Checking In

Whew!  Things are getting a little crazy around here.  Every kid has something different going on and Jerry is getting to work a ton of overtime at work!  Which has been a total blessing, it couldn't have come at a better time.  But with him being gone an extra 2 days a week, it's been a struggle to rearrange my schedule and take all the kids to appointments that I didn't plan on taking them to.  But we are surviving, let's start with the youngest.

TYLER

Tyler's lead screening hasn't come back from the lab yet, I blame the government shutdown.  I think it's driving the nurses crazy, they keep calling me to tell me that it's still not back.  The rest of Jaxen's blood work came back and it wasn't perfect.  So little man must get his blood drawn again next week.  Tyler's white blood cells were elevated, which could mean something as simple as he was fighting some type of infection.  However, the scary part is that it could also mean something as horrible as leukemia.  So they want to recheck to verify the white blood cell count went back down to normal levels.  I'm not freaking out yet, because I honestly don't think anything is wrong with him.  He is a very healthy child.  But it's always nice to get the bad things ruled out completely.  So keep him in your thoughts because next Thursday or Friday is going to be a rough day for him.

Ty has finally added a few more teeth to the bottom jaw!  LOL, besides the two front teeth, Tyler just got his first set of molars.  It's quite funny how he has the front teeth, then molars but missing the ones in between on both the top and bottom.  I imagine teething has been the reason that he's been a total bear lately!

JAXEN

Since the last time we wrote, Jaxen has had his R.E.D meeting.  Basically, we had a meeting that went over everything we knew of Jaxen and determined if there was any addition information or testing needed.  He has about 3 - 4 more tests that need to be done to determine if he qualifies for services when he turns three.  It's all been a little overwhelming lately, he is doing so well and has come a long ways. . . I just hope he can continue to get additional services before he has to start school.  

Jaxen's tests are on November 1st at a Preschool in Belton.  Then two weeks later, November 15th, we find out if he qualifies for services beyond three years old.  Fingers crossed, I would love to see him continue on with at least Speech Therapy.

JACOB

This kid is going through some type of middle child phase. . . he has to be!  He's a mess. Crying about everything, getting angry about silly things, causing trouble just to cause it, and destroying things.  At first, I thought he was acting out because Jerry was gone more than he use to be {and I still do to a point} but now I think it's a boy/age thing.  The other little boy we watch after school is doing the same thing and driving his mom nuts, too!  I've really tried to make time for just Mom and Jacob activities and when Jerry's home he tried to include Jake in the "mainly" stuff.  Like tinkering in the garage.  I think he's just trying to find his place in the family.  He's not a baby anymore, he's a big kid. . . but he's not the oldest.

Jacob is doing really well in school, we have been having our issues on the bus.  And I'm afraid it won't be long until he gets an actual bad note sent home.  He doesn't see the bus as an extension of school, he see it as playtime with his buddies and that's getting him in trouble.  Jake is definitely a follower.

CHLOE

Little mama is doing good.  She's got her own thing going on most of the time.  With her is mostly Girl Scouts or the orthodontist.  She's doing great in school, really proud of her and the effort that she's putting towards her school work.  Third grade is suppose to be the harder transition.  And according to her midterm report card she's getting all A's and one B.  

Jacob - 6 year physical

Jacob's checkup this afternoon proved that he is 100% healthy and a small fry!

He is 3 foot, 6 inches tall and 40 pounds.  However, he is only it's the 5th percentile in weight and the 15th percentile in height!  Which by itself can be alarming, but he's been on a constant growth all his life.  His chart shows he's gaining weight and getting taller every year.  Plus, his momma was a pretty small kid growing up.  :-)

Wic

This morning the older boys had a WIC Appointment.  These appointments are so annoying and are fairly short. The hardest part is getting everyone up, dressed, and out the door.  Since it's a pretty big deal to get everyone ready AND JERRY WAS HOME.  I just took Jake and Jax.  I left Chloe home with Tyler.  :-)  Brave step for me, but Jerry was home  - tired and sleepy but home.

This appointment was Jacob's last for Wic.  He turns next month {OMG! When did he grow up?!} and is officially graduated off the program.

The boys were very well behaved while we were there and it gave me the confidence to take them upstairs to the Health Department and apply for Tyler's Birth Certificate.  Which isn't a big deal, just some paperwork to fill out and $15.00 later you walk out with a copy of the birth certificate.  But little things like that can be a nightmare with unruly children! 

So it's official, Tyler is ours - the birth certificate says so!!  :-)
Here are the boy's stats :::

At 4 years, 10 months, 1 week and 5 days old, Jacob is 38.5 pounds.
At 1 year, 6 months, 3 weeks and 2 days old, Jaxen is 29.5 pounds.

Also, Jaxen and I both had our iron checked and passed with flying colors.  :-)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Let's start off on a good note. . . Happy Valentine's Day!!!  Not too much is going on around here this week.  I have something to do every day but I've had weeks where I had tons to do each day!

This afternoon is Chloe's Valentine's Party at school.  I hope I remember to bring my camera and that will be a different post all together.  Yesterday, her and I made goodies bags for her class.  I think they turned out pretty awesome!  :-)



Tomorrow, is Girl Scout Day for me.  And Jerry is going to call around and see if he can get the rest of the things we are missing to get our taxes done.  With the move at the end of December. . . I am certain we received everything, but I can't seem to locate a few important items.  So hopefully, next week we will be able to go get our taxes done. . . weather permitting of course!!  We remember last year when Jerry rolled the Explorer.

Thursday is my doctor's appointment.  I am hoping it doesn't take all day and that we hear nothing but awesome news.  This is kind of the turning point - past halfway - where things can start getting iffy.  I try not to think about it too much because it stresses me out, but then I am trying to really pay attention to see if maybe I can tell when somethings up.  I really don't want to have this baby following in his brother's footsteps with an early/scary arrival!

I have nothing planned on Friday.  Nothing at all. = )  I hope it stays that way.  I missed work last weekend because of sick children and I am sure I'll pay for it next weekend.  = (  {Oh, and heads up.  I doubt I'll be considered for the position, but I signed up for an office job working the same shift I currently work in the Traffic Receiving Office.  A lot of others signed up, but I am just looking for something that will allow me to work as long as possible without so much heavy lifting.  That was you FYI, just in case I mention it in a later post.}

Saturday night after all our party guest left and it was just me and the kids. . . The boys' cough took a turn for the worse.  Jaxen spiked a fever and was cranky and miserable.  Jacob was up all night crying / whining / driving me nuts!  SO after being up with two sick, fever running, horrible coughing little boys until 1:30am - I stayed home to get some sleep myself.  Jerry didn't think I would be very safe drive a forklift on an hours worth of sleep!  Plus with me home I was able to dose them with medicine every 4 - 6 hours while Jerry got some sleep.  Jacob was the first to break his fever and thankfully Chloe never got more than the cough.  Jaxen had me running to the store for more medicine Sunday because Tylenol would not break his 102.0 fever.  Finally, after a bath and Motrin - we were able to start seeing a difference in his fever.  And after a dose of Motrin, he was able to eat and play for about 30 - 60 minutes before crashing back to the moping around then house. 

Jaxen slept most of the weekend away and he really needed to.  But every time the Motrin wore off his fever would spike again.  So I stayed home Monday too - since I could get paid my sick pay.  And it wasn't until Monday afternoon that I was able to get rid of the fever completely.  He still gets cranky really fast, so I am keeping him on Tylenol.  But he is eating and playing again for longer periods of time.  I'm sure it will just take time to get him back to his old self.

Well that's it for me.  I have to finish paying the bills - what I originally sat down at the computer to do!  Then it's time to see if I can get the darn cat out of the tree.  = \

1st Visit to the Dentist

Chloe, Jacob and Jaxen all had their first visit to the Dentist this afternoon!  I know, most of you are thinking I should have taken Chloe years ago, but really my own insecurities have held me back.  I hate the dentist and when i go, I go alone so that my fears don't rub onto the kids.  However, it was time.  Chloe and Jacob are both old enough and what better time to start them down the right path than now.

Chloe was first.  She was scared and nervous but she didn't let that stop her.  She walked right in, sat down and asked the hygienist to go slow and nice and to please tell her everything she was going to do first.  =)  I couldn't help but think, "That's my girl!"  She laid it all on the line and the lady was really nice and did everything Chloe asked her to do.  Chloe even asked some pretty good questions about all the tools and gadgets.  The hygienist was very impressed with her. 

Chloe started out by getting her very first set of dental xrays taken.  The film hurt her mouth but she was big and brave enough to hold it long enough to get a decent picture.  She loved looking at the xrays!  She was even brave enough to sit through the entire cleaning of her teeth and the fluoride rinse (yuck!).  She did amazing with all the sounds and gadgets that they were putting in her mouth.

Once the dentist came in to check everything out, we got to discuss Chloe's Class 3 - Under bite.

UNDER BITE - This occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars, which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.

This is something that she's had for as long as I can remember and it doesn't bother her.  However, I learned today that if we don't fix it now while the baby teeth are falling out and the new teeth are coming in, as an adult it would require extensive surgery to re-align her jaw and then braces to bring the teeth into the correct placement.  *Gulp!*  Our dentist has seen a number of kids with this problem, including one of his own.  And he has an easy fix for it.  Over the next 6-months, Chloe will loose both of the top front teeth.  They are both currently loose.  Hopefully, when the adult teeth come in, they will automatically be the teeth out in front.  However, if they look like they are going to sit behind the bottom row of teeth, Chloe will get crowns glued on to the front set of teeth and over a 2-week period, during normal eating and talking, her teeth will move that direction and her bite will align naturally.  After 2-weeks, the crowns get removed and Chloe goes on like normal.  Of course, the dentist did say that it could take a couple tries with the crowns before the "correct" alignment is achieved and the crowns are a little bigger than normal teeth - so she might look a little funny or off, but they have seen very good results and it's a whole lot cheaper and less invasive than surgery.  And the dentist did say that Chloe could force the teeth forward with her tongue or fingers while they are growing in if she messed with pushing them forward.  So we will see, everything will take course once we see how her adult teeth are coming in!

Other thing that was surprising because she's still a little young, Chloe has her first set of adult molars coming in.  In fact, most of them are a good chunk of the way in.  These molars will need to be capped once they are in all the way to protect them from decay.

Next up was Jacob!  I wasn't so sure about him sitting still through the whole thing, but he did better than I expected.  He was really leery about the tools and gadget that they wanted to stick in his mouth, but they put him in charge of the air sucker and he was in heaven.  While they brushed and cleaned his teeth, Jacob got to hold the air tube sucking out the yuck.  It was so funny to watch him in action.  He even tried to suck up the hygienist's hand while she was cleaning his teeth. 

Jacob didn't get xrays done because he was so antsy, they are going to try next time since he will know what he's there for.  He did however get the fluoride rinse, but because they were worried about him swallowing it, it was a very diluted rinse.  He surprised us all and did great - I told him if he swallowed it I would know because his belly would turn purple!

The dentist checked in Jacob's mouth and said he had a great set of teeth, all his baby teeth are nicely spaced for his adult teeth to come in perfectly.  In fact, his teeth were ideal.  He isn't going to have any of the problems that Chloe might have.  Which is nice to know that we might only have to pay an arm and a leg for one child!  Just Kidding.

Overall, older two did great.  They both got awesome spinning tooth brushes - I always got the old cheap kind!  Chloe's is Cinderella and Jacob has a Red Power Ranger.  Jaxen also got his teeth looked at, but at this point it's more just to have interaction with the dentist and office staff.  His teeth are looking nice and he will get his first "attempt" at cleaning them around 18-24 months, once he has molars. 

Jerry got his stitched taken out.  He's all finished with the dentist until he goes back with the kids in 6-months!  I've already got the appointment scheduled so that he can't back out on me!!  Of course, the dentist did say that if he had any issues before then to just give them a call and they will get him seen asap.  Outside anything crazy, Wednesday, August 6th everyone goes back for another cleaning just before school starts.

Once we got home, Jerry got some of the dog fence posts put up.  After fighting over where to put the dogs, I gave up.  The fence isn't where I would like it, but it will do. . . I just want them out of my house.  Chloe and I also took full advantage of the nice weather and took a ton of boxes and trash to the burn pit and set her ablaze!  It was beautiful outside today - a year ago we had blizzard like conditions and 10.5 inches of snow on the ground! 

So we went from this in 2011:

To this in 2012:

And last but not least.  Here are the pictures of the curtains I made the kids, just as I promised.

Jacob and Jaxen's Room

Chloe's Room

And if you haven't lately, check out the Picasa web albums, I've added a bunch of pictures from my camera and my cell phone!

What am I doing wrong?!

Let me start off by saying that I KNOW that there are a lot of missing pieces in this blog!  I'm not sure if there is enough time in the day for me to fill you in on everything that has gone on in the past couple of months.  I can tell you that thing have been insane!  I hope things things are finally settling down for us and I believe we have made all the right decisions for our family.  Only time will tell and with time all will be revealed on here!   :-)

With everything going on, I really think it was/is too much for Jacob.  He's is absolutely driving me crazy because he has had a GIANT set back in using the bathroom.  My once 100% potty trained 4-year old is back to not going in the potty - AT ALL!  By 9am this morning, Jacob had already peed and pooped in his underwear.  He will sit in it and he will wear it all day long.  He will go get on the potty if I ask him to, but he will not go on his own.

I have tried EVERYTHING!  I'm almost to my breaking point.  I've punished/spanked, awarded good behavior, taken toys/monkey away, made him stand in the corner,bribed, sent him to bed early, praised, given him more one-on-one time and looked the other way.  I just don't know what else to do.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

Jacob says that he doesn't know when he has to go. . . which I find hard to believe because he's been potty trained once.  I also find it hard to believe because he sits in it until I find it. . . it doesn't phase him to have dirty underwear.  I'm sure it's all the changes that have taken place in the last month - new house, him and Jaxen have to share a room now, etc. 

Jerry and I are literally clueless.  Any suggestion would be appreciated!!  Any other parents gone through this?!

I'm still here. . .

Wowzers, I can't believe I haven't post since Jacob's birthday!  These days quickly got away from me.  But honestly, we have been adjusting to a new normal around here.

The day after Jacob's Birthday, I started my new job at the Distribution Center.  I love working three days and being home four!!  I didn't realize how easy Jerry had it!  He's had to step up his domestic duties since we are on the same schedule!!  I'm not cleaning the house by myself!  Okay, I suppose I should let him off the hook a little, he does work NIGHTS, so the shift in schedule is harder for him than it is on me.  And it doesn't matter what he's worked, he is up every morning with Chloe and Jacob getting them ready for school with me.  Which is something I really enjoy!  And I thought he would like that extra sleeping in in the morning. . . he must enjoy getting them ready too!

Chloe's in full swing with school, Girl Scouts, and Cheer leading.  The biggest difference between kindergarten and first grade is HOMEWORK!  The teacher is very good to us parents. . . I get a note home on Monday letting me know the days and the subject that will be coming home.  Which lets me make sure she does it right away and not wait until bedtime to remember!  So far, Tuesday's and Thursday's have been reading and Wednesday's been math homework.

I've been able to take Chloe to and from Cheer practice, but Daddy's had to do the games.  However, I want to take the time to complain. . . the games that fall on his days are at Chloe's school!  My games are always the away games, where I have to go find some tiny school out in the middle of nowhere!!  We still have another month and a half of Cheering.  I'm not sure if she's going to do it again next year - she might surprise me!

Jacob's absolutely LOVE pre-school!!  I was so nervous, because he's a shy guy until he gets used to something.  But he walks into classroom with his head high and has so much fun!!  He's talks a mile a minute when Jerry and I pick him up.  He's the youngest in his class. . . most of his classmates attended pre-school last year but the Level 1 time and days interfered with our work schedules so we elected to put Jake in Level 2.  Next year he will be in Level 2 again but he will go all day instead of half days. . . to get ready for Kindergarten.

My favorite part of Thursday and Friday is picking Jacob up at school.  Friday when I picked him up he told me he had "Cheese-It's" in his bag.  I questioned him. . . why do you have "cheese-it's" in your bag?  Jacob the digs in he bag, "NO Mom!  I have Chheeeeses." and pulls out a picture of Jesus!!  :-)  Gotta love him!!  The day before I asked him what his bible verse was and he says in a super cute voice. . . "In the Beginning God created the Heavens and Earth."  Then shows me how to do it in sign language!  I am so glad he is doing so well in preschool!

Jaxen is just cuddly, cute, and LOUD!  He's very mobile, very energetic and did I mention VERY loud!?!?!  He's about to get two bottom teeth, they are so close. . . I look every day to make sure they haven't popped up!  Jaxen will be 9 months old next weekend!  The time is going really too fast!  I don't remember the other two growing up as fast!

I've started Girl Scouts up for the year, my little troop of 7 girls is now 3 troops of 18!!  And I am literally getting a phone call or email everyday about another girl wanting to join!!  I've really gotten my hand full this year!!!  It must be a good thing I only work the weekends, now I can devote more time to Girl Scouting!  LOL

Well I better get going and get the kids in bed.  I have to have everyone up and out the door by 3am!  Please bare with me, next weekend my baby sister gets married and I'm working this new schedule. . . I use to update the blog on Sundays. . .now I have to find a new day to update!!  Hopefully, I will get an update are two in during September.  But I tell you now, it's a super busy month!!

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

What happened to my little baby?!?!

When did he get to be this big boy?!

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY, JACOB ALEXANDER!!!

I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW. . .



Update on Jacob

Well as most of you facebook lurkers already know, I had to take Jacob to the doctor again today.

I called the pediatrician this morning, because after 48 hours of kicking, screaming, and fighting Jacob to allow us to put the eye drops in his eyes, I had had enough.  I was literally terrorizing my poor child.  He was hating me.  I was hating me and I couldn't keep going. . . emotionally.  It was just as hard on me as it was on him.  So I called the doctor to find out if there was something else I could give him besides eye drops.

And of course, our doctor couldn't prescribe Jacob anything new until he seen him personally.  So the pediatrician's office was able to get me an appointment for 2pm.  I was already at work, and believe me, if I had to leave I would have in a heartbeat. But by working 6 hours and then going home, I worked over half my shift and it's much easier for Walmart to overlook than me just taking off a couple hours after I got there.  So I worked 7a-1p, without a lunch and then clocked out for the day.  My boss is and was very good about letting me go, especially when it comes to my babies!

So at 1pm, I took off and headed for home to get Jacob.  Jerry had him dressed, fed and ready to go when I pulled in the drive.  And Jerry was even kind enough to stay awake {after working all night} with Jaxen while I took just Jake to the doctor.

Dr. S was super nice, took a look around his eye. . . Yes, Jacob let him touch his eye!. . . and said it was definitely pink eye.  We went over my questions and concerns about the eye drops and he asked to see them.  Dr. S was shocked to see that the nurse practitioner at the Take Care Clinic prescribed such a harsh eye drop.  Apparently, the pH of the medication was totally different than the eye.  Which would be okay for you and me, but to Jacob, Dr. S said it would feel like sandpaper and fire in his eye.  Hence the reaction and fighting I got when I put them in his eye.

After talking it out, the doctor thought it would be better just to let the pink eye run it's course but after some more thought decided to give him an oral antibiotic, didn't want him to pass it to his baby brother or big sister!  It's not the best medicine, ideally the eye drops are the best and fastest when it comes to getting rid of the pink eye.  But being a parent himself, he understands the conflict us as parents have with torturing our kids, even if it's what's best for them.  So I've probably scared Jacob for life and he'll probably never be able to do eye drops again!!  I was warned that the oral medicine will take longer but it's easier for a three-year-old to take. . . making it the best option.

So for the next 7 days, Jacob is must take his oral antibiotic twice a day with food, warm wash cloth on the eye, keep eye free of gunk, and Tylenol as needed.  The antibiotics will allow him to attend school later in the week.  If it's still swollen next Monday we go back to the doctor and make a new approach. . . which is beyond my pediatrician.  He said we would come in for another office visit and he would be making phone calls. . . and Jacob would have to see an eye specialist at Children's Mercy to make sure that there isn't a foreign object in or trauma to the eye. 

Praying that's not the case. . .  :-|  Thank goodness for Walmart's $4 prescriptions. . . Jacob's had 2 prescriptions filled in 3 days!
Well there's your update. . . my babies are in bed and I'm headed there now!

Where has August gone?

I cannot believe that August is almost over!  Things have been so incredibly busy getting the kids back into school routines along with balancing extra-curricular activities.  Here it is, Saturday Night or Sunday morning. . . whatever you want to call it.  Babies are in bed, Daddy's at work, and I am sitting here at the computer - still.  It's 2:30am and I think I have most of my Girl Scout Newsletter and Parent Information typed up and ready to go for registration night on Wednesday.  All that's left is an activity or coloring sheet for the girls.  Let's take a look back on this crazy week. . .

Sunday, August 14th
I started working my last week of overnights, resetting the Toy Dept for Christmas.  And as much as I love resetting Toys, this reset was by far the absolute worse!  We fought store planning (going through a mini-remodel to make our aisle wider), the floor crew (had to strip and wax the floors once the counters were moved), and we fought the modular/floor plans.  After 5 days of overnights with a crew of 5 people, it's still not right but it's as close as I can get it.  Good luck to the next person!

With me overnights, Jerry got the night off.  I think he really enjoyed the time away from work.

Monday, August 15th
Worked overnights, then had a Wic Appt at 9:45am.  It was a long morning and I was tired once I finally got home and to bed.  But sleep was short lived - Chloe had to be at the football field at 6:00pm for cheer practice.  Which I'm glad we put her in, she really likes it and I'm surprised, because I didn't think she would!  She still has a long way to go before she's good but all the other girls either did it last year or has an older sister who did it in years prior, so she's doing good for being the only newbie!  Heck, even Jacob knows the cheers. . . "Hey Vikings!  Fight, Fight, Fight!!"  :-)  Speaking of Jake, this was the day he smacked his head against the wall and got a ginormous goose egg on his head!

Tuesday, August 16th
Worked overnights and when I got home I was able to sleep!  I believe this was the day that Jaxen climbed out of his walker all by himself, making us raise the setting so he can't!!  Getting close to having to raise the exersaucer too.  He can almost get himself out of it!

Wednesday, August 17th
Jaxen officially turned 8 months old!!  Worked overnights and came home to sleep!  Chloe had her "Back-to-School" Night, where we got to go meet the teacher and take in her school supplies.  Chloe was excited, she already knew her teacher from last year and knew exactly where her classroom was.  We all liked her teacher, and with my new schedule, I was able to sign-up to help out with the Christmas Party and Valentine's Party!  That I am excited about!

I also had a table at "Back-to-School" Night for Girl Scouts.  We passed out information about our meetings and registration night.  We had a ton of girls and parents interested in Girl Scouting. . . I am super excited and nervous about that!  I am happy all my hard work from last year payed off and Girl Scouting is coming back to the community.  Nervous however because I had a lot of Juniors interested and if one of their parents don't step up, I am going to have 3 troops next year and I have never ran a Junior troop!

Thursday, August 18th
Chloe's 1st day of school!!  I was able to get off work at 6:00am, so I could be home to get her off to school.  She was nervous and barely ate any breakfast.  When the bus came she was a pro at getting on and waving good-bye!  I was able to sleep while she was at school and awoke in time to be waiting at the bus stop for her return!  She had a good day and was ready to tell me everything!!

Chloe had cheer practice at the football field, where she got her uniform.  After cheer practice we were going to go out to dinner to celebrate the first day of 1st grade; however, after cheer practice Chloe put gum in her mouth and bite down the wrong way on a loose tooth.  Which jammed it into her gum and was causing her a lot of pain. . . she wanted it out and now!  So we headed home to see if we could get the tooth out.  After a lot calming her down, we were able to get dental floss wrapped around the bottom of the tooth and one quick pull the tooth was out.  Chloe was grateful and happy!

After the tooth was out and the bleeding had stopped, we went to Applebee's to celebrate 1st grade AND the loss of a second tooth!  After our meal, we headed to Walmart so I could buy bird seed and get some money for the tooth fairy's visit.  With all that excitement, once we got home, I had to leave again for work!  Jerry got to put everyone to bed and play tooth fairy!

Friday, August 19th
I pulled into the driveway Friday morning just as the bus was picking Chloe up. . . I got to yell good-bye to her as she boarded the bus.  Jacob wasn't up yet, so I grabbed a quick nap on the couch.  Once he was up and everyone was ready we headed off to his preschool to meet his teacher and take in his school supplies.  He makes me nervous. . . I'm not sure how well he will do the first day when we drop him off and LEAVE.  We stayed a while and let him get used to the classroom and play with a few of his classmates.  Hopefully, it will make it a little easier on him next Thursday when he officially starts school.

It was at school when Jerry and I noticed he had a swollen eye.  I didn't see it that morning, but then again I was really tired!  Thinking it was just another black eye he managed to give himself. . . we pushed it aside. 

After visiting Jacob's school, we grabbed some Taco Bell and went shopping at the party store and Michael's for a little man's Birthday.  I don't think we are going to do a big birthday party for him, he will have decorations and I will definitely make him a spiderman cake.  Then it was a quick stop at Pet Co. and then home to get our girl off the bus!

I cannot for the life of me figure out what we did Friday night. . .

Saturday, August 20th
This is where the original post started. . . I didn't post it last night because I was super tired and not sure if anything made sense!!

Today (or yesterday, however you look at it!) has been one heck of a day. It all started off at 6:30am, who gets up at 6:30am on a Saturday?!?, apparently Cheerleaders and Football players. Chloe had her first official Cheer leading event this morning. It was a football jamboree at Adrian, MO. . . it was only a 'for fun' event but it was good practice for her. And it was a beautiful morning, I was a little concerned about it because of the horrible storm that went through here last night. Anyways, Jacob and I went with Chloe to her jamboree - Jerry and Jaxen stayed home sleeping. And really the only reason I woke Jacob was to check on his eye. . . and boy was I glad I did. First thing this morning his eye was swollen shut and it has a little bit of junk holding it together. So he got a warm washcloth and was up and about with us.

After the Football Jamboree, Chloe and I took Jacob straight to the Walgreen's Take Care Clinic. Our pediatrician isn't open on the weekends and I really wanted him seen today. . . and I'm glad we did. The doctor said that Jacob most likely had Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye and put him on eye drops. Now pink eye can be both viral and bacterial. And the eye drops will only work if it's a bacterial infection. . . we should start seeing immediate relief. However, if it's a viral infection it will have to run it's course and we will have 7 to 10 days of this. And she did mention that if we didn't see any relief at all, to take him to an eye doctor so they can make sure nothing is in his eye. I am totally dreading that because he barely lets me examine his eye, what is he going to do for a doctor?!?! They'd have to knock him out! But either way, he's on medicine for the pink eye and will be able to start school on Thursday without fear of passing it around to everyone.

After a 2 1/2 hour wait at the doctor's office, off we went to Walmart to fill Jacob's prescription. . . another 45 minute wait. Can you tell it's been a long day?!?!

Sunday, August 21st
Today has been a lazy, cranky day for everyone.  I am hoping Jaxen takes a nap soon so that I can get things accomplished around here!!  But it doesn't look like Chloe's going to let that happen. 

Tonight is bath night for all the littles, tomorrow starts Chloe's first full week of school, my last full week of working in a Walmart Store, and Jacob's first ever first day of school!!  Hopefully, I can keep you updated along the way!!  Please hang tight, it's going to be a wild ride as we all get use to my new job and it's hours, and our new school routine!! 

Blessing in disguise?!

Okay, so I'm really, really nervous about this new job move.  I totally have it made in the position that I am in.  I hate walking away from a job that I love!  But after days and days of mind boggling thoughts, I believe the pros out way the cons!
Pros.

• Only working 3 days a week - Saturday, Sunday, Monday
• Having 4 days off with Jerry - currently we have no days off together
• More time with my kids.
• Shorter commute to work - less gas
• Off by 330pm on the days that I do work
• Off for doctor's appointments
• Off for most Girl Scout events and meetings
• Available for Chloe's school parties and field trips
• Jacob can go to preschool - simply wasn't an option before.
• Available for Jacob's school parties and field trips
• WAY more money!  Over $800 a month more.
• No responsibility - do my job and go home

Cons.

• Giving up a job I love for one I'll probably hate
• Working in the freezer - negative 52 degrees!!
• Stuck in the same position for 6 months - at least!
• Giving up my weekends off - no trips to Iowa once the kids are in school
• Being at work at 4am - Ugh!
• Jerry and I overlap an hour and a half Sunday and Monday morning. . . have to pay a baby sitter
• Jerry and I work opposite shifts so the 3 days we do work are going to be VERY long days
• Still only have 1 working vehicle.

I could probably go on and on forever but I don't think I have to.  One of the things I am most proud of and one of things that just wasn't an option because of work schedules and money - sending Jacob to preschool!!  I am going in tomorrow and registering him for Thursday-Friday Preschool Classes.  It was a lot of money that I couldn't justify with three kids and the rising cost of gas, rent, and car payment.  But now that I will be bringing in quite a bit more, it's totally justified.  Plus, I will be off those days and able to take him to and from school!  I am so excited, it's something I started doing with Chloe three years ago but Jerry had to take over once I got the Department Manager position.  So starting in Mid-August on Thursdays and Fridays from 8am until noon, Jaxen will be the only kid at home!!

Also, today we went and registered Chloe in cheerleading. . . so I am officially a cheer-mom!  She is totally stoked, she got to try on a uniform {for sizes} and everything!  So my schedules getting full again!!  Starting tomorrow - Monday and Wednesdays until school starts - Chloe has Cheer practice on the school football field.  Once school starts practices move to Tuesday and Thursday - which are better for us anyways!  Only have to figure out how to get her to and from the games that fall on Saturdays. . . because Jerry and I will both be working.  Hopefully, another mom will help me out with that. . . if not oh well, it's just for fun anyways.  :-)

So begins my crazy, busy life as mommy!!  Wish me luck. . . I will have 2 kids in school!!  Splitting my time between work, preschool, first grade, mommy, cheerleading, girl scouts and wife!  Poor Jerry's gonna get left out I'm afraid!  Oh wait!!  We will have Thursday and Friday without 2 of the 3 kids!!  :o)

*V*a*C*a*T*i*O*n*

**D*a*Y* *O*n*E** - Wednesday, June 22
The day was suppose to start off with a 9am oil change, but that never happened.  We slept in and totally missed the appointment.  Which isn't a bad thing!  We all got some much needed sleep.  But after a late start, we ended up at Harrisonville City Park.  The kids got a lot of exercise and released a lot of energy running around the playground.

We only stayed at the park for a couple hours, before we headed off to Walmart to pick up some groceries for dinner. And once we got home, it was dinner and Girl Scouts for Chloe and I. It was our last meeting of the year. . . next time is camping!!  Yay!

After Girl Scouts and the kids' bedtime, Jerry & I watched a movie together.  It was "Just Go With It" with Adam Sandler, Jennifer Anisten, and Nicole Kidman.  Hilarious movie!!  I was dead tired and I stayed awake through the entire thing!  I'd watch it a hundred times over.

**D*a*Y* *T*w*O** - Thursday, June 23
The started off at 9:30am, again, a little later than it should have but we were all tired!!  After we all got feed and dressed, off we went to the Kansas City Zoo!  Jerry and I renewed our Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) Membership - this time making it Platinum because of the unlimited Train, Tram, Carousel, Boat and Sky Lift!  Basically, the kids can do whatever they want when we go to the zoo.  Plus, Jerry and I can take up to 6 kids (Jaxen doesn't count) to the zoo for free with the unlimited rides.  :o)  So excited, the zoo is one of the kids' favorite places and now it can be Jaxen's too!

We had to leave the Zoo early because Jaxen had a well-baby check up that I've already rescheduled twice!  And we were running too late to take Jerry and the older two home so they dropped Jaxen and I off at the doctor's office and went and got some Burger King.  Then they sat out in the car eating and watching a movie!  Jaxen's appointment went well.  He got 2 more shots!  :o(  And he weighed in at 17 pounds 8 ounces and he was 26 inches tall.  Everything seems perfect!  The concerns that I had regarding his circumcision and breathing were put to rest, everything is fine and normal.  He's belly button hernia is going away slowly and we strengthened his neck muscles because he's able to turn his head in all directions!  In short a perfectly healthy baby boy!!  :o)

After a quick trip to Walmart for Tee Ball snacks and drinks, off to the ball field we went!  Chloe's last game of the season. . . kinda sad that's she's played her last tee ball game.  Next year it will be coach's pitch, which she is nervous about.  But I'm thinking she needs to at least try it. . . who knows she could be awesome at it!  So that's all the updates I'll have about tee ball this year, I'm sad to see the season over.

After tee ball we went out to dinner with Joanna, Caleb and Sam - they had come to see Chloe play.  It was a lot of very interesting conversations and some great laughs!!  The things my kids say!  I'm sure Joanna, Caleb and Sam will be laughing for days!!  :o)  After dinner, we came home to rest and play.  Jaxen was getting cranky - I gave him some Tylenol and juice and off to bed he went!!  Jerry and I watched another movie together, this time it was "The Dilemma" with Vince Vaughn and Kevin James.  I didn't like it as much as Jerry did, but it did have some funny moments!

**D*a*Y* *T*h*R*e*E** - Friday, June 24
Once again the morning got off to a late start. . . hehe, but what else is vacation for?!?!  Everyone was up, dressed and ready to go by 1:15pm, so we were able to make the 1:40 showing of Cars 2!  We had to d-r-a-g Chloe to the movies because she didn't want to watch Cars 2!  (But I quickly reminded her that Jacob is made to go to Girl Scouts and the Tee Ball Field - even if he doesn't want too!)  The movie was absolutely terrific!  Both kids walked out of the movie theaters happy with the movie.  It was officially Jaxen's first movie in the movie theaters and he slept about 80% of the time.  But I didn't mind since I was then able to enjoy the movie.

After the movie, we came home to change into our bathin' suits and off to the Harrisonville Aquatic Center!  The kids have never been there and it was SO much fun.  We went for the Family Swim, 5p - 7p and it was only $9 for all of us.  Not bad for the facility.  It has a huge kid jungle gym that Chloe and Jacob loved!!  There were sadden when the pool attendant said the pool was closing.  The big kid side of the pool has 2 diving boards and 2 water slides.  Chloe really wanted to go down the big slides but we told her that she had to learn to swim first.  The best part of the Aquatic Center was the amount of lifeguards!  There were about 7 to 9 lifeguards at all times. . . I would feel comfortable taking the kids there by myself.  It was a really nice facility and we will definitely be back!!

Jaxen just loved the water.   He actually got mad at us when we took him out of the water.  He just splashed and splashed.  Jax wanted us to let him so completely, he tried so hard to squirm away - I totally think we were cramping his style!

Dinner from KFC ended another amazing day and the kids were totally wore out!!  :o)

**D*a*Y* *F*o*U*r** - Saturday, June 25
Saturday's plans were ruined because Momma got sick during the night.  It was awful. . . I couldn't sleep, tossed and turned, getting up every hour or so to get sick, coming back to bed with the chills and running a fever.  I felt horrible and I am so glad I don't get sick very often.  I kept Jerry up most of the night worried about me. . . he was trying to be helpful but I just wanted him to leave me alone and stop moving the bed!  I eventually got to sleep, not sure of the time but it was after 3am.  Jerry got up with the babies and let me sleep.  The alarm went off around 9a and I was still feeling icky.  I got a drink and went back to sleep.  I slept off and on until about 1pm, when I was feeling a little better and finally decided it was time to brave the day.
Once I was up and about, Jerry headed in to nap since he had to return to work tonight.  So the kids and I hung out and watched movies from the couch.  Jaxen's was a little cranky and also running an low grade fever.  I don't think he's sick-sick.  I think it's a combination from his shots (which still have his legs red and swollen) and teething.  The kid is drooling like CrAzY and constantly has something in his mouth.  And I've always said he acted more like Chloe than Jacob and Chloe had the worst time teething!  She would always run a high fever and act sick for a few days.  So I'm hoping Jaxen is exactly like Chloe was when it comes to teeth.

**D*a*Y* *F*i*V*e** - Sunday, June 26
♥♥♥♥ HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO JERRY & I ♥♥♥♥  Seven years of marital bliss and friendship! Here's looking forward to seven more!! I love you baby! Thank you for being my partner in crime, I can't wait to see what's next for us.  It's us against the world!!  I love you with all my heart.

Today started out nice and lazy!  Kids didn't stir until 9ish, Chloe put Toy Story 3 in for her and Jacob so that me and Jaxen could get some more sleep!  After listening to the dogs bark and the weather radio going off, I figured I better get up and get this day moving!!

After getting Jax up and feed and changed and cuddled and all the other fun things you do with a baby in the morning, I grabbed a quick shower before the kids and I headed out to get some grocery shopping done.  Oh boy that was a chore!!  Today I've had a very bossy 6-year-old, a non-listening 3-year-old, and a cranky 6-month-old whom I believe is teething!  It's about made me want to pull out my hair.

We grabbed some Sonic for lunch and headed home to see if Daddy was up.  And he was, Jerry was up and getting his homework for the week done.  Kid's (semi) played quietly until Jerry was done then we all enjoyed a Reese's Peanut Butter Ice Cream Patty - Delicious! - before Jerry had to head off to work.  Then some how between the kids / dogs / cats, something got spilled on my couch and I've had to spend the last 2 hours carpet cleaning the couch and while I was at it, the living room carpet.  **See I told you I'm about ready to pull my hair out!!**

On top of all that, Jaxen is unbearably cranky today.  Jerry was the only one who was making him happy and well, he's not here.  And believe me Chloe, Jacob and I have all tried to make him happy.  I finally gave up and gave him a small dose of Tylenol - in case it is teething - and rocked him to sleep.  Thankfully, he is currently sleeping in my bed while I grab some much needed "ME" time while the carpet is drying and I'm waiting to put the room back together!  I'm really just ready for a nap!

Well there are things to be done around here. . . tomorrow I must go back to work. . . BOO!  23 more WORKING days until my next vacation!!  :o)  I'm so ready!  :o)

PS> The rest of our vacation photos can be seen on our Picasa Web Albums.  If you need the sites address just let me know!

Family Update

It's funny how this is my family blog and yet majority of the posts are about Jaxen and Chloe.  Poor Jacob, my middle child.  It's not that he's not as important as the other two (because he is!), he's always caught somewhere in the middle.  And no one gets an update about Jerry and I because updating the kid's milestone is definitely a priority!

So here I sit, kids are in bed and Jerry is at work.  Let me see what kind of update I can come up with!  Let's try biggest to smallest this time. . .

Jerry - I don't update too much on Jerry, mainly because he's grown and doesn't do anything new and exciting things!  It's the same old routine with him (& I, also) - work, sleep, eat, take care of kids, repeat.  But I will take a few minutes and update you all on his new adventure, College!  He's in his 2nd group of 8-week courses.  He's learning how to juggle the kids, work schedules and school work.  And it's no surprise to me on how well he is doing.
On his free time, he is still working hard to secure us a new place to live.  I swear a new person's calling my house every day to go over options and new ideas.  Really what we are trying for right now is an FDA Loan.  It seems to be the best option for us. . . plus there is no down payment.  But all that is for another post.  Just know that our search continues and as I posted before - we are doing things slowly and making sure we finally do what's best for us - and no one else!

Heidi - I'm just fine and dandy!  I'm a busy, busy mom!  My kids keep me going all day, literally!  I hate going to work - I secretly wish that I could just quit and stay home.  I would have time to do my laundry and cook my family meals. . . Plus the stress alone would be a total relief.  But I know, realistically I can't quit.  We need the money and my income, especially if we are trying to buy a new home and trying to put Jacob through Preschool.  I am however trying to transfer.  I'm still trying to get my foot in the door at the DC.  I know it's not going to fix all the stress in my life but I hope it will help.  I'd be making more money and working less days.  Just waiting for an opening. . .
Other than the dreaded work, I'm busy planning Girl Scout camp and doing my domestic household chores!  I can't wait for my vacation this month. . . June 22-26, I'm hoping to get a lot of things done around the house, things that I've put off for way too long.  And I'm hoping to get some much need family time - pool, zoo, and cookouts!!  I hope the weather is beautiful so I can take full advantage of my vacation!

Chloe - I'm sure most of you know exactly what Chloe is up too!  As the oldest, she hits the milestones first and is often the subject of my posts.  My little girl just finished her Kindergarten year, she's active in Girl Scouting and Tee Ball.  She's a little lost being at home all day now that summer vacation is here. . . LOL, I think that Summer Work Folder is going to be completed before the end of June!  Then she'll have to start reading her 1,000 page summer goal!
I've been trying to work in getting the in to swimming lessons this summer, but it looks like we are going to have to wait until the fall. . . I can't seem to fit anything else into her schedule.  But waiting might be a good thing because by then Jacob will be old enough for swimming lessons too!

Jacob - Jake is getting to be a pretty self-reliant little boy.  During the past month, he's finally able to go to and from the bathroom by himself.  Heck, we don't even have to remind him throughout the day.  He's in heaven now that Chloe is here all day with him.  I've been trying to find something to get Jacob involved in, to help fill his summer.  But so far, I've found nothing.  He's still a little young for most things. . . I've even looked into getting him into Martial Arts.  There is a place in Harrisonville that we are going to go look into, it's not a done deal yet because I'm not sure if he's old enough yet and I'm not sure how much it's going to cost me.  I do know it will be nice to get him into something, at last weekend CMN Carnival he did really well being a part of something.  He seemed to of "grown" before my eyes.

Still looking into Preschool for next year.  It's really bugging me that I might not be able to place him in two years of preschool like we did Chloe.  Why does it have to be so expensive?!?!  I'm still waiting to see if Kinder Kastle fills their Monday - Tuesday class.  Because then and only then, they will open up a Thursday - Friday class. . . and that's the only class that will work for us next year because of our work schedules.  Unless I get a transfer to the DC where Jerry works. . . then I should be working less days and able to get him to and from school.  So everything is so up in the air. . . I'm praying for a sign of something good.  Jacob needs the 2-years probably more so than Chloe did.

Jaxen - Here's a few updates on where Jaxen stands at 24 weeks old. . . Only 2 weeks away from 6 months.

• Absolutely NO interest in holding his bottle.
• Lovin' the solid baby foods!  I'm up to feeding him baby food twice a day.
• Lunch consists of an entire container of Stage 1 Baby Food Fruits - his favorites so far are bananas, apples, and pears.
• Dinner consists of about 1/4 cup of Baby Oatmeal (made with formula, not water) and 1/2 a container of Stage 1 Baby Food Vegetables.  Jaxen doesn't really care for the Green Beans or the Peas but he will eat them - his favorites are the orange colored ones. . . Carrots, Sweat Potatoes, and Squash.
• Still drinking about 6 - 8, 8 ounce bottles of formula a day.
• Sleeping routines are a little wacky now that Chloe and Jacob are home all day!
• Jaxen sleeps all night - About 1030pm until about 8am.
• Normally fusses around 4am for a bottle, but doesn't drink it all.
• Use to take 2 good 2 hour naps a day, but now that summer is here and both kids are home, he gets about 3 to 4 catnaps in.
• Playtime
• Kicks, laughs, screams, baby talks, blows bubbles with his spit, can sit up - once put in that position, crawls backwards, and can now get up on all 4's and rock back and forth!  Should have an official crawler soon.