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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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!

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...