A Little Advice

When Anna's older and she's looking for "The One" I'll be sure to give her a little advice: marry someone like your father.

I really lucked out when I found Bryan. He has qualities I knew I wanted: responsible, practical, loving, caring, handsome, and fun to be around. He has qualities I didn't even know I wanted: handy, capable, and did I mention handy? My dad has no handy qualities so I didn't know that a girl could really like having a guy like Bryan around. He fixes all kinds of things around the house, does big jobs like mowing and shoveling snow, does gross jobs like killing mice, and handles annoying things I don't want to think about like finding cheaper insurance and a better mortgage rate.

Why am I singing his praises today, on the first day of November? No, it's not his birthday. I'm bragging on my awesome husband because he BUILT A FIREPLACE! Our basement was so cold in the winter that I never wanted to go down there. With a baby on the way, we moved Anna to the bedroom that was a playroom and will spruce up her old room for the baby. We needed a place for her toys, and the basement was that perfect place - except for the frigid temperatures.

Over the summer and into the early fall, Bryan worked on taking a window out, building a fireplace structure, taking out and then rebuilding window seats with boxes for baskets, added a gas line, drywalled the ceiling, painted, and supervised some guys putting stone around the fireplace to finish everything off. Our basement looks SO GOOD. It feels warm too!

There used to be a window where the framing is going up. Besides the stone surround, the only thing Bryan didn't do was brick the wall where the window used to be. I don't know the first thing about building structures much less using power tools to accomplish such building.

Isn't it beautiful? I think it looks so good. I'll be searching for some baskets to go in the little cubbies.

Another view of Bryan's handiwork. I still need to add a little decoration to the mantle and some art work on the surrounding walls. I would also like to add a club chair with a book case to make it feel very cozy, but for now, it's nice to watch a movie with the fire warming things up.

Today I am thankful for:

• a husband that was all I could hope for and more


• a growing belly


• a fun Halloween
  
  
  
  

Just Joy

We are going to be a family of 4!

I'm happy. I'm excited. I'm ready. I'm thankful.

Here are the answers to the usual questions:

• I have not thrown up, although I've felt sick to my stomach off and on throughout the days. Mondays are the hardest.




• I am not as tired as I was with Anna either. This baby is already making life easier.




• I've been craving comfort food - especially soup.




• My blood sugars have been good, but I have to constantly monitor and report to my doctor.




• The due date: April 17, but I'm just hoping to make it to Spring Break




• We will find out what we're having (hopefully in November or December). We are planners!




• I honestly don't care if it's a boy or a girl. I pray for a healthy baby (preferably with lots of patience, a laid back outlook on life and without control issues if at all possible :))




• My patience has been drasticaly reduced. It's somewhat frustrating to get agitated over things that wouldn't usually bother me, but the hormones rule.




• We haven't really picked out any names. We have a girl name that we both like, but we aren't 100% yet. There are no boy names that we agree on.




• Anna will be 4. She has already told us that she wants to hold the baby, give it a bottle, and she does not want us to help. She also has a baby in her belly. She will be a great helper.

Today I am thankful for:

• 13 weeks of a mostly bareable pregnancy




• a cute little baby that was sucking its thumb in the last ultrasound




• a healthy report from the last ultrasound




• a spring due date

Please ignore the spelling errors, big huge spaces, and missing words. This blog post is not cooperating, and mama needs her sleep.

Tears of Joy

This evening I was able to lay on the couch and read my book while Bryan worked on the basement toy box project and Anna PLAYED BY HERSELF. Those of you with easy children, not children like the kind whole series of books are written (think Ramona, Junie B, Clementine...), might not quite understand the magnitude of this event. I've been dreaming of this day. I cried when I watched her talking to her dolls. I cried because I was so happy to see her engaging in her toys and using her imagination.

I don't know what made playing by herself so difficult. The dyspraxia - she didn't know how to play? The high energy - she couldn't calm herself enough to sit and focus? Her age - she just wasn't mature enough to play by herself?

I don't know what's caused the change. This wasn't the first day, but seeing her in the basement on the couch while Bryan was in a different part of the basement working, and I was upstairs made it really clear that she can do this - she can play by herself. I think the start of playing by herself has been a combination of things:
1) OT has helped her find her balance, her threshold. She is able to sit and focus so much more now than she ever could. We also use a brushing technique to help calm her each night at bed and when she starts getting physically agitated and hyper.
2) Pre-school has helped her both learn new things and play with friends in a smaller and calmer atmosphere than daycare. I think since the craziness is reduced, she can focus on her activities a little more.
3) She's maturing and getting older. Maybe it was finally her time.

Don't think I don't enjoy playing with Anna, because I love myself a few games of Candy Land and feeding Pink Baby her bottle, but the energy behind her constant demands for attention and control can be very exhausting. It's just a nice break from always monitoring, anticipating, and fighting for balance. It's so normal. It feels good to write that so I'm going to do it again. It's so normal.

Today I am thankful for:
1. a loving daughter
2. a daughter that can "read" with expression. Knuffle Bunny Too is a favorite right now.
3. a great book, French Lessons by Ellen Sussman

Apple Orchard Trip x 4

Last Saturday we were able to make our annual trip to the apple orchard. I like going in September rather than October because 1) the apples are better and 2) it's not as crowded. I don't really do crowds. We had a great time eating doughnuts, playing at the playground, and taking a tractor ride. We skipped the petting zoo this time since it annoys me that you have to pay for every little thing. Bryan and I have been eating our apples for lunch, and they sure are delicious. I skipped the apple pie this year to stay on the happy side of health. Pie's not my favorite anyway. I think I would rather go back and have some more doughnuts. Enjoy pictures from this year and all the previous years; it's fun to see how much Anna has changed. I hardly remember her being so little.

It's all about the slide!

My 2 favorite people.

Last year - Queen of the Hill.

2 years ago - I think she tried picking up each and every pumpkin.

3 years ago - Sweet baby in her cherry outfit. I love that outfit.

The sunscreen we put on her got in her eyes and made her hair crazy, but she looks happy hangin' with her pumpkins.

Today I am thankful for:

• 
  
  Chicken Taquitos for dinner - very tasty. I made the chicken in the crockpot this weekend with a jar of salsa and some sriracha hot sauce. I also added a can of black beans to the mix.


• 
  
  OT for Anna - it seems to help her have good days at school and she's somewhat calmer at home too.


• 
  
  a better week at work than last week
  
  

A New Favorite

This past spring I made a carb-less meal from Annie's Eats, Asian Lettuce Wraps. They were really tasty (I think Bryan's face said WTH is that, but his mouth said FEED ME), but I had to buy a bunch of new ingredients. The ingredient I learned I really like is the Sriracha Hot Sauce (found in the Asian food isle). It's hot without being overpowering. It gives a really nice spiciness without making my lips burn.

In addition to the lettuce wraps, I also like this recipe that I've used for kabobs (I've told you of my love of kabobs, right?). I don't actually know which magazine I took this from, but it was for grown-up ladies. I put this marinade on the chicken, then add some olive oil, Mrs. Dash, and sriracha sauce to the red peppers, onions, and zucchini. Mix with some brown rice, and you've got yourself one tasty meal - one with some yummy spiciness.

Mix:
3 Tbsp ketchup
1/2 Tbsp soy sauce (reduced sodium)
1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp sriracha hot sauce

I usually have to double this recipe to cover the chicken. Skip the sriracha on the veggies if you aren't a fan of heat or you don't think your kids will eat it. Anna eats it, but she eats strange things for a kid.

Today I am thankful for:

1. it's Friday!


2. Cracker Barrel biscuits and dumplins for dinner


3. it's Friday!

Let's All Go To The Movies...Daddy Warbucks

It's September, and it's been hotter the past few days than it was all summer. The extreme heat canceled any outdoor activities for us, and Anna hasn't earned her trip to Monkey Joes (for following directions without a fight/attitude/or overall stubbornness). So I thought we could try (gulp) a movie.

Anna has been a little more interested in TV lately. She says she wants to watch, but usually only for a few minutes before something better comes along - like helping me with dinner or several games of Candy Land. She will watch her "purple Barbie movie" for a little longer - especially if she has popcorn. Side note: Barbie movies are lame and make very little sense, but she likes the "purple" one, so whatever.

I checked the movies and times for the local dollar theater, and decided we could try Winnie the Pooh at 3:40 - no nap interference, not too long, and before dinner. I figure we are only paying $1.50 per ticket, plus the snacks, so if it's horrible it's not a devastating loss.

We did a prep conversation about movie theaters and how to behave in a theater before we left home and again when we got there (yes, this is my life, a constant prep session so Anna knows what to expect and how to behave). She was so excited. She loved the theater - the noise, the dark, the big screen, all the seats, and let's not forget the popcorn. The movie wasn't a big hit for her. She didn't not like it, but I guess it was no "purple Barbie movie." She tried every seat in our row, some more than once, did a lap around the row in front of us (then got a warning that she had to stay in our row bc if you give an inch with her she'll take 1000 miles), took 2 bathroom breaks and was telling me I should go so she could go for a third, ate half a bag of popcorn, asked questions at a level 3, and thoroughly amused me throughout most of the film which was just over an hour long.

When we were leaving she said, "I did a great job at the movies!" I told her she did a good job for her first time at the movies, but she had to work on staying in her seat next time. While watching the previews, she was laughing and responding to the trailer for the Muppet Movie, so maybe when that hits the cheapie theater (in the Spring???) we could try again.

Really, it was pretty fun. I was happy we made it through the whole movie, although we were close to leaving when she started wandering down the aisle. She's not the first or last kid to talk through parts of a movie, and she seemed to like the experience if not the movie itself. So I'll call it a win.

Today I am thankful for:

• a new adventure today


• a 3 day weekend


• sleeping in

Mother May I...

Take one GIANT leap forward?
Why, Anna, yes you may!

What a difference a week makes. It's like a complete reversal of the previous week. I don't really know why - comfort with routine? a really beneficial OT session? just because that's how Anna rolls?

She started official preschool on Monday; it goes from 8:30-11:30 everyday with wrap around daycare the time before and after. She has a few friends from the summer session in her class as well as a few new friends. Her teacher is Mrs. Meaghann, and Anna seems to like her. They worked on the "little letter A, and the big letter A, /a/ /a/ /a/." It's so exciting to hear her talk about what she's learning. The class behavior system: each child has a pocket with 3 sticks, at the end of the day each child earns a sticker for each stick remaining in the pocket. As of Thursday, Anna had all 12 possible stickers. On Friday, she told me she did not make it to treasure box yet, so she must have missed a sticker or two, but I am SOOOOOOO proud of her for all her good choices.

We decided to let her earn stickers for 2 things this week: going into her classroom without any problems and following directions without fussing or having an attitude. She's been doing a great job earning her stickers this week. She has to earn 10 stickers to choose a reward (Orange Leaf, Chick Fil A, Monkey Joes). She responds well to this sort of reward system, so for now we will stick to it. If she's starting to have a hard time I can remind her that she's trying to earn stickers, and she usually changes her attitude.

A reminder for me: Just one day at a time.

Today I am thankful for:

1. LHSC Carnival - Anna had a blast (and a good attitude)


2. good conversation at the admissions booth of the carnival where I volunteered


3. Farmer's Market tomatoes - I am in love with home grown tomatoes right now

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

That's the old saying, right? Well, that's how I feel right now. Anna and I had a great summer. She was making good choices, following directions, and making life relatively easy. Now - not so much.

The past several weeks have been very trying for all of us. Because I started back to work Anna has to get up at 6:20ish each morning and go to school all day everyday. Her daycare also moved to their new building. I'm hoping these are a few big changes that she's still adjusting to, and once she feels good with her new routine things will calm down a little. Another possible reason for her behavior - just a phase.

I get so embarrassed sometimes. She doesn't get what she wants and she's on the floor crying and wailing. I stay calm and remind her that she never gets what she wants when she acts like that. She will usually stop quickly, but the damage has already been done. Or she is running around, pulling on my arms, and acting wild and crazy - also embarrassing. Once she gets to this state, it's already too late; there's no turning back. I just have to survive it enough to get to the car where I drive home wondering what the hell is wrong with my kid and what I could have done differently. Why does everything have to be so difficult?

On the positive side, she did earn her trip to get ice cream by getting ready every morning (clothes changed, teeth brushed, and hair brushed) by the time her timer went off. She earned a sticker each morning for 2 work weeks for a total of 10 stickers. I'm really proud of her for this accomplishment. She was very motivated to earn stickers for her chart. We might work on something else for the next two weeks. We have two choices: 1) going into her classroom each morning without problems or 2) making it through the day without whining aka: being ok with "no". We'll have to decide this weekend what would be better to work on since both are important.

Today I am thankful for:

1. a really sweet class


2. a trip to the Farmer's Market (where we saw Will and Sarabeth)


3. the promise of ice cream later today

Good Reads

When I have free time I will usually choose to read. I get all of my books from the library which saves me a ton of money. I find my books by searching the popular books on ibooks, download the sample, then see if I would like to read the whole thing. I also go to Joseph Beth to browse for good reads.
I've read a lot of books this summer. Some were wonderful, others just OK, and one truly horrible book that I couldn't even finish.

The Very Best Books of the Summer:
1. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - this is one of my all time favorites now along with To Kill a Mocking Bird and Gone With the Wind. The messages are very powerful.

2. Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner - like many of her books, this one is about family members growing and changing so they can find happiness in their lives.

3. A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff - a lesson in vintage clothing and learning to be OK with your choices in life

4. Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe - a well written and interesting autobiography

5. Romance Novels - I know what you're thinking, "REALLY???" They are so good though. Some are a little racier than others, but I really enjoy them; they are simple and happy, and who doesn't enjoy a good love story? I like Nora Roberts, Lori Foster, Bella Andre, and Victoria Dahl best. Most of their stories have a plot (usually a simple mystery) along with the romance, so it's not all trash!

6. The Last Talk with Lola Faye by Thomas H. Cook - a mystery type book. It kept me thinking and guessing until the end.

7. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton - a story of a granddaughter unraveling the mystery of her grandmother's life.

8. The Distant Hours by Kate Morton - a daughter learning of her mother's life during WWII when she lived with 3 eccentric sisters who have many of their own secrets and live in a castle.

I'd love to hear if you read any of these and also enjoy them. I hope I'm not forgetting any.
The book that I hated: Save Me by Lisa Scottoline. It made me so mad I could only read the first few chapters. I looked at the spoiler alerts online to find out what happened; I'm glad I didn't keep reading.

A few books that I've read in the past that you might enjoy:
1. Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld
2. Anything by Jodi Picoult
3. Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve
4. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
5. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
6. Anything by David Sedaris (he writes hysterical stories of his life)
7. Love Walked In by Marisa De los Santos

Happy Reading!

Today I'm thankful for:

1. meeting a nice group of students at our back to school bash last night


2. walking around McConnell Springs this morning - so cool there


3. a good cookie recipe from Annie's Eats

Summer Fun Driftin' Away...

I've mentioned in previous posts how this summer with Anna has been the best one yet (her 1st summer was nice too, but she was a newborn). We've been able to enjoy a lot of fun activities with little to no drama (most days). She usually wakes up around 7:00 and says, "Can I have some yogurt? I don't want to stay home today." Bryan and I are homebodies, so we aren't too sure why she doesn't like staying home. She would always rather be outside than inside, too. When I choose activities for us I make sure we can be back home for her nap around 12 or 12:30; if I mess with her nap or don't give her one she is very unmanageable, so we stick to routine!
These are some of our fun activities from this summer:

• Arboretum Children's Garden (I think it is $3/person): There are water features, paths, learning stations, and a garden to dig in and water. It's great fun on a sunny day.


• Swimming Lessons: Anna took 3 sessions at the Tate's Creek Pool and did so well. I'm really proud of her swimming ability. We are going to look into joining the YMCA so she can swim all year round. We also swam for fun before swimming lessons and on weekends.


• Chick-Fil-A: Always fun to eat some Chicken Minis (yummmmm) and play in the play land.


• Library: We don't do story hours since she can't sit still for long, but we love going to the library to check out books and wander around.


• Jacobson Park: What's better than feeding the ducks and playing on the giant playground?


• Explorium: We went here for the 1st time today. It was enjoyable, but I think it's just a once a year thing since the learning stuff is over her head. She did have a good time playing and exploring.


• Our very own backyard: We have a swing set, baby pool, water table, and giant bouncy ball to play with. We like to also play with her car, bike, bubbles, and chalk in the front yard.

A few more places I'd like to visit on the weekends while it's still warm:

• Lexington Horse Park


• McConnell Springs


• Salato


• Raven Run: We only made it here once, but I would love to go back.


• Cincinnati Zoo: We have passes, but haven't been in a while. We love the zoo because of the animals and the walking around.

All around it's been a fun summer. We've stayed busy with the above activities, had a nice vacation to Hilton Head, a trip to Cedar Point, and Anna started daycare 2 days a week at LHSC. I'll be going back to work full time next Monday, and Anna will start daycare full time at LHSC's new center (in the old JR Ewen building). Pre-school will start on August 22; I'm excited for her! She's made a few friends at daycare, so hopefully at least one will be in her class for the year.

Today I am thankful for:

1. a few more days to sleep in


2. a few more days to have fun with no real commitments


3. library books

Hilton Head Vacation

Bryan, Anna, and I enjoyed a trip to Hilton Head, SC with my mom, her bf (Andy) and his kids and grandkids. We stayed in a house on Sea Pines not too far from the beach. We had a great time swimming in the ocean and in the pool at the house. We also enjoyed bike rides and evening walks. Beach vacations are really nice for us because we can keep Anna on schedule (12:00ish for a nap and 7:30ish for bed). Vacations with lots of activities can be somewhat challenging since Anna NEEDS a nap everyday; we don't like to mess with her schedule because her behavior starts to be completely out of control and irrational.

My mom rode with us and took turns driving which made the car ride down and back much easier for Anna. She doesn't like to watch movies (even if they are right in front of her face), but she does like to be entertained, so having one of us in the back with her helped the drive go smoothly.

We would love to go back to Hilton Head in the near future. It was a great family vacation spot.

Bryan and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary while we were in Hilton Head. We enjoyed dinner at a seafood restaurant on the intercoastal waterway. It was delicious, and it was so nice to enjoy an evening out by ourselves.

Family Picture!

Anna LOVED the ocean. She liked riding the waves and being crashed by the waves. She has no fear, and would have been happy to wander into the water without her Puddle Jumper (best invention ever) or a grown up. We had several discussions on how children can drown in the ocean or pool.

My Little Swimmer Girl. She loves to jump in the water and swim. She's been taking swim lessons at the pool this summer, and everyday her swimming improves. I was slightly neurotic at the beginning of the summer with the chances and risks she takes in the pool, but we've gotten to the point where I know she can stay under and swim for a few feet. Don't worry - I stay with her at all times in the pool as she jumps in and swims back to the wall, or she wears her Puddle Jumper when she's in the big pool because she can't stand with her head above the water. Her risk taking is very hard for me because I don't think she understands safety limits, but we are always talking about her choices and how to be safe. I think we will try to continue with swimming in the winter at the YMCA since she enjoys it so much and seems to excel at it.

We loved our trip to the ocean!

Today I am thankful for:

1. 
   
   a safe trip to and from vacation - we were less than 10 cars away from a bad wreck, but were able to avoid being hit. It was really scary; I was so mad at the college boys that were driving too fast and too close and caused the accident. I believe everyone was OK, but they definitely learned their lesson the hard way.


2. 
   
   my mom - she's very generous and loves us


3. 
   
   Anna and Bryan - I just love them so much
   

Favorite Warm Weather Meals

I don't know if everyone is like this, but I have specific foods for warm weather and another set of foods for cold weather. Some of that is because I have a grill available in the warm weather, and some of it is because hot comfort foods are great when it's cold and not so great when it's warm. Anna has swim lessons until 5:00, so we aren't getting home until 5:15 which is later than during the school year; these are my simple and easy meals for the summer:

1. Strawberry and Peach Yogurt Smoothies: I put about half a bag of frozen strawberries, a quarter of a bag of frozen peaches, and half a large vanilla yogurt container into the blender and mix until all the big chunks are broken up. Sometimes I add a little fruit juice too. This is the perfect dinner when it is really hot outside and real food sounds like too much because the frozen fruit is like little chunks of ice and is a perfect cool treat. We usually eat toast or something else easy with the smoothies.

2. Kabobs: I marinate cut up chicken breast in chipotle-lime marinade (if I was being good I would use Annie's Eats' marinade that is somewhere on this blog, but I am lazy and just use the store bought stuff). I cut red peppers and onions into big chunks, and then mix with olive oil and Mrs. Dash chipotle lime spice mix. I put the chicken on chicken only kabobs and alternate peppers and onions on the other kabobs, and then throw them on the grill until the chicken is cooked through. I serve with Uncle Ben's long grain brown rice. Don't forget to soak the kabob sticks in water overnight so they don't burn off in the grill.

3. Cheeseburgers: I use Laura's Lean Beef to make the patties, add a little salt and pepper, then throw them on the grill. We've been eating our burgers on 100% whole wheat thin sandwich buns (they have a real name, but I can't think of it now). We also like Alexia's french fries and sweet potato fries (again, if I was being good I would make my own fries, but I'm not).

4. Sweet Corn: Anna and I head to the little farmer's market near our house on Saturdays for sweet corn, cucumbers, and tomatoes. I bake our corn in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes. I leave the husks on during baking. It takes longer than boiling, but the corn tastes great and the husks pull off really easily. We usually eat the corn with chicken on the grill.

5. Bacon Sandwiches: I use the Oscar Meyer lower sodium bacon. I cook it in the oven at 400 for 10-12 minutes. This method still makes the house smell like bacon, but the air isn't filled with smoke and I don't have to stand over the burner getting splattered with grease (the pan does get very greasy though). I like my bacon crispy, but Bryan likes his rubbery, so I just cook some of it longer. I like to use my farmer's market tomatoes to make BLTs for Anna and me, but Bryan likes Turkey Bacon clubs.

Today I am thankful for:

• 
  
  
  Bryan fixed the computer



• 
  
  
  an easy trip to the store



• 
  
  
  Words With Friends on the iPad

The Journey Continues...

When I was pregnant with Anna I could only think of how perfect my sweet little girl was going to be and how much fun I was going to have as a mom, and I was right. She is full of life, always has a hug and kiss for me (and just about everyone else), and definitely keeps life interesting. She also came with some surprises too; I suppose all children do.

It's been quite a journey learning how to be her mom, learning how to help her be her best. When I took her to her doctor or to the therapist, it was all, "She's fine. You have to set rules and stick to them. Pick your battles. It's just a stage..." I read books (the ones by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka were very helpful), and I kept thinking, "what is wrong with me? Why can't I help her calm down, let go of the control, follow rules, focus...?" Well I did help her. Her behavior has improved so much over the past year, but the issues still exist - I've just learned how to reduce the problems before they happen, the tantrums, the crying, and the outbursts.

On Friday, Anna and I went to a new OT, Julie, and had a very positive experience. I wasn't happy with our first experience. I felt a rush judgement was being made, they couldn't accommodate our working parents schedule, and I didn't have any data to accept the diagnosis. With Julie, she did an actual assessment (I forget the name) that determines if a child between 3 and 5 has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and dyspraxia. I watched Anna try to preform clear tasks with measurable outcomes. She couldn't do so many things she was asked to do. Julie explained that this is because she does in fact have high functioning SPD and dyspraxia. The high functioning part just means it doesn't look like there's anything wrong with her except maybe bad behavior and parents that don't have any control over her; when in fact we work with her so much to make each day and each activity successful. Sometimes we are successful, and sometimes we aren't. The SPD and dyspraxia mean she can't take an idea for a task, think of the processes to accomplish the task, then follow through with the steps to completion. It is most difficult for her when it's someone elses idea rather than her own...enter strong willed and non-compliant behavior - she CAN'T do it, so she won't. This is directly connected with her speech problem (phonological processing disorder). She is a sensory seeker while also being a sensory avoider. She loves to hug and climb all over people when it's her idea and she's in control; she doesn't like to be picked up, carried, or hold hands when it's not her idea.

There were a lot of things presented to me in a short amount of time, and Bryan and I have to go back for a meeting with Julie where she will present her report and treatment options, but this is the gist. I was really happy with Julie. She is willing to work with us, and she already started forming a bond with Anna and me.

I was initially hesitant to label Anna with a life-long diagnosis, but I saw how she really couldn't do the tasks. I am hopeful that she can be helped and treated with OT so life becomes easier for her and her behavior improves. I made a list of 10 goals I would like to see Anna achieve with the help of OT. The list ranged from being able to focus and play a game/activity for an appropriate amount of time to sitting down to eat dinner to writing her name. And selfishly, it's helped my mom ego to know that it's not me, she really does need extra help. I'm ok with it; she's healthy, fun, smart, and beautiful. She just needs a little extra help, and I'm willing to do whatever I can for her; right now that means we will be adding OT to our schedule.

Today I am thankful for:

• a trip to the Arboretum with Bryan and Anna


• sweet corn and cucumbers from the Farmer's Market


• a long weekend with my family

A New Blog

I found this blog on accident today for Lexington area fun: Fun 4 Kids in Lexington KY. It might have some things you and your family would enjoy.
Happy Looking!

Today I am thankful for:

1. talking with another OT that seems like she might meet our family's needs much better than the first


2. Anna's working hard on her speech activities at home


3. sleeping in

another step

Tuesday...
Anna had her second speech lesson today, and it went really well. She's there for an hour (yes, an hour!) working hard. Like most things with Anna, she does better as time goes on; the evaluation was horrible, lesson 1 a little better, lesson 2 a little better still. I'm proud of all the hard work she does - even if it is for the piece of candy she receives at the end of the lesson! She's working on her ending "p" and "t" right now. She's even bringing it into conversation sometimes. She also had her first daycare class today after speech. I'm hoping that went well and she enjoyed making new friends. I still get a little sad when I think about how she won't be seeing her teachers and BFFs from Tots' anymore, but life goes on.

After speech I went to meet with the OT that did Anna's evaluation to hear what she had to say. She definitely thinks Anna has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This incorporates Anna's sensory seeking behaviors, constant movement, distractability, and play integration problems. This is why Anna doesn't have boundaries, and why we work so hard to keep her safe. Just yesterday I had to pull her out of the swimming pool several times during swim lessons when she wasn't sitting on the steps but rather trying to swim underwater without her teacher! These are the behaviors Bryan and I work so hard to help her control, and sometimes seem to fail miserably, but lately have been having more success.

Wednesday...

I quit typing yesterday because it's hard to find the words. I'm so confused. When I was speaking with the OT I had several feelings: 1) she understands; I'm not overreacting just because Anna is different from me and does things that make no sense to me, but also 2) Anna is not THAT extreme; her behavior and ability to make good choices has improved dramatically since last year at this time. I think about all the things she does (good and not-so-good) and keep going back and forth: yes, she probably does have SPD, and then no, she continues to mature and do better (in routine activities). I just don't know, so I'm going for a second opinion with an OT that hopefully can accommodate our 2-parents-working-schedule come fall since the place I've been going won't be able to go to her school or get her an after school appointment. I also ordered a few books on Amazon to read through that will hopefully shed a little light on SPD so I can make a better decision. It's hard labeling a kid, especially when it's your own. I want to provide her with all the opportunities she needs to be successful; I just want to be making the "right" decisions. Why didn't anyone ever tell me that parenting is hard? LOL

Today I am thankful for:

1. much needed rain

2. playing with Anna this morning. 3 is so much better than 2!!!!!

3. time

Real Food

I was browsing a parent magazine when I saw a feature on a mom that started a blog, 100 Days of Real Food, about her family's journey switching to all real food after reading one of Michael Pollan's books. I can relate to her thoughts on food because she felt like she was doing the right things, but realized that maybe she wasn't doing all she could for the health of her family. After reading through her posts I feel like I can do a few things to improve our food choices, but I'm not going all in on the challenge. I don't have the time or the desire to spend the extra money on the organic and locally raised food right now; I might this summer, but not now.

Some changes I can make:

• Triscuits (low salt) instead of crackers with lots of questionable ingredients


• Using 100% whole-wheat flour in my breads, biscuits, and pizza dough


• Trying Lara Bars for a healthy lunch or snack


• Trying some of the recipes


• Not buying anymore granola bars that Anna fills up on but don't have much nutritional value


• No artificial sweeteners


• I bought this book of healthy lunches and meals at Kohl's yesterday. I'm going to have to make Anna's lunches when she's at LHSC. She likes variety, so hopefully I'll find some things she likes.

My kind-of-real-food today (I didn't use organic produce or locally raised beef): Beef Fajita Nachos from PW. I don't know if we are going to do the nachos or just serve with brown rice and grilled peppers and onions. I'm hoping it's delicious.

Today I am thankful for:

• smoothies (I just use vanilla yogurt, frozen strawberries, and frozen peaches...yum)


• a 3-day weekend


• time in the sun


• 2 good movies this weekend: No Strings Attached and I Am Number 4


• A week's weather forecast with NO RAIN!!!

Dyspraxia?

Bryan and I took Anna to her OT evaluation today. We had a very nice OT, Ariane, who played and did activities with Anna while also talking to us. We went to Julie Kraska and Associates near the mall. They have a very nice facility with a big room for swings, tunnels, and mats, as well as small therapy rooms with toys and activities. Anna has a tendency to want to do something, do it for only a few minutes, then say "I'm done." She often quits when things are hard or when she can't get it right away. Ariane said that these behaviors show she might have dyspraxia, a sensory processing disorder that makes it hard for her to plan and complete fine motor tasks. When I look online, I don't feel like she fits a lot of the descriptions for people with dyspraxia, but I'm going to wait until we have our full evaluation meeting to decide. I still think she has sensory seeking behaviors that contribute to making things difficult for her. Some of her behaviors also cross the ADHD lines, but my gut is not leaning towards ADHD. We'll meet with Ariane in a few weeks to determine Anna's OT needs.

I'm ok with it. Assigning a name to some of her behaviors helps me feel like there's a reason some things are so hard for her, not just that I'm a sucky mom that can't control her child. I felt like that for a long time, you know, that I had this kid driving me crazy, and I couldn't help her. Things have gotten easier as she's gotten older, but it's still constant work. My hopes are that with speech, OT, and preschool at LHSC things will start to be easier for her - following directions, having some self control, finishing things she starts, focusing her attention on the task, and playing with friends, us, or by herself.

Today I am thankful for:

• Bryan coming to Anna's appointment


• helpful and kind therapists


• warm weather

The Saga of Pink Baby Continues

When Bryan thought about the "projects" he would get to do as a married-dad-homeowner, he probably never thought of this one…

Anna's Pink Baby is probably her most favorite possession. She sleeps with her, sucks on her belly, takes her in the car, goes to her for comfort when she's sad, and just likes to have her close by at all times. She frequently tells me, "Pink Baby is my friend." (Don't worry she says that about real people too). She has to leave her in the car while she's at daycare or in a public place, but when we're at home Anna and Pink Baby are never far apart. Well for some strange and unknown kid reason, Anna was messing around on the potty before bed tonight when Pink Baby had the unfortunate luck to be laying on the floor near the toilet and received a few undesired spots of pee on her body. AHHHHHHHH! Why, why, why on her body? If you remember from this previous post, wetness and Pink Baby don't mix. I rushed her to the kitchen where I tried to do emergency spot cleaning, but I did not succeed; she stinks. At least we didn't eat any asparagus tonight. While Anna was in the bathroom sobbing Bryan and I found two other Pink Babies (one old and one new) in the basement for her to try out. She was being so brave while we talked to her about not being able to use Pink Baby tonight and using one of the other ones. I started to cry seeing her truly sad, not just overreacting about something stupid. Right now she's in her bed sleeping with a new Pink Baby – she is clean and fluffy, and not at all what she likes in a Pink Baby while Bryan is being a Hero Dad.

First he cut the arms, legs, and head off Pink Baby.

Then he pulled the stuffing out of her – very carefully so as not to upset the perfect un-fluffiness.

He washed her clothes so they look a little pink again. Look at the gross water!

After her clothes dried he sewed the appendages back on.

What a dad!

This is one of those "I didn't think I would ever ______ for my kid" moments. It might sound ridiculous. You might be thinking, just get rid of the dirty thing. But if you've ever seen her with Pink Baby to know how much she relies on her for comfort, you might do the same. Maybe this will be our turning point where we try leaving Pink Baby at home and only use her at sleeping times. I don't know what the future holds for Pink Baby. What I do know is that I'm really proud of Anna tonight for being so brave, and I think Bryan is just the best dad a girl could ask for.

Tonight I'm thankful for:

1. Walks with my family
   


2. a husband that can sew
   


3. Extra Pink Babies in the house

4 Hours of Glee Later

Back in 1997 I became slightly obsessed with Fleetwood Mac after The Dance performance on MTV (yes the days of more music and less reality tv). I remember watching the performance over and over again (they did the endless reruns 14 years ago too). Then I bought and listened to The Dance CD, listened to my Mom's Rumours record, and tried to figure out this strange and fascinating band - has anyone else tried to figure out why the girl is Stevie and the boy is Lindsey? Kind of confusing to a sheltered 17 year old girl going to Catholic schools her whole life, don't you think? I'm wondering why I didn't just ask my parents since they actually lived in the 70s, but I guess I was too cool to ask my lame parents!

After getting caught up on my 4 hours of DVR Glee this afternoon (instead of going to school to box up my room), I had flashbacks of that time after watching the Rumours episode. Then I started thinking about my top 5 albums. For me these albums are the ones that I never skip a song, know everything by heart, and could listen to on loop over and over again and never get sick of the songs.

1. The White Album - The Beatles
2. Crash - Dave Matthews Band
3. Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
4. The Blue Album - Weezer
5. Whatever and Ever Amen - Ben Folds Five

What's funny is even though I love these albums I don't listen to them all that much. No reason really, I just stick to the radio more I guess. Another funny - Most of these albums would be at the bottom of Bryan's list :) I love him despite his crappy taste in music.

Today I'm thankful for:

1. fruit


2. a funny kid


3. great music


4. reminders


5. the library

Sensory Searcher?

I spoke with the SLP from Anna's original appointment today. She scored the sensory profile, and Anna has some "probable" and "definite" sensory issues that need to be further examined by an OT. The areas she is out of the normal zone:

• vestibular processing: constant need for motion - swinging, running, jumping, climbing


• multi sensory processing: when more than one sense is involved


• sensory seeking: teachers, these are the kids that are always falling out of chairs, running their fingers along the wall, tapping their pencils, or like one of my students today - laying on the carpet bicycling his legs during science :) (among other annoying behaviors)


• emotional reactions: with too little or too much sensory experiences

I would agree with all of these areas being trouble spots for her. I started a conversation with an OT today and will be scheduling a full OT evaluation. I feel lots of emotions right now. I feel relieved that their could be a reason for her behavior difficulties, but sad that their could be "something wrong with her." I know if she is labeled as having a sensory processing disorder, it just gives a name to many (not all) of the behaviors Bryan and I have been trying to keep under control, but it seems worse with a label. I don't know how an OT will help her, but I hope it's possible. I had a small breakdown today with a few special ed teachers; I think I have more breaking down to do.

I want her to be successful when she's in school. I want her to love school. I do not want her to constantly be getting in trouble, getting discouraged, and feeling bad about who she is because she has some obstacles she has to overcome that aren't classroom friendly. I am leaning towards sending her to Lexington Hearing and Speech for pre-school and wrap-around daycare. I still have to check it out in person, but she would be in a much smaller class, receive individual attention, would receive speech while she's there (2/30 minute sessions a week), and the teachers would be integrating what she's working on in speech during her day. It sounds just right - except for the 7:30 start time, which means we will have to make some adjustments to our schedule, but it will be worth it.

Plan for tonight...breathe.

I am thankful for:

• warm sunny weather


• answers


• healthy food

She can hear, but...

I took the day off work today so I could take Anna to Lexington Hearing and Speech. I've been concerned with her speech since forever. I worried when she was 22 mo. before she would say mama. I worried when she was almost 2 before she really started talking. I worried when she would talk, talk, and talk some more and I couldn't understand what she was saying. I worried when I looked online and read I should understand about 80% or more of what she is saying, and I don't. So I took her even though people kept telling me that she's probably fine.

I knew it was going to be rough - new experiences where she's expected to follow directions and do certain things are never very successful. She made it through the hearing screening first, and that came back as normal (so happy). Then we went to the speech articulation screening which was not so successful in many ways. Anna likes to do what she wants to do when she wants to do it, and sitting in that room and talking about pictures was not at the top of her to-do list today. She had a few major anger outbursts like I haven't seen in a while (which are so embarrassing and frustrating) because she didn't want to be there. The speech pathologist was really wonderful, and she did a great job redirecting Anna and encouraging her to cooperate. Her results came back as very poor for articulation. She scored in the 2%! I was almost certain there was a problem, but I had no idea it was that bad - yikes. She has a phonological processing disorder. Basically that means she makes/has patterns of sound errors...she leaves the endings off words and can't say blends. When she speaks I could choose 4 different words for what she's saying; I have to use context to figure out which word she's saying most of the time. It is recommended she have individual therapy, so that's what I'm working on scheduling right now.

While Anna was showing her true colors at the appointment, the speech pathologist suggested that I fill out a sensory integration form (I think that's what it was) because of her over stimulation and high activity level. There were many areas that I checked "never" like sensitivity to textures, smells, and sights. There were other areas that I check "always" and "frequently" like frustration with difficult to complete tasks, on-the-go, stares at people, and takes a long time to finish seemingly simple tasks because of being distracted. These are all the areas that make me crazy, the areas that we work so hard on, the areas that I always wonder if she's "normal" because they are so unlike me. I won't get the results from this survey until next week, so I'm not sure if she'll need OT services, but right now it's a possibility.

How am I feeling about all this??? I'm not surprised that she has an articulation problem; I was the one to pursue the evaluation. I'm glad that there is a "fix" and she can overcome this speech problem. I'm feeling overwhelmed because I don't know how to fit in the extra appointments and services she'll need. The speech pathologist also recommended I look into their pre-school. I want to do the very best for Anna, but Bryan and I have boundaries for our work schedules that make all this somewhat stressful to think about. Right now Anna is on a waiting list to receive services at Lexington Hearing and Speech. I contacted "On the Move" to see if they have availability. I'm pretty pissed that I have to have her screened again, then they will let me know what their availability is. ARGH. So next Friday I'm going to have to deal with this all over again. On the Move is closer to work and daycare though, so it's important that I take her. They also have OT services if she needs those. I hate that getting appointments after school is so tough. Maybe Bryan can arrange his schedule differently???

I love my baby, and I want her to be doing the very best she can. I just wish I could have a schedule and plan ready to go - like yesterday.

Today I'm thankful for:

• such a nice, calm, and patient speech pathologist


• a caring family


• Anna not having a hearing loss


• insurance to help pay for all of this

Anna's Birthday Party - a few weeks later

When asked what kind of party she wanted, Anna would say, "I want a purple-Hello Kitty party." She would also respond with, "I want a purple-pink-Hello Kitty-Dora-Belle party." She got the purple-Hello Kitty party! We had Hello Kitty balloons, a few decorations, cake plates, and kid cups. We had purple cups, plates, and napkins. It turned out very cute.

Bryan and I went around and around about what to make/buy/have catered for dinner. We were just having family over, about 20 people came. We finally decided on Baked Ziti from Annie's Eats. I made one healthier pan with turkey sausage and whole wheat pasta, and a second pan with regular sausage and white pasta. We also had this delicious appetizer, veggies with dip, yogurt covered pretzels from Fresh Market, a variety of rolls from Fresh Market, berries, salad, and sun chips. Everything turned out really well.

To really get into the theme, I made a Hello Kitty cake. I'm glad I did it, but I don't know if I would do it again. I didn't mind the tedium of making the stars, but my hand and wrist were cramping up so badly. I think it turned out really cute. I also made chocolate cupcakes in Hello Kitty wrappers for the chocolate lovers.

Anna opened her presents and made sure to remind us all that "this is mine," with every new present. She got some Barbies, dress ups, a suitcase, lots of clothes, a few pairs of shoes, and some sport stuff. She was very spoiled, but we've had fun playing with all her new toys. She played and fought with her cousin Jackson. They had a good time, but it was hard for Anna to stay happy and friendly as the night went on.

My Dad and that part of the family stayed the next day and went to Keenland. We were able to meet up with them after Anna's nap. Anna looked cute as ever in a new birthday dress with a white jean jacket. She loved watching the horses and being outside; she just wished she could have touched one of the horses.

It was a great birthday weekend, and I'm glad we only have to do it once a year. All that cleaning and preparing is exhausting!

Today I'm thankful for:

• a loving family that traveled down for Anna's party


• sleeping in


• warm sunny days to play outside


• a healthy, happy daughter


• Bryan vacuuming and picking things up while I was out

Royal Wedding!

I wasn't initially into the Royal Wedding, but last Sunday I started watching royal coverage about Princess Diana and her wedding on TLC. I was hooked after seeing all the excitement, preparation, and grandeur of her 1981 wedding. I set the DVR (on both TVs - the little TV so I could watch while getting ready for work, and the big TV so I could enjoy all the sights). I also taped and watch the Lifetime movie about Will and Kate.

I really like sleeping, so I wasn't planning on getting up early to watch, but Anna woke up around 3:30. I heard her pitter-patter on the floor, but she never came in our room, so I went co check on her (she had gone back to her bed bc she's trying to sleep in her bed at night and get high-5s in the morning). Then my over thinking started, and I couldn't go back to sleep. The one time a year I was totally OK with it!

I was so nervous watching! I calmed down when I saw her get into the car though. My thoughts on the wedding:

• her dress was amazing - the lace, the sweet-heart neck line - the pleats - the back - everything was so pretty


• Prince William looked very nice in red


• it was so sweet when Prince William looked over at her and said, "you look beautiful."


• the singing was amazing even if I couldn't understand the words to the songs


• they really look like they love each other


• the Queen looked so snazzy in yellow


• the ceremony was beautiful and the festivities were so fun to watch

I loved watching every minute. Maybe that's silly, but I really enjoyed my peek into the lives of these famous royals. I really hope they have a happy life together.

Anna is 3!

Three seems like such a magical age to me. I loved the baby stage, and I'm hoping the 3-4 stage is easier than the 1-2 stage. I'm not going to lie...I've been waiting for her to be 3. I try to live in the moment, but on some of those pulling-my-hair-out moments, I couldn't help but to dream of the future when life hopefully becomes a little easier. I've come to the realization that some things will get easier as she gets older, BUT she is who she is, and a short temper and little patience is not going to change overnight (or ever) just because she's 3. So we will work with it!I love my daughter so much for who she is and all she can do. Here are some highlights:

Anna loves:

• purple


• Pink Baby


• kitty cats


• Hello-Kitty


• Barbie


• princesses (mainly Belle)


• helping


• shoes


• skirts and dresses


• dress-ups


• choosing


• being outside


• doing things by herself


• books


• being the boss


• babies


• Bryan and me


• her teacher, Ms. Michelle


• her friends, Kiley and Gracie


• her aunts, Jen and Jami


• her cousins, Jackson, Drew, Lilly, Zach, and Brady


• all her grandparents


• hugs and kisses


• junk food


• chips and salsa


• go-gurt


• pancakes


• cheeseburgerfries (that's how she says it, like it's one word)


• bags, purses, and pockets


• flip flops


• sleeping in my and Bryan's bed


• laughing


• play hide-and-seek


• talking on the phone


• playing on the iPad or iPhone


• cereal


• Target


• routine


• when things are "the same, yay" (jump up and down now)


• running


• jumping on beds


• Monkey Joes


• singing


• finding A for Anna
  

Anna can:

• 
  identify her capital letters (except for V,W, sometimes H and T)


• name some months and days


• say her birthday is in April


• identify the weather


• ask for help (this is huge, because she can do it without screaming and crying when things go wrong)


• play games


• play pretend


• tell how to get to Meijer and Target, home, Tots', the Y, and probably other places


• tell left and right (not 100%, but good for a little kid)


• dress herself


• pick out clothes


• identify colors (8 pack Crayolas plus white and pink)


• identify shapes (circle, square, triangle, hexagon, diamond, heart, star, rectangle)


• point and count with 1 to 1 correspondence, but the actual numbers aren't quite in order. It usually sounds something like this, "one, two, fwee, eight, nine, ten, yeyen, eighteen, nineteen." We're still working on it :)


• understand consequences and makes the better choice (not 100% here either, but that's ok)


• sing songs and tell me other things she's learned at school


• make up her own songs


• use her words to tell us she's hungry or sick or that she's ready to leave
  

I love my girl. She is funny, spirited, and so loving. I'm lucky to be her mother.

Today I am thankful for:

• 
  a great family that came down for Anna's party and called today


• cupcakes


• sunny warm weather


• open windows


• a loving baby

NOT Up For Adventure

I AM COMPLETELY ANNOYED WITH BLOGGER RIGHT NOW. IT WILL NOT KEEP THE SPACES I WANT BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS. I WILL CLUE YOU IN TO WHERE I WANT THE SPACES :) I know my limits. I respect my limits. I sometimes challenge those limits, but in little ways - like a new exercise video. There's a reason, well several reasons why Bryan and I have waited to have another baby. One of those reasons is that I'm respecting my limits. I do not like to overwhelm myself. I like to be healthy and productive with a smile on my face rather than drowning in stress and freaking out. !!SPACE!! I recently had the chance to push my limits beyond their breaking point. I was so tempted; it sounded so fun - on the surface. But when I looked deeper, and really thought about life, I knew I wasn't up for the adventure of Disney World. Or to put it another way, I wasn't up for the adventure of Disney World with my baby. Bryan's sister has 3 kids under the age of 4, and she is brave enough to take on Disney World. I (with 1 kid) am not brave enough for Disney. !!SPACE!! It was a really hard decision. I want to provide Anna with fun activities and experiences in life. She loves spending time with her cousins and Mimi and Papa (who are also going). But...in the end it comes down to the fact that she can't handle over-stimulation multiple days in a row especially if sleep and routine are thrown off. I can't think of a worse place to try to keep stimulation down and sleep on schedule. This is what happens when Anna has too much stimulation, is out of routine, and doesn't get enough sleep.

• Day 1: good, great even.


• Day 2: listening is at a 2 or 3 (out of 10), tantrums begin, meltdowns over EVERYTHING, aggressive behavior (usually hitting).


• Day 3: listening is at a 0, it is a full on cry fest, aggressive behavior (hitting and kicking), with super tantrums (those are the ones where she's so out of control the only thing that helps is playing in water or soapy bubbles). We've only ventured here a few times (thankfully): Kings Island and this past Christmas.

During all that time Bryan and I are trying to keep it together, help her every way we know how, and usually failing miserably. So, you see why when I REALLY thought about it, it wasn't such a hard decision. Flying down on Wednesday, going to the Magic Kingdom on Thursday, Animal Kingdom on Friday, MGM on Saturday, and plane ride on Sunday would lead to the complete emotional breakdown of my entire family all at the astronomical cost of $3000-$4000 (which is completely insane, I may add).

She'll be ready one day - probably when she's 8 or older. And that's ok because she most likely wouldn't remember a trip as a 3 year old, and I would only remember it as the trip from hell. She will have to get to the stage when she can verbalize her feelings and needs (such as: it is too crowded, and I'm tired. I need to go back to the hotel and swim for a while.) One of the books I'm reading is helping me help her work towards this skill (identifying what's wrong, and how to fix it rather than being irrational, aggressive, and out-of-control). Although the behavior of my spirited baby has improved greatly as she's gotten older and as Bryan and I have found ways to help her succeed, she still has limits, and as her mother I have to respect those limits until she can do that for herself.

We'll do something else fun those few days of Fall Break. Keenland will be open, and what's more fun than teaching your kid the value of money at the race track?

Today I'm thankful for:

• Anna - spirited and all


• a long talk with my mom


• a sound mind


• checking off things on my to-do list


• Bryan helped with the Junk Depot!!!

Don't Be Jealous...

Jackson trying to blow out his candle! He is a really funny and entertaining kid. Anna loves baby Drew.

Now that it's Spring Break I can finally check off some things on my to-do list around the house. So like I said, "don't be jealous" of all the fun I'm going to be having.

Saturday: this was actually fun - we went to Jackson and Drew's birthday party. We had a blast and enjoyed seeing family. Anna of course had to help the boys open their presents, and luckily they aren't as controlling as her, and did ok letting her help. We'll see what happens at her party when Jackson tries to help her. I can hear the screaming now!

Sunday: We ended up staying in Cincinnati for the day. We went to the park and had Zip Dip (the world's best creamy whip). Then we went to my Grandma's house for my Uncle Mike's 50th birthday gathering. It was good seeing my other family, but the previous day's excitement led to a troubling day for Anna. She does much better on a schedule and sticking to a routine.

Monday: I caught up on the laundry and grocery shopping I didn't do yesterday. And much to Bryan's dismay, I went to Target and Old Navy to buy myself some comfortable and cute clothes for the summer.

The plans for the rest of the week:

Tuesday: clean out Anna's toy room so we can turn it into a "big girl bedroom" for her. I will get a few baskets to keep some things in the living room, but most things are going to the basement. Bryan has started on the fireplace, so next winter it will be good to go!

Wednesday: clean out the office. The office is currently the Junk Depot. I can only see a few square feet of floor due to the overwhelming piles of junk. It's a slow process, creating a Junk Depot, and I have a feeling it will be even slower cleaning and clearing the Junk Depot. Wish me luck.

Thursday: Oil Change, tires rotated, drop clothes off at the re-sale shop, return things to Old Navy, buy stuff for Anna's birthday party. So far she wants a "purple-Hello Kitty-Belle-Dora" party. I think she's going to get Hello Kitty and purple, but we'll see what the party store has to offer.

Friday: catch up on all the things that I didn't finish or keep Anna home from daycare and we can do something fun.

Today I'm thankful for:

• 
  
  daycare, so I can get all these things accomplished with little to no interruption


• 
  
  good books


• 
  
  cute clothes


• 
  
  a silly daughter

Carbless

That's a new word I might have made up - it means I am off carbs for 2 weeks! I'll be honest, it really is no fun, but I don't know what else to do. I've been 10 lbs. heavier than my best healthy weight for a year now, and my healthy eating and 4 days of exercise each week isn't working. My pants are too tight and trying on clothes is painful; let's face it- the muffin top has got to go.

I was this same weight about 8 years ago, and I did a combo of unofficial Weight Watchers (stuff from my mom, but no meetings) mixed with the South Beach diet, and it helped me loose 8-10 lbs. I thought I would give it a try again. That means for 2 weeks I'm off carbs, but because of my limited diet choices I have not cut the fruit out. I'm hoping cutting out the breads and grains will be enough. Then when the 2 weeks is up, I will add only the healthy whole-grain carbs back in (100% whole wheat). I was doing a good job of only having the healthy grains during meals at home, but eating out and snacking started adding on the pounds. French fries here, a graham cracker there, add in a granola bar after school, and that = not feeling so good about myself.

So if I'm staring longingly at your cookies or mashed potatoes or chips, just know I miss my carbs. I sure do hope all this pain is worth it!

Today I am thankful for:

• will power to not eat the cupcakes I'm bringing for my ESS group tomorrow
• outdoor recess
• strawberries and blueberries

Real Grown-up Married People!

Notice the changes???

Please disregard my extreme sloppiness. I can't help it, I was just made this way.

Plus the camera makes it look worse :)

NO, I'm not a bed maker...unless I get a new bed room set or company is coming over. Deal with it.

I know I still need curtains. I get around to it.

Isn't it pretty?

I don't know if I'll keep the horse farm picture above the bed. It might be a little too small.

Bryan and I have been putting off buying bedroom furniture for a long time. We've been living together for 7 years now, and we just now got a bedroom set. Part of the delay is my extreme pickiness - if we're going to spend money on something, I want to REALLY LOVE it, not just think it will do. So we've been taking baby steps: last year = buy a king size bed, Christmas = get bedding for said king size bed, Presidents' Day = buy a bedroom set, today = delivered and set up. I really love it. In the words of one of my students, "It's awesome."

Today I am thankful for:

1. my new bed room set
2. a date night with Bryan last night (we saw Hall Pass - very funny)
3. Anna's taking a nap which will hopefully restore her listening ears that she woke up missing so we can have a lovely afternoon
4. warm and sunny days

Balance, Sweet Balance

This past Christmas I found myself at Dick's (Sporting Goods, that is) buying Bryan a North Face coat and some snow pants. When I was in line to pay I saw Power Balance bands; a lot of athletes wear them to improve overall balance. My step mom wears one because she's always up on what's hot, so I was aware of their existence. The boy working at Dick's said he thought it was all in one's head, and they probably don't work. I decided I was already spending enough money, and spending another $30 on something that might be a bunch of hooey wasn't such a smart move. So I left the Power Balance band on the rack and in the back of my head.

You may know that I have inner ear/balance issues. I've had to cut out lots of tasty things from my diet, and I was taking a water pill to help reduce the possibility of my inner ear holding excess water and causing the vertigo spells. Well, I stopped taking the water pill, but it makes me nervous if I let myself think about it. So when Bryan and I were out shopping this Monday, I decided to go back to Dick's (yes, still the sporting goods store) and buy a Power Balance band. I figured, it couldn't hurt, so might as well try it and hope for the best - the best being that my vertigo spells stay away and my overall balance improves.

I've been wearing my band for 4 days now, and believe it or not, this thing actually works. I can't really say for the vertigo bc I haven't had any for a while (knocking hard on big fat pieces of wood), but for my overall balance - totally improved. Small movements like turning around or going from lying down to standing or sitting don't give me little sways. I've been doing my exercise videos every night this week (that's a whole other post about my disappointment and disgust over my muffin top, and the positive thinking I have for the 2 bikinis I bought for the beach this summer) and going from the floor to standing doesn't take several seconds to adjust. No, I don't have any super human skills, but small differences are definitely noticeable! I'm super happy and excited about my Power Balance band, plus I totally look like an athlete with my rubber hologram wrist band...ha ha ha, I'm so hilarious :)

You might not have balance issues when you're just standing on two feet doing nothing or when you're doing your SHRED video like I do, but you still might like to try one. A few things to consider before buying:

• the mall supposedly has a kiosk with buy 2 for $30.
• Power Balance provides a money back guarantee with a receipt within 30 days if you do not notice any improvements, so I didn't really need to sweat the $30.
• They are a little cryptic on their website as to what a Power Balance band really is and does, but it does say each person will have different results.
• the website has all the colors and styles available (bracelets and necklaces)
• FAQs on the website too.

Today I am thankful for:

• the funny things Anna says!!!!
• Bryan made dinner for the 2nd night in a row!!!!!
• tomorrow is Friday!!!!!
• even though it rained all day, it was not snow!!!!!
• I only pack my lunch on Thursday nights. It's small, but less!!!!!
• proving to myself I could do my exercises all 4 nights this week despite fatigue, sinus headaches, and a mild cold (I know, I'm such a whiner)!!!!!
• exclamation points!!!!!

What A Week.

This has not been my favorite week. It started with Anna having the stomach bug last Friday through Monday. Then Bryan got it on Wednesday, and he's still in recovery mode. I'm crossing my fingers and toes I don't get it.

Then I had to do a Math in Focus Parent Night. It went well, but it's stressful planning and mentally preparing for talking to a room full of parents. I felt much better once it was over.

Add the full moon in with all this, and you get a room full of wild first graders doing ridiculous things. One of my boys came back from the bathroom yesterday with this story: "Mrs. Rosier, there was a toilet in the bathroom full of poo. Then an older boy locked me in and dared me to flush the poo." I asked if it was the older boy's poo, and he said, "no, it was someone else's poo." I told him I was sorry he had such a traumatic experience in the bathroom, but I don't know if he believed me because I had tears running down my face because I was laughing so hard.

Now for the good news: We tried a new recipe last Sunday, Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables, and Bryan liked it even though it was meatless (I know, it's supposed to be Meatless Monday, but it's easier to make a new recipe on a Sunday). It made enough for us to freeze for another night. I will make it again for sure, and even add more veggies than I did this time. I have all the ingredients to make these Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls. I'm just waiting for my family to feel well again.

Today I'm thankful for:

• another sunny day to spend outside
• $40 Kohls Cash to spend
• 80s movies on ABC Family today - Can't Buy Me Love and 16 Candles

Meatless Mondays?

I watched one of my taped Oprah shows about her staff taking the Vegan Challenge for a week. I've seen the Veganist author, Kathy Freston, on her show before. She is a little too extreme for me. I'm OK eating animals. Tofurky doesn't call my name, however a nice juicy cheeseburger does. I was seriously getting more grossed out by the "meat and dairy substitute" products than by the slaughter house scenes. Tapioca cheese - can you think of anything more disgusting? Plus her tiny 2-4 portion bag of "chicken substitute" probably costs more than my Sam's Club bag of Tyson frozen chicken that feeds us for a month.

I can get on board with another guest's ideas, Michael Pollen, author of Food Rules (which I think I mentioned in another post). He argues that we should be more mindful of the foods we put in our bodies. He has many ideas about growing and processing food, but I like the "eat more natural foods", so that's what I'm going with here. I'm guessing that free range meat is a better choice (health, taste, and environmentally), but I haven't been able to stop buying the economical meat choices (see Sam's Club reference above). I do get on board with his eat more natural grown foods rather than over processed foods. Sometimes it's hard though. It's hard meeting everyone's (yes, it's only the 3 of us) taste preferences in new recipes. It's hard finding time to make new foods. It's hard getting everyone excited about a new and maybe weird recipe. BUT, that's what I've been wanting lately - new HEALTHY recipes. Eating healthy meals is important to me, and I've felt in a cooking rut recently.

To get out of my rut, I think I might try Meatless Mondays, which will not include Tofurky or any other "meat substitute". Meatless Mondays can include dairy and cheese products because it's only natural that cows be milked and chickens lay eggs (even if they are being inhumanly housed - but why sweat the details?). They will be meals that are heavy on vegetables, beans, and whole grains, or maybe just pancakes when I can't find anything that sounds appetizing.

A few blogs/websites with Meatless Mondays recipes:

• Ezra Pound Cake
• Meatless Monday

This is all I've had time to search for tonight - bedtime is calling me (you know, kind of like a juicy cheeseburger).

This will take some time for me to be a good commitment so maybe if we are getting some more crappy snow this weekend, I will research recipes, then share what I/my family likes.

Today I am thankful for:

• snicker doodles
• another calm ride home with Anna
• cereal for dinner - that's meatless too!