Sometimes I seriously feel like I'm stuck in some crazy cycle that keeps repeating itself...like in the movie Groundhog Day.
Oh, did I mention I'm back in Chicago?
I got here this morning after another long 6+ hour flight. I did use my first free MVP first class upgrade for this flight, and I'm hoping to have the same luck on the way home.
More than that, I'm hoping to have better luck here this time around. I'm really tired of these trips, especially when it keeps feeling like it's all been such a waste of my time.
Here we go again...
Showing posts with label stuff I wish people told me BEFORE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stuff I wish people told me BEFORE. Show all posts
January 10, 2012
November 6, 2011
Gishy Goo
I'm not sure if I mentioned this yet or not, but a couple of months ago I got braces. Yes, real metal braces. Just on my bottom teeth, but still...they're the real deal.
Here's what happened. I had braces as a teenager and they put one of those permanent retainers on my bottom front teeth. As time as passed, my teeth surrounding the retainer have shifted, one tooth in particular. My dentist has been "suggesting" for years that I go back to an orthodontist, but since it was really just cosmetic, I didn't go. At my last cleaning, my dentist didn't just suggest, he basically told me to go. Apparently, my teeth shifted enough it was causing bite problems and TMJ issues.
The dentist told me it would be just a simple fix, like Invisalign.
HA! Not the case.
Basically, I forgot how much they could hurt. And how torn up the inside of you lip gets! To make matters worse, the little colored bands that they put on the brackets are made of latex, which I am allergic to. Those little bands, while making your braces any lovely color of the rainbow you could possibly wish for, also help add a little cushion for your lip against the metal. So I'm out of luck there. It hasn't been too terrible, but when it does get bad, I have GISHY GOO! This is something new, well, at least since my previous experience with braces. It's a strange silicone thing that goes on your brackets and works WAY better than that stupid wax they give you. It's a life (and lip) saver!
The only good thing to come out of this is that the orthodontist I'm going to is incredibly good looking :)
Here's what happened. I had braces as a teenager and they put one of those permanent retainers on my bottom front teeth. As time as passed, my teeth surrounding the retainer have shifted, one tooth in particular. My dentist has been "suggesting" for years that I go back to an orthodontist, but since it was really just cosmetic, I didn't go. At my last cleaning, my dentist didn't just suggest, he basically told me to go. Apparently, my teeth shifted enough it was causing bite problems and TMJ issues.
The dentist told me it would be just a simple fix, like Invisalign.
HA! Not the case.
Basically, I forgot how much they could hurt. And how torn up the inside of you lip gets! To make matters worse, the little colored bands that they put on the brackets are made of latex, which I am allergic to. Those little bands, while making your braces any lovely color of the rainbow you could possibly wish for, also help add a little cushion for your lip against the metal. So I'm out of luck there. It hasn't been too terrible, but when it does get bad, I have GISHY GOO! This is something new, well, at least since my previous experience with braces. It's a strange silicone thing that goes on your brackets and works WAY better than that stupid wax they give you. It's a life (and lip) saver!
The only good thing to come out of this is that the orthodontist I'm going to is incredibly good looking :)
October 7, 2011
Things that go bump in the night
Mason woke up last night from what I can only assume was a nightmare. He was crying and so disoriented, I just felt awful for him. He was trying to tell me, between his cries, something about daddy and a truck and something was gone...I really have no idea. Todd and I pieced together it must have been about him being left somewhere. Whatever it was was clearly awful for him. It was the first time in a long time that I held him and rocked him and he just let me. It was also one of those times where I'm not sure what else to do but cry a little with him.
March 27, 2011
But wait, there's more!
I know I just posted Mason's farting story...well, there's more...ALREADY!
First of all, Mason was taking a bath a couple nights ago at my parent's house. He and Nana were having a good old time, and I was in the living room. I could hear Mason laughing, and not just laughing, but that deep belly laugh that kids get when they're really excited. Next I hear, "Papa, come look at this!" and my dad goes into the bathroom, which is followed by more hysterical laughing. Apparently, Mason was a little gassy that night and had farted in the tub a few times...then he was making himself fart more to make more bubbles. It was so exciting to him, he just had to share it with Papa.
This next interaction was today as I was getting Mason up from his nap and I needed to get a new diaper on him. We are still using his changing table to save our backs, even though he really is too big for it now.
Mason: (laying down on the changing table) I getting bigger.
Me: Yes, you are growing.
Mason: I get long.
Me: Yes, your legs are getting too long for this table. You're getting bigger.
Mason: Ya, my pee pee get bigger, too.
What in the hell are you supposed to say to that?!? Um, why, yes, I suppose it is.
First of all, Mason was taking a bath a couple nights ago at my parent's house. He and Nana were having a good old time, and I was in the living room. I could hear Mason laughing, and not just laughing, but that deep belly laugh that kids get when they're really excited. Next I hear, "Papa, come look at this!" and my dad goes into the bathroom, which is followed by more hysterical laughing. Apparently, Mason was a little gassy that night and had farted in the tub a few times...then he was making himself fart more to make more bubbles. It was so exciting to him, he just had to share it with Papa.
This next interaction was today as I was getting Mason up from his nap and I needed to get a new diaper on him. We are still using his changing table to save our backs, even though he really is too big for it now.
Mason: (laying down on the changing table) I getting bigger.
Me: Yes, you are growing.
Mason: I get long.
Me: Yes, your legs are getting too long for this table. You're getting bigger.
Mason: Ya, my pee pee get bigger, too.
What in the hell are you supposed to say to that?!? Um, why, yes, I suppose it is.
March 11, 2011
Wherein we become THOSE parents
It has finally happened. My sweet, beautiful son has been possessed by an alien. A screaming, tantrum-throwing, pissed off alien.
Case 1: We are in Mexico. We take Mason back to ride on the train again. We get on the bus (which he loves) and he rides on the train (which he loves even more). Then it's dinner time, so we go to a restaurant where he proceeds to throw the HUGEST fit I've ever seen. Seriously, we are talking a rolling on the floor, crying, inconsolable tantrum. Todd and I are now THOSE parents with THAT kid at the restaurant. Needless to say, we took dinner to go and took a cab back to the resort where we put Mason straight to bed.
A lot of Mason's attitude in Mexico I attribute to being so exhausted the entire time we were there. But now we're home and have had a week to catch up, right?
Case 2: Monday afternoon, Mason wakes up happy as can be from his nap. He wants juice, so we go to the kitchen to get some. Something (still not sure what) sets the kid off and he just LOSES it! We're talking screaming and crying for AN ENTIRE HOUR!!! I finally put him back in his bed, where he quickly calmed down and recovered. By the end of this episode, I was crying as well.
He's two. And we have officially reached the terrible twos. Lord, give me strength.
Case 1: We are in Mexico. We take Mason back to ride on the train again. We get on the bus (which he loves) and he rides on the train (which he loves even more). Then it's dinner time, so we go to a restaurant where he proceeds to throw the HUGEST fit I've ever seen. Seriously, we are talking a rolling on the floor, crying, inconsolable tantrum. Todd and I are now THOSE parents with THAT kid at the restaurant. Needless to say, we took dinner to go and took a cab back to the resort where we put Mason straight to bed.
A lot of Mason's attitude in Mexico I attribute to being so exhausted the entire time we were there. But now we're home and have had a week to catch up, right?
Case 2: Monday afternoon, Mason wakes up happy as can be from his nap. He wants juice, so we go to the kitchen to get some. Something (still not sure what) sets the kid off and he just LOSES it! We're talking screaming and crying for AN ENTIRE HOUR!!! I finally put him back in his bed, where he quickly calmed down and recovered. By the end of this episode, I was crying as well.
He's two. And we have officially reached the terrible twos. Lord, give me strength.
December 30, 2010
Indestructible
Our other Christmas drama had to do with our pug, Duncan. Our family does a kind of potluck-style dinner when we all get together. It's great, everyone brings something so no one gets stuck having to cook everything all day. For Christmas we were responsible for the turkey and the bread.
I actually really love making bread. It's such a process, but I think it's so fun. I decided to make a braided Challah loaf. I mixed everything together, kneaded the dough and set it by a baseboard heater upstairs (behind a closed door where it could get nice and warm). Punched it down and let it rise again. Punched it down and rolled it out into four pieces, then braided them together. Then I put the braided dough back to rise a final time...and apparently didn't close the door all the way. Next thing I know the stupid pug has eaten almost half of the raw bread dough. Grrr! My beautiful bread was ruined!
I actually didn't think much of it at the time, other than being mad Duncan ruined my bread and also mad because he's so stupid (he really is, he'll eat anything). I figured he would have a belly ache, probably throw up, or have diarrhea (or both) and that would be it. So out into his kennel he went.
The next morning, after Todd fed him and went to work, I noticed he threw up his food. This didn't really surprise me much. What bothered me was the fact that the poor dog was tripping over his own two feet, stumbling around the house, literally walking into things. Then I noticed that my normally svelte pug had quite the round little tummy. It hit me like a ton of bricks...FRICK! The dough kept rising IN HIS STOMACH! Then for the second ton of bricks...DOUBLE FRICK! The yeast fermented, and he is drunk!!!
I immediately got on the phone with Diamond Animal Hospital (not our normal vet, but they have a 24 hour emergency room there). They said I needed to bring him in right away to be seen because the alcohol poisoning can be toxic to a dog. Ugh. Great. I had just gotten Mason down for his nap, so my aunt was kind enough to come over to the house while I took Duncan to the vet.
The moment we walked into the vet office they took us straight back (there were probably 5 people in the waiting room ahead of us). The vet did a couple x-rays of Duncan's abdomen to see if he was passing the dough or not.
I actually really love making bread. It's such a process, but I think it's so fun. I decided to make a braided Challah loaf. I mixed everything together, kneaded the dough and set it by a baseboard heater upstairs (behind a closed door where it could get nice and warm). Punched it down and let it rise again. Punched it down and rolled it out into four pieces, then braided them together. Then I put the braided dough back to rise a final time...and apparently didn't close the door all the way. Next thing I know the stupid pug has eaten almost half of the raw bread dough. Grrr! My beautiful bread was ruined!
I actually didn't think much of it at the time, other than being mad Duncan ruined my bread and also mad because he's so stupid (he really is, he'll eat anything). I figured he would have a belly ache, probably throw up, or have diarrhea (or both) and that would be it. So out into his kennel he went.
The next morning, after Todd fed him and went to work, I noticed he threw up his food. This didn't really surprise me much. What bothered me was the fact that the poor dog was tripping over his own two feet, stumbling around the house, literally walking into things. Then I noticed that my normally svelte pug had quite the round little tummy. It hit me like a ton of bricks...FRICK! The dough kept rising IN HIS STOMACH! Then for the second ton of bricks...DOUBLE FRICK! The yeast fermented, and he is drunk!!!
I immediately got on the phone with Diamond Animal Hospital (not our normal vet, but they have a 24 hour emergency room there). They said I needed to bring him in right away to be seen because the alcohol poisoning can be toxic to a dog. Ugh. Great. I had just gotten Mason down for his nap, so my aunt was kind enough to come over to the house while I took Duncan to the vet.
The moment we walked into the vet office they took us straight back (there were probably 5 people in the waiting room ahead of us). The vet did a couple x-rays of Duncan's abdomen to see if he was passing the dough or not.
For those of you reading this that work in x-ray, I'm sure your jaw just dropped (like mine did, too). For those of you who don't work in x-ray, Duncan's stomach is the huge thing taking up most of his abdomen. Basically, the picture on the top is like you were looking at him laying on his back. The black at the top is his lungs (air), the white in the middle of that is his heart. Just below this on your right (Duncan's left) is a huge oval shaped fuzzy thing...that would be his stomach full of raw bread dough.
So, this explains why his stomach was so distended. The problem here is because his stomach was so huge, it shifted all his other abdominal organs out of place, making it hard to tell what is what. Based on these pictures, the vet couldn't say with certainty that Duncan hadn't perforated, or ruptured, his stomach. He suggested going into surgery immediately...which I was not a fan of at all. He decided to do an ultrasound first to try to confirm what was going on, which luckily showed Duncan hadn't ruptured anything. So now we could try to get him to throw up this mass of dough, which I am so thankful he did. The other option was to go in surgically and get it. Again, not a fan of that option at all.
Story over, right? Wrong. Tuesday I had to take Duncan to our normal vet to have his liver enzymes checked. Because of the alcohol poisoning he had we had to make sure he didn't do damage to his liver. Our vet called us last night with his blood results. His enzymes are a little elevated, and his electrolytes are slightly out of range, but judging on the weekend the poor guy had, it wasn't anything too shocking. Hopefully the enzymes are just up right now from having to metabolize all that alcohol and will go back down, but we won't know for sure until we recheck them in 6 months.
As for Duncan, since the moment he threw up he has been acting like nothing ever happened. This dog is seriously retarded, but I love him. I can't help but wonder, though, how many lives a dog gets. They always talk about cats having 9 lives, but no one says this about dogs. Whatever the case is, this dog is going through them pretty quickly.
November 25, 2010
Terrific Two!
Ok, I know, it's normally the "terrible twos", which some days is definitely more accurate, but today I feel like celebrating all that is terrific about Mason being two. He is such an amazing little boy, and every day I feel so incredibly lucky and blessed to have him in my life. He is going to be quite a character as he gets older, I can already tell he has such a personality and fun sense of humor. I'm eternally thankful that he is (generally) healthy, and hope to never take this for granted. He is kind and sweet, but definitely all boy!
It's crazy to think that it has already been two years. Time really does fly by (although, to be honest, there are days now and then that one day can feel like two years). It seems so cliche, but it is so true! Everyone told be how fast it would go, but now I really know for myself. It honestly feels like yesterday that I was pregnant and counting down the days until my c-section, when I would finally meet Mason. What an awesome day. I thought my heart would burst I loved him so much, and that feeling has only grown since then. (Click on the links to see me super preggo and also pics of Mason's grand entrance)
Happy 2nd Birthday, Mason! I am so amazed and awed by you every day, and I am so thankful that you were brought into my life. If you were the only thing I had to call my own, I would be, by far, the richest person in the world!
In the car he is now very aware of everyone having their seat belt on. And now, as you can see, his friends have to wear their seat belt as well.
Dr. McCutie here, getting ready to listen to his thump thump. Having asthma has to have some perks, right? Lucky for us he still thinks the stethoscope is cool.
It's crazy to think that it has already been two years. Time really does fly by (although, to be honest, there are days now and then that one day can feel like two years). It seems so cliche, but it is so true! Everyone told be how fast it would go, but now I really know for myself. It honestly feels like yesterday that I was pregnant and counting down the days until my c-section, when I would finally meet Mason. What an awesome day. I thought my heart would burst I loved him so much, and that feeling has only grown since then. (Click on the links to see me super preggo and also pics of Mason's grand entrance)
Happy 2nd Birthday, Mason! I am so amazed and awed by you every day, and I am so thankful that you were brought into my life. If you were the only thing I had to call my own, I would be, by far, the richest person in the world!
May 22, 2009
Use your words
If only Mason could just talk, then he could tell me what hurts. He obviously does not feel good. My dad called me today around 1pm to let me know something was up, and when I picked the little guy up around 2pm he was hot and cranky and really cuddly. Now, normally Mason is a happy, easy going baby who does not like to snuggle, so all of these things indicate a problem. Problem is, who knows what it is. Is he teething? Does he have a cold? A bellyache? WHO KNOWS?!?! Even the pediatrician doesn't know (I took him in so she could look at his ears just to be sure it was nothing obvious) So now he's sleeping, which is pretty late in the evening to be sleeping (which, according to my dad is what he did all day). I may wake him up soon, just so I can have some chance of sleeping tonight. Ugh. It just breaks my heart when he doesn't feel good!
January 1, 2009
Worst Night Ever
Mason has been having a low-grade temp on and off since last weekend. I think I mentioned in a previous post that we took him in to the pediatrician and were told it could either be a little cold or that he has colic. In the meantime, to add to my stress level, my mom had surgery, I had my MRI, the results from my MRI were pretty bad (a lot of new, active spots) which makes me have to do some serious decision making...all added to a fussy, possibly colicky 5 week old. Anyway, last night, Todd thought he should take Mason's temp, which we discovered was 101! I called the pediatrician's office, to be told to go to the ER. Ugh. So, we gave Mason some Tylenol and headed to the hospital. It was hard to believe he was sick because he was so perfectly happy. Laying on the gurney kicking and cooing away. From there, Mason got the full septic work-up. Nasal wash for influenza and RSV, blood drawn (which I had to do), cathed urine, chest x-ray (which I had to shoot)...all which were essentially normal. Then came the lumbar puncture. I had fought against this procedure, but after he was looked at by 3 ER docs and the on-call peds was consulted, they all said it was necessary. Luckily, his spinal fluid looked normal too (no meningitis). So, after all this, his fever was back down and he was exhausted, they figured it must be a virus, gave him two big antibiotic shots and sent us home.
I have never in my life been so stressed out, worried, scared...you name it! Add to that I fact that I had to switch back and forth between mom-mode and work-mode and back. Basically, I'm done! Poor Mason was so tired all night, and even still today...and so are Todd and I. I do have to say, it does pay sometimes to know people...between Todd and I, the whole ER, lab and x-ray departments knew us and Mason was treated extremely well. We follow up with the pediatrician tomorrow, but for now Mason's temp is still normal and he's busy catching up on some sleep.
I have never in my life been so stressed out, worried, scared...you name it! Add to that I fact that I had to switch back and forth between mom-mode and work-mode and back. Basically, I'm done! Poor Mason was so tired all night, and even still today...and so are Todd and I. I do have to say, it does pay sometimes to know people...between Todd and I, the whole ER, lab and x-ray departments knew us and Mason was treated extremely well. We follow up with the pediatrician tomorrow, but for now Mason's temp is still normal and he's busy catching up on some sleep.
December 23, 2008
Silver white winters that melt into spring...
...these are a few of my favorite things!
Today Mason is 4 weeks old and I thought I'd share a few of the things he and I have come to love! Here are our top six...
Mason LOVES music! Well, Mason loves any noise...even the vacuum, ice maker, and humidifier. So this was a smart purchase for the nursery, especially late at night when we're trying to get him back to sleep. He prefers female voices, Eva Cassidy, Norah Jones, but he also is a fan of Jack Johnson and the Garden State/Last Kiss soundtracks. My voice also works really well, but Todd is tired of the songs I sing to Mason getting stuck in his head.
I haven't ever actually seen this show, but we have all started to call the nights that Nana has spent the night "Nanny (or Nana) 911". My mom has been so wonderful, and Mason loves when she comes over to spend the night with him...not to mention how much Todd and I love the extra sleep we get when she comes over! Todd gets pretty much a full night, and all I have to do is wake up when my mom brings Mason in for feedings. It's great!!!
The dogs. Ok, technically this is probably two things, but we're grouping them together. It has been so amazing watching the dogs investigate the new addition to the house, and now that Mason is a little more alert, he's been checking them out too.
These pics were taken with Todd's iPhone, so they aren't the greatest quality, but you get the idea.
Mason LOVES going for rides in the car. He may not always love getting into the carseat, but once he's in and we're ready to go, he's a happy baby.
The boppy. This has been one of the best gifts! It's perfect for feedings, playing, tummy time...every mom and baby should have one of these.
Nap time! This is a new favorite of mine as well. While I still have to laugh at all the people who say "sleep when the baby sleeps" - it is true, if you can manage to do it! Mason, however, has no problem napping...especially when it's on mom or dad!
Today Mason is 4 weeks old and I thought I'd share a few of the things he and I have come to love! Here are our top six...
Mason LOVES music! Well, Mason loves any noise...even the vacuum, ice maker, and humidifier. So this was a smart purchase for the nursery, especially late at night when we're trying to get him back to sleep. He prefers female voices, Eva Cassidy, Norah Jones, but he also is a fan of Jack Johnson and the Garden State/Last Kiss soundtracks. My voice also works really well, but Todd is tired of the songs I sing to Mason getting stuck in his head.
I haven't ever actually seen this show, but we have all started to call the nights that Nana has spent the night "Nanny (or Nana) 911". My mom has been so wonderful, and Mason loves when she comes over to spend the night with him...not to mention how much Todd and I love the extra sleep we get when she comes over! Todd gets pretty much a full night, and all I have to do is wake up when my mom brings Mason in for feedings. It's great!!!
The dogs. Ok, technically this is probably two things, but we're grouping them together. It has been so amazing watching the dogs investigate the new addition to the house, and now that Mason is a little more alert, he's been checking them out too.
These pics were taken with Todd's iPhone, so they aren't the greatest quality, but you get the idea.
Mason LOVES going for rides in the car. He may not always love getting into the carseat, but once he's in and we're ready to go, he's a happy baby. 
The boppy. This has been one of the best gifts! It's perfect for feedings, playing, tummy time...every mom and baby should have one of these.
Nap time! This is a new favorite of mine as well. While I still have to laugh at all the people who say "sleep when the baby sleeps" - it is true, if you can manage to do it! Mason, however, has no problem napping...especially when it's on mom or dad!
December 14, 2008
All-night buffet
That's basically what I have been feeling like. Mason decided to have his 3 week growth spurt a little early. I knew it was coming, but in no way was I prepared for the hourly feedings and crankiness that it would bring. He just wanted to nurse ALL THE TIME!!! I can't imagine what he weighs after all that. And he wasn't the only one who was hungry, his constant feeding made me feel completely famished, not to mention the incredible thirst! I'm crossing my fingers that it's over now, last night he was back to sleeping for about 3 hours between feedings. Now I'll just wait to do it all over again at 6 weeks.
November 15, 2008
Things I didn't know
Since I only have 10 days left of being pregnant, it makes me think about the last (almost) 38 weeks and all the things I've learned. Here's a few...
1. Morning sickness really is a joke. It's not just the morning. It's ALL DAY LONG! Who knew morning sickness could strike in the middle of the night while you are sound asleep. Which leads to...
2. Zofran is a wonder drug! I would have never survived without it. Which also leads to...
3. All the people who said it would get better after the 1st trimester lied. I'm 10 days away from the end and I still throw up!
4. Virgin Pina Coladas are actually as good as the real thing. Although, it may have had something to do with the fact that they were served poolside in Mexico.
5. If the waiter in Mexico does by chance mix up the order, and serves you a real Pina Colada, you will IMMEDIATELY know. Don't worry.
6. I never thought that watching my husbands face light up during an ultrasound would actually be better than watching the actual ultrasound.
7. When it comes time to buy new (maternity) clothes, just do it. Having clothes that actually fit around you makes all the difference.
8. All the worrying I did about not feeling the baby move yet, was quickly replaced by total worry over whether I was feeling him move enough, which has now been replaced by wishing he would hold still once in a while because it hurts when he moves in certain ways.
9. People that say "get your sleep now while you can" have either never been pregnant or have forgotten how impossible it is to sleep at the end. You cannot get into a comfortable position that still allows for breathing...and if you do, you'll just have to pee in the next 2 seconds.
10. Worrying (endlessly) about having the baby come early has now been replaced with wanting him to come NOW!
And finally, having a husband who, for the most part, rolls with things and is able to calm my fears has helped get me through this whole thing. From the shots to the sickness to the bedrest/light duty to the moodiness...everything! (thanks, Todd)
1. Morning sickness really is a joke. It's not just the morning. It's ALL DAY LONG! Who knew morning sickness could strike in the middle of the night while you are sound asleep. Which leads to...
2. Zofran is a wonder drug! I would have never survived without it. Which also leads to...
3. All the people who said it would get better after the 1st trimester lied. I'm 10 days away from the end and I still throw up!
4. Virgin Pina Coladas are actually as good as the real thing. Although, it may have had something to do with the fact that they were served poolside in Mexico.
5. If the waiter in Mexico does by chance mix up the order, and serves you a real Pina Colada, you will IMMEDIATELY know. Don't worry.
6. I never thought that watching my husbands face light up during an ultrasound would actually be better than watching the actual ultrasound.
7. When it comes time to buy new (maternity) clothes, just do it. Having clothes that actually fit around you makes all the difference.
8. All the worrying I did about not feeling the baby move yet, was quickly replaced by total worry over whether I was feeling him move enough, which has now been replaced by wishing he would hold still once in a while because it hurts when he moves in certain ways.
9. People that say "get your sleep now while you can" have either never been pregnant or have forgotten how impossible it is to sleep at the end. You cannot get into a comfortable position that still allows for breathing...and if you do, you'll just have to pee in the next 2 seconds.
10. Worrying (endlessly) about having the baby come early has now been replaced with wanting him to come NOW!
And finally, having a husband who, for the most part, rolls with things and is able to calm my fears has helped get me through this whole thing. From the shots to the sickness to the bedrest/light duty to the moodiness...everything! (thanks, Todd)
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