I will ring in the new year with the boys this year. Brett has to work. It really sucks especially because he doesn't get out of work till 12:30. I'm guessing he isn't going to sell many policies tonight. The boys have taken it easy this week not having school. It's been pajama day every day. Which is fine....I would love to sit around in my pj's all day. So tonight I got home from work, it's cold and snowy outside and I got into mine. Then the boys and I sat down to enjoy our last night of Nickelodeon (as it appears to be going off the air at 12:01 due to stupid negotiations with Time Warner). We enjoyed popcorn and milkshakes for dinner. None of us really felt like eating much. Cody is already asleep so before he shut his eyes he told me "2009 is my favorite number". Dylan and Tyler are watching SpongeBob but I am sure will be fast asleep by the time the ball drops. I hope to make it but we will see. My sister is at my brother's and I so wish I was there. We are going next week - we leave Thursday and I can't wait! My mom is going out, to a bar to listen to their favorite band. It seems the days have switched. I used to be going out and she staying home.
2008 was a good year for us........(in no order)
1. Tyler peddled a bike
2. Cody and Dylan went on their first airplane ride to Las Vegas
3. My nephew Jack was born
4. No surgeries
5. Brett became a varsity official
6. Tanya, Mom and I took all the kids to Knoebles and survived the day! :)
7. Cody was featured on the cover of the clinic brochure
8. Brett and I hosted our 2nd Annual Family day for the Lucky Smiles Families
9. Dylan "loved" the pool - especially doing "cannonballs".
10. 2009 will bring even more good memories...............Stay tuned throughout the year.
Happy New Year everyone!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Unexpected Expenses
Well today as I was at my desk, I glanced down to my ring finger and noticed that something didn't look right. Sure enough - one of my diamonds was GONE! Thankfully not the big one but rather one of the small marquise on the side. I have no idea when it happened but I am thinking it was very recent as I tend to look at my ring a lot.
So at lunch I went to Kay's to see what can be done. They are sending my ring in for an estimate. All of my prongs were very worn down and the girl said I was lucky I hadn't lost more of them. So am I. So we wait for the estimate to see if they just repair it or if I get a new wrap. (My engagement ring was a solid diamond with a wrap that went around it) If it's cheaper - she did say I could "trade in" my old one and basically they would give me double the trade in merchandise for 1/2 the cost. Example.....give me $500, I could get a $1000 wrap for $500. Or...in January they are having a resetting sale and they could take my diamond and reset into a whole new ring. So we will see what we will do after we hear the estimate.
I hate not having it. My finger feels bare and I am constantly looking at my finger like I lost something. I think my heart skips a beat and then I remember where it is at. Just was not planning on coming up with money to fix it. But don't mess with a girls diamond!
So at lunch I went to Kay's to see what can be done. They are sending my ring in for an estimate. All of my prongs were very worn down and the girl said I was lucky I hadn't lost more of them. So am I. So we wait for the estimate to see if they just repair it or if I get a new wrap. (My engagement ring was a solid diamond with a wrap that went around it) If it's cheaper - she did say I could "trade in" my old one and basically they would give me double the trade in merchandise for 1/2 the cost. Example.....give me $500, I could get a $1000 wrap for $500. Or...in January they are having a resetting sale and they could take my diamond and reset into a whole new ring. So we will see what we will do after we hear the estimate.
I hate not having it. My finger feels bare and I am constantly looking at my finger like I lost something. I think my heart skips a beat and then I remember where it is at. Just was not planning on coming up with money to fix it. But don't mess with a girls diamond!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Hope Everyone had a Merry Christmas
The Luckey's had a great Christmas. Christmas Eve we went to my mom's for dinner and presents. The boys got lots of fun stuff. Then it was home to set up for Santa. We sprinkled oatmeal with sprinkles on the lawn so Rudolph could find his way. Then we left milk, cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer and a key around the front door as we don't have a chimney. Finally the boys went to sleep to dream of all the presents to come. Santa did a great job and we had 3 very happy little boys on Xmas morning. We finished the day with more presents and great food at my sisters. Only thing missing was my brother and his family.
An Action Shot! They all got decorative pillows...Cody Pikachu, Tyler Speed Racer, Dylan Skateboard.
On Friday we left for Cuba and had another great weekend with family and more presents and great food.
We are very lucky to have great families. And we love them very much.
An Action Shot! They all got decorative pillows...Cody Pikachu, Tyler Speed Racer, Dylan Skateboard.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
A call from Santa
My Christmas boys!!!! 
Santa called from the North Pole tonight! (or Maryland, they are close right?) The boys were so surprised and full of smiles. It was so cute. Santa told them each to be good. Asked Cody about his pill he takes. Asked Dylan about the oatmeal he is leaving out for Rudolph. Tyler just grinned ear to ear. They were so excited. Dylan did say at one point "I don't think this is him"....then when Santa asked him "what do you want for Christmas" Dylan just sayed "I already told you". I've said it a million times - he is just like his father!
Santa called from the North Pole tonight! (or Maryland, they are close right?) The boys were so surprised and full of smiles. It was so cute. Santa told them each to be good. Asked Cody about his pill he takes. Asked Dylan about the oatmeal he is leaving out for Rudolph. Tyler just grinned ear to ear. They were so excited. Dylan did say at one point "I don't think this is him"....then when Santa asked him "what do you want for Christmas" Dylan just sayed "I already told you". I've said it a million times - he is just like his father!My little boys are sleeping and it's time to wrap. Have a very Merry Christmas!!!!!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Kids never cease to amaze me.
I don't usually have many dull moments in my life living with 3 very active little boys. This morning was no different. Every morning Cody need to take his thyroid medication. He knows he has to take it but has started to "fight" me on doing it. This morning we are trying to get out of the house and it's like 2 degrees outside (no joke) so I give him his pill and drink and go outside to start the Van. I come in and he is crouched down in front of our door to go to the basement. Weird! I asked if he took the pill. He says with a smile "yes". Some how I did not believe him. He just had THAT look. I asked if he put it under the door. He says "no". So I go to open the door and he hightails it to the living room. Yep, he put it under the door! UGH - so now I need to watch him every morning take it.
Yesterday I did all of my baking. The boys had parties at school today and we had to take in a sweet treat. So Cody and Dylan took cookies and Tyler took brownies. Well while baking the boys sampled. Then they started to "sneak" a cookie. Well I think Cody had way to much. He ended up getting sick last night. So I told him today he needed to eat more "healthy" food. So this afternoon, I am chatting with my mom and she said they had sampled the cookie platter more. Cody was giving her a fit about eating healthy. I had her ask him if he wanted to talk to me. He said: "No, I already know what she is going to say." Kids, they are cute!
So the teacher forgot to get out the cookies at the party. Dylan was NOT HAPPY! He loves these cookies.
Can't believe it's Christmas this week. Have more wrapping to do but not sure when that is getting done. Only 1 more full day of work left. Looking forward to that.
Merry Christmas!
Yesterday I did all of my baking. The boys had parties at school today and we had to take in a sweet treat. So Cody and Dylan took cookies and Tyler took brownies. Well while baking the boys sampled. Then they started to "sneak" a cookie. Well I think Cody had way to much. He ended up getting sick last night. So I told him today he needed to eat more "healthy" food. So this afternoon, I am chatting with my mom and she said they had sampled the cookie platter more. Cody was giving her a fit about eating healthy. I had her ask him if he wanted to talk to me. He said: "No, I already know what she is going to say." Kids, they are cute!
So the teacher forgot to get out the cookies at the party. Dylan was NOT HAPPY! He loves these cookies.
Can't believe it's Christmas this week. Have more wrapping to do but not sure when that is getting done. Only 1 more full day of work left. Looking forward to that.
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 19, 2008
The first real snow of the season
Today we got our first "real" snow fall of the season. I think we ended up with around 8 inches. Might get a couple more overnight and then they are calling for another storm on Sunday. Work closed 2 hours early so that was nice. After carefully driving home, the boys were outside shoveling and I joined them. Cody stayed out for a few minutes - he is NOT my outside boy. Dylan and Tyler played forever.
Cody enjoyed the snow (for a minute) then he preferred to go in with his Pokemon's!
Dylan and Tyler built up a little mound of snow and had to "sit" on it!
Nothing like Tonka in the snow! These used to be Uncle Kevin's. Keep the boys busy for a couple hours. 
Molly loves the snow too! 
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A little catch up about the boys
So besides the hub bub of Christmas and shopping and all the prep work that goes into it - there really hasn't been a whole lot new with us. That is a good thing. Cody is taking his medication every day and doing really well with it. At times I wonder if it doesn't make him a little hyper but I can't really pin point it to the drug. One thing for sure is he doesn't complain that he is tired. So this is obviously working. The real test will come in Feb. when we do blood work to test his thyroid levels again. Dylan is doing well. I am very curious to see what he weighs in Jan at thier 5 year check up as he is really packing on the pounds. He loves to eat! He's doing well in school although the teacher said she thought he was "guessing" at some of his letters. So we are working on that. The problem is Cody blurts them out before he can get to it. Tyler got great news today from his speech therapist. She tested him and while he is still behind for his age group he has made up about a year loss of speech growth in 6 months. That is fantastic. She said actually she will need to "work with" the numbers to continue to qualify him for another 6 months. Basically keeping him in speech through this first year of preschool. I am very excited for Tyler as this was my hopes and dreams for him. He goes in January for a re-check of his ear tubes.
Cody and Dylan will be turning 5 in another month. Not sure where those 5 years have gone. I have so much reflecting to do on that. Many posts to come on that. In the mean time and on top of Christmas we are preparing for a birthday party. I called the other day and rented the movie theater. We are having a spongebob/pokemon birthday (nice combo huh). But the party should be fun with lots of their school friends.
Post maybe fewer and far between with Christmas coming next week. The Luckey family would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Cody and Dylan will be turning 5 in another month. Not sure where those 5 years have gone. I have so much reflecting to do on that. Many posts to come on that. In the mean time and on top of Christmas we are preparing for a birthday party. I called the other day and rented the movie theater. We are having a spongebob/pokemon birthday (nice combo huh). But the party should be fun with lots of their school friends.
Post maybe fewer and far between with Christmas coming next week. The Luckey family would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Shopping, Shopping, Santa and MORE Shopping
Our weekend was filled with Christmas Shopping. Brett's check came and it was time to get this party started. My feet still hurt from all the walking. I do have to say I am about done. A couple more people to buy for and that's it. Brett was great and kept the boys and just said "see ya, when I see ya". The crowds were crazy! I did the mall Saturday with the kids as we were going to see Santa. Wouldn't you know the minute we got there it was time for Santa to go feed the reindeer. So we had to wait an hour. Now going out in the north means winter coats. Well in the mall it is about a 100 degrees and so no coats...but who gets to carry them. ME! So we did some shopping for Brett and then enjoyed a pretzel and all of a sudden I see the line swelling for Santa. So we quickly make it over to it and OMG - we had to wait a good 35-40 minutes. CRAZY! Thankfully my mom was at the mall shopping and she came to take the boys for a walk and a potty break so I could stay in line. My crew LOVED Santa and I think Santa loved them as the 3 people in front of us all had crying kids. The picture was worth the wait to me:
Today, my Dad came out for his yearly Christmas shopping visit with the kids. He knows they have basically everything and finds it easier to just take them shopping. This year he add Cody and Dylan to the mix. He said "all of these toys make sounds and I think we have pushed every button". Tanya and I just laughed and said "I'm sure you did". The kids made out well. Then we went to Friendly's for lunch and ice cream and came back to my house so the kids could open the presents up. I made a mental note for Christmas morning - I need to have scissors, a screw driver and a little plastic bag for all the little junk stuff they use to wrap these toys into boxes. OMG! We of course had a photo op session with Papa too.....
We had a great visit with my Dad. So many emotions for me though but that is for another post. Now I have to concentrate on wrapping!
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Catching Up
I am happy to report that the sick bug has left our house. Sorry if he has landed at yours. I am knocking on wood that I only ended up with a cold. The boys didn't let the bug get them down for long and they are right back to their old selves. FULL of THEMSELVES!
We are all decorated for Christmas. Tree is up, lights are outside and they all work and the village is high up on the entertainment center and looks great (if I don't say so myself) After this year though I am getting all new lights. While putting up the tree I had a heck of a time with the last strand. Finally just gave up and went and bought a new one. Then I decided on the coldest day possible (cause the boys said the lights needed to get up as the neighbors are done) I stood outside in the freezing cold putting the lights up. Brett got off way to easy this year as he was at work. Trying to get the lights all connected so I was not running a million extension cords and then getting them all to work - what a chore. But I did it and they look good. Now, I need to start doing some shopping! Just waiting for the most important part - $$$$$. Brett gets his ref check and instead of shopping on credit, we will do it all in cash and it feels so much better. So I'll wait - but I am getting impatient.
I had my work Christmas party. We had fun. I had one amazing thing come from it though. There is a woman I work with that has a cleft lip and palate. I've known this for a while but we have never spoke about it. I figured she would come to me in time. She did and we had a great conversation. She had so many nice, encouraging words about Lucky Smiles and about Cody. I hope to get her to our next family day and who knows maybe Vegas in July.
My Dad is coming this weekend to take the kids Xmas shopping. He started this last year and they are anxious to get alone with Papa in Toys-r-us. I don't think my Dad knows what he is in for though. :)
Have a great rest of the week and weekend! We are hoping to get haircuts and then visit with Santa.
We are all decorated for Christmas. Tree is up, lights are outside and they all work and the village is high up on the entertainment center and looks great (if I don't say so myself) After this year though I am getting all new lights. While putting up the tree I had a heck of a time with the last strand. Finally just gave up and went and bought a new one. Then I decided on the coldest day possible (cause the boys said the lights needed to get up as the neighbors are done) I stood outside in the freezing cold putting the lights up. Brett got off way to easy this year as he was at work. Trying to get the lights all connected so I was not running a million extension cords and then getting them all to work - what a chore. But I did it and they look good. Now, I need to start doing some shopping! Just waiting for the most important part - $$$$$. Brett gets his ref check and instead of shopping on credit, we will do it all in cash and it feels so much better. So I'll wait - but I am getting impatient.
I had my work Christmas party. We had fun. I had one amazing thing come from it though. There is a woman I work with that has a cleft lip and palate. I've known this for a while but we have never spoke about it. I figured she would come to me in time. She did and we had a great conversation. She had so many nice, encouraging words about Lucky Smiles and about Cody. I hope to get her to our next family day and who knows maybe Vegas in July.
My Dad is coming this weekend to take the kids Xmas shopping. He started this last year and they are anxious to get alone with Papa in Toys-r-us. I don't think my Dad knows what he is in for though. :)
Have a great rest of the week and weekend! We are hoping to get haircuts and then visit with Santa.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Sick Kids
It seems that the sick bug has made a stop at my house. I thought maybe we were done with it on Thursday when just Cody got sick. But at 4 am my mom peeked her head in my room and said "Dylan's throwing up". Are you kidding! So I get out of bed. Now this really sucks cause I just came to bed at 2. My work Christmas party was last night and well I had a few to drink and we had a good time. I am barely coherent so I take Dylan and we head to the couch for the night. He slept restless - I just slept. He got sick a couple more times, took a long nap and then woke up - FINE. Weird. Same thing Cody did on Thursday. So I thought we were done. Wrong! Cody got sick once more today. Only once though so not sure what it was all about and he has felt fine since. I thought maybe we were done but #3 needed a turn. We did baths, got all cleaned up, went downstairs to snuggle on the couch and it was Tyler's turn. All over the carpet. Eeeehhhh.......thank god for carpet cleaners. I am just hoping and praying we make it through the night.
So today we were going to go see Santa but that didn't happen. We'll go one night this week. Last night Xmas party was fun. I have to say there have been better parties in years past but I won't complain. It was free, there was an open bar, casino tables, Brett and I got our character picture done (it turned out awesome and I'll have to scan it) decent food (years past have been so much better) but we had fun and then went to a co-workers house for more after hours fun. I just wish I could of slept the entire night. Oh well - that is the job of a mom.
So today we were going to go see Santa but that didn't happen. We'll go one night this week. Last night Xmas party was fun. I have to say there have been better parties in years past but I won't complain. It was free, there was an open bar, casino tables, Brett and I got our character picture done (it turned out awesome and I'll have to scan it) decent food (years past have been so much better) but we had fun and then went to a co-workers house for more after hours fun. I just wish I could of slept the entire night. Oh well - that is the job of a mom.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christmas Parade
Tonight was the JC Christmas parade. We have gone every year and I think this year was the first year in a couple that there was no snow. While it was cold - it wasn't freezing. We got to see lots and the kids got a ton of candy.
Me and my 3 little parade goers!
I have found it next to impossible to get them all to look at the camera. I guess 3 out of 5 isn't bad. Everybody loved that they had their Santa hats on. 
All the way from Bikini Bottom.......SpongeBob Squarepants.
The Grinch! (a little dark but his costume was awesome!)
From Sesame Street to Main Street - Big Bird!
Every parade must end with Santa. The kids were so excited to see him. We are going Saturday to the mall to see Santa again.
I was afraid today that we wouldn't get to go to the parade. Cody woke up at 5 am throwing up. I was hoping we wouldn't get hit with the bug (as my sister, mom and Karly) all had it. He never did run a fever. He got sick a few times and by lunch time he wanted a PB&J sandwich. He ate the whole thing and kept it down. So......by the time I got home he was up and energized and we went. I am hoping that is the last of it.
Me and my 3 little parade goers!
I have found it next to impossible to get them all to look at the camera. I guess 3 out of 5 isn't bad. Everybody loved that they had their Santa hats on. All the way from Bikini Bottom.......SpongeBob Squarepants.
The Grinch! (a little dark but his costume was awesome!)From Sesame Street to Main Street - Big Bird!Every parade must end with Santa. The kids were so excited to see him. We are going Saturday to the mall to see Santa again.I was afraid today that we wouldn't get to go to the parade. Cody woke up at 5 am throwing up. I was hoping we wouldn't get hit with the bug (as my sister, mom and Karly) all had it. He never did run a fever. He got sick a few times and by lunch time he wanted a PB&J sandwich. He ate the whole thing and kept it down. So......by the time I got home he was up and energized and we went. I am hoping that is the last of it.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Snow Pictures
We don't have snow so this is the first of the season for us.
Helping Grandpa shovel......
Everyone is building "something"
Snow Devil Tyler....the horns are under the hat! :)
Dylan standing on a tall pile of snow. 
Cody is Safe! 
Helping Grandpa shovel......
Everyone is building "something"
Snow Devil Tyler....the horns are under the hat! :)
Dylan standing on a tall pile of snow. 
Cody is Safe! 
Thanksgiving Catch-Up
Hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving weekend. We enjoyed a nice long weekend in Cuba and found it to be pretty relaxing. One nice thing about being away from home is I don't have to look at all my house work that needs done. I just need to concentrate on keeping our stuff together and that's it. So...I called in sick on Wed. and we got home around 3. At 3:15 the boys were out in the snow as they had about 8" and we have none. I forgot how much fun it is to dress 3 boys in all the snow gear for 15 minutes. They had fun though.
Thanksgiving day we enjoyed turkey at the house. It was a first for that as in years past we have gone to either of the Grandma's houses. Brett's family is huge though - we had 20 people around the table. His sister has 10 kids so the number jumps quickly. We did get to see his Grandma Luckey as she was home for dinner from the nursing home. She is elderly and has Alzheimer's and it was hard to see her that way. She kept referring to Brett as "little Brett" and she couldn't get over Tyler. Thought he was so cute. His Grandma reminds me a lot of mine who I miss dearly.
The rest of the weekend we enjoyed more time in the snow. Took in a basketball game at the high school. That was fun. Always nice to go back and route for the Rebels. As my husband would tell me "you only go to chit chat and watch the cheerleaders"...while he isn't completely off - I did notice the cheerleaders and didn't think they looked horrible for their first time on the court. Loud, together, could of smiled more, could of done more sideline cheers, I could of done over half of their cheers with them. Saturday we got to do a little downtown shopping. Picked up some yummy cheese and salt rising bread. Went to Preston's birthday party. Got to see almost all of the extended family. Always nice to mingle with them. We headed back on Sunday and arrived safely through the snow.
One thing all of us managed to get while "at grandma's" were colds. So I'm hoping it goes away soon. I found out also on this trip I have to change my wording. I used to say "going home" cause I think and probably always will of Cuba as "home". But to my boys - Cuba is not home - it's grandma's. Our house is 'home' - so I have to break old habits and that is hard.
Since being home - the tree is up and is now decorated. We picked up Molly tonight and she was so happy to come home. I'll work on the rest of the decorations throughout the week. Thursday night is a Christmas parade and Friday night is my work Xmas party. My mom is babysitting as it's going to be a late night for sure.
The countdown is on..........24 days to go!
Thanksgiving day we enjoyed turkey at the house. It was a first for that as in years past we have gone to either of the Grandma's houses. Brett's family is huge though - we had 20 people around the table. His sister has 10 kids so the number jumps quickly. We did get to see his Grandma Luckey as she was home for dinner from the nursing home. She is elderly and has Alzheimer's and it was hard to see her that way. She kept referring to Brett as "little Brett" and she couldn't get over Tyler. Thought he was so cute. His Grandma reminds me a lot of mine who I miss dearly.
The rest of the weekend we enjoyed more time in the snow. Took in a basketball game at the high school. That was fun. Always nice to go back and route for the Rebels. As my husband would tell me "you only go to chit chat and watch the cheerleaders"...while he isn't completely off - I did notice the cheerleaders and didn't think they looked horrible for their first time on the court. Loud, together, could of smiled more, could of done more sideline cheers, I could of done over half of their cheers with them. Saturday we got to do a little downtown shopping. Picked up some yummy cheese and salt rising bread. Went to Preston's birthday party. Got to see almost all of the extended family. Always nice to mingle with them. We headed back on Sunday and arrived safely through the snow.
One thing all of us managed to get while "at grandma's" were colds. So I'm hoping it goes away soon. I found out also on this trip I have to change my wording. I used to say "going home" cause I think and probably always will of Cuba as "home". But to my boys - Cuba is not home - it's grandma's. Our house is 'home' - so I have to break old habits and that is hard.
Since being home - the tree is up and is now decorated. We picked up Molly tonight and she was so happy to come home. I'll work on the rest of the decorations throughout the week. Thursday night is a Christmas parade and Friday night is my work Xmas party. My mom is babysitting as it's going to be a late night for sure.
The countdown is on..........24 days to go!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Packing up.....Happy Early Turkey Day!
Well tomorrow we are heading to the in-laws for a nice long Thanksgiving break. We spent the evening packing and getting ready. You know, I hate packing when it's winter. I mean the clothes are thicker, take up more room, need to have extra cause I'm sure we will be outside in the snow. Oh yah, don't forget the boots, gloves, hats, snow pants - that's a whole other bag. But for the most part we are packed.
I hope everybody has a great Thanksgiving. I am ready for some turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and don't forget the deserts. YUM! The boys colored turkeys at school today and listed their favorite treats. Dylan said Turkey....Cody said Lollipop. Um......OK.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope everybody has a great Thanksgiving. I am ready for some turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and don't forget the deserts. YUM! The boys colored turkeys at school today and listed their favorite treats. Dylan said Turkey....Cody said Lollipop. Um......OK.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Happy Birthday Connor
Today was my nephew's birthday. He turned 2. Ah...the terrible two stage. I have to say though he entered it about 6 months ago. I always thought 2 was tough but Tyler is in the horrible three's and I am thinking this is worse. Can't believe Connor is 2. I remember when Karly called me and told me "my mom's gonna have a baby". I was stunned silent - and that doesn't happen often. :) I always thought my sister was just going to have Karly - and honestly they did too. Connor was their surprise baby. Those surprise babies sure do have a way of sneaking into your heart. Connor had a John Deere birthday party on Saturday. He loves tractor's, footballs, telling people that his grandpa cut down a tree, beating up his cousins (while they sit in awe because he is the baby and we are gently with babies), he cracks me up as he tells me "shut up auntie" with the cutest little grin on his face. He of course gets in trouble but it's still cute.
The very yummy birthday cake!
The very yummy birthday cake!
Happy 2nd Birthday Connor!
He loves his football!
He loves his football!
Today, Jack also turned a month old! That's hard to believe too. He is recovering well after surgery. Taking his bottle without all the fuss afterward. You hate to see the kids spit up but I can't imagine seeing them vomit the way he was.
Mom mom is on the mend. She stayed in bed all day and got some more much needed sleep. Tonight as I left Tanya's.....Shaun wasn't feeling well. Tanya confirmed tonight - he is the next to get this. Knocking on wood that we don't! Time will tell. I just hope we get to enjoy Turkey!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
It stopped raining...
Ok, I'm not really talking about the rain. :)
Both Jack and my mom were discharged today. Jack has kept his bottles down and is doing well. He had laproscopic surgery so only 3 small incisions and no stitches. So that is a good thing. My mom got discharged last night. She came down with a flu bug and was dehydrated. So I guess rather she had been in NY or in MD she would of ended up in the ER. Just wish it had been NY so Tanya or I could of been there with her. Sorry to any of the men out there but they just aren't compassionate. I do have to say I am very impressed with my husband and how he took care of my mom. Something about a Mom - they just want to be there for family when going through a hard time. She hates she got sick but there is nothing she could of done about it. She didn't plan it or want it. Brett let her sleep the whole ride home and she had 3 little boys very excited to see her when she got home. The flu is a wicked thing and now we are just waiting to see if any of us get it. If so, I hope it's before we get to Cuba this weekend. Time will tell.
We have a nice short week this week. Tomorrow is Connor's 2nd birthday so we'll go have cake again. Yum! Tuesday night we'll be packing (although the boys were packing their toys today - they can't wait to go to grandma and grandpa's) and Wednesday we travel. Still wondering if I am going to hit the Black Friday sales. Looking forward to seeing family over the holidays!
Both Jack and my mom were discharged today. Jack has kept his bottles down and is doing well. He had laproscopic surgery so only 3 small incisions and no stitches. So that is a good thing. My mom got discharged last night. She came down with a flu bug and was dehydrated. So I guess rather she had been in NY or in MD she would of ended up in the ER. Just wish it had been NY so Tanya or I could of been there with her. Sorry to any of the men out there but they just aren't compassionate. I do have to say I am very impressed with my husband and how he took care of my mom. Something about a Mom - they just want to be there for family when going through a hard time. She hates she got sick but there is nothing she could of done about it. She didn't plan it or want it. Brett let her sleep the whole ride home and she had 3 little boys very excited to see her when she got home. The flu is a wicked thing and now we are just waiting to see if any of us get it. If so, I hope it's before we get to Cuba this weekend. Time will tell.
We have a nice short week this week. Tomorrow is Connor's 2nd birthday so we'll go have cake again. Yum! Tuesday night we'll be packing (although the boys were packing their toys today - they can't wait to go to grandma and grandpa's) and Wednesday we travel. Still wondering if I am going to hit the Black Friday sales. Looking forward to seeing family over the holidays!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
When it Rains it Pours!
The events of the last 24 hours seem to be some what of a blur. It all started last night, I took my gang up to bed around 8 and was hoping for everyone to fall asleep fast so I could have some time with my husband. Instead it was 10pm and Tyler had just fallen asleep when my phone rang. Odd! It was my sister. She never calls that late. Something is wrong.........
She informed me that my brother had called and Jack was needing emergency surgery. OMG! Your kidding right. No. The poor little guy had a pylorus valve blocked in his stomach and has been the reason for his discomfort. So they were being transported to another hospital for surgery. I of course had a million emotions run through me as pediatric surgery is not new to me. But man did I feel so sorry that my brother and Kristie had to go through this too. My mom wanted to go and because my children took forever to go to sleep - Brett got a nice 2 hour nap in. So he offered to drive my mom down so she could be there. They left after midnight.
To top it off - today was Connor's 2nd birthday party. To be honest we went through the motions but were thinking about Jack and my Mom the whole day.
You ask why about my Mom? Well at some point of this afternoon my mom became very ill. She thought she needed something to eat but as they got to the cafeteria she got sick. A doctor walked past and went to be with her in the restroom and ended up taking her to the ER. She was dehydrated and very ill. So they hooked her up to IV's and ordered blood work. She feels horrible and is miserable knowing that she went there to be with Jack. So tonight they are both in the hospital - except on different floors. Ugh. Brett is there with her and we are hoping she gets discharged tomorrow so she can come home. I am at a loss as to what to do. I really can't do anything but hope for the best come morning.
So tonight as I close my eyes I am hoping to get some shut eye myself. I just would like to be in MD right now.
She informed me that my brother had called and Jack was needing emergency surgery. OMG! Your kidding right. No. The poor little guy had a pylorus valve blocked in his stomach and has been the reason for his discomfort. So they were being transported to another hospital for surgery. I of course had a million emotions run through me as pediatric surgery is not new to me. But man did I feel so sorry that my brother and Kristie had to go through this too. My mom wanted to go and because my children took forever to go to sleep - Brett got a nice 2 hour nap in. So he offered to drive my mom down so she could be there. They left after midnight.
To top it off - today was Connor's 2nd birthday party. To be honest we went through the motions but were thinking about Jack and my Mom the whole day.
You ask why about my Mom? Well at some point of this afternoon my mom became very ill. She thought she needed something to eat but as they got to the cafeteria she got sick. A doctor walked past and went to be with her in the restroom and ended up taking her to the ER. She was dehydrated and very ill. So they hooked her up to IV's and ordered blood work. She feels horrible and is miserable knowing that she went there to be with Jack. So tonight they are both in the hospital - except on different floors. Ugh. Brett is there with her and we are hoping she gets discharged tomorrow so she can come home. I am at a loss as to what to do. I really can't do anything but hope for the best come morning.
So tonight as I close my eyes I am hoping to get some shut eye myself. I just would like to be in MD right now.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Update from today
Cody and I went to Syracuse today for our 6 month check up with Dr. Tatum. We went to check his ears and discuss his adenoids at the request of our ortho. His adenoids are large but at this time Dr. Tatum does not want to do anything about them. Our ortho is concerned due to growth. Cody is a mouth breather and when you breath primarily out of your mouth it can affect the way your jaw grows. However the adenoids give him extra tissue in the back of his throat to help with his speech. Dr. Tatum said he can "fix" a jaw much more easily than he can "fix" his speech. I agree. And there is nothing saying he will have a jaw growth problem. Only time will tell on that one.
We were thanked for allowing them to use it. I contribute his smile to the wonderful hands of our surgeon. He "fixed" something that almost 5 years ago I never thought could be "fixed".
He checked his ears and he said they are just full of wax. So what he could see was limited. He had the nurse do a tympanogram on him and the ear drum didn't move much. He believes the tube in the left ear is out and there is fluid. The right tube is either out with fluid or there is a hole in the eardrum. Right now he just wants to watch for infections. If we should get any then he wants to see us back and he'll have to do surgery to replace the tubes. If we don't have any infections then we see him in July for the team visit.
I did get great news though while there. Back a couple months ago, Cody went for a photo shoot. The team was interested in putting his picture in their brochure. I was very honored that they wanted to use it. After all though his smile does show off Dr. Tatum's handy work. So we did the pictures and was told they would see what looked best. Well today I was shown and then handy their new clinic brochure - and on the front cover is a great picture of my smiling boy! Here it is:
We were thanked for allowing them to use it. I contribute his smile to the wonderful hands of our surgeon. He "fixed" something that almost 5 years ago I never thought could be "fixed".
Monday, November 17, 2008
Meet my friend
While at work today I happen to be checking my emails - I know not supposed to be doing this at work - but I was! I got an email from a dear friend. A friend I met for the first time at the conference in Vegas. He spoke for about an hour and I just thought he was fantastic. So did Brett. Just this past July he came back to the conference and we got to "meet" again. This time it was different. He remembered me. I was amazed and shocked. He is a dear dear friend of the cleftAdvocate organization. He tells a story like no other. Your cheeks hurt when he is done talking.
Meet my friend - David Roche.
I'll share something from his website........
" make my living as a performer, speaker and author. The time has come for me to blog. For more info about me, please visit my website. And, oh yes, I have a facial disfigurement. And I am very funny."
The email you may ask.......the email was that David has a blog. You all know how I love to blog. Well now I am so excited that I can read David's blog. I've read his book - he amazing. He is an older gentlemen, like he said that has a facial disfigurement, he is married, he leads a truly fulfilled life, he is my friend, he will rather he realizes it or not teach me how to prepare Cody for the world.
As I read this post of his, I closed my eyes...I was sitting on the chair in the Ballroom at the Tuscany, David was talking....I was laughing - this is what he was telling us: http://davidroche.com/myface/2008/10/at-middle-school-2/#comments
Meet my friend - David Roche.
I'll share something from his website........
" make my living as a performer, speaker and author. The time has come for me to blog. For more info about me, please visit my website. And, oh yes, I have a facial disfigurement. And I am very funny."
The email you may ask.......the email was that David has a blog. You all know how I love to blog. Well now I am so excited that I can read David's blog. I've read his book - he amazing. He is an older gentlemen, like he said that has a facial disfigurement, he is married, he leads a truly fulfilled life, he is my friend, he will rather he realizes it or not teach me how to prepare Cody for the world.
As I read this post of his, I closed my eyes...I was sitting on the chair in the Ballroom at the Tuscany, David was talking....I was laughing - this is what he was telling us: http://davidroche.com/myface/2008/10/at-middle-school-2/#comments
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Relaxing Sunday
Well our weather did a complete 180 from yesterday. Yesterday it was almost 60 and warm. Today it was very, very cold and as I type my car is now covered in snow! I knew it had to come sooner or later. We had a very relaxing Sunday. We got to see my brother as they headed back through to MD. Sad when they left as I am not sure when we are seeing them again yet. I'm thinking a trip to MD is in our plans shortly. After they left, we all vegged out. The boys played, I did what I normally don't do and sat on the couch and watched TV. Just didn't have it in me today. I did a little bit when I had to but all in all it was a very relaxing day. Which is soooo nice! But I had to get out the camera and take a picture!!!! I think this is my new favorite! 
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Dinner and a Movie
After the Bakugan tournament our afternoon quieted down for a little bit. We got some house work done, Brett went off to Walmart to get groceries, it was a very rainy yucky day out so we just chilled. Brett left around 3 as the football officials all got a bus and headed to Syracuse for the football game tonight. While I am sure the game won't be "wonderful" as SU isn't doing very good at all this year - it's still a fun night out with the guys! I am sure they are having fun.
So the boys and I had plans to go to a benefit dinner. A guy I work with has boys in the cub scouts. They were putting this Spaghetti dinner on for two fellow scouts that have lost their parents. The kids are in the 3rd and 1st grade. I can't even imagine. A very young relative is now the sole care giver for these two boys. So we were happy to go tonight and have a great dinner. A bunch of us from work all met and no matter where we are - when we all get together we have a blast.
Driving home I remembered back to toys-r-us and Dylan really wanting this Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas DVD. So I decided we would go and get it. He was so excited! We got home, got our jammies on and made popcorn. Put the movie in and just relaxed. It was wonderful! Just to sit on the couch, cuddled under the blanket with my boys and watching a cute movie. Priceless!
So the boys and I had plans to go to a benefit dinner. A guy I work with has boys in the cub scouts. They were putting this Spaghetti dinner on for two fellow scouts that have lost their parents. The kids are in the 3rd and 1st grade. I can't even imagine. A very young relative is now the sole care giver for these two boys. So we were happy to go tonight and have a great dinner. A bunch of us from work all met and no matter where we are - when we all get together we have a blast.
Driving home I remembered back to toys-r-us and Dylan really wanting this Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas DVD. So I decided we would go and get it. He was so excited! We got home, got our jammies on and made popcorn. Put the movie in and just relaxed. It was wonderful! Just to sit on the couch, cuddled under the blanket with my boys and watching a cute movie. Priceless!
Bakugan Tournament
Today was the Bakugan Tournament at Toys-R-Us. We got there about 10:30 and the tables were full. They had to bring out more. Cody and Dylan sat down to battle and had a blast. After a little bit Dylan got tired of it and wanted to just go look at the toys with Tyler. Cody moved on to another little boy and battled with him. He said he won "9 times".....I don't think that's true but he was very into it. It was so fun to watch him.
Here they are setting up to play!
Bakugan Battle.
Here they are setting up to play!
Bakugan Battle.
Friday, November 14, 2008
We have Bakugan!
What a day today was. It actually started last night when Brett told me that on Saturday there is a Bakugan tournament at toys-r-us. He had already told Cody and we have to go. Problem is - we don't have the bakugan balls. So I figured hey, if toys-r-us is hosting this tournament then they must have some of these balls in the store. WRONG! Them along with every other retailer does not carry these things. They are all sold out. I spent all day calling all over trying to find these. My mom even went to a store called "Made in Japan" and they didn't have them. I had basically given up. I have a friend in Ohio and she said she would look for me. I found one battle set on craigslist and emailed them but was waiting for a reply. Any way I tried though - we were not going to have these things for tomorrow. WRONG again! I got home and my mom had called one more local store....one I never shop at as it's downtown but that she loves.....and they had them! Yeah!!! We got a 6 pack. We are battling tomorrow.
Apparently though these Bakugan's are being considered the top toy of this holiday season. Unlike most top toy's (in my era it was the Cabbage Patch Kid) these are actually within a price range for families. Starting around $3.00 and going up from there. And as my luck will have it my friend in Ohio went right out shopping for me (thanks Liz) and she found me a 3 pack. Santa is "very" happy. Then the seller from craigslist wrote me back and said the mega battle pack is still available. It's a steal of a price. Yeah! I am soooooooooooooooooo excited!
Tonight though we did another kid favorite. We had a birthday party to go to for a little boy in Cody and Dylan's class at Chuck E Cheese. The minute you walk through the door is instant craziness. They had so much fun though. It was an all boys party as the little boy didn't want any girls invited. And a big step for my kids, they actually like Chuck E. Giving him high 5's and everything. Surprised me. We left and Cody said "I wish we lived here". Yah, I don't! We will have to price a Chuck E birthday party. It's just so crazy there with no real organization. I've got a little bit to think about that.
So we are off to toys-r-us in the morning to have a Bakugan Battle. I will have pictures for sure!
Apparently though these Bakugan's are being considered the top toy of this holiday season. Unlike most top toy's (in my era it was the Cabbage Patch Kid) these are actually within a price range for families. Starting around $3.00 and going up from there. And as my luck will have it my friend in Ohio went right out shopping for me (thanks Liz) and she found me a 3 pack. Santa is "very" happy. Then the seller from craigslist wrote me back and said the mega battle pack is still available. It's a steal of a price. Yeah! I am soooooooooooooooooo excited!
Tonight though we did another kid favorite. We had a birthday party to go to for a little boy in Cody and Dylan's class at Chuck E Cheese. The minute you walk through the door is instant craziness. They had so much fun though. It was an all boys party as the little boy didn't want any girls invited. And a big step for my kids, they actually like Chuck E. Giving him high 5's and everything. Surprised me. We left and Cody said "I wish we lived here". Yah, I don't! We will have to price a Chuck E birthday party. It's just so crazy there with no real organization. I've got a little bit to think about that.
So we are off to toys-r-us in the morning to have a Bakugan Battle. I will have pictures for sure!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Pictures
Tonight we took all the Grandkids to Sears for their Christmas pictures. Let me just say - "phew"...it's over! I wore a sweater and shouldn't have. I was dying. Everyone did great! Well, once Tyler got whatever crawled up his butt out. The first few pictures were um very interesting to say the least. But then the photographer got the idea to bring out the frog that falls off her head and that was all it took! Duh, I could of told you that. But we got them done and I think Gimmie and Papa will love them!!!
My very soon to be 5 year olds. Figured I might as well kill two birds with one stone! Not 5 till January though!
My little 3 year old. I told him the other night he was "my baby" and he told me "no I'm not..I a little boy".......Plus I figure since he wouldn't get his school picture taken - this is it! I'll take that smile anyday!
Baby Jack. It's still weird that he is here and we can hold him. He's such a little peanut and his big cousins just LOVED him! 
Ah...a sleeping baby is the BEST! Don't you just want to kiss those cheeks! 
I really hate to "give them away" but I have to share just a few. Enjoy!!!
The group shot. This was our first photo and the one Tyler had an issue with. By this picture I had basically promised the world. Look at all of those BOYS! Poor Karly.
My very soon to be 5 year olds. Figured I might as well kill two birds with one stone! Not 5 till January though!
My little 3 year old. I told him the other night he was "my baby" and he told me "no I'm not..I a little boy".......Plus I figure since he wouldn't get his school picture taken - this is it! I'll take that smile anyday!Baby Jack. It's still weird that he is here and we can hold him. He's such a little peanut and his big cousins just LOVED him! Ah...a sleeping baby is the BEST! Don't you just want to kiss those cheeks!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ahh...a baby
Today I left work early and headed to my sisters for some family fun. Kevin and Kristie are home for a visit and I couldn't wait to get my hands on Jack. Of course he was sleeping when I got there so I had to wait - but the minute he stirred I was the first to get him. He is such a little peanut. I have missed him bunches. Such a good baby too. I fed him his bottle and he burped like a champ for me. Then I held him while he slept and did put him down long enough to eat dinner. He got his bath and of course didn't like it to start but then didn't think it was so bad. My boys loved him. Sat in the chair and held him and he just gazed up into their eyes. That first eye contact, like he is memorizing them and putting them in his memory bank. It will be amazing to see how much he changes as we don't get to visit with them all that often. I'm thinking that will get better though. I have some great pictures....BUT....wouldn't you know I left my camera at my sister's and won't get it till tomorrow. :( I'll post them later.
Tomorrow is picture day. I am hoping we are going to get a good picture. Time will tell.
Tomorrow is picture day. I am hoping we are going to get a good picture. Time will tell.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Random Things
The weekend is coming to a close. While we had nothing "planned" the time still manages to go very quickly. Saturday I decided I needed a hair cut. I am trying to grow my hair out but it is challenging at times. I just got it trimmed to even it out and hope it keeps on growing. I took Cody with me as the other two were outside enjoying the fall weather. After that, we went and did our grocery shopping. Now wouldn't it figure - the one weekend I don't take all 3 of my boys to Walmart - it is the one weekend where SpongeBob and Barbie are at Walmart. Of course Cody didn't care about Barbie (Brett said he would of liked to see her :) - he did give Spongebob a high 5 and got a Ty beanie of Gary. Brett cooked us a nice dinner and then the boys got their own haircuts. We are gearing up for family pictures in a couple of days.
This morning, after a way to early of a start - the boys and I made chocolate chip cookies. There are no more left!!!! Then we did some re-arranging and cleaning. It was wonderful. We are slowly making room for where the Xmas tree will go. Then I got a little "treat". My neighbor took the boys for a couple of hours and I didn't know what to do first. It was like heaven! :) Her boys come over a lot so I am thankful she returned the favor. They had fun.
My brother and his family are coming home tomorrow. I can't wait to see Jack again and have him meet his cousins. I look forward to our few days with them. We are cramming into these days a photo op. All the kids are getting their pictures taken for my mom. She will LOVE it and it should prove interesting with 6 kids - ages 7, 4, 4, 3, 2, 2 weeks. Please pray with me that we get a "very" patient photographer. You will of course see the final outcome when they are done.
Happy Monday!
This morning, after a way to early of a start - the boys and I made chocolate chip cookies. There are no more left!!!! Then we did some re-arranging and cleaning. It was wonderful. We are slowly making room for where the Xmas tree will go. Then I got a little "treat". My neighbor took the boys for a couple of hours and I didn't know what to do first. It was like heaven! :) Her boys come over a lot so I am thankful she returned the favor. They had fun.
My brother and his family are coming home tomorrow. I can't wait to see Jack again and have him meet his cousins. I look forward to our few days with them. We are cramming into these days a photo op. All the kids are getting their pictures taken for my mom. She will LOVE it and it should prove interesting with 6 kids - ages 7, 4, 4, 3, 2, 2 weeks. Please pray with me that we get a "very" patient photographer. You will of course see the final outcome when they are done.
Happy Monday!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Not much planned
Well this is our first weekend of back to being a family for the weekend. Football games are coming to a close. Brett doesn't have any this weekend. It was nice tonight as I got home from work, dinner was all ready. Then I skipped out for a quick trip to Target. I was looking for some black cords for Tyler and the boys got invited to a b-day party next Friday night at Chucky Cheese. So now I need a gift. Tomorrow the boys need haircuts and we will probably need to get groceries. I am sure we will be watching football. A quite weekend that is very much needed. I hope everybody has a great weekend!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Trying to figure it all out
Well we have a new President. This should prove to be an interesting 4 years and I am very anxious to see what he is going to do for "me" - the middle class citizen. The family that has a child with special needs yet doesn't qualify for a thing because of it. The family that has mountains of medical bills - yet I pay a fortune every week out of my paycheck for health insurance. Folks - this is what I am interested in and what President Obama is going to do for me. Time will tell I guess - but I am not holding my breath. And honestly, I would of been wondering the same thing for McCain. I just hope that our president wasn't chosen because of the color of his skin but for what he can bring to us as a Nation. Again, time will tell!
Phew - now that that is off my chest. The other thing that has me puzzled is Cody. He's been on his pill since Saturday. Takes it every morning with no fuss. Today he said he just swallowed it but I'm not sure. However, I have noticed his mood swings to be interesting. Tonight he had an all out meltdown. I finally just picked him up, his eyes were so red and swollen and glossy, and I just held him until he slept. So not like him. So we will watch this. After talking with Brett tonight he has noticed it to so we'll write this down and keep an eye on it.
I did go back to the pharmacy today. After talking with the pharmacist, he said it was better to get the new script and start Cody on that. So I did. Still makes me very mad though that the office didn't call the script in correctly. Something I did not realize is by law a pharmacy has to fill a script generically unless it is specifically written as a "DAW". One thing for sure - I will double check this from now on. Almost like you have to before you leave the McDonald's drive-thru.
Phew - now that that is off my chest. The other thing that has me puzzled is Cody. He's been on his pill since Saturday. Takes it every morning with no fuss. Today he said he just swallowed it but I'm not sure. However, I have noticed his mood swings to be interesting. Tonight he had an all out meltdown. I finally just picked him up, his eyes were so red and swollen and glossy, and I just held him until he slept. So not like him. So we will watch this. After talking with Brett tonight he has noticed it to so we'll write this down and keep an eye on it.
I did go back to the pharmacy today. After talking with the pharmacist, he said it was better to get the new script and start Cody on that. So I did. Still makes me very mad though that the office didn't call the script in correctly. Something I did not realize is by law a pharmacy has to fill a script generically unless it is specifically written as a "DAW". One thing for sure - I will double check this from now on. Almost like you have to before you leave the McDonald's drive-thru.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I voted!
Today was a first for me....I voted today. I honestly wasn't going to. I didn't think I was registered. I came home at lunch today so Brett could go and vote and when he got home he said - your name was below mine...you can vote. So I said "you know what - I should". So I did and it felt REALLY good. I didn't think it would feel like anything. So I voted and now am sitting with the rest of the nation to find out who the next president of the United States will be.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Not my mistake
So yesterday as I sat down to the kitchen table to read the drug insert that came with Cody's medication (you know..check it for signs of reaction that I should look out for, that type of thing) I read the drug name: Levothyroxcin 25mcg. Hm....that's weird - that is the generic drug. I read the next line........Name brands for this drug: Synthroid, Levoxyl, and 2 others. What the he!!. They gave us the wrong medication. Not freaking out as it is the right medication - just the generic form. And normally that isn't a problem at all. However, our doctor does not want Cody taking the generic form of this drug. I have been round and round with them.
At first he (the doctor) prescribed us Synthroid. Which was great till I found out it was going to be $40 a month. That was going to hurt. So I asked for the above mentioned generic and he told me in a kid Cody's age - he does not recommend the generic as we can't guarantee everytime we get this filled that we will get the same formulation of the drug. So it could mess with his lab results and possibly make this from a non-lifetime condition to a Lifetime condition. So - he asked if Levoxyl was a tier 1 drug for me - yes it is! So his office called it into the pharmacy and I picked it up. Apparently somebody (either the office or the pharmacy) didn't mention that it needed to be filled "as written". So the pharmacy filled it generic.
I called the doctor's office today and became very annoyed at the run around I got. Don't give me the run around. I know what I am talking about. This whole medical thing isn't a "new" thing to me. Been there - done that. I've even had a doctor ask me if I was a nurse. So don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. This wasn't MY mistake - you need to fix it. Finally after 3 phone calls - we got this straight, WITH THE OFFICE. I still need to go to the pharmacy tomorrow and see what they are going to do for me. At this point we aren't sure if I can get the new script (the right script) filled because I just filled the other one a couple days ago. I will be pointing out that my child is taking a medication that isn't prescribed to him and see where that gets me. I know it's not the complete wrong drug - but it is!
I do have to say though that the doctor called me back every time I have called. I appreciate that. Most offices you talk with his nurse or secretary. But he's the one that talked to me like I was dumb. So we'll see - my patience is short with the medical staff. If I don't keep that "feel good feeling" with an office - we won't stay. Time will tell! I am trying to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Not sure if it's to early to tell but I have noticed a change in Cody's appetite. He's actually eating food and not just goldfish, chips, etc. And he doesn't appear to be as moody. Like I said - this might be to early to tell exactly. Just starting to see a few different changes.
At first he (the doctor) prescribed us Synthroid. Which was great till I found out it was going to be $40 a month. That was going to hurt. So I asked for the above mentioned generic and he told me in a kid Cody's age - he does not recommend the generic as we can't guarantee everytime we get this filled that we will get the same formulation of the drug. So it could mess with his lab results and possibly make this from a non-lifetime condition to a Lifetime condition. So - he asked if Levoxyl was a tier 1 drug for me - yes it is! So his office called it into the pharmacy and I picked it up. Apparently somebody (either the office or the pharmacy) didn't mention that it needed to be filled "as written". So the pharmacy filled it generic.
I called the doctor's office today and became very annoyed at the run around I got. Don't give me the run around. I know what I am talking about. This whole medical thing isn't a "new" thing to me. Been there - done that. I've even had a doctor ask me if I was a nurse. So don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. This wasn't MY mistake - you need to fix it. Finally after 3 phone calls - we got this straight, WITH THE OFFICE. I still need to go to the pharmacy tomorrow and see what they are going to do for me. At this point we aren't sure if I can get the new script (the right script) filled because I just filled the other one a couple days ago. I will be pointing out that my child is taking a medication that isn't prescribed to him and see where that gets me. I know it's not the complete wrong drug - but it is!
I do have to say though that the doctor called me back every time I have called. I appreciate that. Most offices you talk with his nurse or secretary. But he's the one that talked to me like I was dumb. So we'll see - my patience is short with the medical staff. If I don't keep that "feel good feeling" with an office - we won't stay. Time will tell! I am trying to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Not sure if it's to early to tell but I have noticed a change in Cody's appetite. He's actually eating food and not just goldfish, chips, etc. And he doesn't appear to be as moody. Like I said - this might be to early to tell exactly. Just starting to see a few different changes.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
One down.......
One down (a pill) and who knows how many to go. Cody took his first pill today. It wasn't as horrible as I thought but we have room for improvement. He's taking Levoxyl 25mg and for the first two weeks the doctor has us cutting these in half. He only takes it once a day and it was suggested that it happen first thing in the morning. So after we got up this morning - it was time. We tried to swallow it but um yah that didn't happen. So he opted to chew it. Yuck! But as he chewed he drank so who knows really how much he did chew. Honestly, the size of a half a pill is probably as big as the mini m&m's. So it's not big. He'll get the hang of it for sure.
Brett had his last football game of the season today. He is thankful for a busy fall and even more thankful for the season to be over with.
Tanya and I tortured ourselves tonight. We took 5 kids to Toys-r-us! OMG - they want EVERYTHING! Santa's list is beyond full and I think I am still at a loss for what to buy. No one has come out with that "I have to have this" present yet. I saw some pretty ridiculous stuff though. A dinosaur that you can sit on and it moves, at $300.00 - are you kidding me! Then there is another dinosaur that moves via a remote control - yah that is only $120.00. Seriously! One thing I did realize is that Cody is as bad as a girl picking out shoes in the Pokemon section. I think I had almost all of them off the rack before he found "the one". And I 'still' can't pronounce their stupid names! Dylan and Tyler just want a variety of stuff. Let the shopping season begin!
Brett had his last football game of the season today. He is thankful for a busy fall and even more thankful for the season to be over with.
Tanya and I tortured ourselves tonight. We took 5 kids to Toys-r-us! OMG - they want EVERYTHING! Santa's list is beyond full and I think I am still at a loss for what to buy. No one has come out with that "I have to have this" present yet. I saw some pretty ridiculous stuff though. A dinosaur that you can sit on and it moves, at $300.00 - are you kidding me! Then there is another dinosaur that moves via a remote control - yah that is only $120.00. Seriously! One thing I did realize is that Cody is as bad as a girl picking out shoes in the Pokemon section. I think I had almost all of them off the rack before he found "the one". And I 'still' can't pronounce their stupid names! Dylan and Tyler just want a variety of stuff. Let the shopping season begin!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween & Pictures
Happy Halloween everyone!!! I hope everybody had a safe, fun night of trick or treating. Our gang had fun. We only walked a couple of blocks and they were ready to come home. I think the candy was calling their names. Surprisingly, it was the older ones that wanted to come home...Tyler and Connor would of kept going. They had fun! We couldn't complain about the weather at all as it was a very nice fall night. Thankfully as the costumes were all pretty thin. We got lots of candy times 3! After we got home they were already talking of what they wanted to be "next" year! Ahhh...they exhaust me! :)
Meet our crew.....Red Ranger, Genie, Blue Ranger, Farmer, Spiderman!!!
My 3 little Superhero's! Can you tell the Rangers apart?
And off they go......
Mommy and Daddy have to have some fun too!!!
Meet our crew.....Red Ranger, Genie, Blue Ranger, Farmer, Spiderman!!!
My 3 little Superhero's! Can you tell the Rangers apart?
And off they go......
Mommy and Daddy have to have some fun too!!!
The kids are done. The bags are full, their feet are "hurting" and their tummies want some sugar! 
Happy Halloween!!!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Endocrinologist Update
The appointment went well. Not sure if I am more confused now or before the appointment. It seems that it's just not a cut and dry case here.
First let me say that my man amazes me with his willingness to listen to the doctor and be so good. He got a big scare on his face today when we got there. First of all the appointment was at the hospital. He's not exactly fond of those places. Then after the nurse took his height and weight - she gave him a gown and said he had to take off his clothes. His eyes got as big as saucers. Ya see - any other time he is given a gown that means we are walking through the double doors. I saw it in his eyes. I quickly jumped to reassure him everything was fine and that the doctor was just looking at him.
The doctor did his exam and then we went to his office to talk. Cody's TSH level has been off the chart. However his T3 and T4 have been ok. Doctor said of those two the T4 was the most important and that was ok. But the TSH points more toward the pituitary gland. While the doctor didn't say he has hypothyroidism - he said we are more like clinical hypothyroid. Meaning = not sure if this will be a long term diagnosis. He doesn't feel the need to do an MRI at this time. He prescribed him Synthroid 25mg once a day and we see him back in 4 months for another blood draw and to talk. He is really hoping that once on the drug for a few years we could look to take him off around puberty to see if he levels out. A little overwhelming that this is even for a few years. He's only 4. Doctor also said that it's just not normal for a boy his age to complain of being tired all the time. However his growth is right on target. Which is good. So while we have a thyroid problem it's not not clear cut yet as to what we are dealing with. I liked the doctor. He welcomed my questions and really took the time to explain. Only thing being a pediatric doctor I felt like he could of had a more kid friendly attitude with Cody - but for now I am over looking that. I just don't feel the need (at this point) to drive to Syracuse for a second opinion.
So I need to figure out how to get him to take a pill. Maybe I'll make up a pill chart and he can put a sticker on it. The doctor doesn't recommend putting it in anything (applesauce, pudding, etc) - said he can chew it but yuck. There is no other form of it (liquid) so a pill is it. I am hoping he is better at swallowing pills than I am. Brett can pop them dry. I have no doubt he'll do it. I'm also trying to explain this to him and not finding the right words. Our other "talks" have been easy. This one you can't see.
My next concern comes to paying for this medication. Apparently this drug does not come in a generic for children. It does come in a generic for adults but it's not recommend for children by the FDA?? I guess! So for a drug plan - it's a tier 3 and for me that's $40 a month. UGH! My MIL told me to write a letter to the insurance company and plead my case so I will. (She's a nurse and fights them all day / every day) The generic - would be $11.99 for a 90 day supply. Big difference there!
Tonight as I was tucking him into bed, I told him the doctor wants him to take a pill everyday and that he would have to swallow it. He said "Mom, I'll just drink juice". I LOVE this little boy!
First let me say that my man amazes me with his willingness to listen to the doctor and be so good. He got a big scare on his face today when we got there. First of all the appointment was at the hospital. He's not exactly fond of those places. Then after the nurse took his height and weight - she gave him a gown and said he had to take off his clothes. His eyes got as big as saucers. Ya see - any other time he is given a gown that means we are walking through the double doors. I saw it in his eyes. I quickly jumped to reassure him everything was fine and that the doctor was just looking at him.
The doctor did his exam and then we went to his office to talk. Cody's TSH level has been off the chart. However his T3 and T4 have been ok. Doctor said of those two the T4 was the most important and that was ok. But the TSH points more toward the pituitary gland. While the doctor didn't say he has hypothyroidism - he said we are more like clinical hypothyroid. Meaning = not sure if this will be a long term diagnosis. He doesn't feel the need to do an MRI at this time. He prescribed him Synthroid 25mg once a day and we see him back in 4 months for another blood draw and to talk. He is really hoping that once on the drug for a few years we could look to take him off around puberty to see if he levels out. A little overwhelming that this is even for a few years. He's only 4. Doctor also said that it's just not normal for a boy his age to complain of being tired all the time. However his growth is right on target. Which is good. So while we have a thyroid problem it's not not clear cut yet as to what we are dealing with. I liked the doctor. He welcomed my questions and really took the time to explain. Only thing being a pediatric doctor I felt like he could of had a more kid friendly attitude with Cody - but for now I am over looking that. I just don't feel the need (at this point) to drive to Syracuse for a second opinion.
So I need to figure out how to get him to take a pill. Maybe I'll make up a pill chart and he can put a sticker on it. The doctor doesn't recommend putting it in anything (applesauce, pudding, etc) - said he can chew it but yuck. There is no other form of it (liquid) so a pill is it. I am hoping he is better at swallowing pills than I am. Brett can pop them dry. I have no doubt he'll do it. I'm also trying to explain this to him and not finding the right words. Our other "talks" have been easy. This one you can't see.
My next concern comes to paying for this medication. Apparently this drug does not come in a generic for children. It does come in a generic for adults but it's not recommend for children by the FDA?? I guess! So for a drug plan - it's a tier 3 and for me that's $40 a month. UGH! My MIL told me to write a letter to the insurance company and plead my case so I will. (She's a nurse and fights them all day / every day) The generic - would be $11.99 for a 90 day supply. Big difference there!
Tonight as I was tucking him into bed, I told him the doctor wants him to take a pill everyday and that he would have to swallow it. He said "Mom, I'll just drink juice". I LOVE this little boy!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
School pictures that DIDN'T happen!
Today was school picture day. The boys all looked adorable as they headed out the door. I always wonder about these pictures as I am not there to see what type of smiles we get. Last year - we got great pictures in both the fall and spring shots. Cody and Dylan said there's went great today. No doubt, I am sure I will have great pictures from them in a couple of weeks. Tyler on the other hand..................UGH! He would not get his picture taken. I guess he sat in the chair and put his hands over his face and that was it folks. He was NOT taking them off his eyes. So no pictures!!! We had a big talk tonight and he said he would do them on picture re-take day but man I am so frustrated with him. I am hoping he'll cooperate because if he doesn't then he isn't in the class picture either. I guess it is only preschool but it's his first year! I can't force him though so I'll just have to deal. He has a stubborn streak in him a mile long!
Cody goes to the endocrinologist tomorrow. I'll update then. My nerves are good right now. We'll see what morning brings.
Cody goes to the endocrinologist tomorrow. I'll update then. My nerves are good right now. We'll see what morning brings.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Pumpkin Carving
Tonight we carved our pumpkins. The boys have been waiting to do it but tonight was the best night. I called Brett and asked if he wanted to come home from work for a few hours to carve with us and he did. He was so happy and so was I as we have always done this together. So he got home and we started. The boys told us what they wanted and Brett and I did our best to follow their wishes. They would of loved to cut themselves but I'm not that brave! They scooped some but they didn't want to get their hands dirty. Go figure - my dirt loving boys didn't want their hands dirty by pumpkin guts. (rolling eyes) We are expecting our first snow tonight and into tomorrow so we'll see what we get. I'm hoping for something light and that it will melt quick.
Tyler got so into scooping!
Cody liked scooping for a quick minute.
Dylan did stick his hand in for a second but that was it.
Cody wanted to cut really bad so Daddy let him cut a line.
My boys with their pumpkins. They thought of the faces.
SCARY............
Tyler got so into scooping!
Cody liked scooping for a quick minute.
Dylan did stick his hand in for a second but that was it.
Cody wanted to cut really bad so Daddy let him cut a line.
My boys with their pumpkins. They thought of the faces.
SCARY............
Sunday, October 26, 2008
What a Weekend and Baby Pictures
Phew.....the weekend is over and I am exhausted. Doing a marathon drive like that takes so much out of you. If you haven't been following....Kevin and Kristie had their little boy on Friday. Her water broke Thursday night so after much thought we all decided to get a little sleep (yah right) and wait to head to MD on Friday AM. We were on the highway by 5:30 am and arrived at the hospital at 11.
The Flower Family...
Jack Brady Flower..............Sporting his "pumpkin" hat. The hat is orange and has a little green stem on the top! Very perfect for a Halloween baby!
Jack is adorable and looks just like his Daddy. Kevin is great with him. It was so neat to see my mom teaching him how to change the diaper. We had a great weekend with them and had to leave this morning to head home. That was super tough. I miss Jack already and can't wait till they come North. I have 3 very anxious little boys that can't wait to hold him.
While I was gone, Brett had "daddy duty" all weekend. My house was in one piece when I arrived home so that was good news. :) He had to turn in 2 football games with me being gone so that kind of sucked but oh well. The only thing that cracked me up is he did the laundry but didn't fold ANY of it. I guess at least it was clean.
Now onto the much anticipated pictures of my new nephew!
The Flower Family...
Jack Brady Flower..............Sporting his "pumpkin" hat. The hat is orange and has a little green stem on the top! Very perfect for a Halloween baby!
I think he looks like his daddy!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Jack Brady Flower
My nephew was welcomed into this world this morning at 8:23 am. Jack weighed 9lb. 30z and was 21 1/2 inches long. Kristie had a very long labor. Getting to the hospital around 10ish, started epidural at midnight and started to push around 6am. She then pushed for 2 hours. Mother and baby are doing fantastic and Jack is a little cutie! Daddy is doing great too and has changed a few poopy diapers today! :) So neat to see my baby brother doing that. I have pictures but you all have to wait till I get home on Sunday.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Baby Update
Kristie's water broke about 10 pm and they are headed to the hospital. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers...... Us girls are headed to Maryland and can't wait to meet the new addition to our family. I will have lots of pictures when I come home.
We love you Kevin, Kristie and Baby Jack.
We love you Kevin, Kristie and Baby Jack.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Funny Pictures and Baby Flower Update
A few cute pictures. Well this one is cute only if your the mom of these three kids. :) Dylan had the bright idea the other morning to "hey guys, let's pull our pants up".....so the other two followed and they did. I called them Erkel and they just looked at me with a blank look on their face and asked "who's Erkel"? Funny they will have no idea who that is. So instead these are my 3 little Erkel's.....
Tyler, Tyler, Tyler.....my little man. He's sporting a new shirt he got! I love it!
Baby Flower Update: For those that are following....Kristie had her 40 week doctor's appointment today. None of us would of thought she would get to 40 weeks. The doctor did an ultrasound and assured them that Jack is head down. They also did a stress test and Jack did great and Kristie was showing some contractions. She is dilated 1 cm....and so we all wait. If she makes it till next week they will talk about inducing her. Jack apparently is very comfy where he is at. I'll keep ya posted!
Tyler, Tyler, Tyler.....my little man. He's sporting a new shirt he got! I love it!
Baby Flower Update: For those that are following....Kristie had her 40 week doctor's appointment today. None of us would of thought she would get to 40 weeks. The doctor did an ultrasound and assured them that Jack is head down. They also did a stress test and Jack did great and Kristie was showing some contractions. She is dilated 1 cm....and so we all wait. If she makes it till next week they will talk about inducing her. Jack apparently is very comfy where he is at. I'll keep ya posted! Monday, October 20, 2008
A thought...
Our paperwork came today for the endo. Wow - a packet, they weren't kidding. Now... I am used to filling out medical paperwork. I have thought about copying it all and just handing it in at every office we have gone to. Even though the information is all the same, the forms are all different. So I just have gotten good at this. This endo paperwork though is something so different. They want details. So I have some writing to do. One part of this paper work though kind of struck a nerve. Because we are dealing with even more stuff that can be genetic (beside from the cleft) it is asking for more family history. So at first thought, no big deal I'll talk with my parents. Done! Then there is the section for father's mom and dad. Not possible as Brett has no idea as to his medical history of his birth parents. Not that it matters a 100% because I feel that it's not all about genetics, we learn so much growing up from our parents and Brett and I have had great role models - but when it does come down to this stuff and with Cody this is something that we think about a lot. (sigh) So that section will remain a big ????? I however, am really anxious for this appointment and it is all weighing very heavily on my mind. I just have no idea what to expect.
Then tonight as we are watching Nick at nite - on comes Home Improvement. I love this show even though it is nothing but re-runs. So I watch it and it's the episode about Randy having hypothyroidism. Just kind of bizarre.
On a baby note for those following......my SIL is 40 weeks tomorrow. Yeah, she's about had it. It's funny when we get pregnant we can't wait to get fat, wear maternity clothes, feel the baby move......then the months drag on and while we still love it all a tiny part of our mind is going "ok, enough is enough".......then by 40 weeks - you've had it! You are now wondering when on earth is this kid coming out, you can't see your feet, you hate your maternity clothes, it hurts to walk, you can't bend over, you are so tired of looking at your bathroom you have re-decorated it a million times in your head and sleep is NOT happening. I think most people will agree! So tomorrow is her appointment and we are really hoping these doctors get things going. We are all so anxious to meet Jack!
Then tonight as we are watching Nick at nite - on comes Home Improvement. I love this show even though it is nothing but re-runs. So I watch it and it's the episode about Randy having hypothyroidism. Just kind of bizarre.
On a baby note for those following......my SIL is 40 weeks tomorrow. Yeah, she's about had it. It's funny when we get pregnant we can't wait to get fat, wear maternity clothes, feel the baby move......then the months drag on and while we still love it all a tiny part of our mind is going "ok, enough is enough".......then by 40 weeks - you've had it! You are now wondering when on earth is this kid coming out, you can't see your feet, you hate your maternity clothes, it hurts to walk, you can't bend over, you are so tired of looking at your bathroom you have re-decorated it a million times in your head and sleep is NOT happening. I think most people will agree! So tomorrow is her appointment and we are really hoping these doctors get things going. We are all so anxious to meet Jack!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Haunted Hayride
Tonight we went to a Haunted Hayride. A chilly night to stand outside for 2 hours but the kids did wonderful and we all had a good time. Tanya and Karly came to - Shaun stayed home with Connor as he is to young and is not into all of this scary stuff. By the time we were done - Tanya knew she made the right choice. Connor would of freaked!
The gang is ready to go....
Tanya and Karly
By this point it's been almost 2 hours of waiting and we are freezing! They were humoring me...thanks guys!
My new favorite picture of us. 
At first you had to go into a barn and hear a story - slamming doors, warewolflf in the mirror - oh yah that was fun. Then we walked through this tunnel where it felt like you were in the twilight zone. As you exited the warewolf scared you to death. Thankful he didn't do it to the kids. We got on our wagon and off we went. Followed the path by lit torches and then we went into the forest. OMG! It was really neat. They had skits set up the entire way. Kids jumped out from the dark, huge spiders hung over head, chain saws started, trees fell and then a guy got on the wagon with his chain saw and pretend to cut. I thought we were really going to loose the kids at that point. We didn't. Then we went past a pirate ship and a pirate princess got on asking for gold. Next we came to the witches and they flew over head. My husband said it was nice that I lent them my stick! :) We all had a great time. A little cold by the end but it was fun.
The gang is ready to go....
Tanya and Karly Practicing our scary faces......."aren't you scared?"
By this point it's been almost 2 hours of waiting and we are freezing! They were humoring me...thanks guys!
My new favorite picture of us.
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