While we were on vacation we went out to lunch - and the kids have a new favorite restaurant. It became a game throughout our trip, try to spot the Steak 'n Shake, because they are all over the place in Florida.
I definitely think we need these up north!
The kids start school tomorrow! Summer vacation is officially over... and I have to make M&M cookies. It's our family tradition for the first day of school - homemade M&M cookies!
Hopefully I won't make a huge dramatic production of goofing up the cookies like I did 2 years ago, when Karly was in 6th grade.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Atlantic Adventure
While we were in Florida, on our last full day there, we went to the ocean. We drove for about two hours to Daytona, where you can drive on the beach. Because of the weather, we weren't allowed to drive up & down the beach, but we could still park and hang out.
The waves were big, because Hurricane Bill was passing by.
It was 95 degrees and of course - very sunny.
And? Braden HATED it. So. We were there about half an hour, and we loaded up and drove home.
It looks like a great time in pictures though!
The waves were big, because Hurricane Bill was passing by.
It was 95 degrees and of course - very sunny.
And? Braden HATED it. So. We were there about half an hour, and we loaded up and drove home.
It looks like a great time in pictures though!
Karly, Nana, Ruby & Nice Wolf
Ruby LOVED the waves
Karly & Nana playing in the waves
This was the closest Braden got to the ocean - and we're dragging him. This was it. At least he can say he's seen the ocean now.
and he did have fun in the sand.
Every girl needs a purse, right?
It's been brought to my attention that I haven't posted anything since THURSDAY (Sorry, Dad!) so here's something quick - a few pictures from our vacation.
Nana gave Karly this cute little bag - and Ruby found an opportunity to take off with it.
Nana gave Karly this cute little bag - and Ruby found an opportunity to take off with it.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
More about my Gram
I accidentally hit publish, before I was finished with my first post.
My Grandma grew up in a big family, during the Depression. She was thrifty and frugal her entire life, most likely because of her childhood. I had a huge book collection when I was a kid, because she would take me to every rummage sale we could find when she visited.
She graduated from high school in 1940, and in 1943, when she was 21, she enlisted. She was a woman with a welding job during the war - but then she went to war as a WAC - a member of the Women's Army Corp.
Her parents were unhappy with her choice to join the Army, but she went ahead with it. Her father thought that women in the military were only there for "men's pleasure" and she shouldn't go. But, she was lonely - engaged to my grandpa who was off overseas, and determined to help her country during the war. Earning fifty dollars a month, she traveled around the world, in the middle of a war - working in far away places like New Guinea and Manila.
I can not imagine what it was like for her to be so young, so far from home in the middle of a war - no Internet for news, no cell phones for contact back home.
In August, 1945 my Grandparents married. My grandma was discharged in October (after nearly two years of service) when a blood test showed that she was expecting her first child - and a whole new chapter of her life began.
My Grandma never told me stories about what it was like during the war, when I was a little girl. I never had a grasp of what a big deal that must have been for her - how life-altering and adventurous. A few years ago she told her story to my uncle, who put binders together for us, with Grandma's story all typed up. It's fascinating to read, and realize that this is the same woman who bought me my Trixie Belden collection, one battered paperback at a time.
We named Ruby after Brian's grandma, but the twins middle names are for my Gram - Ruby Lyn and Lydia Eve, in honor of Evelyn (Riopell) Gorman.
My Grandma grew up in a big family, during the Depression. She was thrifty and frugal her entire life, most likely because of her childhood. I had a huge book collection when I was a kid, because she would take me to every rummage sale we could find when she visited.
She graduated from high school in 1940, and in 1943, when she was 21, she enlisted. She was a woman with a welding job during the war - but then she went to war as a WAC - a member of the Women's Army Corp.
Her parents were unhappy with her choice to join the Army, but she went ahead with it. Her father thought that women in the military were only there for "men's pleasure" and she shouldn't go. But, she was lonely - engaged to my grandpa who was off overseas, and determined to help her country during the war. Earning fifty dollars a month, she traveled around the world, in the middle of a war - working in far away places like New Guinea and Manila.
I can not imagine what it was like for her to be so young, so far from home in the middle of a war - no Internet for news, no cell phones for contact back home.
In August, 1945 my Grandparents married. My grandma was discharged in October (after nearly two years of service) when a blood test showed that she was expecting her first child - and a whole new chapter of her life began.
My Grandma never told me stories about what it was like during the war, when I was a little girl. I never had a grasp of what a big deal that must have been for her - how life-altering and adventurous. A few years ago she told her story to my uncle, who put binders together for us, with Grandma's story all typed up. It's fascinating to read, and realize that this is the same woman who bought me my Trixie Belden collection, one battered paperback at a time.
We named Ruby after Brian's grandma, but the twins middle names are for my Gram - Ruby Lyn and Lydia Eve, in honor of Evelyn (Riopell) Gorman.
Bye, Gram - Love you.
When I was a little girl, one of my favorite people was my Grandma G - my mom's mom. She would hop in the car and drive over 5 hours to come visit us, and I always begged to sleep on the pull-out couch with her. It's funny that I loved sleeping with her, because she would snore like a freight train. But she knew she snored, so I was always allowed to give her a little kick if it was bothering me.
My Gram passed away yesterday. It wasn't unexpected, and she's been slipping for a long time, but it's still very sad that she's gone.
We're left with a whole repertoire of funny Gram stories though - stories we've already told 100 times and I'm sure we'll just keep on telling.
Like how if you were hanging out, watching Discovery Channel with her - she'd say, "Michelle, do you want a little bowl of ice cream?"
"Sure!"
"Get me one, too, would ya?"
Grandma taught me to pump gas when I stayed with her and I was about 12 ... she'd say, "You do it, you're younger." That same line is also how I learned to bag & carry groceries while hanging out with Gram.
My Gram passed away yesterday. It wasn't unexpected, and she's been slipping for a long time, but it's still very sad that she's gone.
We're left with a whole repertoire of funny Gram stories though - stories we've already told 100 times and I'm sure we'll just keep on telling.
Like how if you were hanging out, watching Discovery Channel with her - she'd say, "Michelle, do you want a little bowl of ice cream?"
"Sure!"
"Get me one, too, would ya?"
Grandma taught me to pump gas when I stayed with her and I was about 12 ... she'd say, "You do it, you're younger." That same line is also how I learned to bag & carry groceries while hanging out with Gram.
Mikey, Gram & me
Gram with baby Braden
My baby pictures of Karly aren't in my computer, but here's Braden, Karly & Gram when we went to visit in 2006, at Grandma's new home.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Remembering
When we lost Lydia, I was constantly looking for some way to keep her memory with us, but just as we were actually going somewhere, moving on with grief - Karly was diagnosed with cancer, so, our priorities shifted.
But still, over the past couple years, we've done a few things that are for Lydia, and keep her memory alive with us. I know it took me a long time to find things that felt right for our family, so I thought I'd share some of them.
Early on, I received a prism from a friend, which we hung in the kitchen - and when it made rainbows, we'd talk to the kids about Lydia. And I wanted something around the holidays - so I started collecting Swarovski crystal snowflakes (which also make lovely rainbows. And don't judge me - they're still hanging in my kitchen today. In August.)
Karly's girl scout troop bought us some beautiful windchimes when Ru was born - we've got them on the front porch. They're lovely and it's a small way to think of Lydia when we hear them.
We planted a tree, and had a rock engraved (pictures here) for our yard; we tie purple balloons to the tree for her on her birthday.
I made a shadowbox for our room. It has a picture of Lydia, a picture of her name on the beach, and the locket that holds a lock of her hair. (I didn't want to wear it and risk Ruby yanking on it, so it's safer in there for now.) Oh - and the hat Lydia wore at the hospital is in there, as well.
I made a scrapbook for Lydia, and I'm very happy with how it turned out, even if it was pretty hard to put together. Another one of my very favorite things I did was write a little story about Lydia, and put it in a scrapbook for the kids to read. At the time, I did it to help Braden understand - and to help share the story with Ruby as she gets older.
But still, over the past couple years, we've done a few things that are for Lydia, and keep her memory alive with us. I know it took me a long time to find things that felt right for our family, so I thought I'd share some of them.
Early on, I received a prism from a friend, which we hung in the kitchen - and when it made rainbows, we'd talk to the kids about Lydia. And I wanted something around the holidays - so I started collecting Swarovski crystal snowflakes (which also make lovely rainbows. And don't judge me - they're still hanging in my kitchen today. In August.)
Karly's girl scout troop bought us some beautiful windchimes when Ru was born - we've got them on the front porch. They're lovely and it's a small way to think of Lydia when we hear them.
We planted a tree, and had a rock engraved (pictures here) for our yard; we tie purple balloons to the tree for her on her birthday.
I made a shadowbox for our room. It has a picture of Lydia, a picture of her name on the beach, and the locket that holds a lock of her hair. (I didn't want to wear it and risk Ruby yanking on it, so it's safer in there for now.) Oh - and the hat Lydia wore at the hospital is in there, as well.
I made a scrapbook for Lydia, and I'm very happy with how it turned out, even if it was pretty hard to put together. Another one of my very favorite things I did was write a little story about Lydia, and put it in a scrapbook for the kids to read. At the time, I did it to help Braden understand - and to help share the story with Ruby as she gets older.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
What to Say?
When I was asking for blog topics, a friend emailed me, asking if I had advice - what would I suggest someone should say when a baby is lost? And specifically - what had helped us, when we lost Lydia.
And I tell ya - that's a tough one.
I've been working on this for a month, and I still don't have a definite answer.
It's tough. Not only because no one ever wants to think about it, but really, I know many people who've had miscarriages or stillbirths or lost an older child. Every experience is different, and every time is awful.
What I'd say to parents who lost a baby really depends - On how well I know them, for one thing - but I guess my advice would be don't shy away. On some of our worst days, it was a life raft to get a phone call from a friend who just wanted to know how we were doing. And if we didn't want to talk, we just didn't answer the phone, so I wouldn't ever use the excuse of not wanting to bother someone.
It's easier to do nothing - and I know not everyone has time to be available - but I really appreciated the people who called.
Also, we learned there's a huge difference between "Call me if you need something" and "What can I do?"
It was very helpful, when people would call and say, "What can I do? What do you need done?" I mean, everyone says, "Call if you need something..." but that's hard to do. It's hard to pick up the phone and say you need help. And not everyone can really drop everything and be there - life goes on.
We had friends who were there and willing to help - like my friend who kept offering to run errands for us. She did us a HUGE favor by returning our double stroller to the store. Brian & I couldn't have managed that at all. Can you imagine how horrible that would have been? "Hi - will you take back this stroller?" "Oh, why are you returning it??" I couldn't even imagine walking into the store without crying.
Also, don't ever be afraid to ask or bring up the lost child. If you're thinking about them, let them know. I know people sometimes use the excuse of not wanting to bring something up because it might be upsetting, but really? There's not a day that goes by that we don't think of Lydia. She's on our minds a lot anyway, it's not going to be upsetting if someone brings her up. It's nice to be able to talk about her sometimes, and she'll always be a part of our family.
It doesn't ever go away, there's always a spot in our lives where Lydia should be. Buying the bench for our dining room the other day - well, now we have spots for 6 people to sit, but we're only a family of 5.
One thing I would suggest (and I've heard this in a few different places before, so this might not be new) - is never to say something starting with, "At least". Like, "At least you got to bring home one baby..."
Not that anyone said anything like that to us, but could you imagine? That would be like saying, "Well, you have Ruby, so you're not allowed to miss Lydia."
As time went on - I looked for ways to remember Lydia. I think that'll be my next post.
And I tell ya - that's a tough one.
I've been working on this for a month, and I still don't have a definite answer.
It's tough. Not only because no one ever wants to think about it, but really, I know many people who've had miscarriages or stillbirths or lost an older child. Every experience is different, and every time is awful.
What I'd say to parents who lost a baby really depends - On how well I know them, for one thing - but I guess my advice would be don't shy away. On some of our worst days, it was a life raft to get a phone call from a friend who just wanted to know how we were doing. And if we didn't want to talk, we just didn't answer the phone, so I wouldn't ever use the excuse of not wanting to bother someone.
It's easier to do nothing - and I know not everyone has time to be available - but I really appreciated the people who called.
Also, we learned there's a huge difference between "Call me if you need something" and "What can I do?"
It was very helpful, when people would call and say, "What can I do? What do you need done?" I mean, everyone says, "Call if you need something..." but that's hard to do. It's hard to pick up the phone and say you need help. And not everyone can really drop everything and be there - life goes on.
We had friends who were there and willing to help - like my friend who kept offering to run errands for us. She did us a HUGE favor by returning our double stroller to the store. Brian & I couldn't have managed that at all. Can you imagine how horrible that would have been? "Hi - will you take back this stroller?" "Oh, why are you returning it??" I couldn't even imagine walking into the store without crying.
Also, don't ever be afraid to ask or bring up the lost child. If you're thinking about them, let them know. I know people sometimes use the excuse of not wanting to bring something up because it might be upsetting, but really? There's not a day that goes by that we don't think of Lydia. She's on our minds a lot anyway, it's not going to be upsetting if someone brings her up. It's nice to be able to talk about her sometimes, and she'll always be a part of our family.
It doesn't ever go away, there's always a spot in our lives where Lydia should be. Buying the bench for our dining room the other day - well, now we have spots for 6 people to sit, but we're only a family of 5.
One thing I would suggest (and I've heard this in a few different places before, so this might not be new) - is never to say something starting with, "At least". Like, "At least you got to bring home one baby..."
Not that anyone said anything like that to us, but could you imagine? That would be like saying, "Well, you have Ruby, so you're not allowed to miss Lydia."
As time went on - I looked for ways to remember Lydia. I think that'll be my next post.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Introductions
Before we went on vacation, Karly & Ruby & I headed to Karly's school one morning. She had a registration day, where we pay the school fees & pick up paperwork, and they also take her picture for her school ID.
As we were walking around, Karly was proudly introducing Ruby to people (mostly teachers & other adults she knows from school).
She kept saying, "This is my little sister, Ruby! She has Down syndrome."
After about the fourth time, it was driving me batty. Because while it is true, Ruby does have Down syndrome, it's not what defines her.
I pulled Karly aside and we had a little chat. I said, "Karly, how would you feel if I started introducing you as, 'My daughter, Karly, who has epilepsy.'"
She crinkled up her face and said, "No way!"
"People don't have to be told Ruby has Down syndrome the minute they meet her. What else could we say, instead?"
So, now, if you meet Karly and she introduces you to Ruby, HOPEFULLY she will say, "This is my little sister, Ruby! She's two and silly!" because that's what we practiced.
As we were walking around, Karly was proudly introducing Ruby to people (mostly teachers & other adults she knows from school).
She kept saying, "This is my little sister, Ruby! She has Down syndrome."
After about the fourth time, it was driving me batty. Because while it is true, Ruby does have Down syndrome, it's not what defines her.
I pulled Karly aside and we had a little chat. I said, "Karly, how would you feel if I started introducing you as, 'My daughter, Karly, who has epilepsy.'"
She crinkled up her face and said, "No way!"
"People don't have to be told Ruby has Down syndrome the minute they meet her. What else could we say, instead?"
So, now, if you meet Karly and she introduces you to Ruby, HOPEFULLY she will say, "This is my little sister, Ruby! She's two and silly!" because that's what we practiced.
Braden's Birthday Present
Since Braden's birthday is only in a few weeks, Nana & Nice Wolf gave him his present while we were visiting, and he couldn't have been more excited!
He loves his new Lego Agents set!
He loves his new Lego Agents set!
It was tricky, though - he had to be set up where the dog and Ruby couldn't reach him. We found the perfect spot - the patio by the pool was the perfect spot for Lego building.
Everyone was happy with this setup, except Miss Ru.
Everyone was happy with this setup, except Miss Ru.
(can you see her plastered to the glass, staring longingly?)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
In the Pool!
We might be crazy for going to Florida in August, but it was so fun! It definitely was hot - but that was fine; Nana & Nice Wolf have a beautiful pool that we spent hours in every day. The pool water was always in the '80s - it was WONDERFUL!
We had to drag Braden back into the house every so often to feed him - he was quite the prune at the end of each day. I told Brian if we lived in Florida we'd really only need a smaller house, because all Braden would need is a pool and his Legos, and he'd be all set.
We had to drag Braden back into the house every so often to feed him - he was quite the prune at the end of each day. I told Brian if we lived in Florida we'd really only need a smaller house, because all Braden would need is a pool and his Legos, and he'd be all set.
I know there are no pics of Karly in this post, but she wasn't in the pool yet the day I was taking pictures, and actually, I probably wouldn't post pics of her in a swimsuit online. That just seems touchy, now that she's 14 & soon to be 15. Privacy, you know!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Guess what!?
We're home!
We spent the last week in Florida, visiting my mom & stepdad (AKA Nana & Nice Wolf)! It was a great trip - the kids wanted to visit and hang out in their pool - and so we did! I think we went swimming every day but yesterday!
Just wanted to give you a quick little update in case anyone was thinking we fell off the face of the earth (or abandoned our blog - oh no!!) But I don't like blogging that our house is empty for a week ... so I waited until we're home.
I'm off to do laundry & finish unpacking, but pictures, soon, I promise!
We spent the last week in Florida, visiting my mom & stepdad (AKA Nana & Nice Wolf)! It was a great trip - the kids wanted to visit and hang out in their pool - and so we did! I think we went swimming every day but yesterday!
Just wanted to give you a quick little update in case anyone was thinking we fell off the face of the earth (or abandoned our blog - oh no!!) But I don't like blogging that our house is empty for a week ... so I waited until we're home.
I'm off to do laundry & finish unpacking, but pictures, soon, I promise!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Lego-mania
I can't believe it's already been a few weeks since our trip to the Chicago area - complete with a morning spent at their Lego Discovery Center. They have Lego attractions and activities you can check out (which very cleverly ends in a Lego store - imagine that!)
This worker Lego guy was watching for our arrival
Ruby & Dad liked this tourist
By far, Braden's favorite was the room full of life-size Lego characters:
Braden & Indiana Jones
It's Batman!
Braden! Look out! Darth Vader is behind you!
This picture cracks me up - Braden is squatting down because Harry Potter is so short ...
... but Hagrid was much bigger!
I think this was Braden's favorite - R2 D2!
Ruby was fascinated by everything - this Bob the Builder was just her size.
Karly wasn't with us this day - she was at summer camp. We had to pick her up at like 8:30 in the morning, so we went to Chicago to be reasonably closer to where her camp was... It was only luck that we made it in time, as the hotel alarm clock didn't work!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Indy needs a lunch break, too
The other day while I was out, Brian told me that Indiana Jones came over for lunch. And, he's such a gracious house guest - he made his own lunch!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Please stay tuned....
But I'm taking the weekend off from blogging. Sorry for the delay of any actual interesting or profound thoughts ... and so, you'll get more pictures!
Miss Ruby at the table, ready to eat
and hamming it up, once again!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Uh-oh
Um, I guess we left the wipes out where Ruby can get at them - and let me tell you, she's a fast draw. She can empty a wipes container in under 30 seconds.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
1 - 2 - 3
We've been counting a lot with Ruby lately, like when she's between Brian & I, holding our hands, we play "1, 2, 3, HOP!" and then we give her a swing.
Ruby's ear is draining, so we have to put ear drops in it, twice a day. Yesterday, as Brian held Ruby still, I started putting in the drops. I said, "One..."
and RUBY SAID, "Tooo .... teeee."
She did it last night & again this morning. She can count, "one, two, three" with words.
It was so exciting - we're so proud of her!
Ruby's ear is draining, so we have to put ear drops in it, twice a day. Yesterday, as Brian held Ruby still, I started putting in the drops. I said, "One..."
and RUBY SAID, "Tooo .... teeee."
She did it last night & again this morning. She can count, "one, two, three" with words.
It was so exciting - we're so proud of her!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Rain Delay
Even though things are messy but calming down here - but I'm too tired to form a coherent thought yet, so my posts I had planned for this week are only half done).
In honor of the wet weekend we had - here's some adorable pictures of Ruby in a giant raincoat. Brian took Braden & Ru to the Children's Museum while Karly & I were in Milwaukee. Ruby enjoyed the splash room very much!
In honor of the wet weekend we had - here's some adorable pictures of Ruby in a giant raincoat. Brian took Braden & Ru to the Children's Museum while Karly & I were in Milwaukee. Ruby enjoyed the splash room very much!
Twilight Dolls
The news that Barbie doll versions of Bella & Edward would be released in November was funny - but not nearly as fun as this post about it. And the post is funny 'cuz it's true - poor 12-year-olds WILL be trampled by their mothers for these dolls.
Check it out - and if you have a spare fifty bucks that you want to spend on me for no good reason but you're not sure what would make me laugh? Well, now you know. You're welcome.
Check it out - and if you have a spare fifty bucks that you want to spend on me for no good reason but you're not sure what would make me laugh? Well, now you know. You're welcome.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Attitude
Well, the water is mostly cleaned up in the basement, but it will take further repairs.
However, I haven't had any brain power to blog.
So.
What's new with you?
Please enjoy gratuitous pictures of Little Miss Thang in full adorable attitude (and admire her fun new Ikea mirror on the wall!)
I promise more exciting blogs are coming - just not today.
However, I haven't had any brain power to blog.
So.
What's new with you?
Please enjoy gratuitous pictures of Little Miss Thang in full adorable attitude (and admire her fun new Ikea mirror on the wall!)
I promise more exciting blogs are coming - just not today.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Rain, rain, go away
Ruby & I went to the play this morning with some of our friends - and we got home, operation Switch Bedrooms was in full effect - Karly & Braden were trading bedrooms.
I thought the walls in Karly's new room could use some touch-ups, so I went downstairs to look for paint around lunchtime - and found the basement was WET. It's a finished basement, so it was a huge mess - we're not sure if the carpet is salvageable yet or not. We had a really heavy rain last night (and it was SO noisy!)
The rest of the day was a blur, working on the bedrooms and trying to get the basement cleaned up - and keeping Ruby out of both projects. Poor Brian is exhausted.
But, Braden & Karly are both sleeping in their own beds in their new rooms - so that's exciting! Tomorrow, we have to finish hanging stuff on the walls & little things like that.
And hopefully things will look better for the basement after tomorrow, too...
I thought the walls in Karly's new room could use some touch-ups, so I went downstairs to look for paint around lunchtime - and found the basement was WET. It's a finished basement, so it was a huge mess - we're not sure if the carpet is salvageable yet or not. We had a really heavy rain last night (and it was SO noisy!)
The rest of the day was a blur, working on the bedrooms and trying to get the basement cleaned up - and keeping Ruby out of both projects. Poor Brian is exhausted.
But, Braden & Karly are both sleeping in their own beds in their new rooms - so that's exciting! Tomorrow, we have to finish hanging stuff on the walls & little things like that.
And hopefully things will look better for the basement after tomorrow, too...
Friday, August 7, 2009
Wrapping Up
I can't believe it's Friday. I'm exhausted - neither Karly nor I slept well at the hotel last night. But we had a good trip; we went to dinner with my cousin Jeanne & her friend Tracy last night, and we had a very smooth visit at the hospital today - and met a couple really cool kiddos while we were there.
And while that's not really the point of this post - it did occur to me today how over the past few years I've become even more comfortable in this world of kids with health issues and labels.
I am SO LUCKY to have Ruby - I've learned so much from her and just being in her world.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
When I was asking for blog topics last month, a friend of mine sent me an email asking if I would be willing to share my thoughts on what someone could say to someone who'd lost a baby - what was helpful for us.
I began a post in response, but it's grown and grown and I realize it's really two separate posts. One is about loss, and the other about Down syndrome (or really any label a child can acquire).
So stay tuned, hopefully I'll get my 'lecture series' finished & up next week - but it was really interesting for me to think about - because I feel like I've learned so much in the past couple years. Also, I'm reading "Disability is Natural" by Kathie Snow right now, and I'm only about 100 pages in, but I love this book. It's about common sense, and how people with disabilities are PEOPLE. I know! Imagine that. I hope the next 400+ pages don't disappoint.
My library got me a copy of the book from the Marquette University library, and it's due back next Thursday. They gave me a week to read this 600 page book! Brian ordered me my very own copy - because when I'm done, I want him to read it, too.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Oh - and if you're here for a Karly update? Which is what this post originally started as - she's doing great! CT scans show no disease, bloodwork is all good - and we don't have to go back for FOUR months! Barring any unforseen adventures or infections, it'll be December the next time Karly hits Children's Hospital.
And in order to spare her the additional radiation, we're switching from CT scans to ultrasounds. So next time, no IV or fasting, either. Yay!
December! I'm sure the time will fly by until then, but we'll enjoy our time away from the hospital!
And while that's not really the point of this post - it did occur to me today how over the past few years I've become even more comfortable in this world of kids with health issues and labels.
I am SO LUCKY to have Ruby - I've learned so much from her and just being in her world.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
When I was asking for blog topics last month, a friend of mine sent me an email asking if I would be willing to share my thoughts on what someone could say to someone who'd lost a baby - what was helpful for us.
I began a post in response, but it's grown and grown and I realize it's really two separate posts. One is about loss, and the other about Down syndrome (or really any label a child can acquire).
So stay tuned, hopefully I'll get my 'lecture series' finished & up next week - but it was really interesting for me to think about - because I feel like I've learned so much in the past couple years. Also, I'm reading "Disability is Natural" by Kathie Snow right now, and I'm only about 100 pages in, but I love this book. It's about common sense, and how people with disabilities are PEOPLE. I know! Imagine that. I hope the next 400+ pages don't disappoint.
My library got me a copy of the book from the Marquette University library, and it's due back next Thursday. They gave me a week to read this 600 page book! Brian ordered me my very own copy - because when I'm done, I want him to read it, too.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Oh - and if you're here for a Karly update? Which is what this post originally started as - she's doing great! CT scans show no disease, bloodwork is all good - and we don't have to go back for FOUR months! Barring any unforseen adventures or infections, it'll be December the next time Karly hits Children's Hospital.
And in order to spare her the additional radiation, we're switching from CT scans to ultrasounds. So next time, no IV or fasting, either. Yay!
December! I'm sure the time will fly by until then, but we'll enjoy our time away from the hospital!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
On the road again...
Karly & I are heading to Milwaukee tonight. She has her regularly scheduled CT scan & oncology clinic visit tomorrow morning. Since it's been a year since she finished treatment, I'm hoping this will be the visit where we discuss stretching out the time between visits (currently, we go every 2 months, with CT scans every 4 months).
I'm confident we'll have more good news to report tomorrow - her scans have looked GREAT since her surgery in November '07.
So ... until then!
I'm confident we'll have more good news to report tomorrow - her scans have looked GREAT since her surgery in November '07.
So ... until then!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I hate furniture shopping
On our anniversary last week, Brian & I went shopping for chairs. Now that Ruby is a big girl and won't sit in her chair, we needed more chairs. Braden loves sitting in folding chairs, but we can't have one out all the time because it couldn't support Ruby when she tried to climb into it.
We went to store after store and found nothing. We thought we'd get 2 more chairs, similar to what we had. At least they would match each other. Maybe chairs with arms, to help keep Ruby secure on the seat.
Finally - enough was enough. So today, Braden & Karly & I went to the library - and then stopped by the furniture store. The kids were so good - and the closest chairs they had were pretty pricey. So, we went to another store - and another. Finally, at the third store, Karly was done shopping, so she waited in the truck with her library books and Braden & I went in.
Now, seriously - we actually started looking for chairs 2 years ago when we were expecting the twins, and could never find anything reasonable. In actuality, I wanted a bench, with a back, but we never found one. Then it was put on the back burner for a while.
So today at this third store, we didn't find chairs - but we found a bench! With a back, and arms. I was sick of shopping, I called Brian for input, and he said go for it. I fretted the entire way home that it was going to be awful and I just spent all that money ... But it's great. It doesn't match our other chairs, but it's the perfect match to our counter stools.
And? The kids love it.
We went to store after store and found nothing. We thought we'd get 2 more chairs, similar to what we had. At least they would match each other. Maybe chairs with arms, to help keep Ruby secure on the seat.
Finally - enough was enough. So today, Braden & Karly & I went to the library - and then stopped by the furniture store. The kids were so good - and the closest chairs they had were pretty pricey. So, we went to another store - and another. Finally, at the third store, Karly was done shopping, so she waited in the truck with her library books and Braden & I went in.
Now, seriously - we actually started looking for chairs 2 years ago when we were expecting the twins, and could never find anything reasonable. In actuality, I wanted a bench, with a back, but we never found one. Then it was put on the back burner for a while.
So today at this third store, we didn't find chairs - but we found a bench! With a back, and arms. I was sick of shopping, I called Brian for input, and he said go for it. I fretted the entire way home that it was going to be awful and I just spent all that money ... But it's great. It doesn't match our other chairs, but it's the perfect match to our counter stools.
And? The kids love it.
When we got home, Braden was excited to show off our new purchase - and Ruby was very willing to try it out.
And Rubes only got in Braden's space at the end of the meal!
Monday, August 3, 2009
4 Hire
In these crazy economic times, I don't think we should tell Braden no when he wants a job. Even though, yes, he is only 5 ... he has a right to earn his own money, no?
He says building Legos is his job. Now, we just need someone to PAY him to build Legos, for it to be a true job.
So, if you know anyone who is willing to pay for Lego creations, please feel free to pass along Braden's resume...
He says building Legos is his job. Now, we just need someone to PAY him to build Legos, for it to be a true job.
So, if you know anyone who is willing to pay for Lego creations, please feel free to pass along Braden's resume...
4 Hire:
5-year-old boy (almost 6!) with a full knowledge of Star Wars, Legos, and Wii games. Will work on Lego projects for several hours a day, unless distracted by Webkinz, Wii games, or the great outdoors.
Other talents include sidewalk chalk, perler beads, drawing with crayons, and counting to 1000.
Example of original work follows:
AT-ST
(a Star Wars thing, for those of you who might not be as educated as Braden)
And if you open it up ...
Obi-wan Kenobi sits inside.
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