Eileen: Ninjas took my dinosaurs. I want them back.
Eileen: Ew. Yuck. Mustaches.
Eileen: (to the Thai food delivery guy) Do you have my sleeping bag? I want a haircut.
Eileen: I be ninja fish (long pause) in the ocean.
Me: Oh no it's raining.
Linus: No. It's sunny and rainy. It's perfect rainbow weather.
Linus: (while crying in timeout) Daddies are not fun for kids.
Eileen: dum dum da dee dee. dum dum da dee dee (Eileen's version of the Darth Vader theme)
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Museum of Flight
Now back into the swing of things, it was time to resume adventures this weekend. It was raining and sometimes the mere idea of dealing with wet kids is enough to make you lose all enthusiasm and energy. Instead we decided to check out the Museum of Flight. If you thought this would be one of our regular haunts given that Dave is an aerospace engineer, then you would think wrong.
I wasn't sure how kid friendly it would be and dealing with traffic from Boeing Field is often ugly so we just never go. I have a vague early childhood memory of the Museum of Flight being in a red barn. Let me tell you, in the ensuing 30 years since my last visit the museum has changed a lot.
First, it's HUGE. The red barn is still there, housing the early years of of aerospace. We were there for about two hours and didn't come close to seeing everything. There's a whole section across the street that you access by skybridge that we didn't get to. I would have liked to have spent more time reading the exhibit information, but that may have to wait until my kids can read and have that sort of patience.
Linus loved all of the NASA and space stuff. It was pretty cool. He was fascinated by all the old war planes, especially the ones with guns. The downside? He came right home and made his own fighter jet and tank out of paper and has been talking nonstop about guns, bombs, and missiles. Aargh. If you ask him what his favorite part was though, he will tell you it was the astronaut ice cream we bought in the gift shop.
Eileen, having caught a short nap in the car, refused to nap. We showed the kids Mary Poppins for the first time. Even rousing numbers like "Sister Suffragette" couldn't keep her awake. Eileen passed out on top of Dave. He didn't mind. As for me, I've had David Bowie's "Ground Control to Major Tom" stuck in my head.
I'm hoping to visit the new MOHAI next week when it's free. As much as I love museums, and the Museum of Flight was worth a visit, I am ready for some better weather so we can get outside. So many places to visit, so little time.
I wasn't sure how kid friendly it would be and dealing with traffic from Boeing Field is often ugly so we just never go. I have a vague early childhood memory of the Museum of Flight being in a red barn. Let me tell you, in the ensuing 30 years since my last visit the museum has changed a lot.
First, it's HUGE. The red barn is still there, housing the early years of of aerospace. We were there for about two hours and didn't come close to seeing everything. There's a whole section across the street that you access by skybridge that we didn't get to. I would have liked to have spent more time reading the exhibit information, but that may have to wait until my kids can read and have that sort of patience.
Linus loved all of the NASA and space stuff. It was pretty cool. He was fascinated by all the old war planes, especially the ones with guns. The downside? He came right home and made his own fighter jet and tank out of paper and has been talking nonstop about guns, bombs, and missiles. Aargh. If you ask him what his favorite part was though, he will tell you it was the astronaut ice cream we bought in the gift shop.
 |
| Practicing being a fighter pilot |
 |
| Eileen is less sure of her brother's skills. |
 |
| Linus excitedly yelled, "I am Major Tom!" |
 |
| Excited to finally get her own turn flying a plane. |
 | |
| Telling the air traffic controllers she's hungry. |
 |
| Eileen sported some extra rosy cheeks in honor of Mary Poppins. |
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Gratitude
I've spent the last two weeks taking up residence on my couch. Despite how luxurious that may sound, it's been really hard. As the person who runs the house and is a little bit of a neat freak, it's difficult to take a step back. I often have a headache at the end of the day from lack of physical activity. More difficult is trying to meet the needs of two young children while trying not to carry them or move around much. I have succumbed to my worst nightmare as a stay at home mom. I live in yoga pants and a sweatshirt.
During this time I have been overwhelmed with gratitude for all the people who have offered to help and come to our aid. Numerous family and friends have come for playdates to keep the kids occupied. My mother stayed with us for four days. I am blessed to be part of a wonderful school/faith community. The parents of Linus' preschool class have been truly amazing. They arranged pick ups and drop offs for school as well as providing dinners for our family. Their efforts have really helped relieve some of the stress from the situation. Our tummies are very happy as well.
Everyone asks how I've been feeling and my answer has generally been, "okay." I haven't been in any physical pain. It's just scary and anxiety inducing. I lay awake at night unable to sleep. What's helped me stay is focused is knowing how many people are praying for us. Talking with other women who have had subchorionic hemmorhages has been helpful as well. I decided to start seeing my acupuncturist again so she could work her magic. I'm willing to do just about anything in my power to help my body heal.
The kids have been as understanding as much as they are able. They love seeing so many friends and family. I've been keeping myself busy by writing thank you notes and practicing my algebra and geometry skills. What's more fun that reviewing factoring polynomials?
Today I got to have another ultrasound to check the progress. I was hoping that it would not have grown and might have even shrunk a little. The baby still looked very cute if not a little skeletor-esque. It's really amazing how much they grow into just two weeks. The ultrasound tech said it looked like the hemorrhage had gotten smaller, but we would have to wait for the radiologist and doctor for the final word.
After waiting all afternoon I finally got the call from my doctor, which of course also meant Linus just needed to talk to me and be as loud as possible to get his point across. Good news!!! Miracles of miracles not only did the hemorrhage get smaller, it shrank to half its original size. Because the baby has grown as well, the hemorrhage is no longer classified as large. It's still there so I have to exercise some caution. The doctor gave me the okay to leave the couch. I'll still take it fairly easy the rest of the week. I will also let the house cleaners come at least one more time :) I will see the doctor next week at 15 weeks. If everything looks good, he promised to give me the all clear. Amen! Hallelujah! In the meantime he has made me promise that I won't lift any pianos or refrigerators. Done.
We are so grateful for all the prayers, positive thoughts, playdates, meals, and general help. I know it made all the difference in the world. We are blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. I try not to get too religious on people, but this is one time where I know God was watching out for my family and listening to prayers.
 |
| assuming the position |
Everyone asks how I've been feeling and my answer has generally been, "okay." I haven't been in any physical pain. It's just scary and anxiety inducing. I lay awake at night unable to sleep. What's helped me stay is focused is knowing how many people are praying for us. Talking with other women who have had subchorionic hemmorhages has been helpful as well. I decided to start seeing my acupuncturist again so she could work her magic. I'm willing to do just about anything in my power to help my body heal.
The kids have been as understanding as much as they are able. They love seeing so many friends and family. I've been keeping myself busy by writing thank you notes and practicing my algebra and geometry skills. What's more fun that reviewing factoring polynomials?
Today I got to have another ultrasound to check the progress. I was hoping that it would not have grown and might have even shrunk a little. The baby still looked very cute if not a little skeletor-esque. It's really amazing how much they grow into just two weeks. The ultrasound tech said it looked like the hemorrhage had gotten smaller, but we would have to wait for the radiologist and doctor for the final word.
After waiting all afternoon I finally got the call from my doctor, which of course also meant Linus just needed to talk to me and be as loud as possible to get his point across. Good news!!! Miracles of miracles not only did the hemorrhage get smaller, it shrank to half its original size. Because the baby has grown as well, the hemorrhage is no longer classified as large. It's still there so I have to exercise some caution. The doctor gave me the okay to leave the couch. I'll still take it fairly easy the rest of the week. I will also let the house cleaners come at least one more time :) I will see the doctor next week at 15 weeks. If everything looks good, he promised to give me the all clear. Amen! Hallelujah! In the meantime he has made me promise that I won't lift any pianos or refrigerators. Done.
We are so grateful for all the prayers, positive thoughts, playdates, meals, and general help. I know it made all the difference in the world. We are blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. I try not to get too religious on people, but this is one time where I know God was watching out for my family and listening to prayers.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Easter
Easter kind of snuck up on me this year. I've been literally lying around on the job. In past years I've tried to plan fancy brunches and dinners, done festive things. Not this year. Luckily, I don't think the kids noticed, nor will they remember.
The kids went on a record number of egg hunts this year. Last week they went to the one at Camp Don Bosco, followed immediately by egg hunts with the cousins. Yesterday they went to an egg hunt at the Ballard Commons. The kids have been on a complete sugar high for days. Normally, I've done an egg hunt at home. We dyed eggs last weekend. But come Easter morning, it just didn't seem necessary to go hide them. I am so lame. Linus did not notice.
The kids woke up this morning excited for their Easter baskets. The Easter Bunny brought them their very first Peeps. Eileen got a big shovel for backyard digging and Linus got a new fossil excavation kit.
Dave and I decided to avoid the chaos, crowds, and lengthy waits of the children's mass. We would have needed to get there 45 minutes early to guarantee a seat. Instead, we opted for the 8:30 mass. We got there 20 minutes early and had our pick of seats. Much better. Everyone kept oohing over Eileen's cuteness. As we walked past two of Linus' classmates, we heard one of them say, "I like Linus' little sister." Linus was a good big brother during mass and even held her and snuggled her when I couldn't.
While in our Easter finery, we snapped a few pictures.
The kids and Dave spent the rest of the day playing and enjoying the sun. I returned to my spot on the couch. I made some purple scrambled eggs (Linus request) and heated up cinnamon rolls for brunch so I did help a little.
It was a very low key Easter. I am so grateful the weather was beautiful and the kids weren't stuck in doors. Sunny weather, birds chirping, and flowers blooming seems like a much better way to celebrate Christ's resurrection since it's supposed to be a happy occasion. Rainy and dreary always feels a little less celebratory. Next year I won't be confined to the couch. I promise to go all out next year, or at least bother to hide the eggs.
The kids went on a record number of egg hunts this year. Last week they went to the one at Camp Don Bosco, followed immediately by egg hunts with the cousins. Yesterday they went to an egg hunt at the Ballard Commons. The kids have been on a complete sugar high for days. Normally, I've done an egg hunt at home. We dyed eggs last weekend. But come Easter morning, it just didn't seem necessary to go hide them. I am so lame. Linus did not notice.
 |
| Linus hiding at the egg hunt. |
 |
| Excited to try her first Peep. She's a fan. |
While in our Easter finery, we snapped a few pictures.
 |
| It is hard to keep them from being silly. |
 |
| Linus was kind enough to let Eileen join him excavating fossils. |
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
From the Mouths of Babes in March
Eileen: I like it when Daddy plays guitar. He's making good noise.
Eileen: Oh no! I forgot to put my clothes on!
Eileen: (after bath) Look my nipples are dried up.
Linus: I'll comb your hair Mommy. It's a symbol of Jesus.
Eileen: Oh no! I forgot to put my clothes on!
Eileen: (after bath) Look my nipples are dried up.
Linus: I'll comb your hair Mommy. It's a symbol of Jesus.
Friday, March 22, 2013
A Hiccup in the Plans
I've been anxious this whole pregnancy. I tried to calm myself by saying that once I saw that baby at the 12 week ultrasound, I could start to feel better, relax and enjoy the pregnancy.
Tuesday Dave left work early to accompany me to my 12 week ultrasound. It was beautiful. It sucked is thumb and we counted ten fingers and clearly saw its little legs. We left feeling happy and excited. I believe my exact words were "I am on cloud 9."
Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?
Since my mom was up babysitting we decided to take an early movie. As I got ready for the previews I went to double check my phone and noticed a voicemail and it was from my doctor. Surprised to hear from him, I went out to the lobby to call him back. I was put right through. It became apparent very quickly that he had bad news.
While the baby is healthy, I have a subchorionic hemmorhage (also known as a subchorionic hematoma). It's blood between the placenta and uterus due to the placenta tearing partially away from the uterus and can cause miscarriage. The occur in 1-3% of pregnancies. I tried to keep it together and ask questions, but it was hard. We agreed I would come in to the office at the end of the week. Because I had been gone so long, Dave came to check on me. After hanging up with the doctor, I decided to just go back and the theater and found myself crying through the first twenty minutes of Burt Wonderstone, and then intermittently throughout. Of course while I was on the phone with the doctor, the ultrasound pic Dave had been trying to upload onto Facebook loaded. I spent the car ride home and most of the evening crying.
I tried to take it easy the past few days. The kids are beginning to get annoyed with mama just laying on the couch. This morning I went into the doctor. The baby had a good strong heartbeat. I learned that my hemorrhage is considered large which is bad. The good news is I'm not bleeding. If I can make it another 3 weeks to 15 weeks, my chances improve of having a successful pregnancy improve, but it could take longer for my body to heal itself. In the meantime, I am supposed to take it very easy--no exercise, no lifting. The last one is easier said than done when you are a stay-at-home mom.
It's very difficult to have a frank discussion about a possibly impending miscarriage. I managed to keep it together until I got in the car. I do not know what I will do if I lose this baby. I've always known I wanted a third baby. If I lose the baby, I do not know if I can go through it again. Losing a baby in early first trimester is hard enough, but once you've seen your baby--its heartbeat, little legs and hands, sucking a thumb--it's a completely different experience. How do you come back from so much loss? It seems cruel after everything we've gone through trying to have a third, that we may lose everything now.
It's going to be a long three weeks, made harder by the fact that everyday Linus thanks me for the new baby. I get to see the doctor every week while we monitor the situation and have another ultrasound in a week and half to see if there's been any change. I talk to the baby regularly and tell it to hold on. I pray to Mary to intercede on my behalf and give me strength. Right now what I need are lots of prayers and playdates. If anyone wants to borrow my minivan and my kids for a few hours, I won't stop you. I promise they are generally well behaved and mostly potty trained.
Tuesday Dave left work early to accompany me to my 12 week ultrasound. It was beautiful. It sucked is thumb and we counted ten fingers and clearly saw its little legs. We left feeling happy and excited. I believe my exact words were "I am on cloud 9."
Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?
While the baby is healthy, I have a subchorionic hemmorhage (also known as a subchorionic hematoma). It's blood between the placenta and uterus due to the placenta tearing partially away from the uterus and can cause miscarriage. The occur in 1-3% of pregnancies. I tried to keep it together and ask questions, but it was hard. We agreed I would come in to the office at the end of the week. Because I had been gone so long, Dave came to check on me. After hanging up with the doctor, I decided to just go back and the theater and found myself crying through the first twenty minutes of Burt Wonderstone, and then intermittently throughout. Of course while I was on the phone with the doctor, the ultrasound pic Dave had been trying to upload onto Facebook loaded. I spent the car ride home and most of the evening crying.
I tried to take it easy the past few days. The kids are beginning to get annoyed with mama just laying on the couch. This morning I went into the doctor. The baby had a good strong heartbeat. I learned that my hemorrhage is considered large which is bad. The good news is I'm not bleeding. If I can make it another 3 weeks to 15 weeks, my chances improve of having a successful pregnancy improve, but it could take longer for my body to heal itself. In the meantime, I am supposed to take it very easy--no exercise, no lifting. The last one is easier said than done when you are a stay-at-home mom.
It's very difficult to have a frank discussion about a possibly impending miscarriage. I managed to keep it together until I got in the car. I do not know what I will do if I lose this baby. I've always known I wanted a third baby. If I lose the baby, I do not know if I can go through it again. Losing a baby in early first trimester is hard enough, but once you've seen your baby--its heartbeat, little legs and hands, sucking a thumb--it's a completely different experience. How do you come back from so much loss? It seems cruel after everything we've gone through trying to have a third, that we may lose everything now.
It's going to be a long three weeks, made harder by the fact that everyday Linus thanks me for the new baby. I get to see the doctor every week while we monitor the situation and have another ultrasound in a week and half to see if there's been any change. I talk to the baby regularly and tell it to hold on. I pray to Mary to intercede on my behalf and give me strength. Right now what I need are lots of prayers and playdates. If anyone wants to borrow my minivan and my kids for a few hours, I won't stop you. I promise they are generally well behaved and mostly potty trained.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Confession Time
It's time to come clean. Despite considering myself to be a good little Catholic girl, I have not been doing a Lenten fast. In fact, I've even been eating meat on Fridays. Gasp! Oh, it feels so good to have that off my shoulders. Okay, but really I have a good reason for abandoning those tenets of the Catholic faith. I am pregnant.
I'll let that set in a little bit. Yes, that is correct. I am pregnant, knocked up, with child, there is a bun in this oven. I will be 11 weeks tomorrow. I am due October 1st. I broke out the maternity pants today because I just couldn't face having a button pressing against me.
We told the kids last Thursday night, knowing that once Linus knew that the whole world would. We took them out for ice cream at Bluebird. I started out by mentioning how Mommy's been sick a lot and really tired and asked them if they wanted to know why. We then told them we were going to have a baby. Linus immediately put his hand to his mouth and exclaimed, "Wow! Cool." And then went back to eating his ice cream. Eileen didn't quite get it. About ten minutes later, once the ice cream had been consumed and he had had time to process this new information, Linus exploded with excitement.
Linus is already visualizing life with a new baby. He wants a boy, Eileen wants a baby. According to him, it's name will be Junior, boy or girl. He will throw it a surprise birthday party and for Halloween it will be a caterpillar. Linus quickly realized that the birth would require childcare and he immediately had an answer, "Wait! Someone will need to take care of us. I know--Uncle Tim. He's the greatest! I love him so much. Too much." So Uncle Tim, if you're reading this, let me know. Linus continues to thank me every day for having a baby.
For those of you who have been following my saga, this pregnancy has been a true blessing. After having difficulty conceiving, we miscarried in October. I was devastated. Eventually, I decided that I just wanted to move forward. Unfortunately, my fertility doctor discovered several large cysts. While not harmful, it prevented them from using any fertility treatments.
After shedding a few tears and developing a very negative attitude I decided to press forward. For once my body decided to cooperate and work the way it was supposed to. I had some progesterone hanging around from the last pregnancy and decided to take it to help things along (my acupuncturist also thought it was a good idea). I was stunned when I had a positive test.
Even though I conceived without her help, my fertility doctor monitored me closely, ie lots of blood draws and ultrasounds. Dave came to the second ultrasound, the one that the last time had revealed a miscarriage. Clutching his hand tightly, I burst into tears when we saw a heartbeat. Even though I wasn't close with my fertility doctor, I cried and hugged her at my last visit with her.
Now I'm seeing my regular doctor and am starting to own this pregnancy. The kids' excitement has made it easier to get excited, although I'm constantly afraid I will miscarry at any moment. This pregnancy has been a lot easier in terms of puking. Where with Linus, I puked all day everyday for nine months, this time I am only mildly sick. Life is a lot easier when your head isn't continually in a toilet. I'm just so grateful for this baby and I am trying to savor this pregnancy because I am pretty sure I am done after this.
And now I have confessed everything.
I'll let that set in a little bit. Yes, that is correct. I am pregnant, knocked up, with child, there is a bun in this oven. I will be 11 weeks tomorrow. I am due October 1st. I broke out the maternity pants today because I just couldn't face having a button pressing against me.
We told the kids last Thursday night, knowing that once Linus knew that the whole world would. We took them out for ice cream at Bluebird. I started out by mentioning how Mommy's been sick a lot and really tired and asked them if they wanted to know why. We then told them we were going to have a baby. Linus immediately put his hand to his mouth and exclaimed, "Wow! Cool." And then went back to eating his ice cream. Eileen didn't quite get it. About ten minutes later, once the ice cream had been consumed and he had had time to process this new information, Linus exploded with excitement.
Linus is already visualizing life with a new baby. He wants a boy, Eileen wants a baby. According to him, it's name will be Junior, boy or girl. He will throw it a surprise birthday party and for Halloween it will be a caterpillar. Linus quickly realized that the birth would require childcare and he immediately had an answer, "Wait! Someone will need to take care of us. I know--Uncle Tim. He's the greatest! I love him so much. Too much." So Uncle Tim, if you're reading this, let me know. Linus continues to thank me every day for having a baby.
For those of you who have been following my saga, this pregnancy has been a true blessing. After having difficulty conceiving, we miscarried in October. I was devastated. Eventually, I decided that I just wanted to move forward. Unfortunately, my fertility doctor discovered several large cysts. While not harmful, it prevented them from using any fertility treatments.
After shedding a few tears and developing a very negative attitude I decided to press forward. For once my body decided to cooperate and work the way it was supposed to. I had some progesterone hanging around from the last pregnancy and decided to take it to help things along (my acupuncturist also thought it was a good idea). I was stunned when I had a positive test.
Even though I conceived without her help, my fertility doctor monitored me closely, ie lots of blood draws and ultrasounds. Dave came to the second ultrasound, the one that the last time had revealed a miscarriage. Clutching his hand tightly, I burst into tears when we saw a heartbeat. Even though I wasn't close with my fertility doctor, I cried and hugged her at my last visit with her.
Now I'm seeing my regular doctor and am starting to own this pregnancy. The kids' excitement has made it easier to get excited, although I'm constantly afraid I will miscarry at any moment. This pregnancy has been a lot easier in terms of puking. Where with Linus, I puked all day everyday for nine months, this time I am only mildly sick. Life is a lot easier when your head isn't continually in a toilet. I'm just so grateful for this baby and I am trying to savor this pregnancy because I am pretty sure I am done after this.
And now I have confessed everything.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)