It Better Not Be The Cats

I don't know what in the heck that kid was reacting to yesterday, but she had it bad. Her little nose was running, eyes red, swollen and itchy. I checked pollen.com and everything was extremely low, but she was having an allergic reaction to something, that's for sure. Whatever it was it hit her hard. As did the benadryl. She slept a good portion of the day away. And rubbed her little eyes the rest.

24 hours later, all is well.

Daddy's Girl

It was another lazy poolday, with a two hour nap stuck in the middle. Faith's getting a little braver again with the water (we have had several weeks/months where she's been afraid lately.) Thankfully. I'll work her slowly but surely back to where she was around early May. She's been mad at me for dunking her so I'm planning on backing off of that for the time being.

She spent a good portion of the afternoon in her Daddy's arms in the pool. And all he wanted to do was lounge in his chair. But the little girl would come up to him and say (while signing "more") "More pool?"

Time to come inside! She stripped her suit off and left it on the pool deck. I asked her if she needed to go potty - meaning in her potty. Instead she grabbed her little doll's potty and filled it up. I could have directed her upstairs to the bathroom, but instead I grabbed the camera. That's what bleach is for, right? The good news is - she filled that little doll potty. Meaning she didn't do it in the pool.

Still no poop. Today, when asked if she was going to poop in the potty, the answer was, "no." At least she's honest. Maybe it's time to move on to plan B. Think, think, think.

What's in the Box?

Faith calls her poop "stinky" and we're still waiting for her to put stinky in the potty. Hello?!? We've been working on this since New Years. I don't know why she's holding out but I'd really, really like her to make stinky in the potty. We're doing better with the pee, but we're still pretty far behind where we were before she got sick.

I thought the princess panties would do the trick. Just the other day I let her pick out a pair of panties (she chose Cinderella.) She wore them around the house for a while before peeing in them. I expected her to be dissappointed in herself for soiling Cinderella, but no. She just peeled them off, tossed them in front of the washing machine (at least she knows that much) and asked for the Snow White panties.

Regardless, I told you a few weeks ago I bought her a sand and water table for a present when she stinkies in the potty. I've been telling her, "when you stinky in the potty, you'll get a really big present!" At first she was intrigued, but it wore off to the point she didn't even care about that present.

So I finally motivated my lazy self, wrapped that huge box in princess paper, and placed it prominently in the family room. All afternoon yesterday Faith would walk over to that box, rub the princesses and call them by name: "A-e-ul, Ci-la-lell-la, So-Whi, Jazz-in, Belle."

Periodically I'd ask her, "Faith, are you going to stinky in the potty?" She'd look longingly in the direction of the present and forcefully respond, "Yes."

DJ thinks she's going to be disappointed with the present. It was kind of mean of me to wrap it in princess paper. He said to me last night, "You know she thinks there is a princess in there, right?" Still, the sand and water table is a freaking awesome present for an almost two-year-old. She'll just need to wait for her Daddy to put it together before she really gets what it is.

And I'm wondering if she'll stinky in the potty, claim her present and go right back to using her pull-ups.

On Funerals and Mermaids

I hate funerals. Really, really hate them. Except Misterka funerals, which are really no more than huge parties (cousin Brian always says, "the best party I've ever been to was my Grandmother's funeral," and from Matt, "the first three letters of funeral spell FUN.") So usually when a non-Misterka dies, I send my condolences and skip out on the funeral.

My boss's mom died last week from ALS, and I figured this is one I should probably attend. So I did so - solo. Faith was in a mood because she refused a nap early in the afternoon. DJ "volunteered" to stay home with the girl. It wasn't a bad funeral, but it was sad to see Janet's dad surrounded by all those people, but still kinda alone. And it's better that she's gone because she really wasn't living any kind of life. But still sad.

And I returned home to find Faith crashed on a comforter on the floor of my bedroom (laundry day.) DJ had put The Little Mermaid on for about the fifth time today. We've got issues with the mermaid. She has to be on continually. It's a never-ending mermaid-a-thon around the Florence household. Just in case you wanted to know that.

And changing subject, here's another food tip for you: grill your corn on the cob! Yummy. I soaked the corn for a few hours in fresh cool water before grilling. DJ didn't want to "waste" gas, so we fired up the charcoal grill. And for about 45 minutes, I rotated the cobs, husk-on, around the grill until they were nice and charred. Really good, easy, summer meal paired with cheeseburgers and a salad. Give it a try.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Today, Faith's Grandma is 66 years old. I tried to make her 68, but she was quick to remind me she's not there yet. In the wise words of Grandpa, growing older sure beats the alternative (that is, not growing older.)

Faith and I spent the day with Grandma yesterday. While we were there she received a delivery from the florist. . . a floral birthday cake from Matt and Miki. It wasn't really a cake - but it sure was cute and Mom raved over it. Dad kept calling it a hat - but we couldn't imagine why Matt and Miki would send Mom a happy birthday hat so Mom and I are calling it a cake.

Of course, we went shopping. Because that's what we do with Grandma. I was totally bummed to find that my "not-frumpy" skirts (you know, the skirts that make Barb think of bagladies?) were on sale at the Gap for $11.99. I bought three of them early last month at $40 each. Dang. So I bought two more and told Mom I was "dollar cost averaging" the price down. Like when DJ buys a stock and then it goes down and he just buys more. I felt bad, but I absolutely live in these skirts - so whatever. At least I've gotten good use from them these past 6 weeks. And they were out of the colors I bought last month (except the blush - lots of those - I must have been the rare one who liked that peachy-pink color.)

At lunch: Faith's LOVES lemons. We only rarely let her have them when we go out to eat but for some reason she loves that sour feeling. And playing with Elliott.

Happy Wednesday!

I know a few of you have said you check in with me several times a day until I post. Here's a heads up for today: Faith and I are going to Terre Haute to take Grandma out for lunch and spend the day with her (her birthday is tomorrow!)

Barb, don't forget to get a card out - today.

I should have some photos later tonight - but this is it for my daytime blogging.

Lounging Lexus, Sleeping Faith and Quasimodo Cathy

I snapped this photo of Lexus yesterday afternoon. He just looked so . . . content. And for a moment I wished I was a cat. But then I got over it because cat's don't go shopping. And sweet Baby Faith this morning. She's doing great moving toward her crib - I'd say half the time she makes it through the night. Obviously, last night wasn't one of those nights.
Last night before bed I realized that my eye was a little weepy. Through the night I kept waking up and rubbing all the yuck away. Then I went and looked in the mirror. This is what I look like:

Well, the eyes anyway. So do you think if I take a prescription for some antibiotic eye drops to CVS for "Ethan" they'd believe it was for the cat? Me neither.

I'll sit on it for a few days and see what happens. The big suck of it is I can't wear my contacts - so I couldn't run this morning (I'm not about to run in my glasses.) Maybe tomorrow.

Pooltime!

Faith and I spent the afternoon at the pool. I called DJ after lunch and asked him to join us:

Cathy: Why don't you skip out early and spend the afternoon with us lounging by the pool?

DJ: Humph. I wish. Some of us have to work more than 20 hours a week.

Cathy: I work 30 hours a week!

So it seems to be time for some clarification since even my husband thinks I don't work. Yes, I do. 3/4 time, actually. And I play Mommy the rest of the time. It's just that I prefer to talk and blog about my hours with Faith.

So this afternoon [after four hours at the clinic where I did two dentals including nine extractions, diagnosed a dog in heart failure and outlined his treatment protocol, discovered a cat who had been limping for a week had broken her pelvis in Dad's recliner (yikes! Make sure kitty isn't under there before you pop,) squeezed a butt and gave a min pin her annual vaccines,] Faith and I spent a little time lounging in the backyard. She took over her daddy's pool float as her own and cruised the pool. And I have a feeling she has a new favorite water "toy."

And then, after razzing me for having a posh job, DJ just arrived home from work at 4:30 with a car full of supplies from a shopping spree at the pool store (during his extended lunch break) and told me how he's planning taking tomorrow morning off to go golfing. Yeah. So there.

Oh and Barb, since you've told me before you like it when I find and post good recipes, here's a link to the Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Basil we had for dinner last night - except I tossed some mozzarella balls on top of the pasta sauce while piping hot. Fabulous served with crusty bread. And if you need fresh basil - let me know. I have a ton growing in my little herb garden out back. But somehow I forgot to plant parsley and ended up using dry. Oh well, I'm not a big parsley fan anyway - it's just for pretty. I'm a flavor kind of girl.

Stickers For The Potty

I told you yesterday I've been bribing Faith to use the potty with princess stickers. Four or five times she went potty and chose a princess afterwards: Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Jasmine. And each time, after she'd have her princess in hand, she'd change her mind and decide she wanted an Ariel sticker. I told her no, but she could pick another sticker next time she went potty.

Right before bed Faith told her daddy she had to potty so he brought her to me. She sat on the potty, did her business, and without even rising from the seat demanded with a little bit of an attitude, "Alright. Ariel sticker."

How Many Is Too Many?

Last night before bed DJ and I discussed how many kids we're willing to risk with this next pregnancy. The answer we decided upon: three.

There have been thousands of healthy triplets born throughout history but once you start talking quads or more there are just too many problems - for Mom and the babies. We just think it would be too hard for all *five* of us if I were to end up conceiving quads. DJ's concern: "I don't want you to be like that woman on Jon and Kate plus 8." The video clip of her pregnant with the septuplets completely grosses him out.

We aren't super excited with the idea of triplets - but these cycles are just too expensive to cancel unless absolutely necessary. The best scenario would be another singleton or twins.

So if we have three follicles it's game on.
Four? We'll cancel the cycle, forfeit the cash, and play again next month.

Oh, why did I just research that? John and Kate were told they had three, maybe four follicles. I agree with them completely - I would never consider a reduction either.

Praying for one or two healthy Florence babies.

I Love You, You Love Me

Excuse the tremendous mess. Faith's has the amazing talent of destroying an entire room in three minutes flat. The video is a little too big for blogger, so follow the link to my photobucket account instead.

The two stickers on her legs are from two separate successful potty attempts. We've slid a little (a lot, actually) with the potty training because of her illness but we're trying to get back on track. It stinks because we were almost there. Wow - you should have seen how angry she was with me when she realized I was only giving her a princess sticker if she used the potty. She thought I should just let her have the ginormous pack of 1000 princess stickers to do whatever she will.

At another moment we watched Baby Bop cry because she lost her blankie.

That little girl of mine saw her *friend* sobbing over the lost blankie and laid down on the floor, fetal position, and started crying for that lost blankie as well.

Happy 31st, Donald!

I couldn't let it go unmentioned. . . D.J. is again as old as me (for anther 8 months, anyway).

Happy Birthady!

Cousins at the Park

Aunt Miki watched Faith for a bit this morning while I had a doctor's appointment. Then, while Mackenzie had her violin lesson, I played with Faith and Madeline at the park. All I'm saying is it's hard to keep up with two kids that are running in two very different directions. When Miki and Mackenzie returned to the park, I had actually lost Faith for a moment. Faith and Madeline had sprinted into a little underground tunnel system and Faith took a "back door" out toward a big play tractor. She was only gone about a minute, but I was asking Madeline if Faith was in the tunnel with her and she replied, "Yes. Faith in here" Ugh. At least Madeline wasn't the lost child when Miki returned.

What's up with the cloud photo? There was one dark and gloomy guy overhead. I took several photos of him because he was interesting. It's the silver lining. . .

I've calmed down a lot over the pediatrician thing. I'm not sure what to do. Faith's fine - so they were right in that sense, but that doesn't excuse their complacency over her pain. I hate to say it, but it'd be a hassle to move her to a different doctor. So I need to think on it. Do I move her and risk finding another pediatrician with no empathy where I'm no better off, or do I keep her where she is and realize these people are only good for vaccines? If she gets sick again, forget the pediatrician and head straight to the hospital? Or do we find a second doctor, a GP for the whole family and use them for illness? I just don't know.

A Consultation with Dr. Reuter

I met with Dr. Reuter (pronounced Roy-ter) today. She's the fertility specialist that gave us Faith. She's very optimistic with our chances for baby number two (oh, I'm so excited to be thinking about baby #2!) She said that because I got pregnant so *easily* for Faith, we're going to jump right back in and do the exact same protocol: Letrazole (breast cancer pill - I can't remember why the heck she gives it but it worked for Faith so I'm not complaining) + Follistim (teeny tiny doses of an injectable to stimulate follicular growth) + Ovidrel (injectable to trigger ovulation) + two IUI's (artificial insemination - oh I wish I could tell you some of the jokes DJ cracks. . . but he thinks I tell you too much already) + progesterone supplements. I got pregnant the first cycle we tried this protocol last time, so we're going for a repeat.

Dr. Reuter looked very different this time. . . more doctor-like and less "my husband is Bill Gates like." She was decked out in scrubs, a pair of crocs and no jewelery. Last time we worked with her I used to joke she looks exactly like Aunt Carol after playing with Aunt Cynthia's clothes and jewelery. She was always absolutely covered in gigantic diamonds and decked out in designer clothes. She's still sweet as can be. I absolutely adore her.

I'm so sad she only monitors the first trimester (and WOW does she monitor it - I had an ultrasound about about every 10 days during those first 10 weeks for Faith.) I wish she'd be my OB all the way through. I remember when I "graduated" from Dr. Reuter for Faith I had a two week gap before my OB wanted to see me. It totally freaked me out that they were going to let two whole weeks pass without checking on me. No nurses calling, no appointments - no nothing. And then when I did go to the regular OB and they told me my next ultrasound was at 20 weeks, I about had a heart attack! Dr. Reuter spoils her patients and I got a little used to it.

We ran a prolactin and a thyroid test today. I had forgotten how efficient these people are. It was one of the many reasons I loved them so much three years ago. Within three hours I had a nurse call my cell - the bloodwork is great and we're set to start treatments.

Dr. Reuter did some quick calculations while I was there and based on my history she expects to be monitoring my ovaries around the fourth of July weekend and my inseminations will likely be around July 8,9, 10.

Dr. Reuter briefed me that we're running a 15% chance of twins. Fine by me but DJ later said, "if it's twins, that's it - you're done!" Yeah, right. I'm torn on the twin thing. I would LOVE to have twins, but that's one less pregnancy. So the selfish part of me wants all singletons now that I know how wonderful it is to be pregnant. Did I ever tell you about one of my last visits with Dr. Kindig (OB that delivered Faith?) She told me as delivery approached that I had the most wonderful pregnancy she'd seen in her entire career. I don't know whether that's true or whether it was more that I was so very thankful to be pregnant after all our struggles that I wasn't about to complain for a moment, not even in the privacy of my own head. Either way, I loved being pregnant.

Anyway, I'm off-subject. Faith came after a cycle with three follicles, so she could have easily been triplets. This time, I'd be thrilled with twins - but trips scare me a little. For Faith, we had to make the *decision* (there was no question - we jumped at the opportunity) of whether to risk triplets. I think this time I'd still go forward with three follicles, but it'd scare me a little. Four follies? I think we'll have to pass on the cycle, because I will not reduce. If I conceive four, we're having four. I guess I'll see how I feel about it when the day comes.

We want this next child as much as we ever wanted Faith and we'll love the little one every bit as much. But I suppose I'll take what God gives me, right? And that may be Faith and Faith alone. And that's OK. We're grateful for her.

But we're still going to try to make her a big sister.

Faith's Well!

Thankfully.

Yesterday afternoon I dropped her poop off at the hospital for a culture. While there, she started saying, "eat." We made a quick trip to Wendy's where she scarfed down her plain cheeseburger and then ran a quick errand at Target.

First, let me explain . . . Faith does NOT eat yogurt well. We usually have to fight her to eat a half tube. For the most part, I've given up and only try to give it to her every few weeks. Yesterday, as we drove the cart through the dairy section she spied the yogurt and started demanding some. "Yogurt. Yogurt. Yogurt." I gave her a box of Yo-Kids and we checked out.

20 minutes later, at home I carried the groceries to the kitchen - Faith was hot on my tail reminding me of the, "Yogurt, yogurt, yogurt. . . " It absolutely amazed me that her body knew, intuitively, that after that severe bout of gastroenteritis, she needed yogurt. She's had three tubes since last night ("More yogurt?!") Unheard of.

This morning at home Faith was telling me she was, "all better." She peed in her potty (dry am diaper!) and ate breakfast well. When I asked her if she wanted to go play with her friends she replied, "Emma, Isaac" (babysitter's kids.)

As I pulled into Melissa's driveway this morning, I saw Faith's little eyes look around and take in her surroundings. I started to unbuckle her from her seat and she told me, "sick." Yeah right.

DJ later laughed and told me to be on the lookout. She's going to use that to get her way from now on.

Pediatrician Visit

I took Faith back to the pediatrician this morning. She was at 99.5 (of course) while there. Her regular doctor wasn't in and she saw the same doctor she saw Saturday. I don't think that woman processed one word I said beyond, "104 since Wednesday." I explained she's been writhing in pain and screaming her belly hurts. We've had some diarrhea, but very little vomiting. I explained she is very, very gassy and I suspected gas pain. I explained she ate some tomatoes early last week and worried about salmonellosis.

To which she promptly replied, "I think she has a urinary tract infection." OK. Whatever. She catheterized my kid (which freaked Faith out, of course) and we found out she in fact, does not have a urinary tract infection.

She diagnosed "fever of unknown origin." Good lord woman. She has a massive gastroenteritis. Most likely viral, but let's rule out bacterial. What's so terrible about checking the very next diagnosis code down? You know, the box that says "gastroenteritis?"

Thankfully, I managed to talk her into running a stool culture. She specifically told me I had nothing to worry about - salmonellosis causes massive abdominal cramping and diarrhea (have you heard a word I've been saying?) Finally, to appease me, she wrote the order. So the next time she poops, I get to run it to the lab. She also ordered full bloodwork and told me to take her if, and only if, her fever pops back to 101. I just put her down for a nap at 100.3 so I'm pretty sure that we'll be running to the hospital for bloodwork later today.

Mom always tells me that I need to let these people know I'm a veterinarian. She thinks that they automatically presume every parent is a do-nothing without a brain in their head and that I need to let them know I actually do know a thing or two about, um, dogs. Because a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy, right? I never mention the vet thing. I guess because I hate, hate, hate when my clients throw the fact that they are a nurse, EMT, medical aid, or whatever in my face. But on the flip side, I always, always, always run whatever tests my clients request. I've told people I think we are unnecessarily spending their money, but it's their money to spend and I run the test. Guess what? Sometimes the client knows their pet better than I do. Imagine that.

Sick Baby Faith

Quick update: it's quarter to seven and Faith's snoring next to her daddy. I'll wake her in a half hour and we'll get going on this day.

We've had a rough weekend. Faith's not feeling well at all. For the most part I gave her either Motrin or Tylenol every 4 hours since the doctor saw her Saturday. Before that, she was taking Motrin every 6 hours since Wednesday night - but it wasn't working the full six hours to keep her fever at bay.

Yesterday Aunt Miki had the great idea to call Peyton Manning (the Children's Hospital, not the football star) to talk to a nurse. The nurse was super nice but didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. Mostly her words of warning were - it's dangerous to alternate the Motrin and Tylenol every 4 hours. She suggested we back off to every 6 hours. So we tried, and Faith's fever spiked back up to 103.5 and rising quickly before I caved and gave her some Tylenol at the five hour mark.

Last night at 10 as I pulled Faith into bed with me she started screaming, "hurt" at the top of her little lungs so DJ and I decide to take her to the emergency room. I quickly dressed myself and popped Faith on the toilet to pull her hair in a little pony. She immediately spied a little bath toy on the counter and said, "hey! Look at this!" as she started playing. So back to bed we went.

3am. Screaming, flailing, kicking, punching. It was the most frightening thing I've ever heard or seen. I was just about to take her to the emergency room again when I remembered her pediatrician gave me her home number for this sort of thing. The pediatrician advised me to give her a dose of Tylenol (thanks, couldn't have come up with that on my own) and wait an hour. If she was still screaming furiously, then take her to the emergency room.

The Tylenol didn't calm her, but Barney sure did. We watched him on and off for an hour and a half. Faith wasn't screaming, but she was sobbing and saying, "hurt" and "sick."

The one thing DJ did remember last night - Faith had a burrito for lunch last Monday with some fresh salsa on it. She started telling us she "hurt" Wednesday night. Since she has had a little diarrhea, we're wondering if maybe she got in on the Salmonellosis scare.

Regardless, today we're demanding someone, somewhere figure out what's up with Faith.

Slumber Party

We partied and we slumbered, so that makes it a slumber party, right? My original plan had been to spend the whole night at Matt and Miki's and leave Faith with her cousins for the morning. Well, since she wasn't feeling well, I brought her home when Matt and Miki got back from their concert (around 12:30.) I was afraid if she woke in the morning without her Mommy or her Daddy and was sick she'd flip out.

I'm glad I did. At 5 am she was back up to 104.5. The Motrin's been slow to pull it back down and I called the pediatrician from work this morning. Before I could even get the whole story out (all I said was high fever for three days,) the receptionist had her scheduled for an appointment. So I called DJ and told him to bring her to the doctor. Let's just say he was *less than enthusiastic* about getting out of bed to bring her to the doctor. So I yelled at him until he got over it and agreed to take her in. Yeah, the momma bear in me said, "take care of my cub!"

And then they told him to just watch her. It's not strep but she's a little red back there (of course she's a little red "back there" . . . it's the back of her throat!) Her ears are OK, and it's OK that she has only eaten 1/2 a piece of pizza in 3 days - because she's still drinking well. They checked the "viral pharyngitis" box on her discharge sheet - which is the same box they checked when I brought her in for wacked-out smelling urine - yeah, figure that, I brought her in for smelly pee and they diagnosed a sore throat. From that I've deduced they check the "viral pharyngitis" whenever they mean either, "your kid's fine and you're a freak," or "Hmm. I don't know what's up with your kid and I really don't want to think about it."

If she's still running the fever Monday I'm supposed to bring her back for a recheck. I'm wondering what they'll do then. Probably check "viral pharyngitis" again and send me on my way.

All I'm saying is it really, really sucks to hear her little voice say, "Sick. Body hurt" (or is it "belly hurt?" I can't tell) over and over.

Back to the slumber party. . . Faith was fine until bedtime when the fever spiked back up and she wasn't yet due for more Motrin so we had to wait it out (I gave her Tylenol but it didn't touch the fever.) She was clingy for about 2 hours. Mackenzie did great. Excellent. She brought me movies and gave a little puppet show for Faith. Madeline was really good until bedtime. She spent most of the night giving me kisses and telling me she loved me. At bedtime she started bawling her little head off, "miss Mom. Miss Mom." Mackenzie, with all the empathy of a big sister (so that would be none) told me unenthusiastically, "Madeline misses Mom" as she rolled over and went to sleep.

Can you even see Madeline giving Faith a kiss at the bottom of this photo? At work I could see it clear on my screen, but here at home it's nothing but black.

Stickers!

How is it even possible for me to have absolutely no idea what my child is up to while she sits in my lap? Seriously.

So I pulled Faith into my lap and turned on the Disney channel this morning. As she watched "Phineas and Ferb," I perused the boards. DJ calls the boards the modern mom's trashy talk show - it's where I get everything from beauty tips to soap opera drama that's going on in other people's lives. Anyway, it sucks me in. It's a problem.

So Faith sat in my lap watching TV while I played on the Internet. I looked down and she had stolen my sheet of stamps ("Stickers!") and plastered them all over her little legs. HOW did I not see her doing this? It's the board's fault. I'd give you a link, but I really think it's best if you not go there. I'd hate to drag you down with me.

If you are wondering, her fever spiked at 104 this morning, but is down under 100 right now. I talked to Aunt Miki and Mackenzie has the exact same thing going on. I offered to leave Faith home with Daddy but Mackenzie wouldn't have been happy with that so the slumber party is on (Matt and Miki have concert tickets tonight for their first "date" in six years. . . Faith and I are hanging with the girls.) Even with two sick girls, I'm determined to have fun.

Two Year Molars

Faith's been telling me "hurt" a lot lately - but she won't tell me where. Last night I started fiddling with her toes and worked my way up her little body to figure out where it hurts. When I reached in her mouth I found two of her fatty little two-year-molars peeking through. That'll do it. I gave her a dose of Motrin and tossed her in her crib.

3am: crying and saying, "sick." I brought her to bed with me and noticed she was burning up. Another dose of Motrin. 45 minutes later she was still tossing and burning so I checked her temp - 101.5. Crikey - that's after Motrin.

So DJ's staying home with a teething toddler today. They are both still in bed at 9:30 (DJ dug a big ditch in the back yard yesterday and is feeling pretty sore.) Faith's temp is up to 103.3 and we're doing the alternating Motrin/Tylenol thing.

But I did make her wake up for a moment so I could pull her hair back into a little pony - which she hates. She sat up without complaint but as soon as I started combing her hair she started crying, "sick, sick." Apparently "sick" girls aren't supposed to wear little pony tails.

People are Crazy!

Aunt Carol got me started watching this woman's work. Yikes. I mean seriously. . . fifteen hundred and thirty six dollars for a scrapbook page layout? I'm in the wrong business. Don't get me wrong. . . it's beautiful and I'm happy for her. But just wow. Check it out for yourself on ebay. Link.

Skinny Dipping

Just a fun video from Faith's before-bed swim last night.

First things first - I don't generally allow her to skinny dip, but last night we weren't planning on swimming at all. DJ's digging up the back yard (don't ask - it's a terrible mess) and we went out to visit with daddy before bed. She got in fully clad in her PJ's so I just stripped them (soaking wet) off and tossed them to the side of the pool.

And another cute video. I tried to upload this one here, but you need to see her little facial expressions and the blogger screen is too small (she gives me a quick squint for "where's your eyes" and a smile for teeth.) I learned something important in the art of raising Faith last night. . . I've been asking her for months to smile for pictures. Last night I figured out I'd been asking her the wrong question.

Sunday, Poolday

DJ is always telling Faith not to pick Mommy's pretty flowers. Of course, she picks them anyway and I laugh and tell DJ not to worry about it - it will just make them grow back thicker.
And why does SPF 50 sunblock still allow her to pink up?

When You Can't Drive North, Drive South

A wedding in Louisville. It should have been a fun day. We did have fun, but we had exciting first. Kind of scary, actually.

Joy called me at work yesterday morning to tell me she wasn't sure if she'd make it in - the floodwaters were just too high and the roads were covered. She did end up making it safely, but one look at a weather map told me Greenwood (where she was coming from) hadn't been hit nearly as hard as further south. If she was having trouble, I was worried about what we'd hit driving to Louisville. I called DJ and put him on the task of checking it out.

A couple hours later he said he'd checked the Internet, all was well, and we started driving south. Turns out, not so much.
This was I-65 yesterday around 12:30 pm. The northbound lane (at the top of the photo) is completely underwater. The water was coming up on the southbound lane as well. This photo shows us going into the water, at this point the water was lapping over the dashed dividing line on the interstate. A few moments after I took this photo, we were driving through a good 18 inches or more of rushing water. Scary.
DJ intended to hit the first exit, find a road north and head home. But the roads were all closed so we kept on keeping on for the wedding. DJ said, "We can't go north, so we might as well go south." 20 minutes further south the ground was dry and the sun was shining.

The wedding was Matt and Brittney's (Matt is DJ's step-brother.) I love Catholic weddings. The Church is so rich in traditions that you just don't see anywhere else. Faith found the fountain of Holy Water after the wedding. I made her bless herself, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" guiding her little hands. Afterwards, she would reach in with her right hand, touch the water, and tap her left shoulder. Pretty good for a not-quite-two-year-old. We're getting there. Checking out all the dead priests.Almost immediately upon entering the reception hall, Faith tried to get the party started:

Joyce and Doug (father and step-mother of the groom)Faith doesn't know it, but I've been planning on giving her a Nintendo DS for Christmas this year. I had a client a few months ago with a (barely) three-year-old playing letter games happily during her dog's exam. I figured it'd be a great gift for her.

We took an alternate route home. All I'm saying is I'm glad I put him on the task of deciding whether it was safe to travel. If I'd have given the all clear and we'd ventured into that mess, I'd have heard it all day.

Who's the Best?

This past week I've been trying to orchestrate a little conversation with Faith. Here's how it's been going:
Cathy: Faith, you're the best! Say, "No. . . you're the best!"
Faith: No, Best!
Cathy: Noooo. . . you're the best!

Last night
Cathy: Faith, you're the best!
Faith: I'm the best.

Stormy Indiana Skies

Be Ye Not Stupid

Last night as I tried to put Faith to bed (several times) she told me (several times) "hurt." I brought her downstairs to cuddle with her daddy and I gave her a dose of Motrin. I set the bottle on the end table next to his chair and a half-hour later I put her to bed.

This morning after Faith woke, I put Barney onDemand (Barney's her current favorite) and came upstairs to strip our bed. As I carried the sheets downstairs to toss in the wash, I noticed her sucking on the bottle of Motrin. Examining further, I saw she had managed to take off the childproof cap. She was half-naked (again) and was rubbing sticky Motrin all over her chest. A quick smell in the direction of her breath told me she had also taken a chug.

So I called the pediatrician who had me call poison control. The super nice nurse asked a ton of questions, did a little math, and decided that Faith probably hadn't taken enough Motrin to land her in any danger. Regardless, I had to watch her closely for two hours. Sure enough, after the two hours the nurse called back to check on Faith - she was fine (actually, she was singing and clapping while I was on the phone.) Nurse claimed we were in the clear and took my address to send me some poison control magnets so the next time this happens (it won't) I'll have the number handy.

Lesson of the day: put your medicine out of reach of little hands.

Then I made her follow me around the house as I cleaned it - convinced that poison control was going to call CPS on me and I would lose my kid over the dirty dishes in the sink.

We Have Baby Tomatoes!

I was so surprised this morning to find a little cluster of baby tomatoes. Look how tiny my plants still are and the little guys are already producing.

Last year I planted one cherry tomato plant. Prior to 2007 I'd always had a gigantic over-abundance. Faith changed things. I barely had a single tomato for a salad last year - she ate every one I could pick. Every single one. This year we planted six tomato plants - three of which are cherry.

We're also growing corn (ruby red - because I was curious,) beans, peas, bell peppers, cucumbers and a full herb garden. I love summer.

So it Starts - Baby #2!

I am so excited - absolutely bouncing in my chair! I just phoned Dr. Reuter's office and have an appointment on June 18th for a consultation - we're doing this again! Really, really doing this again.


After three failed cycles of clomid it's time to move back toward the fertility specialist and play for real. We had a suspicion the clomid wouldn't work because it never worked for Faith but I needed to give it a try. At just over $200 per cycle total for the clomid, and about $2000 per cycle with Dr. Reuter (for Faith) I just had to try. It was a gamble with poor odds and we lost. But I would have been thrilled to get pregnant so inexpensively. Worth a shot.

With a little luck and God's good graces Faith will be a big sister before she's three.

BPA-Free

When I started hearing about the BPA in so many of the plastic bottles it was already too late for Faith - she had long since graduated from bottles. (Not familiar with the problem? Linky, linky) I figured we'd just have to suck it up and buy a second system for our next baby. Regardless, Faith's bottles were stored away in the garage for whatever purposes.

This morning, my E-friends told me that some Babies R Us stores are exchanging bottles containing BPA. I called and confirmed with my local store. Can you believe this? Faith and I returned her entire Avent system this morning (seventeen bottles total) and received an $82 credit toward BPA-free bottles. We picked up 24 new bottles (glass - nobody is ever going to claim glass is toxic,) nipples, sealing discs, a bottle cooler, bottle brush, cold packs, and a tub toy storage thingie for Faith. Technically, I was only supposed to exchange for bottles, but the nice customer service lady let me trade for supplies and the tub thing as well.

I'm fairly impressed with Babies R Us. I used that system with Faith for almost a year. They gave me a full merchandise credit - no questions asked and exchanged it for a whole new system.

But if you need to return your bottles - act quick. Rumor has it BRU will only take them back through June 7 (but that's just a rumor - call your local store.) Oh, and don't make the same mistake I did. . . I bought the old-fashioned, non-venting evenflow nipples to go with the evenflow bottles - I should have bought the Medela nipples - they work with these bottles and they vent.

Edited to add: I forgot the best part! As Faith and I waited in line at customer service, a lady with a young (4 month old) baby stood behind us. Faith looked in that baby carrier and exclaimed, "I love you, baby!" So it begins - I now have no idea what is going to come out of my child's mouth when we are in public.

I Just Wanna Be Naked!

I remember when Emma was about two-and-a-half or three she screamed at her Mommy, "I just wanna be naked!" DJ still repeats that line all the time. He just thinks it's the funniest thing ever (along with Emma's other classic - while bawling - "I want my booger!")

Anyway, back on topic. I've had a song in my head from years and years ago. All I could remember was: Jessie, a cat named Moses, and Mexico. I've been obsessing over it for a long while, but couldn't remember any more. Do you remember the song? Here, let me help you.

So I ran a Blingo search this morning to figure it out. I left Faith unattended with Barney downstairs for no more than five minutes and returned to find her 100% full effort, arms in the air, butt shaking, dancing to the "I Love You, You Love Me" Barney song.

Completely naked.

Daily Life

This morning on the way to work I was stopped by a big flock of geese with over 50 little goslings crossing the street. It was the most amazing sight. I would have had the best photo for you today, but stupid me forgot the camera. When do I ever leave my camera at home? Never. But I forgot it today.

After my morning appointments Faith and I popped up to the north side for a Costco run. On the way, we dropped off Matt's dirty laundry and kielbasa (how many points is kielbasa, Matt?) Faith and Mackenzie caught a touch of cousin-time through the window.

Word is getting out about extended rear facing - Amy emailed me (yes, I asked) that she's planning on keeping Brody rear facing as long as possible too (but he's already twenty-some pounds so they'll have to forward face a lot younger than we will.) Like Faith, he rides in a Marathon. It really is a great choice for extended rear facing. And ERF is the safest choice for our kids. Yeah, I'm a broken record. ERF is my cause. Faith learned that the Costco food court has hot dogs. We can't leave the store without her exclaiming, "Hot Dog!?" It's the best deal in town - a big, juicy, hot dog and medium fountain drink for $1.50. Matt and Miki told me years ago that Mackenzie would cry to go to Costco for a hot dog, or when they'd just drive past the store she'd demand one. Faith's not far behind.
Have you tried the artichoke/jalapeno dip? Soooo good. Next time you are there, pick up a tub.

I Have A Few Photos To Share

Don't miss the video mixed in!

Aunt Carol has several acres outside Utica. Faith explored a bit. Later in the week Aunt Carol let me play in her workshop. I have officially started making my Christmas cards with a lot of Aunt Carol's goodies. You'll have to wait for them, but I can promise you they will be spectacular this year. Aunt Carol has lots of scrapping toys.

This isn't the best quality photo, but it shows Faith's little outfit. I found this at Once Upon A Child last year - tags still on from Chocolate Soup (super uppity boutique here in Indy - now out of business.) You wouldn't believe the number of compliments I had on her at the rehearsal dinner. Mom said she heard it all night too - What a beautiful little outfit!

DJ calls this outfit "Grandma meets MC Hammer."

I think Brody may be the cutest little boy I've ever seen in my entire lifetime. I instantly fell in love with Brody. He's nothing but smiles. I always refer to our next child as Faith's "brother" but secretely I have always wished for another girl. I've just never thought God would bless me so profoundly as to have two girls. That changed this week. Brody made me fully and completely want a boy. I would steal him in a flash.

As I was cooing over Brody, Faith pushed him out of my lap. "My Mommy," she said.
Prior to the wedding Faith ate nearly a half-pound of Gummy Savers. I had brought them for bribery purporses, but we never made it that far.
Beardslee Castle
These two little girls came to the wedding in dresses that matched those worn by Mackenzie, Madeline and Faith perfectly. We couldn't have planned it better. The five girls played all night. It should make for some good pictures for Kimberly's album.

Every time I look at this child I am blown away by her beauty. She is simply stunning.

Aunt Eva (Grandpa Schrader's sister)


It's ginger ale - but she couldn't have enough!
Grandpa rescued Mommy when she was going crazy. Faith wanted to run and I was done chasing her. Grandpa spent a few moments with Faith.
Kim and her daddy
Uncle Joe and Aunt Eva

I didn't see Mackenzie dancing with her daddy, but Madeline wasn't afraid (remember the celing fan incident?)

Mackenzie and the father of the bride
Dancing queen

At a rest area heading home.

I had DJ rescue Faith from her seat once we arrived home. She grabbed hold of her daddy and made him hold her for a good twenty minutes. Then she cried when Grandma and Grandma left to go home. She realized this week just how much she loves them.