Always Be Prepared

Jerrod just got back from England and brought me this.  My husband is always one to "be prepared". 

I don't know if this is more for his sake or mine, but either way, I love it!! 

Thanks Honey!

It says:  "For immediate relief of:  Chocolate Cravings, Lovesickness, Exam Pressure, Mild Anxiety and Extreme Hunger.

Directions for use:  Tear open wrapper, break off desired dosage and consume.  Alternatively massage into the affected area.  Repeat dosage as required until finished.  

If symptoms persist consult your local confectioner."

Noise and Silence

You know how you get used to certain things?  Well, noise is one of those things that I am rather used to by now.  I grew up with a house full of kids and fun and noise--I was used to it then too.  

Then, I went away to college and Ecuador for a combined total of about 4 years which meant that I had a lot of time to enjoy silence.  Yes, I had crazy, loud roommates, but it was a different kind of "noise".  

Then Jerrod and I were married for about 1 1/2 years before our new little "noise" came into our home.  She was a delightful and overwhelming type of noise all a the same time, and we loved it. 

Then, a little over a year ago, more "noise" was added to our home in the form of a BOY.  I capitalize "boy" because he is truly a BOY in every sense of the word.  Boy noises are much louder than girl noises!  

Well, right now, I am sitting in silence.  Just me, at home by myself.  The only noise I hear is the typing on my laptop.  It is crazy and weird, and again, delightful all at the same time.  The kids are at my parent's house and I am waiting for Jerrod's flight to get in and then we will be off on a date to see South Pacific.  

I do enjoy hearing silence at times.  I feel that it is important to have personal silence times to be able to reflect and listen to the Spirit.  

Other than that, I have realized that I like the noise in my home.  

I mean, I don't need the TV or the radio on at all times, but I do enjoy hearing my little noises of laughter, boy-made car sounds, and feet jumping or running around. 

So, yes, I have been without my kids for 6 hours now and I miss them...but only a little bit.  I will be ready for their noise to fill our home again tomorrow, but until then,
I will enjoy my silence.

Our Crazy, Scary Day

Let me just preface this post by saying that Jerrod is in England at the moment.  So, not anywhere close to home.  

Yesterday was a crazy, scary day for us.  For the past two weeks, Kaden has been battling a cold.  It hasn't been too bad, so I haven't been too concerned.  Last week, he was put on Amoxicillin for his ear-ache and then Monday, broke out in hives from an allergic reaction to it.  (See my previous post) 

Monday and Tuesday Kaden had low-grade fevers, around 99-100 degrees, nothing too much to be concerned about.  On Wednesday, Kennedi and Kaden went to a friends' house so that I could go teach a Kickboxing class.  When I was done, I texted my friend to see how the kids were.  She said that it seemed like Kaden had a slight fever.  So, I hurried to get them.  She also said that while he was there, he seemed like he was breathing weird.  To be honest, I didn't really think a whole lot about it at the time.  I just thought that he wasn't feeling very well.  We got home and I tried feeding him lunch, but he wouldn't eat.  So, I just laid him in bed for his nap.  About 45 minutes later, he woke up crying.  I went to get him and noticed that he was BURNING hot.  I took his temp and it read 104.5!  I quickly called the nurse to see if I should bring him in, or try to break the fever myself.  While being on hold, I noticed that he was breathing like it was hard for him.  They were deep, shallow breaths.  It didn't seem right.  I made a decision to hang up with the nurse and just to take him to Convenience Care.  While I was driving, a nurse called me back to ask questions.  She said that I made a good decision about bringing him in.  When we got there, they rushed us back and right then is when I realized how serious it really was.  

They started to monitor his oxygen levels and heart rate.  His oxygen levels were really low and they had me hold an oxygen mask up to his face.  They took a rectal temp that came in at 104.4.  They gave him Motrin, and then a few other things to help open his lungs.  I wish that I could remember it all but it was kind of a blur.  He tested positive for RSV.  They told me that he would have to be there for at least an hour so they could monitor him and that is how long the steroid shot usually takes to fully set it.  (Some of this information might be a tad inaccurate.  Like I said, it was a blur)  There were at least 4 people in that room running around quickly getting the things that he needed.  It made me nervous but overall I remained calm for Kennedi's sake.  I didn't want to freak her out.  

Within just a few minutes, Kaden got really lethargic and all of a sudden, they told me that they were calling 911.  Okay, that is when I got really scared!  I think somewhere I heard that because he got so lethargic so quickly, they wanted to get him to the hospital in case anything else happened.  

I called Nena to come and get Kennedi and within 5 minutes we were in an ambulance on our way to the hospital.  I couldn't believe that I was actually in an ambulance with my 17 month old son.  I mean, I always knew that there was chance that Kaden would take us to the ER, just because he is a boy, but I didn't think it would happen so soon!  

Kaden did well in the ambulance.  His oxygen levels were back up, but he was still pretty out of it.  When we got to the hospital, we answered lots of questions and they continued to monitor him.  His oxygen levels were still great.  He started to respond better as well.  He would cry and get mad about certain things, and that was a good sign to me.   

(I took some photos with my phone)

He was finally able to sleep.  His little body was just exhausted.

This was what monitored his oxygen levels.  95 is a good number.  I remember in the Dr.'s office that someone said that his numbers got down to 86 or 88.  The nurse told met that when someone gets down to low 80's that is when lips start turning blue.  I am so thankful we did not get to that point!!

We stayed at the hospital for about 3 hours while they monitored him.  When we had about 1 hour left, they removed the oxygen from him so they could see how he did without it.  He did great.  He finally was able to fall asleep and get some rest.  They felt confident about him going home.  

The hospital also diagnosed him with Croup.  This one is a bit weird to me because he doesn't have a "Croupy" type cough.  But, the ER nurse explained to me that it means that his throat was kind of closing up, like Kaden was breathing out of a straw.  Poor kid.

Nena picked us up and we were able to go home.  Thanks Nena...for everything!!  Ryan Emmett and Nate Ames came over a little while later to give Kaden a Priesthood Blessing.  I am so grateful for that.  I am grateful that I was able to rely on the Priesthood even though my husband was on the other side of the world.  

I am also grateful for the amazing staff at the Convenience Care.  They handled everything so well and even though it was crazy, they helped me to remain calm.  

I am so grateful for the miracles of medicine and technology.  These were the reasons why Kaden was able to get better so quickly.  

I am also grateful for the knowledge that I have that I was able to rely on the Lord.  He heard my plea to help my son.  

Later today, we have a follow-up appointment.  Kaden is doing much better today.  No fever.  I just hope he is able to get over his sickness fast!  Having a sick little one is no fun!!

Broken Out

Yesterday morning, Kaden woke up with a rash all over his body.  I took him to the Dr. to make sure that it wasn't something serious.  Kaden did so well as the Dr. and the medical student took a look at him.

So, apparently Kaden had an allergic reaction to the Amoxicillin that he was on.  The weird thing about it was that it didn't show up until day 10.  The Dr. said that it was actually quite common for it to not show up until day 9 or 10.  He then went on to tell me why he is "anti- Anti-biotic" for kids for ear infections.  (Kaden's regular Dr. prescribed it to him)

I could have sworn that Kaden has had Amoxicillin before, but maybe not.

I did some reading though and found that a lot of kids that have a reaction like this to amoxicillin will grow out of it by elementary school.  So, we will see.

Rash and all, I still think he is adorable.

He hasn't scratched it much.  The only thing that he is constantly scratching is his belly-button.  I will put some hydro-cortizone cream on that.  Other than that, he seems to be doing okay with it.

So Real

Kennedi has a new saying....

We discovered it yesterday and since then we have heard her use it three times.

YESTERDAY: (At Gymboree looking for an Easter dress)

Me:  Kennedi, which dress do you like?  (holding up two adorable options)

Kennedi:  "Ummmm, that one."  (as she points to a pretty, flowy, flower dress)

Me:  "Are you sure?"  (I really liked the other one)

Kennedi:  "Yes.  That one...because it is so real."

Me:  "Well, okay.  Who can argue with that?!?!"  (So, we bought it for her.)

 Today she used it another time referring to another dress and then tonight she said that her pajamas (pink, flowery and frilly) were "so real".

Thankfully, after she said that her pajamas were "so real" she started explaining to me exactly what that means.

Kennedi: "Mom, I look so pretty in my jammies.  They are so real.  See Mom, it is like a dress and it spins and is pretty."

And there you have it folks...apparently if it is pretty and flares out when she spins then that is Kennedi's definition of "so real".

And if you are just sitting there thinking, "Wow, their kid is so smart!",  just you wait---she has also made up another word called, "NAS".

This is Kennedi's word that she uses when she doesn't want the answer to be "yes" or "no".  She just says, "Nas!"

I know, genius.

Trouble Maker

Today my sweet little boy got in trouble at the YMCA nursery.

When I got done working out today, I noticed that Kaden's name was highlighted. Now, before when this has happened, it meant that he fell and hurt himself. So, naturally, I thought that today would be the same thing. As he came out the little door, I examined him to see if I could see any bumps or bruises, but there was nothing. So, I asked why his name was highlighted and the girl said that he scratched a little girl. Uh oh.

She then asked if we put him into time-outs and I struggled with my thoughts of "Are you trying to tell me that I need to start putting him into time-out?!?!", and then, "Did you put my baby into time-out?!?!?!" But, I decided that I shouldn't be a crazy parent who thinks my child can do no wrong. So, I just said that when he does hit or scratch that we do sit with him in time-out and hold his hands. (We really do...I wasn't just making that part up.)

She then said, "I was going to put him into time-out but then he started crying, so I just couldn't do it." (Yeah, welcome to my world, lady.)

I did ask if she told him "no" so that he knew that it wasn't okay. She said that she did, so I told her that I appreciated that. I can't have my child be "that boy" in the nursery! I mean, I go there everyday! I don't want the people who work there, dread every morning because they know that my son is coming in! I just start to stress about these kind of things. I know that he normally is pretty good, so I won't worry too much about it. But, needless to say, we came right home and clipped his nails.

And I mean, REALLY?!?! Does this sweet little face look like a trouble maker?

I didn't think so.....

27

I had a great few days celebrating my birthday. I am really lucky to have people who love me and help me feel special for my birthday!

On Thursday, I went to Katie's house for a delicious lunch. Another friend, Natalie, has a birthday about a week before me, so every year, we get together for lunch at someone's house to celebrate both of our birthdays. The kids had been sick, so Jerrod stayed home with them so that I could enjoy my day with my girlfriends. It was weird not having my two kiddos with me, but at the same time, it was nice to get out for a while by myself!

Later that evening, my girlfriends from here took me out to dinner! We ate at Indochine, which is an amazing Thai restaurant. It was so yummy, and I can't wait to go back! I had a great time dressing up and going out with my great friends. After dinner, we wanted desert but didn't want to fork out the money there, so we headed to Shari's! The desert was good, but I think that I had more fun laughing and chatting until about 11 pm. I love those girls and am SO grateful that they are in my life!

All of us at Indochine

(Tyrell, Delee, Me, Nena, Lindsey, Tracie, Jennifer, and Camila (and tiny new baby Finn, who was under the blanket))

My friends were so sweet and brought me some gifts. Thanks girls...I love everything!!

Tyrell made me an awesome apron. She made it earlier that day. I love it! Thanks so much Tyrell!

Modeling the apron when I got home.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16TH 2010

I went for a run with Nena at 8 am. We ran about 5 miles and I came home to a fully decorated downstairs. It was so cute. Kennedi was very proud that she helped Daddy with all of the decorations. We made breakfast and then got ready for the day.

My friend, Megan came by to drop off a gift. It was a really cute necklace and ice cream! Thanks Meg!

After lunch we ate cupcakes and opened gifts!!

My cupcake-cake had a 2 and then 7 candles for "27".

Taking a few photos with my babies!

Group photo!

Kaden enjoying his cupcake!

Kennedi was so happy to finally get to eat one!

Kennedi went to the store with Jerrod and bought me a gift with her own money! She got me "Enchanted". She was pretty excited about that also.

Then, I opened Jerrod's gift for me....

MICHAEL BUBLE' CONCERT TICKETS!!! WOO HOO!!!!

I am SO EXCITED for that. I can't wait to go see him.

Okay, yes, I had tears of joy because I was so excited. Thanks Babe!! I promise that you will have fun too!!

We then left the house so that I could get a pedicure. It was really nice to just sit and relax while I got pampered.

Then, we had dinner at BJ's Restaurant in Tacoma. We love eating there, but weren't too happy about what we ordered to eat. Now we know that we LOVE certain things, and will probably just stick with that.

We then came home and just relaxed and watched a movie.

Overall, my birthday was great this year. Yesterday, I got kind of sad because I realized that ina few hours it would be 364 more days until my next birthday. (Yes, I am kind of immature because I really LOVE my birthday) I think that I love my birthday so much because it helps me reflect about my past year and my life. I am actually excited about being 27. For the most part, I love who I am and who I have become. The last year was a great one for me. I am looking forward to this next year of my life.