Gone Huntin'

The benefit to having a few years under my parenting belt is I am starting to figure out which public family events to avoid and which to attend.  Bunny Bounce at the zoo?  No thanks, never again.  Way too crazy.  Community Centers around town?  Not too shabby.  Ballard Commons and hosted by the candy shoppe?  Pretty good.  But after 6 years, far and away the best egg hunt is at CYO Camp Don Bosco.  We've been a couple of times and this year did not disappoint.

The kids had zero interest in the crafts or camp tours.  They were willing to eat the cookies.  Linus only had one thing on his mind, the hunt.  It made it a little hard to talk to old camp friends.

All business

The hunt was really well organized.  The staff did a great job. I had to smile as the staff frolicked around, playing with the kids.  I used to have that sort of energy.  Oh to be young again....

Linus and Eileen did a great job helping Robin until he figured things out.

The Animal Encounters was a big hit.  Robin was too scared to pet most of the animals, but found it fascinating to stand in the middle as the pig, wallaby, and goats ran around him.  He didn't want to hold one, but excitedly pet a baby bunny.  I really liked how kids weren't rushed out and had lots of opportunities to hold multiple animals.  Seriously, more than 10 kids could hold animals at a time, there was very little waiting.

Eileen was braver.  That bunny was seriously so cute and tiny.

Once we got home the kids happily examined their loot.  I then confiscated all the candy and put it in a safe place and let them play with the eggs.  Linus commandeered all the camo eggs and gold coins for himself.

Another bonus is the fun swag you get for carrying your eggs.  We are starting to get a little collection of CYO gear this way.  This year the kids each came away with a pretty sweet CYO lunch sack that held a surprisingly large amount of eggs.

With the hunt now out of the way, I'm wondering if I will get to skip egg dying this year.

Robin's Week at Children's Hospital

It's been a big week for Robin.  We randomly ended up having two of his specialist follow-up appointments the same week and then ear tube surgery was scheduled too.  I'm glad Children's is such a nice place, only a short drive away, and has a well-stocked Starbucks on site.

Monday

We visited endocrinology.  It was a hard visit.  We learned that Robin's length had fallen further off the growth chart.  While he did grow, it was not very much and the gap compared to where he should be grew larger.  I was surprised to learn he hadn't really gained weight either.  While it's a small dip in the curve, the endocrinologist found it mildly concerning.  If Robin suffered from a regular growth hormone problem, you would only expect his length to continue to fall off the chart.  Depending on how things go, we may be referred to a nutritionist.  Perhaps his body is not absorbing something?  Given the lack of growth, combined with his low energy and need for more sleep (compared to those his age), the endocrinologist decided to take the next step and do further testing.  In a few weeks Robin will undergo a hormone stimulation test.  This involves giving Robin an IV and drawing blood in regular intervals over the course of several hours.  Sounds fun.  I've started trying to get Robin interested in screen time with no luck.  I've also introduced Pediasure into his diet.  He's a fan.
 
Tuesday and Wednesday

Consisted of kicking butt and taking names.  I crossed a ton of stuff off my to-do list and cleaned house.

Thursday

We woke up super early for Robin's 6:15 am surgery check-in time.  Eileen was confused about why we were waking her up in the middle of the night.  Robin did fine until it came time to put on a gown.  He then was alright until I had to pass him off to the anesthesiologist.  They don't let you go into the ER while putting kids under like they do at the Polyclinic. It was so hard.  I knew that everything was going to be fine, and putting in tubes only takes 10 minutes, but I still found myself choking back tears. Luckily, I had Eileen to distract me.  She was a rockstar through the whole thing.

We brought several of his favorite board books to distract him.

Did I mention he is cutting 4 teeth right now? So much drool and so very chewy.

After surgery, the ENT doctor told us that Robin had a massive double ear infection.  That goes to show what a trooper Robin is.  He never complained, although I'm thinking it's probably what caused him to have a fever last week.  His ear canals were very inflamed.  The doctor said that stuff burst open with the first cut.  Ewww.  Poor little guy.  The doctor also noted that Robin had a very small left ear canal.

Robin had a really hard time waking up in recovery.  He was beside himself.  I think he really disliked the taste in his mouth left by the anesthesia.  Luckily, nursing helped, but at this point there is not a whole lot of milk so then we were back to inconsolable crying. After a while he saw Eileen sipping juice and eating goldfish (thanks awesome nurse) and he decided he would join her.  Robin then slowly returned to his happy self.  Eileen was so awesome the whole time.  She really tried hard to comfort and reassure Robin before and after his surgery.

Since getting in ear tubes, Robin has been babbling up a storm (he previously didn't babble much).  He is so happy and responsive.  He seems much more alert and laughs when he hears sounds that he was unable to before.  I know that tubes are going to make a huge difference in his life.

Today (Friday)

While Eileen went to the childcare at Children's, Robin had a check-up in the neurodevelopmental clinic.  Our doctor noticed a new audiology test hadn't been ordered so she put one in.  Now that he has ears tubes, we want to see if he still has hearing loss. I've always thought Robin had weaker hearing in his left ear so I will be interested to see what the results are now that I know his left ear has a small canal.

His language, social/emotional, fine motor, and adaptive skills are doing really, coming in around 16/17 months (he'll be 18 months next week).  However, his gross motor is still lagging behind.  He scores at the level of an 11 month old.  The doctor put in a referral for additional physical therapy.  One of our homework goals is to work on his functional play.  Functional play is stuff like if he has a hairbrush, he tries to brush hair. 

I really appreciated the doctor's thoroughness and validation of my concerns when I wondered about possible chromosonal growth disorders.  Robin has low tone. Since Robin is already getting blood drawn in the near future for the growth hormone test, she went ahead and ordered some additional tests to rule out some conditions to save him a few extra pokes.  She plans to talk with the endocrinologist about testing for some specific growth disorders.  Throughout the hour long appointment, Robin was content taking apart my wallet and allowed himself to be examined as necessary.

All these appointments have wreaked havoc on his nap schedule.  He passed out on the drive home.

Robin has made huge gains in the last three months.  It's very encouraging to see progress.  I'm determined to do right by him.  I would love to know if there is an underlying cause for his issues, but in the meantime I just want to get him all the help he needs so he can live his life to the fullest.  There has been a lot to process this week.  I'm so grateful that Eileen has been patient during all of these trips to Children's.  I know I've been asking a lot of her.  While we still don't have answers, we do have progress and an awesome care team.  We also have a happy baby and that is good enough for now.

From the Mouths of Babes in March

Linus:  This is where my extension cord used to be (points to belly button).

Linus walks out in karate uniform with no shirt underneath
Me:  Where's your shirt?
Linus:  I'm becoming a man now.

Linus:  Do all old people wear glasses?
Me: No, but many do.
Eileen:  If you get boobs do you have to wear glasses?

Eileen:  (mad and screaming) You are a mean mommy! You messed up my day.  No laundry for you! NO LAUNDRY FOR MAMA!!!!

Yes.  That's right.  Not getting to do the laundry is a punishment according to Eileen.  It's so hard not to laugh when she gets really mad.

No Daddy Daze

I woke up in a bad mood today.  Cranky.  Irritable.  It was not helped by Linus climbing into bed with us and repeatedly bumping into me early in the morning.  You see, Dave has been working a lot recently.  Long days, every day.  This mean that my days as mama are long days, every day.  Things were not helped when Friday was a teacher in-service day.

Yesterday the kids weren't bad per se, they were just needy, whiny, and in my face.  Linus wanted my attention nonstop.  When he couldn't get it, he proceeded to do things like poke me repeatedly, talk to me when I told him to give me five minutes, insist on rolling on a toy horse through the kitchen exactly where I was standing.  It was exhausting.  And then I took all three kids with me to the grocery store and bathed them and fed them and all those other things that mamas do.  This mama needs a break.

And so, I woke up in a bad mood, dreading the long day ahead.  I admit I snapped at the kids multiple times.  I was frustrated with myself for being so irritable, and frustrated with them for not being willing to even let me have five minutes to myself.  It was time to throw caution to the wind and go on an adventure.

I don't know what it is about my kids, but adventures seem to reset them.  We set out for EMP to see the Star Wars exhibit.  When parenting, it's important to understand that kids don't realize the high cost for entrance to cool exhibits.  They just want to run through, see everything and be done.  It can be maddening for the one purchasing the tickets.  That said, if you know this ahead of time then it is easier to accept.  Thus I only purchase such tickets on the rarest and most special of occasions.  The last time was the King Tut exhibit.

Despite what it may look like, they were beyond excited. 

 Hello Han Solo....

Boba Fett and Jango Fett, the Bounty Hunters, are some of his favorite characters.  Linus was kind enough to act as a guide and explain the various scenes from which the all costumes were taken.

The kids enjoyed other parts of the museum, like the indie video game exhibit and the sound lab.  I thought seeing the Vince Lombardi trophy up close in the Seahawk exhibit was pretty neat.  We then set off in search of food.  My tummy led us to Skillet at the Armory.  It's not as good as the one in Ballard, but is still delicious.  We got there ahead of the crowds so the staff was super nice and attentive.  They even split up the milkshakes for us when they heard me tell the kids they had to share.  I think the staff took pity on the poor mama by herself with two kids and another strapped to her back.

Robin thought the food was pretty good, but once the milkshakes came it was game over.  He would not let it out of his hands.  This is his "don't mess with me" look.

 Eileen was more stoic about the experience.

The whole outing was surprisingly stress free. Robin fell asleep on the way home and transferred easily to his crib.  I guess sometimes it's important let go of fear, hope for the best, and go for it.  Marriage and parenthood requires sacrifice.  Dave is working hard to be a good provider.  I am trying my best to be a good mom and wife.  My kids are pretty great for the most part.  I love them dearly.  We have fun.  But man oh man.  That trip alone to the dentist on Friday just isn't going to cut it.  This mama needs a break.

March Winds

In March the wind blows down the door and spills my soup upon the floor.
It laps it up and roars for more.
Roaring once, roaring twice, roaring chicken soup with rice.
                                                  --Maurice Sendak

Dude. March.  It has been all sorts of cray cray around here recently.  Things have been so busy I have barely been able to catch my breath.  There have been doctor appointments, meetings, subbing, karate, swim, and dance classes, therapy for Robin, and birthday parties, and that's just the usual stuff.  Dave has been working a lot--extra long days and all weekend.

Linus was bemoaning the fact that Grandma Gail always "gets" to host the monthly gathering.  Now that we live someplace more conducive to larger amounts of people, I offered to host.  It is no easy task.  Currently,  several family members are on very restrictive diets and I wanted everyone to feel included.  It was fun to comb through recipes, assembling a menu.  In the end, I made all my pinterest dreams come true.

The same weekend I was hosting Dave's family, my sister, Beth, and her two kids came to visit for five days.  We had a great time.  The kids got along great.  My niece and nephew seemed to enjoy all their family by marriage relations.  Dylan loved playing with all the big boys and Gwen took an instant like to Grandpa Larry.

The same weekend I was hosting Dave's family and my family,  Robin decided to take his first steps!!!!  On Pi Day, the day of the gathering, we were relaxing after swim lessons and Robin decided to let go of the coffee table unexpectedly and walked towards me.  I squealed, Beth cried, and Robin cheered for himself.  Earlier in the week, Robin had stood up for the first time.  He still can't really balance or stand, and only attempts walking by himself about once a day, usually about two steps.  Still.  This is so huge. 

This big cheesy grin is for Aunt Beth.

During all of this, Dave and I have been wrestling with several big decisions (all good,  just requiring lots of thought).  Oh, did I mention I start leading a newborn PEPs group tomorrow night?  And that I agreed to teach science one afternoon a week to both kindergarten classes at my kids' school?

March!!! What are you trying to do to me?  Life really is good, just incredibly full and busy right now.  A vacation would feel nice.  Somehow though I don't think Spring Break is going to bring me the vacation I'm talking about.

And now.  March in pictures because we really have been having a lot of fun.

Lots of playing outside since it's a warm winter.

The kids love the piano, especially Robin.  He will ask you to follow him and then crawl to the piano and ask you to let him play.

Cousin besties.  There is so much love between these two.  They can often be found snuggled up close together, giggling.

Ballard day with the kiddos--the Locks, Farmers Market, and Cupcake Royale.  Dave missed out.  Sometimes I just need to get out of the house to keep my sanity.

Muggin'.  Gwen is not impressed.

Eileen is so good at playing with the babies.  She thought Gwen needed to be included in playing dress-up.  Luckily, Gwen agreed and wore it all morning.

I took a moment to reflect on St. Patrick's day before preparing a traditional Irish feast, Kraft mac n cheese and pear slices.

 I had the kids all bathed and in bed by 7:10 pm.  #irishblessings

Now that we are safely into the second half of the month, I am wondering if things are going to slow down a wee bit.

A Lenten Miracle

While maybe not on the level of loaves and fishes, a miracle occurred in our household.  Eileen gave up pull-ups for Lent and stayed dry at night for 7 days straight.  Amen! Allelujah!

Eileen has been potty trained during the day for a while now, at least since she turned two.  She wasn't consistently dry during nap until a few months ago.  I was beginning to feel like staying dry through the night was never going to happen. 

About two weeks ago Eileen and I got into a fight at bedtime.  She wanted a water bottle in her bed and I said no because then there was no way she would be able to stay dry.  She disagreed.  I, in an admittedly less than pleasant tone said, "Fine.  I'd like to see you try."  Well she showed me and stayed dry that night as well as the next two.

Many many many months ago we promised Eileen the Cinderella's Romantic Castle LEGO set if she ever stayed dry through the night for 7 days straight.  She has coveted the set for a long time and lovingly paws it whenever we visit the LEGO store.  From that first night of dryness, it took a little under three weeks to accomplish the feat.

Eileen woke up ecstatic.  She was so proud of herself.  If she had her way, we would have been at the LEGO store by 8 am.  This weekend Dave agreed to tackle project of painting Eileen's bedroom.  In an effort to make his job easier, I decided to keep the big kids out of the house all afternoon.  Robin did his part by taking a 3.5 hour nap and being cute.  With Grandma in tow, Linus, Eileen, and I first went to the movies and saw Night at The Museum 3 (strongly recommend), followed by a trip to the LEGO store, and then the magical land of Target. 

The kids were so good.  Each brought their own money along for the trip.   After much decision making and keeping Eileen away from the LEGO friends collection (I just can't on principle), the kids figured out what sets were in their budgets.  Eileen tried to carry the Cinderella set, but it was so big she kept dropping it.  I let them get in line and make their purchases by themselves.  They did such a great job. 

Much LEGO making commenced once we got home while I made dinner.

I love her sly knowing smile.  She bought the double-decker couch LEGO movie set with her own money.

I admit it might seem like craziness to spend so much on a gift for being fully potty trained, but the cost is equivalent to about two months of pull ups.  And really isn't being able to open the door to the bedroom in the morning and not be overwhelmed by the smell of urine priceless?  I think so.