Meltdowns

These have been occurring around here quite often lately.

From Me and the Little One.

PS. I am really good at having meltdowns. Especially after said, Little One, slaps me in the face during tumbling class during a massive breakdown. Then, I yank her out of class and have an Oscar-Worthy meltdown the whole car ride home. Saying things I am ashamed to admit, but did indeed include Poor Husband at work on the car-phone so he could witness the awful event.

Riley is two. I get that. But why does she have to be so bad sometimes? Other times, she is the sweetest, most delicious little girl, full of smiles and good humor. Other times, I need a shot of tequila. This, coming from a girl who has never had tequila and who is at the moment, quite pregnant.

I feel better after a meltdown. A good cry will do that sometimes. In an effort to be Super-Mom, I forget that everything doesn't have to be perfect. I also forget (and I don't think Riley got this memo either --- pregnancy makes your hormones whacked out.)

So as we are nearing another work week where Daddy will embark towards his location of retreat - work. Please pray for my sanity and patience.

Let's go fly a kite...

A spring day

at Mimi & Papa's house

with a Snow White kite,

a warm breeze,

a patient Daddy,

and an excited daughter.

What a great day.

Operation Paci

I would like to travel back in time and beat myself in the face for pushing the paci. I thought it would alleviate my "human pacifier"experience and help her fall asleep.

Fast forward to a little over a month now to Riley's 2nd birthday.

Seriously, I could slap my old self.

On Tuesday evening, we began Operation: Cutting the Paci. I read it was a gentle way to ease the child into letting go of their fixation, cutting more of the nipple little by little, The paci will no longer give the soothing, sucking sensation so the child will grow tired of it and give it up on their own. This seemed to be working until last night until all hell broke loose.

She screamed and screamed for hours. I thought for sure we were going to get Child Protective Services called on us. Finally at midnight, we gave in and brought her into our bed.

Today, it took her one hour and 20 minutes to calm down and fall asleep.

Riley likes to tell me, "Paci broken," or "Paci has a boo-boo." She tells Dan, "Mommy cut Paci."

She is on to me. She's too smart for her own good.

I will persevere - I will beat the devil-paci at its own game.

More updates to come, God willing.

Mental Note from St. Patty's

What is it about pregnancy that makes you forget things? You know, words like "park" and "allergy," and important things like appointments and what not.

In effort to keep some mental capacity, I need to remember all of the crazy things from today - St. Patty's Day.

Like the way Riley looked like a leprechaun - in her too short, too tight 18 month outfit that I squeezed her in because it was green.

How Riley likes everything at tumbling class, except for the tumbling part. But man, she can shake her groove thing.

Or, the way she started yelling "Daddy" at some random stranger at Chik-Fil-A. To her credit, he was dressed like Dan's usual work attire - dress shirt and khakis.

Even better, in the play area, she preferred to sit and observe the other kids.

How at nap time, after many attempts to get her to fall asleep I laid down with her on the floor. I know this is my daughter because she couldn't stop talking to me. Her mind must have been going wild with all the things she wanted say. Then, quite appropriately she would stop every so often and say, "I love Mommy," with her hands cupped around my face, followed by, "Boo-boos" as she pointed to my baby acne. Lovely.

That damn plague....

....strikes again.

I spoke too soon. I jinxed it.

Friday was looking like a good day. WAS - is the key word here. The next thing I know, she is waking up from her nap at 4:00pm with full blown projectile vomiting. It was everywhere. I rushed in to the room to find my sweet baby shaking as she looked down at her self, covered in it.

After some coaxing I got her into the bathtub and afterwards, she continued puking. It wouldn't stop. I first called Dan and he agreed we call the doctor's office. The nurses' exact words were, "Take her straight to the ER." After our dehydration scare the day before, this lady wasn't messing around. And neither was I. Sobbing, I called Dan at work, our neighbor to take out the dog, my parents, and of course, Melissa. All the while, throwing random items of clothing and personal effects into a small overnight bag just in case.

We arrived at the local children's hospital after a car ride filled with more vomiting. Even after managing to get a few sips down of water, she couldn't keep it down.

The nurse took the basics - vomiting since Sunday night, no wet diapers that day, dehydration check at pediatrician's office the day before, and diarrhea.

After setting us up into the ER, we met with a kid-friendly PA, Wendy. She listened intently as I'm sure I rambled on and without hesitation ordered IVs for Riley. She would receive fluids for the dehydration and Zofran for the vomiting and nausea. She explained hat Riley had gotten involved into this horrible cycle - vomiting, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, dehydration - one that she could no longer get out of on her own without some intervention. Wendy also explained that she would draw some blood when they did the IVs.

A while later, and many distractions later, including Dan's sanitizing efforts with her, glove puppets, and lizard gymnastics, the ladies of the hour arrived.

(These photos were taken on my phone)

Dan took the position on the small hospital bed, placing her between his legs while the nurses examined her veins. They placed the IV in her right arm all the while Riley was yelling things such as, "Riley boo-boo, GO, All done, No Mommy..." Even after the IV was in, she was still pretty ticked off. Then, they rolled in THE CART. Thank God for THE CART. On it, was a TV and DVD player which we dutifully watched Dora while Riley sank into defeat.

Once the drugs and fluids were administered, they wanted Riley to eat and drink a little. After a Popsicle (they even asked what color she liked) and two ounces of water at a time (I asked how much is two ounces?? Like two sips?) we waited some more. Waiting, for the puking to start. But it didn't, thankfully.

We were discharged with a prescription for Zofran and instructions to return if the vomiting persisted despite three doses of Zofran. Around 10:00 pm we returned home. Riley was a new woman. She chatted it up on the way home and happily slept through the night.

We wait to see what each day brings but hope that each one gets better.

After all of this, I realized three very important things.

1. My daughter is strong. She is a stubborn, take no prisoners kind of girl. She knows what she wants and doesn't take no for an answer. And she is funny. As we were preparing to leave, Riley held out her bandaged hand out of her room towards the direction of the nurse who inserted the IV and yelled to her, "Riley all done. Riley go." You can't help but laugh.

2. My husband is a rock star. On the car ride to the hospital, I would intermittently start crying. Dan reminded me, "Jamie, this isn't cancer. It's just some IVs - we have to do this to make her feel better." Sometimes you just need to hear that. He held our baby, rocked her, and whispered in her ear. Holding her hand, their feet intertwined, I looked at them and couldn't help but feel lucky.

3. I have some awesome parents and friends. Mind you, this occurred on my Mom's birthday. She was ready to jump on a plane (to which my Dad and Dan told her to hold off). Because -- that's what's parents do - that's what I would do. I am also thankful for some forever friends. Friends (you know who you are), who listen to my sobbing and instruct me to pull it together or text me throughout the night to keep them informed. Friends - who leave kind messages on my Facebook or who simply say, "Keep me in the loop."

Thanks to everyone - we are forever grateful for your support, calls, and offers to jump on a plane.

Puttin' on the Ritz

Dan and I attended a fundraising event for a local Catholic University in town at the Ritz Carlton for his company. We had a fabulous table of people full of personality and stories. You know I love me some talking to strangers. I told Dan I should open a business where I go to galas with awkward business men and teach them how to make conversations. Then, I decided against it because it sounds like an escort service and that's pretty illegal.

I HATE doing my make-up and hair. I had my neighborhood hair lady color, cut, and blow dry my hair and I actually had to go out and buy eye make up. This was followed up with a phone call to Melissa. It went a little something like this:

Me: Do I put the eye liner on before or after the eye shadow?

Her: Are you kidding me?

Here we are in our Gala attire. Dan is sporting his tux and me, well I am in the ONLY formal dress that Melissa and I could find in our town that would fit me. No kidding, I wish I was.

The Plague

Our household has just survived what I like the call the Plague. While others may call it a "bug" or the stomach flu, I think those names are a bit mild for what we experienced this past week. Here is a breakdown:

• Dan's parents visited us over the past weekend.
• Sunday night/Monday morning, we work up in the middle of he night to Riley's vomiting. It covered her bed, pajamas, and she sat upright saying sadly, "Mommy, dirty." We stayed up all night with her as she puked every 15 minutes.
• Monday, we stayed around the house and stayed on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples, toast). It looked like we dodged a bullet and that Riley was going to make a recovery. She was drinking enough liquids but only ate two pieces of bread that day. She was tired, to say the least.
• Tuesday - I woke up and knew that I was in trouble. I tried to ward it off by taking some Tylenol and Zofran (nausea medicine safe for preggo ladies) but couldn't keep it down. By 2:00 - I was throwing u every ten minutes and sobbing to Dan that he had to come home from work. He came to check on me and saw that while Riley was OK, I was in really bad shape. By 6:00pm, I was dehydrated - I wasn't peeing, I couldn't keep down sips of Gatorade, my lips were chapped and bleeding, I had stomach pains in my lower abdomen and had a low grade temperature. I called OBGYN extraordinaire and he drew up orders for m to go to the Labor and Delivery triage for fluids and meds. Because Riley was just recovering, I didn't want her to sit in the hospital so thankfully, my best friend came to the rescue! Careful not to step foot in our house, she drove me to the hospital and sat with me while they tried to get IVs in my arms. I was so dehydrated that my veins kept blowing so they brought in another nurse (who happened to be the nurse that was in the delivery room when I had Riley). She was a pro and soon I had two bags of fluids and a full bottle of anti-nausea meds that also made you sleepy and a little loopy. While I don't remember this, Melissa said that I was rambling and slurring a few choice words, including my disdain that I didn't have DVR and I was missing American Idol. Here is a picture that Melissa took of me in the hospital. What would I do without you Melissa? She also skillfully updated my Facebook status to let everyone know I was laid up in the hospital and that she was indeed the best of the best.

• Tuesday night - Riley and Dan were both vomiting this time. We were like a cess pool of germs at our house. There was no escaping the plague. I have known Dan for seven years and I have NEVER seen him this sick. This was no joke. Riley was vomiting again throughout the night so I took over watching her once Dan was sick. Luckily, had enough energy from the fluids a few hours before.
• Wednesday, all three of us literally laid around the house. Taking turns washing in ho water whatever we touched, running the dishwasher, bleaching everything in sight, I was determined to rid the plague from our house. Dan had cleaned the bathrooms in between naps and taking care of Riley and I. Riley didn't eat or hardly drink anything on Wednesday and neither did Dan or I.
• Thursday, Riley woke up lethargic so we took her to the doctor's who reported that she was on the brink of dehydration. If she didn't have a wet diaper by 3:00pm, we were instructed to take her to the ER for IV fluids. Luckily, we didn't have to as she weakly began drinking and eating after sleeping in our bed that early afternoon. By this time, Dan and I still hadn't eaten anything but were feeling much better, weak, but better.

Now, it is Friday morning and I can say that we are all feeling much better. The analogy that I kept using was that we got hit by a bus. Well, this bus driver actually backed up and hit us a few times. I have NEVER been this sick, let alone, this sick, pregnant, and taking care of a sick toddler. Riley is eager to eat some food and I have been having a hankering for a Big Mac and a large coke. Hopefully, we will spend this weekend soaking up warmer weather, and even sneaking in a trip to the beach....while our house is airing out!

Halfway

We are now at the halfway mark of my pregnancy - 20 weeks. I remark often to people that I sometimes forget I'm pregnant. Running (literally) after a feisty toddler all day keeps your mind busy. Things are definitely different this time around. No more lounging around perusing my pregnancy books and daydreaming abut the nursery's color scheme. Instead, I cherish the times when I do feel the baby's gentle kicks and nudges amid the time-outs, dog-food spilling, food making (not eating), animal noises, and Elmo. Riley is going to love being a big sister. For example, here is a snapshot of Riley using my big 'ol bra as a sort of baby sling. She says, "Baby Boobies." I'm so proud....

Here is a quick video of her taking care of her baby doll. I overheard her talking to her baby, saying, "Eat baby, sit baby, baby sleep..." so I tried to covertly catch a few glimpses of the mommy in training. PS. Our walls our not pink...the camera is on "color swap" and evidently I am not savvy enough to fix it.

The headache of all headaches

This afternoon, it happened. I had the WORST migraine I have ever had. I'm not sure what it feels like when you have an aneurysm, but I believe I got pretty close. I blame two things: Pregnancy hormones and Riley's screaming. Evidently she may be auditioning for the opera pretty soon and is perfecting her craft.

So, there I am, laying in my dark bedroom as Riley naps in the other room. Sitting beside me, some remnants of my half-eaten brownie and a can of coke - of which I took a sip out of when I took one Tylenol. The bag of Tylenol is laying next to the can. I have a wet washcloth over my eyes and as I ponder my near death, my heart starts beating out of my chest.

It's sort of like when your Mom tells you to wear clean underwear in case the firemen have to cut you out of your cars and clothes after an accident.

So - there I am, laying in my coke/brownie ruins and all I could think about was if the firemen show up, they would find a fat, pregnant lady, next to her snacks and Tylenol. Seriously, I couldn't even rest despite the pounding in my brain. I had to get up and clean up my mess before I continued with my nap. Does it get any more neurotic than that?

PS. Headache is gone and my hypochondria lives on!

My Cup Runneth Over

Remember my run in with the Motherhood Maternity clerk? Well, after patently waiting for my Internet-ordered bras, they finally arrived. Bulk Mail.

A lot of moms-to-be look forward to ample bosoms during pregnancy. Not this Momma. I have enough, thank you very much. So, needless to say I am not jumping for joy as I strap my puppies into these slightly snug over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders. I am hoping to God that it doesn't get any worse and that breastfeeding doesn't bring on new, freakish proportions because my back and shoulders can't take much more. Ahhh...the joys of motherhood.

Check out Riley's modeling the newest additions to my wardrobe. I'm pretty sure that she can use them as flotation devices should the occasion arise.

Lovin' on Love

Today, the calendar says February 14th. A day to tell the people around us how much we love them. I try to make it a point that "I love you" are the words that Dan and Riley hear the most from me. When Crazy Lady is having a meltdown, I have been known to lean over and whisper to her, "I love you." It's for both of us really. I never hang up the phone from my parents, brother, or Dan, without exchanging those three words. Before bed, you can hear "I love yous" all around. So, it comes as no surprise that I love Valentine's Day.

This Valentine's Day, we tried to keep our traditions alive while also throwing in a few new things.

First, Riley and I organized a little scavenger hunt for Daddy. Riley wrote some really good clues if I do say so myself :) One of his gifts, conveniently, was a heart-shaped cut-outs, perfect for making Daddy's famous pancakes. Another activity Riley supervised.Then, Riley got a frog balloon and some rubber lizards to play with. She has had a small obsession with all things slithery lately. I got some new stainless steel cups that are supposed to keep you drink cold for 12 hours. This Mommy is excited about that. I have been downing water lately like it's going out of style. We had a lazy rest of the day but managed to sneak in one more tradition - fondue. I made cheese fondue while Dan grilled chicken on the grill. We enjoyed the cold evening snuggling under a blanket and preventing our child from dipping her hands into the fondue pot. My, how Valentine's evenings have changed...but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

George & Harrison

We had a great, although chilly, day yesterday. Our friends invited us to join them at Barnes & Noble to see Curious Gorge. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to see one of Riley's favorites.

George was sort of mauled like a rock-star when he first entered the children's area.

Once the volunteers (sort of) got organized, we began standing in line to see the main man. Riley waited patiently on Daddy's shoulders, waving and repeating, "Hi George." The smells within the holding area grew a little questionable, but our turn finally came. Dan and I had money on Riley's pending meltdown and panic attack, but she sat like a big girl on his lap. For some reason, she wouldn't stop sucking on her fingers and George was even nice enough to try to pull her hands away from her mouth. She wasn't buying it.

After Riley's buddy, Harrison, had his turn, we were off to Lakes Park for a picnic. The kids and respective Daddies had fun on the playground, the kids munched on bits of fruit and cheese, and the Mommies watched over the food and sleeping baby.

Harrison was even nice enough to share some Curious George fruit snacks with Riley. Is there love in their future? He does think she's a cutie :)

Thank you K family for a fun-filled day!

Mommy does Yoga

I have been talking about it for a while but today, being the productive girl that I am, I attended my first Mommy-to-be Yoga class.

I left feeling refreshed and relaxed. I used to love doing yoga but it became one of those things that got lost in the shuffle of a hectic life. But this forced me to be still, quiet, and to focus on the baby inside of me, not the one yelling, "Sit Mommy," every few minutes.

However, things have changed a bit since striking a yoga pose pre-baby.

1. My constant need to urinate through the hour-long class.
2. The instructor telling us to "press on our ovary with our heel" as we bent forward. I'm not sure where my ovary is and not exactly sure I want my foot pressing into it.
3. The feeling that at any moment I was going to pass gas.
4. Looking around the room and realizing that the lady with twins on the way is in much better shape than me.
5. Staring at my three, large, round objects in the mirror for the entire time.

I went out after class and bought myself a yoga mat. I kept thinking about getting MRSA from those nasty things so I had a hard time "letting go" during relaxation time. I can't wait to head back next week (with a new, clean mat).

Productive

For the first time in about 18 weeks or so, I am feeling productive and motivated. A get-off-the-couch-get-out-of-jammies-and-shower-put-on-makeup kind of mood. Riley likes it too. We have spent the last few days doing stickers, playing outside, rolling on the floor laughing, and dancing. She has quite beautifully mastered the booty shake. I even signed Riley up for a tumbling-tot class.

I am also thankful. The Quad-screen blood test (the check's for baby abnormalities) came back "normal" and I am thankful to have another healthy baby - because you know, not every family is so lucky. So, even though my floor still still needs to be swept and laundry needs to be folded - I feel productive and happy. I have Valentine's cupcakes baking in the oven, a baby sleeping, and the windows open. And....I'm not puking. That's always a plus.