Allyson has two sweet friends at school with whom she is VERY close. It has become our tradition that whenever there's a day off from school, the three girls get together at one home for a playdate. They get along so well. Last Friday was such a day and it was our turn to host. Unfortunately, one of the threesome had other plans, so the opening went to another girl in their class.
This new threesome played well together, but I discovered that the new addition to the crew was a bit bossy. It wasn't long before I got out a piece of paper and a pen and started writing things down. I particularly enjoyed her form of bossiness when every sentence started with, "How 'bout...?"
Here are the best lines:
"How 'bout you DON'T do that?!"
"How 'bout we pretend you're a baby so I can't understand what you're saying."
"How 'bout we pretend you're a little baby and you can't even talk yet."
(Yep, that last one was my favorite. It's always more fun when your playmates can't even talk.)
Christopher was awake for part of the time the girls were here. Neither of Ally's friends have babies in their homes, so they were understandably taken with his smiles and coos. At one point Ally said, "Could you not touch him? He seems like he needs some room right now."
Later she told us that she was worried the girls might like him more than her. Aaaaaah.
Next time the playdate will be at a different home and the original three should be together again. And there won't be a sweet baby boy to steal anyone's thunder. So all will be well.
Assuming that everyone is allowed to talk.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
"Pay no attention to the munchkin behind the curtain!"
I know you have all been on pins and needles, waiting eagerly for me to reveal what my children were doing in this picture that I asked you to name.
You're all fabulous (all 4 of you that were brave enough to share your thoughts), but my sweet friend Beth's entry, the title above, captured my heart. I was loving Barb's entry, though! And after I read the entries to Ally, she said, "I wanna hear more!"
Yes, Dad, they were playing "Tent," with a blanket draped over Christopher's new IKEA highchair (which we love!). Anyhoo...our oldest will pose for the camera anytime, anywhere. Our middle child is developing some sick phobia...or maybe indifference...to the little box in my hands that flashes at her. Natalie WOULD NOT come out of the tent for a quick picture, even though she was screaming at full volume her word for peek-a-boo, "PEEK-A!" The fleece blanket did a number on her hair. Sorry for the quality of the picture; I'm still getting the hang of our new camera AND the child won't hold still for more than a second (unless she has a snack...who can blame her?).
You're all fabulous (all 4 of you that were brave enough to share your thoughts), but my sweet friend Beth's entry, the title above, captured my heart. I was loving Barb's entry, though! And after I read the entries to Ally, she said, "I wanna hear more!"
Yes, Dad, they were playing "Tent," with a blanket draped over Christopher's new IKEA highchair (which we love!). Anyhoo...our oldest will pose for the camera anytime, anywhere. Our middle child is developing some sick phobia...or maybe indifference...to the little box in my hands that flashes at her. Natalie WOULD NOT come out of the tent for a quick picture, even though she was screaming at full volume her word for peek-a-boo, "PEEK-A!" The fleece blanket did a number on her hair. Sorry for the quality of the picture; I'm still getting the hang of our new camera AND the child won't hold still for more than a second (unless she has a snack...who can blame her?).
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Crawling Chris!
For several weeks now Chris has been trying his hardest to get his legs and arms in sync enough to move himself forward. He has been unsuccessful until this week. Are we ready for another mobile child in the Fox household?
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Ah, the things I could tell you...
This week, and last week, have been a trial for us. There are so many things I could share, but I'm going to choose to leave it behind and move forward, thinking positively.
However, in order to share a story, I have to give a bit of background. Ally hasn't been sleeping. We don't know what's up. It has taken her up to two hours to fall asleep some nights, but that isn't the main problem. The bigger issue is that she can't STAY asleep and when she wakes up (about every 2 hours), she feels this obnoxious compulsion to inform us that she is awake and ask for our assistance. (Again, I could share so much here, but I will refrain from a novel-length description.) We've reiterated, time and again, that she can wake us up if she is bleeding or sick, but if neither of those apply she is to roll over and go back to sleep. She's working on it.
The other morning, I had had it. My emotions were sky high, I was exhausted, and I was ticked. Ally was sitting at the breakfast table and I said, "We are cutting out all the sugar - no more candy for you! And I'm making a chiropractor appointment for you." She looked at me, horrified, and said, "Will she cut open my stomach?" HUH? I stopped for a moment and then it dawned on me. She thought she'd be going to the chiro where they would "cut out" the candy from her body. Our giggles softened the tension of the morning as we reassured her that her stomach would remain intact. (Although her behind may redden significantly if she continues to wake us up!)
Anyway, she slept much better last night and we tried a new experiment with Chris, too, so our sleep was vastly improved. I only got out of bed twice between 10:30 and 6:30; that's nearly miraculous compared to the night before!
I also want to give an update on Ally's teacher, in case anyone was interested. She was put on full-time bed rest last Friday. She said goodbye to her students on Thursday, after explaining what was going on. Ally seems to care very little what teacher is in the classroom, as long as her two favorite buddies are there. Mrs. Astin is only about 28 weeks along in her pregnancy with twins, so we are praying for many weeks of bed rest, for the sake of her little ones. Depending on their health and delivery, we may not see Mrs. Astin again until next school year.
Finally, I came across a picture that I took last week that just demanded a caption...or a story. I'm depending on your creative minds here! Just click on "comments" below and show us how clever you are. Come on ya'll, name that photo! (After I give you a chance to share, I'll fill you in on what actually was going on.)
However, in order to share a story, I have to give a bit of background. Ally hasn't been sleeping. We don't know what's up. It has taken her up to two hours to fall asleep some nights, but that isn't the main problem. The bigger issue is that she can't STAY asleep and when she wakes up (about every 2 hours), she feels this obnoxious compulsion to inform us that she is awake and ask for our assistance. (Again, I could share so much here, but I will refrain from a novel-length description.) We've reiterated, time and again, that she can wake us up if she is bleeding or sick, but if neither of those apply she is to roll over and go back to sleep. She's working on it.
The other morning, I had had it. My emotions were sky high, I was exhausted, and I was ticked. Ally was sitting at the breakfast table and I said, "We are cutting out all the sugar - no more candy for you! And I'm making a chiropractor appointment for you." She looked at me, horrified, and said, "Will she cut open my stomach?" HUH? I stopped for a moment and then it dawned on me. She thought she'd be going to the chiro where they would "cut out" the candy from her body. Our giggles softened the tension of the morning as we reassured her that her stomach would remain intact. (Although her behind may redden significantly if she continues to wake us up!)
Anyway, she slept much better last night and we tried a new experiment with Chris, too, so our sleep was vastly improved. I only got out of bed twice between 10:30 and 6:30; that's nearly miraculous compared to the night before!
I also want to give an update on Ally's teacher, in case anyone was interested. She was put on full-time bed rest last Friday. She said goodbye to her students on Thursday, after explaining what was going on. Ally seems to care very little what teacher is in the classroom, as long as her two favorite buddies are there. Mrs. Astin is only about 28 weeks along in her pregnancy with twins, so we are praying for many weeks of bed rest, for the sake of her little ones. Depending on their health and delivery, we may not see Mrs. Astin again until next school year.
Finally, I came across a picture that I took last week that just demanded a caption...or a story. I'm depending on your creative minds here! Just click on "comments" below and show us how clever you are. Come on ya'll, name that photo! (After I give you a chance to share, I'll fill you in on what actually was going on.)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
2nd Birthday Photos
Here are the photos that were promised earlier this week.
It is Saturday afternoon, and Allyson is hive free and Natalie and Christopher are both in good moods. Let's hope/pray for a healthy week ahead!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA
I have so much to say, but I'm going to try to blurt it all at once. Both babies are sleeping and this quiet time cannot be squandered!
First of all, we do realize that we have not posted any other pictures of Natalie's second birthday. We have at least one good excuse. Try back tomorrow or Friday - they'll be here.
So, here's the drama. Both girls had strep throat last week, which you already know if you check in here often. Both girls had started a 10-day cycle of the infamous pink goop (amoxicillin): Ally started on Wednesday, Natalie on Friday.
On Tuesday morning, I hear Ally getting ready upstairs at her usual time, at her usual speed (SLOW). She calls down to me, "Mom, can you bring up that lotion that helps you not to itch?" I give a questioning look to my husband, then march up the stairs with hydrocortizone cream that had long since expired (uff da). I walk into the bathroom and had to sit down immediately. My sweet 5-year-old was covered in at least 60 hives, red, swollen, and irritated. HUH? We quickly started firing the questions at her, "Did you eat anything new yesterday? Did you use any lotion or soap that mommy didn't know about? Did I wash her sheets in that new laundry detergent?" All of the answers were "NO."
My first thought was chicken pox, because we were not-so-happily exposed to them last week. But after first glance, I knew they were hives. We gave her a cough medicine (with the active ingredient dyphenhydramine, which is the best anti-allergy medicine we had). About an hour later the hives had flattened and were no longer itchy (although they hadn't disappeared). Hmmm. I sent her to school. I knew they were hives, she wasn't miserable, and the meds seemed to have calmed the reaction. (I didn't give her the morning dose of antibiotic, because I was worried about an interaction.)
I picked her up at 3:00, and the hives were starting up again. I got the kiddos their snack and gave them their antibiotics, then called the doctor.
Yeah, I know, I should've called the doctor first before giving the meds. Hindsight.
The doctor said it was quite possibly an allergic reaction to the antibiotic (you know, the one I JUST GAVE HER!). And also the one she started 6 days ago? (It still doesn't seem to be likely, but whatever.)
A massive hive arose on her wrist, swelling the area to about twice its normal size. I gave her ice and rubbed on some newly-purchased, not-so-expired cream. By dinnertime the wrist was mostly normal and we went on with the evening.
Now it's bedtime. We're all in Ally's room and the kiddos are all changing into their pajamas. Dave and I look at Ally in shock. Her hives are back, stronger and more plentiful than they had been that morning. And her wrist is as big around as her arm. There's also another large swollen spot on foot. Dave says, "I'm taking her in."
The little ones went to bed and I sat on the couch praying. My female mind was in overdrive, thinking of all the "What ifs?" I'm thinking of all the parents that have brought their children to the doctors for something relatively benign and leave with a devastating diagnosis...or worse. At this point I'm pondering how I can completely lay my children in the hands of God. I'm a mom. It's my nature to freak out at the sight of blood, or get-teary eyed when you fear your child's feelings were hurt my that meanie at school. So how do I let go?
This paragraph doesn't contain the answer. I have no idea how to let go and leave them to Christ. Truly. No idea. I'm still processing. Maybe I'll write out my thoughts another day.
David called soon enough, even though it was an eternity to me. The ER confirmed that it was, most likely, an allergic reaction to the antibiotic, and even though it looked bad, it was quite commonplace. They said to keep up the dyphenhydramine every four hours; they also prescribed a steroid in case things worsen or her body just can't shake them. They also prescribed and Epi-Pen. Yeah, I don't even like the idea of one of those in my house! Would I really have the guts to use it if I needed to? Uck, I don't even want to think about it.
This morning, she awoke with many new hives, but said she wasn't itching. I gave her the dyphenhydramine and sent her to school. I went over there at lunchtime to "surprise" her, but really I just wanted to take a look at those "polka-dots" (which is what she calls them). Those on her tummy were mostly gone, but there were still a few on her neck and face and she said her legs were still broken out.
Hmmm. No one ever told me that there would be these moments in parenthood where you just want to lock yourself and your child in a closet with games and puzzles and books and snacks and never let yourselves out. Because that would keep everyone safe, right?
How silly. There are parents across the world that are fighting for the lives of their children, mourning over the death of their children, hovering over the hospital bed, or making funeral plans. And here I am, all teary-eyed over some stupid hives. I am so grateful for our health. Strep throat and all.
Speaking of children in danger, when I went to see Ally today, I saw her teacher, Mrs. Astin, in the hall. She had her coat and purse and looked to be leaving. She stopped and I said something like, "Are you okay? It looks like you're leaving." She was almost immediately teary-eyed and shared that her doctor had called with the results of a pre-natal test that revealed she has a 40% chance of going into labor in the next two weeks. She is currently 27 weeks pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. She was visibly shaken and shared that her doctor told her she could not work more than 4 hours a day until they know more. Would you please pray for her and her sweet babies? I truly believe that God had me there right at that moment so that I could hear the story and pray. Would you join me?
As for our Ally-girl, we'll keep you posted. I'm praying for clear, beautiful skin tomorrow morning. Until then, I'm working on leaving her life and health in the hands of the Almighty. (I'm not saying I won't fret or freak, but I'm working on it.)
First of all, we do realize that we have not posted any other pictures of Natalie's second birthday. We have at least one good excuse. Try back tomorrow or Friday - they'll be here.
So, here's the drama. Both girls had strep throat last week, which you already know if you check in here often. Both girls had started a 10-day cycle of the infamous pink goop (amoxicillin): Ally started on Wednesday, Natalie on Friday.
On Tuesday morning, I hear Ally getting ready upstairs at her usual time, at her usual speed (SLOW). She calls down to me, "Mom, can you bring up that lotion that helps you not to itch?" I give a questioning look to my husband, then march up the stairs with hydrocortizone cream that had long since expired (uff da). I walk into the bathroom and had to sit down immediately. My sweet 5-year-old was covered in at least 60 hives, red, swollen, and irritated. HUH? We quickly started firing the questions at her, "Did you eat anything new yesterday? Did you use any lotion or soap that mommy didn't know about? Did I wash her sheets in that new laundry detergent?" All of the answers were "NO."
My first thought was chicken pox, because we were not-so-happily exposed to them last week. But after first glance, I knew they were hives. We gave her a cough medicine (with the active ingredient dyphenhydramine, which is the best anti-allergy medicine we had). About an hour later the hives had flattened and were no longer itchy (although they hadn't disappeared). Hmmm. I sent her to school. I knew they were hives, she wasn't miserable, and the meds seemed to have calmed the reaction. (I didn't give her the morning dose of antibiotic, because I was worried about an interaction.)
I picked her up at 3:00, and the hives were starting up again. I got the kiddos their snack and gave them their antibiotics, then called the doctor.
Yeah, I know, I should've called the doctor first before giving the meds. Hindsight.
The doctor said it was quite possibly an allergic reaction to the antibiotic (you know, the one I JUST GAVE HER!). And also the one she started 6 days ago? (It still doesn't seem to be likely, but whatever.)
A massive hive arose on her wrist, swelling the area to about twice its normal size. I gave her ice and rubbed on some newly-purchased, not-so-expired cream. By dinnertime the wrist was mostly normal and we went on with the evening.
Now it's bedtime. We're all in Ally's room and the kiddos are all changing into their pajamas. Dave and I look at Ally in shock. Her hives are back, stronger and more plentiful than they had been that morning. And her wrist is as big around as her arm. There's also another large swollen spot on foot. Dave says, "I'm taking her in."
The little ones went to bed and I sat on the couch praying. My female mind was in overdrive, thinking of all the "What ifs?" I'm thinking of all the parents that have brought their children to the doctors for something relatively benign and leave with a devastating diagnosis...or worse. At this point I'm pondering how I can completely lay my children in the hands of God. I'm a mom. It's my nature to freak out at the sight of blood, or get-teary eyed when you fear your child's feelings were hurt my that meanie at school. So how do I let go?
This paragraph doesn't contain the answer. I have no idea how to let go and leave them to Christ. Truly. No idea. I'm still processing. Maybe I'll write out my thoughts another day.
David called soon enough, even though it was an eternity to me. The ER confirmed that it was, most likely, an allergic reaction to the antibiotic, and even though it looked bad, it was quite commonplace. They said to keep up the dyphenhydramine every four hours; they also prescribed a steroid in case things worsen or her body just can't shake them. They also prescribed and Epi-Pen. Yeah, I don't even like the idea of one of those in my house! Would I really have the guts to use it if I needed to? Uck, I don't even want to think about it.
This morning, she awoke with many new hives, but said she wasn't itching. I gave her the dyphenhydramine and sent her to school. I went over there at lunchtime to "surprise" her, but really I just wanted to take a look at those "polka-dots" (which is what she calls them). Those on her tummy were mostly gone, but there were still a few on her neck and face and she said her legs were still broken out.
Hmmm. No one ever told me that there would be these moments in parenthood where you just want to lock yourself and your child in a closet with games and puzzles and books and snacks and never let yourselves out. Because that would keep everyone safe, right?
How silly. There are parents across the world that are fighting for the lives of their children, mourning over the death of their children, hovering over the hospital bed, or making funeral plans. And here I am, all teary-eyed over some stupid hives. I am so grateful for our health. Strep throat and all.
Speaking of children in danger, when I went to see Ally today, I saw her teacher, Mrs. Astin, in the hall. She had her coat and purse and looked to be leaving. She stopped and I said something like, "Are you okay? It looks like you're leaving." She was almost immediately teary-eyed and shared that her doctor had called with the results of a pre-natal test that revealed she has a 40% chance of going into labor in the next two weeks. She is currently 27 weeks pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. She was visibly shaken and shared that her doctor told her she could not work more than 4 hours a day until they know more. Would you please pray for her and her sweet babies? I truly believe that God had me there right at that moment so that I could hear the story and pray. Would you join me?
As for our Ally-girl, we'll keep you posted. I'm praying for clear, beautiful skin tomorrow morning. Until then, I'm working on leaving her life and health in the hands of the Almighty. (I'm not saying I won't fret or freak, but I'm working on it.)
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Happy 2nd Birthday Nat Nat!
Natalie woke up on Saturday with her usual vibrancy and energy. We enjoyed a great birthday as a family.
When we starting singing "Happy Birthday" to her, I couldn't resist but capture the moment! We'll post more later, but thought I would share this glimpse of Natalie on her 2-year-birthday!
When we starting singing "Happy Birthday" to her, I couldn't resist but capture the moment! We'll post more later, but thought I would share this glimpse of Natalie on her 2-year-birthday!
Friday, January 08, 2010
Birthday: POSTPONED
Natalie turned two at 8:35 this morning.
She also woke up with a high fever and lots of tears.
Two years ago today, Natalie spent quite a bit of time with her pediatrician. So maybe it was fitting to visit him today. It's strep throat...no big surprise there.
But I'm still irritated.
And quite sad that our sweet, vivacious girl is spending her birthday in pain.
So, unofficially, her birthday is tomorrow.
The cake and the big Elmo balloon will keep.
She also woke up with a high fever and lots of tears.
Two years ago today, Natalie spent quite a bit of time with her pediatrician. So maybe it was fitting to visit him today. It's strep throat...no big surprise there.
But I'm still irritated.
And quite sad that our sweet, vivacious girl is spending her birthday in pain.
So, unofficially, her birthday is tomorrow.
The cake and the big Elmo balloon will keep.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Here we go again...
I think our house experienced nearly two weeks without sickness.
Until yesterday.
Ally came home from school yesterday with a fever.
Somewhere between then and this morning it became strep throat.
AGAIN.
She just had strep throat over Thanksgiving.
Seriously.
I'm irritated.
That's all.
Until yesterday.
Ally came home from school yesterday with a fever.
Somewhere between then and this morning it became strep throat.
AGAIN.
She just had strep throat over Thanksgiving.
Seriously.
I'm irritated.
That's all.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
New Year's Resolutions...by Ally
At the dinner table, on January 1st, we asked Ally what she'd like to accomplish in 2010. We tried not to guide her or give her too many ideas. We simply wrote down what she said. So, without further ado, here are the goals of a 5-year-old for the new year.1. Make homemade applesauce and apple juice.
2. Make cookies with M&M's.
3. Go to Madelyn's birthday party.
4. Go to a water park.
5. Play in the snow.
6. Cover something else in Floam. (Floam was a beloved Christmas gift from Uncle Jeff & Aunt Annette and family. THANKS!)
7. Make more crafts.
8. Make books.
9. Make a gingerbread house.
10. Eat something fancy. (This coming from the child that won't eat chicken if it looks too "shiny.")
11. Eat donuts tomorrow. (Yep, we can check this one off.)
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