Hives

Yesterday was a pretty normal day. We did the normal things. Ate the normal stuff and put the kids to bed at the normal time: 8 o'clock.  They had been bathed, lotioned and jammied up. Both were in perfect baby conditino.  

Around midnight Scarlett woke up fussing.  I layed in bed with her.  She just kept scratching and clawing.  I didn't think anything of it because sometimes she doesn't actually wake up and is dreaming. I usually just talk her back into a calm sleep.  I did manage to do that. I rubbed her belly and covered it back up with the cool sheets.  She seemed to go back into a calm and peaceful sleep and I slipped back into my own bed. 12:30 rolled around and she's clawing herself again.  I took the lotion with me this time.  I figure she just has one of those itches you can't get rid of and lotion is always soothing.  This time I noticed her tummy felt warm and in the dim light from the hallway it looked really red.  So I decided to turn on the light and investigate.  Her entire stomach was red and around her sides to her back was also.  She had what looked like big whelps.  Her ears were beat red from scratching Both arms had whelps and were red.  Then there were smaller red spots all over her. 

Being the concerned mommy that I am.  I threw on some clothes, put a jacket on Scarlett and wrapped her in a blanket and we headed to the ER.  Thank God it was Sunday night and they were empty.   We were immediately taken back and told she had broken out into hives from an allergic reaction.  The doctor said it was an odd looking rash and he wanted to send another doctor in to look at it.  Hours later a RESIDENT came in.  Told us that it was an allergic reaction to something she had eaten.  They were going to treat her with benadryl and oral steriods. Make sure she was doing ok and then send us on our way. 

I was really annoyed that we had to wait around until 2:15 in morning to see a resident.  It wasn't to get a second opinino at all.  It was because the doctor felt the resident needed to see a case of the hives.  Apparently rashes like this don't come in very often and we were used as a teaching aide.  I really think it was unnecessary to keep us for that purpose.  It's the middle of the night and Scarlett is 2 years old. There was no excuse.

Anyways, around 2:30 the nurse finally came in with the benadryl and steriods.  Then we had to wait around until 3 to make sure the meds were doing their job and be discharged.  I could already tell the meds were helping. And Scarlett was no longer itching and clawing. She was however, wide awake. She stayed awake the entire car ride home and spent about 5 minutes loving on her daddy when we got back.  She went right to sleep when I put her in bed and was up bright and early at 7:30.

We have no idea what broke her out.  I went through everything we ate yesterday and they are all things she has had for over a year.  Biscuits, sausage and eggs for breakfast.  PB&J for lunch.  Chicken and pasta for dinner.  Gold fish for snacks.  Milk and tea for drinks.  No clue! I'm just happy it wasn't worse.

The hives had cleared up by this morning. They started to come back when she got hot so we did all our playing indoors.  We have to follow up with her pedi in a few days. 

The back. You can't really see the whelps in the pictures.

Scarlett's thigh.  It started spreading down  her legs

The top of her arm and armpit were worse but she would let me take a pitcure from that angle.

Greatest Accomplishment

Each morning I wake up to the face of my sweet little babies and all I can think is "BEAUTIFUL ANGELS".   God has Blessed me with two of the most wonderful children a mother could want.  I think back to the days of freedom and fun and I just can't imagine my life without these two little miracles.  I am so Blessed.

I think back to the days when I first became a mother. How happy and complete I felt. Holding Scarlett in my arms for the first time was my proudest moment. She was so tiny.  I used to fall asleep with her on my chest.  Today she's 2 years old and stands3/4 of inch away from 3 ft. tall.  When she lays on my chest now I feel like I can't breathe!  The past two years with her have flown by so fast.

I think back to last July, when Scarlett became a big sister.  When I became a mother of two.  When holding Lane in my arms was my 2nd greatest accomplishment.  Like his big sister, Lane was tiny.  And once again I would fall asleep holding him on my chest.  Days were a little busier this time around because not only did I have an 18 month old but I now had a newborn!  God had once again Blessed me.  The past eight months with him have flown by so fast!

Motherhood is my greatest accomplishment by far.  I would not give it up for anything in the world.  Yes there are days of craziness.  Days I just want to scream, pull my hair out and lock myself in a room all at once!  Days where Scarlett is little miss drama queen and doesn't quit fussing when things don't go her way.  Days where Lane is so clingly and doesn't want to be put down and nothing gets accomplished.  Yet again, a lot gets accomplished.  Memories. Memories that I wouldnt trade for anything you could offer. Memories that make me the woman, wife and mother I am today.  Memories....

Thank you God, for Blessing me with such a wonderful and loving family.  Thank you for my husband, who loves and supports me.  Thank  you for my children, who bring a smile to my face at any given moment.  Thank you for giving me time to spend with them and memories to last a lifetime. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.  

      ~ Amen

Keeping Busy

We have kept pretty busy this week. Even threw in a few last minute appointments.  Along side of Rassie's MWF physical therapy. We added in an appointment for Scarlett to have her belly button checked out and her ears since they were hurting her also. Everything checked out Free and Clear.  We added in an appointment for Rassie because his ears and throat were hurting him!  His ear was a little red and inflamed so he was prescribed the good pink stuff, amoxacillon!  Then we threw in a dentist appointment because Rassie's tooth was killing him and we have to go back next week to get it fixed!  Not to mention all playing at the park, grocery shopping, bank, post office and other minor errands we had to run!

We had a playdate with some friends that I haven't seen in a while today.  Scarlett had a blast and ran herself ragged. That didn't help when it came to bedtime though.  It took an hour and a half before she fell asleep.  I am thinking on Monday we are going to have to initiate phase 2 of the CIO method.  I used this on her before and it worked perfect. But then again she was sleeping in a crib! Ever since we moved her to the twin we have had problems with Scarlett going to bed.  That is mostly my fault.  Since it was so new I layed with her the first few nights until she fell asleep and things just went down hill from there. Agh! We will get it worked out though. 

Speaking of Monday night.  I also plan on moving Lane to his own room.  He has been sleeping in my room since he was born.  He's already upgraded from bassinet to playpen. I move Scarlett out of my room at 6 months and here Lane is going on 8 months! So it's time.  I put it off for a while though because my brother has been living with us and that's the room he's been using.  He's not using it anymore.  Oh and since we're on the topic of Lane reaching the 8 month mark.  He has been rocking on his hands and knees for TWO MONTHS now! How crazy is that????? I love that my baby is taking his time at being a baby but 2 months and no improvement? It worries me just a little some days.  I know everything is ok though and I'm enjoying my time with my baby. 

One last update. I've lost 2 lbs since Monday! I usually weigh in Mondays but the Motivation Mondays group switched to Friday weigh ins and I'm trying to get switched over!  I am excited with my loss!  I haven't stuck to my goal of walking every morning but I have been taking the kids for a walk in the evenings instead.  And then I add in a little yard work on pretty days and the wii fit after the kids have gone to bed.  There was a little slacking on a few days this week and I didn't do as well as I could of. I am hoping to push myself just a little harder this coming week!  GL to all the others who are on the same path as me.

Good Night Everyone and enjoy your weekend.

Just Some Stuff.

So I officially weigh in tomorrow and then I need to switch to Friday's with the rest of the Motivation Monday people!  I don't feel like I did very good at all this past week.  I am hoping to crack down a little more with the start of the new week. One thing I really need to do is grocery shop.  Our cabinets are pretty bare which doesn't leave room for many healthy options. 

This week is already looking like a busy one.  We had our car into the dealership about a week ago for some repairs and recalls. One of the main reasons we took it in for was the spring in the door. It keeps popping out and its really annoying when the door won't stay open and you need it to. They didn't fix it!  And it is such a hassle to have to move around carseats from vehicle to vehicle. I absolutely hate having to do it. But they're supposed to be calling and setting up another appointment to bring our vehicle in.  I am a little irritated too because they are saying that this problem is covered by warranty but a loaner is not covered. Hello! We can't be left carless and stranded. Apparently they're working something out. We'll see. If not, we'll just claim to be car shopping and maybe they'll let us test drive a car for the night :)

Rassie has his physical therapy Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  It takes our entire morning. By the time I get everyone up, fed and dressed. It's time to grab the diaper bags and load everyone in the car. Then we're not out of there until around noon.  That's ok though. Anything for my honey to get better!

Scarlett's been complaining of her belly button hurting her. She had a herniated umblicial when she was younger.  It's healed up quite nicely and her pedi just checked it at her 2 yr well baby.  Everything seemed fine.  But on two different occasions now she has complained.  A few weeks ago she complained for a few days and then again this weekend she has complained at least one time each day.  So, better safe than sorry.  I want to make sure everything is where its supposed to be and A-OK!

Lane has been quite the fussy butt. He's a really good baby and happy most of the day. He's been really clingly lately though, wanting to be held and cuddled. Including at random times during the night! Rassie holds him to put him to sleep for nap and 'forgets' to put him down.  Well, Lane is now wanting to be held during the night when he sleeps and I just can't get good sleep having to do that.  So we're working on breaking that habit.  Lane is also cutting another tooth.  He's a little fussier at teething than Scarlett was.  But that's ok too, I know we'll get through it.  AND if you're wondering, my baby is still taking his sweet, precious time and not crawling.  I am savoring every minute of it though because I know once he takes off I will never be able to turn back the hands of time!

So I think that's about it!  Everyone enjoy the new week. Make it a great one!
God Bless & Good Night

Day 3!

So I told you all that I was starting a weightloss journey.  I'm 3 days in! WOO HOO.  hahaha.  I had a goal to walk every morning.  Monday, I mowed the yard instead of walking. I figure yard work is pretty strenuous and it evened out.  Tuesday, it was rainy all day. But I did make it to Wal-Mart and Lowe's and did lots of walking there.  Today is Wednesday, I had to have Rassie at PT by 11.  After being up all night with a gassy baby and the other one waking up at 6 I was pretty tired.  But I did walk the mall and plan on taking the kids for a walk later on this evening.   I feel like I'm off track already!  On a brighter note, I have been drinking only water with the exception of a glass of tea with dinner.  Eating healthier meals and cut off any food after 7pm.  If I have to have something I have fresh fruit, jello, or no butter popcorn.  Which I haven't been hungry after 7 yet so that's a plus!

Beautiful Days

Has everyone else been enjoying this beautiful weather as much as me??? Ok, so today isn't so beautiful with all the clouds and rain but I know, come mid summer, I will be begging for a day like this.  I got to work in the yard yesterday. I mowed the grass.  There was so much  more I wanted to do with the backyard and didn't get to but I have plenty of time to get to it. 

Everyone here seems to be doing pretty good.  I'm excited to report that Rassie has started physical therapy and has had 3 sessions so far.  I cannot wait to see what improvements he will make by the end of these 4 weeks to come!

Scarlett is as energetic as ever. Tickling the life out of me with her personality, attitude and little things she says.  They're not always the most appropriate things to repeat but I guess that just means Mommy & Daddy need to be a little more careful with what they say around her!  The other morning she told her daddy "I whoop your ass".  As much as we wanted to scold her we laughed.   Thank God she hasn't said it since. She has had a set back in potty learning.  This past weekend. she had several accidents. Including 4 in 1 day.   I have two ideas as to why this is happening.  1) she's too busy with playing to stop and potty and 2) she realized she was no longer getting a treat everytime she pottied.   We've started back with the treats and we've had 2 days with no accidents. 

Lane is my chunky monkey! I love him to death.  He's still rocking on all fours.  Scooting backwards.  Turning circles.  Rolling this way and that.  BUT he still refuses to crawl.  He's coming up on 8 months and still not crawling! Scarlett started walking at 9 months. LOL   I already know that Lane is going to be my little procrastinator.  Such a Ham!  He is babbling dadadadadada now.  Rassie loves this! No mamamama yet though.  And just this morning....he WAVED!  Scarlett told him "Goodbye, wave at me".  She waved at him and he waved back.  It melted my heart.   I'm kind of happy to report that he's a little slower at the crawling/walking stage.  This means he doesn't have to grow up as fast, right?  OH, he can sit up without support too!  He does get excited sometimes and falls over but that's to be expected. 

As for me, well I've decided once again that I need to lose some weight.  My first goal is a small one.  I'm starting out by focusing on the first 10-15 lbs.  If I can lose that I will have some motivation to keep going.  I should have started this sooner because summer is just around the corner.  But that's ok, it shouldn't matter what time of year it is.  I need to get my booty in gear!   I'm starting off my weigh in at 000 because I just don't want to share my real weight!  Maybe once I reach a reasonable goal I'll feel more comfortable about sharing.

Well. That's about it for now!  Hope everyone enjoys the beautiful spring weather that's been coming our way!