2011 has been an incredible year!! In September, Kellen Patrick made his debut! Hard to believe he has been here for three months already.... The kids were so excited to meet their baby brother. Unfortunately, I was in labor all day on the 13th, it wasn't until 8 o'clock in the evening that Kellen finally arrived. Isabel made me promise her she could be the first to meet the baby after mom and dad. The kids came to the hospital that night with grandma and grandpa and we had a birthday party for Kellen. We celebrated with balloons and cupcakes. Brady, at 3 years old, was so excited to meet his brother. He couldn't stop touching him. The kids have been awesome and love having the little guy around. They are all very helpful in getting diapers, wipes, and even finding pacifiers for the baby!
Kellen, the Kelster, KP, Red, and Caboose...is growing and changing everyday. It is a joy to see him develop and learn new things. He is smiling regularly at people and beginning to reach for and grab toys. He loves to be held and LOVES his pacifier.
The kids love school and are all doing great! Isabel has Ms. Howe and Chloe, Mrs. Hopkins. This year I have seen some wonderful changes in Isabel. She is continuing to mature and become a responsible little girl. She is a huge help to mommy. She gets up in the morning, gets dressed, eats breakfast, and even helps with her siblings. She has started reading chapter books at home and school...some of her favorites include Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Ivy and Bean. She is swimming for EAAC and dancing at From the Top (hip hop). She still enjoys basketball and participates in Brownies. This year Isabel danced at the tree lighting in St. Alban's circle.
Chloe is making lots of new friends at St. Annie's and seems to be enjoying Kindergarten. Some of her new buddies are Tommy and Kylie from her class and Casey and Nora from the neighborhood and carpool. Chloe is playing soccer and loving it! One of my fondest memories was from her first game at Beaumont Elementary when she eyed down her opponents and quoted Alvin the chipmunk saying, "I'm going to crack you like an acorn!". Hysterical, but also mortifying at the same time. Chloe never ceases to make me laugh. Chloe is also a Daisy this year. She is doing very well at school and one of the top readers in her class.
Brady is in a three's class at Trinity Preschool. He has made several new buddies and really seems to be growing more comfortable in the school atmosphere. It was tough at the beginning of the year...especially, with the first day of school being September 13th, the same day Kellen was born. Brady has Mrs. Claffey this year. He has become friendly with most of the boys, William, Jackson, Charlie, and Jack. He started playing soccer this year and will begin an enrichment class in January. Brady has a vivid imagination and gets along really well with Chloe, not surprisingly, they play together all of the time! Brady loves technology....one of his favorite things is the IPAD and I-Touch! Santa brought him a Leappad...thank-you Santa!! Brady loves being with his whole family!! He is a very lovable boy!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Halloween 2011
After a great night at the O'Reilly's trick-or-treating with friends, the kids came home and were getting ready for bed.
"You stupid fucker"...I will never forget when Andy called me upstairs and told me the words he had heard Brady utter. In disbelief, I asked Brayden to repeat what he had said just a moment ago. Loud and clear, out poured those very same words. Where did that come from??? Andy and I just looked at each other in disbelief and tried not to laugh.
We asked the girls what Brady said and they looked at us puzzled?! Chloe responded saying, "You stupid focker! I don't know why he calls me that?" and she shrugged her shoulders.
Brady, not sure where you picked up these choice words, but I sure do hope they are not repeated at nursery school or a friends house for that matter...sigh!
"You stupid fucker"...I will never forget when Andy called me upstairs and told me the words he had heard Brady utter. In disbelief, I asked Brayden to repeat what he had said just a moment ago. Loud and clear, out poured those very same words. Where did that come from??? Andy and I just looked at each other in disbelief and tried not to laugh.
We asked the girls what Brady said and they looked at us puzzled?! Chloe responded saying, "You stupid focker! I don't know why he calls me that?" and she shrugged her shoulders.
Brady, not sure where you picked up these choice words, but I sure do hope they are not repeated at nursery school or a friends house for that matter...sigh!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Funny things my kids said this summer....August 2011
Chloe......Being pregnant this past year, Chloe observed my body changing as the baby was growing inside me. She noticed my stomach and breasts becoming larger. While at Justice one day, Chloe noticed some bras and asked me when she would need a bra. I told her we would go shopping for bras when she became a teenager. She looked at me, then said, "I guess I don't need a bra yet since I don't have boobies, only nibbles.". Too funny. I love seeing the world through the eyes of a child. These are precious memories.
Isabel....While at the beach this summer and enjoying a family dinner with Andy's parents and both of his sisters' families, Isabel had a funny moment. After dinner, everyone was sitting around the table telling stories and giving Nick advice for college. He was getting ready for his first year at Providence. I advised Nick not to register for courses just because the teacher might have a reputation of being an easy grader, but rather choose professors that have reputations of being awesome even if more difficult. However, be sure not to flunk the course! With this said, Isabel blurts out, "Well, my mom is a total failure. She can't even get Brayden to poop on the potty!". I turned bright red in the face. I have to admit there is some truth to this statement. I do have a failing grade when it comes to toilet training....33% to be exact. Isabel was day and night trained at 2 years 4 months. Chloe, while day trained is still not completely night trained, at six years old. Brayden, while dry at night was still pooping in his pants in August at the time of Isabel's statement. Miraculously, he finally figured it out by the time September came around. Thank goodness! I guess all kids eventually figure it out, it just takes time. I did not know how I was going to handle this with the new baby coming in mid-September. Needless to say we all had a good laugh that night.
Isabel....While at the beach this summer and enjoying a family dinner with Andy's parents and both of his sisters' families, Isabel had a funny moment. After dinner, everyone was sitting around the table telling stories and giving Nick advice for college. He was getting ready for his first year at Providence. I advised Nick not to register for courses just because the teacher might have a reputation of being an easy grader, but rather choose professors that have reputations of being awesome even if more difficult. However, be sure not to flunk the course! With this said, Isabel blurts out, "Well, my mom is a total failure. She can't even get Brayden to poop on the potty!". I turned bright red in the face. I have to admit there is some truth to this statement. I do have a failing grade when it comes to toilet training....33% to be exact. Isabel was day and night trained at 2 years 4 months. Chloe, while day trained is still not completely night trained, at six years old. Brayden, while dry at night was still pooping in his pants in August at the time of Isabel's statement. Miraculously, he finally figured it out by the time September came around. Thank goodness! I guess all kids eventually figure it out, it just takes time. I did not know how I was going to handle this with the new baby coming in mid-September. Needless to say we all had a good laugh that night.
New York City....Pinkalicious!! July 2011
The girls and I spent a day in NYC with my mom in July. We saw the off-broadway production Pinkalicious. It was a cute show and perfect for the girls. I have always enjoyed reading these books to the girls. We then headed to Times Square to have lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. My mom bought the girls t-shirts. Chloe and Isabel loved the huge touch screen in the restaurant...you could tap, move, enlarge, and rotate images on the screen. It was very cool. I loved watching the girls play and giggle as they manipulated the images. We ended the day at the Lego store. We all had fun! It is always nice to spend time with my mom....Nana.
Summer Days...June and July
The kids and I had a great summer. We spent much of our time split between St. Alban's swim club and Episcopal Summer Session. I taught Creative lWriting and Storybook Writing this past summer. It was a great experience for me and the kids. The girls really enjoyed the course offerings and being with their buds Maura and Maggie. They took Kindergarten Fun, First Grade Fun, Science Explorers, Tae Kwon Do, Art Exploration, and Drama. It was really funny...the week Isabel took Tae Won Do, she would come home and shout, "Aiiee-Aiiee-Aiiee!".
Niagara Falls - June 2011
We kicked off our summer with a trip to Niagara Falls. We stayed at the Hilton Fallsview hotel on the canadian side of the falls. The first thing we did after checking into our hotel was eat lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. Wow! The kids loved eating here and are still talking about it 4 months later. We then purchased an Adventure Pass to explore the falls. The first thing we did was ride the Maid of the Mist which is a boat that takes you up close and personal with the falls. It is a wet ride, but thrilling to get so close to the powerful and magnificent falls. Brayden seemed terrified for most of the ride and was actually clinging to Andy and I. Remember he is just 3 years old. After the boat ride, we walked back to our hotel along the falls. We saw several rainbows, even a double rainbow. The views were breathtaking! That night we took the kids to the pool and ate dinner at the Macaroni Grill in the hotel. The pool had a waterfall and a big waterside.....it was awesome!
The next day, we explored behind the falls, saw a 4D movie about the falls, viewed the white water rapids up close, and finally, visited the butterfly conservatory. The butterflies were another highlight. The kids loved this part of the trip. It was incredible....there were thousands of butterflies everywhere. The butterflies were landing on all of us, although they really seemed to love Chloe. She had several butterflies on her clothes most of our visit at the conservatory. Later that night, we watched the fireworks from our hotel room. It was so cool. We all put on our pjs and snuggled on the couch to view the fireworks over the American and Horseshoe Falls. Truly a neat experience for all of us.
On our last day, the weather was awful, the torrential rain forced us to modify our plans. Instead of going to an amusement park, we went to the dare devil museum and saw another 4D movie. Then we began our trip home. We decided to take a more scenic route and stop at Letchwork state park along the Genesee River. It was beautiful. We drove through the park stopping at several scenic outlooks and viewing the falls. I will never forget when we crossed the border and left Canada, Isabel burst into tears. She is a very emotional little girl. She was hysterically crying telling Andy and I how much she loved Niagara Falls. It was a fantastic trip for all of us!!
The next day, we explored behind the falls, saw a 4D movie about the falls, viewed the white water rapids up close, and finally, visited the butterfly conservatory. The butterflies were another highlight. The kids loved this part of the trip. It was incredible....there were thousands of butterflies everywhere. The butterflies were landing on all of us, although they really seemed to love Chloe. She had several butterflies on her clothes most of our visit at the conservatory. Later that night, we watched the fireworks from our hotel room. It was so cool. We all put on our pjs and snuggled on the couch to view the fireworks over the American and Horseshoe Falls. Truly a neat experience for all of us.
On our last day, the weather was awful, the torrential rain forced us to modify our plans. Instead of going to an amusement park, we went to the dare devil museum and saw another 4D movie. Then we began our trip home. We decided to take a more scenic route and stop at Letchwork state park along the Genesee River. It was beautiful. We drove through the park stopping at several scenic outlooks and viewing the falls. I will never forget when we crossed the border and left Canada, Isabel burst into tears. She is a very emotional little girl. She was hysterically crying telling Andy and I how much she loved Niagara Falls. It was a fantastic trip for all of us!!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Kellen Patrick's Birth Story
Similar to my previous pregnancies, number four would be an induction!! At around 36weeks, the OB ordered an ultrasound to measure the baby. The technician estimated that baby boy probably weighed 7 to 7 1/2 pounds...another good size baby. My due date with baby number four was September 17, 2011. I went for a routine visit on 9/12 with Dr. Kakarla. At the exam, she checked my cervix and determined that I was only about 50% effaced and maybe 1 cm dilated. However, due to the baby's size and my history of delivering Chloe with shoulder distotia, called Paoli Hospital, and scheduled the induction for 9/13. I was shocked! Just the week before, Dr. Kolter, told me I would not be induced until 7 days past my due date due to a change in the hospital policy regarding inductions. That afternoon, I called Andy at the office, my parents, and Fred & Mary Ellen to make arrangements for the kids. Everyone was excited!
The next morning, Fred and Mary Ellen, showed up at 7 am. I was excited and really looking forward to meeting my little boy. It had been a while since I held a new baby in my arms. The kids did not want to go to school...they were super excited! Poor Brady was having his first day at Trinity in the 3's class. I felt bad I wouldn't be able to take him to school. I had instructed Fred and MaryEllen to take pictures of Brady at Trinity on his first day, but unfortunately, they did not take any pictures since Brayden was upset and not happy to be at school.
I could tell Andy was nervous that morning...he was doing odd jobs around the house. I wore one of my favorite maternity outfits, a black maxi dress with a floral print, to the hospital. We took family pictures in the front yard that morning. On the drive to the hospital we discussed baby names one last time...we were leaning towards Kellen.
We arrived at the hospital, checked into our room, and met our labor and delivery nurse. I cannot remember her name, but remember she wore blue custom made to order nike sneakers. Around 9 am, the doctor started me on Pitocin and about an hour later broke my water to try and get the contractions going. While I was having contractions, the labor was really progressing very slowly. By noon things started to pick-up a little, the contractions were getting stronger and lasting longer so I elected to get the epidural. Once I had the epidural they could increase the pitocin, but unfortunately, the epidural really slowed down my contractions. I remember being so hungry, thirsty, and tired. It was so hard to watch Andy leave for some lunch! I had not eaten anything since dinner the night before. I was really disappointed that the labor was progressing so slowly. I had hoped the girls would be able to come up to the hospital and meet their baby brother afterschool that Tuesday. It seemed like a good time to take a nap. When I woke up, the nurses checked me and I was about 3-4 cm. Finally, the pace of the contractions started to pick up and I was making some progress. Unfortunately, Dr. Kakarla's shift was over, and Dr. Shatz would now be the delivering physician.
Around 7:15, I started feeling pressure and when checked the nurse let me know I was complete. Unfortunately, Dr. Schatz was delivering another baby. She wanted me to take a practice push, but only one, since the baby was already crowning. Around 7:45Dr. Schatz arrived in my room and was getting her gown, cap, and gloves on so she could deliver the baby. For this delivery, I decided I wanted the mirror so I could witness the baby coming out. One of the first things we noticed was bright blonde hair mixed with black hair. It took 4 or 5 pushes to deliver baby Kellen! I did end up needing a small episiotomy to make some room for the baby's head. Once the head was out, Dr. Schatz needed to free his shoulders. Kellen, you came into the world strong and quickly gripped Dr. Schatz'z medical gown. It took her a few seconds to realize that you were clinging to her gown. With all the babies she had delivered, she mentioned that never had a baby grabbed onto her gown before. It was a first! Daddy cut your umbilical cord and with a few pats on the back, you immediately began to cry....and you didn't stop crying for a few hours!
You were born on September 13, 2011 at 8:12 pm measuring 22 inches and weighing 8lbs. 9ozs...a big boy!! Kellen Patrick we were so excited to meet you that day! You are a perfect fit to our family. I will love you forever and always KP!!
The next morning, Fred and Mary Ellen, showed up at 7 am. I was excited and really looking forward to meeting my little boy. It had been a while since I held a new baby in my arms. The kids did not want to go to school...they were super excited! Poor Brady was having his first day at Trinity in the 3's class. I felt bad I wouldn't be able to take him to school. I had instructed Fred and MaryEllen to take pictures of Brady at Trinity on his first day, but unfortunately, they did not take any pictures since Brayden was upset and not happy to be at school.
I could tell Andy was nervous that morning...he was doing odd jobs around the house. I wore one of my favorite maternity outfits, a black maxi dress with a floral print, to the hospital. We took family pictures in the front yard that morning. On the drive to the hospital we discussed baby names one last time...we were leaning towards Kellen.
We arrived at the hospital, checked into our room, and met our labor and delivery nurse. I cannot remember her name, but remember she wore blue custom made to order nike sneakers. Around 9 am, the doctor started me on Pitocin and about an hour later broke my water to try and get the contractions going. While I was having contractions, the labor was really progressing very slowly. By noon things started to pick-up a little, the contractions were getting stronger and lasting longer so I elected to get the epidural. Once I had the epidural they could increase the pitocin, but unfortunately, the epidural really slowed down my contractions. I remember being so hungry, thirsty, and tired. It was so hard to watch Andy leave for some lunch! I had not eaten anything since dinner the night before. I was really disappointed that the labor was progressing so slowly. I had hoped the girls would be able to come up to the hospital and meet their baby brother afterschool that Tuesday. It seemed like a good time to take a nap. When I woke up, the nurses checked me and I was about 3-4 cm. Finally, the pace of the contractions started to pick up and I was making some progress. Unfortunately, Dr. Kakarla's shift was over, and Dr. Shatz would now be the delivering physician.
Around 7:15, I started feeling pressure and when checked the nurse let me know I was complete. Unfortunately, Dr. Schatz was delivering another baby. She wanted me to take a practice push, but only one, since the baby was already crowning. Around 7:45Dr. Schatz arrived in my room and was getting her gown, cap, and gloves on so she could deliver the baby. For this delivery, I decided I wanted the mirror so I could witness the baby coming out. One of the first things we noticed was bright blonde hair mixed with black hair. It took 4 or 5 pushes to deliver baby Kellen! I did end up needing a small episiotomy to make some room for the baby's head. Once the head was out, Dr. Schatz needed to free his shoulders. Kellen, you came into the world strong and quickly gripped Dr. Schatz'z medical gown. It took her a few seconds to realize that you were clinging to her gown. With all the babies she had delivered, she mentioned that never had a baby grabbed onto her gown before. It was a first! Daddy cut your umbilical cord and with a few pats on the back, you immediately began to cry....and you didn't stop crying for a few hours!
You were born on September 13, 2011 at 8:12 pm measuring 22 inches and weighing 8lbs. 9ozs...a big boy!! Kellen Patrick we were so excited to meet you that day! You are a perfect fit to our family. I will love you forever and always KP!!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Some funny things Chloe says
Chloe: Mom, I want to wear my capri-suns today!
Mom: Do you mean capris?
Chloe: I guess.
Mom: Do you mean capris?
Chloe: I guess.
Oh so much has happened....
Since my last post, Andy and I learned that we are expecting number 4 in September 2011. We told the kids, family, and friends in mid-march. We decided to create a baby-themed scavenger hunt that we could record and share with our families. The kids loved racing around the house finding various baby clues. The last clue led them to the kitchen where they found cupcakes that spelled out, "Baby on the Way!" It was quite fun for all.
Isabel is back at St. Annie's and very happy! She turned seven last Thursday. It was a great birthday. She wanted me to bring Rita's water ice to school which was a hit with all of her classmates. Then on Friday, I took her to NY to visit my mom. The three of us went to NYC on Saturday to get the American girl doll, Julie, have lunch, and then finish off the day with the Broadway musical Mary Poppins! We were supposed to see Pinkalicious, but ended up at the wrong theater. Long story.... Isabel also struggled with her allergies that day, but overall the day was a great success! She is now looking forward to her "Almost Sleepover Party" with friends this Friday night. There will be 15 girls coming...crazy!!
Brady turns 3 on Wednesday, May 4th! It is hard to believe. He is looking forward to going to Jumpers with his buddies, Bridget, Kerri, Jimmy, and Gappy! Should be a fun afternoon. We will celebrate back at the house with Pizza and cake.
Chloe is growing up so quickly...she has just 4 weeks left of nursery school! She will be starting Kindergarten in the Fall. It really is hard to believe. I think I am going to miss having her around in the afternoons. Today, May 2, 2011, Chloe learned to ride a two-wheeler. No more training wheels; She is now zipping around on two wheels....way to go, Chloe!!
Finally, I got a job teaching at Episcopal Academy this summer. Autumn and I will be job sharing once again! I am really looking forward to getting back in the classroom! It is a great gig....the kids go for free and we are only working three hours a day. Of course, I will also enjoy lounging at St. Alban's much of the summer!
I feel so blessed. Life is good, very, very good!
Isabel is back at St. Annie's and very happy! She turned seven last Thursday. It was a great birthday. She wanted me to bring Rita's water ice to school which was a hit with all of her classmates. Then on Friday, I took her to NY to visit my mom. The three of us went to NYC on Saturday to get the American girl doll, Julie, have lunch, and then finish off the day with the Broadway musical Mary Poppins! We were supposed to see Pinkalicious, but ended up at the wrong theater. Long story.... Isabel also struggled with her allergies that day, but overall the day was a great success! She is now looking forward to her "Almost Sleepover Party" with friends this Friday night. There will be 15 girls coming...crazy!!
Brady turns 3 on Wednesday, May 4th! It is hard to believe. He is looking forward to going to Jumpers with his buddies, Bridget, Kerri, Jimmy, and Gappy! Should be a fun afternoon. We will celebrate back at the house with Pizza and cake.
Chloe is growing up so quickly...she has just 4 weeks left of nursery school! She will be starting Kindergarten in the Fall. It really is hard to believe. I think I am going to miss having her around in the afternoons. Today, May 2, 2011, Chloe learned to ride a two-wheeler. No more training wheels; She is now zipping around on two wheels....way to go, Chloe!!
Finally, I got a job teaching at Episcopal Academy this summer. Autumn and I will be job sharing once again! I am really looking forward to getting back in the classroom! It is a great gig....the kids go for free and we are only working three hours a day. Of course, I will also enjoy lounging at St. Alban's much of the summer!
I feel so blessed. Life is good, very, very good!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Brady Boy
Little Brady, oh how we love you so!
He is the youngest of our three children. He is adorable and so cool (as Andy likes to say!) He loves balls, cars, the park, animals, the I-touch, the Wii, the girls, Jimmy (his brother), and of course, his momma.
In the morning, he comes into our bedroom and says, "Mama, the sun is up! I want juice. Juice mama. Juice. I want to go downstairs. I want breakfast. Juice, mom, juice!" He does not quit asking until he gets his drink. Usually, Andy rolls over and gets him juice to buy us another 30 minutes in bed. Then he climbs up and says, "I wanna snuggle, mama. I love you!" He is so stinking cute...demanding, yes, but also very affectionate and loving.
He is also obsessed with electronics. He truly believes the I-touch is his computer. He loves to play with the TomCat app, the game Angry Bird and Cut the Rope, and listen to music on Pandora. He will even hit the thumbs up button on the I-touch when he likes a song.
He is the youngest of our three children. He is adorable and so cool (as Andy likes to say!) He loves balls, cars, the park, animals, the I-touch, the Wii, the girls, Jimmy (his brother), and of course, his momma.
In the morning, he comes into our bedroom and says, "Mama, the sun is up! I want juice. Juice mama. Juice. I want to go downstairs. I want breakfast. Juice, mom, juice!" He does not quit asking until he gets his drink. Usually, Andy rolls over and gets him juice to buy us another 30 minutes in bed. Then he climbs up and says, "I wanna snuggle, mama. I love you!" He is so stinking cute...demanding, yes, but also very affectionate and loving.
He is also obsessed with electronics. He truly believes the I-touch is his computer. He loves to play with the TomCat app, the game Angry Bird and Cut the Rope, and listen to music on Pandora. He will even hit the thumbs up button on the I-touch when he likes a song.
Strep Throat will you please, please, please stop rearing your ugly head
Isabel has had strep throat four times in the last six months...is it me or does this seem like a lot?
Dear Strep Throat,
You really are not a very nice bacterial infection. You keep visiting poor little Isabel, and of course, not at the most convenient times. The first time you came it was the weekend of Katie Tills big communion party with beautiful weather, catered food, lots of friends, a moonbounce, and live music just across the street. Isabel sat in the driveway with a sore throat listening to the live music and watching guests come and go. She was devastated. She did her part and took the Amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days straight. This seemed to send you away.
The summer came and we did not hear from you! How nice.
Then school starts and bam! you are back. Cool, an opportunity to miss a day of school one might think? But, oh no....when do you show up, but a day before the Jewish holiday. Of course, the rule is 24 hours on antibiotics and one can return to school. You didn't even give Isabel a day home from school. Again she returns to the Amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days and again you go away.
Why do you love to hang out in the nose and throat of Isabel? Can't you find someone else to pick on?
Well, the weather starts getting cooler and the kids are getting excited for Halloween. There is so much to look forward to with Halloween parties, trick-or-treating, school parades, and classroom parties. On October 29th, Isabel starts to complain of sore throat, stomach pain, and is uncomfortable. Off to Kids First for another round of antibiotics.
Isabel cries for a couple of reasons. First, she hates getting her throat swabbed. In fact, it usually requires a couple of people to restrain her making the whole experience very unpleasant. Second, she is angry that she will miss pumpkin decorating, her parade, and the classroom party. The doctor recommends giving her a double dose of medicine the first night, another dose the next morning, and then bringing her into school around lunchtime. You go away (at least we think)!
Now it is December and guess who comes knocking on Isabel's door....her trusty friend, Mr. Strep Throat. Antibiotics for another 10 days. Ugh! Now this is getting annoying.
2010 is over and we start a New Year! Knock! Knock! Knock! Guess who? We know strep throat... you have come to take residence in the mouth of Isabel bringing with you all of the usual unpleasant things - redness, swollen glands, upset stomach, and difficulty swallowing. Seriously, this is getting ridiculous. This time the doctor prescribes 20 days of Amoxicillin and requests Isabel be swabbed after she completes her meds. In the car, she said, "Mom, don't worry, I know I have to cancel my playdate with Catherine. It's okay I am used to it." Sigh.
We are going to get to the bottom of this strep throat and figure out how to get rid of you! Can you suggest a way I might resolve this situation? I know everyone gets sick and do not ask for Isabel to always be spared, but let's be reasonable with the number of times she gets infected in a six month period.
Truly,
Jenn (mom)
Dear Strep Throat,
You really are not a very nice bacterial infection. You keep visiting poor little Isabel, and of course, not at the most convenient times. The first time you came it was the weekend of Katie Tills big communion party with beautiful weather, catered food, lots of friends, a moonbounce, and live music just across the street. Isabel sat in the driveway with a sore throat listening to the live music and watching guests come and go. She was devastated. She did her part and took the Amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days straight. This seemed to send you away.
The summer came and we did not hear from you! How nice.
Then school starts and bam! you are back. Cool, an opportunity to miss a day of school one might think? But, oh no....when do you show up, but a day before the Jewish holiday. Of course, the rule is 24 hours on antibiotics and one can return to school. You didn't even give Isabel a day home from school. Again she returns to the Amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days and again you go away.
Why do you love to hang out in the nose and throat of Isabel? Can't you find someone else to pick on?
Well, the weather starts getting cooler and the kids are getting excited for Halloween. There is so much to look forward to with Halloween parties, trick-or-treating, school parades, and classroom parties. On October 29th, Isabel starts to complain of sore throat, stomach pain, and is uncomfortable. Off to Kids First for another round of antibiotics.
Isabel cries for a couple of reasons. First, she hates getting her throat swabbed. In fact, it usually requires a couple of people to restrain her making the whole experience very unpleasant. Second, she is angry that she will miss pumpkin decorating, her parade, and the classroom party. The doctor recommends giving her a double dose of medicine the first night, another dose the next morning, and then bringing her into school around lunchtime. You go away (at least we think)!
Now it is December and guess who comes knocking on Isabel's door....her trusty friend, Mr. Strep Throat. Antibiotics for another 10 days. Ugh! Now this is getting annoying.
2010 is over and we start a New Year! Knock! Knock! Knock! Guess who? We know strep throat... you have come to take residence in the mouth of Isabel bringing with you all of the usual unpleasant things - redness, swollen glands, upset stomach, and difficulty swallowing. Seriously, this is getting ridiculous. This time the doctor prescribes 20 days of Amoxicillin and requests Isabel be swabbed after she completes her meds. In the car, she said, "Mom, don't worry, I know I have to cancel my playdate with Catherine. It's okay I am used to it." Sigh.
We are going to get to the bottom of this strep throat and figure out how to get rid of you! Can you suggest a way I might resolve this situation? I know everyone gets sick and do not ask for Isabel to always be spared, but let's be reasonable with the number of times she gets infected in a six month period.
Truly,
Jenn (mom)
Lots happening in the New Year
Already there have been lots of things happening in 2011...Isabel moves back to St. Annie's, Chloe loses her 2nd tooth, and Brady is beginning to use the potty!
Isabel had been unhappy at Culbertson; it was not a good fit. She made lots of friends, but never made a connection with her teacher, Mrs. Lebo. Just before Christmas break I told Isabel she could move back to St. Annie's if that would make her happier. She told me she wanted to think about it. I told her that was a good idea as it is a big decision. She asked when she needed to make her decision. I told her if she wanted to start after the Christmas break she would have to let me know the next morning. She quickly blurted she wanted to change schools. The next day we went to St. Annie's to register and meet her teacher, Mrs. Hofmann. The teacher was so sweet telling the students that she had an early Christmas present for all of them...Isabel would be returning after the holiday. The kids got so excited, a few girls even ran up and hugged Isabel. She was glowing. She just finished her first week and loves, loves, loves 1st grade! Finally.
Chloe had her grandpa pull her first tooth and found that experience to be rather unpleasant. This go round she decided to let the tooth fall out on its own. The tooth had been ready for awhile, but she was not going to be persuaded this time. Just last Sunday, January 2nd, the tooth was dangling by a thread and she refused to let daddy tug at the tooth. The girls decided to play in the basement and moments later they came running upstairs yelling that the tooth had fallen out! The only trouble was they had no idea where it fell out. Daddy got his flash light and we searched the basement with no luck! Daddy suggested that maybe Chloe had swallowed it. We all came upstairs and there on the kitchen floor was the lost tooth! Chloe scooped it up and raced it up to her bedroom and slipped it under her pillow. She was so excited to have a visit from the toothfairy!
Brady is beginning to use the potty! I have taught him to sit on the seat, while Andy is encouraging him to stand-up. The only trouble with standing is the occasional bad aim. It is no fun wiping pee off the walls and the back of the toilet seat! The most amazing part is that he is staying dry most nights. I hope we won't be buying diapers (for Brady at least) much longer.
Isabel had been unhappy at Culbertson; it was not a good fit. She made lots of friends, but never made a connection with her teacher, Mrs. Lebo. Just before Christmas break I told Isabel she could move back to St. Annie's if that would make her happier. She told me she wanted to think about it. I told her that was a good idea as it is a big decision. She asked when she needed to make her decision. I told her if she wanted to start after the Christmas break she would have to let me know the next morning. She quickly blurted she wanted to change schools. The next day we went to St. Annie's to register and meet her teacher, Mrs. Hofmann. The teacher was so sweet telling the students that she had an early Christmas present for all of them...Isabel would be returning after the holiday. The kids got so excited, a few girls even ran up and hugged Isabel. She was glowing. She just finished her first week and loves, loves, loves 1st grade! Finally.
Chloe had her grandpa pull her first tooth and found that experience to be rather unpleasant. This go round she decided to let the tooth fall out on its own. The tooth had been ready for awhile, but she was not going to be persuaded this time. Just last Sunday, January 2nd, the tooth was dangling by a thread and she refused to let daddy tug at the tooth. The girls decided to play in the basement and moments later they came running upstairs yelling that the tooth had fallen out! The only trouble was they had no idea where it fell out. Daddy got his flash light and we searched the basement with no luck! Daddy suggested that maybe Chloe had swallowed it. We all came upstairs and there on the kitchen floor was the lost tooth! Chloe scooped it up and raced it up to her bedroom and slipped it under her pillow. She was so excited to have a visit from the toothfairy!
Brady is beginning to use the potty! I have taught him to sit on the seat, while Andy is encouraging him to stand-up. The only trouble with standing is the occasional bad aim. It is no fun wiping pee off the walls and the back of the toilet seat! The most amazing part is that he is staying dry most nights. I hope we won't be buying diapers (for Brady at least) much longer.
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