Thankful For Family

I am so Thankful for my family and friends. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We stayed home and everyone came to us! Well at least my side of the family. I cooked the turkey and ham and everyone else brought a pot luck Thanksgiving dish. It was great. We all sat around eating, talking and then all the guys went outside and played football. Of course Dallas played too so everyone hit the TV for the big game as well. The day turned out to be just beautiful. Scarlett was a little cranky but she missed her nap and refused to take one with a house full of people. I guess I can't blame her. It was such a Blessing to be surrounded by so much family.


Life is still busy as ever. People coming and going. Appointments here and there. This week we have a total of four appointments! Plus we have physical therapy coming three times this week and the home health nurse once. Crazy right? That's life!

I moved Scarlett into her twin bed. I've been working on this for a while with naptime but it just wasn't working. I finally got a clue and switched the baby room furniture with her big girl room furniture. I think switching rooms and beds was way too much of a tranistion. She was super excited when we moved her Tinkerbell bed into her room and took down the crib. She grabbed up all her bedtime things: doll, bear, blanket, snoopy and headed to her room in the middle of the afternoon. Told me "nigh nigh" and closed the door. Haha! She's such a toot. She has slept in there for 3 nights now and is doing a terrific job and I am very proud of her. She is becoming such a little lady! She has her silly moments but she melts my heart with all she does. On top of her 'please' and 'thank you's' she is now saying 'excuse me' when she needs to get by you or you're in her way. *sigh* I love my babies so much.

I let Lane sleep in the crib for the first time. Only for naptime though. I am so not ready to move him out of my room. But he's outgrown the bassinet and I still have him in it. He's past the age and weight limit. I guess I need to suck it up and move him. *tear* I can't believe how fast my two sweet babies are growing. Lane has his 4 month well baby tomorrow. I think he's doing great and right on track but I am a little worried about him rolling over. He's still not doing it yet. He's rolled from front to back a few times on accident and its been a while since he's even done that. Oh well, he's happy and healthy and I couldn't ask for anything more than that. Plus, I don't want him to grow up so fast!

Once this week blows by us I plan on calling my primary to set up an appointment. My foot is killing me! Some days I feel like I can't walk. I cannot go barefoot at all. And the only shoes in the house I can wear that don't hurt my feet are some off the wall crocs that are a harder plastic and baby blue in color. Not to mention the green grass stains from mowing the yard. Not sure what is up with mmy foot. It hurts on the bottom outside of the heel and when I stretch it it hurts up through the toes I guess? It's hard to explain I would have to show. I have had 2 surgeries on this ankle before and there is a screw in it. I am really hoping that has nothing to do with what's going on. Especially since that was torn and detached tendons and ligaments. I really wouldn't be able to go through a surgery right now to fix it yet again! But since that was the ankle and this is the actual heel/foot I am thinking it's something new. So, wish me luck when I finally do get into the doctor to figure out whats going on!

Alright, enough from me tonight. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

God Bless & Good Night!

Life is Busy

Life is busy. Between babies and Rassie, cleaning house, keeping up with everything else, etc.  I don't have much time to update on here.  I have been trying to spend lots of time with the kids. I want to make sure I give them plenty of attention and playtime.  I am still cooking with Scarlett every weekend.  She really enjoys it.  Last weekend we made puppy chow. This weekend we made chocolate pretzels and cheesy ranch chex mix.  Scarlett is growing so fast and getting so smart.  She is really starting to put words together and make sentences.  Everyday she amazes me with something new she's saying.  I guess my favorite this week was when we were laying in bed watching cartoons, she decides to sit on my head and say "I fart Mommy"  she wanted to pass gas on me.  I couldn't help but laugh so now she has been doing this all week.  Oh well, I'm hoping its a phase. LOL   Lane is growing too. He's actually giggling now.  I can't wait for the full belly laughs. Those or the best.  But his giggles really melt my heart.  Lane is also a talker.  As long as you talk to him he talks right back to you.  I'm loving this time together so much right now.

I have also been considering nursing school.  I am a big weenie when it comes to needles. To the point I have passed out in the past.  I have started doing better with them though.   Rassie may not be able to get back to doing a strenous job and has said he would go through nursing school with me.  The nursing program starting in May but I would have to have some pre-reqs out of the way so it may not be able to do those until the spring or next fall.  And I would have had to have them finished before MAY and take the test to enter the nursing program.  So it's something I am thinking on and have a little time.  

Thats about it for now

Life is a little busy

Being a Mommy makes life a little busy!  Taking care of the two babies and then my third baby (husband)  has become quite the chore!   Cooking, cleaning, baths, and playing nurse!  I should just go to school and become a nurse (if it weren't for being deathly afraid of needles I might just do it!)   I feel like I am working around the clock. Lane is sleeping from about 8/9 pm to 5:30/6:30 am but I am still waking up every 4 hours! Not to feed but to give medication.  I have my clipboard, my clock and a bowl full of prescriptions for Rassie.  They can't all be taken at the same time but the main pain medication is due every 4 hours. The rest are due every 8 hours.  I tried to get them on the same schedule but they have to be taken at least 15 minutes apart. Sound crazy? It is! When they both fall during the middle of the night I either have to stay up for 15 minutes or just as I fall asleep I have to wake back up.  Oh the life! But I can't complain too much because I am extremely happy to have my entire family at home! 

The kids are doing great. Scarlett is talking up a storm. Putting more and more sentences together. You really have to be careful with what you say these days too because she enjoys repeating.  I do let an "oh sh*t" slip every now and then and I pay for it for about 5 minutes.   I'm getting better.  Lane is sleeping really well at night.  He has become and extremely hungry baby too!  I have given him a taste of bananas a few times to tide him over. I know its a little early but he is 3.5 months and we started solids at 4 months with Scarlett. Her pedi recommended it. There is so much information out there and yes I've read it all but I am going with my gut and my gut says that my baby is hungry!  Lane loves the banana!  I don't give him much and its only once a day but I have really seen the difference in his appetite. He's actually full and not crying for a 6oz+ bottle every 3 hours.   He stays awake for long periods of time now and is so alert.  He loves sitting up. I wish I had a bumbo but they're just too dang expensive for us right now.  His bouncer is his favorite place to be and he really bats at and grabs his toys.  I am really amazed.  Scarlett didn't play with her toys on the bouncer this much, this early.   I can put him in the bouncer and he will play for at least an hour.  It makes it really nice to get things done around the house.  Scarlett has become quite the little helper.  When I vacuum she gets her popper toy and vacuums.  When I sweep she gets the extra broom and sweeps.   She helps take the dishes to the sink. She helps throw the laundry in the washer and pull it out of the dryer.  It's so darn cute but I know its a phase that will soon pass and she will not want to help clean anymore :)    It keeps her out of things she shouldn't be in while I do chores though and that makes things a little easier around here.

Rassie is doing well.  He starts his CML treatment this coming week. Our insurance approved his Gleevec. I am extremely happy about that.  His rehab/physical therapy is going well.  He is still standing each day and some days he's able to take a couple of steps with the walker.  I work with him on the days the nurse doesn't come.  It's hard to see him in that much pain but I give him lots of encouragement and remind him just how proud I am. 

That's about it for now!  Pictures coming soon.  Scarlett and I have started a new 'tradition' . Each weekend we're going to start cooking something.  Last week we made Daddy's b-day cake and this week we made puppy chow.  She really loves it and I think its a great way for us to have Mommy & Scarlett time... Ok I'm going to stop rambling.

God Bless & Good Night

May the Fallen Soldiers who passed during the

Ft. Hood shooting

Forever Rest in Peace

Cooking With Scarlett

Yesterday was Rassie's 30th Birthday.  Because we relaxed most of the day and then attended a wedding, today was the day to celebrate daddy!  I slow roasted steak and potatoes and Scarlett made Daddy a birthday cake.  She loved every minute of it!  This is extremely picture heavy...so GET READY!

Ready to get Started

Pouring the cake mix

Adding the water

Pouring the oil

Don't forget the eggs

Now Stir

And Stir

What do I do now?

Time to Clean up

Washing the counter

Time for icing

Finished Product

One last lick

Happy 30th Daddy

It was "1" or "tinkerbell" I let Scarlett choose

Tasting her work

Weekend Fun

The family as a whole had a pretty good weekend!  I picked Rassie up from Scott & White on Friday afternoon and brought him home.  After much running around I finally got my hands on most of his scrips, did some grocery shopping and got both babies in bed. Don't worry, I didn't drag Rassie out with me.  Rassie and I both crashed by 9:30 that night!

Saturday we spent most of the day relaxing at home for Rassie's 30th birthday.  I made him breakfast and we snacked for lunch.  Sunday I made him cake and dinner. Then it was time for extra showers and pretty clothes!  My cousins wedding was at 5.  We barely made it in time.  Start early, get side tracked, never get out of the house when you expect to.  I guess that truely is the life of a mother!  Oh and I could not for the life of me find Scarlett's shoes so I had to grab her too little sandals and just go with it as I was flying out the door.  The wedding was outside and was absolutely beautiful.  We all had a great time, even Rassie.  I know he was hurting but he wanted to stay for a while and enjoy himself.  We did make it home by 8 though and once again we were all in bed by 9:30!  We are just a worn out family :)

Today was Sunday. I spent the day trying to get the house cleaned up but I didn't get very far.  I put a london broil and potatos in the crock pot.  Man oh Man how I wanted a steak on the grill but our grill is acting up and I didn't want any explosions.  The slow roasted steak and potatoes turned out really yummy.  Rassie said it was a really great birthday dinner.  Scarlett and I also made Rassie a cake. Scarlett had a really fun time helping and I think she did an amazing job!

Here are a few pictures from the wedding.

Scarlett on the dance floor

Scarlett and Rassie - they were sneaking candy

Relaxing in the stroller after a long night

The Wedding Party

The Punch and Pretty Flowers

The Wedding Cake

Decoration on the Cake Table

Part of the Candy Table.. Something about this just draws me in. :)

 

Wednesday Wishes

For the past 3 weeks I have been praying for Rassie to be well enough and stable enough to come home.  He got to visit on a day pass this past weekend.  I was ecstatic to have him home and have that time with him.  And now my wish for him to come home is coming true.  Friday he gets to come home, for good!  No more nights alone! No more mornings waking up to an empty bed! 

I'm Glad It's Over

I am glad today is over. CSI New York is on the way and I will be watching it from my big comfy bed!  The day didn't start off all that bad. I did wake up with a stye.  I hate them!  I rarely wear makeup but I have been lately because I don't want to feel blah when I go to the hospital to visit Rassie.  It seems like everytime I wear eye liner I end up with a stye.  Guess that's my sign to stay makeup free.. I really am not a big makeup person anyways so its not a big deal.  I guess the stresses of daily life didn't help either. Styes are sort of like pimples and stress can bring them on. Oh well, I did a warm compress a few times today and it seems to be lots better. Hoping its gone tomorrow. 

I took the kids to the WhistleStop Park again today.  The weather was beautiful. I think we ended up with a high of 78.  I loved the warm sun.   I strolled Lane around while Scarlett played.  She even braved the tire swing and tunnel slides today.  She was watching the other kids play and I guess seeing how happy it made them she decided she should give it a try too.   There was one little boy who was a bit mean.  The park is all wooden and there was this truck with a steering wheel that Scarlett was playing in.  The little boy told her "get away" over and over.  I walked over there and blatantly said "he's not being very nice Scarlett. I will stay here so you can play" .  The little boy ran off.  I couldn't find his mom.  There were lots of mom's not even watching their kids. It kind of irritated me because I didn't feel like I should have to stand over Scarlett just so another little kid would let her play.   Scarlett did find a friend though.  The little girl was 2.  I didn't catch her name but Scarlett was infatuated with her.  They followed each other around and took turns on the slide.  Scarlett kept telling her "HI" and trying to hold her hand.  Her mom actually came over and talked a little bit.  The little girl also like looking at Lane.  She was amazed by the real life baby. It was cute. 

From the park we headed to Casa Ole'.  My mom treated me to lunch.  I haven't eaten at Casa Ole since early in my pregnancy with Lane.  It made me sick everytime and so we just stopped going there.  That's ok though, my favorite little off the wall Mexican Restaruant, Corona's, never did me wrong!   After lunch we all went to the soft play area in the mall and let Scarlett play a little longer.

It was 1 by the time I made it home and boy was Scarlett ready for a nap.  We could not find either of her 2 paci's.  Right then and there I should have just taken them away cold turkey.  I found a back up in the kitchen drawer but it was latex instead of silicone and a much smaller fit for her mouth.  She was not happy and threw it down.  I told her it was that paci or nothing and so she took it and went to sleep.

Both babies were down for a nap when a horrible headache hit me.  I took a motrin and laid on the couch.  Then Lane woke up. I had a 3 muskateers and started feeling nauseous. Yuck!  Just my luck Scarlett woke up.  I tried to get up and get moving so we could head to the hospital to see Rassie but the pressure was just beating down on me. My nose started running. I could feel plegm in my throat. I felt like I could puke any moment and my head was still pounding.  I fed Lane and got him happy in the bouncer then I laid back on the couch with Scarlett for some Tom & Jerry.  Nothing was helping! So I locked us all in my bedroom. We crowded onto the bed with cartoons. I put a cool cloth on my head and just relaxed. Lane passed back out and Scarlett was content playing with her babies on the bed and watching toons.  Finally at about 4:30 I started feeling better.

We made it to see Rassie for a few hours.  Scarlett ate dinner with him. I skipped dinner.  Now I'm home, both babies snoozing and my big ol' bed waiting for me to climb on in!  I hope tomorrow is a better day.  I don't want to feel sick again!

Photos As Promised!

They are so in love with each other

Lane at the Pumpkin Patch

Scarlett at the Pumpkin Patch

Lane in his Baseball sleeper for Halloween

Princess Scarlett

Can you tell she was ready to go?

Hooray for Weekends!

This past weekend was really good.  Rassie got to come home 2 days in a row on a day pass.  The kids really enjoyed having Daddy home and I know he enjoyed seeing these familiar walls. Now we're just waiting for the day he gets to come home for good and do rehab as an outpatient.

This weekend was also Halloween.  Scarlett was a princess and Lane was a baseball player.  I took Scarlett trick or treating while my aunt watched Lane and handed out candy.  Scarlett really enjoyed herself.  She loved walking from house to house and collecting candy.  I could not get her to say trick or treat when we walked up to houses but as soon as we walked off she would.  She was very polite though and said thank you to everyone who gave her a treat.  When we got in the truck to drive to the next street she couldn't wait to get out.  "more, out, more, out".  Those were her cute little words.  I loved seeing her so excited.   We took her trick or treating last year but this was her first true Halloween that she was old enough and able to grasp the concept of what was going on.  I really wish Rassie could have been with us be we all understood why he couldn't be.  We did spend most of the day with him though.

Lane turned 3 months on Halloween.  Where has the time gone?   I can't believe how fast the days are going by.  Sometimes I want to slow down the hands of time.   He is cooing and smiling and getting little bits of a giggle out here and there.  He holds his head up really well now and thinks he should sit up like a big boy.  If I weren't so broke I would get him a bumbo chair!  He has rolled over, once and it was on accident. Not to mention I missed it because I was out of the room.  Hasn't attempted to roll over since but I am sure the time will come and there is definitely no rush as of now.  I want my baby to be a baby.

Scarlett is doing good. As I said above, she really enjoyed Halloween.  She also likes the fish at the hospital so we are thinking that Santa is going to bring her a fish for Christmas.  I think a beta will do just fine.  She is getting so smart. And her memory, wow!  I can really tell its improving.  She's remembering people and places that she does not see very often.  Her vocabulary, a bit hard to understand, is growing and she's trying to spit out sentences.  My favorite is "Lub Me"  Everytime we say "I love you"  she tells us "Lub Me" back.  hahaha! I love it!!!!! 

I will make a special post just for new pics later when I find the time!  I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and had a fun, safe Halloween.