updates and a funny

#5 funny--we had a candle lit yesterday. It is unusual and I actually cannot remember why we lit it. Maybe to torture the curious cat? she will not leave it alone (she singed her eyebrows but is not hurt). Jezabel is just a plain ole curious cat that I think is part dog. Anyway, back to the story....#5 looks at the candle, points at it and calls it, "counter fire." I had to giggle. It was a fire on the counter.

Jon has been in the hospital for 12 days now. He was spiking fevers over 105. They thought he had a fungal infection in one of his lungs but that hasn't been confirmed. Now they have found a 2 cm x 3cm blood clot in his right ventricle. So, essentially he has a gumball sized blood clot in his heart. Pray. Please.

Baby is turning into a cute Hubba Chubba. She is smiling and cooing and sleeping through the night. Not necessarily any naps during the day but we will take the sleeping through the night. She is well adored by all the "bwuddas and sista" as we work to keep #5 from rubbing all the peach fuzz off the top of her head.

#1 is approaching 5'8" and I have to look up at him now. sigh
#2 has a birthday coming up and I just can't think of a great gift-placenta brain (it lasts longer with each baby)
#3 is walking a fine line right now-big boy, little boy, responsibilities, dodging responsibility
#4 loves the new baby and pulled her eyelids up to talk to her when she had just fallen asleep today
#5 has had the vocabulary boom. From the moment she awakes until she falls asleep she is talking, talking, talking. She made the move to a big girl bed but had to spend a couple nights in the baby's crib to make the transition.
#6 is cute, charming her father and just getting over thrush. I used Gentian Violet and had a purple mouthed babe for a few days. Since she is nursing I was also purple. To use GV you paint it on the babies mouth three times a day. I was painting her one time and #5 decided to 'help.' So, I painted #6 and was then looking for a place to put the bottle of GV so that #5 wouldn't get it (it is dark purple and stains). There were no tables close or older child or hubby and not wanting to spill it I stuck it in my cleavage. It was there until I could hand off the baby and then I went to get the bottle and realized the cap wasn't on tight. Can you say purple cleavage? sheesh Purple hills and valley

The preeclampsia was horrid. The swelling didn't completely go away for a month and my liver is still not functioning correctly. So, while I am not 100% yet I am not 0% either. I am so thankful that the baby and I are okay.

A funny from #5

Apparently the baby whose diapragm isn't in sync with her breathing has according to #5, "the picc-ups."

"Momma, momma, da baby has piccups!"

I can breathe

Indispensible

Walkie Talkies-without a doubt. I don't have to yell and bellow through the house to get help. So I guess that splurge DH had around Christmas last year is paying off. We have walkie talkies spread throughout the house on the same channel so I can get them upstairs or downstairs. It is wonderful being fed and watered on a regular basis.

The bed rest is working. OB says at 37 weeks they will induce. That is 3 1/2 weeks away! Apparently preeclampsia has a way of stabilizing and then all the sudden your blood pressure goes up and you get to have a baby. Just like that! Did you hear the snap?

DH has been informed that the bedroom is getting a makeover after this little "vacation" of mine.

2 out of the 5 children's scrapbooks are finished. 3rd should be done tomorrow or Sunday.

My wonderful DH has really stepped up-as have all the boys-to help keep our family running. Our wonderful friends have truly helped us out also with meals and giving the kids a change of pace every now and then. #5 comes in regularly for cuddles and we read books in bed together. #3 has decided he can be a big boy and he is turning out to be a huge help around here.

To all those people who have criticized me for:
working my children too hard
making them grow up too fast
making them surrogate parents
not letting them just be kids

I stick out my tongue at you. If my kids didn't have these skills our family would have fallen on its face weeks ago. We aren't perfect but we are working together to get through this family crisis. And that is what learning to be a family is about.



I have the best husband in the world and the absolute best kids.

This didn't happen intentionally

I didn't mean to turn this into a preggo blog. Today we are 32 weeks-5 weeks left to go!

I am grateful that I have a couple projects to work on. I have my kids scrapbooks to finish-get-up-to-date and with my grandmother's recent death I have taken on the ancesteral photo project. All the aunts have given me the old family photos and newspaper clippings and I am sorting, compiling, digitizing and then laying out a scrapbook for family members. If I didn't have a project like this I would be nuts already and it hasn't even been a week.

sigh

We are aiming for 37 weeks

had the ultrasound today and she is "5 pounds 7 ounces" so she won't be teeney einey if she is earlier than that. That was a relief to me considering that my smallest babe was 8lb.8oz.

Does anyone understand how hard this actually is?? a mom of 5 staying horizontal or sitting all.day.long. and then actually being tired enough to sleep??

Off to bed I go.....

tra-la-laa-la-laaa

preeclampsia

no laundry, cooking or household duties for me

just worrying about a healthy baby and a healthy mama

One down, one to go

potty training this week.

#4 has gotten it, the girl hasn't. I am guessing some of it has to do with the fact that I didn't buy her that penis and her tubing is just shorter. She feels the urge and it is too late. She gasps, "OH NO!" and runs to the bathroom.

It dawned on me a few weeks ago that if I didn't hop on this I would have 3 in diapers. Eeek! And if #4 or #5 relapse after #6 is born I will have at least 2 or 3 in diapers.

hmpf

I detest it when people assume that they know what is best for me. Last I checked I was an adult and can make up my own mind. I get really tired of people crapping on me and my family.

finis

It's in both eyes

the iritis-lots of steroids and not so much reading lately

From #2

"I really like it when I burp a couple hours after I eat doughnuts."


ewwwww

Nobody told me how much fun girl hair is...

PIGGY TAILS!

actually they turned into Fountain Tails today. :)

Remember that gripe?

Well, the doctor misdiagnosed me. I have iritis which is much more severe than pink eye and is the 3rd cause of preventable blindness. Doing lots or research around here.

I got a gripe here

I have pink eye. I don't know if it bacterial, viral or from allergies. All I know is my left eyeball alternates between feeling like there is a piece of sandpaper in it to exploding. I decide to actually go to the doctor. I try to handle all minor medical things at home. I have learned after 5 kids and various flesh filleting done by husband and sons on house projects when to go to the doctors and when to just handle it at home.


Once again the traditional medical system has proven to me it SUCKS. (Sorry mom.) I went to the doctors office and was thankful her accent wasn't so thick I could actually understand her. I have a PCP but can rarely get in to see him so they farm me out to other doctors that don't read my file, see that I am 25 weeks pregnant and actually listen to me. I had all 5 of the kidlets with me in that 8x8 room (last minute appointment). I explain I am here because of pink eye, she does all the light tests, "does it hurt?" poking and prodding. I make to tell her twice that I am 25 weeks pregnant. She says, "Yes, you have conjuntivitis" opens the doors and says she will be right back. That is 15-20 minutes in doctor language. She comes back and gives me a prescription for 2 medications and this is what she says, "Here is a prescription. The first is antibiotic drops but you probably have viral conjunctivitis. The second is for Claritin but they have never tested it on pregnant women."

So, I have a Rx for 2 medications that have not been tested to see if they would cause any damage to the baby, viral conjuntivitis and an antibiotic treatment that won't help a viral infection and I am now out the copay and spending an hour of quality time with my children in an 8x8 examination room. Good thing they all came home with a pair of latex gloves to put on their heads to be roosters.

And the traditional medical establishment wonders why people turn to alternative medicine...

You know what this means?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070614/ap_on_he_me/kids_food

As I was typing about #1 yesterday I was eating Starburst candy. I normally never buy candy bars but I had won this one at a bridal shower. I was disgruntled to learn that they had changed the flavors around. They don't have a regular cherry flavor anymore-it is now disco berry. I grumbled cause they keep changing around things, flavors, ingredients, amounts in the foods we buy. I know it is marketing. But some things you just don't want to change. (See that 5 year old stomp on the floor?)

Now Kellogg's will probably change Fruit Loops. That is it! No more babies for this family! If I cannot have real, regular Fruit Loops when I am morning sick I just can't do it...

Gotta go. BYE.

That is the abrupt ending my girlfriend Jennifer got today while talking to me on the phone. She was mid-sentence. Since Jenn has been around since before I was married and has been around for the boys and their antics. She knew not to get her panties in a bind. She would call me tonight if she didn't hear from me sooner. We have done this before.

This is the scene I see as I am sitting in the family room. The side door opens. #2 has #4 slung over his shoulder like a sack of wheat. #4 is squawking and protesting the entire way. #1 is following them and has blood running all the way from the top of his head, in between his eyes, down his nose and dripping off his chin.

I hung up on my friend then.

#4 decided to pitch rocks at his older brother and got a bulls-eye. Both of them right on the forehead and one sharp enough to make a dent and a good gash. I had to cut his hair and in his normal boy "don't care what I look like very much" attitude said, "If you shave it, just get me a couple hats. I don't care about a scar. It doesn't hurt. Can I just go back outside and play with Tommy?"

http://www.foxnews.com/national/education/index.html

Take a look at the students.

Bored (I think all of them have their heads on their hands) and sleeping. Wanna go teach in New Orleans?

Making those you have in your house look a little better?? hmmmm??

Mother's Day Sunday

You know it is Mother's Day Sunday when you arrive at church, look down the pew and realize that out of the 10 feet that belong to your children 7 of them have shoes on.

I wish I had the camera...

Adios Donna

My grandmother died. We are just back from the funeral. I am taking the day to put my feet up and chill.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

Today #1, 2 and 3 are outside. They have the spring job of burning the sticks. The job includes: sticks, paper, firestarter, hose with water on and a chop saw. DH added the last one into the mix because you know the job with fire just isn't dangerous enough-he had to add electricity and sharp blades. (I sent them out with a hatchet to cut the large sticks.)

#1 decides to use his infinite-and-all-knowing-wisdom-that-all-11 1/2-year-olds have to spray the fire with the hose sending ash and paper all over the entire yard but also spraying the chop saw and the extension cord. Yah. I call him in and tell him to hit the shower. I did also tell him he was being stupid (not one of my finer mommy moments) not only because of what he did with the fire but also because he walked through the puddle that the extension cord was now lying in with no shoes on. I say "electrocution" and he has this lightbulb go on over his head. "You know mom, I didn't think about that."

I love Mr. Clean magic erasers. I keep one in the tub for quick clean ups. #1 comes out of the shower and says, "Wow! Mom! Those magic eraser things really work!" Then he holds up his feet and says, "See?"

Lunch Break

Today I was doing school with #3. He has a loose tooth. DH is working from home and came to the table where #3 and I were. He says, "I am going to go gas up the cans from the garage." It is the beginning of lawn mowing season. #3 automatically asks, "Can I go with you?" Then he thinks, "If I yank out my tooth can I get the money and go with you?"

UPDATE: He did ask me to pull his tooth. I hand him over the buck and he gleefully heads to the gas station with his father. #1 was in the room hearing this whole thing. He walks over to me and says, "Here." places his tooth on the table that he just yanked out of his head and asks for his cash.

Explaining leukemia to my sons

my dear frind called me yesterday morning at 6 a.m. (she restrained herself to wait until then). Her voice was tinged with hysteria. The doctor had called her at 1 a.m. and said get your son to the ER now. She brought him to Providence ER, they sent him to Children's. At 10:45 a.m. the call came-leukemia. The hysteria was full blown. 65% cure rate. Now she is numb. Forms have been signed, bone marrow biopsied, transfusions, spinal tap, surgery and chemo.

If it can happen to her it could happen to any of us...praying for Jon

#4

#4 and #5 needed baths. I put them in the bath together, gave them the required Duplos and plastic cups and did a speed clean of the library. I came back when I heard shouts of "Mama!! We Done!" I head back to the bathroom and take out #4, wrap him in a towel and dry him. This is the conversation:

He pats me on the shoulder and says, "Mama. You need to get #5 a penis."
I said, "Well, #5 is a girl and she doesn't need a penis."
His reply? "Mama. You need go buy #5 a penis and stick it on her."

Should I try WalMart? or Target?

meet the Ys and X

Consolidation

Merging, editing a few blogs to make life easier for moi!

Consequences, Smawsequences

Friday the big guys had their final OM meeting. It was at CiCi's pizza. I knew they would have a grand time and they did. After everyone had their fill of pizza, brownies, pop and arcade games we got all loaded up, started driving (about a mile) and #2 yells, "I LEFT MY RETAINERS!"
I flip a u-turn and start envisioning sorting through bags of used napkins, gooky salad and pizza crust all while watching 2 toddlers and 3 other children gawk at the trash we have to actually sort through and keeping #2 on task to find those retainers. It was not a pretty picture in my mind. But do you know what happened? Liability. Liability is what happened. I entered the restaurant and spoke to the manager on duty. #2 was with me and he fully expected he would be doing the looking through the trash. Non-employees are not allowed to go through the trash! There was no consequence for that 10 year old forgetful boy. I felt so terrible as this manager took 15 minutes out of her day to look for my kid's retainers. She emerged with both of them in her hand and said you may want to disinfect them. For sure. I thanked her profusely and on the spot instituted a new retainer policy for the boys. Mom holds them in her bag.

On the other kid who lost his retainers a few weeks ago....let me tell you people, God still works miracles. His retainers were found but only after we had a snow. His little sister somehow got hold of his golden retainers and put them in a mitten in the hat, mitten and glove drawer. In a mitten. If it had been warmer we would have never found them. Miracles still happen. Prayers are answered.

Proud Mama Entry

OM competition was on Saturday. I was totally proud of #1 and #2. They did things that were hard for them. They were nervous but they still performed well. They were disappointed that they were 3rd but I personally considered the whole day a victory for them, their team and coach.

Way to Go Guys!

From the Eldest

"Mom? Can we use the blow torch?"

He had to weed the garden beds.

I am doomed

I am whining. I know that but I am just really tired of having a head of hair that resembles a mop and requires a pony tail to look decent. I have a really, really, really hard time finding a stylist that does a good job on my hair. We have lived here now for almost 5 years and I haven't really found a stylist yet. I found one with promise but I called this morning to set up an appointment but the number is disconnected. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

So I talk to people, ask them about their hair stylist, get a phone number, try the stylist out, pay $50 for a hack job and have to wait 6-8 months for my hair to grow out. I ask complete strangers on the street who cuts their hair. The cycle starts all over again.

So, who cuts your hair?

Pillow Talk

Lately #4 has been trying to show how big he is and not take naps. My 3 year olds still need naps. Other people's 3 years may not. Mine do. He moved out of his crib and upstairs to the "Big Boy Room." DH and I then started hearing the boing! boing! boing! #4 was jumping from each twin bed to the next. From bed to bed to bed to bed to bed (yes, we had 5 twins up there). We got a bed tent and bunk beds in hopes to keep him down. The tent worked for a couple days but then #3 took it over and the 6 year old took a nap! I knew that I was just going to have to lay down with him.

We now have the little routine and #4 and I taking a nap. We go to my room, get under the covers and have a cuddle and he falls asleep within 5 minutes. (see? he was tired.) Yesterday, he was on DH's pillow and I on mine. He had a hand up and was playing with his hair. The binky was in his mouth and his eyes were smiling. He loves going to nap time now.

I whispered to him, "I love you."
He whispered back, "I wuv yooo and I wuv #2." (#4 and #2 have a close relationship)
I whispered, "I love #2."
He says, "You wuv awwwwus!" (You love allus.)
And he rolled over and went to sleep.

I fire up my computer and Yahoo tells me

that this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week.

Well, hmpf. Is it being kind not harming my eldest because he lost his retainers and eyeglasses in the same week?

Anyone have an extra $3,000 for retainers? I am thinking of bribing the entire household. A crisp one hundred dollar bill to the finder of the golden retainers. Think it will work? $100 versus $3000....

This morning my Dad called. He and Mom want to come visit. We set up a time and chit-chatted a few minutes. We said good-bye and I announced to the children, "Grammie and Poppy are coming on Saturday!"

#4 sighed and said, "I wov it when Gwammie comes." sigh and he smiles big
Oh, to be just adored.

There were tears today

from my first born. On our way to OM his baby sister barfed all over the car (yes, Kelly, another barfing incident, and you are right, there are tremendous messes that I deal with far too often). We were closer to home than to the meeting so I turned around and headed home. I washed her off, gave her a binky and put her to bed. She slept for 2 hours.

I come out from putting her to bed. #1 is in the middle of the family room floor, bawling, "How come we have to stay home? I want to see my friends." My poor guy, he is learning the hard way that life just isn't always roses and that flexibility is a characteristic we attempt to foster at home. I just hugged him and told him we couldn't get everyone else sick. Poor guy.

pssst....I have a secret

I ate white flour and sugar today.
I like the smell of coffee.
I yell at my children occasionally.
I don't listen to the voice mail regularly.
I have a rechargeable Starbucks card. Actually 2 of them.
I return library books late.
I even return library books without the due date card. And this according the clerk at the check out desk is a heinous, insidious oversight. To which I really wanted to say, "GET A LIFE! Don't try to guilt me about these, at least you have a stinking job because my tax dollars support this library. So, don't give me that look down your nose look about late fees or missing card fees which I pay."
I also lose my temper every now and then...

peace, quiet and warm towels

There are somedays when you just have to use every single last drop of hot water. They must be used by you and you alone in the shower. And there is nothing that can budge you from getting totally lobster red-even if the steam coming out of the bathroom sets off the smoke detectors and house alarm...

Happy Birthday Girlie!

You are two today. I guess you are really out of the realm of babyhood. Your dad and I have known that for at least a month now. You continue to amaze us with your verbal skills. What a difference there is between you and your brothers! As I emerged from my bedroom this morning, you announced that you had on your "PINK!" jammies and patted your tummy to show me. You love the kittens. I am not so sure they love you quite so much. You have learned that chasing them doesn't get you a "kiddie." You wait until they come to their food and water dish to scoop them up. You carry them around by their cat arm pits with their back to legs flailing around the grip onto something. Your dad or I quickly save the cat just for you to do it over and over again until the cat finally disappears hungry or thirsty.

You love to have your nails painted. Maggie, Hannah and Erin did it for you yesterday. You love flaunting your "pinks" and your brothers have learned to oooo and ahhh and tell you how pretty they are. The preferred clothing is a dress and tights. If there are barettes for your hair life is so much better. You have no hair in the front but the hair in the back needs to have a "pwetty" in it. You love to help me cook. You regularly push around the wheat bucket in the kitchen to get to countertop level to see what is going on. You insist to see the mixer mix, the blender blend, the wheat grinder grind and any other appliance do its thing.

You are adored by your big brothers and your father. I love you. But they adore you. You prefer Daddy to get you up in the morning and a brother to help you out. You do still cuddle me and come to me but there are just times of the day when a male is preferred.
Happy Birthday Chica!

Overheard

#1 is helping #3 get dressed for church, as he is tucking in the shirt I hear: "There! Now you are cute!"

#3 responds, "NO! I NOT coot. I cooowa. Weega coot."

I guess girls are supposed to be cute in his 3 yo mind but boys are cool. Who argues with a 3 year old?

It is 10:44 am

there have been poops in the tub, an orthodontist appointment, pancakes (and the accompanying mess), four hundred seventy four screams by the girl after the "kiddies", dirty diapers and now murmuring from the couch of "seven times seven is (insert the hugest sigh you have ever heard)."

DH did the poops and the dirty diapers this morning. Gotta love a man that does poop and vacuums.