There was a question posed on a television show I was watching lat night. The question was referring to having kids, "What makes it worth it?" That got me thinking about what was worth it:
Waking up in the morning with his face right in front of mine,"Daddy, don't you want to play with me?", the big hugs and kisses. "Daddy, I love you sooo much." The dance he does while watching almost any show with music, and now learning the words to those songs. The infatuation with the Police, Fire, and all emergency departments. The list goes on and on, I could sit here and write everything he does.
What my question now is "What isn't worth it?"
I love you buddy, thank you.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Backwards Day
Typically, when it comes to day-care, Jeremy is the "drop offer" and I am the "pick upper" but today was "Backwards Day"! We've been going over and over about Backwards Day - Jacob asks, "Who's the drop offer? Who's the pick upper?"
Jeremy had to work this morning and I had my follow-up appointment, so we switched. I got to take Jacob to his Occupational Therapy this morning - which I never do. Oh! He has made so many improvements! I watched him roll on a ball without crying "don't let me fall, you won't let me fall," etc. I watched him walk on the balance beam and climb up the "hill" which is a foam triangle that he climbs up and onto the massage table. I watched him walk like a bear and draw circles. I even watched him jump on the trampoline! He's working to strengthen his trunk muscles and he's doing very well! I was so proud I almost cried!
His therapist and I talked about preschool too. I mentioned to her that we had registered him in the MSRP (is what they call it - I don't know what it means! I do now - it's the Michigan School Readiness Program - thank you Cindi H.) and she thought their program would be best for Jacob and his gross motor delay. I was a little nervous in picking a preschool but, her opinion/input sealed the deal! She was also impressed with Jacob's progress with her. He'll be able to continue Occupational Therapy at this new preschool. Like I said in an earlier post, preschool options in our town are very limited. Especially for a child who needs Occupational Therapy. Once he actually starts school (kindergarten), he can continue through the public school system (as he does now). Once he starts preschool - we can't pull him from his class, take him to therapy at another school and return him - it's too disruptive.
I was the "drop offer" this morning in taking Jacob to day-care. I much prefer being the "pick upper". He's always happy to see me! I also told Jeremy that his job as "pick upper" today included picking up some supper. How's that for "Backwards Day"?
Jeremy had to work this morning and I had my follow-up appointment, so we switched. I got to take Jacob to his Occupational Therapy this morning - which I never do. Oh! He has made so many improvements! I watched him roll on a ball without crying "don't let me fall, you won't let me fall," etc. I watched him walk on the balance beam and climb up the "hill" which is a foam triangle that he climbs up and onto the massage table. I watched him walk like a bear and draw circles. I even watched him jump on the trampoline! He's working to strengthen his trunk muscles and he's doing very well! I was so proud I almost cried!
His therapist and I talked about preschool too. I mentioned to her that we had registered him in the MSRP (is what they call it - I don't know what it means! I do now - it's the Michigan School Readiness Program - thank you Cindi H.) and she thought their program would be best for Jacob and his gross motor delay. I was a little nervous in picking a preschool but, her opinion/input sealed the deal! She was also impressed with Jacob's progress with her. He'll be able to continue Occupational Therapy at this new preschool. Like I said in an earlier post, preschool options in our town are very limited. Especially for a child who needs Occupational Therapy. Once he actually starts school (kindergarten), he can continue through the public school system (as he does now). Once he starts preschool - we can't pull him from his class, take him to therapy at another school and return him - it's too disruptive.
I was the "drop offer" this morning in taking Jacob to day-care. I much prefer being the "pick upper". He's always happy to see me! I also told Jeremy that his job as "pick upper" today included picking up some supper. How's that for "Backwards Day"?
Referral
I went to see my regular Doctor today as a follow-up from my ER visit.
He seems to be against the gallbladder. He did order some additional blood work to rule out H. Pylori (bacteria that cause peptic) ulcers - which I did and came back negative - and referred me to a surgeon. I'm waiting for the appointment to be scheduled. I don't know that it will be a surgeon - that's the word my Dr. used. My Dr. is an OB/GYN - I don't have a family Dr. - I'm trying to be patient while he figures out what to do/where to go/where to send me. I was also told to be prepared for a lot more tests including a nuclear scan of my gallbladder.
I'm still quite uncomfortable. No pain, thankfully. My stomach always feels empty and the crampiness you do get when it is empty. Though I am always completely honest with you all, I am not always completely open. I have many other things going on with my digestive tract that I'm just not comfortable talking about here and I'm not going to post details of them because frankly - it's just TMI and I'm uncomfortable talking about it here.
In the meantime, a friend had recommended a couple of herbal cleanses and I'm going to try them, as well as make some changes in my diet and see what happens. She recommended a liver cleanse as well as The Beet Recipe. Not that I'm all organic and herby but really, what's it going to hurt to try it? Purple poop again? I think I can deal with it!
He seems to be against the gallbladder. He did order some additional blood work to rule out H. Pylori (bacteria that cause peptic) ulcers - which I did and came back negative - and referred me to a surgeon. I'm waiting for the appointment to be scheduled. I don't know that it will be a surgeon - that's the word my Dr. used. My Dr. is an OB/GYN - I don't have a family Dr. - I'm trying to be patient while he figures out what to do/where to go/where to send me. I was also told to be prepared for a lot more tests including a nuclear scan of my gallbladder.
I'm still quite uncomfortable. No pain, thankfully. My stomach always feels empty and the crampiness you do get when it is empty. Though I am always completely honest with you all, I am not always completely open. I have many other things going on with my digestive tract that I'm just not comfortable talking about here and I'm not going to post details of them because frankly - it's just TMI and I'm uncomfortable talking about it here.
In the meantime, a friend had recommended a couple of herbal cleanses and I'm going to try them, as well as make some changes in my diet and see what happens. She recommended a liver cleanse as well as The Beet Recipe. Not that I'm all organic and herby but really, what's it going to hurt to try it? Purple poop again? I think I can deal with it!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Recouperating
Thank you for your prayers and well wishes!
I'm doing...okay. I did have another bout on Friday afternoon (cashews are the common denominator between Thursday and Friday - though I haven't found what caused Tuesday or Wednesday). I left work early and went home to the safety of my couch. Jeremy's mom came later to help with Jay until Jeremy got home.
I have learned a few things that trigger these 'episodes'. I will not eat cashews EVER again nor will I consume any more pineapple. Funny though, chili cheese fries, have no effect! I'm eating very carefully to pinpoint what causes trouble and what doesn't.
I didn't have any more issues through the weekend. Though my stomach does feel, I guess sour is a good word...kinda queasy but, I don't have any nausea. This has remained unchanged. I'm very tired. I can't seem to get enough rest and I don't have any energy. I also have a lot of burps (more like belches - they're kinda loud but thankfully, these 'smart farts' are taking the elevator!) from what ever I do eat. Right now - it's chocolate chip cookie, again, and again, and again.
I see my Dr. on Tuesday and after talking with one of my sisters who had a very similar experience (pain to beat all hell, a clear U/S, and clear blood work - ended up with a nuclear scan of her gallbladder to find it was functioning at only 7%! Now I don't understand how functioning at 7% is BAD - compared to having no gall bladder at all!?!) I'm certain there are more tests in my future. I'm taking a lot of notes for tomorrow's appointment. I'll keep you posted.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Liver & Onions
I'd gladly eat Liver & Onions with a side of Lima beans and a dirty lettuce salad topped with Blue Cheese dressing - as long as I don't EVER have to consume a cup of Maalox mixed with Lidocaine EVER again! I'll get back to this cocktail in a minute.
If you didn't know this, I have always had trouble with my stomach. I am known to carry antacids (in pill and in tablet form). I get really sick when I get nervous, or upset. I have troubles with milk based foods. I also have trouble with fast food.
My stomach troubles picked up again this week. I've had a horrible clenching feeling at the top of my stomach after eating lunch every day this week. I eat lunch, spend an hour doubled over and it goes away.
I'd eaten lunch yesterday, (half a roast beef and cheese sandwich, a handful of chips and a few cashew nuts) and about a half hour after eating, as expected, here came the pain! An hour passed but, it didn't leave. Into the second hour, I called Jeremy, he convinced me to call my Dr., I talked to his nurse and waited for her to call back. Dr. wanted an ultrasound of my gallbladder but traditional means require a 6 hour fast and he didn't want to waste that time so I was sent to the hospital emergency room.
The clock read 3:25 PM when I checked in at the hospital. I sat patiently in the waiting room holding my stomach for about 10 minutes before I was called back. The poor woman in reception had to ask me each question twice as all I could concentrate on was the huge trash can behind her and how I could plow her over to get to it to throw up!
The nurse led me back to room 9 and rounding the corner back to my room, I caught a whiff of disinfectant and I thought I'd see my lunch again as the gal dove for a trash can for me - luckily I didn't need it. She got me settled in my room with a lovely gown and a "Sickness Bag" to wait for the other nurse.
I had a heck of a time getting comfortable on that gurney. Sit up, lie down, on my side, on my back, left, right - nothing eased the pain or the nausea. Oh the nausea! The nurse came back with a Paramedic Student named Shawn. Surprisingly, Shawn put me at ease (he reminded me a lot of our friend Shaun from the fire department). He asked, I answered and I went back to waiting.
Then came the Dr. and I about fell out of that bed! He looked just like an ex-boyfriend of mine! I had to look at him twice! I mean I knew it couldn't be - Randy is a fire chief up by Manistee. There's no freaking way he's a Dr.! Anyway, he poked and prodded, prodded and poked. He asked a bunch of questions and left.
Soon after, the gal came in and took 3 vials of my blood. She did a great job! I'm a needle chicken and I barely noticed the poke. She had 2 of the 3 done before I even knew it! I don't even have a bruise!
And then another guy came and we went for a ride on the gurney to the ultrasound room for them to take some pictures of my gallbladder! I really would have rather walked than be pushed on that gurney! The U/S Tech poked and prodded and clicked on her computer. When her task was complete, she wheeled me back to number nine. As we were rounding the last corner, I looked up and there was Jeremy coming down the hall. He'd sent Jacob off with G & G S. and came to be with me. Though he missed the worst of it all, I have never been happier to see him!
Back in room 9 and alone with Jeremy, I finally could let it go. I had a few tears from my hurt and for being scared. The clenching in my stomach was starting to ease. I finally had to pee - and give them the long awaited sample for my last test.
Around 5:00 PM the Dr. came back in said all of my tests were normal. My ultrasound showed that my gallbladder was clinched and the didn't see any gallstones though sometimes the clinching can hide them. There wasn't anything to cause alarm. He said he'd have the nurse bring back my cocktail (Maalox and Lidocaine, remember?) and I could go. Maalox for the acid in my stomach, Lidocaine to numb it. I was really surprised to see the Dr. come back with a little cup, "Here you go!" he said. Think peppermint flavored Bactine. I have never tasted ANYTHING THAT AWFUL! I was numb from the teeth back. Dr. came back once more, asked if I drank it or threw it in the trash, he admitted that he'd smelled it, that it smelled really bad, and he turned me loose.
I was diagnosed with gastritis, given a prescription for Prevacid with instructions to follow up with my regular doctor.
I was out and heading home at 6:04 PM - not bad. Not bad. I met Jeremy back at home, we went and picked up Jacob, came back home where I crashed on the couch. Jacob was most interested in my "ban-bains" (Band-Aids) which were actually the ID bands from the hospital. He was satisfied once they were off - though he kept them.
Jacob was still worried about me this morning "Mommy? Are you okay?" I am feeling much better. Still a little queasy but, no pain. I'm taking my diet back to bland and start slowly introducing foods/drinks to see if I can establish a pattern or what sets this off. I'm thankful to not have anything serious, thankful Jeremy could be there with me but, a little scared for the bill. Let's hope it doesn't send me back there!
If you didn't know this, I have always had trouble with my stomach. I am known to carry antacids (in pill and in tablet form). I get really sick when I get nervous, or upset. I have troubles with milk based foods. I also have trouble with fast food.
My stomach troubles picked up again this week. I've had a horrible clenching feeling at the top of my stomach after eating lunch every day this week. I eat lunch, spend an hour doubled over and it goes away.
I'd eaten lunch yesterday, (half a roast beef and cheese sandwich, a handful of chips and a few cashew nuts) and about a half hour after eating, as expected, here came the pain! An hour passed but, it didn't leave. Into the second hour, I called Jeremy, he convinced me to call my Dr., I talked to his nurse and waited for her to call back. Dr. wanted an ultrasound of my gallbladder but traditional means require a 6 hour fast and he didn't want to waste that time so I was sent to the hospital emergency room.
The clock read 3:25 PM when I checked in at the hospital. I sat patiently in the waiting room holding my stomach for about 10 minutes before I was called back. The poor woman in reception had to ask me each question twice as all I could concentrate on was the huge trash can behind her and how I could plow her over to get to it to throw up!
The nurse led me back to room 9 and rounding the corner back to my room, I caught a whiff of disinfectant and I thought I'd see my lunch again as the gal dove for a trash can for me - luckily I didn't need it. She got me settled in my room with a lovely gown and a "Sickness Bag" to wait for the other nurse.
I had a heck of a time getting comfortable on that gurney. Sit up, lie down, on my side, on my back, left, right - nothing eased the pain or the nausea. Oh the nausea! The nurse came back with a Paramedic Student named Shawn. Surprisingly, Shawn put me at ease (he reminded me a lot of our friend Shaun from the fire department). He asked, I answered and I went back to waiting.
Then came the Dr. and I about fell out of that bed! He looked just like an ex-boyfriend of mine! I had to look at him twice! I mean I knew it couldn't be - Randy is a fire chief up by Manistee. There's no freaking way he's a Dr.! Anyway, he poked and prodded, prodded and poked. He asked a bunch of questions and left.
Soon after, the gal came in and took 3 vials of my blood. She did a great job! I'm a needle chicken and I barely noticed the poke. She had 2 of the 3 done before I even knew it! I don't even have a bruise!
And then another guy came and we went for a ride on the gurney to the ultrasound room for them to take some pictures of my gallbladder! I really would have rather walked than be pushed on that gurney! The U/S Tech poked and prodded and clicked on her computer. When her task was complete, she wheeled me back to number nine. As we were rounding the last corner, I looked up and there was Jeremy coming down the hall. He'd sent Jacob off with G & G S. and came to be with me. Though he missed the worst of it all, I have never been happier to see him!
Back in room 9 and alone with Jeremy, I finally could let it go. I had a few tears from my hurt and for being scared. The clenching in my stomach was starting to ease. I finally had to pee - and give them the long awaited sample for my last test.
Around 5:00 PM the Dr. came back in said all of my tests were normal. My ultrasound showed that my gallbladder was clinched and the didn't see any gallstones though sometimes the clinching can hide them. There wasn't anything to cause alarm. He said he'd have the nurse bring back my cocktail (Maalox and Lidocaine, remember?) and I could go. Maalox for the acid in my stomach, Lidocaine to numb it. I was really surprised to see the Dr. come back with a little cup, "Here you go!" he said. Think peppermint flavored Bactine. I have never tasted ANYTHING THAT AWFUL! I was numb from the teeth back. Dr. came back once more, asked if I drank it or threw it in the trash, he admitted that he'd smelled it, that it smelled really bad, and he turned me loose.
I was diagnosed with gastritis, given a prescription for Prevacid with instructions to follow up with my regular doctor.
I was out and heading home at 6:04 PM - not bad. Not bad. I met Jeremy back at home, we went and picked up Jacob, came back home where I crashed on the couch. Jacob was most interested in my "ban-bains" (Band-Aids) which were actually the ID bands from the hospital. He was satisfied once they were off - though he kept them.
Jacob was still worried about me this morning "Mommy? Are you okay?" I am feeling much better. Still a little queasy but, no pain. I'm taking my diet back to bland and start slowly introducing foods/drinks to see if I can establish a pattern or what sets this off. I'm thankful to not have anything serious, thankful Jeremy could be there with me but, a little scared for the bill. Let's hope it doesn't send me back there!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Registered
I registered my baby for preschool yesterday.
I can't believe he's going to be 5 already this year. It seems like he only turned 3 this morning!
The choice of preschools is pretty limited in our area. One preschool is run from some one's home - I'm not comfortable with that. One is income based and we don't qualify. One is run by the Catholic church - we're Lutheran. One is run by The River church - did I mention we're Lutheran? Lastly, and my choice is run by the people that provided us services through Early On before Jacob was 3. I have heard many excellent things about their preschool program and Jacob should be able to continue his Occupational Therapy there too.
I'm told it's 4 half days but, I don't know what days yet and what constitutes a 'half day'.
The next step is a post card from the school, then a call from the actual teacher.
Stay tuned - Jacob will start college next week!
I can't believe he's going to be 5 already this year. It seems like he only turned 3 this morning!
The choice of preschools is pretty limited in our area. One preschool is run from some one's home - I'm not comfortable with that. One is income based and we don't qualify. One is run by the Catholic church - we're Lutheran. One is run by The River church - did I mention we're Lutheran? Lastly, and my choice is run by the people that provided us services through Early On before Jacob was 3. I have heard many excellent things about their preschool program and Jacob should be able to continue his Occupational Therapy there too.
I'm told it's 4 half days but, I don't know what days yet and what constitutes a 'half day'.
The next step is a post card from the school, then a call from the actual teacher.
Stay tuned - Jacob will start college next week!
Monday, March 8, 2010
How he's grown!
I didn't think Jacob had grown much taller in the past year! As you'll see, the proof is in the police car!
Now that Jacob has mastered #2 on the pottie, our stalking of the Sheriff, the fire district, and city police has resumed. I took this on Friday night (3/05/2010). I apologize for the blur - it's a cell phone shot.
And this is from last year, (3/18/09).
This car is our friend "Self". He's named "Self" as he's always behind the Sheriff Department, all by himself. You can also see our friend, "Dirty" (the white car) in the background. He's always dirty.
I'm not sure how I managed to get the same door on the same car, almost a full year apart...is it luck? Or the result of the stalking? :)
Now that Jacob has mastered #2 on the pottie, our stalking of the Sheriff, the fire district, and city police has resumed. I took this on Friday night (3/05/2010). I apologize for the blur - it's a cell phone shot.
And this is from last year, (3/18/09).
This car is our friend "Self". He's named "Self" as he's always behind the Sheriff Department, all by himself. You can also see our friend, "Dirty" (the white car) in the background. He's always dirty.I'm not sure how I managed to get the same door on the same car, almost a full year apart...is it luck? Or the result of the stalking? :)
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