Playing

So, Dylan and Sophia are starting to play together a little more. The game: chase. Yesterday they played this game at IKEA, running through the "car wash" bubble curtain they have hanging. This morning they are continuing the game running in circles around the main floor. Fun!

Finally a "normal" day

Yesterday was the first in a long time of the same ol' same ol' around here. No travel, doctor's appointments, parties to plan... Was a pretty nice day aside from the two meltdowns Sophia had and Dylan's 4pm-ish meltdown. Dylan took a good morning nap after which we hit Kmart to pick up is birthday Coupe and then hit the playground on the way home. Sophia is becoming quite the climber. She went up and down the rock wall all on her own as well as many of the other climbing equipment.

Ok, not such a normal week. I started writing this on Tuesday ABOUT Monday. It is now Wednesday. yeesh.

Pictures

Dylan really took to his new set of wheels. Faster, DAD! WEEEEEEEHEEEEEWWWWW. I have since exchanged this model for a slightly different red one that has a better push handle. Sophia goes over the basics of the dust buster with Dylan. I foresee her showing Dylan how to do a lot of her chores in the future...
The picture was taken after Sophia told Dylan there were snakes in the grass.

6 down, one to go

Almost at the end of the marathon appointment weeks. So far I have been 'lucky' enough to bring at least one kid with me to all. I had relief for Dylan's 12mo check up and was able to leave Sophia behind. My kids have eaten nothing but snack food all morning for these appointments. My only way to keep them from losing it the entire time we are cooped up in tiny rooms for hours together. I was pleased with this office - VERY large and nice to boot. Just about the biggest doctor's office I have been stuck in. Kids played nicely for a little while, plenty of room even for the double jogger. I was able to get through most of the appointment without resorting to the chocolate chip cookie in my purse. I went for that for the last few minutes and Dylan was a TOTAL MESS! Luckily he just had on a white t-shirt. ugh!

The bad new for me is it looks like my ACL is useless. He said it was either put in loose or could have been stretched while "dancing" with Sophia the time I remember it hurting or even another time that doesn't stand out. Said there is probably meniscus tearing that is causing the swelling and when it swells that is why the knee is looser. If it weren't for the kids, he would recommend it go under the knife again. Even though the more you have the more difficult they are to do. I just don't have three months of recoup time now to devote to it, SO, I will live like this until the kids are in school I suppose. If it gets really bad again, we will have to rethink things, but for now, SOL.

Oh, and this doctor (how I really liked- had answers, thorough...) knows of Dr. Meeks and thought he had retired already. I said I went to him in May and wasn't confident anymore. This new doctor made me feel like he knew what I was talking about. Also made a reference about Meeks' practice being under hard times?? He also said that he didn't want to do anymore cortisone - said it was like a band aid - WOW! Those were my exact words I was saying after my appointment with Meeks. Yeesh.

Tomorrow I have one last appointment and then we are off to Maine Friday for the weekend.

12mo check up

Dylan had his one year check up yesterday. Mr. Long and lean, just like his sister. He is 20lb 8oz and 31". Sophia was 20lb 7oz and 30.25". Dylan is a full fledged walker now. No more crawling for him. He is already trying to run and keep up with Sophia. Had a trying day at the toy store already. Dylan would not sit in the cart - kept trying to stand up. I had to buckle him in finally. He didn't appreciate it. I did let him loose for a little while and he liked trying out all the toys.
I hit Stop and Shop on the way home and he was quite the handful again. Both were, actually So much so that I gave in to the treat demand at the dunkin donuts in the store and went on to forget the coffee I bought myself. Luckily I remembered before leaving. Dylan kept grabbing for the straw, so I removed it. Then he grabbed at the cup. I made it to check out and had to put it down while I checked myself out. Again, almost forgot it and a customer behind me reminded me of it. Whew!
Dylan hasn't been sleeping well this week. Can you tell? He woke up around 3.30/4 two night and then the last couple nights he was awake at 1 and 3.30/4. He doesn't settle quickly either. And I thought we were over this hump. Sigh... No wonder I have had zero patience and been ultra grouchy this week.

The good and the bad

The good news: Sophia does not have a staph infection and is off antibiotics and my ankle is getting much better (just itchy and feels like a bruise).

The bad news is that the lump under Sophia's eye is a stye and is expected to last MONTHS. Which is months of warm cloths multiple times a day, some bleeding and some oozing. And though I am much better, I had to cancel Dylan's first birthday party as I was not able to prepare for it. So, now that I am feeling better and COULD be hosting today, I feel guilty for not having it even though I know I wasn't able to do the running around myself.

Dylan is really motoring around these days. Very fun to watch him explore the place on two feet rather than all fours.

I was finally able to wash the floors today, too. YUCK! Mucho dirty and was bringing me down.

Sophie Oleksuk/ Grandma

Our trip to Canada was inspired by two things - being able to celebrate Dylan's first birthday with his grandma who shares the same day and to visit with my grandmother who is 90 and in poor health.

Sophie has Alzheimer's and has recently suffered a broken hip. She is a dear lady, even despite the hardships that have struck her. Our first visit with her was on Friday, the 4th of July. My dad, Ethan and the kids joined me to visit with her. Grandma was pleased to see us and we spent some time with her outside in the back patio area of the home. I tried very hard to not be emotional like I was the first time I visited her there when Sophia was about 8months old. She was wheel chair bound, but we were able to get some smiles and a few chuckles out of her. I was disappointed Sophia and Dylan were being shy that day and wouldn't sit with her. I know she didn't know who they (or I) were, but little kids are always good for cheering people (especially elderly) up. Grandma kept trying to get Dylan to sit on her tray, but he wouldn't have it.

We spent the week at the cottage and so we weren't able to visit grandma. The weather was pretty bad all week with the exception of a couple days so we headed back to Selkirk Friday rather than Saturday the 12th. A good thing too as we found out that Grandma had a nose bleed and was taken to the hospital Thursday night to stop the bleeding. I feel awful she had to be there by herself, not knowing anyone and not having anyone there who knew her and her condition. When we arrived Friday, she was very upset, had her hands bundled like q-tips and was picking at them trying to get them off. Her nose was bandaged and it was difficult for her to breath. She was so upset she wouldn't even look at mom or I. I was not able to control my emotions this day and was wishing they stocked the rooms with Kleenex. The next morning we went she was given a sedative and had just fallen asleep so we let her sleep. I went back with mom after the kids were in bed and ended up having a very good visit with her that I will hold in my mind forever. I knew there wasn't much to say to grandma as she doesn't remember the past or even 2 minutes ago. I tried to talk about my kids and how Sophia was named after her. I knew these were mostly just names, so I felt the only thing she knows is the present and feelings mean more to her than people and things. So I spent that visit hugging and stroking and kissing her as much as I could. I kept thinking if I was in a place I didn't know, surrounded by people I didn't know or recognize, then having a feeling of at least being loved would mean the most to me. I know she didn't know I was her grand daughter, but I do think she felt my love and that I was someone special to her. I think she was comforted by this and made her happy for a moment. I just wish I could be there everyday to give her hugs, love and fresh flowers. During this visit Grandma made several attempts to speak. Most were mumbles that couldn't be understood, so I tried to cover for her and butt in so she wouldn't feel frustrated or upset that she couldn't get out what she was trying to say. She did get out a few things, though and even tried to make a few of her old modesty jokes. I would tell her Dylan's eyes were blue like hers and that Sophia shared features with her too and though she didn't get it out entirely, I knew she was trying to say " poor kids have to take after me" or "I hope not". I caught on to this and let her know I understood and she was able to laugh. She laughed a few more times and opened her eyes really wide and looked at me. I could see she was happy at that moment and made me both glad and sad that I would have to leave. They gave her a sedative at the end of our visit as she was getting anxious about the wrapping of her hands and kept trying to remove it or get up to leave. I knew she would fall asleep soon and wish that I had stayed until she did. Could be my last visit with her and that makes me very sad. Having that good visit, though, makes me very glad and I will think of it often with both tears of happiness and sadness. Love you Grandma!

Bummed

So, I had to cancel Dylan's 1st Birthday Party today. Feeling pretty sad about it. I did have one in Canada for him, however, I didn't really throw it myself. I was able to make a cake, however, owe it to my mom for all the preparation and pulling off of that party. I wanted to be able to do that for Dylan myself here. Sigh... Stupid ankle. Another appointment today and another prescription I have to fill while staying off it. Riiiiiiiight.

Good news: over the vacation Dylan's walking went from steps to real walking. He has been having fun walking (not exactly in a straight line) around the house and kind of rediscovering it. Pretty fun to watch him walk around the yard and house with a big grin on his face.

Lists

Doctor's appointments, past and future;
Sunday, July 13, ER to have Cindy's ankle looked at
Monday, July 14 Pediatrician to look at Sophia's eye
Tuesday, July 15, Doctor to look at Cindy's ankle again
Thursday, July 17 potential Ophthalmologist appointment for Sophia
Monday, July 21, Dylan's 1 tr check up
Wednesday, July 23, Cindy knee appointment
Thursday, July 24 Cindy annual appointment

Pharmacy trips - 2 to date

Co-pays:
1@ $50
4@ $10
5@ $15
total: $165

Getting pretty frustrated and stressed over here. Things just keep happening the worst way. Take today. Even though I have been told by every doctor to stay off my feet, I had to go to the doctor for Sophia this morning. Then I had to pick up her prescription. Instead of being able to just pop in and pick up the medications that the pediatrician faxed over 2o minutes earlier, I was told it would take another 20-30 minutes. It was noon and the kids and I were getting hungry. I had to wait for the prescriptions as the doctor said to start giving them as soon as possible so I couldn't come back after her nap. I had to go to the Quizno's for a nasty lunch that was way over priced at $11. They must purposely keep their prices off the menu so people don't just walk out. Kids didn't want to eat what I got. Went back to the pharmacy and told they STILL weren't ready and it would be another 10-15min. My ankle was killing me, and I had been on it all morning when I was supposed to be resting it. Still not able to get any groceries, have an appointment tomorrow so I won't get them there. I am getting more overwhelmed with my to do lists growing and my ability to complete them shrinking. UGH!

The eagle has landed

We arrived back home yesterday afternoon. Was a great flight with the kids from Ottawa to Boston with the kids sleeping much of the way. Dylan knocked off very early on and slept right up to the time the seat belt sign turned off. I was VERY glad for that as my ankle was really starting to hurt. First I thought it was a spider bite on Thursday as it was red, not too itchy and I had about 4 other bites (though they looked a lot different). I was even in a hospital three times as the ankle got worse visiting my grandmother and didn't have it looked at. Then our trip home things went from uncomfortable to terrible. By the time we landed it was difficult to walk and after talking to a few doctors (Jenny and Mike included) it was recommended it be looked at Sunday rather than wait for an appointment on Monday. Glad I did as while I sat FOREVER in the ER waiting room it kept getting more sore. I was told it was Cellulitis, an infection of the skin and am on antibiotics and codeine. I am supposed to sit and have my leg inclined as much as possible. I guess the ol' kiddio's will do a lot of crying today. Yay. Not like I have much to do this week- bare fridge, party to plan and buy stuff for, house to clean, get SOPHIA to the dr as her stye didn't go away and looks terrible. ugh.

Will update more on our trip later. Dylan is what else, but crying and pinching my arm right now.

A bump in the, um, morning

So, we are off to Winnipeg tomorrow and of course the kids have to fall apart - physically. Look carefully at the photo at Sophia's forehead. It may not be as visible in the photo, but it is GIANT in real life. I was in the shower this morning and came out mid shower to see what the crying was about. I initially thought it was Dylan fussing because I was more than 2 feet away from him. Then I got concerned when I learned it was Sophia in tears. She came closer and I couldn't see what was wrong at first as her bangs were covering her forehead. Then I saw IT. Giant lump on her pretty little face. I went into panic mode as I haven't had to deal with a serious injury with the kids yet. After icing her head she seemed fine, but I felt like crying every time I looked at her.
Later in the day she had a bunch of poops (not like her) so I thought it was related to her bump in some odd medical way. After a call to the doctor they recommended she come in with our pending trip. This, was our second trip to the doctor in as many days! Yesterday we were there to look at the red lump under Sophia's eye (only a cyst, phew). So, I was putting a warm cloth on her eye, then a cold one on her forehead all day.
So, off we will go tomorrow, lump on the head, one under the eye, rash on both bums and a little diarrhea for both kids to make the flight a little more interesting. Sighhhhhh.