Luck of the Irish

Happy St Patrick's Day!

I'm 1/2 Irish. (My Dad is whole Irish). :P

My sister Cindy says that everyone is Irish on St Patrick's Day. :)

Today I fell down the cement stairs in our carport. I was carrying Joshua but I guess I broke his fall because he is okay (thank goodness!). I, on the other hand, have a bruised elbow and back, at least one cracked rib and perhaps a concussion, they won't know for sure until the pain medication kicks in and the rib pain subsides. Tomorrow I was supposed to be taking the kids out of the house all day so that Joe could build a wall and make a third bedroom (for James). Now I will spend the day in bed and I do not know where the boys will go. My parents are away, Joe's Mom is at a horse show and his Dad will be here, helping Joe with the construction.

I thought being Irish was supposed to be lucky?!? *L*

They were both healthy for about a minute

I told several people when they asked last week that my family is doing great because, for once, both boys were healthy AT THE SAME TIME! :)

That lasted for about a minute. *L*

Joshua has had another stomach virus for 4 days and doesn't seem to be getting any better. This one isn't as bad as the last one, though. It is the season for these things to go around, I guess.

In better news, I LOVE tax season! (Obviously I am not an accountant). :P

... I am just the recipient (through Joe) -- thanks to tuition credits and a few dependants -- of a healthy refund. YAY!! Let's go shopping!

Arghh!

What a horrible day!! Joe and I are still exhausted from a very busy weekend and this evening we noticed that a pipe had burst in the bathroom wall, behind the tub. It happened yesterday but we thought it was just overspray from the shower at the time. Now, we had to rip out the laminate in the office, closet and hallway to get the huge puddles to dry up ... we're desperately hoping we can salvage most of the laminate (some is already ruined). What a nightmare! I need some sleep. :(

New Clothes

Amy and Muryn helped me to pick out some new clothes in Bellingham last weekend. YAY!! I had started to abandon the maternity clothes as I found a few new pieces that worked but now I can abandon them altogether!! :)

I bought new jeans and a few new shirts and even a new pair of shoes (they are horribly uncomfortable but look nice with the jeans *L*).

Thanks girls, for all your help! I had a great time!

Rate Your Doctor

I just heard about this site where you can rate your doctor and read other people's opinions of Canadian MDs. I've already left my own comments for Dr Heffner, Dr Chow, and Dr Kornelson. What a great idea this is! I used a similar site when choosing my professors all through University.

http://www.ratemds.com/canada/

A Mini Van? SERIOUSLY?!?

We are officially buying a "family" mini van. :P

We put an offer on this used Plymouth Voyager and will own it tomorrow, subject to it passing a BCAA inspection. I am almost the owner of a mini van ... *shudder*

Could I be any more of a MOM?!?

One Reason I'm a Vegetarian ...

Not looking forward to the upcoming days of fasting?!? Here is one reason to be happy we won't be eating meat ... I found this recipe while searching for dinner ideas ...

Slow Cooker Squirrel and Liver

"Winter in Mississippi means wild game and slow cooking! Try this delicious variation on squirrel. The beef liver brings out the amazing natural flavor of the squirrel, while repressing the 'gamey' taste. Serve with malt liquor."

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 squirrels - skinned, gutted, and cut into pieces
2 pounds beef liver, sliced into thin strips
2 large sweet onions, chopped
4 carrots, sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups tomato juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed dried thyme
1 bay leaf

DIRECTIONS
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the squirrel and liver until browned on the outside. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add the onions, carrots, bell pepper and garlic. Stir in the tomato juice. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme and bay leaf. Cover, and cook on High for 6 hours.

It definitely makes me hungry, how about you? ;)

Help!

Help! The new blogger won't allow me to show my blogs on the main page ... (ie// the first one that comes up where the different blogs are displayed). I've gone into edit profile and attempted to add the blogs but it won't let me ... what do I do?

Hillbilly Love

I received this as an email from my Aunt Jacki and thought it was kind of cute. ;)

Hillbilly Love

SUSIE LEE DON FELL IN LOVE;
SHE PLANNED TO MARRY JOE.

SHE WAS SO HAPPY 'BOUT IT ALL,
SHE TOLD HER PAPPY SO.

PAPPY TOLD HER, SUSIE GAL,
YOU'LL HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER.

I'D JUST AS SOON YO' MA DON'T KNOW,
BUT JOE IS YO' HALF BROTHER.

SO SUSIE PUT ASIDE HER JOE
AND PLANNED TO MARRY WILL,

BUT AFTER TELLING PAPPY THIS,
HE SAID, THERE'S TROUBLE STILL.

YOU CAN'T MARRY WILL, MY GAL,
AND PLEASE DON'T TELL YO' MOTHER,

BUT WILL AND JOE, AND SEVERAL MO'
I KNOW IS YO' HALF BROTHER.

BUT MAMA KNEW AND SAID, MY CHILD,
JUST DO WHAT MAKES YO' HAPPY

MARRY WILL OR MARRY JOE.
YOU AIN'T NO KIN TO PAPPY.

I Miss My Baby

As I posted before, Joshua has been extremely sick this week. He even ended up in the hospital overnight on Friday night. That was NOT fun! It's impossible to keep a 1 year old contained in his 1/4 of a hospital room, attached to an IV pole and keep him quiet at the same time!!

While I've been taking care of Joshua this week (a more than full-time job) Joe's parents have been watching James. They've had him every day since Tuesday and even kept him Wednesday, Friday and Saturday overnight. I really appreciate all their help this week but I miss my baby! I have managed to see him everyday for brief periods of time and Joe and I got to 'babysit' James at their house last night while they went out for dinner but, still, I almost feel like he's not even mine anymore ...

He has changed so much in the past week!!

Mom and Dad will be bringing him home in a few hours. (Dad says sometime around 9pm because he's become so attached to James that he doesn't want to bring him back yet.) :P Apparently Dad holds James almost constantly each time he's there. It is very nice to know that they have been taking such good care of the baby!

So, I will say a great big THANK YOU to my in-laws for being so amazing this week but, if you read this, please bring him back soon! ;)

New Blogger

*GRRR* I just switched over to the new blogger (because I was forced to ... there's nothing quite like procrastination!) and not only did I have to change my sign-in name, email address and password but now I can't get my formats right. I like Joshua and James' template but mine is giving me a headache.

I'm 51% Stupid

Thanks for posting this on your blog, Jeannine! :)

Stupid Percentages

[x] I have walked into a glass/screen door.
[x] I have tripped on my shoelace and fallen.
[x] I have choked on my own spit
[ ] I've seen the Matrix a bunch of times and still don't get it.
[ ] I type only with my pointer fingers.
[x] I have caught something on fire
[ ] I've told a cop to get lost.
[x] I have attempted to sip out of a straw but it accidentally went into my nose, rather than my mouth.
[x] I have thought of something funny, and laughed out loud and people looked at me weird.
[x] I've caught myself drooling
[ ] I've "accidentally" caused an explosion
[ ] If someone says the word "toot", I can't help but laugh.
[x] I've accidentally been into a "Do Not Enter" one way road plenty of times.
[x] Sometimes I just...stop thinking and zone out.
[ ] It is POSSIBLE to lick your elbow.
[ ] I just tried to lick my elbow.
[ ] People often shake their heads and walk away from me.
[x] People often tell me to use my "inside voice"
[x] Gum has fallen out of my mouth while talking.
[x] I use my fingers to do simple math sometimes
[ ] I've jumped off a moving vehicle
[ ] I've eaten a bug for $5 or less
[x] I'm taking this test when I should be doing something more important.
[ ] I repost chain letters because I'm scared of what they threaten will happen if I don't.
[x] I've removed my pants when I was with friends.
[ ] I've ran around naked when I was with friends
[x] I've searched all over the place for something, and then realized it was in my hand the whole time.
[ ] I "accidentally break" a lot of things.
[ ] My friends know not to use big words on me.
[ ] I put my head to the side when I'm confused.
[x] Sometimes I start telling a story and suddenly forget what I'm talking about.
[x] I've fallen off of my chair before.
[ ] When I'm laying in bed, I sometimes stare at the ceiling and try to find pictures and words in the texture.

I tag you ... post in the comments your percentage!

Then copy and paste into your new post, take out my x's and put in your own. Add up your x's and multiply by 3 to get your "stupid percentage".

Sick Again

Joshua and I are sick again, this time with a stomach virus. The only good thing is that James has not gotten it and Joe, so far, only has a cold. Neither of us has been able to eat anything in more than 36 hours. We both saw the doctor this morning and he said that Joshua is dehydrated so if I can't get him to keep any liquids down by tonight we will have to take him to the hospital. I am trying REALLY hard to get him to sip Pedialyte every 20 minutes because I cannot spend one more night in the Pediatrics ward at MSA hospital - we had our fill of that last month with James!!

Finally, New Pictures ...

The first picture was from December, James was less than a month old.

The final three pictures were taken earlier this week (James at 2 months old).

New Photo

For those of you who have been asking for a new photo of James, here is one taken with Steph's cell phone about 2 weeks ago while we were waiting in the Emergency Room to be admitted to MSA Hospital. He has gained about 2 pounds since then but I haven't had a chance to upload any new photos. Mom took the boys to Walmart yesterday for photos and we'll have them back in 2 weeks so I'll definitely post new pictures then.

What a MOOSE!

James' official 2 month stats are in ... he was 15 lbs 5 oz and 25'' tall at 2 months of age. Joshua, our original moose, was only 13 lbs 13 oz and 24 1/4'' tall at 2 months old (and look at him now). James is so far off the charts that I'm a little worried ...

Updates

James got his 2 month immunizations today (2 in each leg) and weighed in at a whopping 15 lbs 5 oz ... more than a pound heavier than Joshua at this age!!

Joshua was awake 4 times during the night, wanting to cuddle with his Mommy. We figured he was coming down with something because he was very clingy and cuddly yesterday (thanks for holding his all through church, Myn). It was a VERY exhausting night, up with Joshua 4 times and James twice. My wonderful husband got up early for work and fed James for his 6am feeding, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU honey! I desperately needed the sleep!!

James has always been a very gaseous little boy (:P) but today he won't stop crying and his belly is so hard ... I don't know what to do ... we never had this problem with Joshua. He is spitting up everything I try to feed him and is just crying and crying ... help! (The doctor just called me back and suggested Ovol but even that is not working.) :(

Any suggestions?!?

Great News!

One of my best and oldest friends just told me some amazing news! (We've been friends for about 17 years ... since she and Steph were in the same grade 2 class together.)

She sent me the above picture on MSN Messenger and then told me their third baby is due in September!! :)

Congratulations Mike, Lyndsay, Bayleigh and Carter!! We can't wait to meet the new baby!

Just Call Him, 'The Nebulizer'

As many of you know, James was admitted to the hospital last Friday morning because of his RSV (a common respiratory virus) and bronchiolitis which caused him to suffer from some fairly severe dehydration. He was having a lot of trouble breathing and coughed almost constantly.

The pediatrician put him on oral steroids and ventolin (through a mask) for his lungs. RSV, when contracted by babies less than 3 months old, causes their bronchioles and alveoli (lungs) to swell, thus preventing them from breathing. The ventolin is a bronchodilator which means it expands the airways for a short period of time (usually about 4 hours), allowing the baby to breathe. While the medication did not help him to get better, it did help him to breathe so he was able to eat and get re-hydrated. So after 3 long days and 2 even longer nights we were allowed to take him back home on Sunday.

I stayed with James the first night (Friday night) but there were 2 other babies in the room who took turns screaming all night long. Joe was really sweet and offered to stay the second night so I could get some sleep and I quickly took him up on his offer (even though I felt guilty for leaving the baby)! The RSV virus is extremely contagious so we were all put in isolation which meant the babies could not leave the room nor get within a metre of eachother and us parents were supposed to put on gowns, masks, and rubber gloves every time we left the room. All visitors, doctors, and nurses also had to wear protective gowns, gloves and masks whenever they entered the room ... nothing like making us feel like we had the plague! :P

We came home Sunday afternoon with a prescription for Ventolin and a rented nebulizer. (It gives the medication in a vapour form which is more effective than a regular 'puffer' chamber). By Tuesday morning, though, James had started experiencing apnic episodes where he would briefly stop breathing (for maybe 10 seconds at a time) and then start again on his own. I was worried but sleep apnea is a complication of RSV so I figured we would be okay. I held him most of that morning so that I could keep an eye on him but then needed a shower so put him into his swing, hoping that if he did stop breathing the rocking motion might remind him to inhale.

Well, I emerged from the shower about 15 minutes later to find my little baby in the swing - limp, not breathing, and blue around the lips. I freaked out!! I immediately picked him up and shook him and then called our family doctor, crying. He advised to me call the ambulance and so there we were on our way back to the hospital for the second time in one week. We had to wait in Emergency for over 5 hours before they finally admitted James and moved us up to Pediatrics for yet another stay in isolation. We were in a different room, again with 2 babies, but they just happened to be 2 families we had stayed with last time. One was still in there and the other had been discharged Monday and was back on Tuesday, just like us. Apparently RSV can get better and then worsen again many times in the 6 weeks it usually takes to go away in small infants. We stayed another 2 long nights (this time Joe was at work so I had to stay both nights) and now we are home, extremely exhausted yet feeling lucky to be out of that room!! James' pediatrician has advised me to watch him closely for the next several days for apnic episodes. I am not sure why we were released from the hospital already when James has suffered from 10 episodes in the past 36 hours, the most recent being 2 of them overnight last night but here we are at home.

I am ready to stare at his chest for the next week, if I have to, to make sure he's going to be okay ...

James' First Visit to the Emergency Room

Steph and I had to take James to the emergency room today while Mom and Rick watched Joshua. The baby was coughing and having trouble breathing and then he lost his voice. It was so cute to see him crying but not hear any noise. Cute but also a little scary!

The doctors were so nice. They gave him some steroids through a mask and then took a chest x-ray and tested him for the RSV virus. The x-rays were good but he tested positive for RSV (a completely normal virus that is only especially harmful in small infants). So he is now on a baby inhaler and we have to watch him for the next 10-12 days in case it gets worse.

Joshua has a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon as he has been very whiney and clingy lately, even waking up a few times a night. It's probably just anothe ear infection resulting from his cold, though. So he should be better in a little while.

I will hopefully be getting my normal nights back soon enough (where I only have to wake up twice with the baby, not with Joshua as well!!) Life sure is more hectic with 2 than 1!!