Well, I'm up early on Sunday and I'm trying to relish the few quiet moments I will have before the rest of the house wakes up. I wanted to take the time to eat my breakfast and write down a few things I was thankful for before the chaos begins.
1. I am thankful that we DID NOT, in fact, have a tornado. We ended up having a massive thunderstorm, complete with six inches of rain within six hours, a green sky, hail, and minor basement flooding. It could have been a lot worse. There were so many people up here who lost so much due to all the flooding- many businesses that will be out of commission for a while, and many cars that are buried beneath mountains of mud. Our city has an estimated 1 million dollars in damage, but our home was blessed enough not to be hit.
2. I'm thankful that I've made it to the third trimester of this pregnancy. The baby moves around more and more each day- and it's amazing.
3. Even though it's been difficult, I am thankful for my job- it's sustaining my family, and causing me to grow in ways I wouldn't have imagined.
4. I'm thankful for creemees! It was so excited to buy Joseph his first creemee of the season. We bought him a small twist (vanilla and chocolate) and had it put in a little cup for him- and he LOVED it. Needless to say, it ended up all over his face and new outfit, but he was so cute!
5. I'm thankful for my understanding husband. This third trimester has knocked me down as far as fatigue goes- and many days I feel like I've begun the first trimester all over again. It's nice to know I don't have to feel 'guilty' about
taking a nap, if needed.
6. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to buy a book yesterday- "Three Cups of Tea," that I've been meaning to read for some time now. I'm also thankful that the next book on my list is "The Simalillion." (sp?) I've read it before, but it's been so long I honestly can't remember much about it.
7. I'm thankful that I ordered the CUTEST counted cross stitch birth announcement yesterday to work on before the baby arrives. I had wanted to make one for Joseph, and I never was able to do so- (one of my dear friends did, though- and it's very cute.) So, I really wanted to make this one. It has jungle animals on it and I think it will be fun.
Prayer Intentions:
1. For my husband's job search.
2. That I find a good replacement during my maternity leave- (the replacement I had lined up fell through...I was disappointed because this person would have been fabulous.)
3. A special intention.
4. My family and Fred's family.
6. That Joseph will begin sleeping through the night- (PLEASE!)
7. For friends- especially the newly engaged and newly expecting.
8. For my cousin, who just found out she can't have any more children.
9. That (hopefully) Fred and I will find our own place, soon.
10. For an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in this house.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Little Spotted Boy and Winding Down
Well, Joseph's ear infection saga lasted far longer than we had expected it to last.
After being on the amoxicillan for two or three days, we noticed red spots covering his bottom- some of which had split open and had begun to bleed, and he was walking around the house bow-legged because he was in so much pain. We called the doctor, who told us that it is typical that children react to the penicillin by getting yeast infections (?!?!) in their lower regions, and told us to apply Monistat and Desitin to his bottom for the next several days.
Three days after THAT incident, my husband called me at work, and told me to check my cell phone. He had sent me several pictures of Joseph, who was COVERED in red, blotchy welts, especially his face and his belly. This led to another trek to the ER.
After waiting for awhile, a nurse came into the room to gather more information for the doctor. "Awwww...are you a little spotted boy?" she cooed to my disgruntled son- who promptly buried his face in Daddy's shoulder. After questioning us about new detergents and exposure to new foods, she left- and we ended up waiting for another hour.
Finally, the doctor came in and within ten minutes, triumphantly announced that what Joseph had was NOT chicken pox, but an allergic reaction the penicillin that was prescribed for his ear infection. He told us to give him Children's Benadryl, and that his spots should disappear within five to seven days.
About three days later, his spots have finally begun to fade...leaving only faint tan colored blotches. I'm hoping the constant oatmeal baths, oatmeal lotion and Benadryl are making my little guy a little more comfortable!
I think what shocked me the most throughout this experience was that my hubby and I were the ones who were beside ourselves- worried sick about our little guy- and besides the constant scratching, Joseph didn't seem phased at all. It's amazing sometimes how kids handle things so much better than adults!
I'm also happy to report that our First Communion Mass was beautiful! It was so amazing to see all the little boys and girls in their suits and white fairy dresses-so eager to receive Christ for the first time. Despite all of the chaos, I'm glad that all went well and that the children and parents were both so pleased with the outcome. The ending of First Communion signals the wind-down of the Catechetical Year- I have only to deal with the Baccalaureate Mass and VBS and then I can (somewhat) relax.
Please continue to keep my husband in your prayers as he job hunts. The third trimester begins this week and now it really seems as if time is ticking fast. Hopefully, we'll have good news soon!
After being on the amoxicillan for two or three days, we noticed red spots covering his bottom- some of which had split open and had begun to bleed, and he was walking around the house bow-legged because he was in so much pain. We called the doctor, who told us that it is typical that children react to the penicillin by getting yeast infections (?!?!) in their lower regions, and told us to apply Monistat and Desitin to his bottom for the next several days.
Three days after THAT incident, my husband called me at work, and told me to check my cell phone. He had sent me several pictures of Joseph, who was COVERED in red, blotchy welts, especially his face and his belly. This led to another trek to the ER.
After waiting for awhile, a nurse came into the room to gather more information for the doctor. "Awwww...are you a little spotted boy?" she cooed to my disgruntled son- who promptly buried his face in Daddy's shoulder. After questioning us about new detergents and exposure to new foods, she left- and we ended up waiting for another hour.
Finally, the doctor came in and within ten minutes, triumphantly announced that what Joseph had was NOT chicken pox, but an allergic reaction the penicillin that was prescribed for his ear infection. He told us to give him Children's Benadryl, and that his spots should disappear within five to seven days.
About three days later, his spots have finally begun to fade...leaving only faint tan colored blotches. I'm hoping the constant oatmeal baths, oatmeal lotion and Benadryl are making my little guy a little more comfortable!
I think what shocked me the most throughout this experience was that my hubby and I were the ones who were beside ourselves- worried sick about our little guy- and besides the constant scratching, Joseph didn't seem phased at all. It's amazing sometimes how kids handle things so much better than adults!
I'm also happy to report that our First Communion Mass was beautiful! It was so amazing to see all the little boys and girls in their suits and white fairy dresses-so eager to receive Christ for the first time. Despite all of the chaos, I'm glad that all went well and that the children and parents were both so pleased with the outcome. The ending of First Communion signals the wind-down of the Catechetical Year- I have only to deal with the Baccalaureate Mass and VBS and then I can (somewhat) relax.
Please continue to keep my husband in your prayers as he job hunts. The third trimester begins this week and now it really seems as if time is ticking fast. Hopefully, we'll have good news soon!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Ear Infections and the Passing of Time...
I've sat down to type a few times this evening, only to stare at the blank screen and not know where to start. Too much noise- too many distractions- and not enough time to clear my mind have all contributed to this writer's block.
The past few days (well...nights) have been sleepless. Joseph came down with 103 fever which resulted in us taking him to the ER. He was so uncomfortable and flinched everytime he was touched with the stethoscope- and threw a tantrum everytime the doctor looked in his ears or came near him. It was so sad! The doctor concluded he had contracted some sort of virus and chalked it up to the fact that since he is cutting his canines, there are breaks in his skin (gums) which lead to a higher amount of viruses that can be contracted. He also mentioned his left ear was starting to get red.
Forward to the next day- he seems very lethargic and wants nothing more than to cuddle with Mommy and Daddy. After putting him down for the night, he awoke crying several times. Finally, at 3:00 AM he began yelling, and sounded so frightened! I ran over to his bed and picked him up, to find him clad in sweat soaked pajamas. My husband and I quickly stripped him down to his diaper and put a t-shirt on him to try to cool him- and gave him a bottle filled with Pedialyte, as well as some infant Advil. He never really went back to sleep, but he seemed to grow calmer.
We saw his pediatrician the next day who told us that the poor little guy had an ear infection, and prescribed an antibiotic. He seems to be doing MUCH better now- the fever has finally broken, and he seems to have regained his energy. I'm so thankful that he is on the mend. The night when he woke up screaming and drenched in sweat, I was so scared for him!
Between Joseph's ear infection and work, it seems like time marches steadily on. I can't believe that in about 15 weeks, I'll be holding our second son. I'm excited and scared- hoping God has something for us on the horizon. I trust that God would not leave us stranded with two children and unpaid maternity leave- but the waiting is causing me to grow quite anxious. I need to implore the prayers of the Blessed Mother much more fervently!
On a different note- I am quite sure I have married one of the godliest men God created- and his strength, patience and gentleness never cease to amaze me. I am truly blessed with a man who I believe is my own "St. Joseph." For this, I am truly grateful.
The past few days (well...nights) have been sleepless. Joseph came down with 103 fever which resulted in us taking him to the ER. He was so uncomfortable and flinched everytime he was touched with the stethoscope- and threw a tantrum everytime the doctor looked in his ears or came near him. It was so sad! The doctor concluded he had contracted some sort of virus and chalked it up to the fact that since he is cutting his canines, there are breaks in his skin (gums) which lead to a higher amount of viruses that can be contracted. He also mentioned his left ear was starting to get red.
Forward to the next day- he seems very lethargic and wants nothing more than to cuddle with Mommy and Daddy. After putting him down for the night, he awoke crying several times. Finally, at 3:00 AM he began yelling, and sounded so frightened! I ran over to his bed and picked him up, to find him clad in sweat soaked pajamas. My husband and I quickly stripped him down to his diaper and put a t-shirt on him to try to cool him- and gave him a bottle filled with Pedialyte, as well as some infant Advil. He never really went back to sleep, but he seemed to grow calmer.
We saw his pediatrician the next day who told us that the poor little guy had an ear infection, and prescribed an antibiotic. He seems to be doing MUCH better now- the fever has finally broken, and he seems to have regained his energy. I'm so thankful that he is on the mend. The night when he woke up screaming and drenched in sweat, I was so scared for him!
Between Joseph's ear infection and work, it seems like time marches steadily on. I can't believe that in about 15 weeks, I'll be holding our second son. I'm excited and scared- hoping God has something for us on the horizon. I trust that God would not leave us stranded with two children and unpaid maternity leave- but the waiting is causing me to grow quite anxious. I need to implore the prayers of the Blessed Mother much more fervently!
On a different note- I am quite sure I have married one of the godliest men God created- and his strength, patience and gentleness never cease to amaze me. I am truly blessed with a man who I believe is my own "St. Joseph." For this, I am truly grateful.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Five Thoughts
Upon hearing the news about the death of Osama Bin Laden- I had five thoughts:
1. May God have mercy on his soul.
2. Our US Military goes to great lengths to protect us.
3. Too many people are making light of this situation- not so much
being happy that justice is served, as happy that he's gone- I'm not
sure how else to explain it...
4. I'm sure this will make Obama's ratings skyrocket.
5. In the grand scheme of things, will the death of Bin Laden really affect the al Qaida's activity?
1. May God have mercy on his soul.
2. Our US Military goes to great lengths to protect us.
3. Too many people are making light of this situation- not so much
being happy that justice is served, as happy that he's gone- I'm not
sure how else to explain it...
4. I'm sure this will make Obama's ratings skyrocket.
5. In the grand scheme of things, will the death of Bin Laden really affect the al Qaida's activity?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Blessings and Updates
Wow- it's been awhile since I've posted! As it is a rare, sunshine filled day up here in New England and I'd like to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D, I will not have a very long post today. However, there are a few things I wanted to mention that I was thankful for, and a few brief anecdotes I wanted to share.
1. I am thankful that our Confirmation Mass was very successful. The candidates were so respectful and prayerful during the Mass- and our Bishop gave the most inspiring homily. There was also a boy there who I had found out would be joining us the day before the ceremony- a cancer survivor. At fifteen years old, he decided he wanted to become Catholic. Both of his parents live out of state, and he lives with his grandfather, who was his sponsor. He attended Confirmation at our parish because he had just undergone bladder reconstruction surgery and wasn't healthy enough to go to the Confirmation in his own parish. What a witness- what a BLESSING- to have him share Confirmation with our candidates!
2. John Paul II was beatified today- and today is Divine Mercy Sunday. Amazing? I think so.
3. My husband, Joseph and myself drove for an hour to get to a mall that sold maternity clothes today. I was SO happy about this. You see, after I had moved up north from Dallas, we had been separating all of our clothes so we could pack them away, and decide which things we should donate to the Salvation Army. My maternity clothes were taken by mistake. It's so nice to have some items that fit well.
4. I'm also thankful that Joseph behaved so well at the mall. We rented a little "bumper car" that he rode in and "steered" while we cruised around- and then we took him to the food court where he had his first Taco Bell experience. Very messy- but he was very happy, and very cute.
A few updates before I sign off for today-
1. Joseph is now in a toddler bed. This is both a blessing and a curse. We decided he was ready for the bed after I just barely caught him before he launched himself over the side of his crib and onto the hard basement floor. I'm so thankful that one of us was there to see what mischief he could get into- and thankful that he is now safe in his toddler bed, which is low to the ground. Since it is low to the ground, he can exit the bed any time he wishes, and does so promptly at 5:00 AM every morning. Once this happens, he climbs over to my side of the bed, climbs into our bed, and starts stroking my hair and calling me NOT Mama, but "Kitty." (I'm hoping its because of the long hair!)
2. I'm 24 weeks along in my pregnancy, and we have a name for the new baby boy. Very excited.
3. Please continue to keep my husband in your prayers- still job hunting. We're beginning to look out of state as the economy around here has been terrible. Please pray that we find something soon- with my unpaid maternity leave on the horizon, we are both beginning to get very anxious- and we are both very anxious to have our own place again.
Hoping to post more tomorrow.
1. I am thankful that our Confirmation Mass was very successful. The candidates were so respectful and prayerful during the Mass- and our Bishop gave the most inspiring homily. There was also a boy there who I had found out would be joining us the day before the ceremony- a cancer survivor. At fifteen years old, he decided he wanted to become Catholic. Both of his parents live out of state, and he lives with his grandfather, who was his sponsor. He attended Confirmation at our parish because he had just undergone bladder reconstruction surgery and wasn't healthy enough to go to the Confirmation in his own parish. What a witness- what a BLESSING- to have him share Confirmation with our candidates!
2. John Paul II was beatified today- and today is Divine Mercy Sunday. Amazing? I think so.
3. My husband, Joseph and myself drove for an hour to get to a mall that sold maternity clothes today. I was SO happy about this. You see, after I had moved up north from Dallas, we had been separating all of our clothes so we could pack them away, and decide which things we should donate to the Salvation Army. My maternity clothes were taken by mistake. It's so nice to have some items that fit well.
4. I'm also thankful that Joseph behaved so well at the mall. We rented a little "bumper car" that he rode in and "steered" while we cruised around- and then we took him to the food court where he had his first Taco Bell experience. Very messy- but he was very happy, and very cute.
A few updates before I sign off for today-
1. Joseph is now in a toddler bed. This is both a blessing and a curse. We decided he was ready for the bed after I just barely caught him before he launched himself over the side of his crib and onto the hard basement floor. I'm so thankful that one of us was there to see what mischief he could get into- and thankful that he is now safe in his toddler bed, which is low to the ground. Since it is low to the ground, he can exit the bed any time he wishes, and does so promptly at 5:00 AM every morning. Once this happens, he climbs over to my side of the bed, climbs into our bed, and starts stroking my hair and calling me NOT Mama, but "Kitty." (I'm hoping its because of the long hair!)
2. I'm 24 weeks along in my pregnancy, and we have a name for the new baby boy. Very excited.
3. Please continue to keep my husband in your prayers- still job hunting. We're beginning to look out of state as the economy around here has been terrible. Please pray that we find something soon- with my unpaid maternity leave on the horizon, we are both beginning to get very anxious- and we are both very anxious to have our own place again.
Hoping to post more tomorrow.
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