Doctor Visit

Today Joel & Alayna had their well-visit appointments. They are both healthy and thriving. Alayna, at age 2, is now 27lbs. Joel, almost 4 months, is 14lbs. Joel had to have 3 shots today, but Alayna will have her shots in 6 weeks. It wasn't a full 6 months since her last set of shots so we have to wait. Insurance reasons, etc. Poor Joel is very out of sorts today. I've given him tylenol, but nothing is making him happy. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. We'll see what kind of sleep he allows me tonight. Right now Dave is trying to entertain him, but I think I need to step in and rescue him. Lots of fussing going on, and I think Joel's not happy either. :)

Dave had lunch with Julie at school today. She then talked her dad in to buying $16 worth of books at the book fair. You're welcome PTF (Parent Teacher Friends Organization). Julie had a great time with Dave until he had to leave, then the meltdown took place. I was afraid of this. The teacher's assistant took care of her, and Dave just had to leave. She was fine when she got home and said that next time the school has a "Bring a Loved One" to lunch day she won't cry when daddy leaves. We'll see....

Happy Birthday Alayna!!!

Today was Alayna's 2nd Birthday. It's hard to believe that two years have past since this wonderful little girl entered our lives. It's also hard to believe that in these two years another baby entered our lives, as well. I feel so blessed to be the mom of these great kids. Such a gift from God. :)

Tonight Alayna was having trouble going to sleep, probably the ice cream and cookie she was permitted after supper, for her special day. Anyway, after several attempts to get her to settle down in her crib and go to sleep, I finally took her in the other room to rock her for a little while. At first I was frustrated, because I just wanted her to go to sleep, but as I'm rocking her she tilted her head toward me and said "I lah lu mommy" (I love you mommy). All I could think in that moment was that I wouldn't have missed hearing that for the world. So precious!

We are planning a "family" party for her this coming Saturday. My parents are coming from PA to spend a few days with us, and celebrate her birthday. We can't wait! We did do a little celebrating today and let her open the gifts Julie picked out for her (a book, and shoes for her baby doll) & one of the gifts we bought her (baby doll).

Here are some pictures from today:


Alayna opening her book from Julie.


"Back off, these are my gifts!"


Alayna and her new baby doll from mommy & daddy. She LOVES dolls. She is always stealing Julie's favorite doll, so we decided she needed her own special doll. Even though there are several baby dolls in their closet...this one is hers, and only hers.


Instead of a cake today, since we'll have that Saturday, Julie & I made her a giant chocolate chip cookie. No, I didn't take a bite out of it before serving it to my family. It got so big it spilled over the pizza stone in the oven, and broke off in a couple places.


I had to include a picture of Joel I took tonight in his new pj's. He really is this happy most of the time.

Tomorrow Joel & Alayna both have their well-visits at the pediatrician. It will not be a great morning, since they are both due for shots. Thankfully Dave is going with me. After their appointments in the morning Dave is meeting Julie at school to have lunch with her. It is Book Fair week and on Monday you can "Bring A Loved One" to lunch. This is their way of getting parents in to the book fair so they can be conned in to spending more money. :) Julie's excited that she & daddy can eat their peanut butter & jelly sandwiches together in the cafeteria.

Cough-Variant Asthma

We have a name for it! I mentioned in my last post that Julie has a persistent dry cough, but no other major symptoms. Since this has been an on-going problem I took her to the doctor this morning to have it checked out. The doctor feels that her symptoms are those of cough-variant asthma. This is asthma that only comes in the form of a cough, but typically doesn't have the other symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath (however, these symptoms could develop later on). So, now that we have an idea of what this is we can start treating it, and see if it gets better. Tomorrow the pharmacy will have her mask, and medication, so I can begin her treatments. If this doesn't work, then we're back to square one of figuring out why she has this cough. But, I really feel like this makes the most sense. Dave & I are planning to purchase a new mattress for her bed, with an allergen mattress cover, since her mattress was a hand-me-down from relatives. Also, a mildew problem was discovered in our basement, which is being treated. I believe this is a huge factor in why Julie may have developed this in the first place. These are my theories, but also the doctors, as well.

For those of you who may be wondering what exactly this type of asthma is, here's a link that has more info, if you're interested. http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/cough-variant-asthma

I have to tell you about this conversation I had with Julie this morning, while brushing her hair.
Julie: I just can't ignore the devil.
Me: What do you mean?
J: When he tells me to do bad things I want to do them.
Me: Oh, well, who should you be listening to?
J: Mommy & Daddy
Me: Yes, but you should also be listening to Jesus.
J: I know
Me: If you have Jesus in your heart you should want to obey what He wants. Do you have Jesus in your heart? (side note: Julie asked Jesus in her heart last March)
J: Yes
Me: Well then, if the devil wants you to do bad things you should say "Go away devil, I listen to Jesus."
J: Okay, that's what I'll say.
Me: Let's practice, what are you going to say to the devil?
J: Um, I forget.

Kids...they're so honest! I wish adults were more honest. Sometimes the devil wants me to do bad things, too, and I want to do them. I'm just being honest. :)

Regarding School...

I have mentioned before, and will say it again, Julie loves school! However, she has told us several different mornings that she was nervous about going. I tell her that's normal, and she'll eventually not feel that way about school. Well, apparently today was the day that she would no longer feel nervous. This morning, while getting ready, she tells me that she no longer has "nerves." I asked her why, and she replied, "because my teacher said I'm wonderful, that's why I don't have nerves any more." I asked, "your teacher said you're wonderful?"
Julie then reminded me about the note the teacher sent home saying Julie was a sweet girl, and doing well. I said, "Oh, you mean when she said you were sweet?" "Yes, that's it, I thought she said wonderful, I just can't remember, but I don't have nerves any more."

I'm so glad my child no longer has "nerves" about school. :) Now, if we could get her over this seasonal allergy cough she has, we'd be in good shape. She develops the same cough every fall, and it sounds like she just needs to clear her throat, take a drink of water, and she'd be fine. That does not help, and she coughs constantly. The teacher has expressed "concern," thinking that it's bothering Julie. Honestly, I'm sure she's just as annoyed with the cough as we are, but is wording it as "concern." Tomorrow I'm taking Julie to the doctor to have it checked out, just to make sure there's nothing that can be done. I'm thinking that if I put some whiskey on a rag that would help her...oh wait, that's for teething...or maybe that would just help me deal with her cough better. j/k :)

Dave is currently taking a First Responder course for the VFD. There are 20 classes, and lots of homework. I'm proud of him for taking this, and I know it will make him a real asset to our little fire department. The time commitment is a bit overwhelming to him right now.

Joel has been drooling a lot, and is fussier than usual. I think he's starting to teeth...ugh! Alayna's busy busy busy making more work for me. If you don't have enough to do, find a two year old and they can create more work than you can keep up with. I'm pretty sure that a two year olds only goal for the day is "destroy destroy destroy!" She's very good at it. We call her "Destruct-O Girl."

Oh, I got my hair cut today. Life doesn't get more exciting than that. Sorry, I don't have any new pictures to post right now. You're stuck just reading my ramblings about our day. :)

Dave to the rescue....

Yesterday I was gravely ill for the most part of the day. It was touch & go, and we weren't sure I was going to make it. Okay, stop your panicking and crying, I was just sick in bed for the day. Normally, a mom is not allowed the privelege of spending the day in bed, even if she is sick. You still have to rise to the occassion and take care of the kids. However, I was so dizzy I could not sit up without getting sick. I have never experienced anything like it, and am thankful it is better today. Dave was great and took a personal day to tend to the children. Julie was home sick, also. When Dave was taking Julie out to the bus she stepped out the front door and threw up. She earned herself a day at home. Although we realized how much she really does love school, because she cried and cried over the fact that she had to stay home. I don't know whether to be relieved, or slightly hurt that she wants away from us so badly. :)

Today I'm feeling the on-set of a cold, so I really think yesterdays symptoms were viral...you can all rest assured that I will be just fine...but if you are feeling impressed to make us a meal, then by all means go with that feeling. j/k

Pictures at Sears Today

Today Dave & I took Joel & Alayna to Sears to have their pictures taken. These were Joel's first "professional" pictures, as he's now 3 months old. Alayna will turn two in a couple weeks, so these are her birthday pictures. I will take the 3 kids together closer to Christmas time.
This was the first time I had kids pictures done and it wasn't a disaster. They both cooperated, smiled, and were still happy when the whole process was done. Here's a few samples of our pictures today. I won't have the originals for another 10 days.

Joel is so smiley all the time.




Alayna's such a ham

First Day Excitement

Some of you mentioned that you were anxious to hear how Julie liked her first day of Kindergarten. She was so excited when she got home that she could barely stop talking or moving. She was bouncing around on the floor telling us all about her day. They did a scavanger hunt around the school, looking for gingerbread men. This was how they learned where everything is in the building. Her favorite part of the scavenger hunt was finding the gingerbread men cookies in the classroom. She told us everything she could think of. After about 15 minutes of boundless energy she stopped and a glazed look came over her face. She was SO tired. They take a rest at school in the afternoon. I asked her if she slept, and she said no. She said she did laugh a little, though, because "Donald" was being silly. Ahhhh...to be 5 again.
Last night she was so tired that she fell apart over every little thing that didn't go right. She is so much like me in the area of fashion. She had decided in her mind what she'd wear each day this week, and what outfits would wait until next week. When the shirt she chose for today was too long to wear with shorts, and she needed either jeans or capris (the capris needed washed, and she refused to wear the jeans), then she completely came unglued. She cried and informed me she was not going back to school, she was sick, etc., etc. Well, this morning she was well rested and the day seemed bright again. She was slightly more reluctant today, but never said she wasn't going. She got on the bus, once again, like a big girl. I sure hope Donald made her laugh again today. :)

First Day of School

Well, I survived it, and my baby is off to Kindergarten. She went through many emotions this morning as she thought about going to school. When she woke up she was so excited. Then at breakfast she told me she didn't want to go. I was very careful choosing my words with her this morning, but I informed her that it was the "law" and she had to go. Okay, I wasn't that harsh. We talked about it, and I told her all she would be doing and learning, and once again her excitment returned. Until later in the morning when she told me she didn't remember where the cafeteria was, and what if she couldn't find it. Poor thing...she's such an over-thinker. Julie is always concerned about the "what-ifs". Once again I explained that she would not be left alone. Her class would do things together, and there would always be an adult to help her out. She was calm again. I also promised to make her a special supper tonight and she immediately asked if we could have boxed macaroni & cheese. Ugh! Yes, that's what we're having...per her request. We're also having chicken....per my request. :)

Julie got on the bus this morning without any problem, and she quickly found our neighbor girl to sit with. That really helped. After she left, Dave, Alayna, Joel & I got ready and headed to the school for a new parents breakfast, sponsored by the PTF. We didn't tell Julie we'd be going to this, because we didn't want her to think she could find us and go back home with us. We'll tell her tonight that we saw her school today.

The big school girl with her princess lunch box, tinker bell shirt and Dora backpack. What more could a kindergartner ask for??





The bus is coming....


Getting on the bus like such a big girl. I held it together really well, until the bus pulled away, and I sobbed like a baby. I'm doing better now.


Alayna has met the pavement and gravel several times in the past two days. I had to take a picture of what my little girls knees look like. So sad... She hardly cries, though, and hates to wear band-aids. She didn't like the peroxide very much. I can't blame her there.

Summer Projects

The past two days Dave has spent spreading mulch in my flower beds for me. The mulch was purchased before VBS, in August, but first it had to be used in the archaeological digging pit. I must admit, this summer I have not accomplished much in the way of landscaping. I didn't plant annuals like I normally do, and I barely manage to get my hanging baskets watered. Next summer might be easier, but this summer is a blur.
Julie has been Dave's side-kick, and she really enjoyed helping him spread mulch. Dave said she took on the role of Project Manager very well.
Here's some pictures of our day yesterday.

Julie using her own shovel.


Dave was kind enough to lay down newspaper first, before putting the mulch down. He also agreed to edge all the flower beds for me, too. The weeds were beginning to take over. Thank you my wonderful husband for all your hard work!


Doesn't it look so much nicer & neater?


Joel enjoying the beautiful weather from his stroller.


Julie discovered that a toad had taken up residence in the kiddy pool. We took a few pictures, then Dave released him back in to the grass. I'm not very good with frogs or toads, but I will look...but please don't ask me to touch them. I think this stems from years of my brother tormenting me, and chasing me with these giant bullfrogs he used to catch. Thanks Doug, it's all your fault. :)

Julie

Tomorrow my "baby" starts Kindergarten. She is so excited, and I'm excited for her. It's a mixed bag of emotions. Your baby is growing up and becoming more independent (although she's always been independent). I wanted to post these pictures of Julie...a trip down memory lane. I figured I'd better do it today, because after I watch her get on the bus tomorrow I won't be able to look at these pictures for quite a while. I'm sure I'll be a big sobbing mess tomorrow. My goal is to not cry in front of her, so it doesn't make her nervous, but I know I'll fall apart when she's gone. Please pray for me. As I type this I'm struggling.
I just love this little girl so much!!! She's enriched our lives in ways I could never have imagined 5 years ago. Children truly are a blessing from the Lord.
Enjoy the pictures!