things started looking pretty cluttered, so we rented a mobile storage unit and had it delivered to the house, so we could load extra stuff into it. We pulled the permit, welcomed the delivery driver and had it dropped along the side of the road (which was acceptable per the permit).
It was but 15 minutes when one of the city inspectors aggressively knocked on the door. "Excuse me, but you have a mobile storage unit...it's impeding traffic in the northbound lane and you DON'T have a permit," he announced to me.
Hmm, he's thinking he's got fresh meat, I thought.
"Sir, I know it's in the street. We had it put there. We have a very narrow driveway. I have a permit," I replied.
"You do?" he said with a hint of suprise in his voice.
"Yes, I do. And YOUR office gave it to us...and YOUR office knows it's in the street."
"Oh, sorry ma'am."
So, I called the engineers office and suggested that their employees check to see if residents pull permits before trying to make a kill.
***
Fast forward to 8 o'clock that evening.
Door knocking heard again, Runner Boy answers this time.
This time it's a city police officer.
"Excuse me sir, but there's a mobile storage unit in front of your house," she points out.
Runner Boy replies, "Yes, I do. I have a permit, the city knows it's there."
"Well, we're worried it may cause an accident...but...you really have a permit?" she asks.
"Yes, we've already spoken with the city again today...they are aware of the location of the mobile unit and should be sending flashing barricades out."
Said police officer then expedites the barricades out and we crossed our fingers.
The unit got loaded with only 2 more calls to the city and we finally got rid of it.
Stay tuned more projects to come...
Summer fun...
Yesterday we had a great day with our cousins. Since summer is winding down (sigh), we met Grandma, Auntie Q and our cousins for a day of animals, a picnic and play at the zoo. The kids rode the zoo train, ate popcorn, and jumped, chased and ran all over the place. Oh, and they took in some of the animals, too.
Our zoo also has a great play area for the kids. Half is for the little kids 4 & under, and the other half is for 5 and over. Kate is utterly bored by the little kids area, so she followed her cousins over the bigger jungle jim. She had a great time until she got in "over her head."
There is a ladder/obstacle area that her older cousins were traversing. Kate couldn't stand it and had to get into the act. Pretty soon we heard Cousin T yell, "Hey, Kate is stuck on the Death Machine!".
This was followed by Kate's classic cry when she's stuck. We sent out the rescue party and she was extricated from the "Death Machine."
My favorite memory of the day was this one...
Our zoo also has a great play area for the kids. Half is for the little kids 4 & under, and the other half is for 5 and over. Kate is utterly bored by the little kids area, so she followed her cousins over the bigger jungle jim. She had a great time until she got in "over her head."
There is a ladder/obstacle area that her older cousins were traversing. Kate couldn't stand it and had to get into the act. Pretty soon we heard Cousin T yell, "Hey, Kate is stuck on the Death Machine!".
This was followed by Kate's classic cry when she's stuck. We sent out the rescue party and she was extricated from the "Death Machine."
My favorite memory of the day was this one...
Sunday, August 24, 2008
smoke signals...
while sitting in the gas station parking lot after church, kate sees a man and asks, "what's he doing Momma?
M: He's smoking a cigarette and that's a very bad thing to do to yourself."
K: Hmm, I want one.
Momma's message to Kate: don't even think it, kiddo.
M: He's smoking a cigarette and that's a very bad thing to do to yourself."
K: Hmm, I want one.
Momma's message to Kate: don't even think it, kiddo.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
2 for 2...
uh oh...kate said tonight, "mommy my mouth hurts..."
i dose with a little tylenol & cross my fingers...
the little peanut wakes up crying a few hours later and says, "my mouth really hurts!"
i grab my diagnostic flashlight & took a look to find this gnarly little virus had set up shop on her tongue and palate. apparently the crummy little virus wasn't satisfied with making our little dude miserable, so now they both need lots of TLC.
it could be a long sunday here...
i dose with a little tylenol & cross my fingers...
the little peanut wakes up crying a few hours later and says, "my mouth really hurts!"
i grab my diagnostic flashlight & took a look to find this gnarly little virus had set up shop on her tongue and palate. apparently the crummy little virus wasn't satisfied with making our little dude miserable, so now they both need lots of TLC.
it could be a long sunday here...
You Go Girl!
Shalane Flanagan sets a new American record in the 10,000 meters at the Olympics.
Earns a bronze medal--the first American medal in this event in years--a proud moment for US running!
photos courtesy of letsrun.com
Earns a bronze medal--the first American medal in this event in years--a proud moment for US running!
photos courtesy of letsrun.com
Friday, August 15, 2008
ouch!
It started so innocently. We had a lovely Sunday morning in church followed by a pleasant afternoon. Bliss...
Then, it appeared out of nowhere...Sam feels warm and has a low grade fever. Runner Boy isn't too worried, but my "mommy medical mania" starts up and I start to form a differential diagnosis.
Dose tylenol, put kid to bed.
Monday a.m.: fever back, no other symptoms, more tylenol. Runner Boy still not worried. Mommy ruminates on potential causes.
Monday afternoon: fever increases as tylenol wears off--Mommy admits that people who work on adult bones have no idea what causes kiddie fevers, but continues to pool her ignorance with herself.
Monday dinner: Sam seems fine until he eats his first bite of melon and explodes into tears...a perplexing turn of events...fever seems to break.
Tuesday: Prolific drooling starts...appetite disappears...mommy decides to take a look with the flashlight into the drooling, cavernous throat.
Well, low and behold I see this.
I don't have to be a pediatric infectious disease savant to know this is NOT normal...blisters and ulcers were spread all over his tongue, palate and cheeks.
hand, foot, mouth disease=herpangina=coxsakie virus=days of misery, inconsolable crying and evil behavior.
Desperate times demand desperate calls to the kiddie doctor. Bless the doctor...
Sammy is now drinking the kiddie codeine kool aid and Mommy and Runner Boy are hanging by a thread.
Then, it appeared out of nowhere...Sam feels warm and has a low grade fever. Runner Boy isn't too worried, but my "mommy medical mania" starts up and I start to form a differential diagnosis.
Dose tylenol, put kid to bed.
Monday a.m.: fever back, no other symptoms, more tylenol. Runner Boy still not worried. Mommy ruminates on potential causes.
Monday afternoon: fever increases as tylenol wears off--Mommy admits that people who work on adult bones have no idea what causes kiddie fevers, but continues to pool her ignorance with herself.
Monday dinner: Sam seems fine until he eats his first bite of melon and explodes into tears...a perplexing turn of events...fever seems to break.
Tuesday: Prolific drooling starts...appetite disappears...mommy decides to take a look with the flashlight into the drooling, cavernous throat.
Well, low and behold I see this.
I don't have to be a pediatric infectious disease savant to know this is NOT normal...blisters and ulcers were spread all over his tongue, palate and cheeks.
hand, foot, mouth disease=herpangina=coxsakie virus=days of misery, inconsolable crying and evil behavior.
Desperate times demand desperate calls to the kiddie doctor. Bless the doctor...
Sammy is now drinking the kiddie codeine kool aid and Mommy and Runner Boy are hanging by a thread.
Friday, August 8, 2008
a slip of the tongue...
Sam was just a goof ball tonight...he danced along with the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, practiced his typing and culminated his evening by laying on his back on the couch thrashing his legs...annoying his sister.
He finally kicked "sissy" and made her cry (his antics were keeping her from seeing the ceremonies).
I turned around and said "Sammit! stop that!!
I guess that's my hybrid way of getting his attention...
He finally kicked "sissy" and made her cry (his antics were keeping her from seeing the ceremonies).
I turned around and said "Sammit! stop that!!
I guess that's my hybrid way of getting his attention...
say what?
Recent Kate quotes:
Kate: Mom?
Mom: What?
K: When I get big can I ride 'da bus?
M: Sure. (...I think to myself...it's so over-rated Kate...)
*****
K: Mom?
M: Yeah?
K: When I get big can I sleep nudey...without my jammies?
M: Huh? (she went to bed with her jammies ON!)
*****
M: What would you like for supper tonight?
K: How 'bout chocolate ice cream and Kate-on-a-stick?
We ordered Chinese food instead...
Kate: Mom?
Mom: What?
K: When I get big can I ride 'da bus?
M: Sure. (...I think to myself...it's so over-rated Kate...)
*****
K: Mom?
M: Yeah?
K: When I get big can I sleep nudey...without my jammies?
M: Huh? (she went to bed with her jammies ON!)
*****
M: What would you like for supper tonight?
K: How 'bout chocolate ice cream and Kate-on-a-stick?
We ordered Chinese food instead...
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Mini Midwestern Reunion of the Sichuan Sisters...
We all have special moments in our lives that are etched in our memory. One of our special memories is the day we met our beloved Kate. We waited with 3 other families in a simple government building in Sichuan, China in December of 2005. We each held our arms out and had our daughters handed to us. What a special moment for us to share with our girls and one another. Kate, Sam & I were able to have a mini reunion with one of her China sisters recently and it was fantastic.
I so appreciate that we have tried to keep our girls in touch with one another...Kate loves checking out her friends' blogs and talks about the girls frequently. My dream would be that all 4 girls would continue and build their special connection.
It didn't take Kate long to feel comfortable hanging around with Gwen...Kate loves the playground, but Gwen encouraged her to "take it to the next level" while they were together. Kate's eyes have been opened to a whole new world of testing gravity.
Kate was thrilled to find out that Gwen had crocs, too. The shoe divas had to get a photo in their swinging thrones...
What this railing isn't a balance beam? Please, let's not get too caught up the safety issues here, you're looking at 2 future gymnasts.
Gwen is currently living in China with her family...apparently they let kids learn to drive sooner there...Gwen is taking Kate for a spin on a motorcycle. Yeah, I know they should have their helmets on, but Gwen's Mom assured me that she was a very safe driver. (It takes a lot of skill to negotiate the streets of Chinese cities...)
Kate loved that railing...
oh, yeah, Sam was there, too. He was busy flashing his smile and dimples trying to dazzle the other toddler girls...
He forgot about the chicks when he saw the motorcycle. He could feel the powa' and he was off! Yes, I know he also should have had a helmet on, but do you have any idea how hard it is to fit that size head with a helmet? He wears a size "large planet"...available through special order only.
He's just so darn cute...(I can say that because he doesn't look like me)...
It was so much fun to see Gwen & her Mom. I so appreciate that she made the time to see us during her hectic trip. Kate adored Gwen's Mom in China...she would run to Lynne and happily give her a big hug. In the short time we had with Lynne in China, I saw the ease she had around children, the fact that she got down on their level on the floor and how the girls responded to her. I observed her and tried to pick up some of the wisdom during those scary first days as a Momma. (Kate still thinks Lynne is pretty wonderful.)
Our biggest regret about our mini reunion was we were missing members of the group. Our special friends K & her Mommy really tried to get up to the north, but this time it just didn't work out. (It would be so easy if we would all just cash in on the lottery.) We all have hopes to get our girls together in the future. I can already hear their giggles, shrieks of laughter, camera shutters clicking as we savor the moments, and the sounds of busy feet running everywhere. Gives us something to look forward to!!!
I so appreciate that we have tried to keep our girls in touch with one another...Kate loves checking out her friends' blogs and talks about the girls frequently. My dream would be that all 4 girls would continue and build their special connection.
It didn't take Kate long to feel comfortable hanging around with Gwen...Kate loves the playground, but Gwen encouraged her to "take it to the next level" while they were together. Kate's eyes have been opened to a whole new world of testing gravity.
Kate was thrilled to find out that Gwen had crocs, too. The shoe divas had to get a photo in their swinging thrones...
What this railing isn't a balance beam? Please, let's not get too caught up the safety issues here, you're looking at 2 future gymnasts.
Gwen is currently living in China with her family...apparently they let kids learn to drive sooner there...Gwen is taking Kate for a spin on a motorcycle. Yeah, I know they should have their helmets on, but Gwen's Mom assured me that she was a very safe driver. (It takes a lot of skill to negotiate the streets of Chinese cities...)
Kate loved that railing...
oh, yeah, Sam was there, too. He was busy flashing his smile and dimples trying to dazzle the other toddler girls...
He forgot about the chicks when he saw the motorcycle. He could feel the powa' and he was off! Yes, I know he also should have had a helmet on, but do you have any idea how hard it is to fit that size head with a helmet? He wears a size "large planet"...available through special order only.
He's just so darn cute...(I can say that because he doesn't look like me)...
It was so much fun to see Gwen & her Mom. I so appreciate that she made the time to see us during her hectic trip. Kate adored Gwen's Mom in China...she would run to Lynne and happily give her a big hug. In the short time we had with Lynne in China, I saw the ease she had around children, the fact that she got down on their level on the floor and how the girls responded to her. I observed her and tried to pick up some of the wisdom during those scary first days as a Momma. (Kate still thinks Lynne is pretty wonderful.)
Our biggest regret about our mini reunion was we were missing members of the group. Our special friends K & her Mommy really tried to get up to the north, but this time it just didn't work out. (It would be so easy if we would all just cash in on the lottery.) We all have hopes to get our girls together in the future. I can already hear their giggles, shrieks of laughter, camera shutters clicking as we savor the moments, and the sounds of busy feet running everywhere. Gives us something to look forward to!!!
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