A few years ago Henry was stung by a wasp and had a very bad reaction. We now carry epi-pens everywhere we go in case it happens again.
Yesterday I was up in my room and Lilli and Henry were downstairs playing. Suddenly I hear Henry scream. Now, if you have never been to my house I must tell you that screaming is not unusual and is often just a part of the playing. I had Oscar run down and make sure no one was actually hurt. Then I hear Henry scream "No, I don't want to die..." and I knew something was actually wrong. Just as I was getting ready to run downstairs Oscar yells up that Henry was stung by a bee or something. I grabbed epi-pens out of my drawer and ran downstairs.
The first thing I had to do was calm Henry down so I could tell if he actually started to have a reaction since I didn't know what kind of insect had bit/stung him. He was hysterical, the poor guy. Lilli kept patting his head and saying "It's ok buddy, your going to be fine. Just take a big breath." In fact I'm surprised at how calm and helpful my almost 4 year old was given the fact that her brother, and even Oscar was freaking out a little, was extremely hysterical.
I finally got him calmed down and convinced that he wasn't going to die, that I knew how to take care of him. He seemed to be doing fine for the moment so I asked him where it had happened and went over to check it out. There was a hornet sitting on the windowsill, so I smashed it. One problem down.
But he had not been stung by a hornet before so I had no idea if he would have a reaction to it or what it would be like if he did. So we turned on a movie and I kept the epi-pens close by just in case. Thankfully we live just down the hill from the children's hospital.
After about 30 minutes he was still doing fine and the major danger of a bad reaction had passed. His foot was a little red around it and it hurt, which are both actually very good things. If you have a local reaction you are much less likely to have a systemic reaction.
I am so grateful though for modern medicine, that I had the comfort of knowing what to do, and that he would be fine, if he did have a reaction. I also realized that we needed to have another talk about his allergy and how it all worked. I think he is much more confident now that he can just come to us and tell us and that we will take care of him. My heart breaks for him and the fear that he felt. What an awful feeling. He knows that he is allergic to some types of insects so he knew there was danger there, but apparently it had been too long since we had talked about it. I took for granted that because I knew he would be fine, that he did too. I mean we talked about it after the first incident but not really a lot since then. Kids forget so much as time passes. Poor guy, but I am so grateful that he is fine, that we didn't need to go to the hospital and I hope that next time he won't be quite so scared. I'm not naive, I know there will be other times, and the $100 + I spend each year on epi-pens that we never use are so worth it knowing that if we ever need to use them that we have them.
In the meantime this is a good reminder to always keep that communication open with the kids and talk about big issues from time to time. Complacency is never okay- comfort is. :) Here's to hoping that I continue wasting my money on unused epi-pens. I'd rather spend thousands of dollars on that than have to use even one of them. For now I will hold my buddy a little closer and thank my father in heaven that he is around to continue to bring joy into our lives.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Yes...I'm a slacker and my little girl is growing up
I've been so busy with various projects I've started that I just haven't been on the computer much.
I am trying to get my garden going but with our lovely (ummm do you detect a bit of sarcasm?) Utah weather I haven't had much success. I have put a lot of work into getting it ready but I haven't actually been able to plant anything. Here we are, the last day of April and there is actually snow on the ground!!!! WHY???
The best news in our home is that Lilli, my sweet little 3 year old, is finally toilet-trained!!! This is a happy day! Actually she has decided to grow up right before my eyes. For you to understand all that I'm going to lay out here I will have to go back a bit and give you some info.
When Lilli was born we felt like she is the last one, the baby, the caboose. That is a bittersweet conclusion to come to. We wanted to enjoy every second. We also had some hard things going on in our family/extended family that really made us want to hold tight to our children. That being said, we babied and spoiled Lilli. My theory was/is that if you give them the love and patience that they will learn and grow in their own time. I know it sounds strange and hippy like but I had been through this 3 other times. I had tried the crying it out thing, the anxious worrying over when they would sleep through the night etc. So with Lilli I decided not to. I would love her and enjoy the short time that she would be a baby. She ate when she was hungry, slept when she was tired, and as she got older slept with us when she would wake up at night. We rocked her to sleep every night when she was a baby, and laid with her until she fell asleep as she got bigger. They were wonderful quiet moments with our little one.
She was a shy baby/toddler, and I allowed her to be. I didn't make her go to anyone if she didn't want to. (As a side note I have to say...people have a hard time allowing kids, especially babies, be shy. They would want to force her to say hi, or let them hold her. But I didn't allow it. They could say hi to her all they wanted, pet her head etc., but if she was scared we would back off) I don't feel there is a right or wrong way, but this is what worked for me this time around. And I enjoyed it so much more. Not that I didn't enjoy my time with the other kids as babies and toddlers but I was so much more relaxed and focused on enjoying it this time that it was easier and less stressful. This is what worked for us this time.
So, I bring this up because I got a lot of flak about how I was doing things. "She is your 4th, you should know how to do this by now." "Just lay her down and let her fall asleep" "If you let her sleep in your bed you'll have a hard time ever getting her to sleep in her own bed." "She isn't potty-trained yet?!?" "Just make her go to class and she'll stop crying eventually." I'm sure much of these things worked or were true for some people, but it wasn't how I chose to do things.
So as she has grown I've found that yes, my way works too! She has come out of her shell so much on her own as she is ready. She talks to people, she goes to her class at church, she plays at friends houses. All of this from a girl that would barely let family say hi to her! I gave her love and support but never pushed her.
As far as sleeping goes, we have spent many happy, restless nights with our sweet girl snuggled between us. This past month though she has started sleeping in her bed more and more, again on her own. This past week she kicked me out of her bed and said "Mama, I'm a big girl. Give me a kiss and go to your own bed." I wanted to jump for joy and cry all at the same time. And every night since that one she has slept all night in her own bed.
This along with practically toilet-training herself is growing up overload for Lars and me. We actually miss the interrupted sleep that used to be when she slept with us. It is all bitter-sweet but it happens so quickly.
So, though we are far from done with this whole child-rearing thing, I'm happy with the way we chose to do things. I've learned something with each one of my kids, but I finally learned to relax with Lilli. I think I'm a better Mom to all the kids because of it. I hope all parents can find what works for them and that we can all quit thinking that our way is the "right" way. Each kid is different, each parent is different, and each stage of our lives are different. Do what is "right" for you and your family and enjoy the time you have with your kids...I know for me it is going far too fast.
I am trying to get my garden going but with our lovely (ummm do you detect a bit of sarcasm?) Utah weather I haven't had much success. I have put a lot of work into getting it ready but I haven't actually been able to plant anything. Here we are, the last day of April and there is actually snow on the ground!!!! WHY???
The best news in our home is that Lilli, my sweet little 3 year old, is finally toilet-trained!!! This is a happy day! Actually she has decided to grow up right before my eyes. For you to understand all that I'm going to lay out here I will have to go back a bit and give you some info.
When Lilli was born we felt like she is the last one, the baby, the caboose. That is a bittersweet conclusion to come to. We wanted to enjoy every second. We also had some hard things going on in our family/extended family that really made us want to hold tight to our children. That being said, we babied and spoiled Lilli. My theory was/is that if you give them the love and patience that they will learn and grow in their own time. I know it sounds strange and hippy like but I had been through this 3 other times. I had tried the crying it out thing, the anxious worrying over when they would sleep through the night etc. So with Lilli I decided not to. I would love her and enjoy the short time that she would be a baby. She ate when she was hungry, slept when she was tired, and as she got older slept with us when she would wake up at night. We rocked her to sleep every night when she was a baby, and laid with her until she fell asleep as she got bigger. They were wonderful quiet moments with our little one.
She was a shy baby/toddler, and I allowed her to be. I didn't make her go to anyone if she didn't want to. (As a side note I have to say...people have a hard time allowing kids, especially babies, be shy. They would want to force her to say hi, or let them hold her. But I didn't allow it. They could say hi to her all they wanted, pet her head etc., but if she was scared we would back off) I don't feel there is a right or wrong way, but this is what worked for me this time around. And I enjoyed it so much more. Not that I didn't enjoy my time with the other kids as babies and toddlers but I was so much more relaxed and focused on enjoying it this time that it was easier and less stressful. This is what worked for us this time.
So, I bring this up because I got a lot of flak about how I was doing things. "She is your 4th, you should know how to do this by now." "Just lay her down and let her fall asleep" "If you let her sleep in your bed you'll have a hard time ever getting her to sleep in her own bed." "She isn't potty-trained yet?!?" "Just make her go to class and she'll stop crying eventually." I'm sure much of these things worked or were true for some people, but it wasn't how I chose to do things.
So as she has grown I've found that yes, my way works too! She has come out of her shell so much on her own as she is ready. She talks to people, she goes to her class at church, she plays at friends houses. All of this from a girl that would barely let family say hi to her! I gave her love and support but never pushed her.
As far as sleeping goes, we have spent many happy, restless nights with our sweet girl snuggled between us. This past month though she has started sleeping in her bed more and more, again on her own. This past week she kicked me out of her bed and said "Mama, I'm a big girl. Give me a kiss and go to your own bed." I wanted to jump for joy and cry all at the same time. And every night since that one she has slept all night in her own bed.
This along with practically toilet-training herself is growing up overload for Lars and me. We actually miss the interrupted sleep that used to be when she slept with us. It is all bitter-sweet but it happens so quickly.
So, though we are far from done with this whole child-rearing thing, I'm happy with the way we chose to do things. I've learned something with each one of my kids, but I finally learned to relax with Lilli. I think I'm a better Mom to all the kids because of it. I hope all parents can find what works for them and that we can all quit thinking that our way is the "right" way. Each kid is different, each parent is different, and each stage of our lives are different. Do what is "right" for you and your family and enjoy the time you have with your kids...I know for me it is going far too fast.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Spring break- PLANS CHANGE
I was hoping for Disneyland, but Seattle is a close second. I am hoping to see some things we missed last year and revisit places we fell in love with. Especially Whidbey Island! I am so in love with this place and would move there in a heartbeat if we had work to sustain us there. *Sigh* Oh well, I am happy to be able to visit.
I don't know what it is about Seattle that I love but I am completly in love with that place! It helps that I enjoy the rainy, dreary weather. All I know is my heart lies in Seattle (well Whidbey Island actually) and I hope to join it someday.
Can you tell I love to travel? It is a passion of mine, along with food. (See this post for more on my love of food) Part of it probably stems from the fact that growing up I didn't live in any one place longer than 4 years and went to 7 different elementary schools. I did love it! I loved seeing new places and meeting new people. So it would make sense that I love to travel. Unfortunatly Lars doesn't love to move, but he has warmed up to travel and is so sweet and wonderful to humor me always. I would love to extend our travel to other countries someday but for now I am content with the good ol' USofA.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
I know...It's okay!
Sisters are so fun! Lilli and Emma have a fun relationship, especially given that Emma is 8 years older than Lilli.
The other day I was brushing Emma's hair, which was very tangled after a fun but windy day outside. Lilli came in and said some of her favorite words "I can help!" So she grabbed the brush and started "help" brush Emma's hair. The cutest part was that everytime Emma yelped or said ow Lilli would say "I know, I know, it's okay. We have to brush it out Emma." Obviously words I have used on the girls. ;) Emma and I were trying very hard not to laugh because Lilli was very serious in her work. I love moments like that with my girls.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Cute cupcakes pops and my sweet boy (young man really)
Recently Oscar, 12, came to me and asked if he could have a few friends over for a wii tournament. A few days later he asked if we could make cupcakes because one of the friends just had her birthday and didn't get a birthday party so they wanted to surprise her by turning the game day into a little party. Talk about melting my heart. So sweet! I'm glad he is a good kid and has good friends that want to do this kind of thing for each other.
I was also excited because I had been dying to try something I had seen on this wonderful blog. Bakerella comes up with the most adorable things. Be sure to check out her blog.
Well I think ours turned out pretty cute and they were delicious!
Aren't they adorable! I took the leftovers to a family party a few days later and everyone loved them so much that now my sister wants me to make some for her daughter's birthday. ;-)
I don't usually brag about things I make- though I love to bake- but later I will post the cute bowling ball cake and sugar cookie bowling pins I made for my friend for her children's bowling b-day party. Turned out cute.
Anyhow, give these cupcake pops a try sometime, they are pretty easy, extremely cute and very tasty! As for my sweet boy...I'm keeping him.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Dear kids...I'm sorry if I'm a little crazy
Dear kids,
I love you more than words can say. The English language has so many words and yet there are none that can adequately express my love for you. I had the desire to be a mom for as long as I can remember. I was the kid that loved to "watch" all little kids younger than me. When I first became a mom some people laughed at me because I loved to play so much with you guys. I'm sorry that I seem to do that less these days, the only excuse I can give is that the older you get the less time there seems to be in each day.
By the way, I'm sorry if I'm a little nutty. I know I can be silly, and I hate to say it but I hope to embarrass you at times throughout your life. I think you just can't count yourself as a good parent if you don't embarrass your kids at least a couple times. I don't mean just for the fun of it, I mean because I am doing something for your own good that you just aren't happy with.
Sometimes I probably don't make much sense. And there may be times when you are all older that you'll sit around a table reminiscing and you'll collectively laugh about some of my mannerisms, habits, and phrases I overuse. I know you will because we all do it. Not because you are trying to be unkind, it is a bonding moment for you and trust me, I know I'm not always with it. But I try :)
I want to be the best mom possible. I want to give you my undivided attention every time you ask for it, the very second you ask for it...but I'm not always able to. (And sometimes life seems to wear me down and if I do it right then the moment won't be as good as if I come to you refreshed from a good nights sleep!)
I'm sure sometimes it seems like I am being lazy or don't want to help when I tell you to figure something out for yourself. (Like talking to a teacher when you have a problem, forget homework etc.) Well, maybe I am lazy but that isn't why I do that. ;) I do it because I love you. I want you to be able to talk to people in positions of authority with confidence. I want you to learn how to do things for yourself while you are still home and have mom and dad to fall back on when something doesn't work out. I want you to have the happiest life possible.
Sadly, much of the things I say and do, such as saying I let you do hard things because I love you, you won't fully understand or appreciate until you are grown up. (Some of it you won't get until you have kids of your own.)
I do love you, each of you. I was so happy and excited when I was expecting each of you. And I love to watch you grow, learn, and experience life.
And most of all...I simply love you and I will always love you...no matter what.
With all my love,
Mom
I love you more than words can say. The English language has so many words and yet there are none that can adequately express my love for you. I had the desire to be a mom for as long as I can remember. I was the kid that loved to "watch" all little kids younger than me. When I first became a mom some people laughed at me because I loved to play so much with you guys. I'm sorry that I seem to do that less these days, the only excuse I can give is that the older you get the less time there seems to be in each day.
By the way, I'm sorry if I'm a little nutty. I know I can be silly, and I hate to say it but I hope to embarrass you at times throughout your life. I think you just can't count yourself as a good parent if you don't embarrass your kids at least a couple times. I don't mean just for the fun of it, I mean because I am doing something for your own good that you just aren't happy with.
Sometimes I probably don't make much sense. And there may be times when you are all older that you'll sit around a table reminiscing and you'll collectively laugh about some of my mannerisms, habits, and phrases I overuse. I know you will because we all do it. Not because you are trying to be unkind, it is a bonding moment for you and trust me, I know I'm not always with it. But I try :)
I want to be the best mom possible. I want to give you my undivided attention every time you ask for it, the very second you ask for it...but I'm not always able to. (And sometimes life seems to wear me down and if I do it right then the moment won't be as good as if I come to you refreshed from a good nights sleep!)
I'm sure sometimes it seems like I am being lazy or don't want to help when I tell you to figure something out for yourself. (Like talking to a teacher when you have a problem, forget homework etc.) Well, maybe I am lazy but that isn't why I do that. ;) I do it because I love you. I want you to be able to talk to people in positions of authority with confidence. I want you to learn how to do things for yourself while you are still home and have mom and dad to fall back on when something doesn't work out. I want you to have the happiest life possible.
Sadly, much of the things I say and do, such as saying I let you do hard things because I love you, you won't fully understand or appreciate until you are grown up. (Some of it you won't get until you have kids of your own.)
I do love you, each of you. I was so happy and excited when I was expecting each of you. And I love to watch you grow, learn, and experience life.
And most of all...I simply love you and I will always love you...no matter what.
With all my love,
Mom
Sunday, March 7, 2010
There is Sunshine on my blog today!
My wonderful sister-in-law, Katie, has awarded me with the SUNSHINE blog award! So fun! Katie blogs about the adventures of living in Seattle, for which I'm very jealous, and about the fabulous Scentsy business of which we are both a part! Thank you Katie!
I'd like to spread the SUNSHINE onto these fabulous bloggers...
1. Tori- for writing one of the funniest and real blogs I've seen and for doing it so faithfully. I don't know many people that blog as regularly as she does, including myself, and I love that!
2. Jamie Sue (whose website is private)- Because she's been through so much and simply deserves it. She blogs about her family and life and I admire her strength in the face of all the adversity she has faced.
3. Leigh- She is one of the most creative and talented people I know, as well as one of my good friends. She is always doing something creative and I always love to see what she is going to blog about next.
4. JJ, and her co-blogger, of Real Detectives Wear Heels. She is one of the most fashionable, well dressed people I know. Plus she blogs about one of my favorite t.v. shows, which she introduced us to, of all time...Castle.
5. Adrienne- She has one of the yummiest blogs ever! She is always cooking or baking something delicious and she is just one of the cutest people in the world.
6. Lesley- Though she doesn't always blog, I mean come on she is a Mom of 5, when she does it is always real and always fun to read. She has been through a lot this last year or so and has been amazing in my eyes! Love you Lesley!
7. Bakerella- I don't know her but her blog is amazing and always inspires the baker side of me. Check it out-you won't be sorry you did!
8. Kristy- A long time friend who inspires me with her faith and all she does in her life- Plus she loves (understatment) The Cure, how can you not just love her for that? :-)
9. Kim- Simply because her family seems to love all things Disney as much as my family, and she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met.
10. Melissa- One of my dearest friends of all time- A person with AMAZING faith, unwavering convictions, and orginizational skills I would die for.
11. Pipers girl's- A blog from one of my favorite shops ever. It inspires me, makes me want to create something, and just gives me joy to read.
12. Last but not least- Erin- for her seemingly endless energy that motivates us all to do a little more with our day.
To these fabulous bloggers- Enjoy the Sunshine that has been sent your way, may it warm your hearts and brighten your day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As usual with these accolades recipients are asked to do the following.....
Copy the logo onto your blog or within your post.
Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.
Link the nominees within your post.
Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.
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