(taken 1.6.2009)Sunday, January 16, 2011
This Time Last Year
Hard to believe this is what my boys looked like one year ago. They look so little!
(taken 1.6.2009)
(taken 1.6.2009)Thursday, January 13, 2011
Documenting October ~ Raleigh's Stay in the Hospital
Tom's mom, sister, and niece came to visit for a few days! My mother-in-law hadn't seen us for a year, so needless to say, it was good to see her and for her to see her youngest grandbabies! A highlight of their visit was going to Lohr's Pumpkin Patch so the boys could pick their own pumpkin.
I love this one!
Getting the wagon.
Tennyson was proud of his pumpkin.
The week Tom's family came to visit Tennyson and Raleigh caught a cold from the little boy I babysit. Within a week Tennyson's had turned in to croup and a week later so did Raleigh's. Tennyson responded well to the steroids and was healthy in a few days. However, Raleigh's croup went from bad to much, much worse. On Monday, October 25th, I took Raleigh in to the ER because he woke up in the middle of the night with that unforgettable, awful barking cough and he was definitely distressed. They gave him an oral steroid, but he only worsened during the next 24 hours.
First thing the next morning I took Raleigh in to the pediatrician's office (via my brother because on top of all this our car wasn't working). The doctor was obviously concerned. Raleigh had a high fever, he couldn't even breathe in without "barking," and his little tummy was going in and out (a bad sign to watch for). He tried giving Raleigh a breathing treatment, but in the 20 minutes or so we were in the office his condition worsened. So the doctor came back in and said something to the effect of, "We need to make sure it's not epiglottitis. He has to stay calm until we're sure, because his throat could close up. I've called the hospital. Do not stop at the front desk. Go straight up to the 4th floor and right to room 4164." Okay, then I really started to worry. I called Tom in tears and I am surprised I could even get out, "They are admitting Raleigh to the hospital. Can you leave school?" By the time I had called the pediatrician's office to the time we found ourselves at RMH it was only about 90 minutes.
When I got to the hospital and up to the room, the nurses swarmed on Raleigh. (They later told me that when they got the call that he was coming in they stopped everything because he was priority.) They tagged him with ID bracelets. The respiratory therapists gave him a breathing treatment. Then they wheeled he and I down to get an x-ray of Raleigh's throat so they could determine whether or not it was epiglottitis. The best way for him to stay calm was if he could stay on Mommy's lap, and he did really well! We were relieved to learn he just had a severe case of croup and not something way more serious.
It was unsettling to find out a few hours later that the emergency ENT box in his room was in case he got agitated and/or he couldn't breathe and they needed to do a tracheotomy. It was really a good thing I didn't know THAT was a possibility!
The IV was a nightmare. The nurses couldn't find a vein on his forearm so they turned his arm over and did it on the other side. I was crying. He was screaming. Not a pretty sight. Poor Raleigh had an IV (to give him more steroids), a heart monitor, an oxygen monitor, and a respiratory monitor. So needless to say his movement was very restricted. He was placed on "close observation" and whether or not we got to go home was largely dependent on how he did that night.
I had asked the first nurse for a bed instead of a crib because I knew there was NO way Raleigh was going to sleep in that. She said she couldn't do that and blabbered something about hospital rules. Tom is such a great Daddy and really wanted to stay that night, (My older sister stepped in and took Tennyson overnight.) but without a bed that was going to impossible. So I figured I would just sleep on the pull-out bed with Raleigh. The second nurse was awesome and I had barley mentioned how a bed would really be better before she had rolled out the crib cage and brought in a real bed! What a blessing!
So that day we just tried to keep Raleigh happy. He didn't eat much, so I was SO thankful for breastfeeding. All he wanted to do was nurse, so at least he was getting a little something. Our wonderful church sent a great balloon bouquet, and the principal of Tom's school came by to check on our little guy and brought a HUGE firetruck balloon! Sylvia M. from church came and prayed for him. And my parents came by and brought a singing, light-up dog. What a lifesaver! Raleigh loves that puppy! (And it's as close as he'll get to a real pet! Haha!) My sister and her then fiance (now husband) came and visited for a long time. Despite the circumstances it was nice to have a long visit with them without interruption. Raleigh loved having Aunt Courtney all to himself, too! We also had several friends call or text to say they were praying! It's times like that I am so grateful for the Body of Christ!
That night Raleigh slept in bed with me. I was able to keep his head elevated because of the automatic bed and that really helped his breathing. He only "barked" once during the night and none of his monitors went off! So the doctor came in early, early the next morning and checked him out and discharged us. (For some reason it took them another 4 hours and me asking to finally get us discharge papers. Ugh!)
You can tell he feels much better!
So that was it! Our scary, harrowing croup experience. Raleigh actually got it again 10 days before Christmas, but thankfully it's was just a mild case. If your child ever gets croup don't wait, get him/her to the doctor ASAP! Raleigh's was unusually severe, but it's not something to mess around with on any level.
Next, documenting a VERY busy November!
Tennyson took Raleigh's hand all on his own as they walked across the field.
I love this one!
Getting the wagon.
Finally found the right one.
Tennyson was proud of his pumpkin.
First thing the next morning I took Raleigh in to the pediatrician's office (via my brother because on top of all this our car wasn't working). The doctor was obviously concerned. Raleigh had a high fever, he couldn't even breathe in without "barking," and his little tummy was going in and out (a bad sign to watch for). He tried giving Raleigh a breathing treatment, but in the 20 minutes or so we were in the office his condition worsened. So the doctor came back in and said something to the effect of, "We need to make sure it's not epiglottitis. He has to stay calm until we're sure, because his throat could close up. I've called the hospital. Do not stop at the front desk. Go straight up to the 4th floor and right to room 4164." Okay, then I really started to worry. I called Tom in tears and I am surprised I could even get out, "They are admitting Raleigh to the hospital. Can you leave school?" By the time I had called the pediatrician's office to the time we found ourselves at RMH it was only about 90 minutes.
When I got to the hospital and up to the room, the nurses swarmed on Raleigh. (They later told me that when they got the call that he was coming in they stopped everything because he was priority.) They tagged him with ID bracelets. The respiratory therapists gave him a breathing treatment. Then they wheeled he and I down to get an x-ray of Raleigh's throat so they could determine whether or not it was epiglottitis. The best way for him to stay calm was if he could stay on Mommy's lap, and he did really well! We were relieved to learn he just had a severe case of croup and not something way more serious.
It was unsettling to find out a few hours later that the emergency ENT box in his room was in case he got agitated and/or he couldn't breathe and they needed to do a tracheotomy. It was really a good thing I didn't know THAT was a possibility!
The IV was a nightmare. The nurses couldn't find a vein on his forearm so they turned his arm over and did it on the other side. I was crying. He was screaming. Not a pretty sight. Poor Raleigh had an IV (to give him more steroids), a heart monitor, an oxygen monitor, and a respiratory monitor. So needless to say his movement was very restricted. He was placed on "close observation" and whether or not we got to go home was largely dependent on how he did that night.
I had asked the first nurse for a bed instead of a crib because I knew there was NO way Raleigh was going to sleep in that. She said she couldn't do that and blabbered something about hospital rules. Tom is such a great Daddy and really wanted to stay that night, (My older sister stepped in and took Tennyson overnight.) but without a bed that was going to impossible. So I figured I would just sleep on the pull-out bed with Raleigh. The second nurse was awesome and I had barley mentioned how a bed would really be better before she had rolled out the crib cage and brought in a real bed! What a blessing!
So that day we just tried to keep Raleigh happy. He didn't eat much, so I was SO thankful for breastfeeding. All he wanted to do was nurse, so at least he was getting a little something. Our wonderful church sent a great balloon bouquet, and the principal of Tom's school came by to check on our little guy and brought a HUGE firetruck balloon! Sylvia M. from church came and prayed for him. And my parents came by and brought a singing, light-up dog. What a lifesaver! Raleigh loves that puppy! (And it's as close as he'll get to a real pet! Haha!) My sister and her then fiance (now husband) came and visited for a long time. Despite the circumstances it was nice to have a long visit with them without interruption. Raleigh loved having Aunt Courtney all to himself, too! We also had several friends call or text to say they were praying! It's times like that I am so grateful for the Body of Christ!
Doesn't he look so pathetic?!
This photo isn't the clearest and Raleigh's expression is so sad. :(
The puppy my parents brought him.
Notice how much stuff is on his arm. It was so heavy!
The neat balloons he got!
Napping while we wait to be discharged.
Telling Daddy about the trucks below.
You can tell he feels much better!
He liked to sit in the windowsill and watch the cars and trucks in the lot.
So that was it! Our scary, harrowing croup experience. Raleigh actually got it again 10 days before Christmas, but thankfully it's was just a mild case. If your child ever gets croup don't wait, get him/her to the doctor ASAP! Raleigh's was unusually severe, but it's not something to mess around with on any level.
Next, documenting a VERY busy November!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Looking Ahead to the New Year
How can it be 2011 already?! It's been 10 years since I graduated college. 8 years since Tom and I started dating, 6 1/2 years since we got married, and nearly 4 years since Tennyson was born. Why couldn't time go this quickly when I was in school? Why do I look at my boys and think, "Didn't we just bring you home from the hospital?" *sigh*
And here I find myself months and months later and still not much closer to catching up on my blog. I was doing so well when I just had one, but with two (and a 3-year old that no longer naps) my free time is very limited. When Raleigh is napping Tennyson wants all of my attention. Somehow he's lost that blessed ability to play by himself. So we're working on that. Part of me thinks, "Oh, it will be so nice when Tennyson goes to preschool 3 mornings a week in the fall. I'll get so much done!" But then the thought of being without him for 10 or so hours a week makes me want to cry!
I am not a New Years Resolution maker (Hmm, perhaps I should make one though - to keep up with my blog?), but I do have a few things I'd like to accomplish and there is so much to look forward to in 2011: Disney World (March), celebrating 7 awesome years of marriage (June), the boys turning 2 and 4 (July), and Tennyson starting preschool (August). My major "goal" is to make Team Leader (or get close to it) with Wildtree. If I put my mind to it (and become a master at time management) I think I can do it!
So yes, there's much to be excited about this year, and I'm sure before I know it, I'll be writing about how I can't believe it's 2012 already!
And here I find myself months and months later and still not much closer to catching up on my blog. I was doing so well when I just had one, but with two (and a 3-year old that no longer naps) my free time is very limited. When Raleigh is napping Tennyson wants all of my attention. Somehow he's lost that blessed ability to play by himself. So we're working on that. Part of me thinks, "Oh, it will be so nice when Tennyson goes to preschool 3 mornings a week in the fall. I'll get so much done!" But then the thought of being without him for 10 or so hours a week makes me want to cry!
I am not a New Years Resolution maker (Hmm, perhaps I should make one though - to keep up with my blog?), but I do have a few things I'd like to accomplish and there is so much to look forward to in 2011: Disney World (March), celebrating 7 awesome years of marriage (June), the boys turning 2 and 4 (July), and Tennyson starting preschool (August). My major "goal" is to make Team Leader (or get close to it) with Wildtree. If I put my mind to it (and become a master at time management) I think I can do it!
So yes, there's much to be excited about this year, and I'm sure before I know it, I'll be writing about how I can't believe it's 2012 already!
Monday, September 20, 2010
We Still Call Him "B. R."
Yes, at less than 18 lbs., he's still our Baby Raleigh. He took his first official steps (4 of them to be exact) on August 12th. In a few short weeks he's mastered walking. Since he's so little it's just too cute to see him practically running all over the house. And just in the past couple weeks Raleigh loves bringing us books and climbing up on the couch to be read to. His favorite books are "The Very Busy Spider," "Dinosaurs Roar," and "The Very Quiet Cricket." He's also recently learned to point, stack blocks, climb on and off Tennyson's bed, and feed himself with a spoon and fork. And given the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" or "Curious George" themes songs, and he will boogie with the best of them! It's adorable to see our little dude dance!
There are some things that haven't changed much. Raleigh still l-o-v-e-s to be held close and snuggled, something this mommy will never tire of. He brings unimaginable joy and laughter to our home. I could sit for hours and watch him play with cars or trains. He makes the cutest "boy noises," like the sound of cars driving all over the floor. Raleigh loves to give kisses, too, especially to his big brother. It warms my heart to see them loving on each other. I hope that continues as they grow.
There are some things that haven't changed much. Raleigh still l-o-v-e-s to be held close and snuggled, something this mommy will never tire of. He brings unimaginable joy and laughter to our home. I could sit for hours and watch him play with cars or trains. He makes the cutest "boy noises," like the sound of cars driving all over the floor. Raleigh loves to give kisses, too, especially to his big brother. It warms my heart to see them loving on each other. I hope that continues as they grow.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Catching Up
Oh my, I just can't seem to find the time to blog anymore. These little men keep me so busy! And when I do find a few minutes to myself I always seem to spend it cleaning....or sleeping. Not that I am complaining, so goes the life of a stay-at-home mommy. Part of me thinks "but I have nothing to blog about. Who wants to read about my 'boring' life?" But truthfully, it's so NOT boring! I mean, it might be to some, but I really need to keep up better with my blog so I can look back and remember these days, when my boys were little and what our day-to-day lives were like. Right now it's my whole existence, raising these boys, but in the not too distant future I will forget all the little things that make up our days like:
~ Tennyson correcting us if we "accidentally" call Raleigh "Sweet Boy." He says, "No, I am Sweet Boy. He is Baby Raleigh."
~ Raleigh waving bye-bye with his whole arm to Tom as he leaves for work. (He used to do a cute little backwards wave with just his fingers.)
~ The boys playing in the tub together and then endlessly kissing and hugging each other good night.
~ Tennyson hiding under the covers during storytime when the other parent comes into the room. Like we don't hear him giggling and see the covers moving.
~ The boys holding hands in the back seat as we run errands and then Tennyson says, "Look, Mommy, we being friends."
~ Raleigh "dancing" during the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme song by holding on to the table and rocking from side to side.
~ The sound of Raleigh breathing through the baby monitor.
~ Or the way they smell after a bath.
~ Or the sight of them playing ball together in the backyard.
~ Or how tired we always seem to be yet supremely happy.
I don't want to forget any of these moments. I've waited for them my whole life. To see my children playing together is bliss (when they play nicely, of course).
Obviously some days are better than others. Some days I feel like all I do is carry Raleigh on my hip, discipline Tennyson, and clean up their messes. Getting the laundry done and taking a shower is still cause for rejoicing. But I rest in the knowledge that I am right where I need to be. And that's enough for me....every day.
~ Tennyson correcting us if we "accidentally" call Raleigh "Sweet Boy." He says, "No, I am Sweet Boy. He is Baby Raleigh."
~ Raleigh waving bye-bye with his whole arm to Tom as he leaves for work. (He used to do a cute little backwards wave with just his fingers.)
~ The boys playing in the tub together and then endlessly kissing and hugging each other good night.
~ Tennyson hiding under the covers during storytime when the other parent comes into the room. Like we don't hear him giggling and see the covers moving.
~ The boys holding hands in the back seat as we run errands and then Tennyson says, "Look, Mommy, we being friends."
~ Raleigh "dancing" during the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme song by holding on to the table and rocking from side to side.
~ The sound of Raleigh breathing through the baby monitor.
~ Or the way they smell after a bath.
~ Or the sight of them playing ball together in the backyard.
~ Or how tired we always seem to be yet supremely happy.
I don't want to forget any of these moments. I've waited for them my whole life. To see my children playing together is bliss (when they play nicely, of course).
Obviously some days are better than others. Some days I feel like all I do is carry Raleigh on my hip, discipline Tennyson, and clean up their messes. Getting the laundry done and taking a shower is still cause for rejoicing. But I rest in the knowledge that I am right where I need to be. And that's enough for me....every day.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
In the Blink of an Eye
**I haven't been on my blog in for-ever.....and I JUST discovered this unpublished post from April 10th! It's over two months old, and Raleigh has changed SO much since then!**
All at once our little Raleigh baby has taken off. He started crawling on March 27th (8 months and 7 seven days old), which if you go by his due date he technically wasn't even seven months old yet. Haha! Last Sunday, April 4th, Raleigh said "Mama" for the first time. What a tender moment for a mommy's heart! And last night I put him in his crib so I could put the boys' laundry away and he pulled himself up to his feet for the first time! He was so proud of himself he just started giggling. Of course, I got all teary and just hugged him saying, "No, Mommy's not ready for you to do that yet!" But I really was so proud and excited! Raleigh is also trying to climb the stairs, now that I am really not ready for!
Raleigh continues to bring us such joy and well, not much rest. He's starting to sleep longer stretches at night, but really, I don't mind it. Someday I'll miss his sweet smell and his little body curled up next to mine at night. *sigh* Why can't I stop time....just for a moment.
All at once our little Raleigh baby has taken off. He started crawling on March 27th (8 months and 7 seven days old), which if you go by his due date he technically wasn't even seven months old yet. Haha! Last Sunday, April 4th, Raleigh said "Mama" for the first time. What a tender moment for a mommy's heart! And last night I put him in his crib so I could put the boys' laundry away and he pulled himself up to his feet for the first time! He was so proud of himself he just started giggling. Of course, I got all teary and just hugged him saying, "No, Mommy's not ready for you to do that yet!" But I really was so proud and excited! Raleigh is also trying to climb the stairs, now that I am really not ready for!
Raleigh continues to bring us such joy and well, not much rest. He's starting to sleep longer stretches at night, but really, I don't mind it. Someday I'll miss his sweet smell and his little body curled up next to mine at night. *sigh* Why can't I stop time....just for a moment.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Reevaluating
Ever since I became a mother nearly three years ago almost everything in my life has changed, and most of it for the better. My full-time job is now taking care of my children. My relationship with my husband has been taken to a deeper level. My house isn't as clean and organized as it used to be. And my friendships have changed dramatically.
Lately I have been feeling forgotten by my friends - left out of social gatherings and parties. I guess it's because I haven't been around much since Raleigh's birth, and admittedly, I haven't been the best at keeping in touch. But taking care of two little ones and trying to do all the things running a household requires plus trying to earn money to make ends meet doesn't leave any time for socialization. Aside from those reasons, Raleigh is still (at 8 months old) depending solely on me for food (though secretly I don't mind a bit), so needless to say he goes everywhere with me.
Honestly, I am not sorry for putting my motherly and wifely duties first. I have to. I am the one that keeps everything running. I recognize that as an introvert I have to make a conscience effort to be social. I'd much rather be home with my little family. I am learning not to take everything so personally. Maybe they don't like me anymore because my kids are so darn cute and they are jealous? Haha! Okay, that's probably not the real reason.
A week or so ago here is how my Facebook said read "Brittany is reevaluating her friendships and trying not to take everything so personally. There are a few friends I hold most dear, that I could count on for anything. They love me no matter what and we are there for each other. I can't be all things to all people, and frankly, I'm not gonna try." Almost immediately several of my friends e-mailed me saying they knew exactly what I was going through. I appreciated that so much. It meant that I wasn't crazy or a bad person for reevaluating who my friends really were.
I do find myself relying mostly on those friends that are in the same place I am right now, home with little ones. And since my time is valuable I am realizing that I need to step away from my high-maintenance friendships. I simply can't do it all. I can't maintain a house, give my husband and sons what they need, and try to keep alive one-sided friendships.
Anyway, I just needed to get all this out. My blog is really my only outlet. And I don't know if anyone reads it, but that's what's going on with me right now. Reevaluating, yet thanking God for every blessing that keeps my life full.
Lately I have been feeling forgotten by my friends - left out of social gatherings and parties. I guess it's because I haven't been around much since Raleigh's birth, and admittedly, I haven't been the best at keeping in touch. But taking care of two little ones and trying to do all the things running a household requires plus trying to earn money to make ends meet doesn't leave any time for socialization. Aside from those reasons, Raleigh is still (at 8 months old) depending solely on me for food (though secretly I don't mind a bit), so needless to say he goes everywhere with me.
Honestly, I am not sorry for putting my motherly and wifely duties first. I have to. I am the one that keeps everything running. I recognize that as an introvert I have to make a conscience effort to be social. I'd much rather be home with my little family. I am learning not to take everything so personally. Maybe they don't like me anymore because my kids are so darn cute and they are jealous? Haha! Okay, that's probably not the real reason.
A week or so ago here is how my Facebook said read "Brittany is reevaluating her friendships and trying not to take everything so personally. There are a few friends I hold most dear, that I could count on for anything. They love me no matter what and we are there for each other. I can't be all things to all people, and frankly, I'm not gonna try." Almost immediately several of my friends e-mailed me saying they knew exactly what I was going through. I appreciated that so much. It meant that I wasn't crazy or a bad person for reevaluating who my friends really were.
I do find myself relying mostly on those friends that are in the same place I am right now, home with little ones. And since my time is valuable I am realizing that I need to step away from my high-maintenance friendships. I simply can't do it all. I can't maintain a house, give my husband and sons what they need, and try to keep alive one-sided friendships.
Anyway, I just needed to get all this out. My blog is really my only outlet. And I don't know if anyone reads it, but that's what's going on with me right now. Reevaluating, yet thanking God for every blessing that keeps my life full.
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