Doctors & Getting Old

It's been an insane week - too many appointments to keep up with.  Last post was about Jaxen's -month well baby last Wednesday.  On Thursday Tyler had a very uneventful 4-week well baby.

Friday the 13th made my baby 1 month old and brought with it the big appointments.  Jaxen's checkup at the KU Outpatient Burn and Wound Care Clinic.  They gave him the all clear with the burns on his hand and arm.  However, next month we are seeing the head of plastic surgery Dr. Bhavsar to re-visit the idea of plastic surgery to the scars on Jaxen's face.  The concern isn't with the coloring. . .it will fade to the color of his skin.  The concern is for the thickness of the scar. . . as of now it will be noticeable for the rest of his life.  We have a special prescription lotion that we get to apply to his face 2-3 times a day that is suppose to help reduce the scar tissue.  The lotion is so special the Walmart Pharmacy had to order it for us and it's going to take 7-10 days for it to come in.  Hopefully, the lotion does it's magic and Jaxen doesn't have to have surgery.  However, Jerry and I are prepared for some decision making on getting the plastic surgery for Jaxen.  As you all know, this is the year to get it done if it needs to be done since our insurance is maxed out. 

On the way home from Kansas City, Jerry asked me to call and get him an appointment with our doctors office to get his hand xrayed.  finally!  He has been in pain for weeks!  Every time anything touched his thumb he about came unglued it hurt so bad.  And it was getting worse by the day, Friday he couldn't even hold a cup of water to drink!  So it was time to see a doctor - WHY ARE MEN SO DIFFICULT?  Had it been me or the kids, he would have insisted we be seen immediately.

The doctors office was able to see him that afternoon.  The kids and I went with him but ended up staying in the car because it was just easier - Jaxen and Tyler were sleeping, Chloe and Jacob were watching TV.  Well, once again Jerry's blood pressure was extremely high - this is the second time he has been in the doctor's office within the past month and registered a high blood pressure reading.  :-\  {After his doctors appointment we went to Walmart and the blood pressure machine told him to see a doctor ASAP}  Needless to say, Jerry came home with a prescription for high blood pressure medicine and goes back August 2nd for a full blood work up to get everything under control.

His hand xray showed that he didn't break or fracture his hand - instead he was diagnosed with gout. 

Gout is a kind of arthritis.  It can cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness, and swelling in a joint.  Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood.  Most of the time, having too much uric acid is not harmful.  Many people with high levels in their blood never get gout.  But when uric acid levels in the blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints. 

The doctor told him that gout is found mostly in men and it can bring a grown man to his knees overnight.  So Jerry also got a prescription for an anti-inflammatory to take care of his pain.  The gout will go away in a few weeks but they can't really treat the gout and put Jerry on blood thinners because of his high blood pressure issues.  So hopefully, this all helps him manage his pain and come August 2nd they figure out all the little things that are wrong with him. 

Geez!  He's falling apart on me already!  I know I shouldn't but I can't help but tease him.  It's all really funny to me, I thought I was feeling old and falling apart after birthing four kids!  Although he's making me scared to turn 30. . .

. . . I have two weeks before all the doctors appointments start up again. . . I think I might have to get a bigger calender!

Jerry's Dental Update.

I've been asked by a few people how Jerry did this morning and how he is doing now.  So while I sit here watching the State of the Union Address, I am going to write a post about him - just to update you guys!

First of all - Please keep him in your thoughts.  He had a terrible time this morning and it's going to take quite some time to heal.  I really wish things would have gone better for him. . . but it's over, this morning, all 4 wisdom teeth were successfully removed over a period of 4 hours.

Thankfully, his appointment was first thing this morning.  I was not expecting to sit in the dentist's office for 4 hours. . . I knew it could take a while, an hour or two, but we were there F-O-U-R hours!!  Jerry got his teeth cleaned before they pulled anything.  Wanted to get his mouth as clean as they could before pulling anything to lower the risk of infection.  The very first tooth out of the gate was a complete booger.  The upper left was still under bone.  The dentist had to drill away bone to find his wisdom tooth. . . and THEN he had to get to where he could pull it out.  And let me tell you, I have never seen a wisdom tooth that huge!  My wisdom teeth were tiny in comparison.

After giving Jerry a few minutes rest time, Dr. Tracy was able to pull the bottom left with less difficulty.  The bottom left was the one giving him all the trouble!  So he felt instantly better once that one was pulled.  At this point Jerry was given the option to continue to the other side.  And Jerry wanted them all out and over with so continued we did.

The third tooth was the bottom right.  The dentist started to pull that one but had to stop because Jerry was feeling more than he could handle!  So Jerry got another shot of Novocaine and a few minutes wait for the numbness to take effect. . . then it was go time.  Once Jerry was completely numb, the bottom right came out okay.  The only difficulty with that one was because the tooth came in pointed towards the front of his mouth, so the dentist couldn't pull it straight up.  And because it was so far back and Jerry was swelling and in some pain, it was difficult for Jerry to open in jaw far enough to give Dr. Tracy enough room to pull it.

Dr. Tracy once again stopped to give Jerry some time to rest.  Especially since he was still wide awake through the whole thing!  They had him on the nitriousoxcide but Jerry didn't like the way it was making him feel and it was working TOO well because he was close to passing out.  They barely had to give him anything to calm his nerves. . . Dr. Tracy said normally people ask him to turn it up - Jerry was the first to ask that it get turned down!  After all that, Jerry still wanted to continue with the last tooth - upper right - knowing that once again the dentist would have to go through bone to get to it.

The last one took a while, because it was just like the first one.  They had to do a lot of drilling before they could even find the tooth.  Now, I did question the dentist on why we would pull them if they weren't bothering him.  And I was told that the older he gets the more complications he could have.  For example, the tooth could go into a sinus cavity which would be painful and require serious surgery to remove the tooth OR the tooth could get irritated and cause a cyst to form around the tooth causing a lot of pain.  The dentist actually recommends wisdom teeth come out by the age of 25 because after that complication become more severe.  Even though Jerry is 30, he recommends they come out before he gets any older.  So either way, they would have wanted to pull the last wisdom tooth before he got too much older.  So if Jerry could handle it, it was just easier to do them all at once.

Jerry was a brave guy, I would have been done with the first tooth.  But he sat through them pulling all 4 wisdom teeth.  The dentist said that 2 of the teeth were "worse case scenario" and the other 2 teeth were "one step below worse case scenario".  So all-in-all it might cost me about $300 after insurance pays - instead of the $215 I was quoted for mid-case scenario. . . but that's okay with me.  Nobody knew that Jerry's teeth were going to be so difficult AND the dentist gave us his home and cell phone numbers in case Jerry had any problems or if I had any questions.

Tonight Jerry is still taking the vicodin regularly because of the pain and as a few hours ago he was still bleeding a little bit.  His face is pretty swollen but he won't put the ice pack on it anymore because he claims it's making the pain worse.  So we've compromised and he keeping a cold wash cloth on it.  So far, there is no bruising but we will see what tomorrow brings!  I doubt he is going to jump out of bed and put up the dog fence like he wants too.  = )  It's definitely going to take him a few days to recover from all this!

The {Wisdom} Tooth Fairy

Yay!  It's Monday Evening.  I love Monday Evenings!!!  It means that my work week is done and I can sit back and enjoy four days off.  Four days, four days with kids and Jerry.  And this week. . . Four days of craziness!!  :-)

It was a nice weekend at work.  For the first time in a long time, I actually felt wonderful two of the days.  I was able to get my 180+ pallet moves done by about 1:30ish and go home.  I love getting out of work early!  I had a few phone calls to make on the way home - one was to the pediatrician to reschedule Jaxen's flu shot that we missed on Friday because I was trying to get Jerry's wisdom teeth taken care of.  Jaxen will get his 2nd part of the flu shot on Wednesday morning.

The other call was to the dental office.  Jerry has been taking Excedrin Migraine non-stop for days and I was concerned that it would have a reaction to the medicines that they will give him tomorrow.  So I called to double check and verify what medicines he could take to get him through one more night in wisdom tooth misery!  Tomorrow night it will be a whole different type of pain.  Anyways the dentist felt sorry or me - or maybe it was him - and called in a prescription for an antibiotic {in case there is an infection in his gums that's causing the pain} and a prescription for vicodin {pain reliever / happy pill}.  I was grateful for the prescriptions and I loved coming home with goodies for Jerry.  He was absolutely thrilled to get the medicines and in fact said that they are helping somewhat.  The swelling has gone down and the pain has lessened.  Of course, it was only the first dose so a miracle drug it wasn't but he's feeling some relief.

Tomorrow's the day.  After I get Chloe on the bus, I'm going to drop the boys off with Jerry's sister and take him to the dentist.  Not sure how long it will take, but his appointment is at 8:30am.  We should be back home by lunch and Jerry can pass out in bed and sleep the rest of the day. . . then the real pain will begin!  :-) 

I find it a little amusing, only because he's been a total bear the last couple of days and wants them to remove all of them instead of two at a time.  He thinks he's Mr. Brave and he's about to be knocked on his butt.  I can honestly say I know and feel his pain. . . I had my own wisdom teeth remove a couple years ago.  Only instead of the average 4 wisdom teeth, I had 6!!  And when removing the last wisdom tooth, the dentist broke my bridge bone causing even more pain during the healing time.  I didn't get this much special treatment . . . I had to make my own appointments . . . and go by myself to them!  Oh, how I am going to try not to enjoy his pain tomorrow. . . but he has no idea what he's in for.

But truthfully, I do wish him the best and hope he bounces right back {he thinks he's going to get a fence up this week after getting his teeth pulled}.  I don't like seeing him in this much pain and misery.  If you're up to it, remember Jerry in your prayer tonight and send him well wishes in the morning.

Explorer

As of 8am this morning, the Explorer is back!  Jerry walked into the DMV and got the darn thing registered and licensed.  It's been a long road with the Explorer and it started long before our January accident.  I'm so glad that we are back to being a two-car family. . . it's been about 3 years since we've had two legal, working vehicles.

The Explorer has failed inspection two re-registration years in a row {making it four years in total}.  The first time it failed we were able to find someone to pass it under the table.  I know, it sounds really bad but it's what we had to do at the time.  And the only reason why it failed was because it squeaked. . . No one could figure out the squeaking.  And believe me, lots of friends looked at it.  And no amount of WD-40 was making the squeaking stop. 

Just before the accident the Explorer failed inspection again.  This time the squeaking was so bad, no one would pass it.  However, in taking it to a million inspection stations we were able to find out what the squeaking was.  But before we could fix it, the accident happened.  And since it was our only working  vehicle, we spent our time and money into getting another reliable, fuel friendly family car.

Six months later, I get a new job offer and one that *almost* requires us to have two vehicles.  Otherwise, our Sundays and Mondays would look like this:

• 3:00am - Mommy up to get ready for work and get three kids in the car.
• 3:15am - Out the door, taking the kids to my sister-in-laws house.
• 3:30am - Drop the kids off at my sister-in-laws house and get myself to work.
• 4:00am - I have to be art work.
• 5:30am - Jerry gets off of work and goes to pick up the kids.
• Jerry sleeps while watching the kids - and on Monday gets Chloe on and off the school bus.
• 3:30pm - Jerry and the kids come to work and get me.
• 5:00pm - Kids and I take Jerry to work.
• . . . Repeat.

Poor Jerry.  Now he doesn't have to worry about getting me from work and I don't have to worry about taking him to work.  I know it looks like a demanding schedule and that will be our life on Sunday and Monday.  Saturday morning the kids don't have to go to the sitters because Jerry is home and doesn't go into work until after I come home.  Our days will overlap Sunday and Monday morning.  And my work week is over at 3:30pm on Monday, so Jerry is able to sleep Tuesday once he gets home.  And as long as I get car seats for the Explorer, the cars are interchangeable.  No one will be stuck at home with the kids and able to get to and from work without depending on the other.

And the only difference between our new schedule and our schedule now is Saturday and Sunday will be crazy instead of Monday and Tuesday.  Then with the new schedule I have FOUR days OFF with my husband & kids {even though the kids are in school}.  Which opens up the possibility of class parties, field trips and classroom Mom!  I'm so totally stoked about that!  I'm finally going to get to be a mom who is home when the kids get on and off the bus.  :-)

So getting back on track - Jerry spent the last couple weeks fixing and replacing the driver's side door, mirror and window.  And changed out the ball joints on the driver's side, which amazingly stop all squeaking!  It was a lot of work and sweaty days for him, but in the end he did it.  Thursday evening after I got home from work we took the Explorer in for an inspection. . . with fingers cross and nervous hearts outside. . . the Explorer passed on it's first try!  We were so happy and Jerry was totally proud of himself {as he should be}!  I don't think he slept much Thursday night because he was up bright and early.  I think he just wanted to license it before anyone could change their minds!  :-)

And a few hours after Jerry left for work today I noticed that he took to the Explorer instead of the Freestyle.  :-)  That's how proud he is of his hard work.  And as proud as he is of himself, I am even prouder of him!  He worked his tail off to make things easier for us, which in turn takes away one more fear I had about taking and starting the new job at the Distribution Center.

I ♥ you Jerry!!  You did an awesome job fixing the Explorer!

2 week Update. . .

It's been a LONG two weeks and I'm so sorry for the lack of updates.  I've had a lot of things going on!!  Like kid/scout stuff and inventory stress at work.  Plus Jerry and I have had a lot of major decisions to make.  I've been wanting to update for days now, but my minds just not been into it.  Hopefully, I can get you caught up a little bit tonight.

Monday, July 18th
My littlest niece turned 4!!  Happy Birthday Emily!

Tuesday, July 19th
???  I have no idea what we did this day.

Wednesday, July 20th
I got to work and Jerry started spasing out my cell phone.  So when I got a chance to call him back, he had great news.  The Walmart Distribution Center called and they had a job position open and they needed my transfer request before 3pm.  I went straight to it and had my personnel office fax a copy of my transfer request to the DC.  However, according to my personnel manager, the fax wasn't going through.  {I feel she was sending to the wrong number on purpose because they got the first transfer request just fine.  But since that one was expired, I had to send another copy.  And since they had a position for me, all of a sudden the fax wouldn't work.  Very suspicious!!}

So after fighting the personnel office, I gave up, had them give me a copy of it and I drove it down to Harrisonville on my lunch break.  The personnel manager was very nice and took the time to talk to me.  It was a very positive meeting and she promised to call me by Monday.

Thursday, July 21st
After work, Jerry and I looked at a house that we wanted with a realtor.  We both really liked it and set things up for a meeting to make an offer.

Friday, July 22nd
It was a long day of shopping and packing for me!!  Chloe and I had Girl Scout Camp!!  I'm planning on sharing a bigger seperate post to this event so watch for it on another day!

Saturday, July 23rd
Girl Scout Camp ended at noon and when the parents arrived we had a short flag, awards, bridging ceremony!  The girls and I had a lot of fun; hopefully, next year will bring even better camping adventures!

After camp, we went to David's Bridal to pick up Joanna's wedding saches.  It was a long couple of days and I was happy to be home with my boys!!

Sunday, July 24th
Had a meeting with the Realtor to do house paperwork and make an offer.  We got a lot of good information from this meeting but also got a feeling that this house wasn't going to work out.

Jaxen learned to stand up in his crib!  And he decided to play instead of going to bed!!

Monday, July 25th
??? Besides going to work, I have no idea what we did this day.

Tuesday, July 26th
Jerry's 30th Birthday!!  It was a good day, we celebrated Daddy!!  He got spoiled with presents from the kids and ice cream cake.
 

But on his birthday, we got bad news from Realtor. . . the house that we made an offer to wasn't going to work. The seller actually decided not to sell at all. So back to square one on the house hunting. . . :-(

Wednesday, July 27th
Day before Inventory. . . worked 7am until 10pm {14 hours}.

I hadn't heard from the Walmart DC yet so I called them on the way to work.  The lady I needed to talk to wasn't in the office and they took a message for her to call me back.  14 minutes later, she called me back.  And the news was great. . . she was faxing me a job offer.  And let me tell you, it was a total shock because once my transfer request is sent and I job comes open, I am to be interviewed for the position and then offered a position.  I never got an interviewed, I skipped right to the job offer!  :-)

And truth be told, I was nevous about the job offer, ideally it is NOT what I want to be doing but it is a good raise and better hours/days off!  And the new position requires us to have a babysitter. . . because Jerry and I overlap by an hour and a half.  They offered me Frozen, Dairy, Deli Replisment Lift Driver working Saturday, Sunday, Monday from 4am until 3:30pm making $17.00 an hour (I only make $11.15 an hour now, working 7am - 4pm five days a week).  So roughly it's $340 more a paycheck working less days and hours!!

Jaxen's first taste of Chicken, too bad it was from a dog bone.  :-(

Jerry and I spent tons of time weighing the pros and cons of my job offer.  I hardly slept a wink. . . the stress of making the wrong choice was killing me.  I'm really good at supporting other when their plans don't go as planned but I'm not good at being the one to make those decisions!!

Thursday, July 28th
Walmart Inventory. . . worked 6:45am until 6:10pm {10.5 hours}.  And for my Walmart friends, our Inventory was .72 which was up from last years .57.  However, this year we were only a 9 month Inventory so it was going to happen.  The Toy department and Furniture department did better than years past, so that's all I'm worried about!!  In fact, it's the only numbers I can control!  So, Go me!

My sister-in-law called around 9pm and said she would help us out and watch the kids for us, so that I could accept  the job offer at the Distribution Center.  I didn't sleep at all!!  Still tossed and turned about my pending decision. . . didn't even eat dinner because I was stressing!

Friday, July 29th
Day after Inventory. . . worked 7am until 5:30pm {9.5 hours}.

After a lot of thinking and talking to friends and family, I accepted the job offer at DC.  I felt a thousand times better once the fax was sent. . . I am going to miss my friends and job now but I think in the long term I will be successful and happier at the Distribution Center. . . sure my weekends are gone, but I get to spend 4 whole days off with my husband and kids!!  Jerry and I get NO days off together unless I take a day off during the week.

Saturday, July 30th
Today, I've relaxed and watched "Bring It On" movies with Chloe.  She's really into cheerleading, tomorrow's the day we go register her for cheerleading.  I'm nervous as to what her schedule and my new working schedule will bring us, but like all things we will take it all one step at a time!

Good, No make that GREAT News!!

Okay, so I know my facebook friends have found me randomly posting odd, happy, lucky-changing statuses on my account.  And after months and month of hard work. . . it's paid off!!  I am so proud to announce OUR GREAT NEWS!! 

How awesome is that?!?!  I can't believe we got our official approval letter in the mail Thursday!  Now the real work begins with actually purchasing a house!!  There is one we like and are in the process of setting up an appointment to see it.  Jerry's been on the phone non-stop contacting and getting quotes for land surveys, home inspectors, etc.

We haven't gotten a house yet and are still in the early stages of all this, but our luck has turned and life is finally looking good from where we are sitting.  {Not that life was bad, but Jerry and I have been handed our fair share of curve balls in our 7 years together!} 

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayer as we continue on this crazy journey!!  I will update you all as I see fit.  Definitely don't want to jinx any of it!    :-)

New Phones!!

Yay!!  I'm so excited. . . I got a new phone today - I'm still waiting for my number to transfer; hopefully, by tomorrow my new one will work!!  {Last time it took 5 days to transfer my phone number.}  Jerry, however, walked out of there with a new, working phone since he didn't have one before and got a new number.  {If you need or want his number, text message me and I'll send it to you.}

Our new phones are Motorola Cliq XT with MotoBlur.  It's amazing, it's Motorola's version of the iPhone.  I absolutely LOVE it!!  I can do everything - call, text, pictures, video, facebook, Msn Messenger, Picasa Web Albums, and even BLOG on the go!!  {Can you tell I'm excited?!?!?}  So it basically replaces my phone, camera, video camera and computer!

The only down side is that I do not get cell service at my house.  Boo!  But I guess that's what I get for country living.  So once the new phone activates, my old one will quite working and you'll have to call if you need me instead of texting.  Or there is always facebook!!

*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!

Relay for Life

It's been a crazy week around here.  From Tee Ball games every evening and working overnights (if it wasn't Jerry, it was me!) to thunderstorms and housework - we've done it all!  I was so happy that I was able to accomplish my tasks overnight an entire day and a half early.  And after talking to Management they were happy of the job I accomplished and let me have the last night off!  I was so excited.  I had already secured a babysitter for the night (Grandma and Grandpa) because Jerry had volunteered to participate in the Relay for Life with his work (Walmart Distribution #6065).  The kids and grandparents were excited about a "Non-Parent" sleepover, so we went ahead with the plans and I went with Jerry to the Relay for Life.  As my facebook status read: "What do Jerry & I do with an unexpected night off without kids? VOLUNTEER 7pm - 7am! If you need us we will be walking miles (and making balloon animals) tonight while your sleeping. Relay for Life - Helping find a cure for cancer. . . a disease that never sleeps!"



For those who have never participated before -like me!, I highly recommend you attend one.  ESPECIALLY if you have had a loved one taken from you too soon because of cancer.  I really had no idea what to expect and I am so glad I was apart of this great organization!!  The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives communities a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.  And that is truly what it feels like, a celebration!  At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school track and took turns walking or running around a track.  Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the 7pm to 7am event.  Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events.

It all starts with a "Survivors Lap" and last night it was lead by a 2-year-old girl whose family had been given the news that her brain cancer was back and there was nothing more they could do for her.  It was really sad and really touching.  No child should have to live with cancer and no mother should have to watch her child suffer from it!  Besides the opening ceremony where the Survivors are names and given a sash before walking a "Survivors Lap", my favorite part of the walk was the Luminaria Ceremony. 

Rockin' my t-shirt!  Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

Shortly after arriving to the Harrisonville track, Jerry had asked me to go home and get his balloons so that he could make balloon animals and help raise some more money for the American Cancer Society.  I was happy to go get them for him because I needed to change out of my blue jeans and into some walking clothes.  While I was gone, Jerry walked the track for his team.  When I got back he went straight to making balloons and money.  Besides walking, I helped package hamburgers and hot dogs that the Walmart team was selling.  Me and another wife totally assembled and wrapped all the hot dogs and hamburgers that people were buying. . . I now know what it feels like to work in a fast food joint!  Our team was pretty busy selling food until about 11:30pm when they started getting ready for the Luminaria Ceremony.

Jerry making balloon animals

Once the Luminaria Ceremony started Jerry was upset with himself because he was going to take me over and get a bag for Grandpa but he forgot once I returned from getting his balloons.  I loved the fact that he thought of that.  It really proves how much Grandpa is still a part of my life, when Jerry - who had never met him - thought of him and his struggles with cancer.  I was a little disappointment that I had not heard of the ceremony sooner.  But I LOVED the ceremony and I will be back next year!!

What is a Luminaria Ceremony you ask?  Well after dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease.  The track lights went out and candles glow sticks were lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants walk a lap in silence while the names are read.

I cried happy, sad, touching tears.  And these were the only pictures I took last night.  It was an awesome remembrance of my own Grandpa.  I will be back next year and Grandpa will have his own Luminaria. . . I promise! 

I can't think of a better way to spend time together with my husband - forget a romantic night at home or dinner and a movie!  Together we volunteered and this will forever be apart of our family traditions!

 Celebrate.

Remember.

Fight Back.

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.

It's Christmas!!

Christmas morning was layed back and relaxed around here.  Jerry and I were up with Jaxen way before the other two decided to make an appearance.  Fresh cinnamon rolls were cooking when Chloe came down the stairs just after 8am and we woke Jacob up shortly after that.  They opened their stockings and ate their breakfast and then we opened presents.

Kid's were good this year and we had a lot of fun opening presents with them.  After everything was unwrapped, we started opening things.  Trash goes out on Sunday night, so we needed to get the trash rounded up so that it didn't sit around all week.  It was about 1pm or after when we were finally packed up and ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

The trip was good, Jaxen slept the entire way and the other two watched tv.  Jaxen got to meet Grandpa, Aunt Amanda and Jeremy for the first time.  Grandma fixed a great dinner - turkey and all the fixings!!  It was absolutely delicious. . . Just wish I got to keep the leftovers!!  We had tons of fun in Cole Camp - complete with presents, food, and a Nerf Gun fight!

I hope your Christmas was filled with fun and laughter!!

Dec 20th - 3 days old

Monday started out a little rough for me.  I couldn't sleep and what little sleep I did get wasn't much.  I can hear all the other little babies crying in the rooms around me and it make me miss my little Jaxen.  I think I'm also getting discharged today and he's not, so another thing on my mind to keep me from sleeping.

My doctor woke us up this morning.  Dr. Petelin was making her rounds early thing morning so that she could get back the the Lee's Summit office.  Everything looks good on my end.  I feel like an elephant has sat on me, leaving this huge bruise on my stomach, the c-section incision burns (hopefully, it's just because the staples are still there), my legs and feet are swollen, and my back hurts (probably from sleeping in this bed).  I'd say not to bed with what I've been through, but so much farther to go before I am back to my normal self.

Just before my breakfast showed up, Jaxen's doctor and nurse did too.  I hate it when they come in pairs. . . most of the time it means that they have bad news.  Jaxen is doing great. . . little booger isn't digesting all his food at every feeding.  He does eventually digest it all, just slower than other babies.  As long as his breathing stays regular and they are pretty sure it will, the neo-natal specialist did want to start feeding him through a bottle today.  Once he's taking all his feedings through the bottle and off the IV, the only thing Mr. Jaxen has to prove is that he can maintain his temp in an open crib.  Once that happens he will be able to go home.  They say some babies do that with a day or two and some take a little longer. . . so we are looking at about 2 - 10 more days of the NICU.  I'm praying for the 2 days, I really just want him home for Christmas!! 

Then of course, after all the nurses and doctor's left the room, Jerry and I just sat there absorbing everything we were just told.  It was hard for me. . . having to start making plans to go home without him, splitting parents up between kids.  Chloe and Jacob need me at home and Jaxen needs me here.  It was all really too much for me.  Emotionally, I think everything finally came to a head and I had to let it go.  So this morning I have spent all morning crying and sobbing like a crazy person.  Which then set off a bunch of visits from nurses and specialist and people who could help me work though my emotions and people who came by to led me a helping hand or anything else they could help me with as I dealt with my own emotions.  It was a little crazy and I was having a rough morning.  Jerry has been unbelievably supportive, I'm glad he's here for me and such a great dad to the kids.  There is no way I could get through this without him.

First feeding this morning, after the doctor seen him, was once again through a tube, his breathing was just a little too high to try and introduce the bottle.  But he has been moved up from 9cc of formula to 12cc's.  The IV had to be moved last night because he pulled out the one in his arm. . . the new one is now in his foot.  I think he likes it there better because now he can get his arms and hands moving and grabbing everything!  Jerry and I stayed for an hour holding Jaxen while he slept, now we are back in our room wasting time until the next feeding at 2:30.

Just before lunch, Jerry and I took a walk.  It was nice to be able to move around.  We walked down to the cafeteria so Jerry could get some lunch. . . my lunch was waiting for me when we got back to the room.  And I wasn't halfway through my cheeseburger when Mom and Joanna walked in with Chloe and Jacob.  I tried to eat fast because we wanted to make it down to the NICU for Jaxen's lunch time.  I didn't have to ask mom twice if she wanted to go in and help. 

Jerry volunteered to stay out in the hallway with Chloe, Jacob and Joanna.  While mom and I went in to hold Jaxen while they fed him.  Only two adults can be at the baby's bedside while he's in the NICU - and one of those adults has to be Jerry or I.  When mom and I got in the NICU the nurse was already trying to feed Jaxen his first bottle. . . he was having nothing to do with it.  I raised the blinds so that they could see us out in the hallway, got comfy in the rocking chair and the nurse handed me Jaxen and the bottle.  She thought maybe I could get him to eat it, since I was the one who got him to open his eyes for the first time.  And let me tell you, Jerry was J-E-A-L-O-U-S!  He has given both Chloe and Jacob their first bottles and I was totally stealing his thunder with Jaxen.  Funny thing was that Jaxen tried to eat it and I thought he was but the bottle still measured the same.  I was afraid that they were going to give up and feed him through the feeding tube again, so I switched places with Jerry so that he could try and get Jax to eat.

Joanna and I walked back to the room with the kids because I forgot my camera. I grabbed my cell phone to get a picture of Grandma holding Jax to send to Grandpa, but I was in such a hurry to see my baby that I forgot to grab the real camera.  Chloe and Jacob really just wanted to play around. . . so we walked back to see Jaxen and get a couple of pictures through the window and then I was going to let them watch my tv.  When we got back to the NICU window, Daddy had gotten Jaxen to eat almost all of his bottle.  I was totally impressed and kind of jealous.  But I don't care who got him to eat, I am so happy that he ate!!  I think it's awesome that Jerry got to have that glory with Jaxen too! 

Jerry switched me places again and he took the kids down to my room to watch tv.  Mom and I got to love on the little man for a while, we didn't stay too long because Joanna was in the hallway learning about birthing babies!  LOL  Plus they needed to get home since Mom had to work tomorrow.  And I needed to get packed up and checked out.  I really thought about rooming in with Jaxen.  Since the hospital offers it free to parents who just have to wait a few days for their baby to follow.  I could still use and be in the room but the nurses wouldn't check on me or get my medicine - basically I'd be on my own.  But after thinking about it and talking to the nurses I didn't feel the need to stay.  Chloe, Jacob and Jerry needed me to come home and Jaxen was in good hands.

It took a while to get discharged and with all the hustle with getting registered and transferring hospitals - I didn't get the packet of information that I needed to fill out Jaxen's birth certificate.  So it was a good thing that I questioned it as we were getting discharged.  Jerry and I sat down and filled out the information that they need to issue a birth certificate and a social security number.  I got my prescriptions and discharge papers, loaded up all the bags and we headed out to tell Jaxen goodnight.  They were taking out Jaxen's IV when I got in the NICU, because it was making his leg swell a little bit.  I couldn't watch too long because I just didn't want to see him poked.  But the nurse did say that if it took more than a couple pokes, then they weren't going to put a new one in unless he needed it again. 

Leaving the hospital was a chore!  Especially with 2 kids and a cart load full of bags, gifts, and flowers!  When we finally got it all loaded, we headed to Walmart to get my drugs!  Since we had a 30 minute wait I was able to get a picture printed out for Chloe to take to school and show off tomorrow.  I printed out one for Jacob too.  It's so cute watching Chloe and Jacob walk around with pictures of their little brother.  I really can't wait until they are all together!! 

The dogs and cats were happy to see us when we got home this evening.  Jerry dealt with the animals, while I fed the kids and got my kitchen cleaned.  It's amazing how the house stood still since Friday. . . I'm quite disappointed that the cleaning fairies never showed up.  We let the kids play and relax at home while I got the bags put away or close to where they go.  I did what I could but stopped when I got tired.  I don't want to over do it. . . I want to be able to take care of my kids - all three of them!!

Once Jerry and I got the kids in bed we sat down and called the NICU to get our bedtime update on Mr. Jaxen.  And it was a BIG UPDATE!!  The nurse said that since we last seen him at 5:30pm - Jaxen has had his IV taken out and not put back in, they gave him his first bath, dressed him in a t-shirt and turned off his warmer, AND he ate his entire bottle while being rocked to sleep by his nurse!!  All of which are giant steps to coming home!!  I am praying he can maintain his own temperature throughout the night and he's starving for another bottle by morning!! 

Well I better get off of here, I'm going to shower and enjoy some good sleep in my nice and comfy bed.  Got to get up and get Chloe on the bus. . . then I a lots of phone calls to make.  Goodnight!