What a title right? Well by now you would think that I should've learned not to place judgement on others, but I must confess that I am still learning. Okay, to be honest it is not just the judgement thing but also me stating or proclaiming my own plan and then even years down the road God changes it on me and I feel stupid for having openly stated my life one way and it is turning out another. I have no current expamples of the plan proclaiming, but I do have a recent one of the ever so kind judgement of others.
So, enter one little haitian into my life and things aren't as they used to be. Not that they ever are when you add to your family, no matter how you go about doing it. My example, I choose to believe, is not so different from most people out there at least that is what helps me sleep at night :). So my example may not be exactly what you have said, but give me a break and at least admit that you have done something similar, please. Example: Families out in public with a child on a "leash". My comment has been, "I couldn't ever see myself using one of those. My kids stay by me for the most part, don't everyone's?" Now, back to the present time when Steeven enters our lives. I like to compare him to the Tasmanian Devil, but don't get more out of this than intended.
Side note: I tend to find myself trying to be careful about my comments about Steeven when I never do about our other three. Is that because I don't want people to take what I am saying the wrong way? Probably. From here on out realize that as I write about my kids and family I love them all with everything I am and would not even for a second change what God has given me. Good, now that is covered and I can move on!
The Tasmanian Devil as you might remember from old cartoons destroys everything in his path, acts very wild, is out of control, oh and he drools if I remember right. Steeven has similar characteristics :). Which brings us back to the "judging others" issue. The longer Steeven is here the more I feel the undesireable need to get a leash! Yes, I said it, my child requires a leash! There you go God, take something I made a comment about and make it applicable to my life. Gotta love it. So what do I do, I post a comment on facebook to get a feel for what others think about the leash. What do you think the comments were? Well of course everyone loves them and are "pro leash" so that just leaves me as the only one who judged those poor families :(, insert bad feelings about myself here.
You would think I would learn, but I must admit that I still haven't gotten this one yet. A little pat on my back for improvement though. The thing is, why do we as a people look at situations from the outside and make our own unfounded judgements almost automatically? Like the "leash" thing, I never once considered that a child might have special needs, been adopted and not aware of boundaries yet, or whatever the situation might be. Even better yet, is it really my place to put my judgement on someone else just because I might not agree with them? For some reason I tend to see things in my own bubble of life. Meaning that I hold everything I see up to compare it with my life. Sometimes that leads to judging others, but more often than not it actually leads to me judging myself and putting unrealistic expectations on myself and my family. Ugh, this has turned into a therapy session, well at least it is free!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Worst Appointment Ever
Well I have to admit that I am not as young as I used to be, or maybe I can just blame it on my fibro. I think both are factors really. I took Steeven to see our gastro. doc yesterday and Carter came along too. It started out great, the nurse even had Carter do everything so Steeven could watch and this was great for both boys. Carter knows what to do by now because he has been going to this doc for a year now. The doctor came in and we talked for a while and then he layed out his plan of attack, which really meant nothing to me until the lady came to draw blood.
First I must say that a red flag was waved in front of me as the "blood lady" peeked her head in and asked me something along the lines of, "Do we need more people to help during the blood draw", ugh! Also, before that the nurse peeked in because we had been waiting so long, and explained it was taking them a little while to get everything ready for the blood draw and to send home for stool samples. Yes, I resumed my role as sole poop collector for this house, a great smell right after breakfast each morning I must say.
Okay, so I told the gal that the last time Steeven had blood drawn I held him, someone held his arm and someone took the blood. That was the plan we went with, but we were wrong! The vein they picked was along the side of his arm and we all underestimated this little man's strength. They got some, but he turned his arm and it didn't go well. So, change of plans, bring in another helper and switch arms. Keep in mind I have him facing me and holding him not so gently, but talking to him repeatedly in his ear as he cries and cries.
Now there are four of us with a 37lb. little guy and he is still winning. How? Well, even with all of us working together he manages to tense his little arm, and rightfully so, as he does this it lessens to blood flow. Again, they got some, but not enough. Side note here, don't forget that I have Carter along for this ride because I did not expect anything like this! Somewhere between Plan A and Plan B Carter asks if he can go out in the hall to play, "Of course buddy and you can take your toys if you want." He also has been telling Steeven the whole time, "It's okay buddy", how precious is that? Later he told me when he saw the blood it made him not feel well, ugh.
Plan C, finally, they gave us a little break and then we went back to just three grown ladies and one five year old. The plan this time is to take blood from the top of his hand. It worked and they got what they needed. I switched my plan as well, I braced myself with my left foot against a near by table because of all days I picked today to wear running pants, aka slippery pants! We were done, finally.
I think I forgot to mention that I was sobbing, controlably, during Plan B. When we were done we were both sweaty and exhausted. Carter came back in and the doc in the hallway had given him two bouncy balls! Steeven held on to his like crazy. He was almost alseep in my arms by the time we left. We got there at 1:45 and were driving to get an x-ray at 4:00. Yes, we still had one more thing to do!
As we were leaving I called home and left a message for Wade so he would know where we were and what we still had to do. I must have sounded awful because he didn't got to his meeting that night, thanks hon! Did I mention I had fibromyalgia? What can cause flares you ask, well stress and tensing of muslces are just two things. STRESS and TENSE MUSCLES! So as I am leaving I am feeling that entire appointment in my neck, shoudlers, arms and hands. I can only imagine what was going through Steeven's little head.
I don't even have the energy to get into details about the x-ray appointment. Let's just say we got the run around and I finally found a lady that saw how desperately exhausted I was and she took pity on us, because I cried, and we were able to hang in there and he hopped up on the table and was perfectly still for his tummy picture! Insert huge sigh here!
What happened next? We all had McDonald's in the comfort of our home and the boys both got cupcakes for dessert! Boys, you rock :)
First I must say that a red flag was waved in front of me as the "blood lady" peeked her head in and asked me something along the lines of, "Do we need more people to help during the blood draw", ugh! Also, before that the nurse peeked in because we had been waiting so long, and explained it was taking them a little while to get everything ready for the blood draw and to send home for stool samples. Yes, I resumed my role as sole poop collector for this house, a great smell right after breakfast each morning I must say.
Okay, so I told the gal that the last time Steeven had blood drawn I held him, someone held his arm and someone took the blood. That was the plan we went with, but we were wrong! The vein they picked was along the side of his arm and we all underestimated this little man's strength. They got some, but he turned his arm and it didn't go well. So, change of plans, bring in another helper and switch arms. Keep in mind I have him facing me and holding him not so gently, but talking to him repeatedly in his ear as he cries and cries.
Now there are four of us with a 37lb. little guy and he is still winning. How? Well, even with all of us working together he manages to tense his little arm, and rightfully so, as he does this it lessens to blood flow. Again, they got some, but not enough. Side note here, don't forget that I have Carter along for this ride because I did not expect anything like this! Somewhere between Plan A and Plan B Carter asks if he can go out in the hall to play, "Of course buddy and you can take your toys if you want." He also has been telling Steeven the whole time, "It's okay buddy", how precious is that? Later he told me when he saw the blood it made him not feel well, ugh.
Plan C, finally, they gave us a little break and then we went back to just three grown ladies and one five year old. The plan this time is to take blood from the top of his hand. It worked and they got what they needed. I switched my plan as well, I braced myself with my left foot against a near by table because of all days I picked today to wear running pants, aka slippery pants! We were done, finally.
I think I forgot to mention that I was sobbing, controlably, during Plan B. When we were done we were both sweaty and exhausted. Carter came back in and the doc in the hallway had given him two bouncy balls! Steeven held on to his like crazy. He was almost alseep in my arms by the time we left. We got there at 1:45 and were driving to get an x-ray at 4:00. Yes, we still had one more thing to do!
As we were leaving I called home and left a message for Wade so he would know where we were and what we still had to do. I must have sounded awful because he didn't got to his meeting that night, thanks hon! Did I mention I had fibromyalgia? What can cause flares you ask, well stress and tensing of muslces are just two things. STRESS and TENSE MUSCLES! So as I am leaving I am feeling that entire appointment in my neck, shoudlers, arms and hands. I can only imagine what was going through Steeven's little head.
I don't even have the energy to get into details about the x-ray appointment. Let's just say we got the run around and I finally found a lady that saw how desperately exhausted I was and she took pity on us, because I cried, and we were able to hang in there and he hopped up on the table and was perfectly still for his tummy picture! Insert huge sigh here!
What happened next? We all had McDonald's in the comfort of our home and the boys both got cupcakes for dessert! Boys, you rock :)
Monday, February 15, 2010
Garbage Can and Wal-Mart Sales Associate
Well it is President's Day today, so that means no school. It has been a blessing to have them home though, for a couple of reasons. First, no rushing around this morning, love it! Second, entertainment for Steeven, other than just myself. Last, but probably most important, Jordyn can help me while Abby throw-s up!
Yes, Abby is sick...throw up sick, yuck! Steeven had an eye doctor appointment today and when we got there Abby did not look good. So while we waited I said, do you want to sit in the fan and sleep a little? She did, and being the great mom I am I sent Jordyn out with her with strick instructions about locking the doors and if Abby needed to throw up, OPEN THE VAN DOOR! (Just a side note, we were at a very small clinic and the appointment was a quick one.) To my surprise when I got to the van Abby had slept some and felt better! Okay so that should free me up to finish my other stop at Wal-Mart, right? Not a lot to get there, but a couple things that we really needed, otherwise I would've just went home.
That brings us to Wal-Mart. I do want to say that I have not been impressed with them lately, but sometimes I just need to get some things. On this trip, however, I was very grateful for two things.....strategically placed garbage cans and a helpful sales associate! We were almost done, but still at the back of the store when I noticed Abby looked pale, yes ghostly white. You know the look, it means you don't have long before she blows! So we begin to walk to the front of the store at a good rate of speed. Not too fast as to draw attention to us, but not too slow so we can't make it. I tell Abby, very calmly, we will find a garbage can. Then, ta da, I spot one and not too far away. It was at the end of an isle so we pushed our cart up to it and waited. It took a couple of minutes, but then it hit and we were prepared!!! I held the lid to the can and asked Jordyn to get the wipes from our bag. After Abby was done, I cleaned up the little bit she got on the lid and then her mouth and hand, with different wipes of course. As I was doing this I noticed an associate down the isle, so I sent Jordyn to get her. I told her what had happened and she didn't seem too surprised. She said they would take care of it and I asked her where the garbage cans were that I could purchase, since we still were not checked out and we had the van ride home. When she pointed to the other side of the store, I must have had an interesting look on my face because she offered to go to the front and get a bag for us. Way to go Sales Associate, you rock! Now that I think about it I should've gotten her name so I could sing her praises to her manager, too late now I guess.
Thankfully we made it all the way home with no messes! She is resting fine on the couch watching movies and drinking some sprite, which was strategically placed at the end of an isle on our way out, woohoo! It is only 1:30, so we will see what the rest of the day holds for us.
Since no one seemed to be bothered by us hovering around the garbage can and the sales associate was not the least bit taken back by what had occured the question needs to be asked. How often do I miss these, and other interesting things going on, as I make my way through stores? HMMMMMMMMMM.
Yes, Abby is sick...throw up sick, yuck! Steeven had an eye doctor appointment today and when we got there Abby did not look good. So while we waited I said, do you want to sit in the fan and sleep a little? She did, and being the great mom I am I sent Jordyn out with her with strick instructions about locking the doors and if Abby needed to throw up, OPEN THE VAN DOOR! (Just a side note, we were at a very small clinic and the appointment was a quick one.) To my surprise when I got to the van Abby had slept some and felt better! Okay so that should free me up to finish my other stop at Wal-Mart, right? Not a lot to get there, but a couple things that we really needed, otherwise I would've just went home.
That brings us to Wal-Mart. I do want to say that I have not been impressed with them lately, but sometimes I just need to get some things. On this trip, however, I was very grateful for two things.....strategically placed garbage cans and a helpful sales associate! We were almost done, but still at the back of the store when I noticed Abby looked pale, yes ghostly white. You know the look, it means you don't have long before she blows! So we begin to walk to the front of the store at a good rate of speed. Not too fast as to draw attention to us, but not too slow so we can't make it. I tell Abby, very calmly, we will find a garbage can. Then, ta da, I spot one and not too far away. It was at the end of an isle so we pushed our cart up to it and waited. It took a couple of minutes, but then it hit and we were prepared!!! I held the lid to the can and asked Jordyn to get the wipes from our bag. After Abby was done, I cleaned up the little bit she got on the lid and then her mouth and hand, with different wipes of course. As I was doing this I noticed an associate down the isle, so I sent Jordyn to get her. I told her what had happened and she didn't seem too surprised. She said they would take care of it and I asked her where the garbage cans were that I could purchase, since we still were not checked out and we had the van ride home. When she pointed to the other side of the store, I must have had an interesting look on my face because she offered to go to the front and get a bag for us. Way to go Sales Associate, you rock! Now that I think about it I should've gotten her name so I could sing her praises to her manager, too late now I guess.
Thankfully we made it all the way home with no messes! She is resting fine on the couch watching movies and drinking some sprite, which was strategically placed at the end of an isle on our way out, woohoo! It is only 1:30, so we will see what the rest of the day holds for us.
Since no one seemed to be bothered by us hovering around the garbage can and the sales associate was not the least bit taken back by what had occured the question needs to be asked. How often do I miss these, and other interesting things going on, as I make my way through stores? HMMMMMMMMMM.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Nothing Much
Well, nothing much is new lately at least no bust-a-gut stories I felt just had to be told. Does that mean that our little guy is already settling in? Maybe. I guess he did eat powdered dishwasher detergent this weekend, so there is a little something for you to laugh at.
This week looks to be a busy one, but I kinda prefer them that way for the simple fact that too many days spent in one's home can lead to boredom and naughty kids! No school tomorrow so I will be taking all four kids to Steeven's check-up at the eye doctor. It should be a quick appointment and the kids want to "see" what goes on. Get it, "see" ha! That was pretty sad wasn't it? Anyway, then Steeven goes to a new doctor, for him anyway, on Tuesday to try to determine what is causing his diarrhea. Thankfully all of his tests have come back negative, but his stool is still pretty bad. He will be seeing the same Gastroantologist that Carter does, woohoo! Yes, we will have two kids going to a specialist, bring on the doctor bills! Carter actually has an appointment with him in two weeks. Then on Wednesday he goes for another haircut, boy does it grow fast! Actually all three boys and myself will be getting our hair cut, should be fun! Don't forget the two chiropractic visits for him this week as well.
The glasses are a big hit, he doesn't mind them at all. Sometimes he takes them off, but it doesn't bother him when we put them back on. When he woke up this morning, at 5:45 UGH, he wanted his glasses right away. I think it helps that daddy has glasses too, so they must be cool!
I feel like the time is flying by and I have not done even a portion of what I "needed" to. I know, I know some of you will say, "Don't worry about it. Spending time with Steeven and now having four kids is enough right now, you will get use to it and fall into a routine." I knew you would say that and for the most part I agree, but there is always that side of me, the icky perfectionist side, that thinks I should be able to Conquer The World and am disappointed when I fall short. That and just the basic stressers of life that I just need to either push aside or plow through, note to self I should probably ask God which action I should apply to which problem. I can get into trouble when I forget to do that sometimes.
Tonight we atempt to reclaim our bed! Steeven has never gotten up in the middle of the night yet, so we will stil put him to sleep in our room and then move him when we go to bed. One big reason for this is so Carter will be alseep before we bring Steeven in. Steeven has quite the little snoring problem! I think this will be fine, and Wade did the little happy dance when I mentioned it this morning. So, being the sarcastic loving wife I am, on Valentine's day no less, I said, "Well, maybe if you had mentioned that you wanted to do this it would've happened sooner. That is what you call sharing your feelings or communication, it's suppose to be a good thing." So of course he laughed, because by now he knows to expect such an answer from me!
Well, thanks for humoring me by following our journey, sometimes exciting and sometimes mundane but mine none the less.
This week looks to be a busy one, but I kinda prefer them that way for the simple fact that too many days spent in one's home can lead to boredom and naughty kids! No school tomorrow so I will be taking all four kids to Steeven's check-up at the eye doctor. It should be a quick appointment and the kids want to "see" what goes on. Get it, "see" ha! That was pretty sad wasn't it? Anyway, then Steeven goes to a new doctor, for him anyway, on Tuesday to try to determine what is causing his diarrhea. Thankfully all of his tests have come back negative, but his stool is still pretty bad. He will be seeing the same Gastroantologist that Carter does, woohoo! Yes, we will have two kids going to a specialist, bring on the doctor bills! Carter actually has an appointment with him in two weeks. Then on Wednesday he goes for another haircut, boy does it grow fast! Actually all three boys and myself will be getting our hair cut, should be fun! Don't forget the two chiropractic visits for him this week as well.
The glasses are a big hit, he doesn't mind them at all. Sometimes he takes them off, but it doesn't bother him when we put them back on. When he woke up this morning, at 5:45 UGH, he wanted his glasses right away. I think it helps that daddy has glasses too, so they must be cool!
I feel like the time is flying by and I have not done even a portion of what I "needed" to. I know, I know some of you will say, "Don't worry about it. Spending time with Steeven and now having four kids is enough right now, you will get use to it and fall into a routine." I knew you would say that and for the most part I agree, but there is always that side of me, the icky perfectionist side, that thinks I should be able to Conquer The World and am disappointed when I fall short. That and just the basic stressers of life that I just need to either push aside or plow through, note to self I should probably ask God which action I should apply to which problem. I can get into trouble when I forget to do that sometimes.
Tonight we atempt to reclaim our bed! Steeven has never gotten up in the middle of the night yet, so we will stil put him to sleep in our room and then move him when we go to bed. One big reason for this is so Carter will be alseep before we bring Steeven in. Steeven has quite the little snoring problem! I think this will be fine, and Wade did the little happy dance when I mentioned it this morning. So, being the sarcastic loving wife I am, on Valentine's day no less, I said, "Well, maybe if you had mentioned that you wanted to do this it would've happened sooner. That is what you call sharing your feelings or communication, it's suppose to be a good thing." So of course he laughed, because by now he knows to expect such an answer from me!
Well, thanks for humoring me by following our journey, sometimes exciting and sometimes mundane but mine none the less.
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