Sometimes as I experience life, I imagine I'm narrating a novel and I think, this (or that) would make a good blog post. Now, as I sit down in front of my blog, all the thoughts I had are all crammed into a knot in my constipated brain. What the heck happened?? lol.
As I mentioned on Facebook tonight, I took the kids to WalMart. After we got home, I had the kids go into separate areas to try on their new underwear over their current pair. They looked huge when I took the undies out of the packages and we had our doubts, but... Suddenly I hear Isaac laughing (which is a normal occurrence for that dear boy) and he comes out and they fit!! Allie's fit too!! We all laughed together and couldn't believe how much they've grown over the school year.
I don't know where today went, but since it didn't really start until 10:30am... I finished mowing the front lawn where I had to stop last night because I ran over Allie's glasses. In between a couple of long breaks I mowed the back yard, which I consider to be huge. Shane, with his long strides, can get it done in probably half an hour where it takes me all afternoon. (I wish he were still here!) Then I washed towels and sheets -- especially important after our recent stomach viruses -- be gone, germs, wherever you hide!
Allie is having a farewell/slumber party on Tuesday with 5 or 6 of her friends. She is obsessing over every detail. I talked her down from planning every single minute of the party and explained how perfectionism can set us up for disappointment. For example, what if the other girls don't want to watch the movie she picked out? She'll be devastated if she doesn't know when to let go and go with the flow. I've seen it before: she plans everything so carefully and is crushed when things don't go according to plan. I don't want for my dear daughter to hurt like that. After all, who can control everything? Only God can.
Showing posts with label sickness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sickness. Show all posts
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Cindy's 37th Birthday
My 37th birthday was this past Sunday. It was a blessing to hear from so many of my friends on Facebook who sent their birthday wishes. Isaac and Allison brought my presents to my bedside in the morning while Shane and I were attempting to sleep in. :) Allison got me a princess tiara and Isaac got me some toy capsules that dissolve into spongy insects in warm water (dontcha love it? :) and Shane and kids together got me a lovely snow globe with a verse on it about a mother's love. It was very sweet. We ate brunch and later on had birthday cake and ate an early supper at Taco Bell and then went to church at 4:30pm. After the kids were in bed we watched an old Frank Capra/Jimmy Stewart movie, "You Can't Take it With You." I've always wanted to see it. It was good.
Is it really Tuesday today? This week is already going by so fast! Our school system has no school on Thursday and Friday this week and temps are supposed to be in the mid-to-upper 70's both days. Ahhhh... I can feel the sun's warmth already! I can't wait to soak it in! I was cold today, so this afternoon I decided to warm up my favorite way -- by taking a bath. Allie was playing games on the computer and I told her where I was and that if she needed me to come and knock on my bathroom door. No sooner did I sit in the perfectly warm and relaxing tub than she starting wailing. I'm like, what in the world is going on? I called out to her and she wouldn't answer me. I got out and opened the door a crack and asked her again, and she said that the internet wasn't working. I reminded her that she's supposed to come get me and use her words, not sit there and cry! I got her to calm down, come to my room and watch tv on my bed until I finished washing. So much for soaking!
Judging from my last post, I forgot to update you all on my sinus problem. My ENT says I have Rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal passages. I'm to rinse my sinuses twice a day and continue taking Nasonex. I still feel like I have a cold all time. Poo. He also said I can't have inner ear surgery until year after the hole in my eardrum heals. No big deal there. I know I'm missing some sounds but I can hear enough to get by, for now.
I just wrote a long letter to a long-lost high school friend, so I'm ready to take a break from the computer and sit in front of the tv with my husband. (If you're reading this, hellloooo, Lori Recker!!!)
Later!
Is it really Tuesday today? This week is already going by so fast! Our school system has no school on Thursday and Friday this week and temps are supposed to be in the mid-to-upper 70's both days. Ahhhh... I can feel the sun's warmth already! I can't wait to soak it in! I was cold today, so this afternoon I decided to warm up my favorite way -- by taking a bath. Allie was playing games on the computer and I told her where I was and that if she needed me to come and knock on my bathroom door. No sooner did I sit in the perfectly warm and relaxing tub than she starting wailing. I'm like, what in the world is going on? I called out to her and she wouldn't answer me. I got out and opened the door a crack and asked her again, and she said that the internet wasn't working. I reminded her that she's supposed to come get me and use her words, not sit there and cry! I got her to calm down, come to my room and watch tv on my bed until I finished washing. So much for soaking!
Judging from my last post, I forgot to update you all on my sinus problem. My ENT says I have Rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal passages. I'm to rinse my sinuses twice a day and continue taking Nasonex. I still feel like I have a cold all time. Poo. He also said I can't have inner ear surgery until year after the hole in my eardrum heals. No big deal there. I know I'm missing some sounds but I can hear enough to get by, for now.
I just wrote a long letter to a long-lost high school friend, so I'm ready to take a break from the computer and sit in front of the tv with my husband. (If you're reading this, hellloooo, Lori Recker!!!)
Later!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Ear Problems
What a weekend. Friday night at dinner Allie's ears started hurting so bad she was in tears. She and I left our dinners on the table and left for Urgent Care right then and there. She's now on an antibiotic for a double ear infection and possible strep throat. I say 'possible' because since Isaac had it a few weeks ago, they wanted to treat her just to be safe. Urgent Care was super busy and we didn't get out of there until 2 hours later. Thankfully, the ibuprofen I gave her had taken her pain away while we were waiting or else it would've been really horrible to have a crying, whining child in the waiting room and not be able to do much about it.
Saturday was fun. It rained all day and so we played boardgames, Uno, and games on the Wii.
Sunday morning we went to church at 10:45 am instead of the usual 4:30pm time. I woke up so tired that morning and I could hardly wake up even though it was 9am. We were planning to have some friends over for dinner, but unfortunately, it started sleeting and the roads were getting bad so they cancelled. It's just as well, since I developed an earache in the afternoon and had to go to Urgent Care. The physician's assistant said my eardrum looked white instead of red. I said, it really does hurt! So he prescribed an antibiotic for me anyway. After I got back from the doctor and the pharmacy, I blew my nose and the pain in my ear went through the roof. (I didn't know until afterwards that you're not supposed to blow your nose when you have an earache.) Shane had a hot water bottle ready for me and I sat down with it and tried to relax. A few minutes later, my eardrum burst. Wow, did that ever hurt. It brought tears to my eyes. My ear bled for about two hours and continued to drain fluid. I called Urgent Care and talked to the physician's assistant who saw me and I happened to mention that I have scar tissue on that eardrum. He said, "Oh, no wonder it was white! I couldn't see the infection because of the scar tissue. You should see your ENT." So, now I have an appointment with my ENT for Thursday afternoon. I want to make sure my eardrum heals properly, especially since there's so much scar tissue on it already. The ENT's nurse said my eardrums burst because of a sinus infection. I thought that was interesting. She seemed more concerned about my sinuses than my ears. I don't think anything can be done about my sinuses, however, because my CAT scan results were normal. If you ask me, something's not right with my eustacian tubes. They never drain the way they're supposed to. I hope Thursday's appointment goes well and that the ENT and I can communicate clearly so we can understand what's going on and how to treat it. I wonder if there's a way to get rid of the scar tissue. I can hardly wait for Thursday!
Saturday was fun. It rained all day and so we played boardgames, Uno, and games on the Wii.
Sunday morning we went to church at 10:45 am instead of the usual 4:30pm time. I woke up so tired that morning and I could hardly wake up even though it was 9am. We were planning to have some friends over for dinner, but unfortunately, it started sleeting and the roads were getting bad so they cancelled. It's just as well, since I developed an earache in the afternoon and had to go to Urgent Care. The physician's assistant said my eardrum looked white instead of red. I said, it really does hurt! So he prescribed an antibiotic for me anyway. After I got back from the doctor and the pharmacy, I blew my nose and the pain in my ear went through the roof. (I didn't know until afterwards that you're not supposed to blow your nose when you have an earache.) Shane had a hot water bottle ready for me and I sat down with it and tried to relax. A few minutes later, my eardrum burst. Wow, did that ever hurt. It brought tears to my eyes. My ear bled for about two hours and continued to drain fluid. I called Urgent Care and talked to the physician's assistant who saw me and I happened to mention that I have scar tissue on that eardrum. He said, "Oh, no wonder it was white! I couldn't see the infection because of the scar tissue. You should see your ENT." So, now I have an appointment with my ENT for Thursday afternoon. I want to make sure my eardrum heals properly, especially since there's so much scar tissue on it already. The ENT's nurse said my eardrums burst because of a sinus infection. I thought that was interesting. She seemed more concerned about my sinuses than my ears. I don't think anything can be done about my sinuses, however, because my CAT scan results were normal. If you ask me, something's not right with my eustacian tubes. They never drain the way they're supposed to. I hope Thursday's appointment goes well and that the ENT and I can communicate clearly so we can understand what's going on and how to treat it. I wonder if there's a way to get rid of the scar tissue. I can hardly wait for Thursday!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Isaac's strep, Allie's glasses, Our date
Hi family and friends! Just a quick update today -- it's long overdue, I've been meaning to do it, but I'm feeling weird and it's almost time to put supper in the oven. A couple of hours ago, my head started pounding loudly in my ears. This usually happens when I get a fever, but I don't have one, although I feel like I am fighting something. Hopefully, it's not what Isaac has.
Isaac is home with strep throat today. I'm so glad I took him in to the doctor! I had no idea -- I thought it was just a virus because his fever was only 100. I was surprised when the nurse called me back with the results of his strep test that were positive. He didn't act a bit sick at the doctor's office. He was happy and energetic. This morning, before I gave him pain medicine, he was almost in tears because his throat hurt so bad. It's amazing the difference a little Ibuprofen makes in a sick child. It's always good to see your child back to being themselves.
Allison is getting glasses. Our school district recommends vision screenings for incoming Kindergarteners, which is a good thing for this family! Isaac got his glasses at 5 1/2, the same as Allison. Both kids are farsighted. Last week she picked out the frames and we're now waiting for them to come in. She picked out pink frames -- they're a subtle metallic rosy pink which looks lovely with her blue eyes and blonde hair. I can hardly wait to take her picture and post it on here so you all can see what see looks like.
Shane and I went out for dinner last Friday. Allie's preschool, which is in a church, offered babysitting in the preschool room to raise money for a trip for the Junior High youth group. The kids had a great time. Shane and I went to Tony Roma's, which is known for their ribs. We didn't order any. I had steak, baked potato, and steamed broccoli; Shane had a shrimp pasta dish. One of the kitchen staff brought out our meal and assumed that I had ordered the pasta and Shane had ordered the steak. We got a chuckle out of that. Shane said, "Actually, I ordered the shrimp and pasta, and no, I'm not gay!" I just rolled my eyes at his joke. After we picked up the kids, we came home and watched our favorite TV show, "Psych" and played The Settlers of the Catan with our friends Wesley and Kimberly. I really enjoy our Friday nights in general, and it was really special to go out to dinner as a couple.
We have very little snow on the ground at the moment, but that's supposed to change come Tuesday night. Rain will turn to snow overnight and on Wednesday the total accumulation is expected to be 6 to 8 inches. No doubt the kids will be excited to have snow to play in again!
Isaac is home with strep throat today. I'm so glad I took him in to the doctor! I had no idea -- I thought it was just a virus because his fever was only 100. I was surprised when the nurse called me back with the results of his strep test that were positive. He didn't act a bit sick at the doctor's office. He was happy and energetic. This morning, before I gave him pain medicine, he was almost in tears because his throat hurt so bad. It's amazing the difference a little Ibuprofen makes in a sick child. It's always good to see your child back to being themselves.
Allison is getting glasses. Our school district recommends vision screenings for incoming Kindergarteners, which is a good thing for this family! Isaac got his glasses at 5 1/2, the same as Allison. Both kids are farsighted. Last week she picked out the frames and we're now waiting for them to come in. She picked out pink frames -- they're a subtle metallic rosy pink which looks lovely with her blue eyes and blonde hair. I can hardly wait to take her picture and post it on here so you all can see what see looks like.
Shane and I went out for dinner last Friday. Allie's preschool, which is in a church, offered babysitting in the preschool room to raise money for a trip for the Junior High youth group. The kids had a great time. Shane and I went to Tony Roma's, which is known for their ribs. We didn't order any. I had steak, baked potato, and steamed broccoli; Shane had a shrimp pasta dish. One of the kitchen staff brought out our meal and assumed that I had ordered the pasta and Shane had ordered the steak. We got a chuckle out of that. Shane said, "Actually, I ordered the shrimp and pasta, and no, I'm not gay!" I just rolled my eyes at his joke. After we picked up the kids, we came home and watched our favorite TV show, "Psych" and played The Settlers of the Catan with our friends Wesley and Kimberly. I really enjoy our Friday nights in general, and it was really special to go out to dinner as a couple.
We have very little snow on the ground at the moment, but that's supposed to change come Tuesday night. Rain will turn to snow overnight and on Wednesday the total accumulation is expected to be 6 to 8 inches. No doubt the kids will be excited to have snow to play in again!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sickness and Snowstorms
Poor Allie is sick today. This afternoon her fever climbed to 103.6. It's very rare that my kids would ever have a fever that high. I had the day off from babysitting, which is good, because I don't think I'd be able to hold Allie all day and give Brock the proper amount of attention he deserves. She's been lethargic and not eating or drinking very much until this afternoon, when she had her next dose of medicine. When it wears off, you can really tell! I'm taking her to the doctor tomorrow morning (in between snowstorms!).
Tonight we're supposed to get 3 to 6 inches of snow. Thursday, we're supposed to get 6 to 12 inches of snow. Therefore, I felt a sense of urgency to have Allie looked at by the doctor before we're snowed in! To make things worse, our temps have been in the single digits with the wind chills below zero. This December feels more like February! Last December was bad, too, and that set us on course for a record snowfall. I hope we're not in for another record snowfall this season!
The kids are picking out a movie for tonight and we're going to stay home, stay warm, and help Allie get some rest. I've been fighting a cold myself, and my head has been pounding all day. :(
Tonight we're supposed to get 3 to 6 inches of snow. Thursday, we're supposed to get 6 to 12 inches of snow. Therefore, I felt a sense of urgency to have Allie looked at by the doctor before we're snowed in! To make things worse, our temps have been in the single digits with the wind chills below zero. This December feels more like February! Last December was bad, too, and that set us on course for a record snowfall. I hope we're not in for another record snowfall this season!
The kids are picking out a movie for tonight and we're going to stay home, stay warm, and help Allie get some rest. I've been fighting a cold myself, and my head has been pounding all day. :(
Friday, May 9, 2008
Back to school, back to health, back to normal
It was so good to send Isaac back to school today. I'm sure his friends will be glad to see him and he them. He's on his second day of antibiotics. He never had a fever that I noticed yesterday. He said he was tired this morning so I hope he does ok. If he's still tired after school I'll have him lie down for a while. Thank goodness it's Friday! Tomorrow Shane and Isaac are going to Walking with Dinosaurs at the coliseum. We got him tickets for his birthday back in March. He's very excited.
While the guys are at the show, Allie and I are going to the free zoo in Madison. Afterwards we'll all meet up and have dinner at Culver's. At first Allie was disappointed to miss the dinosaur show, but when we talked about what we would do with our mother daughter time, she got very excited about the possible places we could go and things we could do. We also explained that Isaac got fewer birthday presents because of the cost of tickets, and so she decided that on her birthday she'd rather have toys than see a show. :)
It feels so good to get back to normal!
While the guys are at the show, Allie and I are going to the free zoo in Madison. Afterwards we'll all meet up and have dinner at Culver's. At first Allie was disappointed to miss the dinosaur show, but when we talked about what we would do with our mother daughter time, she got very excited about the possible places we could go and things we could do. We also explained that Isaac got fewer birthday presents because of the cost of tickets, and so she decided that on her birthday she'd rather have toys than see a show. :)
It feels so good to get back to normal!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Allie's ears
I was surprised to hear this afternoon that Allie has a double ear infection. She only complained of pain in one ear just this morning. She's now on an antibiotic and pain reliever.
The doctor said it's ok for Isaac to go back to school tomorrow. He's excited. I'm so relieved! It's been a long time!
Both kids are doing fine and enjoying each other's company these many days. Although I think they're starting to need a break from each other because they've been arguing a bit more than usual.
The doctor said it's ok for Isaac to go back to school tomorrow. He's excited. I'm so relieved! It's been a long time!
Both kids are doing fine and enjoying each other's company these many days. Although I think they're starting to need a break from each other because they've been arguing a bit more than usual.
Sinus Infection
It's looking more like a sinus infection that Isaac has. His nose is getting runnier and there is more dried green mucus around his nose. (Sorry if you're grossed out by the details.) He started taking an antibiotic this morning. I made doctor appointments for both kids this afternoon. I had to make one for Allie because she has an earache, so I figured I might as well bring Isaac in, too, even though she already prescribed an antibiotic for him. I wanted to get him started on the antibiotic this morning so that he could go back to school tomorrow -- as long as his fever doesn't make another appearance this afternoon.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Day 10
I feel like I'm repeating myself. Today was just like yesterday. No fever in the morning, then his temp was 100.1 at 5:30pm. Why did it have to return after the pediatrician's office closed? Now I'll have to wait until tomorrow to take him back in. I don't feel like he's sick enough to go to Urgent Care tonight.
It just so happens that I have our pediatrician's email address since I've known her from the women's Bible study at church a few years ago. I emailed her just now and explained the situation. With any luck I'll hear back from her tonight. There's a chance it could be a sinus infection and if she's willing, maybe she can phone in a prescription tonight. We'll see.
It just so happens that I have our pediatrician's email address since I've known her from the women's Bible study at church a few years ago. I emailed her just now and explained the situation. With any luck I'll hear back from her tonight. There's a chance it could be a sinus infection and if she's willing, maybe she can phone in a prescription tonight. We'll see.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Fever, again. Day 9 of this loooong virus.
Isaac's fever is back this afternoon. I've noticed that's when it usually spikes. He'll be staying home again tomorrow, and the boys I was supposed to babysit are going to Molly's. (Thank you, Molly!!) Sadly, Isaac's field trip to a farm is tomorrow and he's going to miss it.
Tomorrow will be day 10 of this virus. Sigh.
Tomorrow will be day 10 of this virus. Sigh.
Isaac's Doctor Appointment
Isaac hasn't had a fever this morning, which is good. The pediatrician said that it's probably a virus -- it could be influenza or it could be a virus that is turning into a bacterial infection. So, we're going to wait it out and see if he gets a sinus infection or something. His lungs, throat, ears, nose all look good.
Once again, it was a good thing I kept him home today because he has a spot of impetigo under his nose. It's highly contagious until he's been on an antibiotic ointment for 24 hours.
Thanks for your prayers for Isaac's health. His fever being normal most of the time is a good thing. It means he's getting better. If he stays fever free for the rest of the day he can go to school tomorrow.
Once again, it was a good thing I kept him home today because he has a spot of impetigo under his nose. It's highly contagious until he's been on an antibiotic ointment for 24 hours.
Thanks for your prayers for Isaac's health. His fever being normal most of the time is a good thing. It means he's getting better. If he stays fever free for the rest of the day he can go to school tomorrow.
Monday, May 5, 2008
I'm so frustrated!
Isaac's fever seemed to break yesterday and so I sent him back to school today. This afternoon his fever is back again at 100.3. It's been 8 days! I called the doctor and made an appointment for tomorrow morning at 10. If he gets worse tonight I'll take him to Urgent Care, but I don't think he will. I look forward to getting some answers tomorrow!
I felt so bad telling Brock's mom that she should make other arrangements for tomorrow. She wasn't sure where to take him. Hopefully one of our mutual friends can take him. I'd hate for Brock to get whatever it is that Isaac has.
It's been frustrating. Last week, Isaac missed four days of school and I missed four days of supplemental income via babysitting. We've been housebound except for a trip to the doctor and some errands on Saturday. It's so hard to have cabin fever when a dozen neighborhood kids are playing outside and you can't join them. I almost cried this afternoon.
He seems ok at the moment, although tired. Right now he's sitting on the couch wrapped up in a blanket and eating a popcicle. I just want my son healthy again. I'll post again tomorrow after the appointment. Please pray we would get some answers and that Isaac would get over this soon!
I felt so bad telling Brock's mom that she should make other arrangements for tomorrow. She wasn't sure where to take him. Hopefully one of our mutual friends can take him. I'd hate for Brock to get whatever it is that Isaac has.
It's been frustrating. Last week, Isaac missed four days of school and I missed four days of supplemental income via babysitting. We've been housebound except for a trip to the doctor and some errands on Saturday. It's so hard to have cabin fever when a dozen neighborhood kids are playing outside and you can't join them. I almost cried this afternoon.
He seems ok at the moment, although tired. Right now he's sitting on the couch wrapped up in a blanket and eating a popcicle. I just want my son healthy again. I'll post again tomorrow after the appointment. Please pray we would get some answers and that Isaac would get over this soon!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Sick kids
Isaac's been sick with a cold virus since Monday afternoon. As soon as he got home from school, I could tell he had a fever. It was 102.9. Over the last few days it's been 100, 99, 101, 103, 100, then 98.6 at the doctor's office, then back up to 102 by lunchtime. I kept him home Tuesday, Wednesday, today, and he'll be staying home tomorrow too. He'll need to be fever-free for 24 hours before he can go back to school. I took him to the doctor today and she said it was just a virus. He's also had a cough but his lungs are clear and his throat looks fine.
Allie's also had a virus but it has showed different symptoms in her. Her fever has only gotten as high as 100.3. Most of the time it's been in the 99 range. She developed a light rash all over her trunk and a stye on her upper left eyelid. The doctor said that once the rash appears she's no longer contagious. Her cough sounds like Isaac's cough, and her lungs are clear too.
With the kids being sick this week, I've been missing out on babysitting income. I'm not too disappointed, as it's been fun having Isaac home -- cuddling together on the couch, napping together, playing a board game or two.
It's just a matter of waiting it out, drinking lots of fluids, and keeping Isaac from over-exerting himself. Incidentally, he over-exerted himself tonight and got sick to his stomach. He hasn't shown any signs of stomach upset other than that. But he's been tired a lot. Yesterday after lunch he told me he was tired so he went to bed and slept for 2 or 3 hours. I couldn't believe he put himself to bed without complaint.
Hopefully, my kiddos will be back to health in the next day or two. If not, back to the doctor we'll go.
Allie's also had a virus but it has showed different symptoms in her. Her fever has only gotten as high as 100.3. Most of the time it's been in the 99 range. She developed a light rash all over her trunk and a stye on her upper left eyelid. The doctor said that once the rash appears she's no longer contagious. Her cough sounds like Isaac's cough, and her lungs are clear too.
With the kids being sick this week, I've been missing out on babysitting income. I'm not too disappointed, as it's been fun having Isaac home -- cuddling together on the couch, napping together, playing a board game or two.
It's just a matter of waiting it out, drinking lots of fluids, and keeping Isaac from over-exerting himself. Incidentally, he over-exerted himself tonight and got sick to his stomach. He hasn't shown any signs of stomach upset other than that. But he's been tired a lot. Yesterday after lunch he told me he was tired so he went to bed and slept for 2 or 3 hours. I couldn't believe he put himself to bed without complaint.
Hopefully, my kiddos will be back to health in the next day or two. If not, back to the doctor we'll go.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Influenza
Wow...Where have the last few weeks gone? Shane and I got over our cold viruses a couple of weeks ago that was probably influenza. The kids and I got our flu shots but apparently, it was the wrong strain and we ended up getting it anyway. Fooey.
Allison has had influenza this week along with impetigo, a very contagious but small rash near her mouth. She missed school this week and I missed three and a half days of babysitting (as well as the income I would've gotten from it). Oh, well. C'est la vie! (That's life!) She's doing much better now, but earlier in the week she had some awful coughing fits that went on and on as well as a fever that went up and down. The influenza really seemed to wreak havoc with her lungs. Shane and I took turns rocking her at night. She tested negative for strep. Now she's on two inhalers for coughing, children's Motrin for fever, an antibiotic ointment for impetigo, and a children's decongestant and antihistamine. It's been a long week and I myself am ready for my afternoon nap. (I put both kids down for naps at the same time. I actually nap with Allison in my bed, while Brock naps in hers.) Taking care of a sick child for a few days has left me a little run down. I can't tell you how many times she coughed in my face when I rocked her half asleep. My throat feels a little swollen and I feel tired. Hopefully, that'll be the extent of it, because I think I already had influenza this year.
Isaac has stayed healthy this week. He's been doing well in school, although he and a few friends got in trouble for goofing off in the bathroom this week and missed a whole day's recesses. He still enjoys his schoolwork, playing games of all sorts, collecting quarters, watching the Discovery Channel, and counting the days until his birthday (nine days). He's especially excited about his birthday falling on Easter this year, March 23rd. I think he's imagining a sugar heaven of birthday cake, ice cream, jellybeans and chocolate bunnies. He'll be six years old. I'm not throwing another big party for him this year, so we'll probably go to Chuck E. Cheese's as a family.
Take care, everyone, and if it's been awhile since I heard from you, please drop me a line! I'd love to hear from you!
Allison has had influenza this week along with impetigo, a very contagious but small rash near her mouth. She missed school this week and I missed three and a half days of babysitting (as well as the income I would've gotten from it). Oh, well. C'est la vie! (That's life!) She's doing much better now, but earlier in the week she had some awful coughing fits that went on and on as well as a fever that went up and down. The influenza really seemed to wreak havoc with her lungs. Shane and I took turns rocking her at night. She tested negative for strep. Now she's on two inhalers for coughing, children's Motrin for fever, an antibiotic ointment for impetigo, and a children's decongestant and antihistamine. It's been a long week and I myself am ready for my afternoon nap. (I put both kids down for naps at the same time. I actually nap with Allison in my bed, while Brock naps in hers.) Taking care of a sick child for a few days has left me a little run down. I can't tell you how many times she coughed in my face when I rocked her half asleep. My throat feels a little swollen and I feel tired. Hopefully, that'll be the extent of it, because I think I already had influenza this year.
Isaac has stayed healthy this week. He's been doing well in school, although he and a few friends got in trouble for goofing off in the bathroom this week and missed a whole day's recesses. He still enjoys his schoolwork, playing games of all sorts, collecting quarters, watching the Discovery Channel, and counting the days until his birthday (nine days). He's especially excited about his birthday falling on Easter this year, March 23rd. I think he's imagining a sugar heaven of birthday cake, ice cream, jellybeans and chocolate bunnies. He'll be six years old. I'm not throwing another big party for him this year, so we'll probably go to Chuck E. Cheese's as a family.
Take care, everyone, and if it's been awhile since I heard from you, please drop me a line! I'd love to hear from you!
Monday, February 4, 2008
No Tubes for You
Many of you know about the problems I've been having for years with my hearing: whenever I get a cold, my ears stay plugged up for a couple of months. Today I went to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) who gave me a hearing test and looked at my ears under a microscope and performed other tests. I was hoping to discuss with him the possibility of having tubes put in my ears or at least getting a hearing aid to wear when I lose my hearing again.
It turns out that tubes won't help me. The pressure inside my ears is normal. Apparently there isn't a problem (although there could be a slight one) with my eustacian tubes, but he did find an entirely different problem. It turns out that I have a genetic condition (called Oto Sclerosis)which was brought on by my pregnancies -- there's a dead bone in my ears which is causing me to lose my hearing. It's going to get worse, which is not good, but when it gets worse enough, I can have surgery to remove the dead bone and get my hearing back. So it's going to get worse before it gets better. I go back in a year to have my hearing checked again.
It turns out that tubes won't help me. The pressure inside my ears is normal. Apparently there isn't a problem (although there could be a slight one) with my eustacian tubes, but he did find an entirely different problem. It turns out that I have a genetic condition (called Oto Sclerosis)which was brought on by my pregnancies -- there's a dead bone in my ears which is causing me to lose my hearing. It's going to get worse, which is not good, but when it gets worse enough, I can have surgery to remove the dead bone and get my hearing back. So it's going to get worse before it gets better. I go back in a year to have my hearing checked again.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
I'm finally posting something! Can you believe it?
I have a good excuse: viruses! Ever since September, it's been one cold after another. If we're lucky, we get two weeks of good health in between. At this moment I'm suffering with a stuffy head, cough, and an ear infection. My voice still sounds raspy -- towards the end of a sentence I'm lucky if I have any voice left! :) Next time I'll try to remember to take that zinc stuff I've heard so many good things about. Zicam, is it called? Whatever it is, it's supposed to shorten the duration and lessen the severity of cold viruses.
So, Saturday, Sunday, and today I spent in bed. When I wasn't sleeping I was reading. Such good stories!! I can't get enough of books. I read two books by Maria von Trapp, the Austrian woman whose life "The Sound of Music" was based on, finished the last novel in the Hornblower series by C.S. Forester, and began a historical book about Napoleon and Josephine. Fascinating stuff!
I'm glad I had those books to keep me company, because being sick is so isolating! I've been missing Shane and the kids. Tomorrow I'm planning to resume babysitting and we're going to the library for storytime and crafts. I'm eager for the busyness of life to resume. I'm sure my poor husband is looking forward to going back to the office again also.
Starting the week after Thanksgiving, I'm getting a membership to a tiny fitness center here in our little village. Tiny though it is, it has all I need: a toy-filled nursery for the kids, workout classes, a few treadmills, stairclimbers and whatnot. The best part is that membership is free if you spend two hours a week supervising the nursery. So that's what I'm going to do. Another benefit (and this is what really pushed me over the edge) is that there are bookholders on the treadmills and stairclimbers! Joy! I can read to my heart's content and not even be aware of the passage of time or of how much my glutes hurt. It's a brilliant plan. I hope I can stick to it. The prospect of my muscles hurting in protest after years of non-use is enough to make me say, forget it, you'll never have the same body as when you were 20; it's too much work! But on the other hand, I've seen what happens after years of a sedentary life: heart disease, stroke, diabetes. Maybe I can't have my 20-year-old body back, but if I can make a few positive changes and live a healthier lifestyle, it's bound to be worth it.
So, Saturday, Sunday, and today I spent in bed. When I wasn't sleeping I was reading. Such good stories!! I can't get enough of books. I read two books by Maria von Trapp, the Austrian woman whose life "The Sound of Music" was based on, finished the last novel in the Hornblower series by C.S. Forester, and began a historical book about Napoleon and Josephine. Fascinating stuff!
I'm glad I had those books to keep me company, because being sick is so isolating! I've been missing Shane and the kids. Tomorrow I'm planning to resume babysitting and we're going to the library for storytime and crafts. I'm eager for the busyness of life to resume. I'm sure my poor husband is looking forward to going back to the office again also.
Starting the week after Thanksgiving, I'm getting a membership to a tiny fitness center here in our little village. Tiny though it is, it has all I need: a toy-filled nursery for the kids, workout classes, a few treadmills, stairclimbers and whatnot. The best part is that membership is free if you spend two hours a week supervising the nursery. So that's what I'm going to do. Another benefit (and this is what really pushed me over the edge) is that there are bookholders on the treadmills and stairclimbers! Joy! I can read to my heart's content and not even be aware of the passage of time or of how much my glutes hurt. It's a brilliant plan. I hope I can stick to it. The prospect of my muscles hurting in protest after years of non-use is enough to make me say, forget it, you'll never have the same body as when you were 20; it's too much work! But on the other hand, I've seen what happens after years of a sedentary life: heart disease, stroke, diabetes. Maybe I can't have my 20-year-old body back, but if I can make a few positive changes and live a healthier lifestyle, it's bound to be worth it.
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