The doctors/therapists reminded us that this wasn't going to be a "quick-fix" and that she would NOT suddenly be talking up to age level. The therapists especially reminded us that she will still go through the same stages of talking - first babbling more, animal sounds, small words that aren't exactly the word, etc. In addition, any words/sounds that she was making before the surgery would now be re-learned now that she is hearing things differently.
So, what has happened? My sweet angel has been making some big strides in her book lately. She is babbling/yammering (whatever you'd like to call it) more and more. I find her repeating certain things (especially in the car) but am unsure of what exactly she is trying to say. She is saying many animal sounds (cat, dog, horse, cow, sheep, monkey, duck, and bunny (who goes hop-hop in case you are wondering)). Last week, she said a couple of words that I was able to make out - apple and all done.
Although her talking is going more slowly than I had hoped, we have found that her understanding has gotten much better. We need to start requiring her to make a verbal attempt at things, which is hard to do after you've learned to pick up on certain cues or signs that she knows. Yet, at least we are moving forward instead of standing still!
Quinnie's Birthday Countdown!
June 26, 2012
June 14, 2012
Quinn's 2-year check-up
Quinn had her 2-year check-up yesterday. She passed the autism screening, got one vaccine and we didn't get any new concerns!!! Here are her stats (and percentiles):
Weight: 22 lbs 14 oz (4th percentile)
Height: 32.5" (17th percentile)
Head Circumference: 19" (71st percentile)
Sizes:
Weight: 22 lbs 14 oz (4th percentile)
Height: 32.5" (17th percentile)
Head Circumference: 19" (71st percentile)
Sizes:
- Diaper: 4
- Tops: 2T
- Bottoms: 18 month
- Shoes: 5/6
Quinn turns 2 - Part 1
Can't believe that my little Quinnie is 2 years old! In order to celebrate, we took the kids to Coney Island this past weekend. They have rides and a pool area (with slides) and after 4 we could get in cheaper since there isn't as much time left in the day but we knew just a few hours would be enough at their ages!
We started with rides. Most rides are around a 48" requirement one way or the other (must be taller or shorter to ride). Quinn, of course, is not anywhere near that tall! Owen hit just above the 48" mark so he could ride all the big kid rides. So the hubby and I split up so that Owen could go on the big rides that Quinn couldn't. I took Quinn to the little kid area which had some basic small rides that went around in circles and that was about it. However, I knew this was not going to be an easy/exciting time. I put Quinn on a little train and she cried. I buckled her in, and she cried. The person running the ride asked if I wanted to get her off before they started it, I said "no." At this point I may look like a bad mom to the on-lookers, but this was my child and I wanted to see how she was when it was moving. Once the trains started, no crying (not any smiling/giggling either) but she was content. When the train stopped, we started crying again. So, I waited 5 minutes and then we tried the airplanes. Same thing happened, so I decided it was enough. Now, if there was only a place that would let me put her on and take her off while it was in motion... :) But at least she experienced something new.
Later, we went to the pool area. I took Quinn again and she was ok until her toes started getting wet (the water was a little chilly). Once we were in for a few minutes (up to her tummy), she calmed down and splashed and giggled.
Owen had a blast! He loved all the rides, did a couple of slides at the pool and just had a good day overall.
We started with rides. Most rides are around a 48" requirement one way or the other (must be taller or shorter to ride). Quinn, of course, is not anywhere near that tall! Owen hit just above the 48" mark so he could ride all the big kid rides. So the hubby and I split up so that Owen could go on the big rides that Quinn couldn't. I took Quinn to the little kid area which had some basic small rides that went around in circles and that was about it. However, I knew this was not going to be an easy/exciting time. I put Quinn on a little train and she cried. I buckled her in, and she cried. The person running the ride asked if I wanted to get her off before they started it, I said "no." At this point I may look like a bad mom to the on-lookers, but this was my child and I wanted to see how she was when it was moving. Once the trains started, no crying (not any smiling/giggling either) but she was content. When the train stopped, we started crying again. So, I waited 5 minutes and then we tried the airplanes. Same thing happened, so I decided it was enough. Now, if there was only a place that would let me put her on and take her off while it was in motion... :) But at least she experienced something new.
Later, we went to the pool area. I took Quinn again and she was ok until her toes started getting wet (the water was a little chilly). Once we were in for a few minutes (up to her tummy), she calmed down and splashed and giggled.
Owen had a blast! He loved all the rides, did a couple of slides at the pool and just had a good day overall.
May 18, 2012
Quinn's Surgery
On Tuesday, May 8th, we had Quinn's PE tube surgery. Here is the story of our experience just in case you have to go through this yourself one day, you'll have an idea of what to expect.
Her surgery was scheduled for 10:30am. This meant that she couldn't have any "solid" food after midnight and could only have "fluids" (water, juice with no pulp, Popsicle...NO MILK) until 6:30am. So like a good Mommy I woke up at 6:15 and got her up so that she could at least have some juice before I could give her nothing!
We arrived at the outpatient hospital at 9:15 (we needed to be there by 9:30). When we arrived, we did not have to wait long and Quinn was brought back to be weighed and then I had to give them her pre-op form that was filled out by her pediatrician the previous Friday. We then went into a room where they took her temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate. Then multiple people came in to ask us questions and let us ask question of them, including the anesthesiologist. They kept asking if Quinn was getting this surgery due to recurring ear infections and every time I said no, she has had a speech delay due to built up middle ear fluid. I really began to wonder if they were verifying us or they really didn't write this stuff down!
Then we waited for about 20 minutes (luckily the doctor was ahead of schedule!) during which time there was a TV in the room, a worker came by with some toys for her to play with (we were at a children's hospital). Then we started to take her back for the surgery. They allowed for us to be with her while she was put to sleep and they allowed her to have her stuffed kitty and cow with her for when she woke up. Daddy held Quinn while they put the mask (which we requested watermelon flavored gas) as I talked to her. She was asleep in less than a minute and they wheeled her into the operating room while we went outside to a special little room for just us. I must admit I cried as Quinn went to sleep and for about 5 minutes in our little room.
The doctor was in to talk to us about 12 minutes after we had sat into our little room - very quick procedure. Everything had gone fine, there was not current infection so he just gave us a prescription for the drops if we ever need it for an infection. We then went out to the big waiting room. They called us back about 10 minutes later (but it felt much longer) as Quinn was awake. We could hear her cry as we got closer. They had given her her animals, which she threw, as well as her cup, which she was just holding onto. Then I took her and rocked her trying to get her to drink a little something. They gave her some Tylenol and gave us some directions for the day. This included to not let her walk around for awhile, slowing ease her into eating. First make sure she keeps the juice down, then try some crackers/bread,... And we were out of the hospital by 11:15. I think it was more traumatic on Mommy and Daddy then on Quinn :)
Her surgery was scheduled for 10:30am. This meant that she couldn't have any "solid" food after midnight and could only have "fluids" (water, juice with no pulp, Popsicle...NO MILK) until 6:30am. So like a good Mommy I woke up at 6:15 and got her up so that she could at least have some juice before I could give her nothing!
We arrived at the outpatient hospital at 9:15 (we needed to be there by 9:30). When we arrived, we did not have to wait long and Quinn was brought back to be weighed and then I had to give them her pre-op form that was filled out by her pediatrician the previous Friday. We then went into a room where they took her temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate. Then multiple people came in to ask us questions and let us ask question of them, including the anesthesiologist. They kept asking if Quinn was getting this surgery due to recurring ear infections and every time I said no, she has had a speech delay due to built up middle ear fluid. I really began to wonder if they were verifying us or they really didn't write this stuff down!
Then we waited for about 20 minutes (luckily the doctor was ahead of schedule!) during which time there was a TV in the room, a worker came by with some toys for her to play with (we were at a children's hospital). Then we started to take her back for the surgery. They allowed for us to be with her while she was put to sleep and they allowed her to have her stuffed kitty and cow with her for when she woke up. Daddy held Quinn while they put the mask (which we requested watermelon flavored gas) as I talked to her. She was asleep in less than a minute and they wheeled her into the operating room while we went outside to a special little room for just us. I must admit I cried as Quinn went to sleep and for about 5 minutes in our little room.
The doctor was in to talk to us about 12 minutes after we had sat into our little room - very quick procedure. Everything had gone fine, there was not current infection so he just gave us a prescription for the drops if we ever need it for an infection. We then went out to the big waiting room. They called us back about 10 minutes later (but it felt much longer) as Quinn was awake. We could hear her cry as we got closer. They had given her her animals, which she threw, as well as her cup, which she was just holding onto. Then I took her and rocked her trying to get her to drink a little something. They gave her some Tylenol and gave us some directions for the day. This included to not let her walk around for awhile, slowing ease her into eating. First make sure she keeps the juice down, then try some crackers/bread,... And we were out of the hospital by 11:15. I think it was more traumatic on Mommy and Daddy then on Quinn :)
April 18, 2012
Quinn's ENT appointment
On Saturday, we went to Children's to see an ENT about Quinn's ears. I got both kids packed and ready to go and we were there at about 10:30 (appt at 10:45). We got checked in and sent back to the waiting room. Got called back at about 10:40. Nurse asked a few questions, namely why we were there. I told her primarily due to the fluid in her ears and the delayed speech development. The doctor came in about 5 minutes later. He had me sit with her while he looked in her ears, and he said that they didn't look too bad so he wasn't thinking tubes. He then said that we should have her hearing tested anyways due to the presence of fluid before and the speech delay. Back to the waiting room we go.
We didn't sit down for much more than 5 minutes when we got called back again. First they did some Tympanograms which help measure how well sound is bounces off the ear drum. They should be "spiky", but Quinnie's were flat. Then they did a hearing test which has someone in front of us sort of keeping her attention while noises are made on either side of her. I could even tell that her right ear was better than her left ear. Finally they tested to see if she had permanent hearing loss (they put the sounds under your ear so that it doesn't have to go through the fluid) and luckily, there was no sign of permanent damage. Audiologist then discussed the results and our options. She basically said Quinn has what they would call "temporary hearing loss." But, the temporary could be a couple days, weeks, months or even years depending on how long the fluid remains. So we could watch and wait or consider tubes. I am tired of watching/waiting. Back to the waiting room.
Then about 5 minutes later, we got called back to see the doctor again. When he came into the room, this is what he said: "It appears that I'm going to need to change my mind and put some tubes in." Alleluia! We have her appointment in early May to get her some tubes!
We didn't sit down for much more than 5 minutes when we got called back again. First they did some Tympanograms which help measure how well sound is bounces off the ear drum. They should be "spiky", but Quinnie's were flat. Then they did a hearing test which has someone in front of us sort of keeping her attention while noises are made on either side of her. I could even tell that her right ear was better than her left ear. Finally they tested to see if she had permanent hearing loss (they put the sounds under your ear so that it doesn't have to go through the fluid) and luckily, there was no sign of permanent damage. Audiologist then discussed the results and our options. She basically said Quinn has what they would call "temporary hearing loss." But, the temporary could be a couple days, weeks, months or even years depending on how long the fluid remains. So we could watch and wait or consider tubes. I am tired of watching/waiting. Back to the waiting room.
Then about 5 minutes later, we got called back to see the doctor again. When he came into the room, this is what he said: "It appears that I'm going to need to change my mind and put some tubes in." Alleluia! We have her appointment in early May to get her some tubes!
April 13, 2012
Quinnie Ear Update
I know I have been MIA lately, there has just been a lot (both good and bad) going on for us. Today, I will focus on our Quinnie.
As most of you know, Quinn has started receiving some speech help in February and had a hearing test in December. At the hearing test, her hearing tested "normal" but they found middle ear fluid in her ears (more in one than the other). Thus, the doctor wanted us to have an ear re-check in a couple months. Yet, an ear infection came before then, so we had to wait two months after that. Finally, last Monday we had our ear recheck. The doctor said that she still had fluid in her middle ears (but it was not infected). The doctor suggested waiting until her 2 year check-up in a few months to see how it was then since her hearing tested normal. I then began to wonder the point of this ear recheck (besides the cost of the doctor's visit they are getting). I asked a question: "How can we tell the difference between that she can hear a noise vs. distinguishing between sounds?" She couldn't answer me. Then, she said that she could refer me to an ENT for "peace of mind." That is where we will be tomorrow. Wish us luck!
As most of you know, Quinn has started receiving some speech help in February and had a hearing test in December. At the hearing test, her hearing tested "normal" but they found middle ear fluid in her ears (more in one than the other). Thus, the doctor wanted us to have an ear re-check in a couple months. Yet, an ear infection came before then, so we had to wait two months after that. Finally, last Monday we had our ear recheck. The doctor said that she still had fluid in her middle ears (but it was not infected). The doctor suggested waiting until her 2 year check-up in a few months to see how it was then since her hearing tested normal. I then began to wonder the point of this ear recheck (besides the cost of the doctor's visit they are getting). I asked a question: "How can we tell the difference between that she can hear a noise vs. distinguishing between sounds?" She couldn't answer me. Then, she said that she could refer me to an ENT for "peace of mind." That is where we will be tomorrow. Wish us luck!
March 27, 2012
Quinn's progress
Quinn has been receiving extra "help" for about 6 months now.
It started with a developmental interventionist. She started working with Quinn because of her lack of "self-help" skills (she wasn't wanting to feed herself) and because she wasn't walking yet (she was 15 months at this time). She made great progress pretty quickly on this.
Then in December, there was concern about her lack of language and thus, her hearing. I had her hearing tested, which was "normal" but found middle-ear fluid. Needed to have her ears looked at again in 2 months, but she got an ear infection so we have to wait another 2 months (so hopefully can get that done here soon). So, we started working with a speech therapist as well.
The speech therapist started working with Quinn in February. The first few sessions was more about getting to know Quinn (and letting Quinn get familar with her). We have switched Quinn to a hard-spout and/or straw cup as suggested and we're incorporating more signs to help Quinn communicate (for anyone who needs suggestions for signing, the app "sign4me" is really good and shows you many angles). The signs are just supposed to help keep her from getting overly frustrated while learning to verbally communicate. The therapist also said that she would begin to "drop" the signs after she learns the words better.
Every day she is getting better in my mind. She may not be on the "normal" schedule, but in reality what is that? So some people may read this blog and believe that it is my fault as to why Quinn is behind ("She shouldn't be working" or "She obviously isn't spending enough time with her"). However, I know that I have been a great mom to Quinn and will continue to do so. Thanks to everyone who is willing to support us through all of this. We couldn't do it without you!
It started with a developmental interventionist. She started working with Quinn because of her lack of "self-help" skills (she wasn't wanting to feed herself) and because she wasn't walking yet (she was 15 months at this time). She made great progress pretty quickly on this.
Then in December, there was concern about her lack of language and thus, her hearing. I had her hearing tested, which was "normal" but found middle-ear fluid. Needed to have her ears looked at again in 2 months, but she got an ear infection so we have to wait another 2 months (so hopefully can get that done here soon). So, we started working with a speech therapist as well.
The speech therapist started working with Quinn in February. The first few sessions was more about getting to know Quinn (and letting Quinn get familar with her). We have switched Quinn to a hard-spout and/or straw cup as suggested and we're incorporating more signs to help Quinn communicate (for anyone who needs suggestions for signing, the app "sign4me" is really good and shows you many angles). The signs are just supposed to help keep her from getting overly frustrated while learning to verbally communicate. The therapist also said that she would begin to "drop" the signs after she learns the words better.
Every day she is getting better in my mind. She may not be on the "normal" schedule, but in reality what is that? So some people may read this blog and believe that it is my fault as to why Quinn is behind ("She shouldn't be working" or "She obviously isn't spending enough time with her"). However, I know that I have been a great mom to Quinn and will continue to do so. Thanks to everyone who is willing to support us through all of this. We couldn't do it without you!
March 19, 2012
Outfit of the Week
March 12, 2012
Outfit of the Week
Spring is coming...
Dress: Old Navy Women's Tiered - Gauze Print Sundress - current price: $29.94.
Shoes: Old Navy Women's Mixed Pleated Wedge - current price: $29.94
Dress: Old Navy Women's Tiered - Gauze Print Sundress - current price: $29.94.
Jacket: Sonoma life + style Crop Denim Jacket - current price at Kohls: $29.99. (Would look cute in blue denim too!)
Shoes: Old Navy Women's Mixed Pleated Wedge - current price: $29.94
March 9, 2012
Tacorito
Unfortunately, I don't have pics of this meal, but it is so good and easy it got ate up before I could take a picture :)
Tacorito
Sauce:
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can full of water
1/2 can of milk
1 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients above in medium sauce pan over medium-low heat. Stir with a wire whisk. Simmer for about 25-30 minutes
Assembly time:
1 pound ground hamburger or diced chicken breast, cooked and drained
8 burrito size tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for filling
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
For each tortilla, put a little cheddar cheese, some of the meat and about 2 tablespoons of the sauce. Roll up like a burrito (ends in) and place in lightly greased 9x13 pan. Do all 8 tortillas.
Pour the rest of the sauce on top of the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake covered at 325 for 20-30 minutes
Tacorito
Sauce:
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can full of water
1/2 can of milk
1 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients above in medium sauce pan over medium-low heat. Stir with a wire whisk. Simmer for about 25-30 minutes
Assembly time:
1 pound ground hamburger or diced chicken breast, cooked and drained
8 burrito size tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for filling
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
For each tortilla, put a little cheddar cheese, some of the meat and about 2 tablespoons of the sauce. Roll up like a burrito (ends in) and place in lightly greased 9x13 pan. Do all 8 tortillas.
Pour the rest of the sauce on top of the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake covered at 325 for 20-30 minutes
March 8, 2012
What is normal?
I remember not so long ago when I had my son, Owen, how much I looked forward to every doctor's visit to be able to tell them all the cool things that he had been doing. How great of an eater he was, how he had surpassed any milestone they believed he should have reached.
Owen was a relatively easy baby when it came to many things. He was a great sleeper, ate almost everything you gave him, transititioned off of the bottle without even blinking an eye. He even just "lost" his pacifier one day at daycare and never looked back.
Now with my Quinnie, I actually don't want to go to the doctor to find out what she is "behind" on this time. Everyday, we make progress with her. Yet everytime that I have gone in, it never fails, that all of the hope I had that we were finally get her back to "normal" I would find out that we're "behind" on something else.
I don't feel like I did things much differently with Quinn than I did with Owen. The main difference was needing to make sure that she gained weight (where Owen had no concern with this!).
I still believe that I'm a good Mom and that I'm doing what I can for my little girl. We're playing even more with her now, working on signs to help with communication as she tries to pick up more on speech, taking more control with eating, but it is so hard with her not talking.
Each child can be so different and deserves to be treated as an individual. I am confident that things will get better and better with time. Yet as we get closer and closer to Quinn's next check-up (at 2 years in June), keep me in your thoughts please as I'm now the parent who no longer looks forward to "bragging", but I'm the parent who is constantly made to feel like a failure.
Owen was a relatively easy baby when it came to many things. He was a great sleeper, ate almost everything you gave him, transititioned off of the bottle without even blinking an eye. He even just "lost" his pacifier one day at daycare and never looked back.
Now with my Quinnie, I actually don't want to go to the doctor to find out what she is "behind" on this time. Everyday, we make progress with her. Yet everytime that I have gone in, it never fails, that all of the hope I had that we were finally get her back to "normal" I would find out that we're "behind" on something else.
I don't feel like I did things much differently with Quinn than I did with Owen. The main difference was needing to make sure that she gained weight (where Owen had no concern with this!).
I still believe that I'm a good Mom and that I'm doing what I can for my little girl. We're playing even more with her now, working on signs to help with communication as she tries to pick up more on speech, taking more control with eating, but it is so hard with her not talking.
Each child can be so different and deserves to be treated as an individual. I am confident that things will get better and better with time. Yet as we get closer and closer to Quinn's next check-up (at 2 years in June), keep me in your thoughts please as I'm now the parent who no longer looks forward to "bragging", but I'm the parent who is constantly made to feel like a failure.
March 6, 2012
Date Night!
My husband and I finally got to go out on a date last Friday night. And when I say "finally" I mean FINALLY!! The last date that we went on (i.e. we left the house without kiddos and weren't home until they were asleep) was April 2010. That's right, that was not a typo - April 2010.
When we moved away, I never dreamed how hard it would be to find someone to watch your kids that you trust with them and that wants to be with them. I had a student last semester who told me that she wanted to meet my kids so that she could watch them so hubby and I could go out. Well - we finally did it! Now, it was still tough leaving them and wondering how things were going (Quinn has been quite the handful and Owen had that boo-boo on this chin).
We didn't do anything "spectacularly" fun. It didn't help that we had storms in the area reported before we went out so I didn't want to go too far away. We ended up going to eat at Outback Steakhouse. This in itself was amazing! I got to order what I wanted (not worrying about what Quinn or Owen would eat off of me) and they even had their Baked Potato Soup back! We got to talk to each other without being drowned out by (or constantly concerned with) the children.
We were then going to go bowling, but hubby has a sore knee so we went to a movie. Not a good movie by any means, but a time where we got to watch something without being interupted or so late that we would fall asleep! Then we went and got a drink and came home around 10:30. Not a late night, but a date night...finally! Hopefully we get to do it again sometime before another 2 years goes by :)
When we moved away, I never dreamed how hard it would be to find someone to watch your kids that you trust with them and that wants to be with them. I had a student last semester who told me that she wanted to meet my kids so that she could watch them so hubby and I could go out. Well - we finally did it! Now, it was still tough leaving them and wondering how things were going (Quinn has been quite the handful and Owen had that boo-boo on this chin).
We didn't do anything "spectacularly" fun. It didn't help that we had storms in the area reported before we went out so I didn't want to go too far away. We ended up going to eat at Outback Steakhouse. This in itself was amazing! I got to order what I wanted (not worrying about what Quinn or Owen would eat off of me) and they even had their Baked Potato Soup back! We got to talk to each other without being drowned out by (or constantly concerned with) the children.
We were then going to go bowling, but hubby has a sore knee so we went to a movie. Not a good movie by any means, but a time where we got to watch something without being interupted or so late that we would fall asleep! Then we went and got a drink and came home around 10:30. Not a late night, but a date night...finally! Hopefully we get to do it again sometime before another 2 years goes by :)
March 5, 2012
Outfit of the Week
I saw this dress and knew I just had to share!
Dress: Old Navy's Women's Pleated Chiffon Tie-Belt Dress - current price: $34.94.
Dress: Old Navy's Women's Pleated Chiffon Tie-Belt Dress - current price: $34.94.
Shoes: Bandolino Pritchett Sandals - current price at DSW: $49.95
March 1, 2012
Owen update
Owen is doing awesome in kindergarten! I have got good "report cards" for him from both his teachers (including the daycare kindergarten). In addition, I have asked (just to make sure) if his teachers recommend that he go on to 1st grade or stay back in kindergarten and they have both almost been surprised that I even asked and enthusiastically tell me yes he should go on to 1st grade.
We've signed Owen up for t-ball this year and the practices are supposed to start in April. Looking forward to that - especially getting him outside to do something fun!
Yesterday, my Owen got hurt at his daycare while playing outside (tripped and hit his mouth on a plastic stair). I got the call while I was teaching so I didn't even notice until I was done teaching. They said his mouth was bleeding and he was crying pretty bad. They had put ice on it. When I got there, he was acting like his normal self and didn't even seem to be phased. I do wish I had seen it happen so I knew exactly what had happen. Luckily, it appears he hit between his lips and chin.
Today, he was supposed to dress up like his favorite character in his favorite book - he wanted to be Woody. I had nothing cowboy lying around and we were told that we shouldn't have to go out and buy things for this. Luckily, a friend let us borrow some cowboy stuff. I think he looks pretty cute!
Owen is generally a pretty good boy; sometimes I am amazed at what a sweet boy I have. Then, of course, I sometimes wonder where the little hellion (never had to spell that before!) comes from. Yet no matter what "I love him around the whole wide world!"
We've signed Owen up for t-ball this year and the practices are supposed to start in April. Looking forward to that - especially getting him outside to do something fun!
Yesterday, my Owen got hurt at his daycare while playing outside (tripped and hit his mouth on a plastic stair). I got the call while I was teaching so I didn't even notice until I was done teaching. They said his mouth was bleeding and he was crying pretty bad. They had put ice on it. When I got there, he was acting like his normal self and didn't even seem to be phased. I do wish I had seen it happen so I knew exactly what had happen. Luckily, it appears he hit between his lips and chin.
Today, he was supposed to dress up like his favorite character in his favorite book - he wanted to be Woody. I had nothing cowboy lying around and we were told that we shouldn't have to go out and buy things for this. Luckily, a friend let us borrow some cowboy stuff. I think he looks pretty cute!
Owen is generally a pretty good boy; sometimes I am amazed at what a sweet boy I have. Then, of course, I sometimes wonder where the little hellion (never had to spell that before!) comes from. Yet no matter what "I love him around the whole wide world!"
February 28, 2012
Be back soon!
I know I have been MIA lately. Having time to blog is something I look forward to (as well as getting to read blogs). I have been up to my elbows in tests since Thursday and hope to find my way out this week. Next week is spring break so I know I will get caught up soon. It is my own fault for giving tests during the same week in all my classes! (135 lower level exams and 29 upper level exams with in-class and take-home components - what was I thinking!!)
But...I promise I'll be back so please give me a day or so and I'll be back to my normal self :)
But...I promise I'll be back so please give me a day or so and I'll be back to my normal self :)
February 24, 2012
Easy Egg Bake
I have been getting home pretty late for the last week (after 6pm) and the last thing I want to do is figure out what is for supper when I walk in the door. So I like when most of my work is done in advance!!
Easy Egg Bake
Spray 8x8 baking dish
Layer the following in dish in order listed:
Mix below ingredients and then pour over the above ingredients
Refrigerate overnight (covered)
Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 300 degrees
Easy Egg Bake
Spray 8x8 baking dish
Layer the following in dish in order listed:
- 3 slices of bread with crust removed, cut into small pieces
- 0.5 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup of diced ham (or bacon or sausage)
- 1/4 cup melted margarine
Mix below ingredients and then pour over the above ingredients
- 6 eggs beaten
- 0.5 tsp salt
- pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups milk
Refrigerate overnight (covered)
Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 300 degrees
February 22, 2012
Lent - giving up?
I remember when I was in high school, some of my friends would talk about giving something up for lent. I had never really heard of that before (they were Catholic, I am not). Yet one year, I decided to give it a try. I decided to give up chocolate. Now my Dad was pretty skeptical about me being able to do this. He bet me $5 that I couldn't do it. Now, I have to admit, I never realized at that time how many things I ate that had chocolate in them that weren't just "candy bars" - I mean, even my Quaker granola bars had chocolate chips in them! The closest I got to losing the bet (unintentionally of course) was when I was helping out for a veteran's fundraiser and got done cutting a chocolate cake and I almost licked the knife :) But, I did end up doing it.
Now as an adult, I haven't really thought much about "giving something up" for lent anymore. I had a hard time with this idea as then I would just go back to my same habits after those 40 days. So this year, I'm going to try something new.
This year I'm going to take something on instead of giving something up. I'm going to take on trying to drink more water (and then hopefully less pop). I'm going to take on trying to eat healthier, especially snack healthier (and then hopefully less sugary snacks).
So today I stop trying to only be better for a short time and try to become better for the long run.
Anyone here doing anything special for lent?
Now as an adult, I haven't really thought much about "giving something up" for lent anymore. I had a hard time with this idea as then I would just go back to my same habits after those 40 days. So this year, I'm going to try something new.
This year I'm going to take something on instead of giving something up. I'm going to take on trying to drink more water (and then hopefully less pop). I'm going to take on trying to eat healthier, especially snack healthier (and then hopefully less sugary snacks).
So today I stop trying to only be better for a short time and try to become better for the long run.
Anyone here doing anything special for lent?
February 20, 2012
Outfit of the Week
Ready for spring?
Dress: Worthington Sleeveless Maxi Dress - current price at JcPenney: $35
Dress: Worthington Sleeveless Maxi Dress - current price at JcPenney: $35
Shoes: a.n.a Corinne Thong Sandals - current price at JcPenney: $25
Bracelets: Jennifer Lopez Gold Tone Twisted Bangle Bracelet - current price at Kohls: $14.30
February 16, 2012
I'm ready for a healthly household!
I know I'm not the only one who is getting tired of a sick household! However, this past 2 weeks has been a bit frustrating. Here is the story:
Quinn was not eating very well and she had a cold. However, since our little Quinn is so tiny as it is, I was getting nervous about her going for so long without eating very well. Bronchiolitis was going around the daycare so I finally decided after a week of this, it was time to get her seen (she never had a fever nor sounded wheezy, but come on, it was time!) Good news was that everything was great...except her ears. We had a double ear infection which was our main culprit of not wanting to eat.
The hubby started feeling bad shortly after this (Super Bowl Sunday) and he is one that gets sinus infections pretty easy and they seem to be very hard for him to get rid of. He went to the doctor that Tuesday, and they didn't really think anything was wrong.
Fast forward to last weekend. Hubby was feeling a little better so he went on his dart tournament from Friday night - late Saturday (so he came home on Sunday). Owen wakes up with a somewhat red eye, but otherwise seems fine. So we all go on about our day. Saturday morning, Owen looks about the same but as the morning progressed, his eyes got redder. Hmm...was this pink-eye? I hate always jumping to the conclusion that any red in the eye means pink-eye. Finally around noon I go to the restroom and look in the mirror and look a bit closer and low and behold, one of my eyes is starting to get red. Darn pink-eye! Got us some eye drop antibiotics. Luckily, Quinn didn't get it!
Then late Saturday I start coming down with a sore throat and hubby gets home and doesn't look so good either. He goes to the doctor again on Valentine's day to be told he not only has a sinus infection, but bronchitis to boot.
Will it ever end?!?
Quinn was not eating very well and she had a cold. However, since our little Quinn is so tiny as it is, I was getting nervous about her going for so long without eating very well. Bronchiolitis was going around the daycare so I finally decided after a week of this, it was time to get her seen (she never had a fever nor sounded wheezy, but come on, it was time!) Good news was that everything was great...except her ears. We had a double ear infection which was our main culprit of not wanting to eat.
The hubby started feeling bad shortly after this (Super Bowl Sunday) and he is one that gets sinus infections pretty easy and they seem to be very hard for him to get rid of. He went to the doctor that Tuesday, and they didn't really think anything was wrong.
Fast forward to last weekend. Hubby was feeling a little better so he went on his dart tournament from Friday night - late Saturday (so he came home on Sunday). Owen wakes up with a somewhat red eye, but otherwise seems fine. So we all go on about our day. Saturday morning, Owen looks about the same but as the morning progressed, his eyes got redder. Hmm...was this pink-eye? I hate always jumping to the conclusion that any red in the eye means pink-eye. Finally around noon I go to the restroom and look in the mirror and look a bit closer and low and behold, one of my eyes is starting to get red. Darn pink-eye! Got us some eye drop antibiotics. Luckily, Quinn didn't get it!
Then late Saturday I start coming down with a sore throat and hubby gets home and doesn't look so good either. He goes to the doctor again on Valentine's day to be told he not only has a sinus infection, but bronchitis to boot.
Will it ever end?!?
February 14, 2012
Need some sweets?
So, last night I made a lot of mini-cupcakes for the kids' valentines parties.
Although these are nice, thought I'd give you some more exciting sweet treats (with the link-ups) that I've found online lately!
The first couple of recipes all come from My Baking Addiction
Chambord Cupcakes: Adult cupcakes :)
Although these are nice, thought I'd give you some more exciting sweet treats (with the link-ups) that I've found online lately!
The first couple of recipes all come from My Baking Addiction
Chambord Cupcakes: Adult cupcakes :)
Red Velvet cupcakes in a jar: For gifts to anyone!
Then for those of us who want recipes that are really simple...
I'll refer to these as Easy Brownies. Found them via The Londoner
February 13, 2012
Outfit of the Week
Shirt: Women's Printed Bow-Tie Chiffon Top - current price at Old Navy: $24.94
Blazer: Women's Denim Blazers - current price at Old Navy: $39.94
Pants: Bright Denim Skinny Jeans - current price at New York and Company: $59.95.
Deal Alert: All pants and jeans are currently buy one get one free at NYand Company!
Shoes: Bandolino Annemarie Pump - current price at DSW: $59.95
Blazer: Women's Denim Blazers - current price at Old Navy: $39.94
Pants: Bright Denim Skinny Jeans - current price at New York and Company: $59.95.
Deal Alert: All pants and jeans are currently buy one get one free at NYand Company!
Shoes: Bandolino Annemarie Pump - current price at DSW: $59.95
February 10, 2012
Quinn's speech update
Quinn started her speech help on Tuesday this week. As this was our first experience with a new person, our therapist mainly observed Quinn to get to know her and to let Quinn get used to seeing her as well.
The therapist mentioned that she wouldn't be surprised if the middle ear fluid was the biggest obstacle in Quinn's way right now. She asked if we were having her hearing re-tested as suggested and I told her I was going to at the end of this month, but then Quinn got a double-ear infection so we have to wait 6-8 weeks after she finishes her antibiotics before we can have it tested again.
When people asked me about getting her these services and wondering if I have "jumped the gun" since she hasn't been formally tested for a speech delay, I said "what could it hurt?" Why wouldn't I get these services for her if they are willing to help provide them at a very reasonable cost for us? I would rather get the services and find out that she would have been fine without them then to find out that she could have benefited greatly from them and I didn't get them for her.
Hoping her communication gets better and better. She has definitely began to start attempting to communicate more through more sounds and gestures. In addition, she has began to understand more of what we are saying too!
The therapist mentioned that she wouldn't be surprised if the middle ear fluid was the biggest obstacle in Quinn's way right now. She asked if we were having her hearing re-tested as suggested and I told her I was going to at the end of this month, but then Quinn got a double-ear infection so we have to wait 6-8 weeks after she finishes her antibiotics before we can have it tested again.
When people asked me about getting her these services and wondering if I have "jumped the gun" since she hasn't been formally tested for a speech delay, I said "what could it hurt?" Why wouldn't I get these services for her if they are willing to help provide them at a very reasonable cost for us? I would rather get the services and find out that she would have been fine without them then to find out that she could have benefited greatly from them and I didn't get them for her.
Hoping her communication gets better and better. She has definitely began to start attempting to communicate more through more sounds and gestures. In addition, she has began to understand more of what we are saying too!
February 7, 2012
Quick Quinn Update
Took Quinn to the doctor on Friday afternoon - no fever, no wheezing or any sounds of concerns in her breathing (thank goodness), a little red throat and a double ear infection :( Amoxicillan for 10 days.
Today she is acting much more like herself. Still not eating well but headed in the right direction!
Today she is acting much more like herself. Still not eating well but headed in the right direction!
February 6, 2012
Outfit of the Week
Top: Bisou Cami Top, Ruffled Trim - current price at JcPenney: $16
Jeans: Lee Slender Secret Jeans - current price at JcPenny: $30.00
Sweater: nicole by Nicole Miller Stripe Sweater - current price at JcPenney: $25.00
Jeans: Lee Slender Secret Jeans - current price at JcPenny: $30.00
Shoes: Call It Spring Chynna Sandal - current price at JcPenney - $40
Purse: Nicole by Nicole Miller Bella Shopper Handbag - current price at JcPenney: $40.00
February 3, 2012
Quinnie Update
The last 10 days have been pretty rough with Quinn. She hasn't been feeling well but she hasn't ever had a fever. She has had a runny nose, cough (sometimes to the point where she sounds like she might get sick), and hardly any appetite. Doesn't help that she is also teething. So ibuprofen is making her feel better but no fever? In addition, she isn't wheezing (thank heavens) which we've been watching as a baby in the other room at daycare had gotten bronchiolitis. I think I may have to take her to the doctor today to make sure that this is just a cold and nothing more serious.
Before this illness, she was eating pretty well and starting to "talk" a lot more. She absolutlely loves to make funny sounds with her lips :)
Quinn appears to have a big fascination with ....cows! It all started with our farm animal puzzle that we got out for her in early September. She got very attached to the cow puzzle piece (it was the only thing that made her happy at Owen's birthday - she didn't let go of it for about 2 hours!) In the last month, she will giggle when I make a "moo" sound for her. But to top it all off, when I drop her off at daycare now, the first thing she goes to is the pile of stuffed animals and she picks up the stuffed cow and carries it around!
Haven't found out about the middle ear stuff yet as they wanted us to come back in late January - mid February to have it looked at again (in case she only had it from not feeling well), but she isn't feeling well now either so I don't know if when I take her to the doctor today if they will be able to make any decisions further about that!
Before this illness, she was eating pretty well and starting to "talk" a lot more. She absolutlely loves to make funny sounds with her lips :)
Quinn appears to have a big fascination with ....cows! It all started with our farm animal puzzle that we got out for her in early September. She got very attached to the cow puzzle piece (it was the only thing that made her happy at Owen's birthday - she didn't let go of it for about 2 hours!) In the last month, she will giggle when I make a "moo" sound for her. But to top it all off, when I drop her off at daycare now, the first thing she goes to is the pile of stuffed animals and she picks up the stuffed cow and carries it around!
Haven't found out about the middle ear stuff yet as they wanted us to come back in late January - mid February to have it looked at again (in case she only had it from not feeling well), but she isn't feeling well now either so I don't know if when I take her to the doctor today if they will be able to make any decisions further about that!
January 31, 2012
Christmas Weekend
I know that this is very belated...but it took me awhile to remember to upload the pictures!
One of the best things about Christmas being on a weekend was that Daddy didn't have to work at all on Christmas Eve!
Christmas Eve:
We let the kids each open one present on Christmas Eve - Quinn opened a Little People book that has flaps that you open and see what is inside. Owen opened a Spiderman puzzle. Then him and Daddy put it together:
And Quinn wanted to help too!
I made my Baked Potato Soup for supper that night (along with grilled cheese with bacon). Then we went to Christmas Eve service at our church - Owen got to hold his own candle at the end of the service. We had to blow it out early as he was being dripped on :)
Then we put out the Reindeer Food that Owen made at school and also put out some chocolate milk and peanut butter kiss cookies for Santa.
Christmas:
I woke up not feeling the greatest so Daddy got up with the kids and I slept a bit longer but knew I shouldn't keep the kiddos waiting too long to open presents.
Owen got a Nintendo 3DS with a couple games (Mario World and Legos Star Wars) and a case for it. He also got some wall tracks, books, a new coat, lots of clothes, and an Angry Birds toy for his backpack.
Quinn got an activity block, lots of clothes, a "car", puzzles, and her first pair of DSW shoes :)
Daddy got a lot of darts supplies and Mommy got a new pair of shoes (Nothing says love quite like getting each other their favorite obsession that you don't quite understand!).
We had pancakes, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and eggs for lunch. Followed by some Oreo chocolate pie.
We then played some board games! All in all, a great day!
One of the best things about Christmas being on a weekend was that Daddy didn't have to work at all on Christmas Eve!
Christmas Eve:
We let the kids each open one present on Christmas Eve - Quinn opened a Little People book that has flaps that you open and see what is inside. Owen opened a Spiderman puzzle. Then him and Daddy put it together:
And Quinn wanted to help too!
I made my Baked Potato Soup for supper that night (along with grilled cheese with bacon). Then we went to Christmas Eve service at our church - Owen got to hold his own candle at the end of the service. We had to blow it out early as he was being dripped on :)
Then we put out the Reindeer Food that Owen made at school and also put out some chocolate milk and peanut butter kiss cookies for Santa.
Christmas:
I woke up not feeling the greatest so Daddy got up with the kids and I slept a bit longer but knew I shouldn't keep the kiddos waiting too long to open presents.
Owen got a Nintendo 3DS with a couple games (Mario World and Legos Star Wars) and a case for it. He also got some wall tracks, books, a new coat, lots of clothes, and an Angry Birds toy for his backpack.
Quinn got an activity block, lots of clothes, a "car", puzzles, and her first pair of DSW shoes :)
Daddy got a lot of darts supplies and Mommy got a new pair of shoes (Nothing says love quite like getting each other their favorite obsession that you don't quite understand!).
We had pancakes, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and eggs for lunch. Followed by some Oreo chocolate pie.
We then played some board games! All in all, a great day!
January 30, 2012
Outfit of the Week
Now for those of us with a much more casual Valentine's Day ahead, here is an oufit that can take you out for a fun night of bowling...ooh, that sounds like fun!
Top: St. Johns Bay Mix Print Top - current price at JcPenney: $11.00
Jeans: Levi's 515 Bootcut Jeans - current price at JcPenney: $37.00
Shoes: east 5th Sicily Peep-Toe Leather Slingbacks - current price at JcPenney: $35.00
Top: St. Johns Bay Mix Print Top - current price at JcPenney: $11.00
Jeans: Levi's 515 Bootcut Jeans - current price at JcPenney: $37.00
Shoes: east 5th Sicily Peep-Toe Leather Slingbacks - current price at JcPenney: $35.00
Bracelet: Jennifer Lopez SilverTone Openwork Cuff Bracelet - current price at Kohls: $18.20.
Now, I think I would where this more often than the "fancy" outfit, but I like both!
January 27, 2012
Runza Recipe
About a week ago, I mentioned that I made some homemade Runzas. Today, I will share the "recipe." Note that this recipe make a lot of Runzas (72 small) so I freeze some in foil for quick meals later!
For 72 (ish) Runzas:
6 pounds 80-85% lean ground beef
1 small head of cabbage
1 large onion
72 Rhodes dinner rolls (frozen section)
First note the direction on the rolls - they take about 3-5 hours to rise, so you need to get the first batch out about 4 hours before you are ready to start really making them, then the other batch out an hour later.
Chop (or grate or dice) onion and cabbage to desired size (I grate mine in a blender and the kids don't even know they are eating some veggies then).
Brown (with salt and pepper) hamburger (I do about 1 lb at a time) and put in large pot with some of the grease. Add the onion and cabbage (as well as a bit more salt and pepper) and simmer for at least 10 minutes.
Put some of the meat mixture in a colander.
Roll out one of the pieces of roll and add a heaping scoop of meat mixture, seal dough.
Continue for each.
Bake on GREASED baking sheet for 15-20 minutes.
(Feel free to add more to the runzas - I add cheese, but some people may add olives, mushrooms, etc)
For Runzas that you've frozen, you can reheat in the foil they were stored in. Bake them for about an hour at 300, then "open" the package and bake for another 10 minutes.
Enjoy!
For 72 (ish) Runzas:
6 pounds 80-85% lean ground beef
1 small head of cabbage
1 large onion
72 Rhodes dinner rolls (frozen section)
First note the direction on the rolls - they take about 3-5 hours to rise, so you need to get the first batch out about 4 hours before you are ready to start really making them, then the other batch out an hour later.
Chop (or grate or dice) onion and cabbage to desired size (I grate mine in a blender and the kids don't even know they are eating some veggies then).
Brown (with salt and pepper) hamburger (I do about 1 lb at a time) and put in large pot with some of the grease. Add the onion and cabbage (as well as a bit more salt and pepper) and simmer for at least 10 minutes.
Put some of the meat mixture in a colander.
Roll out one of the pieces of roll and add a heaping scoop of meat mixture, seal dough.
Continue for each.
Bake on GREASED baking sheet for 15-20 minutes.
(Feel free to add more to the runzas - I add cheese, but some people may add olives, mushrooms, etc)
For Runzas that you've frozen, you can reheat in the foil they were stored in. Bake them for about an hour at 300, then "open" the package and bake for another 10 minutes.
January 26, 2012
Time waits for no one
A friend of mine's wife gave birth to their child last night...very early (almost 3 months). I ask that all that of you, please pray for the child who is in NICU (his wife is doing ok).
When I heard this, it makes me realize how precious time is, and that it waited for no one! Thus, it reminded me of this poem (author unknown):
When I heard this, it makes me realize how precious time is, and that it waited for no one! Thus, it reminded me of this poem (author unknown):
To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.
**********
To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.
**********
To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.
**********
To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.
**********
To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
**********
To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.
**********
To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.
**********
Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special
January 25, 2012
Parent-Teacher Conference
So, last night we got to have our first parent-teacher conference. Daddy stayed home with the kids and I went to meet Owen's kindergarten teacher. She was a bit behind schedule, but I'm sure it is hard to force parents out if they still have questions/concerns. When I got in there, she told me that she would take some time to talk to me about Owen's social skills, as I was a bit concerned at the beginning of the school year, especially since he was the youngest in his class. But first, she was going to talk about his test scores.
There were 3 mains areas that they tested (two were of "reading" types - visual recognition but then verbal as well, the other was math). In each area there were about 3-4 sub-tests in which students were given a task and they had a minute to complete as many of that task successfully as possible. In order to see how each student is doing, there are goals (or benchmarks) that they would like students to be able to complete. Owen beat all of the goals on all of the sub-tests! In addition, his "math" tests were at the first grade's benchmarks!
In addition, he made great progress on reading and is right where he should be with that. He understands sentence structure (capital first letter, punctuation at the end, spaces between words) and uses it when asked to write a sentence. Finally, their last task was to write the numbers 1-20 in these boxes without looking at any numbers for reference - he did awesome!
She then moved to social skills and asked if I was as worried anymore, which I'm not. He comes home with great stories about friends, he'll tell me that he isn't friends with some of the kids because they do "bad things." She then told me that once Owen realized that he didn't have to "take" things and could say how he felt, she noticed a great improvement is his social skills and she believes that he is doing great at it too!
So, in other words I heard what every parent would like to hear. I'm very happy and proud of Owen that he is doing so well. I think we made the right choice with starting him young.
You are doing awesome, my Owen!
There were 3 mains areas that they tested (two were of "reading" types - visual recognition but then verbal as well, the other was math). In each area there were about 3-4 sub-tests in which students were given a task and they had a minute to complete as many of that task successfully as possible. In order to see how each student is doing, there are goals (or benchmarks) that they would like students to be able to complete. Owen beat all of the goals on all of the sub-tests! In addition, his "math" tests were at the first grade's benchmarks!
In addition, he made great progress on reading and is right where he should be with that. He understands sentence structure (capital first letter, punctuation at the end, spaces between words) and uses it when asked to write a sentence. Finally, their last task was to write the numbers 1-20 in these boxes without looking at any numbers for reference - he did awesome!
She then moved to social skills and asked if I was as worried anymore, which I'm not. He comes home with great stories about friends, he'll tell me that he isn't friends with some of the kids because they do "bad things." She then told me that once Owen realized that he didn't have to "take" things and could say how he felt, she noticed a great improvement is his social skills and she believes that he is doing great at it too!
So, in other words I heard what every parent would like to hear. I'm very happy and proud of Owen that he is doing so well. I think we made the right choice with starting him young.
You are doing awesome, my Owen!
Owen at 15 months
Owen at almost 5!
January 24, 2012
Why is it...
Why is it...
- that there are signs on the wall that say "please throw trash away" yet no trash can in the room?
- that the second I sit down to supper I hear "Mommy, I need more drink?"
- that we always want something to look forward to vs enjoying the here and now?
- that the game Hungry Hungry Hippos does NOT fit in the box once assembled?
- that technology is suddenly "not working" 30 minutes before the homework deadline?
- that when you finally throw away a piece of junk that you've kept for years, you need it the next week?
- that you can't tickle yourself?
- that people don't like seeing larger people work out? (What is the point of working out folks!?!)
- that we expect more of mothers than fathers?
- that the more I think about something the more confused I get?
- that people can win a million dollars for knowing "useless" information but we can't give more scholarships to people who actual have useful information?
January 23, 2012
Outfit of the Week
With Valentine's Day coming up, I thought I would put together a more "fancy" outfit for the women who are lucky enough to be going to a place where this is desired. (Don't worry, I'll put together a more "casual" outfit for those of us who aren't going fancy!)
Dress: American Living Seamed V-Neck Sheath Dress - current price at JcPenney: $50
Shrug (if you want): Jump Apparel Shirred Sleeve Shrug - current price at JcPenney: $20.
Necklace: JcPenney Fashion Jewelry Rhinestone Necklace - current price: $20.
Dress: American Living Seamed V-Neck Sheath Dress - current price at JcPenney: $50
Shrug (if you want): Jump Apparel Shirred Sleeve Shrug - current price at JcPenney: $20.
Necklace: JcPenney Fashion Jewelry Rhinestone Necklace - current price: $20.
Shoes: Jacqueline Ferrar Women's Lara Glitter Pumps - current price at JcPenney: $40.
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