Nov

29

Sick, Sick, Sick & Sick Again

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I tried not to write about it. I don’t want to complain, but I can’t help it. My older daughter has just had an incredible string of bad luck when it comes to her health in recent weeks. First it was the thumb infection. Then it was an ear infection. Then it was hives, which were either caused by the amoxacylin for the ear infection or the strange, Icelandic lolipop my sister-in-law brought back from a trip abroad. (I never told you about this one…, but she broke out in a bad, blotchy rash that moved from her chest, to her back, to her head). Now, after 4 days of 102°+ fever we find out she has another ear infection. She and my wife – who was also sick – both missed Thanksgiving. Grace and I went to my in-laws by ourselves and had to bring leftovers back. She’s hasn’t been to school yet this week, but she’s finally showing signs of improvement and we anticipate her going back on Wednesday.

Each of these required a trip to the doctor and all have taken place in the past 5-6 weeks. She’s been to the doctor more times in her 5 years than I have in my entire life. She’s also missed more school in her first three months of kindergarden than I did my entire elementary school career. No “Perfect Attendance” certificate for her.

Honestly…, my parents never took me to the doctor. I probably had several ear infections as a kid – back then we called them “ear aches.” My parents would just tell me it would go away. I had to break my arm before they took me to the doctor. I hate the fact that she’s had to go to the doctor so many times. I wanted to just wait until it “went away” too, but we couldn’t. She was burning up and looked like a zombie. I want her body to take care of itself. Are we doing more harm by not letting her develop the antibodies to whatever it is that’s attacking her? I feel like we’re the only parents bringing their child to the pediatrician as much as we do.

Nov

20

Cute Santa Story

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I can’t believe how early Christmas stuff goes up these days. I think I saw Christmas stuff in department stores before Halloween! Well, in honor of those early signs of Christmas, I’ll share a cute story…

My sister-in-law went to Iceland last week to play in a soccer tournament. My older daughter was curious as to where Iceland was, so we showed her on a globe we have in the house. She noticed how close it was to the North Pole and said, “Maybe next time when Katy goes to Iceland, I can go with her and we can visit Santa.”

How cute is that?!

Nov

13

Big Day

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Today was a BIG day. My younger daughter went to preschool in underpants for the first time…, and we didn’t have an accident! I was very excited to see her wearing the same pants when I picked her up this afternoon. She’s been out of a diaper at home for a couple of months, but she’s still been wearing one to school – at the teacher’s request. I guess she was a little scared of the bathroom in the classroom. I took her in and showed her there was nothing to be afraid of and that all she had to do was tell her teachers when she needed to go potty.

Success! :-)

Nov

9

One Month Down…

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Well, it’s been almost one month since my “G-Tube Update” post, and I’m happy to say – with maybe one or two exceptions – Grace is still being fed 100% orally during the day. For the most part, she’s doing really well – although she’s been a little difficult for the past few days, saying, “No! I’m done” after only a bite or two. We’ve been threatening her with no Dora – her favorite show – when she does that, which usually does the trick once the tears stop. The feeding team stresses the use of toys she can play with while she eats as a reward for each bite, but I tend to try and not rely on them. I tried a new toy today and she did great, which makes me wonder if I should just listen to the experts and use the toys all the time. The experience is supposed to be as enjoyable as it can be for her, not a negative one where her beloved animated characters are held hostage.

There was one day in particular that I want to mention. Grace asked to sit in a big chair – not her booster seat – and I said, “Why not?” Then she asked to feed herself – something she never does (not because she can’t…, because we’re not supposed to let her). But again, I said, “Why not.”  Well, the two of us sat there and ate lunch like a “normal” father and daughter for the first time ever. It felt so good. How funny…, considering everyone else takes something so simple for granted.

Nov

5

Old Stuffed Animals

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Does anyone know of a charity that will accept old stuffed animals? We have a lot – I mean A LOT – of old stuffed animals that I just don’t have the heart to throw away. I would love to see them to a new home, but other than the local Salvation Army, I haven’t found a place that I can donate them to. Any suggestion?