Archive for 2009
Friday, December 11th, 2009
Our upstairs Christmas tree.
It is that time of the year again– the time for lights, trees and more cookies and candies than one person should legally be allowed to eat. Our house is no exception, as we have been readily preparing ourselves for Christmas since Thanksgiving. Each year we decorate a tree and maybe hang a few other pieces of decor around the house, but this year? We decided to go a little more “out” of our way to celebrate the season. Both Ethan and Addison are loving every last bit of the holiday cheer floating through the house. Ethan has been helping me bake cookies, while Addison has been helping un-decorate our tree.
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Posted in Holidays | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
Oh readers, I have found myself in quite the dilemma this evening. You see, I am planning a trip to New York in the new year to spend time with an old friend of mine. I’ve never been to New York, but I am guessing the ladies dress much classier than I- who wear blue jeans/sweatpants and t-shirts all day long. I know, I know.. what could be more attractive than the just rolled out of bed look, but in all seriousness, I am freaking the heck out about this.
I have found some shoes (hence the image of a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes) and some purses I deemed appropriate, but now I am struggling with clothes and accessories. Any helpful suggestions? And am I the only one who stresses over such unimportant things? I am just afraid of showing up in New York City looking like the Beverly Hillbillies. Plus, this trip gives me a reason to go shopping and y’all know how bad I need retail therapy these days.
Posted in Clothing & Accessories, Women's Clothing & Accessories | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
Where to even begin? Last week was a whirlwind of medical terms, medications and doctors. We spent several hours with doctors and their nurses either at the pediatrician’s office or the hospital. After arriving home Saturday evening, we made a list of everything we know is going on with Addison’s, her symptoms and any new observances. It has become clear to us that 1) she still has some sort of bug, 2) she is no longer dehydrated and 3) she is now cutting four molars at once.
Today, her bug was confirmed, as the doctor called to tell us we have another positive result for the parasite. Despite her feeling better, looking better and sounding better, she is apparently still infested and her medication did not work like we had hoped, leaving us to chance another medication. Does anyone else get chills just thinking about a parasite crawling around inside such a teeny, tiny little person? Linda believes that on top of the parasite, that her fevers, excessive diarrhea and dehydration were also caused from a possible viral stomach bug and/or her teething. Makes sense, does it not? Especially now that she is a happy baby again, eating, sleeping and drinking like a mad woman.
Ethan has been such a trooper through all of his sleepovers at other people’s houses and going to and from doctors appointments. In fact, he told me this morning that he misses the pediatrician’s office. While it is sad in one respect, it is good to know he likes the office and personnel so much. And… before I totally forget to share this all with you, because I usually do forget, Ethan screamed at one of the nurses last week while at the pediatrician’s office. As we walked into the room, he told the nurse that he didn’t want any “pokes” for his sister this time. So when they came in to put her catheter in, he screams “WHY ARE YOU PUTTING THAT NEEDLE IN MY SISSY’S VAGINA?” Our nurse kept a completely professional manner about him and once finished, cracked up laughing– along with the other people laughing outside in the hallway.
And on top of all of this, I have decided now was as good a time as any to become working on my weight. I am not looking for quick weight loss, although that would be fabulous, but more of a permanent weight loss solution. I am working on my portions, types of foods I eat and will eventually incorporate some exercise into the mix. I am excited for this challenge and am tackling it head on! Wish me luck y’all.. I am hoping to lose about 15 pounds before Valentine’s Day, which is totally doable!
Posted in Ethan & Addison, Family Fun, Holidays | 2 Comments »
Saturday, December 5th, 2009
About six weeks ago, Addison started getting periodic fevers and bouts of diarrhea. We were initially told to bring her home and “wait it out.” One of the pediatrician’s at our doctors office thought it was nothing more than a viral bug going around. We took her home to “wait it out,” but then days turned into weeks and we were showing no signs of improvement. After about three weeks of fevers and diarrhea, we called back up to the pediatrician’s office, this time requesting a different doctor. Tests were ordered and results came in– she had a parasite living in her digestive tract. Medication was prescribed and Addison reacted to the first one, so they started a new one. She takes the medication like it’s nothing for three days and then wakes up on the fourth day, back to where she was in the beginning.
My daughter is miserable and no one can seem to figure out what’s wrong with her. We recently had a series of tests ran and all are looking great thus far (except the CMP, which shows slight dehydration). At this point I am feeling helpless. I love our pediatrician and trust her, but do I get a second opinion? Do I take her elsewhere, even though our doctor is running all of these tests?
I am glad I have my notebook computer, it gives me something to do while all of these tests are being run. My notebook is what has kept me from going insane and falling behind both in work and in school. And it helps me look up all of the fancy medical terms being thrown in my direction.
Posted in Ethan & Addison, Health & Safety | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
Last Saturday, we had a little get together here at the house with some close friends. Having put together this shindig about six hours before guests were to arrive, I started wracking my brain on what to serve our guests. Did I want to stick with the traditional foods or try new recipes? Was it even good timing to try something new? And then I remembered the package I had received with a recipe and a few ingredients for Ultimate Party Meatballs.
I quickly put together a few dishes- relish tray; cheese, summer sausage & cracker try; vegetable try and a fruit tray and began working on the meatballs. I usually make Swedish meatballs, so trying something new was a bit nerving for me. What if I did not like the recipe? What if they did not like the new recipe?
Y’all, I am a nervous person by nature and freak out over the smallest of changes. And though I should not care about whether others like something I make or do, I care. It is part of who I am. I am the host that flutters around the house, making sure everything is perfect. Everything that night was perfect. The food was delicious, even the meatballs that I had stressed over. I received many more compliments about the Ultimate Party Meatballs than I ever had on my Swedish Meatballs. With that said, let me leave you with a new recipe..
The Ultimate Party Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
- 1 12-ounce bottle Heinz® Chili Sauce
- 1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs
Directions
- Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Makes 30 appetizer servings.
- Slow cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Heinz and Ocean Spray and received the ingredients necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Posted in Food Finds, Holidays | 1 Comment »
Sunday, November 29th, 2009
Ethan, Addison and I have been decorating the house for Christmas. I have spent the past three days chasing Addison around the house, removing Christmas ornaments from her hands and loving every minute of it. Thanksgiving morning, my babies slept in until around 10:00 a.m., which gave me plenty of time to get some of my Christmas wrapping done. Of course, just as I get caught up.. I fall behind again do to Black Friday shopping. I snagged up some awesome deals, checked about five people off of my list and even managed to get several of those presents wrapped. I am anticipating the moment when it will be safe to put the presents under the tree.
And to celebrate our holiday success, we went out to dinner and finished up with a little bit of shopping afterward to pick out Christmas ornaments. When Ethan was born, I decided to carry on the tradition of purchasing Christmas ornaments for my children. Ethan picked out the Frosty the Snowman ornament for himself and Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer for his sister. And mommy even managed to purchase a few new ornaments for herself.
After a great night out with the kids, I came home only to discover that our water softener overflowed all over the laundry room.
Posted in Family Fun | No Comments »
Thursday, November 26th, 2009
Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day
We bow our hearts to You and pray.
We give You thanks for all You’ve done
Especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son.
For beauty in nature, Your glory we see
For joy and health, friends and family,
For daily provision, Your mercy and care
These are the blessings You graciously share.
So today we offer this response of praise
With a promise to follow You all of our days.
–Mary Fairchild
Today, as with every day, I have a lot of reasons to give thanks. I have an amazing family and circle of friends, a roof over my head, food in my belly and two amazing children. I am thankful for my father’s successful surgery and that he’s here to celebrate this day with me. I am thankful to Linda, our pediatrician, for never doubting me when it came to Addison’s health. I am grateful for Granny and Dummy, for babysitting the munchkins while I go to school. I am thankful for God. Happy Thanksgiving y’all, from my family to yours!
Posted in Holidays | 1 Comment »
