This Is Life...This Is Me!

Once Upon A Time...

2007-03-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

I was reading an article that was exploring the issue of wether the princess emphasis was bad for little girls.

In the article the issue was whether little girls were set up to the princess model. The thinking was that the little girls would later start to compare themselves to Cinderella. The article asked the question "Does princess worship hurt a girl's self-image?" They also explored the issue of whether it was limiting a little girl's options of what she could become. Here is the LINK.

We had a "Pretty Pretty Princess" part for my daughter when she was little. We dress her up in dresses. A great deal of her outfits are pink. We even call her "Princess" sometimes. I felt this was helping her self-esteem.

Does princess worship hurt a girl's self-image?

The Social Event Of The Year

2007-03-06T20:41:00.000-05:00

The famous wedding is approaching. Only 4 more days. Everyone is very excited. Well, except Adam. He's not too thrilled about wearing a tuxedo.

We'll post pictures when we return!

Lights Out!

2007-02-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

For the last few days, I've been feeling very tired. I've been working out and doing all of the usual things. But I've been feeling very fatigued. I've also had a lot of headaches.

At work this morning, I was feeling very weak. As I was walking 1st grade out of the door, I grabbed some change to get some apple juice. I remember saying, "Don't run down the..."

Then I remember waking up on the floor and people staring at me. I am ok. I was able to eat lunch and have a normal rest of the day.

My dear husband (the registered dietitian wanna-be) is saying that I have low iron. By removing all red meat from my diet, and other things that are going on right now, he says I am not getting at least the recommended amount of iron.

Since I can't eat red meat, I'm going to have to find other ways to do this. Maybe take a multi-vitamin?

Can You Hear Me Now?

2007-02-20T18:32:00.000-05:00

Today was Maddy's 9 month well visit. She weighs 23lbs 12oz and is just shy of 30 inches long. She is in the 98th percentile in both height and weight. The doctor said he was surprised to see how much she's grown, because she was very sick. But he's very pleased with her growth and development.

Her lungs were clear. NO WHEEZING! Yay! She can sit on her own, scoot on her bottom, crawl backwards, roll around in circles, feed herself finger foods (that can be very messy), and babbles like a crazy girl. She still has no teeth, but he said he isn't worried about it yet.

The bad news (there's always bad news) is that she has a double ear infection. This is infection #8 in a 4 month span, and has been on every antibiotic on the market. He said one more, and he has to refer her to the Ear, Nose & Throat specialist to have tubes put in her ears. I went home feeling very sad and scared. Naturally, I started looking for reasons and excuses, and when I couldn't find any, I blamed myself. I KNOW it isn't my fault. I guess it's just me wanting to protect her at all cost.

My mother-in-law came over this afternoon and we talked a bit. She told me that JJ had tubes put in his ears when he was a baby and had them for a little over a year until they fell out on their own. She said the surgery wasn't bad and it helped him out tremendously. I feel better after speaking to her. JJ doesn't seem to have lost his hearing, so the pros outweighs the cons.

Hopefully, they will clear up and she will have no more infections.

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears...Oh My!

2007-02-19T16:51:00.000-05:00

Not really. But pretty close.

Maddy had a follow up with the pediatric pulmonologist today. He was pleased that she has not been wheezing and is doing a lot better. He told us to continue with the Pulmicort mixed with Foradil, Singulair, and Xopenex when needed.

We went over her bloodwork, and she does in fact have allergies. She's allergic to dairy, peanut, cat dander, grass, and cockroaches. Okay, I expected the peanut, dairy, cat, and grass allergy, but cockroaches!?!?!? I didn't even know you can test for that. Who wants to NOT be allergic to cockroaches?

She gets the cat allergy from my side of the family, grass and dairy from Adam's side of the family. I can't figure out where the peanut allergy comes from.

So all in all, a great visit. We got a lot of answers! Tomorrow is her 9m well visit.

Which Do You Like?

2007-02-18T18:55:00.000-05:00

I am trying out different hairstyles on Debbie for my sister's wedding next month. Which do you like best? Remember, she is the flower girl.

Hairstyle A:

Or hairstyle B:

This one took the longest to style. :)

Dole Recalls Canteloupe

2007-02-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

You can read the story HERE

Geeze, spinach, peanut butter and now canteloupe.

See, the things I eat NEVER get recalled - chips, pretzels, french fries...

BYU Bans YouTube Access

2007-02-17T09:49:00.000-05:00

The popular Internet video-sharing site YouTube has been blocked on campus at Brigham Young University. You can read the rest of the story HERE.

I, personally, am happy. YouTube is filled with a lot of trash.

What do you think?

Are you a perfect mom/dad?

2007-02-16T17:57:00.000-05:00

No I am not. I do the best I can in the situation that I am in and whatever I think is in the best interest of my daughters, my husband, and myself. Just because some doctor, some study, some book said that this was the way it was supposed to be done, doesn't mean that I do it exactly that way. Just because I work, it doesn't mean that I don't love my children enough to want to spend my time with them. It's because I love them that I work.

Please respect my parenting style and I shall respect yours. If you like what I do (which I share here and with my other friends), ask me about it. If you don't, let it go. Please don't judge me. Try stepping in my shoes and you will know.

Please try to not tell me that you are perfect and your world is perfect. It's probably not, but I won't judge. I will, on most occassions, let you be. I'm not a perfect mom.... but I am the perfect mom for my children.

Enough said, are you a perfect mom/dad?

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone enjoys the company of their significant other today. Do something nice for each other--even if it's a compliment.

Also, remember this feeling today and carry it with you 365 days a year. Everyday should be a day of love!

Some Pictures Are Worth A Thousand Words

2007-02-07T21:19:00.000-05:00

Need I say more?

It's The MILK!

2007-02-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

This afternoon we saw the pediatritian and we talked about the bloodwork that was done on Maddy. She, indeed, has a peanut allergy, but what was very shocking was the dairy allergy! He said the numbers were off the charts! THAT'S what's been causing her wheezing. He said people react to a dairy sensitivity differently. Some will breakout, some will have vomiting, others will have a never ending cough and have wheezing. Well, that's Maddy! It all makes sense! She was on Soy formula for a while but was switched to a milk based formula in November. THAT was when all the breathing problems started. I feel horrible because here we're giving her milk based formula and then giving her breathing treatments because of the wheezing.

Now she's strictly on Soy and we're following up with the pulminologist on the 19th, and absolutely NO peanut. We can't even touch it and then touch her.

I feel very sad. Her life has just changed.

SNOW DAY!

2007-02-01T13:42:00.000-05:00

2 inches of snow this morning caused accidents all over the roads and interstates, closed roads up Signal Mountain, delayed the opening of banks and universities, and closed doctor offices, daycares, courts and schools.

ah...relaxation!

A Follow Up Poll To My Previous Poll

2007-01-31T20:40:00.000-05:00

The reason I asked how often you washed your sheets in the last post was because I came across this link: Link

I can't help but to wonder about how many little critters are actually on our pillows.

Now, the question is:

Are you going to go wash your eyelashes now?

*runs off to wash eyelashes*

~~POLL~~

2007-01-29T19:31:00.000-05:00

Be honest:

How often do you wash your bedsheets?

First Class

2007-01-24T16:51:00.000-05:00

We received Maddy's new carseat. It's the Britax Marathon in Olivia. It is wonderful! Very big, and comfortable. She is generally asleep within 5 minutes after we put her in.

It has one of the highest crash safety ratings, exceeding all US tests (US will pass a carseat if it passes a crash at 35mph. The Britax Marathon passed with a crash test at 65mph). It can be used rear facing up to 35lbs and forward facing up to 65lbs.

So far, we love it!

Weigh In

2007-01-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

I had my 2nd weigh in today. Another 3lbs lost. Yay me! That brings me down a total of 8lbs in 2 weeks! Woot woot!

Losing

2007-01-18T22:35:00.000-05:00

I had my very first Weight Watchers weigh-in. In my first week, I have lost 5.2 lbs!!! I am very happy, and very pleased. I am eating well, and feeling good. Yes, getting up at 4:30am to go to the gym is hard. Especially when I am getting up every 2-3 hours at night with a fussy baby. But is it sooooooo worth it.

My 2007 Goals

2007-01-14T12:12:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law posted her 2007 goals on her blog, so I thought I would do the same.

I do not have any 2007 resolutions. I have goals. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. I will not sweat the small things. So what if I go to bed without folding the towels and putting them away. I will not die, neither will my kids. It is ok if the bed doesn't get made right away, or if the dishes sit for a few minutes after dinner. It will get done.

2. I will take time out for me. In the past, I have said "I will do _________ for myself." But if I don't make time for it, it will never happen. It's like eating, if you don't take time out for it you won't eat. So, I have been getting up at 430am and going to the gym everyday this week. I will continue to do it daily. Yes, it's hard. It's even harder when my 7 month old wakes up at 2am to eat, but I will do it. I feel so good. I ran a total 18 miles this week, and it feels great!

3. We have cut out all junk, processed food, and red meat from our diet. I kind of had to because of my stomach issues, but it wasn't as hard as I thought. I have been cooking at home with lots of fresh vegetables, grilled chicken and turkey. I make enough so that we can take the extras with us for lunch the next day. By doing so, we have cut the number of times we eat out and we have saved money because of it.

4. I will spend more time with each child individually, and with my husband.

I will do it.

It's Been A While

2007-01-03T20:07:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, life has been very busy.

My cervical LEEP went well. I received my clear margins and now have to have a PAP every 3 months. Oh what fun!

After Maddy's hospitalization for RSV, we went down to Alabama for a few days for Christmas, and then again for New Years. We had fun spending time with everyone and catching up.

I had my Endoscopy this morning. It went well. The doctor took a sample of the ulcer to do a biopsy, and removed 7 polyp cysts that were in my stomach (I had no idea I had that). He told me to keep a bland diet for a few days because the removal of the polyps has irritated the lining of my stomah. He also told me to abstain from all red meat, PERIOD. I will follow up with the doctor in a week to discuss a form of treatment and the biopsy results. Besides being tired, having a sore throat, and a bruise on my arm from the IV, I am doing well.

All in all, this Christmas Break was not much a break. A lot happened and I am just so tired and need to get back into a routine before work begins tomorrow. Work...sigh!

Finally, Answers.

2006-12-16T17:02:00.000-05:00

We took Maddy to the doctor today because she has been reallly bad the last 2 days...not wanting to eat, tugging on her ears, not wanting to lay down to sleep. Yea...we've been sleeping sitting up with her in our arms so we are TIRED.

Since this has been going on since early November, they did an RSV test, and lo an behold. It was positive. She has RSV. The good thing (I guess you can say good thing) is that the worst part should be over, and she should be getting better soon. He said RSV can last weeks. They're sick for about a week or so, do really bad for a week, then begin to get better. I hope this was the bad week because it was BAD. He said with RSV, they will have a lot more mucos. So that explains the cough and the drooling, and the fluid in the ears. Poor thing has had it rough. So she is still on the breathing treatments and now on antibiotics for her ears.

One Down. One To Go.

2006-12-16T17:01:00.000-05:00

I had my LEEP done yesterday. It went ok. It DID hurt. A lot. I saw smoke in places I never thought I would. I am doing well...just very groggy and sore.

Wednesday is the stomach biopsy.

Needing some relief

2006-12-12T22:06:00.000-05:00

Maddy has been coughing and wheezing since early November. She got better around Thanksgiving day. Debbie came home with a cold, and then Maddy caught it. She's been sick ever since then. She has gone to the doctor weekly, and each week it's the same thing....continue to give her her albuterol breathing treatments.

Well, I took her today because she was coughing non stop. He decided to put her on an oral steroid to open her lungs and stop the wheezing. With one dose, I can tell she is a lot better. She was playing and laughing tonight.

He said she will probably become asthmatic like Adam and myself. We both take Advair for our Asthma. It could also be something she outgrows.

I was concerned that maybe it's the dog, but he assured me that it isn't. That dog has been here since she was born. The chances that she is allergic to it is unlikely. If we would have just brought the dog home, then maybe. But that isn't the case. I vaccuum every other day, mop weekly, clean the bathrooms, and dust weekly. I don't let dust and mold settle down. He said to continue to do what I'm doing. It would only help her to get better. He said they cannot do any allergy testing until she's a year old.

Here's to hoping she has a peaceful, restful night, and that the steroid helps.

Realizing The Sad Truth

2006-11-26T20:52:00.000-05:00

As I sat on the floor in Maddy's room this afternoon, I came to a sad realization. I sat and folded and put into a storage box all of her newborn-6 month clothes. Oh how quickly these 6 months have gone. Sure, the days seem very long but the weeks and months are flying by. In my hand I held the jacket she wore when she came home from the NICU. It's hard to imagine that, in that little jacket, I brought home a 5 lb baby girl.

It was at that moment that I realized that I may not have anymore children. I have always wanted a big family. Lots of children to chase around the house. But the truth is, I don't think I can do it again. I loved being pregnant. I had a great pregnancy. Yes, there was the horrible morning sickness that plagued me for months, as well as Gestational Diabetes, high blood pressure, and swelling. But it was a great experience. I had a great doctor and great medical and support team for months. It's just that I don't think I can handle what happens afterwards. The fatigue, the feeling of being overwhelmed, the depression.

Maybe after Adam finishes school, and I am able to stay at home, I'll change my mind. Maybe then. I don't know. But for now, I will not sweat the small things. I will hold on to my girls and enjoy them while they are young.

White & Nerdy

2006-11-26T09:01:00.000-05:00

I love this video. I dedicate it to Adam, JJ, Ryan, and Stephen. No, not Stephen. Well....yea, Stephen too.

Now, I wait

2006-11-21T17:31:00.001-05:00

Today I had my cervical biopsy done. I knew it was going to hurt when my MALE doctor told me, "All you'll feel is a little sting and burn. It won't hurt, though." Umm...how do you know!!?!?!? You're a MAN.

Anyways, I would get the results by Friday, but it'll probably be early next week because of the holiday.

*Hums Jeopardy tune*

Maddy Is 6 Months Today!

2006-11-16T19:47:00.001-05:00

Maddy turned 6 months today. She can almost sit unassisted. If someone/thing makes her laugh, she'll fall forward. She rolls both ways, has learned to scream at the top of her lungs for attention, can drink from a sippy cup, loves to eat solid foods, and continues to wow us everyday.

Today at her well month visit, she weighed in at 19lbs 13oz and 27 3/4 inches long. She's in the 97th percentile for weight and height. She received 3 shots and her flu shot. Naturally, she screamed at the top of her lungs and cried. But I think the Blue's Clues bandaids made everything better

Now I Have Some Answers

2006-11-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

I have been so sick. I've been going back and forth to the doctor for the last 3 weeks because of stomach pain. My doctor thought it was my galbladder and i had a ton of tests done and they were all negative. He set me up with a gastro doctor for 11/27, but I had to leave school yesterday morning because I was doubled over in pain. I went to the doctor and I had an upper GI test done. It was horrible. I had to drink this radioactive drink and they took xrays of my stomach. It tasted horrible. I returned to the doctor today and the results are that, yes, I have an ulcer. So I have to see the stomach doctor on 11/27 and set up an appt for a stomach biopsy to check to see if it's cancerous. He said it's very uncommon to have a stomach ulcer without family history and being so young. I am so terrified.

I am on a strict diet of non-fat, non greasy, non spicy, just plain BLAND foods. I cannot have any meat, and I cannot have anything citrus. So while my family eats Stuffed Manicotti tonight, I will eat potato soup.

I have that going on, and then I have to have a cervical biopsy done next Tuesday the 21st because I had 2 abnormal paps.

I need a vacation.

Happy Veteran's Day!

2006-11-11T20:42:00.000-05:00

This morning, we went to the Chattanooga National Cemetary to visit Mr. Lee. The cemetary was decorated nicely with flags along the drive. There were a lot of people there visiting loved ones.

It was a cold, windy, grey day. Very solemn and very sad for for all of us.

We salute and remember you and all of the brave men and women who have served and are serving our country and defending our freedom. Thank you.

We miss you Gee.

Everyone Loves A Parade

2006-11-09T21:03:00.000-05:00

Mr. & Mrs. Clause arrived at the Hamilton Place Mall tonight, officially beginning the Christmas season in Chattanooga. There was a huge parade at the mall. The Hamilton Place Mall is the biggest in Tennesse, so when I say huge, I mean, HUGE!

First there was the Chattanooga SWAT Team and the Rock City float:

There were many floats to follow:

But my favorite was the EB Packers Cheerleaders!

It was a great night! Lindsay had a lot of fun!

Did I give birth to a baby?

2006-11-09T14:16:00.000-05:00

Or a cat?

Maddy is in the licking phase. She licks her fingers, her toys, her bottle, my neck, and daddy's arms. Our pediatritian gave us the green light to begin 2oz of juice once a day. So, we put it in a sippy cup. She didn't know what to do with it, so she licked it.

She'll get the hang of it, but it was quite funny!

Feelings

2006-11-05T13:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt alone? I mean, have you ever felt like you were in a crowded room with people and was still alone? Have you ever felt like there isn't a person in the world who understands you and no one you can talk to, and all you can do is hide underneath the covers and cry?

Today, that's how I feel.

I Scream, You Scream....Then You Scream Again

2006-11-04T22:42:00.000-05:00

Maddy has learned something new. She has learned to scream. It's not just a scream. It's a loud, window shattering, piercing scream! She was sitting in her high chair while I got her lunch ready and she started to scream. I ran over to her, thinking the worst, and she started laughing.

I guess she has learned there's a voice inside her little body and knows she can use it. I must admit, she looks funny doing it.

Election Update!

2006-11-03T21:56:00.000-05:00

This is a public service announcement for my fellow bloggers concerning the elections next week. I want to encourage you to vote because every vote counts. I also wanted to put out this post to remind you in an objective nonpartisan way, that you matter to this process.
So next week make sure you get out and vote.

The voting schedule is as follows:

Republicans vote: Tuesday, November 7, 2006.

Democrats vote: Wednesday, November 8, 2006

War Of The Ads!

2006-11-03T21:37:00.000-05:00

Bob Corker VS. Harold Ford, Jr.

With only 4 days left til mid-term elections, the race is getting ugly. Well, here in Tennessee, it is. Here is what I know about the 2 men running for the Senate:

Bob Corker (R): Former Mayor of Chattanooga. Let 31, 000 911 calls go unanswered. Illegals were found at his worksite. Daughter Julia was caught makingout with another girl. Has 6 SUV's. Lives in a mansion. Self-made millionaire.

Harold Ford, Jr. (D): US Congressman. Accepted $$ from porn film producers. Attends parties at the Playboy Mansion. Attended school in Pennsylvania. Has a corupt family. Grew up in Washington, DC. Says he's a lawyer, yet has never passed the Bar Exam.

I don't know what these men are running for. I have not heard ANYTHING on their plans for the Senate, nor for what they plan on doing to make Tennessee better.

I do know one thing. After Tuesday, no more campaign ads! Phew!

My Marriage Isn't Perfect...Yet It Is

2006-11-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night, with your mind racing? That was me at 3:30 AM. As I laid there in bed, I pondered on my life as a wife.

I am far from a perfect wife. I'm sure my husband agrees. Our marriage is far from perfect. We argue. Heck, we have mastered the art of arguing. At times, I say things that I don't mean, and mean things I don't say. Coming from two different walks of life, we have differences. My husband does things differently than the way I do. For example, the dishes, laundry, making the bed...only to name a few. He coming from a traditional home and raised in the South, sees things in a whole different light than the way I, the girl from the Big City, does.

But our marriage is also perfect. Perfect in sense that we both strive and try to do what's best for our family. We want only the best for our daughters. We spend time together. Sometimes with our children, and sometimes without. We've shared some great times, and a lot of laughs, and have been there for each other when things have gotten rough. He protect me, and I protect him. Yes, we do argue. Who doesn't? Like I said, we come from 2 different walks of life. But that's what makes us who we are. I am happy. He's happy. We are happy...together.

We are crazy in love. A love genuine love and respect for one another. I think that's what holds this family together. Knowing that, no matter what, I have him, and he has me.

Marriage is hard work. Harder than I thought. But you know what? What in life isn't?

So there you go. My marriage isn't perfect, but then again, it is.