Hippity, Hop Easter's on its Way

Normally, when its time to make a visit to the Easter Bunny, Santa, etc., we go out to Bass Pro Shop.  We've never had to wait an insane amount of time in line and they always have other holiday activities going on for Phoenix.  Besides, it gives Jason a great excuse to go shopping and bond with his son over "manly" things :).

Well, for some reason when I went to check the schedule this year for the Easter Bunny, the time seemed awful short.  He was only there last weekend from 1-4 and this week from 6-8.  Well, we tried going last weekend, but Phoenix just wasn't feeling all that great, so we decided we'd go one night this week.

Jason received a call from a Church that he does.  They were desperately wanting him to lay pine straw before Good Friday.  We are talking 1,300 bales.  Of course you can't turn down a job like that.  Well, that made Tuesday and Wednesday out (since he'd be working later and wouldn't be able to cut out early), Thursday was out also (I have a meeting for my new job!), and well, Friday is Good Friday and we have church.  I told Jason I'd just take him this year alone.  Yeah right!!!!

We decided to go to the Galleria.  Their Easter Bunny is available all day (from 10-8), so we knew we'd be able to find a time.  We ended up going last night and meeting Jason there.  We grabbed a bite to eat and then headed for what I assumed was going to be a way longer line than Bass Pro Shop ever presented us with.  Ha-who was I kidding.  There was no one there, not even the Easter Bunny.  Not to mention, my camera wasn't allowed-not even my phone.  Seriously.  Bass Pro Shop lets you take as many as you want with your own camera and they give you the one they too for FREE.

We lingered the area for a few minutes.  Suddenly the tears started.  What in the world???? I turn to see the Easter Bunny getting of the elevator coming towards Phoenix.  Great!  He was petrified.  Wouldn't even go near him.

Of course, being the Mama that I am, I made Jason put him on his lap for a picture.  He was about to have a total breakdown.  It really was sad :(.  I really thought he might hurt this bunny while trying to escape.

Again, we are still the only ones around.  I sat Phoenix in my lap a good ways away and explained to him that he is our friend.  Anytime I mentioned going near him, he'd start bawling again :(.  We were finally able to convince him to go up by himself and give him a "high five."  Successfully too!!!!  This made him realize the Easter Bunny might not be soo bad after all.

Well, after some time, we decided it was enough.  I went to get our picture.  Ha-the smallest package is 20.00 and only includes 3 pictures.  Oh, and they must all be the same photo.  I can't choose different pictures or I'd have to pay an additional 20.00.  No wonder there was no line for that bunny.  It was a total joke.

After finally getting him comfortable with the Easter Bunny and moving on, he suddenly starts screaming again.  I then realized that the Bunny was following us-or so he thought.  It terrified him.  Needless to say, no reintroduction happened.  We split as quick as possible :).

But in the end, we ended up with the best picture to date and thats all that really matters!!!!

Gosh I love this kid!!!!!

I Guess All Good Things Must Come to an End

As I'm sure I've either blogged about or Facebooked, we have had our fair share of "illnesses" lately.

Well, almost 2 weeks later and Phoenix is still not "right."  He hasn't eaten a full meal, he is constantly tired (napping 4hrs and sleeping longer at night), constantly violently coughing, drippage from his nose like a leaky faucet, and Lord help us with the sneezes-snot hangs all the way to the ground.  Lets not forget the off and on fever for the past 2 weeks as well.

About a week or so ago, I asked Phoenix if he had a wah-wah.  He repeated wah-wah and pointed straight to his right ear.  For the next week, he would randomly say, "wah-wah" while pointing to his ear.  ALWAYS his right ear, even if using his left hand.  His ear had started draining the day after we made the after-hours trip.  However, we started the drops immediately (which in the past, since tubes, has always done the trick).  After five days of drops, the leaking had stopped.  However, there was now very large clumps that were forming in his ear instead of draining out.  We cleaned and watched that ear very carefully.

After going back and forth on whether the doctor would be able to do anything for him, I decided I've got to take him in.  At least for myself.  What if the pneumonia had formed like the after-hours doctor thought? What if his ear really was bothering him? What if that cough gets to the point he can't breathe?  I called and made him appointment yesterday.  Took him in at 2:00.

I had a doctor's appointment myself at 10:30, so Jason was home with him.  He didn't eat.  Took a great nap though.  I ended up having to wake him for the doctor.  Before Jason headed back to work, we made a very thorough list of his symptoms and our concerns.  We get there and I explain to her whats been going on with him.  She listens to his chest.  He is definitely wheezing.  We already have an inhaler for him, so no big deal.  We use it when we feel necessary.  She then took a look in his ears.

His left one first.  It was very, very red and irritated.  She couldn't even see the tube.  I told her the after-hours doctor saw it just a week or so ago and said it looked great.  She said it could've turned sideways or something.  GREAT.  Then she checked out the right ear.  She said it was draining.  Really???? Thanks, I didn't seem to notice.  Okay-I reexplained the drops to her.  She told me after 72 hours, if they haven't help they switch to an oral antibiotic.  Its been more than 72 hours, so we made the switch.  I was VERY hesitant because he has had some serious reactions to the orals for his ears in the past.  From hives, to yeast infections (that led to 2 trips to the dermatologist), to upset stomachs, to not helping heal his ears at all.  We tried a new one-one we've never tried before.  That'll  teach me to ever doubt my son again :)

Hopefully the over the next 10 days of being on this medicine, we will see improvements in Phoenix.  The poor kid is definitely a trooper but I just hate that he is constantly fighting something.  It always seems to fall back to the ears too.  We had a nice long stretch of healthiness after the tubes, but I guess all good things must come to an end.

I'll leave you with a few pictures of my handsome little dude from Palm Sunday.  He looked stunning if I do say so myself.  Such a gentleman!

Job of a Life Time

Jason and I joined Life Time Fitness back in December when they first started taking members.  There is just soo much about the place that attracted us to it.  Jason loved the slides the best.  I loved the child center the best.  Not only do they have outdoor and indoor pools, they have a salon, spa, all natural cafe, tennis courts and workout areas along with specialized classes.  Jason and I were thrilled to have a place to go as a family to work out, eat, and swim.  Phoenix and I were looking forward to endless hours in the pool.  Okay, fine-actually just Phoenix, but I guess I'll suck it up for the sake of my son's enjoyment :).

The child center is broken into different ages.  They not only entertain your child while you work out, they teach them as well.  They offer Spanish classes, art classes, kids work out classes, have Mac computers they can use (20 min. time limit), and soo much more.  It was a dream come true for me!  The first place where I felt I would be okay leaving my child.  Where I felt he would be gaining something while being there, thus eliminating the guilt of me leaving him.  I was thrilled.

Well, I received an e-mail from them with a list of their current openings.  Leave it to me, to jump at the idea (idea only) of actually working there :).  It sounded good.  A little too good actually.  I sent a few emails asking if they had any part time gigs in the child center.  I started the process unbeknownst to Jason.  Here is where I'm at now:

I have recently accepted a job working in the child center.  I am beyond thrilled.  My son can come to work with me.  I only have to work 10-15 hours a week.  I get free membership, along with my kids.  Jason's membership will only cost me $49.00/mth.  I am going from paying 159.00/mth to 49.00/mth, you've got to be kidding me.  I also receive 25% off of all services (salon, spa, parties, lessons, cafe, etc.).  They also offer insurance-health, dental and vision.  And I only have to work 10-15 hours a week.  Seriously??? Could it get any better????  Oh, and I get paid on top of all that!!!!

I was not looking for a job prior to this.  I do not know if it will last.  I do have a house, a husband, a 21 month old and another child on the way, as well as a company that I am also in charge of.  I do know though that I am truly excited about this opportunity.  I am really looking forward to this experience.  If it doesn't work out, at least I know.  Its just too good to pass up.  Especially because the area where I'm working is the whole reason I joined the place to begin with.

I can also say they have been wonderful about working with me in order to make this work.  They are aware this isn't a "necessity," as much as it is a "want."  They are open to my ideas and everyone is super friendly.  They have gladly accepted my work requests and never once made me feel as though this isn't going to work out for all of us.  They are a wonderful company and that makes me soo much more excited to start working there.

If you haven't heard of Life Time Fitness, you definitely need to check them out.  They have clubs all over the country.  They do a month to month membership because they strive on results.  Positive results keeps people coming back, not a year long commitment.  They truly want to improve all aspects of your life.  And they are "family" oriented.  They focus on everyone.  Let me know if you'd like more information about the Club or if you're interested in seeing it.

I can't wait.  They are opening April 13 (I believe) and I can't wait to take full advantage.  As an employee but also as a family.

Our First Visit

We've had a rough couple of weeks in this house.  Phoenix wasn't feeling well for a while, then he was being treated for pink eye in both eyes, then I got a migraine (that doesn't seem to want to leave).  Oh, and I got sick somewhere in there as well.  I prayed continuously for a break.  Just a break, then it can resume (if necessary) but I need a break-especially with my head.  I struggle to get anything done.

Well, yesterday Phoenix woke up with a VERY runny nose.  A slight cough-which I thought was due to the constant running of his snot.  But overall, was feeling like himself.  He didn't eat much for breakfast, but I wasn't concerned.  We went to run a few errands, story time and then to my niece's school for her Stations of the Cross presentation.  He fell asleep on the way from story time to POP.  I was thankful, thinking this might make him behave a little better during the program.  He played with his cousins and was happy the entire time.  Afterwards, we ran 1 more errand on our way home.  I tried feeding him lunch in the car, but he refused to eat.  Again, I wasn't worried.

We got home and I realized he felt a bit warm.  I took his temperature (it was 102 something) and gave him some motrin before I took him up for a nap.  I wasn't bothered by the fever.  He played for a bit then started crying.  I went up there and he had a serious dirty.  I changed him.  He didn't want to rock with me.  He went to the door and said downstairs.  I explained to him it was nap time.  Poor kid closed the door, lay right down on the floor by it and fell fast asleep.  Not normal for him.  He has never done anything like that before.  I gently placed him in his bed.

He didn't nap long.  I got him up and all he wanted to do was lay on me.  He was fussy, wouldn't eat or drink and just pathetic.  I checked his temp again and it was 100 something.  At least the motrin was working.  About an hour or two later, I checked it again (he was getting worse).  This time it was over 103.  I still wasn't concerned.  I stripped him down and put him in a luke warm bath.  He finally seemed happy.  This was around 6:00.  I got him out of the tub and rechecked his temperature.  It was almost 105.  Lord help me. This was the first time I really got scared for my son.  I immediately called the on call nurse and Jason.

Jason came home with pedialyte, gatorade, and snacks in hopes to get something-anything-in him.  He refused it all.  The on call nurse finally called back (after my second call in) and said if we can't get the fever down or if it goes up AT ALL, we were to head immediately to the ER.  She said to go ahead and give more motrin and stick him in the tub again.

We did.  This time it was awful.  He screamed and cried.  Coughing continuously and very violently.  My tears started flowing as I tried convincing Jason to just get him out.  He refused.  Phoenix eventually cried and cough soo much he started vomiting.  We just prayed it wasn't the motrin.

After getting him out, we waited a bit before rechecking.  He actually fell asleep wrapped in the towel in my arms.  We just wanted him to rest.  He was beyond pathetic at this point.  We finally rechecked him and his temp was down to almost 104.  At least the motrin was working and we wouldn't have to go to the ER.

The nurse finally called back to check.  She was able to get us a late night appointment with After Hours.  We arrived at 8:50 last night.  On the way, Phoenix actually ate a cracker.  Still not drinking or having wet diapers, but at least we got him to eat a cracker.  He actually was more lively at the Dr. than he had been since 2:00 that afternoon.  I was thanking God big time.  For the first time in a few hours, I finally thought my baby was going to be okay.

Doctor thought he had early stages of pneumonia.  Sending my child back for x-rays was not easy for me.  I just wanted to be there to hold him.  At least his DaDa was there for him.  Which, he was finally letting hold him.  I knew he was really sick when he was even refusing his Daddy.  This was one of those times where being pregnant flat out stunk.  Jason said it was rough, so part of me was glad I was waiting where I couldn't hear the screams (which Jason was surprised I couldn't-yes, that loud).  My poor baby.

X rays came back clear.  We left with nothing more than its probably a virus.  Really???? Its 10:15 at this point.  We ran by McDonalds to get food-I hadn't eaten since like 11 since he wouldn't let me put him down and my head was killing me.  Damn you migraine.  We also had false hope that Phoenix might actually eat some fries.  Fail.  We did get him to drink a little sprite though.

He slept well for the most part last night.  His overnight diaper was wet, but not like usual.  And to be honest, I felt it before removing it and would've sworn it was still dry.  He hasn't eaten much of anything today.  I even went to Magic Muffin and got him muffins, a doughnut, a cinnamon roll and a cookie.  Nothing.  He has barely had anything to drink either.   He has been napping for almost 3 hours now.  Still no wet diaper.  Just praying once he wakes, we'll have one.

He hasn't eaten.  He's still not drinking.  He has had a slight fever all day.  We've been keeping motrin in him all day.  If we don't get a wet one soon, we might have some problems.  Its already past time to where he should've had one but I don't think he's dehydrated.  I have faith we'll have a wet diaper when he wakes up.

So, I guess at 20 1/2 months (3.15.13) we were due for our first visit to After Hours.  They were great but I'd prefer to not visit again.  Especially when we had such fun plans for the weekend.  Makes my heart sad that he can't enjoy this wonderful weather but I'm very blessed that he's improving.

Phoenix snapping photos while waiting on the dr.

Finally "cheesing" for Dada!

God's Plans are Perfect....

Even when it doesn't correlate to our own.

We were faced with the difficult decision to keep our daughter (dog) and let her die of starvation or to put her to sleep in peace.  As hard as it was for us, we love her too much to make her suffer-regardless of how much harder it would eventually be.

I will never forget being in the vets room on Jan. 4 and seeing her go from a dog being held by her Daddy to a dog laying there in her Daddys arms taking her last breath.  It was one of the hardest, most heart-wrenching things I have EVER witnessed.  It literally ripped my heart to pieces.  She was fine one second and gone then next.  Just like that.  To be honest, it was disgusting.  The whole "putting your pet to sleep" process is totally disgusting.  Just thinking about it makes me want to vomit.  I still see it soo vividly in my mind.  I just wish I could figure out how to make it go away.

Jason and I came home and buried her in the backyard.  We can see her from every window facing the backyard in the house.  She's in a good place now.  We know this, but it still sucks.  Even over a month later, our home is not the same.  There is an emptiness that doesn't seem to be disappearing anytime soon.  Our hearts are still hurting.  Hurting bad.

My friends had Phoenix.  After burying Dixie, Jason and I took a walk.  We soon realized we needed Phoenix here with us.  We knew it was going to be a long night.  With even longer days to come.  But we knew our family needed to be together during this time.

I had received some news earlier that evening from God.  News that made it seem like our family was going to be okay.  Or was it?  I had no idea, especially now.  Do I share with Jason or wait until he isn't soo heartbroken.  I decided God led me to this news on this particular day for a reason.  He wanted me to share.  He needed me to share.  He knew it would help heal the heart of my husband, who was hurting more than words will ever be able describe.

So I did.  I wasn't sure the best way to go about it though.  And to be honest-I was a little afraid of his reaction. But I did.  Through a card.   I shared with Jason the new plan God showed me just a few hours earlier.  God knew Jason needed it, even though Jason didn't even seem to realize it at the moment.  I couldn't blame him though.  After all, this news was not something we wanted, nor were expecting.  It was a total shock to us, especially after just burying my husbands Best Friend.  It was not written in our script.  Not the script Jason and I had written for our family.

SURPRISE!!!

You aren't in control of your script.  God is.  At the time our hearts were breaking, God gave us a sign that he was protecting us.  He was taking care of our family.  Not in the way we were planning to care for it, but He was definitely taking care of it.  He was showing us that we would heal.  We would be able to keep Dixie in our family, but that we ARE to move on and continue growing.

Yes, that's right-continue GROWING.

So even when we think we have everything mapped out to a T, we are always receiving signs that help to remind us that God's Plans are Perfect....Even When it Doesn't Correlate to Our Own.  

Thank you God for the constant reminders.  

*The shock of another child has worn off, as we knew it would.  We just needed some time.  Jason and I thought our family was 100% complete with just Phoenix.  We are all 3 thrilled though.  Phoenix is constantly pointing to my tummy saying "Baby."  Also, when you ask him if Mama is having a boy or a girl, he ALWAYS says GIRL-ALWAYS.  Seeing him soo excited really makes our hearts happy.

Again, God is Great and his Plans are, apparently, even Greater ;).

Just an Update on Our Lives

I swear, I thought last month was my most favorite age, but this is coming close real fast!!!!

Potty:  We have made great progress here.  Phoenix decided one day that he was going to start telling us when he has to go.  He hasn't looked back since.  Whether its #1 or #2, its all Kuh-Kah in his eyes.  We are in panties around 90% of the time at home (even during most naps), but I'm not brave enough to take him out in public yet without a diaper.  Hopefully soon though.  If in a diaper, and he uses the potty, he immediately follows by, "Awe, man."  Its too cute!!!  I'm happy that he's aware when he goes in the diaper.  His baby potty is now used strictly as a step stool.  He is finally (as of today) using his seat that goes on top of the regular potty.  We normally have to sit there and hold him because he was refusing to use his it.  Most days we don't have any accidents, but the days we do-we have enough to last a week :).  I think sometimes he tries to wait until the last possible second before telling us he as to go because as soon as he says it, he comes.

INSERT A DAY AFTER UBOVE WAS WRITTEN: We ventured out for breakfast and a car ride yesterday morning.  We daringly left Phoenix in his underwear.  We were gone a little over 2 hours, including a nap in the car, and we didn't have any accidents!!!  We then decided to drop Phoenix off at my parents house to play with my nieces while Jason and I grabbed a bite to eat.  We took him in underwear.  Brought 2 diapers and a change of pants, just in case.  We got back and to our surprise, he was still in underwear and the same pants!!! Woo-hoo!!!!!!

Words:  He is talking up a storm these days.  He is constantly adding new words to his vocabulary.  His most popular sayings include: "Where he go?," "Uh-Oh!," "See!" and "Awe, Man."  He makes us constantly laugh when he says these things.  He will also attempt anything I tell him.  His manners are fairly good, he uses thank-you, yes sir/maam, and please the most frequent.

Actions:  He is still into tools, cleaning, cars, and being outdoors.  He is a very under control kid.  I've had 2 people in just the past week tell me that he is the exception.  To me, its his personality, nothing better or different than other boys his age.  He is great about cleaning up after himself and he rarely makes a complete and total mess.  Its not often I have to get onto him.  He also loves playing downstairs in his playroom.  He is still way into music too.

However, we are having these "fits" now.  Sometimes I think he gets overly frustrated.  Either because he can't say what he wants/how he's feeling or because he doesn't have the patience for us to figure it out.  They don't happen often enough to drive me crazy (yet, anyways) and I typically ignore him completely when he is having one.  They don't last but a minute or so, especially if you ignore him.

He is just too much fun and we love every second of every day with him!!!!  His curiosity, personality, heart, thought process, everything.  We love it all!!!!

We are still adjusting to our new normal without Dixie.  The house is soo empty.  Phoenix randomly calls out for her.  Jason completely avoids the subject.  Its definitely hard and our house is definitely not the same.  

Overall, I'd say we are doing well.  Langscapes is doing wonderful, Phoenix and I are having a blast, and we are enjoying lots of quality time together as a family.  Oh yeah-Phoenix started Gymboree and really seems to love it!!!! 

Put your Big Boy Panties on.

Never did I think those words would bring soo much celebration to my life.  From dancing, to singing, to chocolates galore those words bring out a fiesta EVERY TIME!!!!

We've been working with Phoenix on using the potty for a little over 6 months now.  I've never been very consistent about it, nor did I seriously think he was catching on.  It seriously was more of an introduction to the concept than anything else.

Phoenix took to it great.  From the first time we sat him on his potty he has gone "on demand."  Well, one day he decided he was too big for his little potty and only wanted to use the regular potty.  That just added to my lack of effort.  I immediately went to the store to buy him one of those seats that you sit on top of the big toilet.  Total Fail.  He won't even go near the potty if that thing is on.  I was becoming frustrated before I even "really started."

Keep in mind that some days I would put him on the potty several times.  Some days I wouldn't even think to put him on the potty and other days, he would wonder around the house pee-pee'ing in his big boy panties or all over the floors.  It was what it was.  He wasn't even a year and a half.  I wasn't concerned nor Truly motivated.

Jason took over on Saturday.

I was rather intrigued by his method.

However, it must have done the trick! Go figure.  That was Saturday evening.  Sunday afternoon Phoenix comes up to Jason and I saying, "Kuh Kah, Kuh Kah."  So I swooped him up and threw him on the potty.  As soon as his pee-pee started, you could see the proudness all over his face.  Of course, it was just pee, but he told us.  

I thought Jason might have made the difference.  Wasn't quite holding my breathe though.  He has a habit of randomly telling us but never consistently.

Monday rolls around.  Things have been a little off around here and I was given strict orders (by Jason) not to leave the house all day.  Well, Phoenix and I are playing in the den.  He looks at me, "Kuh Kah, Kuh Kah" and starts towards the bathroom.  Okay, I must admit-I was starting to get excited!!!!

I figured we were home all day, might as well put him in big boy panties.  4 other times throughout the day I heard those words out of his mouth!!!!  Each time he really did use the restroom, either pee or poop.  Then he did it again once Jason got home.  

He never, not even once, had an accident in his big boy panties!!!!!!!  And he wore them the majority of the day!!!!!

First thing he says to us this morning when he gets downstairs, "Kuh Kah, Kuh Kah."  I think we've finally made some real progress!!!!!  

At almost 19 months, he gets it.  Jason and I couldn't be more proud of him.  He truly is the bestest kid in the whole wide world.