Loving This Stuff!!!

I've been eating Kashi's "Go Lean Crunch!" for a week now. I LOVE it! To me it tastes almost like Sugar Smacks. There is a ton of fiber and protein in the cereal. I did some research and found that most American's only get like 10% of our daily recommended fiber. In 1 serving of this cereal, you get something like 14%! I was sold on that. It's kind of pricey though. I bought my first box at Target (they had the Kashi cereals on sale for 3 for $8) and I bought a box at Walmart yesterday for 2.50.

My other new favorite cookie is Kashi's "TLC Chewy Oatmeal Dark Chocolate" It also has very high fiber in it. I promise you will only want to eat one of these a day. It's very good for your bowels. :) And, it's yummy! I was thinking after the first bite- this isn't so great- but, the second bite was yummy. I won't let my boys or Adam eat these cookies! They are strictly mine! If you get a chance, you must try a few of the Kashi products. They are good for you and all natural. Let me know if you do and what you try!

Updates

I posted the results of my head MRI a while back, remember? It was 'normal'. Well, my migraines are still persisting. I went back to my Dr last week. She put me on Topamax (1 daily for 3 weeks, increase to 2 daily and see how that works). She said it may take 2 months or longer to get the full benefits of the medication. She gave me some sort of pain med that is for migraines. I tried Imitrex- which did not touch my headaches (it's to the point where tylenol, ibprofen, RX naproxin are not working). However, the med she gave me hasn't worked either. I'm wondering if it's not migraines- if it's something hormonal? Or something else? Really... Why would I be having headaches that meds aren't getting rid of? Going to complete silence doesn't help, no lights doesn't help. My ears ring. It feels like an elephant is stomping my head. It hurts! So, thats whats new with me. My head hurts, which really isn't new at all.

We helped my Momma & Dave get moved last weekend. Oh, boy- that way fun. For some crazy reason they thought we could get packed & moved in 2 days. Well, we did for the most part- but, geez.. did we work hard!!!

The boys are doing well. All 3 of them. Logen is loving school. He threw a fit when I picked him up today. He did not want to leave! That made my heart smile. Parker did ok with Brian today and yesterday. He kept him while I did the ACC training. He cried alot yesterday. My littlest man is just not used to being away from his momma. Adam is working like crazy (which isn't new) Fed-ex keeps their employees busy!

Hugs!

Aug Comm Training

WOW! Thats really what I want to scream! Logen's SLP (Jenn) and I completed a 2 day (6 hour) training today for Logen's new aug comm device (PRC's Vantage). It was AMAZING. I really learned alot. I am absolutely amazed at how beneficial the training was and how much the device can actually do. My word of advice is- if your child has or gets a communication device- you MUST attend a training session. You will learn so so so much.

I learned how to upload digital pics to the device, create new pages, change pronunciation, move things around, etc. And, of course- really learned how to speak with the device. I came out of the training knowing how to speak full sentences! And, I can program it! Yay me :) Most of you know, that I was excited to get the device but a little upset (ok, maybe alot upset) that my baby needed it. While I am still sad that he needs it, after attending the training I am much more thrilled about having it. It's going to be a wonderful tool for us all. Best of all, Logen will beable to talk to me!!! (And you!) How great is that?! So, we will begin hitting the device at lightening speed so that we can move up to the next level. There are many levels of the device, it grows along with him. I am telling you, it's too cool!!!

Wish us luck as we embark on yet another journey with Logen! In OT yesterday, he found 'category' then 'toys'. Thats a 2 hit sequence! Go Logen!!!!!!

Jenn~ thank you for hosting the training at your home. And, for taking the time to do the training with me. You are AWESOME! I'm so glad we did it!

She Loves Me :)

Melissa announced she can't stand cotton balls. They give her the 'he-be-ge-be's". So, I got a bright idea- when I mailed her "Plain Truth" I decided I would stuff the envelope with cotton balls as well. Don't tell me something creeps you out.... bad idea! LOL

I got an email from her this morning.... Titled "YOU STINK"

"O.K.., so yesterday I go out to get the mail & see a large envelope hanging out of the mailbox...I get all excited cause I LOVE getting mail. So, I grab it & see that it's from my friend, Jess & I think to myself...YAY!!! The book she promised!!
I run inside & tear open the envelope & without looking, reach in to pull the book out.....AAAAHHHH!! I scream & throw the envelope on the floor & scare the CRAP out of my kids!! I go & get the scissors so I can cut the envelope open.....out falls countless COTTON BALLS!!!" .... she also informed me that she'd get me back when I least expect it!

Here's what it looked like when I packaged it. BTW Melissa- I knew I was going to blog about this... just had to wait until you got the package :)

Just Kidding...

Had to cancel our trip. My Momma & Dave are moving this weekend... and we kinda gotta help them :) So, I *might* be blogging.. really not sure. I will take some pics of the men at work though. I'm sure Logen & Parker will be working super hard! (to get in the way) Haha

Leaving Town

Hey guys! I am packing, cleaning, and doing laundry like a mad woman today. We are heading to Kansas City this evening with some dear friends and their children. I won't be updating the blog until Monday. Hopefully, I'll be adding new pics then. I've got several to add- just haven't done it yet. I'm slacking :(

I have decided to continue blogging at this point. Adam didn't quite understand why I could be open about so much with so many strangers. My point was that- sometimes it's just easier to spill the beans and let it all out around people you don't know and they aren't here to criticize you. I really appreciate all of your support and your kind emails and comments. THANK YOU.

Love & Hugs- J
Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

What Do I Do?

Adam has never really sat down and read everything on my blog before. He did today and got mad. He read my "here it is" post and freaked out. He said, I don't think they need to know that kind of stuff. It's to personal. He hates that I think I'm fat. He gets upset at me when I bring it up. I think mostly b/c it scares him, but I don't really know. You don't know the people that are reading that information. I think he has a good point. I struggled with starting a blog in the first place bc there are so many crazy people out there. So, now I don't know what to do. It is such a relief to blog. Now we are in a great disagreement over it. I am mad, he is mad- help me! Do I just erase it or set it to totally private? Or change the link so nobody knows it?

Please say a prayer for me (us) today.

He's Seriously Not My Kid

If I hadn't have conceived him, carried him for 34 weeks, and then birthed him... I would swear Parker is not mine. He is one of those 'high maintence' children. Oh my goodness, he's driving my bonkers lately. Yea- he's Mr Independant when it comes to a ton of stuff, like eating. Which is completely wonderful. But, sometimes it's not so terrific. I WISH for Logen to be more independant. So, It's not like I don't know how truely lucky I am because I do. Anyway, back to the kid that's not mine. (LOL) He's got a major temper. He throws things at my head. He INSISTS I feed him whatever he brings me. He goes through the cabinets and finds food, then when you tell him "no", he chunks it at you, goes and gets it, and throws it again- until you give up and give it to him. Yes, it's funny- he makes the cutest little faces when he does it. He laughs at you telling him no. He laughs when you swat his little hand when he tries to pull the outlet covers out or unplugs stuff. He laughs at you when you get mad at him. He's no longer eating baby food. And, for the last 2 days he's eaten nothing but pb & j sandwiches and sliced cheese. I can't get him to eat 'good' stuff. Logen has NEVER been picky! This is a whole new ball game to me!
Thanks for letting me vent. Do know, that I LOVE my baby dearly. All Mom's out there know this feeling, I'm sure of it. And, yes- Mommies with kids like Logen, I know you are secretly wishing you could post something of this nature to. I LOVE you. And, I've been there, I am there. I know what your heart feels like. My heart hurts that I cannot post something of this nature for my Logen. I also know you are sitting there laughing at me being frustrated. I laugh to. I know I have rotten children. And, there's nobody to blame but my Mom. J/K Mom- It's not all your fault. I think Adam & I play a small role in it too :)

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO VIEW LARGER PRINT


Amy & Melinda~ This is for you. The very loved YEAST KILLERS. You can make 'bread' and not use yeast! And, Amy your hubby will be proud :) My hubby actually said he likes theses better than his grandma's! Props for me!!!

Happy President's Day

As American Citizens & Christians, we have a responsibilty to:
* Pray for our leaders (politicians)
* Become an educated and informed citizen
* Vote in all elections
* Make your voice & opinion known
* Call, fax, and email your elected officials to make your concerns on the issues known
* Register to vote if you haven't already

God is a loving and just God. His word is very specific, "we shall reap what we sow".
At this time in our country, when we are faced with so much scandle, and also with the threat of possible military action remember....

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Here It Is

I have issues. MAJOR issues. I know about 90% of the people that read this, will not understand where I am coming from. And, over the years- I've accepted that fact.

I developed an eating disorder when I was 13. My Mom had recently remarried and I felt like I lost all control of her, and me. My Mom had been a single mom from birth to that point. A friend made me realize I still hold onto this behavior b/c it's about the only thing in my life that I can control. (I do NOT participate in the actual binging and purging, but the thoughts are torture enough)

So, what's going on today that made me admit this? I feel like a lard. Like an ugly chick with penguin legs. I look in the mirror and pick apart EVERY single part of my body. I hate the person starring back at me. It makes me ill. I started working out a few weeks ago, not to get healthier- but b/c it's something I can control. And, I go over board with it. 5 and 6 miles at a time. I do crunches for an hour. I hate this. I would love to beable to go back to the inncocent and pure thinking I had before I started this so long ago. I will always think I'm fat. ALWAYS will. I will always think I am the ugliest person ever. And, I hate that. I want to be happy with myself. I know they say you have to love yourself to beable to love others- but I don't think thats true. B/c I love my children, more than anything. But, I know for a fact that I don't love myself.
Thanks for listening to my pathetic self. I'm sure there will be more of these 'honesty' posts. I used to journal about it, but have stopped. I will probably be using my blog to journal this now. Maybe, I don't know how honest I really want to be.

And, this is how I really feel



I don't care for this holiday. I think it's pointless to spend money on crap you don't need just b/c everybody else is doing it. I told Adam not to get me anything. His response- can I take you out for ice cream, atleast? Uh, sure- but only b/c I LOVE ice cream and will eat it 366 days a year. :)

Arrr (Me, growling)

Parker's temp is back. His last day on antibio's was yesterday. He had a rectal temp (ya know, the most accurate) of 102.7 earlier. It did go down after a good dose of motrin. If it continues to pop back up, we will be back in the ped's office tomorrow. Goody- I love it there.

Took Logen to the ENT yesterday- for the blood coming out of his ear- and his tube was dislodged. The problem was fixed in the office and he's as good as new today! We go back in 6 weeks for a check up.

As for me, I feel like a total lard today. I ate (and I am NOT kidding) about 25 oreos for breakfast (they are around what, 50 calories a piece!) I did NOT work out today. I did spent an hour in WalMart, so that should count for something.

Control Freak

I said it. I admitted it. When it comes to me having total control over EVERYTHING, I freak out. There are several instances in my life that prove this. A few I haven't quite decided if I want to blog about yet. My high anxiety levels come from the fact that I cannot be in complete control of my life and of everything in it (take what my baby boy can and cannot do). And, honestly- it scares the crap out of me. I know that I should put my faith in Jesus and let him take control. I KNOW THIS! Why I have not been able to do it, I don't know. I just can't let go. The 'things' I mentioned above (that I can't decide whether to blog or not) are the only things I have been able to control. And, that also scares me. Because it's not a good kind of control to have. This I also know. I seem to know alot; many of you are probably saying, "then do something about it since you know so much". I'm rambling now. I guess I ask for a prayer from you- And, a virtual hug or 2 :)

Good "Hump Day" To Ya

Haha. I feel a bit 'fruity' today. It is Wednesday, right? It's 10 am and for once, I have nothing 'blog worthy' to write about. I've been some what productive in my hours awake. The dishwasher, washer, & dryer are all running. I have 2 loads of laundry on the chair to put away. I need to mail Melissa's book. And, run to pay my water bill. At some point, I should shower. That's it. I'm having a boring day- for now. I'm here, just wanted to let ya know. My computer is still bugged out. I haven't gotten around to cleaning it. Procrastinator Jessica here :)

Have a great day blog family!

I'm In Need Of A BRAIN

Do you have one you could give me?! Seriously, today is just NOT my day. Here's what I've done so far.... that you can totally laugh at b/c I'm sitting here going "Jessica- what are you thinking?!"

* I pick Logen up from school to take to therapy. I notice my gas light is on. No biggie, I get into the turn lane and pull into a BANK. I get out and am ready to pump gas- only I realize the particular bank (and no bank that I'm aware of)DOES NOT (editing to add the 'does not') has a gas pump
* I FINALLY make it to a REAL gas station. I insert my card to pay. However, it keeps telling me to INSERT YOUR CARD. I look at my 'card', only its not my debit card but my DRIVERS LICENSE.
* I've been working on burning the 200+ songs on my computer on to disks so that I can wipe out my computer (still not done) since about 9am. It's nearly 3pm. I'm getting so ticked off that windows media player keeps telling me to "insert a disk". I've inserted a disk. I've put every friggin' disk in the stack in the disk drive, yet none of them are working! I pull it out ready to chunk it outside when I actually READ the disk. It's a DVD-RW. Not CD-RW. Could be why I can't write music to it. DUH!
* This is just a case of foot in mouth- I called the Dr this morning to request a consult. I make the appt and she says, "Can I ask how you heard about us?" Sure, my husband delivered your boobs yesterday. She said, "What?" Let me clarify. My hubby is your fedex man, you have boobs fed-exed to you yesterday.
Wow, Jess... You are a very bright crayon today! It's only 3pm. It could get worse. I blame it on my first 16oz cup of REAL (not decaf) coffee (a caramel mocha) since March 2006. Almost 2 years. The caffine has obviously made me loopy.

I Have A Bug- or 15

Some how, my computer got sick. Yea, it's got some funky virus. So, right now- I'm cleaning it off. Getting all my pictures and music burned onto disks so I can wipe it out. Just wanted to let the 'blogger world' know that if for some reason I disappear for a few days- I crashed my computer. My computer guru friend, Brian, will be talking me through it over the phone in a bit. He's out of town for work- or I'd make him come do it. Keep your fingers crossed my computer makes it out ok. I'll go insane and my house will be completely spotless, we'll be eating gourmet meals, and my kids won't be getting away with eating dirt if it's broken. And, we ALL know we can't let that happen!! Haha

Avoiding "Work"

I know I'm not the only "Mommy blogger" in the world now. So, I'm sitting here checking out the many other blogs in the world. I click on one, read, comment, and find another. I notice one child is standing behind me in the chair, pulling my hair. The other one is empting out an entire cabinet. Oh, wait- he's on # 2. My dishwasher is running, along with the washer and dryer. I've scrubbed the bathrooms today. I've mopped all floors but the kitchen. And, no dinner is not done. And, what am I doing? Playing. So, other Mommy bloggers- do you blog or 'play' to avoid your chores? Is your dinner done and your house clean when you get onto your computer? Are you completely addicted to a BBC board? Do you find yourself thinking, I should really turn my computer off now? Feel free to leave a comment with your answer. Please don't make me think that I am the ONLY one out there doing the named things above. :)

In Case You Didn't Know

Postage is going up AGAIN! 42 cents in May. Eck! So, my 'sending cards for the heck of it' habit may stop soon. Because, well- a card is usually a couple of bucks and now the USPS is going to start thieving my coin collection. Just thought you should know. I'm mad. This bites.

Why Do I Blog?

1) It's a HUGE stress reliever!!! I can sit on my computer and ramble on about life, it helps to get what I'm thinking out.
2) Many of you with blogs of your own are major inspirations! The first blogs I ever looked at were Andrea M's and Chrystie's. I started my blog shortly after, thinking I too, would become a great & popular blogger. A month later, I had 1 post and no comments! I then found Andrea H's blog & decided I was going to be a more creative & consistent blogger. About a month ago, I found Suzanne's blog and was amazed! Her family blog is too cool. I also found a great website on her blog, Tips For Bloggers that has really helped to get my creative juices going! And, of course- the rest of my bloggy friends are wonderful inspirations to! I keep posting, in hopes to keep you visiting!
3) I print my blog pages to keep as a journal for my babies. While, I do have baby books for them- I don't update them like I should. So, it's for memory sake too.
4) Not a reason- however, I want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to my blog stalkers. I realize you are in no way forced to come read my latest ramblings or braggings about my boys. I have meet some wonderful people through blogging. What a neat way of communication! Hugs! Love you all!

Is My Kid Rude?

Last night we went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. Parker was sitting in a highchair at the end of the table, like always. A very pregnant hostess kept walking by. Every time she walked by, Parker would turn around as far as he could, point at her, and make lovely noises. The first time it was pretty funny (b/c he couldn't care less about any other passerby) I think about the 5th time she came by the lady stopped to talk to him. He completely ignored her. Like, looked up at the ceiling ignored her!! Can a 1 y/o be rude?! Had to share this one. Actually, just want it 'written down' for memory sake. Someday, he's going to look back and who knows what he'll think!!!

I thought you needed a laugh...

Parker has a way of making just about anybody smile. Especially when he's up to no good. The purple stains on his mouth- koolaide powder. He got a pkg out of the cabinet and went to town.

Paper Towel Mishap

In this case (like many at our home), pictures are worth far more than my words.

Baw

Yesterday- Parker threw a ball, pointed at it, and said "baw". I said, "Parker, did you just say ball?" He said, "baw" again. I guess we have it! He says, bite (bi-ha) and ball (baw)!!!! Yay! He also clapped for the very first time in the shower last night! I was super duper proud of my littlest monkey man!!!!!!

Pay Attention, Jess!

Last night- Logen & I got into the van (which is usually parked in the garage) to go to the after hours clinic. Logen would cry every time he coughed, so I thought I should take him in. In my defense, I had a screaming child in the backseat- which frazzles my thinking a bit. I open the garage and back out. Do I know my husbands car is there? Yes. It's been there for how many years now?! I smack right into it. Thankfully, my van hasn't been fixed from the wreck in November- so I don't have to worry about that. However, the front end of my hubby's car doesn't look to great. On top of feeling like crap and having 2 sick kids to deal with- we now have 2 damaged vehicles. Nice. We probably aren't going to get his fixed. We think he can pop the side panel out where it won't look so bad. That's really all it messed up. It'd cost a few thousand to get his fixed, and it's not really worth that. It's a fairly new car (2002) and has like 40,000 miles on it. As long as the motor is running, we'll keep it. Damaged or not. So, my lesson of the day- pay attention when you back out of your garage you might hit something :)

Saturday Morning Doctor Visit

I took Logen to the Dr this morning after he woke up with blood coming out of his right ear. He had tubes put in June 2006. They are still in, which is amazing since they tend to fall out after 1 year. They are now irritating his inner ear. I own a otoscope (I think that is what it's called) and when I looked this morning, the left was red and the right looked terrible. That's exactly what the Dr said as well. He put him on Zithromax and told me to call the ENT on Monday.
As for me, I have a stomach bug. The one thats been going around. I look about 6 months pregnant b/c I'm so bloated. It's great. Haha I've been drinking sprite & pepto all day. Mmmmm, yum!
It took us nearly 4 hours at the after hours clinic this morning. Logen crawled in my lap once we got called back and we both napped for about an hour until the Dr finally came in.

My Turn?

Apparently, we are passing the illness around the house! I woke up this morning with a fever and sore throat. I look like I've been hit by a mack truck! I'm going to the Dr this afternoon. I am not allowed to get sick. I am Mommy! Households don't get run the way Mommies like them to when they are out of commision.

Logen Update

Logen is starting prevacid today. This is one of the things discussed in our appt from St Louis. That I have yet to update completely on. He's still waking in the night and he drools alot. At one point, Logen had stopped drooling- completely. So, I know its in him. :) The Neuro said that it could have something to do with acid reflux. And, if we were willing to try prevacid we might be suprised. So, we are trying it. Wish us luck!!!!!

The big points hit in our appt in January~
* She would like to do further testing.
* Referred us to a Neurogeneticist, Audiologist (to look at the flap under the tongue to see if it's 'normal'), and a Urologist (his testicles haven't dropped on their own)
* Try Prevacid for AR
* Botox may be an option for drooling if it becomes very bothersome to Logen
* Gave us a script for a complete thyroid panal (have to have help with this. I cant take both boys to the hospital and expect to get blood from Logen)
* Still not 100% convinced it's CP
* 1st MRI was a horrible image. He was laying sideways in the machine, which made it look like a bad MRI
* 2nd MRI was 'normal' minus the prominent spaces. Whaaaaa?!
* Urine Organic Acids came back normal
* Metabolic labs are also normal

Before you leave they type out a note with the things discussed and recommendations. When I find what I did with it, I will post the ones I missed this go around. Our next appt is scheduled for July. I need to call and schedule the other appts for around the same time. I am guessing we will be there for a week next time.

Parker Update 3

He's in bed now. He went to sleep w/o nursing. He was not at all impressed with the cup of milk I offered. He has only woken up once in the last hour. His tummy was hurting. He's had so much motrin in the last few days, which can cause GI upset. I'm attributing it to that. I'm praying we all get some rest tonight.
His cough seems to be getting worse. Not sure why. His fever was, for the most part, gone when I put him to bed. Logen is now coughing. Lovely...

Layered Enchilada Bake

Brown- 1 pound hamburger & one LARGE onion in skillet-drain

Mix in a bowl-
2 cups salsa
1 can black beans(rinse and drained)
1/4 cup italian dressing
2 T. Taco Seasoning
Add HB mix

Layer a 9x13 with tortillas, I cut them in halves.
On top of the tortillas place half of the meat mixture
Layer on top of that 1 cup sour cream and cheese (I usually end up using 2 c cheddar and 2 c mozzarella- total)

Repeat the layers starting with tortillas (I generally use about 6-9 small tortillas)

Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese is melted. Let stand five minutes before cutting.

Serve with shredded lettuce and tomato.

Aren't We Cute?

This is one of my favorite pictures of me & my big sis. (I'm loooking through my photobucket) This was about 3 days before I went into preterm labor with Parker, I was 26 weeks here. Our due dates were 4 days apart.

My Sister's Keeper

I finished my book last night. I loved it. It was a great read. I cried like a baby at the end. My husband proceeded to laugh at me & tell me it's not real. Men....

I crawled into bed still snickering. Parker was sound asleep. He opened his eyes, smiled, & busted out laughing. Of course, Adam & I started laughing then. The second we'd stop, he let out another giggle- eyes closed & half asleep. This went on for a good 10 minutes. He was cracking me up. I guess that was his way of telling me to laugh & not cry over the book!

I would love so much to 'spill' the guts of the book out here, but that is just wrong. If you have read it & want to chat about it- send me an email. jklduncan@yahoo.com

I would be happy to pass the book along to somebody. A few ladies & I from my BBC board have been trading books. It's much cheaper to pay postage than go buy a book. If you want to join in, let me know!!!

Parker Update 2

His fever is still hanging around this morning. He seems like he feels a little better. He will play for 10 minutes & then want Momma to cuddle him again. Needless to say, when your baby is sick- a whole lot of nothing gets done around the house. He just pulled up on my leg, layed his head down & went to sleep. Oh, why was my camera not beside me?!! He's now sleeping in my lap. Thanks for yor continued prayers!

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Blog family... this is my new FAVORITE! It is SO SUPER YUMMY! The first time I made it was for Thanksgiving. I had a ton of compliments. I have since made it several times. It is easy and wonderful. Both boys love it. We rarely have any left over.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

1 small onion
2 cans green beans, drained & rinsed (I rinse all can vegetables)
1-2 pkgs Ritz Crackers
1 stick butter plus enough to saute onion
1 can cream of celery
2 c shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350.
Saute onion in butter. Combine beans, soup, cheese, & sauted onion in 3 Qt baking dish. Crumble crackers & mix with 1 stick melted butter. Place on bean mix.

Bake 30 minutes.

You must let me know if you try this & what you think of it! I haven't found anybody that doesn't like this one!

His fever is back. Eck! Say a prayer.....

Parker Update

His fever finally broke around 4am. He's been rather cranky today, snotty nose, and not eatting or drinking. No fever thus far today. I'm praying we stay fever free. You know how it goes, for some reason fevers seem to spike at night. Hopefully, that won't be the case. He's had 2 doses of amoxicillin now and by this evening he'll have had 3. He didn't sleep at all last night (which means nobody else did either). He seemed to be in pain. I couldn't figure out what it was, my poor baby had tylenol & motrin rotating every 3 hours. You would think that'd kick the pain. He's snoozing now. The more he sleeps the better, lots of sleep will help him get well a little faster!
Trying to wean during this is difficult. My milk supply is now pretty low, as he's only been nursing when he goes to bed at night. He's still not taking any kind of milk from a cup- period. I'm hoping he gets over that soon. He's going to dehydrate if he doesn't!!!
He finally hit 20 lbs!!! He was 20 lbs even at yesterdays appointment. My boy can legally sit forward facing in a carseat. At 15 months.... :)
Thanks for all of your prayers!

Would ya say a little prayer for my littlest Mister, Parker? He's sick. He had a horrible night/day. We went to the Dr today. He started amoxicillin and breathing treatments. His temp is rising. He had motrin 2 hours ago and tylenol hour ago. At this point, I'm worried. We did 5 minutes of ice packs under the arms and in the groin area. I'm hoping it will start going now soon. If all else fails (cool bath, more meds, ice packs, etc) we will be going to the hospital.

You know you have a little OCD when...

* You clean somebody else's kitchen instead of watching the Super Bowl
* You absolutely REFUSE to own a mop. They harbor nastiness. You mop your floors on your hands and knees with a cloth and cleaner until the white rag you use is still white when you've gone over the floor a million times.
* You friends tell you, lovingly, you are a 'germ-o-phob'
* Your dishwasher must be loaded a certain way. You reload it if somebody else loads it. You 'fix' other peoples dishwashers to.
* The toilet paper must 'hang over' the roll. You fix this wherever you go.
* You clean your vaccum cleaner, the top of the washer, dryer, ect with disenfectant.
* You wish you were a little more OC about putting the laundry away. You don't mind washing and drying it, but putting it away is your least favorite chore.
* Your favorite thing to do- is vaccum your floors. You have a neat attachment for the wood & tile floors and it gets up everything. You love your vaccum cleaner. You get 'giddy' when you go to use it. You use it daily and you love the fact that it's also an air purifier.
* You can laugh when people make fun of you about the above things. But, secretly you like your obsessive behavior about some stuff. And, then you think- oh, perhaps it contributes to your high stress levels. You should chill out.

"Bi-ha"

Does that count as a first word? If he knows the meaning? Parker has turned into a little puppy. He is always begging for food! He will rummage through the cabinets and bring me food. His favorite, little containers of diced carrots or peas. He will hit you with them until you put him in his chair and give them to him. If you are eating something, he will point at you and say, "Bi-ha" until you give him a bite. It's pretty cute, but oh- boy! He's a mess!!!!

Happy Groundhog Day!!

Groundhog's Holiday

The second month, the second day,

We know is Groundhog's Holiday.

The keeper of the local zoo,

Photographers, reporters, too,

Anxiously await together

Woodchuck's forecast of the weather.

Each year this time he leaves his hearth,

His home beneath good Mother Earth.

He wiggles out to see the sun

And sure enough - ask anyone-

Should he perchance his shadow see,

Back to his home again he'll flee.

And that sign's still the surest thing

Six weeks must pass before it's spring!

Phil Says Six More Weeks of Winter!
Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/08 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:
Here Ye! Here Ye! Here Ye!
On Gobbler's Knob on this fabulous Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2008Punxsutawney Phil, the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators, Rose to the call of President Bill Cooper and greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths.
After casting a weathered eye toward thousands of his faithful followers, Phil consulted with President Cooper and directed him to the appropriate scroll, which proclaimed:
"As I look around me, a bright sky I see, and a shadow beside me. Six more weeks of winter it will be!"

Special Needs Humor

Law and Disorders - by Lori Miller Fox
As the parent of a child with special needs, I have experienced my son being given many labels and diagnoses by both the medical and educational community: physically challenged, seizure disorder, etc., while I, on the other hand, have been given just as many, if not more, labels, albeit unofficially, by everyone from doctors, school staff and relatives, to the nosey checkout lady in the grocery store. Here are just a few I’d like to share:

Terrible Palsy - A condition in which onlookers and people in the community tell parents how terrible life must be raising a physically challenged child. This condition manifests itself through pity and audible sighing of those around you. Terrible Palsy can be deceiving because you can be asymptomatic for weeks, months, or even years, and then just when you and your family are feeling really good about your child, it can present itself in the form of a condescending pat on the head or a blessing from an anonymous busybody. Best known treatment is to carry a list of snappy comebacks in your pocket or a large bag of peanut M & Ms.

Shlepilepsy - A compulsive condition in which parents feel the need to shlep from doctor to doctor and specialist to specialist in order to seek help and find answers for their child with special needs. The only known effective drug for this illness is caffeine, primarily given to parents to keep them awake while driving to and from appointments.

Oughtism - This condition strongly affects the guilt center of a parent’s brain. Oughtism is transmitted by doctors, professionals, and therapists who constantly and relentlessly tell parents “you ought to do this...you ought to do that...” for your child. The only known treatment is to temporarily unplug your phone, gather information, and trust your own gut to do what’s best for your child.

Oy Vay D D - This condition is usually diagnosed by mahjong-playing lady friends of your mother or mother-in-law upon hearing of your child’s disability. The best known treatment for this condition is to avoid economically priced restaurants between the early-bird hours of 4:00 and 6:30 pm.

Pain in the Aspergers - This is a label usually given to parents like myself by school staff. It is often assigned to conscientious Moms and Dads who advocate strongly for their children with special needs. The most effective treatment - keep up the good work.

OHI/Otherwise Heavily Intoxicated - A label given to parents so stressed by their child’s health issues that they seek to self-medicate. My own suggested treatment - substitute chocolate.

He's A WALKING MESS, Literally!

Parker was being far to quite in the living room. I walked in and found he had opened a package of oatmeal. That goodness for awesome vaccum cleaners!!! Yes, my house is a mess... We live in it. I clean every day of the week... doesn't seem to do much good. I'm embarressed!

Christmas Slideshow

I'm just a little late on these. Better late than never, right?!