Get it Together Mama

I have NO idea why this picture makes me so stinkin' proud.  Whatever the reason, I can't seem to stop looking at it.  I haven't dared move the toys either.  Not sure when or if I will either.  I don't know if its because he actually lined them up so neatly.  Maybe its the teacher coming out in me.  It could simply just be the fact that he is starting to show more structure in his playing habits.  Who knows.

All I know is this might just be one of the proudest moments for me as a mother.  I know, it sounds absolutely ridiculous.  Something as simple as lining up 4 trucks/cars worthy of a blog post, making me THIS proud I could seriously go on and on and on about it.

I just wish I could put my finger on it.  I wish I knew what exactly it is about this "line up" that makes my heart beam with pride.  Regardless, its moments like this I work so hard for on a daily basis.  I LOVE turning my head for a second or walking out of the room for a minute only to return to a surprise like this, not a total mess all over the place.  Phoenix is truly a wonderfully behaved child and sometimes I forget how Blessed I am.  

Ha-maybe that's it.  Maybe, the trucks were blog worthy to remind me just how Blessed I am.  I've been struggling with a few things lately and I've really needed to reevaluate some stuff and maybe, just maybe, that's just what Phoenix was trying to tell me.  He was trying to tell me to get my priorities in line.  Its amazing how much my Buttah teaches me.  If only I'd learn to stop and listen more often!

Seriously-I had no clue what this was all about until I started writing this blog, but it all makes sense now.  I just couldn't seem to let it go.  Now I get it :)  However, I'm still super impressed that he lined up all his trucks like that.

Finally, a "Real" Weekend

Weekends don't usually mean much here in this house.  Jason usually works or is gone to the hunting camp, so its just like a Monday, Tuesday, or Friday for that matter.  However, Phoenix and I live for weekends like this past one.  We have been missing Jason like crazy around here lately.  He has been working 6 days a week, leaving early and getting home late.  Then spending day 7 at the hunting camp trying to get everything ready for the upcoming season.  While I know that may not seem important to everyone-trust me, I know more than anyone how unimportant it may sound-I also know how much it means to Jason to have his time down there.  He works so hard to give Phoenix and I the wonderful life we have that I have no place in telling him he can't or shouldn't go.  As much as I'd love to have him here for that day-be it for the family time or more for the help or even more for the relief, I know he needs that time even more than I think I might need it.  So, although I cringe every stinking time he mentions that stupid hunting club, I'm glad he has a place to go and get away from everything.  A place he enjoys and a place that makes him happy and that brings him peace.  He definitely deserves it.

This week was like no other.  He worked long and hard.  However, on Thursday, he TOTALLY surprised me.  We were discussing plans for the weekend. He knew he wanted to be in town and not working on Sunday to attend the event at Slice, so that left either work or hunting club on Saturday.  Either one was fine since I was not use to having him around anyways.  Well, like I said-he TOTALLY surprised me.  I told him Phoenix had a birthday party to go to at noon on Saturday and that I was excited about it, other than the fact that it was a swimming party.  If you know me, you know I don't mix well with a bathing suit.  Especially not after Phoenix :)  Lets not forget the fact that I cannot stand water and I totally despise the act of swimming.  Long story short-he decides to get one of his guys to work Saturday and take the WHOLE day off and skip the weekend at the hunting camp to spend with us.  Are you serious???!!!  He said he's been missing us a lot lately and that would keep me from having to get in the pool but would still allow Phoenix to have fun at the party.  What an awesome Dada :)

So we enjoyed the morning together at home, just hanging out in our pajamas.  It was wonderful.  We then went to the party.  We had a blast and Phoenix loved having Jason there.  I do have to tell you though-Phoenix didn't even end up getting in the pool...opps :)  I did apologize to Jason for it because I felt bad that he took off from work (he is completely booked) so that he could swim with Phoenix and it wasn't even necessary.  He assured me there was no place else he'd rather be swimming or not :)  After the party we headed home for naps.  Phoenix slept-but not very long.  I think he was too excited his Dada was home.  He did play in his crib for a good while though.  Jason got a good nap in though.  Once everyone woke up, we discussed evening plans.  Stay home, walk the mall, zoo, McWane, etc.  Jason suggested Treetop Adventure.  We had never been there, so we thought it was worth a shot.

We loaded up about 5:00 and of course, Phoenix fell asleep not long after we got in the car :)  Once we got there though he was as happy as could be.  He walked around pushing buttons, "playing games," waving to kids,  etc.  He had a blast.  I think my favorite part was seeing Jason witness this for the first time.  I've taken Phoenix to all sorts of different adventures all over town (zoo, McWane, mall, library, etc.) but unfortunately Jason has never gotten to experience any of this with us.  It was just nice to sit back and watch the two of them for once.  Watching the proudness in Jason's eyes as Phoenix just wondered from game to game trying to play is what I live for.  It was priceless.  Before we left, Jason said he wanted to take Phoenix on the go-carts.  I was hesitant but called and spoke to them about it.  I was a little bit more at ease and I knew Jason wouldn't put Phoenix in any danger, so I trusted his decision.  While we were there, the tables turned.  Phoenix and I got soo excited about them, but Jason chickened out.  He didn't feel comfortable taking Phoenix on them.  Normally, I would say Mama knows best, but in this case-we went with Dada knows best and opted to wait.  So instead, we pigged out on pizza, nachos and burgers.  We played a little bit more and then headed home.  It was probably one of the best nights we've had as a family in a LONG time.  I LOVED every second of it.

Sunday morning we woke up and had breakfast together.  We then played together.  We took Phoenix up for a bath and down for a nap to get ready for our big day of Church and lunch at Slice.  I went down early to help Marie set up and Jason and Phoenix met me at Church.  We then headed over to Slice for a nice family lunch.  It was great seeing everyone come together to support such a great cause.  Thank you everyone who came out to support.  We had over 250 people, the ones we knew, come throughout the day to show their support and we raised over $3,000.00 for the IRSF!!!! You people and your generosity for Suki never seem to amaze me!!! We are truly Blessed by each and every one of you!!!  Jason took Phoenix home to nap while I stayed to help Marie a bit more.  I say nap but I really mean "hang out."  Later that evening, Phoenix and I picked up my Dad and headed back down to Slice for dinner.  Jason had some work he needed to go get done and some prep for the upcoming work week so he needed us out of his "hair" for a while :)  We spent some good quality time visiting with family and friends at Slice and supporting a great cause.  Sorry, but Marie has all the pictures from the event.

We came home to spend a little more time with Jason before it was time for bed.  It was by far the best weekend we've had in a loooooong time.  We don't get to see Jason much and while I'm ever so grateful for that (since he is the reason I am able to stay home with my Buttah), we sure do miss him.  We treasure the moments we get with him and try and soak up each and every second possible.  I feel like I'm always trying to go, go, go when we're together and I know all Jason wants to do is relax (he's ALWAYS on the go), but we don't get the opportunity very often.  He is such a trooper and always goes with the flow without complaining.  I think he loves hanging out with us even more than we love it, if thats even possible!!!!

On a side note-Our next BIG event for Suki is coming up and I am super excited about it!!!! We are Raising the Roof for Rett Syndrome.  It is going to be a Night of Karaoke Singing with a Live Band, Silent/Live Auction, Food provided by Slice, Beer/Wine.  A night of Fun for Adults.  Save the Date- November 8th, 2012-just 1 year after Suki was diagnosed (November 3, 2011) at Work Play from 6-11.  Go ahead and get a sitter, this is one event you won't want to miss!!!! For ticket information, feel free to contact me at 205.821-0959 or by email at bestofall13@yahoo.com.

Howdy, Folks

Won'tcha ya be so kind and join me for pizza at Slice on Sunday to help my Best Friend?

I sure would 'preciate ya.

"SLICE" Up Your Life!!!!

Come on, you know it needs it! This Sunday, August 26, 2012 Slice is doing a Fundraiser to benefit Rett Syndrome.  They are going to donate 10% of their TOTAL sales that day (yes, the whole day) to the IRSF (International Rett Syndrome Foundation).  So Come Eat and Drink the Day Away!

The core mission of the IRSF is to fund research for treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome while enhancing the overall quality of life for those living with Rett Syndrome by providing information, programs, and services.  Therefore, the 10% donated by Slice will be used to help find a cure for children suffering like my niece, Suki.

Let me just name a few reasons besides "Slicing" up your life you should go eat there on Sunday.  First, family time.  Who doesn't enjoy a nice meal out with their family.  Good-quality-family-bonding-time.  And look-I've already made the hard decision for you about where to go!!! Also, you don't have to cook.  Who doesn't love an afternoon/night off from cooking and dishes, especially on a school night!!!!! I mean, seriously!!!!  Plus, we are expecting an amazing crowd-so chances are pretty high you will run in to that long lost friend you haven't seen in ages! What a great surprise for a great cause :) 

I'd love to end by saying the biggest bonus of going would be the fact that you might just get to see my beautiful face-which you might-but I can't lie- the biggest bonus to going would be the fact that you will be blessing the lives of soo many girls who depend on us to fight for them.  We truly are their advocates.  They need each and every one of us.  We are their voices.  So please join me in having a "Slice" of pizza on their behalf.  

Thank you Slice and Thank you friends and family.

Makes My Heart Sad..

to see the tears in my sons eyes each and every morning when his Dada leaves for work.  It always seems to do a number on my heart.  The desire this kid has to spend every moment with his dad is indescribable.  Most mornings, after the millions of hugs and kisses, and fights to "come to mama," I usually can get him calm by standing him at the door so we can wave bye to dada for the day.  He is then usually over it.  Its just the "good bye" part that is so hard on me.

On mornings when Jason leaves before Phoenix gets up, my heart really hurts.  Phoenix walks around the house, peeking his head into different rooms in the house calling out "DADA, DADA" as if Jason is going to magically appear.  He does this all morning long.  Just wondering around looking for his Dada.  I guess he thinks he is downstairs getting his truck ready for work and will be up any minute now.  Who knows.  My heart doesn't take well to it though :(

The craziest thing of all though-I swear I think Phoenix knows when its the weekend and Jason is SUPPOSE to be home and not working.  I say this because he has such a harder time in the mornings when Jason goes to work on the weekends.  For instance, Jason ended up leaving an hour later than he was planning to leave this morning simply because Phoenix would not leave his arms.  It literally brought tears to my eyes.  All the kid wants is to be near his Dada.  My heart doesn't hurt because he refuses me, it hurts because he is hurting and because I know it must be a million times harder for Jason than it is for me.  There is NO way I'd be able to leave my kid if I was in that situation.  Jason is a bigger man than I'll ever be :)  That alone shows how much he loves Phoenix.

I love how much Phoenix loves his Dada and the bond that the two already have.  It truly is like nothing in the world.  Phoenix is like a totally different kid when he is with Jason.  They bond over guy things and do things I'd never let him get away with.  He is a spitting image of his daddy in all regards and that might just be one of the millions of reasons I'm soo in love with my little man.  To see the two of them together is like nothing I've ever witnessed.  I look forward to the two of them having more time to bond together in the future and for us to have more time as a family.  Because I'd like to think I fit in there somewhere :)

Our God is an Awesome God.

I'm still amazed by a fact that occurred the night before the strollathon, so I feel moved to share my story with all of you.  I am not sure you will be as touched by it as I am, but I want to write it down-even though I highly doubt I'll ever forget it it-just so I have it to treasure forever as another reminder of just how great our God truly is.

Phoenix usually goes to bed between 6:30-7:00 each and every night.  He wakes between 5:30-6:00.  On rare, and I mean very rare, occasions he will sleep slighly past (6:15ish) and we had one morning he actually slept until 6:30.  Boy did I rejoice :)  He goes down for his first nap around 8:00 and sleeps anywhere from 9:30-10:30.  We then do our thing, eat lunch and have another nap between 1:00-1:30.  He gets up from that nap between 2:30-3:30.  Again, we do our thing, have dinner, bath time and go to bed.  Fairly simple routine around here.

Okay, well seeing that the strollathon didn't start until 6:00, with the actual stroll starting at 6:45, I was literally having daily panic attacks as to how we would survive.  You see-Phoenix LOVES his sleep and he is not afraid to let you know when it is time for bed.  It is probably the only time he truly cries.  He has an obvious, "its time for bed" mode and when it happens, nothing and I mean nothing will help other than HIS own bed.  When I say I've been wrecking my brain trying to come up with a possible solution to getting him to "make it" through at least the stroll, I mean I tried coming up with everything.  Pushing his naps back-problem with that-if he gets overly tired-he doesn't nap well, then doesn't sleep well, then is fussy (uncontrollable screaming) during all awake times, so that was a no go.  Leaving him home with a sitter-but it was too important of an event for our family for him not to be there.  Whatever the option, I tried it, but never found a successful outcome.

So that left me with no other option but to just wing it.  I probably said a billion prayers leading up to that day to just "get me through it" so we could be there to support Suki.  I didn't care how much crying my son was going to do, we weren't going to miss this event, so I just prayed God would give me the patience to deal with my son.  This was about Suki and the other precious girls and nothing was going to take away from that.  End of story.

Friday night, August 3, 2012 the night before the event was like no other in our house.  Phoenix had his dinner and bath and went down for bed somewhere between 6:30-7:00.  Honestly, I don't remember exactly what time.  I got up the next morning, around 4:30 (I usually get up at 5:00) to get some baking done for the bake sale for the strollathon.  I'm happily baking away in a quiet house.  Get one batch of cookies done.  Bake another.  And then another.  Everyone is STILL sleeping.  Might as well keep baking!!!  So that's just what I did!!!! Jason finally woke up around 6:00 or so, but get this------Phoenix didn't get up until 7:20!!!!  Everyone see that???  Our God is an Awesome God!!!!

With him waking up at 7:20, all my worries are over.  Naps are automatically pushed backed without having to worry about him getting over tired!!!! Amen!!!!!  He took his first nap around 10:30 and his second nap from 3:00-5:00.  Talk about awesome timing!!!!  As soon as he got up, we headed out-his timing couldn't have been more perfect!!!

Okay, I mustn't forget to mention that not only was his timing impeccable, he lasted ALL night!!! We stayed to help clean up afterwards and didn't head out until around 10:00 and he was still as happy as could be!!!!!

Our God is an Awesome God.

 

Inadequately Put into Words

As normal, this post was written way back when...I've had issues either getting pictures from the event or transferring them to my computer to upload to my blog...I totally apologize for the delay.  

Last night was the first ever fundraiser in Alabama for Rett Syndrome.  It was a Strollathon.  It was held at Hoover High School.  A ton of blood, sweat, and tears went into making this event what it was. Before I go on and on about last night, I want to fill you in on Rett Syndrome and why its so near and dear to me (even though I'm sure most of you already know-the more its spoken about, the more awareness it brings).

Please ignore the kid in the window!!!

Rett Syndrome (RS) is a development disorder that occurs mainly in girls.  It is caused by a genetic mutation which occurs at the time of conception.  A child with RS is usually born healthy and develops normally until 6-18 months of life, when there is slowing or stagnation of skills.  A period of regression follows when she loses communication skills and purposeful use of her hands.  Soon, stereotyped hand movements, gait disturbances, and slowing of normal head growth become apparent.  

Other problems that RS girls may encounter in their lifetime include: seizures, disorganized breathing patterns, swallowing difficulties, sleeping disturbances, and gall bladder problems. The greatest handicap in RS is APRAXIA, the inability or difficulty to program their body to perform motor movements.  This difficulty interferes with every body movement including eye gaze and speech, thus most do not speak. RS occurs in 1:10,000 female live births and is often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or non- specific developmental delay.  It is diagnosed with a simple blood test along with meeting the diagnostic criteria.

This brings me to Sarah Katherine Bateh.  My #4 of 5 nieces.  Sarah Katherine, my niece, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome on November 3, 2011 by Dr. Alan Percy, a world-renowned Rett Specialist here at UAB.  She had just turned two years old.  She is walking independently, has limited use of her left hand and makes great eye contact.  She is a walking example of the impact of prayer.  To hear her laugh is like no other sound in the world.  Sarah Katherine, known as Suki, has taught me more in her almost 3 years of living than most teach me in a lifetime.  I'm not going to even attempt to name everything she's taught me, but the most important one of all-she has taught me to never give up on my faith in God.  Even when things seem to be at rock bottom or when I'm totally frustrated with life or Phoenix-I think of her and I always seem to land on my knees right where I need to be.  Thank you for that Suki.  Her teachings continue on a daily basis.  She is constantly teaching me about compassion, patience, understanding, thinking outside the box, and so on and so on.  Truly, I cannot say enough about this little girl.  And words don't do her justice anyways.  I think that might be one reason why she may not care to speak-she knows her impact of silence is way bigger than her words 
will ever be.  She simply is amazing.

 

Speaking of amazing.  She has the BEST 4 sisters in the world.  Well, Julia(11mths) doesn't really count at this point, but I have no doubt in my heart she'll be just as loving, caring and guiding towards her as her others are.  Anna (8), Abbie(7) and LuLu(4 1/2) dedicate their days to making sure their sister has what she needs and is safe in her surroundings.  The amazing part is they do it because they love her-not because they feel like they have to.  Never do they complain about it or her.  They always look out for her best interest even before their own.  Their selflessness definitely gives me a reality check and gives me something to strive towards.  We learn from what we witness, and thats exactly where these girls have learned how to care for Suki.  Marie, my sister, has dropped everything in her world to dedicate all her time to Suki.  Be it taking her to all her therapies, attending conferences, working with her at home, she is always striving to help Suki.  And someway, somehow, she STILL manages to care for 4 other children (to and from school, after school activities, field trips, volunteering in classrooms, and an 11mth old who refuses to sleep through the night) and a husband.  Oh-and she has dinner on the table each and every night!  I honestly don't know how she does it day in and day out.  Spending time with her makes me strive to be a better person.  Now Brian, he too does anything and everything to accommodate and help Suki reach new goals.  Works during the day and comes home to a house of 5 women.  That alone is tough!

Can't believe I don't have a picture of LuLu or one with Brian...Sorry guys :(

Okay, back to the strollathon.  Remember, this was the FIRST ever fundraiser here in Alabama for Rett Syndrome.  I think there was a total of a little 300+ people that came out to show their support.  Of that number, 101 of those were TEAM SUKI members!!!! How fantastic is that!!!! If that number alone doesn't say how loved this child and her family is, I don't know what does!  They, as we all are, are truly (I mean to the deepest degree of true) blessed to be surrounded by such selfless people.  The event brought in close to $10,000.  Can you believe it!  It was a HUGE success!  Marie wasn't content with the event itself-go figure-and decided to hold a bake sale at the event.  We pulled together and with the help of some seriously amazing people got it done.  The bake sale brought in $445.00.  I'm still in shock over the generosity of everyone.

That brings me to my next important point of the event.  The supporters.  Whether it was through a monetary donation, a baked good, a walk around the parking lot, a prayer, a past donation, or a simple thought.  It all matters and it goes without saying that without each and every member of Team Suki this, nor any other event would be half of what it is.  Suki would not be making the progress she is able to make nor would the family have the faith, hope and encouragement they have.  My heart swells just thinking about the Blessings that surround the Bateh family 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year.  Words will never be able to adequately describe what it means to our family.  I just pray that each of you realize the impact that you are having not only on Suki and our families but to the world as a whole.  Each and every one of you make the world a better place.  I truly mean this from the bottom of my heart-thank you and I love each and every one of you for what you are doing for my niece and for making me a better person.

A Scattered Mess...

Seems to be the story of our lives lately.  I'm not quite sure why either.  Maybe its because we now have a walker.  Maybe its because its summer and although Phoenix isn't in school, a ton of our friends are and so we've enjoyed spending time with them.  Maybe its just because I've been lazy and haven't gotten the camera out much.  Maybe its this stupid migraine that I've had for over 2 weeks and doesn't seem to want to leave!!!!

Whatever the reason-we are still alive and well, thank God!  We've been having lots of fun lately.  Sadly, I haven't been capturing much of it on camera though.  I'll try and recap a little of what we've been up to lately.

Phoenix is officially walking everywhere.  He loves his new found sense of freedom.  It has amazed me how quickly he picked up on it.  One day he was taking 2-3 steps and the next day he was off, never looking back.  Craziness!!!  With the walking has also come this new interest and love of climbing.  He climbs on EVERYTHING.  From the fireplace to his toys, up on the couch to his riding toys.  You name it, he's climbed it.  I am surprised he hasn't landed in the ER a time or two.

Now that he's walking, I was finally able to take him to the McWane Center.  I've been wanting to take him forever, but didn't think he'd have much fun crawling around everywhere, so I wanted to wait until he was walking fairly steady.  Well, we went the other day with my sister and nieces.  To say he had a BLAST is a complete understatement.  He loved the third floor-which is aimed at his age, but he also loved the other floors (digging for dinosaur bones and all) just as much.  No surprise the water table was a major hit!  Definitely see a season pass in our near future :)

My other sister sent a TON of stuff down with my parents recently.  Adorable clothes and some super fun toys.  Especially the 4wheeler.  Phoenix loves it!  He goes for a ride everyday!  He has a John Deere one that I bought long before I was even pregnant, but its still a little big for him.  This one however, is prefect for him.  He can do it all by himself and he just goes and goes all throughout the parking lot by the house!!!

He is finally saying Mama!!!! Hallelujah!!!! Of course, I'm not sure its used in its correct context unless he needs/wants something.  Go figure-the one word he doesn't use correctly.  Whatever-I'm just happy he says it!!!  Along with Mama, we've recently added Amen to our vocabulary.

He actually only says the Ahh part and attempts to make the sign of the cross.  My heart almost explodes every time he does this.  He does it as we walk down the stairs from his room as he sees Mary and Baby Jesus, as well as when we get done changing his diaper in my room when we go to turn the light off (there is a big cross right above the light switch where we say the Our Father every morning).  He also randomly says Ahh while making the sign of the cross throughout the day.  There is nothing, not even Mama, I would rather hear my son say.

He is still using his signs.  I am very impressed with his manners, if I do say so myself.  I love watching him wipe his mouth like a gentleman and then take his napkin and wipe his eating area off.  Seeing him sign please when he wants something always brings a smile to my face.  That right there might be the one and only way that kid could ever get me to spoil him.  How do you deny him something when he is saying please?  I mean, really.

He loves taking a rag and wiping tables down, helping with the dishes, laundry, and vacuuming.  He is also very good at picking up after himself, or after his mama and dada!!!  I am definitely one proud mama, especially in this regard.

Nothing makes me feel like I'm doing at least a semi-decent job than having a complete stranger compliment me on how well my child behaves in public (while eating at a restaurant).  Telling me how refreshing it is to see a child be able to sit quietly in his own seat and eat with a fork and grab his napkin and wipe his face and behave.  She said she doesn't see that very often and it was nice for her and her husband (they were probably in their 70's) to know it still exists.  It was probably one of the proudest moments for me.  It made me realize that all my hard work, that all the discipline I am instilling in my child, that all the tears we both endure, and that all the patience I am learning to have is totally worth it.  That while it'd be easier just to give in and and let him have his way, dealing with the crying and screaming is definitely paying off.  It was definitely that breathe of fresh air just when I needed it.

We did make one pit stop to the doctors office.  Phoenix was running a fever for about three days so I decided to call and get their opinion.  They thought it was best since it had been fairly high (in the 102's) for that long to bring him in.  It was 2:30 and they wanted to see him at 3:00-did I mention I had finally gotten him down for a nap like 5 minutes prior to them calling me back.  Anyways, I loaded him up and off we went.  Thank God his ears were beautiful!!! Music to my ears!!! His strep test came back negative as well.  His blood work looked good, except the fact that he is anemic.  I knew this prior, since his last blood work showed the same thing.  I tried the high iron food diet, but guess it didn't help.  Iron drops here we come.  I must tell you-they smell aweful and poor Phoenix gags every day when we give it to him :(  How in the world does a child not even a year old become anemic???  Hopefully, the iron drops will do the trick and when we go back for his 18mth appointment we can stop them.  The fever was gone the next night.  Stupid fever virus.  

I'll leave you with a funny...Last night Phoenix had some serious gas.  It was bath time.  I told Jason we should probably hold off a bit and let him go potty first.  Well, we all know-Daddys know best!  So up the stairs we go and in to the tub it is....I bathe Phoenix and Jason and I swap places.  The whole time Jason keeps commenting on how bad it stinks.  He gets down on the stool and starts sticking his head in the tub blowing bubbles like Phoenix.  They are doing this for a few minutes.  Then it happens.  Jason comes up and says, "Oh shit!"  I thought something was wrong, but no, he meant it literally.  Phoenix had pooped in the tub while Jason had his head in the water blowing bubbles.  Jason immediately starts gagging and saying to Phoenix, "Why when my head is under?"  He grabs a towel and starts scrubbing his face.  I'm holding Phoenix in a towel trying my hardest not to pee myself.  Jason just keeps gagging and rambling on about how disgusting it was.  By far the funniest thing I've witnessed in a long time :)  One I definitely wish I had my camera for.