Quickie

I'm so tired so I'll just note some recent stuff. :)

Madi waved goodbye today at school. Huge deal.

We swear she said "sister" the other day and they've started forcing her to speak at school before she gets her snack. Obviously, not forever, just for the first bite. She's coming around.

Today, I gave her a diaper and told her to take it to the TA, which she did.

Madi is definitely getting there. We wish that she would talk. She now licks her lips to let us know that she's hungry. I applaud her efforts to communicate but still would like her to talk. And yes, we've had just about everything tested. Everything that's supposed to work, does.

What else? Had a great visit at Thanksgiving with g-ma, g-pa, Nicole and Claire. Madi was the only kid to sit and eat. When she wants to eat, you can't give her food fast enough. :) Too funny.

ummmm Can't think of anything else right now. I hope everyone's having a good week and peace out!

Viva Las Vegas

Okay, so I had that quick little trip to Las Vegas. It was a lot of fun. Moreso than the last time I went, because the last time was about the skincare convention and I was taking classes and had to be up early, etc. This time it was just to do what I wanted to do! I mean, once the birthday girl had her say.

First off, I got SO lost on the way to the airport. An airport that I have been too at least three times already. I think the instructions that I printed off were wrong because I was looking for an exit that wasn't there. I had to pay three tolls. Pay a toll, turn around, pay another toll, try to get out of the freaking neighbourhood pay another toll. Holy smokes. I turned on my phone's GPS and we were doing fine until it changed the destination on me. I actually drove past VCU in downtown Richmond. That's not the airport, folks.

Oh, and the worst snafu I hit was actually locking Pedro's keys in the car while it was running. VWs are supposed to have this gizmo in the door that will never let it lock without using the key to lock it, or the FOB thing. But his door wasn't closing properly so it half closed the last time and I saw the lock down and I thought, well it's supposed to pop right up if I push it. No. It locked so at 3:25am I was throwing all of Pedro's stuff out of his drawer trying to find the spare key. I did find it but I left an unholy mess. Oh well.

Okay, so I finally make it to the airport. I had time, because I try to always give myself enough time. I was lost for about 20 minutes. Jeez.

The flights were fine. I usually never have problems with United, which is now Continental. Actually, the flight from Cleveland to LV was fun. There were three of us ladies in a row, all with varying shades of red hair and all kind of artsy fartsy. We were all super nice to each other too. It was funny. :)

However, do not take the shuttle from the airport. It was the cheapest option ($6) but we had to listen to a guy trying to sell cheap tickets to shows if we went and checked out some time-shares. One guy got off of the shuttle and they saw him get into a cab. They didn't understand why he did it. I did, because I was about to do the same thing. Longest trip of my life. On the way back, I just took a cab. Better for my health. *rolling eyes*

The Monte Carlo is maybe a shade better than MGM. If you haven't been to the MGM in a while, it's smoky, loud and filled filled with yelling drunk people who then have loud sex in the next room. Or so I noticed the last time I was there. Monte Carlo was a little bit nicer, but the rooms were kind of shabby and in need of some fixing. Karie's sofa was downright terrifying.

I did actually sleep like a log on the last night that I was there. I was STILL tired when I got up.

I'm trying to think of the highlights. We did go out on Friday but even with a nap I was still exhausted from getting up at 3am and then doing all that traveling. So we had a nice dinner and went to a piano bar. Which was a little divey. When did I turn into such an old woman? :)

My friend Lynn and I were really tired so we went back to our room after trying to find me flip flops. I already had blisters. If there's one thing guaranteed in Las Vegas, it's expensive drinks and lots of walking.

So the next morning, I see Lynn off and since she got a text from Karie at 9am, I figured that Karie and Corey were awake. I text them, "I'll be there in two minutes" which was more like 30 seconds. I knocked once and heard something mumbly, so I banged harder on the door. :) Basically, I woke them up and made them get up and have breakfast with me. *snort* Then we all got ready and went to the shooting range.

There were five of us and Vegas cabs are only allowed to take four passengers. There were two stretch SUVs out in the middle of the taxi parking lot so we waved to them and asked how much. One guy held up six fingers, so we hoped it was $60 and not $600. Yes we rode in a stretch SUV (I thought it was a hummer) to the range. We laughed the whole way there. :)

The range was expensive but few ranges offer the chance to shoot fully automatic weapons. Fully automatic means you hold down on the trigger and shoot all of the rounds at once. My FN is semi-automatic, so I have to pull on the trigger each time for each shot. Anyway, I got to shoot a 1911, shotgun, Uzi and an AR15. I fell in love with the last gun. So easy to shoot, didn't kick like the shotgun and easier to handle than a handgun or the Uzi. Sigh.

So we all had a blast. :)

After that we went to Hooters, because I'd never been to one. I can't say it was all that and a bag of chips. The wings were greasy and the waitress seemed barely functioning. She came to me with ALL of the food. Every time. Like, I know I'm fat but don't you think other people at the table are eating too? *eyes*

So, I had raspberry lemonade. I was so thirsty. lol Then everyone else kind of pooped out. It's like someone dragged them out of bed early or something. *cough* I dressed up a little and bought some cupcakes and wandered around the casino. Some weird guy with a weirder eye sat beside me. Most of the slot machines were empty so I wasn't too impressed. But I ate my cupcake and found somewhere else. I actually won $125 which put me about $100 ahead. I cashed out immediately and then found a $10 store in the hotel. I got Lily an awesome tiara. Unfortunately, she now thinks she's royalty. She told me I don't have the same ears as she does because I'm not royal. She's about to get a royal butt spanking.

Anyway, the trip back was mostly uneventful. Both flights were early - hence why I like United. Usually half my flights are early. :) I had a safe drive back and both girls were still up when I got home. :) So it was probably shorter than it should have been. I mean, my body just feels sore. Sitting in airplane seats with only a one day break was kind of a lot to deal with. Oh well.

I hope that Karie enjoyed her birthday. I had fun being on my own. I shouldn't admit this but I was walking around my room naked quite a bit! LOL With the curtains shut. It just felt so nice to be ALONE for the first time in ages. :)

Yay

Lily had a dentist visit yesterday. The hygienist said her teeth were "spotless". yay! I used to have a lot of issues when I was little. I always had cavities and that's something that I want to avoid for Lily. It's bad enough that she has a wicked crossbite that will need taking care of in the future. *eyes*

Today we see Madi's doc. I haven't been giving her that medication anymore. It kind of makes me laugh to think of how excited I was to use something to help her sleep. It only helped about 30% of the time. The rest of the time, it made her cry for hours on end. In the middle of the night. AND it was making her walk funny. Really. Her PT commented on it and I did notice it myself but figured she was experimenting. Since I've stopped the meds, her walking has changed back to normal and yes, the PT noticed too. :) Weird right? Anyway, today is for a blood pressure check but I'll tell the doc that I"m not using the clonidine anymore.

I can't believe that in a week from now I'll be in Las Vegas. There just seems like WAY too much to do. *exhale*

Ugh

So I'm alive. I'm still on antibiotics. I got to this point with the stomach thing where I knew I wasn't going to beat it by myself. I've been feeling so much better this week. I mean, I wasn't getting any nutrition or hydration from my food last week and I started to feel so weak. That's when I knew I needed to see my doc.

I did lose five pounds so, there's that.

Let's see... Madi has been a little star lately. Oh, she still wakes me up but she's trying to talk. She said "bush" this morning before I brushed her hair. She's listening to more commands - she gets her blankie and binkie when I tell her to. So things are going on in there. And I swear she just grew another two inches.

Her teachers say she's doing amazing. Of course, she still has Madi moments but one day she held hands with another classmate all the way to the gym. On the way back, she laid down and refused to walk. *snort* She kills us.

I think that's it for now. I have to get Lily to the dentist and, of course, this is the first day this week that Madi has had a nap as soon as we got home. All I want to do is lay down.... Argh.

Ugh

I am so sorry that I've dropped the ball over here. I have some sort of stomach virus thing. I've been up most nights sitting on the toilet. I know, it's gross and I'm even more sleep deprived than I was last week. Which is saying something.

I see the doc tomorrow, although if it is a virus, there's not a lot that I can do. And I swear, I think I'm over it and then it flares back up again. I hope it's not something new that I'm developing. Good grief.

I'll be going to Las Vegas in two weeks with a suitcase full of Depends.

Week from....

Wow. It has been an interesting week. It's been crazy! I don't even know how I made it to Friday!

Okay, Madi hasn't been sleeping well. I think last night was the best sleep I've had in a week.

I'm on some medication that makes me nauseous. Sleep deprived and nauseous? Yay!

Both girls have/had field trips this week.

Madi was bit by a zebra on hers. She's okay. Now she has a war story.... once she starts talking.

Oh and Madi is now sick too so she's on antibiotics. wheeee!

Both girls threw up last night but both of them are hungry this morning so, yay!

There's a trunk or treat tonight. I hope Madi can go but I don't want to expose her to the cold when she's sick. :/

And I have to take Madi with me to Lily's field trip, since she's too sick to go to school. I figure we only have to stay an hour, if need be. Geez Louise.

ummm

It might be Day 47? I guess no one really cares anymore. *snort*

I am so tired. This new medication for Madi has been one big debacle. And it's the week before Hallowe'en and I have STUFF TO DO. I am sitting here, two blinks away from sleep, trying to figure out what needs to be done for tomorrow. argh

Tomorrow, is Madi's first field trip. :) I think she's beating Lily, in that respect. Lily goes on her field trip Friday. wheeee doggies!

And I signed up for Trunk or Treat at Madi's school, Friday evening. I have to decorate the back of my car and hand out candy. Sweet mercy. I wanted to do stuff. Carpe diem. You never know what you'll be able to do next year. Do it while you can. :)

Did that make sense? I'm exhausted. But after this week, things should calm down. Should. *eyes*

Geez

So we've been trying the new medication and it's just not doing us any favors. Madi doesn't sleep so much as dozes all night and wakes me up frequently. It's awful. Using no medication was better, at least she'd sleep four or five hours at a time before waking up. This napping is awful.

I'm going to try and get in contact with the specialist. I'm pretty sure this isn't what he had in mind.

It's so funny because Madi had one really great day last week and that was it. I'm not sure if her body has to get used to it....?

Anyway, we managed to have some fun this weekend. If I find my phone I'll put up pics. :)

Day 45

So Madi did NOT sleep through the night. We saw the pediatrician today and her blood pressure is great so we're going to up her dosage. I guess that was the game plan all along. We'll have to go back in another week and make sure her blood pressure is still okay.

So I'm surviving this week. It's been Lily's birthday, new doctor's, new medication, gearing up for Halloween and field trips. It's been... something. :) Friday, as far as I know, I have nothing planned so. wheeee! I might get groceries. :P

This weekend I want to take Lily for a pony ride. And I think that's about it. Although, we might have to think about getting birthday presents for all the birthday parties coming up. Oi vey.

Oh and Madilyn took matters in her own hands today. And by matters, I mean poo. Pedro said she took her diaper off. Flung some poo in one direction and used the rest to play with in the toy corner. I was at an appointment. I asked him why he didn't stop her and he blamed Lily for not telling him.... *eyes*

Day 44

Well, I was having a little nap but someone decided to stomp around in the bathroom... Pedro's at work so that eliminates the usual suspect. ha!

We think Madi slept through the night. I didn't hear her and Pedro didn't come in to wake me up so... Her teacher said she had a fabulous day. She came to the "circle" on her own. Sat down on her own and actually tried to participate.

This is HUGE.

Yesterday, I thought someone was standing outside of my car. It was Madi, almost sounding like she was talking. :) She's getting so close! It might be why she had a few bad nights - making that next developmental leap.

Here's hoping.

Day... 42? 43?

Oops. Had a sick day and then skipped one so I'm not sure. I'll go with 43 and if anyone else is better at counting then you can correct me.

So Madi kept me up from 3:15 til almost 6. Pedro said she'd already kept him up for an hour before I got in there. Thank heavens for ear plugs, huh? This was with her medication. Poor thing. I was holding her and she'd fall asleep and then her body would spasm and she'd wake up again. We see the doc on Thursday and I'll let her know. I guess it could be seizures. She's done this since she was an infant. Her pediatrician figured that her nervous system was immature and it seemed like a decent explanation at the time. But now she's well over 2 years old...

However, in the good news department, she was playing with her toys and brought me a toy cup. This is huge because it's the start of independent play. They said that the PT was amazed at what Madi was doing today. She said Madi was doing stuff she wasn't doing 2 weeks ago. I don't know what those things are because I didn't get to talk to her.

And yes, today was Lily's birthday. It mostly came off without a hitch. I brought her cupcakes, juice, candles, plates, etc. Another mom brought pizza! How nice was that? I don't know why. Anyway, in true Sonia fashion, I showed up early and it was lucky. There are two teachers but they bounce around and help other rooms. So I was helping hand out the juice and pizza and just trying to keep up with everyone. Some of the kids have allergy issues so the other teacher was on the phone checking with parents and the other one had to help in another classroom.

It was just a good thing that I was there. :) ( Not that they can't do it without me, I'm sure)

I'll put pics up tomorrow. I have a busy morning in town. I'll be dropping the girls off and then racing around. wheeee! Thursday is also busy, so I'm holding out for Friday. :) I don't want to go anywhere this weekend. Oh and Lily has two birthday party invitations on the fridge so I guess things are just going to keep on being busy. :)

I'm trying to think.... I had a pretty set up in the dining room for when Lily got home. Fancy balloons held down by a little pile of presents. Hey, I tried. I didn't give her a big fancy party but she got a little party at school - WHICH SHE LOVED and then got the loot once she got home. And we took her out for Chinese food. whew I think she had a good day. :)

More pics (DER)

Alright, we'll see how this goes. I hate trying to write around photos in blogger... Oh yeah, I said it! Oh the little boy was trying to teach Lily how to fish.. in a rain barrel. :) Too cute. He was a little pistol. There were a few of us posted around the kettle keeping him from getting burned. whew













It was the most beautiful day. And I tried to capture that. I really, really did. Except for the wild creature in the lower corner. He kind of fits after all. :) He's related to Stacy and after a few years and a lot of medical treatments, his cancer is finally in remission. Seems wrong to be saying that about a 6 year old. I mean, I'm glad he's better! But he shouldn't have been so sick in the first place. Not fair.












The kettle! Where the magic happens. The guys had to keep it stirred constantly, for HOURS. And that, whatever it is, looks heavy. I declined my chance to stir. I honestly could picture myself knocking the whole thing over.















So Lily had her last ice skating class and complained the whole time that I was taking her boots off and getting her changed that she was starving hungry and needed food. She dragged me to the farmer's market and what did she eat? NOTHING She got her face painted instead. I swear. Did she ask me? Oh no, she just sat right down and told the girl what she wanted. She was VERY clear. It was hilarious. Little stinker.











Ahhh the finished product. I think we had almost 20 gallons of apple butter? mmmm I had some for breakfast. Haven't found a penny yet. I'm not sure why, but you have to throw pennies in it to keep it from sticking to the pot? Copper pot. It was fun. It was a beautiful day with a lot of fun people. :)

Pics (I mean, OBVIOUSLY)

argh

I know I dropped the ball for a few days. Sorry! It's been a crazy week. It's Lily's 5th birthday next week, so I've been practicing making her cupcakes for school. The teachers are going to let me bring in cupcakes to share with her classmates. I waited too late to plan a party. Again. Sigh. Did I mention this already? I'm so tired.

Anyway, we tried out the new medication for Madi. It worked the first night. She did sleep through the night. The second night, I had trouble splitting the pill and then I mixed it at the bottom of the bowl of yogurt instead of the top and I'm not sure she got it all. She did NOT sleep through the night last night. Oi vey.

So I think I got my act together for tonight. Here's hoping, or my butt will be dealing with her. Sigh.

Lily had her last skating class today. She is getting better but she's not quite ready for the next class. We'll put her in the same class level again and if she gets better she'll be bumped up. Sounds good. :) I really need to skate with her. I wonder if I should take the painkillers before or afterwards? Her teacher assured me it would all come back to me. Color me skeptical. I used to skate a lot! Every Sunday for a couple of hours and then rush home to watch Tarzan. How many of you remember those days??? :)

What else... Lily and I went to Stacy's house to help make apple butter. It's quite a production! Fire pit, huge copper kettle. I know it was a lot to do but I hope they do it again! Soonish. I'm definitely having biscuits and apple butter for breakfast. :) Pedro was kind of a sour puss and said that I'd have to deal with Lily when she got bored. Psha, I say. I knew Stacy's cousins' kids were going to be there. I had to drag her out of a mud puddle/pond so we could go home if that's any indication of how her day went. :) Huge property, lots of kids... She had a great day. :)

I, however, am about to drop. I had to prepare for today, last night. Got a chili in the slow cooker at 8am. That kind of stuff. omgosh. I hope I have a good sleep tonight. :)

Next week: Lily's birthday, and Madi's first field trip to a farm. (If it's not rained out) Whee doggies!

Day 40

I think. Another holiday messed us up. It looks like Madi had a good day. She was Feisty McAdams when I picked her up today. Lily had a good day but she's considering Carson boyfriend material now so that's a concern.... I mean, I chased the boys when I was 5. I didn't even think about boyfriends until I was 11? 12? She's 4@!

I haven't heard back from our pediatrician yet but I really want to get started on that sleeping medication. Madi had a good sleep last night, Pedro had to help her out a little bit. What if she got a good night's sleep every night? Would it help her development??? I hope so.

Well, I'm enjoying my moscato and my rotini with alfredo sauce and baked chicken. And snow peas! I read an article that vitamins aren't as helpful as previously thought so I made sure we all got our veggies and fruit today. And yes, I'm sure in 10 years time, vitamins will be amazing again. Remember when people used to tan with butter? ummm I guess we haven't gone back to that yet. hmmm Well, I had a point, dammit. Even if it was a tipsy bad one.