Turning the right corner. Finally!

Do you know that feeling when you keep thinking about something and you're feeling really good about it but you aren't sure if you should talk about it or not because it might be too good to be true or you're a tad skeptical if the whole "knock on wood" thing really works?  Yeah, I have that feeling.  I've had it for two weeks and I've kept my mouth shut but lets be honest, I can't do that for very long.  Ladies and Gentleman, I believe we have turned the corner here at the Clarks.  And no, not that horribly wrong left turn that we tend to make with our directionally challenged tendencies (with the exception of Matt who is a human atlas.)  We have been waiting for almost two years for Easton to do two things.  1.) Get out of the freakin' woods.  2.)  Turn the corner.  I'm no longer afraid to say, I think he found that corner and bolted around it as fast as he could while yelling "I'm a Miracle!", which is his new favorite saying:)  Easy will be 2 years old in just over two months.  I keep finding myself thinking about how our life has changed.  In many ways, we are very much the same.  We are still a solid family who loves to spend time together, acts crazy, dances in the kitchen and sings in the car.  You know, normal.  On the other hand, we are so completely different.  We are positive, we are thoughtful and present in our daily lives. We live with more purpose, we are more driven and our lives seem even brighter than before.  We have a deeper sense of gratitude and I personally feel compelled to try and make a difference somewhere or somehow.  Priorities and perceptions have shifted and ultimately I've gained confidence in myself.  Looking back, I don't know how I survived watching my son "almost" die day after day after day.  I don't know how I spoke on the phone to my other kids and forced myself to laugh, I don't know how I turned the corner passed the hand washing station of the NICU everyday to see if my baby was OK or if 10 people were working on him (again) but I did.  I rose to the challenge with the support of my husband, family and friends and rallied for my baby.  If that doesn't change you- I'm not sure anything will.  All that being said, I have an ultimate goal for my family.  I will NEVER forget what a miracle Easton is.  I will never forget any of the faces or voices of those that cared for him and kept him alive but you know what I really live for?  I live for the day when I'm not reminded of this when I see him.  I live for the time when he is so "normal" that I don't think about it everyday.  When we don't use inhalers, when we don't constantly watch his growth, when we don't have follow up specialty appointments.  That's what I'm waiting for.  But here is the thing... I think its coming.  I feel it.  He had pneumonia four times and RSV once in his first 8 months of life- thats after spending a month barely hanging on in the NICU.  Do you know how many times he had pneumonia in the last year?  ZERO.  Do you know how many times he was hospitalized overnight in the last year?  ZERO.  Thats right.  He just had his tonsils and adenoids out and its only been a couple of weeks and I cannot explain to you the difference.  Here is a little example... the kid has gained over 2 lbs in 2 weeks.  He is the biggest he has EVER been.  He is eating like a champ, sleeping well and with his mouth closed (gasp!) and he is happy.  So, so happy.  He is talking so well and just... I don't know... normal!  He seems normal.  I can't pinpoint anything off in him right now.  He is fighting with his siblings, cracking us up with his attempt at telling stories and so lovable.  Its like heaven.

These days life at the Clark's is still crazy busy as usual.  For the last few weeks we have had Soccer, Basketball and Swimming all on Saturday mornings before noon.  That was super annoying fun.  Things have calmed down a little with the replacement of soccer with Crossfit for Kids!  Yes, we are those crazy people that put our obsession onto our son!  No, really.  He likes it.  It's for one hour and he can go as much or as little as he wants up to five days a week.  He has only gone a couple of times and let me tell you- he was SOOO good at home those nights.  I think it is so beneficial for him to get to run around and burn some energy in a positive environment instead of just coming home and tormenting his siblings for fun.  This way he is too tired to do that which means we have a peaceful night.  Nope, this wasn't a selfish move on our part at all.  Swear:) Matt just signed him up for little league and it counting the days until he can get outside and start practicing.  Carter is kicking some major butt in school.  He is blowing through Rocket Math and I can't even explain to you how well he is writing and reading compared to when he started school.  I am SOO glad I put him in Kindergarten instead of young 5's.  Who knew he would be such a smarty pants.  Now if we could just get him to control himself and sit down in his seat once in awhile we'd be perfect.... but perfect is so boring!  Oh, and he is still gorgeous!

Paige is still Paige.  Always sassy, super funny and has developed such an interest in Easton.  They are partners in crime, tearing this place up!  She recently got a new haircut and is feeling pretty awesome about herself.  She loves for me to flat iron her hair every morning and spends a little extra time flipping it around and looking in the mirror.  She is totally into Pom Pom and Gymnastics and finally not crying at swimming (thank the Lord.)  She is even jumping off the diving board!  I'm not 100% sure but I think someone is quite the actress and knows how to get herself a little extra attention.  She's the middle child and she is surrounded by boys so in my opinion its a pretty clever life skill she has developed.  Paige is such a Daddy's girl and its no question he is above all in her eyes but I'm still the one that gets to do her hair and dress her up in hot pink faux fur vests.  She's my girl too and we are just so happy to have her put a little extra spunk in our life.  There is nobody quite like Paige Ruby and I spend each day trying to prepare myself for the ride I am certain she will take us on!

Matty and I are good.  We actually snuck away to Grand Rapids last weekend for a little break and had a wonderful time.  Well, a wonderful time after the first night when I thought I may die from something attacking my internal organs.  Sounds dramatic?  It was.  I couldn't even stand up straight.  I never over-react.  Honestly, just ask my husband.  Maybe, occasionally but not this time.  Anyways, it only lasted one night and then it was a fabulous time spending time with my favorite person!

I'm entering my crazy person stage of planning the 2nd annual Team Easton Gives Back benefit.  I vowed I wouldn't be so crazy this time but I think I may have lied.  I can't help it.  I need it to be fabulous and I just know it will.  $27,000 raised the first year.  The bar is high but I'm pretty sure its in the bag!  Mark your calendars... May 3, 2013.  See you there!

Easton update

I know many people follow this blog to keep up on Easton.  He's causing trouble again.  Big surprise!

About 4 months ago we did a sleep study on Easton and the results were that he has 7 episodes an hour where he briefly quits breathing and o2 levels drop to 85%.  At that time we visited an ENT about removing his tonsils to open up his airway and give him more room to breathe.  His lungs have a hard enough time on their own without having obstructed breathing.  We were told that the risk of surgery for Easton's age, diagnoses and current lung condition was far riskier than the episodes he was having.  A major concern after removing the tonsils was that swelling of the airway can occur and his happens to be floppy... which would just be bad, bad, bad.  I was told to elevate the head of his bed and make him sleep on his belly.  Oh sure, no problem.  Since that day, I have checked on Easton at least 3 times a night (when I say check I mean poke him until he flinches just to be sure he really is breathing) and flip him back to his belly.  Of course he prefers to sleep on his back with his feet in the air.  Crazy animal.

Fast forward to Monday.  I took Easy to his Pulmonary check up and was concerned they were going to up his steroids because he sounds like a purring kitten no matter what I do.  I can give him his rescue inhaler 5x a day and it doesn't go away.  Imagine my surprise when they said his lungs actually sounded clear for basically the first time ever in his life (Gasp!) but the noise was more from the obstructed airway.  His tonsils have doubled in size in 4 months.  They are now a 4 on the tonsil scale and have to be removed and soon!  There was no reason to repeat a sleep study because the results would be at least twice as bad as before and that would only scare me, not help in any way.  Awesome. Guess how much I have slept the last two nights?  Zip.  Zero.  Zilch.  God, I love that boy.

So.. now the challenge is getting someone to do the surgery.  Remember the ENT who told me a few months ago about all the crazy, scary risks involved with operating on someone in Eastons condition? Yeah.  He isn't too hot on this idea.  Don't worry because the Pulmonologist called him and told him there was "no question" that it was happening.  Apparently they hashed it out and agreed that the risks are in fact reversed now and it has to be done as long as the Paediatrician is on board.   Next, the Pulmonolgist meets with her and she has reservations and concerns but agrees its a tough spot but only one answer.  She wants him at Hurley so she can check on him.  I've been told that the Pulomonolgist from Hurley will be well aware of his case, the ICU is right there if we need it and his pediatrician is ready to make decisions after the surgery.  Is it just me or is this the most dramatic scene you've ever heard unfolding over just the DECISION to operate??  I'm feeling overwhelmed and scared to death about this.  I used to be good in hospitals but now I can't stand to hear a monitor beep.  Its like horrific flashbacks of the worst time in my life.  The surgery is scheduled for Jan 31 at Hurley.  He will be staying at least overnight and hopefully he will surprise us all and have ZERO complications and come home.  I pray those little lungs can rally one more time and tolerate being put to sleep and the operation.  Please keep the little fighter in your thoughts and prayers.  I do believe he has been through too much to let tonsils take him down.  We are going to enjoy a nice quick trip to Florida before we tackle these bad boys and hopefully help him to breathe easier once again!

The journey continues...

A New Year!

The holidays have come and gone and the new year is upon us and full of promise, right?  I think so.  I think that as cliche as that sounds- there is something to be said for re-starting the calendar.  Its seems like it means there are new opportunities, new adventures and new experiences to be had.  I'm not sure why it doesn't seem that way from a random Tuesday to Wednesday, but it doesn't.  You have to get a new calendar to feel that way... or at least I do.  2012 was a good year for the Clark's.  Nobody was hospitalized.  Not once.  Easton was discharged for the last time on 12/31/11 and we intend to keep it that way.  Matt didn't have to play the single parenting even though my wife lives in the house but isn't allowed to stand up role one time.  It felt a little magical:)  Even though our original plan of four children turned into three after Easton scared the daylights out of us- its all good.  It actually feels awesome to know that we are moving on.  The baby making years are fun and exciting and there really is no feeling like the one of pushing a baby out, I mean welcoming a new baby into your house, but it also feels good to move on.  We have lived it.  We have had someone in diapers since 2007 and it is pretty awesome that within this year, we are done-zo!  Not that I really mind changing a diaper but ya know, its not that fun.  I realize as your kids grow older, their issues can be more complicated and have struggles of their own but there is no denying the day to day life gets easier.  When everyone dresses themselves, brushes their own teeth, fastens their own seat belts, gets their own drinks and wipes their own booties, it has to make life a little easier on the parents.  This year, I have so many things on my list that I want to accomplish.  I think 2012 was about getting back on our feet after a rough ride but now its time to get down to business and start making things happen!

2012 was also the year that our family and friends rallied around us and helped us give back.  The Team Easton Gives Back benefit was a night we will never forget.  Raising over $27,000 was an incredible feeling and I know it was appreciated.

First off, I want to focus on health in all areas.  I want to celebrate the fact that my family is healthy.  Easton obviously doesn't have a clean bill of health just yet but I have faith that those lungs are going to decide to get their act together.  Soon.  I'd like to get him into a position where he doesn't require daily drugs but I can't complain about where we are from where we were.  Slow and steady, my little turtle.  He will get there.  I'd also like to mention that for having sucky lungs and the most horrific immune system I have ever seen- he sure is fast (which is why I love the irony of calling him my turtle:).  And naughty.  And a little on the crazy side. Clearly, nothing will stop this baby so look out world! 

Matthew and I have been really involved in fitness for the last year and it feels so good.  Its really not about wanting to look a certain way but its incredible to see what your body is capable of.  Many know that I have not had an easy road in this department but I feel stronger and healthier than ever.  I'm looking to see just what this body is made of and be ready to kick some serious a*s if I ever need to!  Not really.  Well, kinda.  I joined Matt in the crazy world of Cross Fit and as scary and intimidating as it was at first, its necessary.  My favorite thing about it is that I really think its as much a mental challenge as it is physical.  Its scary.  I mean we run around, climb ropes, jump on boxes, lift heavy barbells over our head and jump under them, jump rope, play on rings,  sit up, pull up, stand on our heads and so much more.  Who wouldn't want to do that?  Your body may look and feel like a war zone but its so much fun.  YOU should go do it!  If we can, so can you.  Its good for the soul to step outside your comfort zone and you'll never feel better than you do when class is over.  Its a high... without the drugs and hangover.  "Take care of your body, its the one place you have to live."  Jim Robin.

Next thing I want to focus on is creating more traditions with our kids.  We have certain things we do at Christmas and different times of the year but I want to create more traditions that my kids can pass on to their own.   I like the idea of an expectation that a family will have something to look forward to each and every year at different times.  I like no excuses.  I want to take time to realize  how young and impressionable my kids are and teach them to roll with the punches.  Life is certainly not always easy but Matt and I do a pretty good job of forging ahead and I want make sure my kids have the same attitude.  Lessons are taught by example and with a little less chaos in our lives, I'm hoping to have the time to express valuable life lessons within our everyday life.  Three little kids overwhelms me at times but I'm going to give it my best shot to slow down and enjoy them while they are little and begging for my attention before they are older and ignoring me.  

I also want to have more date nights with my husband, I want to get rid of my Mommy-Crisis Mini Van, I want more girl time with friends, I want to do less laundry and buy more furniture, I'd love to go to Florida 5 times and spend less time worrying about things I can't control.  I'd like to find the perfect haircut and have more patience than God.  See, its all about balance and I'm looking for the perfect one!

We have family pictures this weekend.  This is always an adventure.  To make things even more interesting, I've decided to do them in the snow.  Like I said, I'm up for the challenge.  I'll share the finished products soon!

I hope that all that read this start the year out with a bang.  I'm starting  mine out with strep throat but look at me, I'm still living the dream.  Take the good with the bad, roll with the punches, love your family and friends and take care of your kids.  There you have it.  Your 2013 advice from yours truly.

Happy New Year!

Road Trip

"Hey, Matt.  Let's take a road trip for 10 hours with a one, three and five year old!"  "Sure, that sounds like a genius idea!"  This conversation may or may not have taken place.

Road trip. Hmm.  This is an unfamiliar word to me.  The last road trip I was on was when I was eight.  We went on a trip to Florida and never, ever again did we drive.  To be honest, if you have met my father- you are probably surprised we even did it once.  He is a man with a lot of energy and him in a car with all of us... ha!  You can imagine how well that went.  Matt, on the other hand, drove to Florida many times growing up so he felt 10 hours was totally do-able.  Before I launch into the more humorous events of our vacation- let me just say that we had a great time.  We knew going into this that it wouldn't be a piece of cake but we had some awesome family time and and were surrounded by the most beautiful scenery imaginable.

NOT sleeping.

Our Captain was really good looking.

We were supposed to leave early Wednesday morning for our trip but we were a little anxious and decided to head out Tuesday night with hopes of knocking a few hours out with the kids asleep.  The plan was to drive as far as we could and then stop at a hotel to sleep and just have a few hours remaining in the morning.  As we began our journey we had to make not one, but two stops in the first 28 miles- I was a tad fearful of what was to come.  My first important lesson learned is that children don't grasp the idea of "trying" to go potty.  As Carter put it, "Why would I go in the bathroom if I don't have the feeling.  That's just weird."  Touche, my son.  That very reason was demonstrated a few miles later:)  The boys fell asleep fairly quickly but Paige decided she was NOT sleeping on this road trip.  That girl is stubborn but she was good so it worked out.  We got all the way to Lexington, KY before stopping and found a hotel.  This is where all the fun began.  What we didn't think about when deciding to head out early is that a 5 hour "nap" in the car might mean the kids aren't tired anymore by the time we are.  So picture this:  Matt and I are so tired that we can hardly keep our eyes open. We find a hotel and cannot wait to just crash for a few hours.  We quietly get the boys and Paige into the hotel room and slide them into bed.  It took about 4 seconds before the giggles erupted.  Not only were these kids NOT tired- they were hungry, thirsty and ready to party.  Easton has never laughed so hard in his life.  He was shouting random things out and cracking up which made the others crack up.  Carter just wasn't tired anymore and Paige loves a good hotel so she had things she wanted to do.  We were trying to be good sports but about 4 HOURS after getting to the hotel and still not sleeping, Matt was mad he spent money on a hotel since he couldn't sleep and I stormed down to the front desk like a crazy person and asked the guy if there was any amount of money I could give him to find me some milk for my obnoxious baby!  I should have been embarrassed... but I wasn't.  Not even a little.  I was desperate.  I believe everyone fell asleep about 4:45 and we were back up and out by 6:00.  The kids were OK for the three hour trip we had left but they were excited so there was quite a bit of "Are we there?  How much longer?  I'm booooored!"  

Here is the next thing.  I have a child with Chronic Lung Disease and Asthma.  I have given him a nebulizer or inhaler every day of his life- multiple times a day.  Do you think I would remember to pack those items?  You know, the ones that help him breathe!  Nope, not a chance!  Luckily, I realized it before he was due and called a Walgreens in TN and had them call  the insurance company to get me a vacation coverage.  Super annoying but it all worked out:)  

"Smokey Moutain's Finest"  Indeed.

We got to Pigeon Forge around lunch time.  I kid you not...  our cabin was on a direct incline for 6 miles.  The roads were twisty and steep and had no guard rails.  It made us sick going up every time but it was an awesome view!  The cabin itself was perfect.  It was exactly as the pictures described and we loved everything about it.  We spent all of our time there baking Thanksgiving treats, coloring, playing pool, doing sticker books, painting, playing games, watching movies and eating.  It was everything you need to do to relax and be worry free.  The kids had so much fun and loved having their parents attention and we loved having nothing else to do but give it to them.  

 

It wouldn't be a Clark trip without a little drama.  Our last day in the mountains, I felt like Easton was acting weird.  He had a familiar deep cough, wouldn't eat and was quiet.  I kept telling Matt that something was up and of course, Matt kept telling me I was nuts.  Matt left early in the day to find me a diet coke and I had him pick up some Tylenol... just in case.  Around 6PM Easy decided to climb up in Matts lap and try to go to sleep.  At that point, Matt thought maybe we should give him some Tylenol... ya know, just in case.  Of course, I agree and get the Tylenol.  I put the dropper to his lips and he dry heaves.  For those of you that know me and my relationship with puke- you know I about died.  I tried a second time and he dry heaved again.  By this point he is burning up but I cant give him Tylenol so I laid him in his bed without a blanket and just kept checking him.  About 10pm I laid down in bed and within 5 minutes we hear him puke!  Matt and I both shot up and while Matt ran directly to him- I ran directly out the door!  I know, I know.  He is an innocent sick baby but I.Cant.Do.It.  I can't.  I don't use that word a lot but it fits here.  This sounds horrible to say but I did better standing next to him on a ventilator than I do if he pukes.  I'm sick in the head.  Thankfully, Matt is the "Throw Up Master" in our house and he accepts the role even if he doesn't like it.   Thank God.   Anyways, I did not have a thermometer (because I forgot to pack that too) but I have a hand and my hand said over 104.  This hand is pretty darn accurate.  After the big puke, I put on my big girl pants and attempted to give him Tylenol again EVEN if it meant he might puke again.  This time he took it and spared me the dry heaves.  All this means that he now had to sleep in our bed.  With a total potential to puke again.  Obviously there was no sleeping for me.  I was on alert and ready to dive out if I heard that dreaded sound.  It was a nightmare.  He finally cooled off around 1:45 and I felt I could go to sleep.  At exactly 2:30 Matt was up and ready to roll.  Awesome.  I love a 45 minute nights sleep and I'm super pleasant when that happens.  We got the kids in the car and headed home!  We drove straight through this time and the kids were fantastic.  Paige took a few naps and so did Easton.  He was so sick that I don't think he cared to make a fuss about being strapped down.  Carter NEVER fell asleep.  He stayed awake the whole time and never complained or asked to pee!  He wins the award for best traveler in the universe and he was funny.  Every once in a while he would ask which state we were in.  After guessing about four states that we could be in and being told no, he finally asked "Are we in America?!"  The answer was yes.  We were in Ohio.  If you have ever driven through Ohio- you understand that the state never ends and how he could be appalled that we were STILL in Ohio:)  I, on the other hand, did a lot of complaining and you can guess my anxiety level about being locked in a car with a potential puker.  Ahhh!  I was so happy to see Grand Blanc.

Trips and traveling (and every day life) are a little hard with kids this small but we make the best of it and don't set our expectations too high.  We had fun.  We love our little family and we will continue to make the efforts to create memories for our children year after year.

Other than Easton getting so sick, everything is going well over at the Clark house.  Carter has settled in to Kindergarten and his report card was awesome.  Mrs. Prue thinks his writing is awesome and his math impresses  the heck out of me.  I absolutely cannot believe what he has learned thus far.  Report care had all S's and P's (Secure and Progressing as expected) except for one N (needs improvement) in self control.  Hey, you can't win them all!  

Paigey is awesome.  She is looking so big and acting older all the time.  Since we put tubes in her ears and removed her adenoids she has been healthy (yay!) and her voice has changed so much.  She is growing up and really a dream come true for me.  She's fashionable, adorable and funny.  Her sassiness is still ever present but lets be honest, who likes a wallflower?  You gotta stand out in a crowd and boy does she!

Easton is continuing to blow my mind every day.  He is talking up a storm and he thinks he is hysterical... I agree about 90% of the time:)  He had a great healthy run from August until recently.  The shake up in meds really changed his life and we are so thankful we found the right match for us in a Pulmonologist.  The biggest concern I have is how sick he gets.  He doesn't just get a cold.  He gets a temp over 104, he wheezes, he quits eating for a week, he coughs non-stop, he gets winded and his little lips turn blue.  I really feel he seems "normal" so much of the time and then when he gets sick it makes me a little sad that his body is just not up to par...YET.  We did good with this last illness.  We were able to pump him with enough drugs that it did NOT go into pneumonia which is a major victory for us.  Fingers and toes are crossed for a better winter and a real miracle would be no hospitalizations.  I believe its possible!

Typical

Matt and I are doing great.  Matt has been into CrossFit for about 9 months and loves it.  I recently decided to try.  If you aren't familiar with it- its crazy people doing insane workouts and acting like its normal.  That's my definition and its pretty spot on!  I'm in pretty good shape.  I've worked out my whole life but this.... this is scary.  I'm getting more comfortable and hopefully not embarrassing Matt too much.  I've found I'm super competitive against myself.  I'm obsessed with trying to beat my old times and weights constantly.  Its a good time.  YOU should try it!  Look out, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Fitness USA are coming after ya!

Little Loves

The REAL Housewives.

I may or may not have a moderate addiction to the Real Housewives series on Bravo.  Beverly Hills is my favorite followed by New Jersey, Orange County, and New York.  Miami is incredibly painful to get through-however, I have been known to tune in if nothing else is on.  These woman are hysterical.  I wish some of it was more scripted but I really do think some of these people are really that crazy.  I enjoy crazy.  I have a little crazy in me and I see nothing wrong with it.  While I find this show utterly stimulating, I must tell you that they have nothing on me and my peeps.  I am a REAL housewife (with a job) and kids I manage all on my own.  I may not have a chef, a driver, a nanny, an at home gym or endless funds that I'm not so convinced they have either, but I do have three kids, a minivan, a husband I actually like a lot, and some pretty crazy days.  I certainly don't look like the Housewives on TV ( Thank the Lord!) but I do have more going on in a single day than they do.  Where is my camera crew because THIS is real life?!?!

Handsome Boys

Pretty Paige

My day yesterday seems a bit crazy when I think about.  In fact, its almost funny that this all happens in one day.  What is even funnier, its not that abnormal for a Monday around here.  My life is full.  My life is constant and fulfulling and annoying all lumped together.  Here is a glance at yesterday:  After being up with Paige every 30 minutes in the night because she is sick- I dragged my tired ass into the shower to get ready for work.  While I am getting ready, Easton takes a dive straight into the DVD player and literally dents his forehead in.  It was a knot/bruise/bloody scratch right smack dab in the middle of his forehead.  Awesome.  How he managed to land directly on the DVD player which was under a table in Carter's room, I'll never know but we don't understand half of what this kid does so whatever.  A little ice and a big kiss and I'm back to attempting to get ready.  I dropped Carter at school and made Paige a doctors appointment for the afternoon.  I should back up.  Paige had her adenoids removed and tubes put in her ears on Thursday and then had a fever Saturday, Sunday, Monday.  Of course she did.  She is my kid.  I get to work and try to hammer out a few things since I need to leave half way through the day.  Fifteen minutes after getting there I am presented with a "situation."  Without giving too much away, it resulted in my having to call the police to the daycare to have them decide which set of parents really are allowed to pick up the child.  Let me tell you how much I enjoy that. I understand that people have custody issues.  I understand its always the "other" persons fault and the  "other" parents are dangerous but please don't bring it to ME to sort out.  It's messy and my job is to keep your kid safe.  Period.  If another location could be chosen for the dispute with officers involved- that would be phenomenal.  Finally get that sorted out and I am about to hit the gym for a quick lunch hour workout (for my sanity) before I grab Paigey to run her to the doctor.  As I am walking out the door, my phone rings.  It's Carter's teacher.  The conversation goes a little something like this.  "Lindsay, Carter was hit in the chin by a flying bowling pin during gym class and its been bleeding for about 20 minutes.  I think you should come up here and take a look?  Do you mind?"  No, I'd love to.  I didn't want to workout anyway.  I'd love to evaluate a spilt open chin for stitches.  Sounds awesome.  I run up to check on his chin because after all that kids face could be his money maker one day.  We do NOT need flying bowling pins to mess that up.  I picked him up to bring him home and change his blood stained WHITE shirt.  Yes, its the only day of the year that I sent him in white.  Luckily the bleeding stopped and I thought some antibiotic cream and a bandaid would do the trick.  Phew, I wasn't exactly in the mood for ER.  ER's make me feel like I am going to pass out and of course Matt was in Detroit working.  Crisis averted.  I bought Carter some McDonalds since I thought he should have a little something special for his close call and dropped his butt back at school because we would hate to miss any academics!  Next up was Paige's appointment.  Apparently her fever is unrelated to surgery which is great.  The not so great part is that her lungs are full of junk, sounds like she is headed into Bronchitis and her Asthma is flared up.  Perfect.  She now gets two new inhalers and an antibiotic to add to my pharmacy.  All of above happened in a brief 5 hour period of time.  Never a dull moment.

Just a few daily meds for my ultra low maintenence kids.

Poor Sick Girl

Handsome even with a band-aid chin.

I also have a friend that got locked out of her house with two kids while trying to get a much needed Diet Coke from outside.  Its worth mentioning that she was wearing hooker boots (because they were closest to the door), a hot pink robe and a Warrior Dash T-shirt.  

Then, there is my sister that has two little kids and a husband that severed his achilles tendon.  He had the surgery, moved the hospital bed into his house and hired help to get the kids to daycare in the morning since he couldn't drive.  Twice.  This literally happened twice.  He tore it again a mere four months into recovery and had to start the whole process over.  NIGHTMARE!

THIS is what I am talking about.  My peeps are real life.  Bravo's got nothin' on us!

Let's talk about Easton.  I haven't mentioned him much lately because I didn't want to jinx anything.  But, then I remembered I don't really believe in all the hocus pocus so lets celebrate.  The kid is nothing short of a crazy lunatic like no kid we have ever had before Ah-Ma-Zing!  He was so sick for so long.  It was exhausting and sad and never ending.  I'm not naive.  This is not my first dance.  I know he will have rough times but today and yesterday and the day before and the last month... He is AWESOME!  The best thing I ever did was switch his Pulmonologist and get those meds changed.  He is a different kid.  He seems normal.  Well, no.  Not normal.  He is a total spaz.  Like, crazy.  Its more than just a wild one year old.  Its pure insanity.  I'd like to think it could be because he is on the highest dose of steroids everyday that most people have ever heard of but Matt tells me that is not it.  He's just nuts.  Either way, he is doing well and happy and funny and I'll take it any day over the alternative.  I've said it once and I'll say it again:  I believe in miracles.

How can you resist?

Many years ago!

Speaking of miracles.  My best friend Kim and I performed a miracle of sorts of our own.  She was my college roommate and partner in crime.  There are few people who know me like Kim does.  I've got friends and I'm a pretty real person but Kim is that person that gets a weird intuition when something is wrong.  Shes the one that calls on a particular bad day for no reason at all.  She gets it.  She gets me.... which ain't easy.  Kim has lived in California for the last 9 years.  Its been way too long.  I'm glad she went because she had fun, met good friends and most importantly met her husband who is a gem.  However, it would have been better if she could have worked all that out in one year instead of nine.  What can I say, she didn't quite have the desired amount of pep in her step but shes coming home now so I'll move on.  Home.  Yes, as in GRAND BLANC.  Not Troy, where she is originally from but to MY hometown.  Not only did we come up with a plan to move her back to Michigan but we somehow managed to get her to move 3 miles away from me into MY SISTER'S HOUSE.  Yes, this is our finest work and we do deserve some kind of award.  I'm more than ecstatic to have her by my side physically for a change.  I'm looking forward to having a new housewife to get things rolling with.  "Old habits die hard."



Matt and I actually got to sneak away to a fabulous wedding over the weekend.  If you have ever been out with Matt, you know it was a good time:)

My favorite guy.

Our kids are SO lucky 

These dawgs were Barkin'

Until next time, friends!

I'm old. Boo!

I've always looked really young for my age.  Always.  Nobody as ever accurately guessed how old I am and its always pretty comical to watch people's reaction when I tell them that not only am I not 14- I'm actually married with three kids.  One of the funnier examples that happened was when I was in the NICU with Easton and it took of one the doctors a couple of days to realize I was his Mother NOT his older sister.  Ha!  Actually made me laugh on a pretty dark day.  Thank you crazy doctor:)

This has always been a blessing and a curse.  When I was younger, I didn't feel like people took me seriously and it was annoying.  Now, I would do anything short of selling my kids to keep the youthful look.  Imagine my surprise last year when this happened:  I am laying in bed several months into my 5 month bed rest journey with Easton.  Matt comes up to keep me company and says "You've got to stop worrying so much- you are getting crows feet."  Yes.  This happened.  That gem of a husband whom we all thought was smarter than to say that to not only his wife but his pregnant wife, really made that statement.  I did not hit him and in retrospect, I really should have.  He realized pretty quickly that probably wasn't his finest move.  Anyways...  It started my new obsession with searching for lines on my face and  damnit, they are there!   Not only are they there but now I have a minivan too so I'm like super not cool and old lady status.  Before anyone forms too quick of an opinion... I obviously know there are bigger issues and problems in the world and I actually have them under my roof.  However, this is still a problem in my book and I plan on dealing with it.  Somehow, someway and with relative quickness.

What is a girl to do?  The gym/fitness part I've got down.  If there is one thing I can promise you, its that my body is not going down with my face! I happen to have control over that one.   On the night of my 30th birthday which I spent in the hospital while pregnant with Easton (thank you, son) I ordered several anti-aging cleaners, creams, eye shmutz, and whatever else Nordstrom had to offer.  I figured there was no better time than that milestone day to get started.  I've used the stuff for over a year and guess what... I don't look any better.  This morning I was scrolling through FaceBook and saw a post from Dermatologist, Dr. Michelle Legacy, "Be sure to ask your dermatologist about what anti-aging creams can and cannot do. If a cream could really prevent aging, do you think it would be available over the counter at Macy's or Target??"  Ugh.  Duped again.  Why didn't I think of that?!  Seriously.  Like a cream from Target is going to save my face.  I mean, Target can definitely save my mood but my face...probably not so much.  I'm such a sucker.  Next, I check my email and have an invitation to an interactive  beauty event to take a journey through a fountain of youth.  OK, Universe!  Stop with the hints.  I get it.  I'm getting old.  I mean, come on.  So, yes.  I'll be attending that night and of course I'll be early because only the first 50 guests get the gift bag which apparently I need since this message is coming through loud and clear.   

A lot of people are against fighting the aging process.  They say to age naturally and gracefully and beautifully.  I am not one of those people.  Those people probably sleep uninterrupted at night.   While I do not intend to get my face completely frozen in time and become unrecognizable, I am so not against helping stall the process with whatever is necessary to do so.  I feel I can still age gracefully with the help of a little modern day assistance.  It's been a good run of looking young... now I'm going to fight to keep it:)

**No, I am not off to the plastic surgeon this afternoon:)  If anyone does have some miracle cream, call me!

The BIG day.

 I'm usually a few days...or months behind on my posts about big events but I had to do this one now.  My brain is on overload, my OCD is outta control, my ADD is kickin' and whatever else I have self diagnosed myself with is flared up.  I'm a hot mess.  This was quite the day.  I don't even know where to begin but I've get to get this out of my head and put these thoughts somewhere where I can see them.  The house is quiet.  Matt took Easton to his sleep study, Paige and Carter are in bed and I have a Diet Coke and all the time I need to spill my guts.  Here we go.

How does this.....

...become this SO quickly.

I learned a lesson today.  You can only do so much to prepare yourself for this day.  I know its only Kindergarten but it is the first big thing he has done on his own.  Yes, he has done Preschool and PreK but I've been fortunate enough to take him to work with me for those so I was still able to kiss every boo boo and hug him whenever I wanted.  I was always in the know.  I had a hand in everything he did.  Kindergarten is a whole new story.  I know nothing.  I met the teacher for 5 seconds, one time.  I've been in the classroom one time.  I don't know how any of it works.  I don't understand how he made it from the bus to class and back to the bus.  I was worried about who would help him buy hot lunch and if he would eat it when and if he got it.  At 7PM the night before school I was at the store buying him a new pencil box because at the last minute I didn't like that the glue didn't quite fit in that box and I wanted it to close perfectly so there was no frustration.  I made sure to set the new spiderman water bottle right next to the new monogramed batman backpack because I didn't want to forget it...as if my OCD would ever allow such a thing.  We read The Kissing Hand, sprinkled our fairy dust under the pillow, said our prayers and had him asleep by 8:10PM.   I stayed up most of the night thinking about details I couldn't control and imagined a million different scenarios playing out in my head of his first day.  How he acted, what he said, who he played with, etc.  All you can do is hope that you have done a good enough job up to this point to let them spread their wings and take the challenge, the next step, give them independence and trust they will be ok.  Easier said than done.

The morning was great.  He was a little hyper but really just excited to get on that bus!

 
 

Matt and I met the bus at the school and waited in the pouring rain just to make sure he got off and into the building.  Of course, he figured it out and we stood in awe of it all.  I headed to work and kept myself busy but ran home on my lunch to upload my pictures so I could have a better look at them!  He looked just as adorable as I remembered that morning.  I could hardly wait for 4:00 to come so I could meet that bus and find out how it went!  Walking home from the bus stop he told me he had chocolate milk with lunch, that his teacher looked really pretty in her purple dress and that they had two snacks and one was super close to lunch which was "weird."  Sounded like a great first day to me:)

Exactly what I hoped to see after the first day!

Looks like a happy boy!

So the day was perfect.  Until I opened that backpack.  I should have known it was too good to be true.  Inside was a blue folder that marks daily behavior with a color system.  His little owl was circled in blue.  I immediatly start praying that blue is good.  Turns out, blue is not so good:(  It means "Think about it" or something like that.  Lets just say 7 colors on this chart and blue is third from the bottom.  My heart sunk.  How could this be?  We did everything right to prepare him.  We made sure he was organized with all his stuff, we have talked about Kindergarten for months, we quiz him on sight words and make him do workbooks- for God's sake what else could we do?!?  This is where my lesson was learned.  YOU CANNOT CONTROL EVERYTHING.  It doesn't matter how much you prepare or how many of the right things you do- its up to them to execute.  We had a long talk and after initially insisting that his teacher had the wrong kid and a threat to call and ask her about the "mix-up," the truth came out.  Apparently he kicked someone.  Really?  This can't be for real.  Carter may be hyper and bouncy and chatty and like to say words like "Booty," but kick someone... NEVER.  Evidently it happened on the rug and he doesn't know the kids name or why this went down.  (By the way, I'm practically dying at this point of interrogation.)  Regardless, we had to address this but without taking away all of the positives he had in the day.  Kicking is not, never has been, nor will ever be tolerated in my house or at school.  That point is clear.  If I can promise you one thing- its that he wont kick anyone tomorrow.  However, there are no promises as to anything else that may or may not happen in Room B.   We drilled home all the rules (of life) that he already knows.  Matt attempted to go over the color chart thingy but Carter already had that puppy memorized.  We set up an incentive that if he gets the top three colors for three days he gets a new Ninja Turtle so in other words, the stakes are pretty high over here.  Tomorrow is a new day.  We are hoping for Red but will gladly take Orange or Yellow;)  And yes, I emailed the teacher letting her know we don't take this lightly and assure her that we are all over it.  Yes, I'm crazy.  Regardless of everything, I am most proud of one thing:  Carter got on that bus and went to a school where he doesn't know anyone and had all the confidence in the world.  He never thought twice or doubted the fact that he could do it.  That makes me super proud.  We must have done something right, somewhere.  Maybe by the time our next kid goes off to school we will manage to incorporate the subject of not kicking into our rules of life.  Lets hope.