Sleep is over-rated

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*startle* huh, time to get up already? It's been 2 hours?

Time to change baby, feed baby, pump, and hold him for 15 minutes afterward to help with reflux?

Why not? Sleep is sooooo over-rated.

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What one phone call means....

It means that my son is not coming home tomorrow. Apparently, they did a blood work up and his levels are low....he needs another transfusion. What number is this you might ask? Transfusion #4. *sigh* Soooooooooo, when do I get to bring him home....key words "don't plan on it"....I am waiting for them to shove him out the door. No nesting tonight...he will be on an IV and will be one cranky little monkey without that food!

Let's reward mom...

We have a ticket reward system, each ticket being worth $.25. This is to reward good behavior, good deeds, and other little things we have trouble remembering (the kids) or the kids don't like to do (i.e. brushing teeth, putting on glasses, and sleeping in our own beds at night - all the way through). Well, both kids managed to sleep through the night in their own bed (Ember was redirected once in the middle of the night) so I made a big deal outta them getting a ticket for sleeping in their own bed. Ember then exclaimed, "Mommy, you get a ticket to....you can put it in my jar!"

As we were driving to see Owen (after an eventful morning of getting Jaxen to school) Ember mentioned that our tree will grow oranges. I told her it would in a couple of years. She then said, we can eat 'em, huh mom?.....but not the crust."

On a different note:

We are nesting at the hospital tomorrow night. Owen (fingers crossed) might be coming home this weekend....he has had really good weight gain the last few days!

Kids say the silliest things

Ember has been full of insight lately.

At church yesterday she wanted me to wrap up her baby. She then asked if it was a "burrito or a taco"....I tell her it is wrapped like a burrito...and she proceeds to tell me she doesn't want it like a burrito, she wants it like a taco. How do you wrap a baby like a taco?

I have told my children since they were small (smaller than they are now) that they need to brush their teeth two times a day so bugs don't build houses in their teeth. Recently, I went to the dentist and found out I have a cavity. I told my kids about the cavity. So, last night as we are getting ready for bed my daughter says you need to brush your teeth mom, bugs already built a castle in there. Wow, a castle sounds so much more worse than a simple little house. She goes on to tell me, you need to get a shot in your mouth so they can take it out. Yes baby, in some analogistic (is that a word?) way, you are right.

This is almost as good as Jaxen and people "choosing the left". Apparently, if you are not Choosing the Right, you are choosing the left. As he points out, bad guys choose the left mom. This has worked to our advantage as when we think he is not telling the truth we ask him if he is choosing the left...gets the truth out every time.

Ember also likes to sing, all the time, mostly her own lyrics. She has coined "don't be mean, don't be mad"....to the rhythm of the song that goes "it's ok, it's alright" a hip hop song on the radio right now...you know which one?

Kids are so much fun....they are so insightful, so honest (sometimes brutal and sometimes embarrasing) and so cute. I enjoy every minute of it.

The Sun is Always Shining: Finding Joy Through the Light of Christ

I just got done reading this book by Ryan J. Hulbert, Ph.D. He is an LDS psychologist. I really enjoyed it. He used analogies that I could relate to in everyday life. I dog-earred a lot of pages that had analogies or quotes that work for me. I guess yoou could technically call it a self-help book, but for me it was more of an eye opener on how you effect your mood and how living in the present is the only way to be fully alive. We tend to dwell on the past or focus to much on the future. This book really put it all in perspective. It was relevant to my life as a LDS woman with Biblical and Book of Mormon references that applied.

Overall a good read, I already use some of the analogies and quotes daily when I start to stress and have anxiety about the future, and when I ponder to long on the what-if's. If the tid-bits below inspire you, read the book!

A few tid-bits I really liked:

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could: some blunders and absurdities crept in: forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. R.W. Emerson

The only place we can breathe is the present. We cannot breathe in the past, and we cannot breathe in the future. Similarly , the only place we can fully be alive is in the present, when our being is fueled by its proper Fuel of Inspiration. It is interesting to note that the word "spirit" comes from the latin spirare, which means "to breathe".

The mind has been liked to a stage on which only one act at a time can be performed. From one side of the wings the Lord, who loves us, is trying to put on the stage of our minds that which will bless us. From the other side of the wings the devil, who hates us, is trying to put on the stage of our minds that which will curse us. We are the stage managers; we are the ones who decide which thought will occupy the stage. We are the one who must decide whose thoughts will prevail...we will be what we think about - what we consistantly allow to occupy the stage of our minds. Ezra Taft Benson

Still weighting

Ok, so now this issue is weight gain. Owen is not gaining at a steady rate...he loses and gains, loses and gains. They want to keep him there until he has 3-4 days of consistant healthy weight gain. *sigh*

What is that thing in the back of my float?

Translated: What is that thing in the back of my throat? My son proceeded to ask me this during the morning tooth brushing sing-a-long (don't ask). I paused for a minute and said, "I don't know, I will find out and tell you".

Then I started thinking of Monster House, there is a part of the house they called it....(thinking to self) called it...(it comes to me....or so I think)...it's called a vulva. So I proceed to tell my son that it is called a Vulva. (It sounded kinda right....at least at 7 am).

He then asks what it does....so how do I spend my morning? Researching to find out what it is really called and what it does....I mean I don't want to be the dumb mom. I just hope he doesn't tell the kids at school he knows where his vulva is! (sigh). Although he is in Kindergarten, so they don't really know either, unless he shares his new found knowledge with his teacher...who i think will know...considering it is well past 7 am now.

So for those that didn't know, it is an Uvula (see kinda sounds the same....right?) Here is the function:

The uvula plays an important role in the articulation of the sound of the human voice to form the sounds of speech.[1] It functions in tandem with the back of the throat, the palate, and air coming up from the lungs to create a number of guttural and other sounds. Consonants pronounced with the uvula are not found in English; however, languages such as Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Ubykh, and Hmong use uvular consonants to varying degrees. Certain African languages use the uvula to produce click consonants as well. In English (as well as many other languages), it closes to prevent air escaping through the nose when making some sounds.

Now, the question is how do I break that down to a 5 year old? Let's hope first that vulva didn't stick and I can easily trade the word out with the right one. Then, I will state briefly that it's job is to help us talk....ok, that covers the basics, right?

Garden

Just a little update on a previous post. Still have the big blister, but convinced by dear hubby to help in the garden. He tilled up all the grass and I planted. We finished this past weekend, which is good because with Owen coming home, it would never get done. Now...all I have to do is remember to water it.

11 weeks in the making

The time has come to say good-bye to NICU. Owen gets to come home on Thursday or Friday...considering that it is Wednesday, I think it is more than likely going to be Friday or sometime this weekend. We are so excited and scared.

On another note. The kids picked out their Halloween costumes. Ember is going to be a Snowflake Princess (whatever that is supposed to be, but the picture is cute) and Jaxen is going to be a Knight (laugh all you want, he was originally going to be a shark...). We get good use out of the costumes this year as Jaxen is invited to 3 different Halloween themed birthday parties. More bang for our buck!

Pregnancy Glow

So, I know someone who has been pregnant on and off for the past few months. I have attached a picture of her in one of the pregnant moments. She is absolutely glowing isn't she? She likes to "have a baby in her tummy like mommy did". We even travel outside of the house like this as well (easier than fighting over her taking it out), mostly recently it was to Jaxen's parent teacher conference. Although inevitably the baby "comes out" so she can love on it and take care of it. She likes to dress them up and pretend to change their diapers. I am a little worried she might try to "help" a little too much when her little brother comes home.

Boys and Bathrooms (The Evidence)

My case in point, I have proof! I now know that I paid good money (ok, it was $2 at a yard sale) for a step stool that doubles as a utility desk while using the bathroom. I guess we can add puzzles to the list o' things to do while on the bowl. I can't wait to see (actually, part of me is a little worried) what else Jaxen comes up with to pass the time while trying to take a poo.

Restart countdown

Owen had a case of reflux last night that went through his nose. We have to wait another seven days. They are going to thicken his feeds a little more....so no bfing at this time.

A little on my middle (child that is)

Ember is growing up so fast and says the darnest things.

She can write the letter E, although it involves more than 3 horizontal stokes (more like 7-8, depending on her mood), but boy is she excited that she can "write her name".

She can count to 10 and can show you how many finger for each number. She is really good at 1-3 and can usually tell you. Something like look mom, there are three birds huh? Yes baby, you're right, there are 3 birds.

She is so anxious to start "school". I told her she could go after Christmas time...so she always tells everyone she is going to school after Christmas. She also says she has to go to school because she can go potty like a big girl. LOL, didn't know that means you had to...but technically it helps.

She also is very thoughtful and always reminds us to say prayers for every meal. She also asks me all the time...mom, it time for you to pump? LOL, She knows the routine.

She is happy, healthy (not really right now, but usually) and has a super funny personality...but she can be a grump (can't we all?).

A little about my oldest

I post about Owen all the time, but here is a little tid bit about my oldest.

Jaxen just had parent teacher conferences last week. I find out from his teacher that he is excelling (already knew that), but also learned a few other things:

1) He is the most detailed artist in the class. Example, for an assigment he was supposed to draw four of something. He drew four watermelons slices (green rind, red middle, and black seeds, all the details).

2. He is very task oriented (wonder where he got that from?).

3. He is the only kid in his class that can go across all the monkeybars without help. I knew he could do this, but I didn't know he was the only one.

4. I had another mom come up and tell me how impresses she was that he could write and spell all his family members' names correctly. I knew he could do this too, but I guess I take for granted how much he does know. He loves to write and helps with the grocery lists, likes to write letters and pictures to take to Owen at the hospital, and enjoys helping his sister practice her E's.

Bragging over....for now.

You'll never guess

For all of you that were on the edge of your seat...a five year old boy would take his glasses off and put them on a climbing toy in the backyard so he can jump on the trampoline. I even looked out there and didn't see 'em. Ember walked in and was like here mom, these aren't mine. LOL

Let the countdown begin

I have 5 days left until my little man comes home...that is unless he has a spell (A&B). His last one was on Tuesday and they won't let him come home until he goes 7 days without an episode. He is off oxygen and is taking anywhere between 45-55 cc's of BM at each feeding. I need to go in tomorrow and the next day for like 3 consecutive BF sessions to see how he does (I still have to figure out how to do this one...with two other kids). He is on a thickener right now, and if he does well on the BFing he may or may not need it. We'll see.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers!!!

Finally

I went to see Owen last night...haven't seen him in two days! Being sick sucks, and i didn't want to pass it to him. Here is a pic right after bath time, he's wide awake ready to eat!

Great news!

Found out yesterday night when I called for a check up that Owen has been off the oxygen since that afternoon. He is more tired, but that is to be expected as he adjusts. I am so excited (and scared) to have him home with us!

He doesn't look that small in this pic, or does he?

Owen

He never really looks that small when I hold him, probably because he was only 2 pounds when he was born and now he seems so big...but he does look so tiny in pics.

I can't see

Ok, I have looked this house up and down. If anyone can guess where my five year old put his glasses...please let me know!

On another note, I just got a call from the nurse practitioner. She was giving me information on the Simply Thick stuff that we have to get for Owen for his BM. I guess the plan is to wean him off the oxygen this week, and if he does good he might be able to come home this weekend. The good news is that he will be coming home soon. Whether that be this weekend, or next...we have a relative time line to work off of. I guess I better get my butt in gear and start getting things ready!

It sucks being sick

So, I'm sick, it's official. A small cold, but I hate it and am whiny anyway. I can't go see Owen...ok, I can but I don't want to risk getting him sick...he is so close to coming home that I don't want to chance it. Although, in all reality, when he gets home I can't protect him (well only so much) from sickness, especially from me. Granted he isn't breast feeding at the present time, but I am hoping he will. As I type this I am pumping, don't ask how, I figured out ways to multitask...LOL, even if it does look hilarious!

Owen is doing good, eating his feeds, which are thickened at this point, hence the no breastfeeding right now. They want to see if the thickened BM helps with his reflux....so far so good.

On another note. I totally gave myself the biggest blister on the center of my palm....gardening. Ok, trying to get rid of grass in the area I want to put the garden....still no garden. Anyone want to volunteer to till and plant for me? LOL I really don't know if I will get around to it with all that is going on right now. *sigh* I guess that is the least of my worries.

Another step forward, hopeully no more steps back

Owen is once again back in Continuing Care. Today I went in to check on my little 5 pound bundle of joy (yeap, he is a chunky one). He was wide awake when I got there. I got to hold him and give him a bath...which he loves. Afterward he ate, and took 45 cc's in about 5 minutes flat. At this rate he is going to be 10 pounds before he comes home. No really though, he has reflux and they are monitoring that and wanting to get him off his oxygen before they send him home. They moved him down to .2 liters on the oxygen machine and he took it in stride. Good boy.

All in all, things are looking good. Maybe, just maybe he might be home before his due date. LOL

Don't leave the baby home alone with dad...

Ok, so Tuesday night we were scheduled to take an infant CPR class and a bringing home baby class...granted we aren't even bringing home baby, but we will sooner or later.

So, CPR has changed a lot since the last time I took it. We were all given a dummy baby to practice on. First we go over the hymlic (sp?) manuever. You take the baby hold it over one hand and give it 5 blows to the back. You can hear Shaun's ring getting the poor baby in the back of the head. LOL It happens a lot the teacher said, and to be fair, my baby did get a few rings to the back of the head.

Then we move on the CPR. We start trying to practice the blows and Shaun can't get his baby's chest to rise. We think it is the doll (maybe something is loose), but the instructor was able to get it going right away. Nose up to the ceiling. It takes him a few more tries before he gets it. And chest compressions weren't much better. He kept forgetting and taking his hand off of the chest and having to find the spot, or else he was compressing the ribs. Poor guy, I am sure he felt weird, he was the only guy there...but before you feel too bad for him, there was just 3 of us and the instructor.

I can tease him about it, you know I don't know about leaving you alone, poor kid wouldn't stand a chance. LOL

Shaun, if you read this, I love you...it was a good laugh...and I trust you with the baby....(I think).

Boys and Bathrooms

What is it with boys and bathrooms. I mean, I found out soon enough after getting married that men can stay in the bathroom for quite a while. I don't know how or why they can sit there and read. Why not just go to the bathroom, get off and read somewhere more comfortable?

Jaxen has taken this a step further. Not only does he take just as long as his dad (sometimes longer, especially when we are not at home) to use the restroom, but he goes prepared. He takes in books and toys! He sits there and reads or plays with his toys leaning toward the ground. Action noises and sound included. It cracks me up! In all honesty he was on the bowl for a good 45 minutes just a little while ago.

Once in a while he forgets one of the most important things....then I hear the yell.

"Mom, hurry come turn on the air! Hurry I can't hold it anymore".

I walk in, he is on the toilet trying hard to hold it until the air is turned on to help reduce the smell. No wonder he can stay in there for so long.

See us women have to work fast....at everything. Showering and using the restroom included. I can't even think of the last time I was on the bowl for longer than 5 minutes....ok, I can, but that is a hospital story that no one...seriously no one wants to know about....it's bad enough my hubby knows.

See, if we aren't fast enough, we come out and the house is destroyed, all the snacks are gone, or some other bizarre I-wanted-to-try-it-something-or-ether was accomplished/destroyed while we took the time sit on the bowl. Just another "luxury" that men have...although seriously I don't think it is one that I care to have.

Two steps forward, one step back

I got a call last night from the hospital, Owen was moved from Continuing Care back to the NICU.

Owen has bad reflux. Apparently, yesterday evening he refluxed up into his mouth and nose...he stopped breathing and his heart rate dropped. They had to use an oxygen mask to get his heart rate back up.

They stopped his feedings, he was put on an IV and they did blood tests and a chest x-ray...everything came back good. They are worried about him apparating (sp?). All the tests come back clear, not fluid in the lungs.

They are going to start feeding him again today slowly.

I was so upset yesterday, I had just scheduled Shaun and I for some classes that we need to take before he can come home...and then this happens.

He is ok, and so we are too. He'll be able to come home when he is good and ready...it just looks like it is going to be closer to his due date than we had thought.