If It's Not One Thing, It's Another

So here's the email I got at work yesterday.  With the subject of "Call Me".


Yes, that is Brantley with a band-aid on his forehead and a blood-soaked shirt. 

Of course, I immediately panicked.  Even though {clearly} he seems to be doing alright in the picture.  Call it the mom-reaction, I suppose.  After I convinced myself that surely he was okay, the emotions started - I got teary eyed at the thought of what in the world had happened and felt the need to be there--right away.  I told my students I needed to make a phone call and went into the hall to call the hubs.  No answer.  Twice.  And then I listened to the voicemail he had left me prior to the above email.  The poor hubs could barely hold it together, but managed to mutter the words that Brantley was fine...just needed some stitches.

I called Miss Stephanie at daycare and got the lowdown.  Brantley had fallen up the wooden garage stairs and had about an inch (in length) gash on his forehead.  Five plus minutes after the accident and it hadn't stop bleeding.  So what did Miss Stephanie do?  Call 911, of course.  Probably a little overboard, but as a daycare provider, I'm sure she'd rather feel safer than sorry.  And I can't imagine it's easy to take care of four other 2, 3, and 4-year olds while another is bleeding profusely from the head.

Then, of course, she called Craig.

The paramedics arrived and got his poor forehead to stop bleeding, but suggested that he would probably need stitches.  Craig was already en route to daycare and said he would transport Brantley to the ER himself (instead of paying for an ambulence ride).  But before they left daycare, he sent me the above picture.

Note to hubby: never again send me a bloody picture of my child without details!!  I'm certain he did it on purpose. :)

I decided to stay at school because there was nothing I could do if I went to meet them.  And boy, am I glad I did.  The hubs spent the next couple of hours at Children's Mercy Urgent Care.  He was describing everything to me last night, and I think it's safe to assume I probably would have passed out.  Between Craig (plus two more nurses) having to hold Brantley down, Brantley screaming for his life like never before, and the hook they used to stitch poor Brantley's forehead...yeah, let's just say I'm happy to have missed all of that.

Three stitches later and he's back to his normal self.  Running, climbing, being crazy, and acting ornery.  I was on edge all last night as I was sure he was going to fall and do further damage.  I just kept repeating, "This is only 18 months...I have no earthly idea how I'm going to make it 18 years with two rough and tough, accident-proned boys."  Sigh...

That undershirt used to be white...

So it wasn't our first trip to the ER and I'm certain it won't be our last either.  And now we have two living beings in our house with stitches.  I guess it's the theme of the week! :)

On a side note, Miss Stephanie said Brantley loved the firetruck that came to the rescue.  That's when he finally stopped crying--when he saw the truck with flashing lights.  So next week at daycare, they have plans to visit the fire station for a {happier} tour of the firetruck and to thank the paramedics with a plate of cookies.  How sweet is that?!

Whew, what a week it's been!  TGIF, everyone!

(For a recap of our first trip to the ER, click here.)
(And for another couple of instances that had me questioning whether to take him, click here.)


{The Little Things} || Helping Mama Cook


Today, I'm doing something I rarely ever do.  Linking up with another mommy blog (Words About Waverly) for a post that I thought was worth copying: "It's the Little Things."  The whole goal is to reflect on the everyday moments that make life enjoyable.  It's easy to get caught up in the craziness of our everyday schedules.  It's also easy to blog about the big moments and milestones in our lives.  But all too often, the little moments that make life truly memorable are overlooked.  Like playing Ring Around the Rosie, for instance.  A new staple in our house and one of Brantley's favorite games  (thanks to his daycare friends).  It's just so precious when he comes to grab my hand and then Craig's...in an effort to get us to play.  And of course, we always do, because it's the little things like this that make having a kid so darn special.  And fun.

Another recent "little thing".  Cooking with my kiddo.  Or should I say "cooking."  Sunday was my morning to get up with Brantley.  (Over winter break he was sleeping until 8am every morning, but over the past few weeks that time has been getting earlier and earlier.  Last weekend, he was awake at 6:30 each day.  And over past couple of days, he's been awake at 5:30.  What the heck??)  Anyway, since I was up early, I decided to make breakfast.  A French toast stick recipe from Pinterest that I had used a few other times.  Brantley likes to "help" by sitting on the counter and watching getting into everything within reach.  His helping didn't last long (he was grabbing for the knives), but I very much enjoyed the few minutes of early morning Mommy-Son bonding time in the kitchen.

As did Brantley.  He enjoyed {ornerily} eating the strips of bread I had cut for the French toast.  (Pre-dipped in eggs, of course.  The hubs was concerned I let him eat the egg-soaked bread!!  C'mon honey, I have more sense that that!)  And of course, I couldn't resist the photo opp.



A sweet, little moment in my everyday life that I enjoyed and will cherish. 

So there's my first "Little Thing" post.  Maybe I'll make this a weekly thing.  After all, having a kiddo, in my mind anyway, is far more about the little things than it is the big moments and milestones.

Bumpdate: Week 28

Welcome, third trimester!  It seems so unreal.  Before, my third trimester meant spring, summer, skirts, flip flops, shorts, tank tops, and days at the pool.  So of course, that's how I remember it and what I associate with being this far along.  Which is maybe partially to blame for why it doesn't feel real (or right) quite yet?  I just can't get over the fact that I'm having a baby in less than three months.  Of course, that's if he comes on time.  I suppose I could still be waddling around miserably three months from now.  And I may change my mind about this as that date approaches, but for now, I don't even think I'd mind.  A few extra days of life-as-I-know-it doesn't sound all that bad as compared to life with a newborn and a 21-month old. :) 

(Seriously though, I'm super excited to be expanding our family...just a tad a lot nervous if you haven't picked up on that!)

Plans for Baby #2 are lining up nicely.  My maternity leave/long-term sub is official.  We have a place for Brantley if and when I go into labor.  (Thanks neighbors!)  And we have guaranteed a spot for Baby #2 at daycare next fall.  All pretty big weights off our shoulders!  Kind of like how Baby is just hanging out and packing on the pounds at this point, I feel like we have most of our ducks in a row and now we just wait.  12 weeks to go.

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Size of Baby: ~14.8 inches, 2 1/4 pounds; the size of an eggplant

Gender: BOY

Weight Gain: 20-21 pounds

Food Cravings: No specifics

Food Aversions: None

Movement: Movin' and groovin' in there multiple times per day. 

Sleep: I started not sleeping well because I was getting really hot overnight.  (Weird, it's January and negative degrees out.)  I switched to a lighter blanket and I'm back to sleeping like a baby.

Clothing: Same.  Though I wear the same three pairs of work pants all week long.

Other Pregnancy Symptoms: The usual - Braxton Hicks and minor acid reflux

What I Miss: Being able to bend over/squat down easily.  Getting Brantley dressed, giving him a bath, changing his diaper, etc. is getting much harder (and super exhausting) these days.

Best Moment: Entering into the third trimester.  I love the big milestones.

Looking Forward To: Is it bad that I'm already looking forward to spring break?


And this kid seems to be catching on to our weekly photo shoots.  Week two of going to stand by the sign as soon as I hang it, so here's his 28-week photo, too! :)



Kinnick Update

Thanks to those of you who emailed and texted to check on our poor doggy!  Two days later and he's doing much better!  The hubs took him to the vet yesterday morning.  The vet said he likely lost one to three teeth in the ordeal.  He gave Kinnick a pain injection, as well as some prescription soft food.  Kinnick has been scarfing it down and begging for more.  He's also eating treats again and drinking water--and acting more like his normal, squirrel-watching self!

He went back to the vet this morning and was sedated (after having blood work yesterday) so the vet could check for further damage.  He ended up having six additional teeth pulled and got a stitch in his gums.  Poor dog!!  He also got a teeth-cleaning, which should help with his horrid breath. 

Sounds like he's on the mend and he's going to survive! :)  Though I hate that he was injured (and probably hate the vet bills, too), I'm glad I wasn't the crazy dog-mom on Sunday who overreacted to his run-in with the fence post.  Of course I knew that I loved this dog, but I guess I didn't realize just how much until now. 




Poor Doggy

My heart is breaking for our poor doggy tonight.  He suffered an accident today while playing outside in the unseasonably warm weather. Ran smack into a fence post as he was chasing a squirrel. Knocked out a few front teeth and may have suffered a few other injuries, as well. He won't eat and his nose/gums have been bleeding (slowly) all afternoon and night. We called an emergency vet who told us it was nothing that needed immediate attention and suggested we take him to our regular vet in the morning, so that's what the hubs plans to do. In the meantime, he seems to be in pain. Which just breaks my heart. After all, he is my first "baby". Craig keeps assuring me that a few missing teeth never killed a dog, and that surely there are other dogs that have done the same thing. But it was still a rough day for me. And I think for the hubs, as well.

Feel better soon, Kinnick doggy!




A New Job & A New Set of Wheels

It's been awhile in the making, but I can finally announce that Craig has accepted a new job with a new company!  After nearly nine years with Xerox, he's leaving for a better-paying, less-traveling gig with a company called RSA. 

It's actually a long story.  He interviewed with another company in October and was offered a job with them towards the end of October/beginning of November.  He accepted, but at the time was working on a couple of big deals with Xerox so they agreed to let him stay there until the deals closed.  Craig and this new company ultimately agreed on a January 20 start date.

Then in December, he was contacted by this other company (RSA) and was asked to come in for an interview.  He thought "Why not?", and left the interview with a much better feeling about both the job and company than the first new position he had accepted.  A few days prior to Christmas, he learned that RSA was going to extend him an offer.  But because it was the end of the year and the offer had to go through multiple departments within the company, it took forever for that to actually happen.

Meanwhile, Craig was stressing out to the point of losing sleep over the ordeal.  He didn't want to tell the first company he had changed his mind and was accepting a different offer until the offer was truly a done deal.  And he didn't want to put in his two-weeks at Xerox until he was sure of what was going on.  But that January 20 start date was approaching quickly, very quickly.

Luckily, everything fell into place nicely.  He got the official offer from RSA a little over a week ago, a couple of days after telling company #1 he had found something that better suited him.  He put in his two-weeks notice with Xerox last Wednesday and he is set to begin this new adventure on Monday, February 3.

I couldn't be happier for my husband and more proud of him!  I know it's been a stressful couple of months, but c'mon how many people have essentially three jobs to choose from?!  I know you will be amazing at your new job, and they are very lucky to have you!

Anyway, that brings me to the second point of this post!  Because Craig's primary mode of transportation was his company car (through Xerox), a new job meant we needed a new car.  We decided on a Toyota Highlander...Craig called it the closest thing to a mini van without actually getting a van.  I'm not so sure about that, but it is a nice vehicle for our growing family.  It has the option for third-row seating, which will be nice if/when Baby #3 becomes a reality.  It also has a back-up camera, navigation, and my personal fave - heated seats!  My booty already loves it and I'm a little jealous this won't be my new primary mode of transportation.

Thanks to our good friend, Josh, who recently started his own car-selling business, for finding us this great deal!  And congrats to the hubs on your new job!












Bumpdate: Week 27

27 weeks today.  27 weeks is very bittersweet to me because it was this day on-the-dot when we learned of Brantley's hydrocephalus.  The very next day is when it was confirmed at our level 2 sonogram at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.  We are headed back there in a couple of weeks for our second level 2 sono of this pregnancy...assuming nothing has changed and Baby's brain is developing normally (as it appeared at 19 weeks), it should be our final sonogram of this pregnancy.  I've been on a high dose of folic acid (4mg) since about three months pre-pregnancy to cut the risk of any neural tube defects...but I also know that since hydrocephalus could be carried in one of my genes (as they explained early on in this pregnancy), Baby #2 has a risk of developing the issue, as well.  Even so, I'm not necessarily worried for our sonogram, but I'd lying if I said 27 weeks didn't bring about a whole slew of emotions for me. 

Despite it being January (and the most blah time of the year, in my opinion), time is still flying!  January 21 already??  Which means my due date is exactly three months and one day away!  I seriously can't keep up!  At my pre-natal massage on Saturday, the therapist asked how far along I was and I couldn't remember for the life of me whether I was 26 or 27 weeks.  Last night, I was reading my 27th-week update from my pregnancy with Brantley and I was floored that that's when I started going to doctor appointments every two weeks!  It's getting real, that's for sure!

As for my weight gain, I'm up 20 pounds.  At this point with Brantley, I was up 14.  And I only gained 29 total with him.  Something tells me I'm going to surpass that 29-pound mark easily this time.  BUT, I weighed about five pounds less to begin this time, so it's all relative, right?  And do you think I have altered my diet because of the extra six pounds I've gained?  Nope, not at all!  In fact, last night, I ate nearly a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter World ice cream.  And in the past week, I've downed three of my birthday cupcakes and a piece of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. :)  What can I say--I love my sweets!  I've never been one to stress about my weight--pregnant or not--and I'm definitely not going to start now!

One more story.  Brantley is just starting to catch on that there's a baby in Mama's belly.  Last week, completely unprompted, he walked over to me sitting on the floor, pointed to my belly and said "baby" and then hugged and kissed it.  Probably the sweetest thing I've witnessed thus far!  He's going to be a great big brother!


How Far Along: 27 weeks

Size of Baby: ~14.5 inches, 2 pounds; the size of a head of cauliflower

Gender: BOY

Weight Gain: 20 pounds

Food Cravings: Nothing really, though {clearly} I can't get enough sweets!

Food Aversions: None

Movement: Often, though still not protruding body parts.

Sleep: Great!

Clothing: Still fit into a few of my looser-fitting non-maternity shirts.  Otherwise, all maternity pants and mostly maternity shirts.  Soooo ready for my spring maternity clothes!!

Other Pregnancy Symptoms: Nothing major.  Braxton Hicks a couple times per day, acid reflux (throat burn) every now and then, stiff hands in the mornings (but still not as bad as with Brantley). My wedding rings still fit and I don't think I'm swelling too much just yet!

What I Miss: I love my maternity clothes, but I sort of miss the assortment and selection of my non-maternity wardrobe.

Best Moment: Definitely that pre-natal massage!!!!  I'd sure love another one of those before April 22 rolls around!

Looking Forward To: February?  Hopefully some snow days?  Either that, or an early spring.  I'd gladly take either.

Don't mind the random head in the bottom left :)

Brantley's First Haircut

It was 18 1/2 months in the growing, but finally came time for Brantley's first haircut.  Of course, since it was his first official haircut, I insisted we take him to the cutesy kiddo salon, Shear Madness, complete with race car chairs and t.v.s at every station.  He was skeptical, but did surprisingly well and sat extremely still for all of the ten minutes that it took.  Of course, it helped that his favorite show (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) was on t.v. at the time...good planning on Mama's part, even though it very unintentional!
















As if my baby didn't already scream "Big Kid", something about his new haircut confirms this title.  Here's a before and after, so you can decide for yourself!



Celebrating 31 With the Hubs

The clock is ticking...
The babysitter is on the way...
Spa is booked...10am sharp...
Lunch afterwards...

After much persuading, the hubs let me open my birthday present (card) on Friday night - he planned to make me wait until Saturday morning - and that's what it read!  Unbeknownst to me, he had booked a couples' massage (prenatal for me) and hired one of my high school girls to babysit.  A little creepy that he tracked down her phone number and texted her?  Perhaps...but also so worth it! :)

The massage was amazing, as was the child-free lunch at Cheesecake Factory.  Sadly, we took no pictures.  (So instead you get a 3 1/2 year old pic from our first couples massage on our honeymoon!)  It was a pretty great start to my three-day weekend and a perfect start to year 31!  And I'd say a win-win for the hubs seeing that he got a massage, too.

Thanks hubby for my 31st birthday surprise!  Here's to many more!  And many more massages along the way! :)


 

thirty-one

I don't brag on my hubby all that often.  It's just not my style to do so.  Besides, we're not that special.  Or romantic.  He doesn't send flowers.  And we tend not to exchange gifts for special occasions (Christmas, Valentine's, even our anniversary).  And I'm totally okay with all of this.  We are both content just living our lives.  Because it makes the surprises that are few and far between that much more special.

Today marks my 31st birthday.  Unfortunately, the hubs had to leave town super early this morning (5:15am) for a work trip.  He'll be in Minneapolis until late tomorrow night, and with the exception of saying good-bye to my half-sleeping self this morning, he's missing my birthday.  Even though it's just another day out of 365 in my eyes, he felt pretty horrible about not being here to celebrate.  Especially because that means I'm on full-time mom duty.  Daycare drop off, daycare pick up, dinner, bath, bedtime, etc.  For two days.  Not a huge deal...I know that some moms do it all the time.  But he felt bad about leaving me with all the responsibility on my birthday

However, he also left me with a few surprises before he left home just to ensure that I'd felt special on my special day.  One of which was a letter from Brantley.  Pretty sure I was in tears {of laughter} while reading this thing.  And it's too good not to share.  Or document on the 'ole blog, for that matter. 




One of the main reasons I love my hubby.  He always makes me laugh!

He also left a gift from Brantley (as I'm sure you read in the letter)--an Elmo shutter buddy.  Also known as a way to bribe Brantley to look at the camera.  And little did I know when I asked for one of these thingies...it squeaks!  Even better!  I might actually get Brantley and Kinnick to look at the camera together!  Never did I think my 31-year old self would be excited about a squeaking Elmo toy.  I suppose that's what having a kid does to ya... :)



And that cupcake he mentioned?  Here it is in all its glory.  It even has a cookie on top.


But shockingly, I haven't eaten it.  Because I met a friend for dinner and she brought me these...


Prego heaven! :)

Speaking of my birthday dinner, how stinkin' cute are these two boys?  Lucky girl I am to have had a dinner date with both of them!  And Hollyn, of course!


And in other birthday news, I'm buying myself a thirty-one tote for my thirty-first birthday.  It's only fitting, right?


And 31?!?!  It's been ten years since that all-exciting 21st birthday?!  How in the world is that possible?  I dug up an old picture to reminisce.  Here I am celebrating my "first" beer with my college roomies ten years ago tonight.  (Must have been taken after midnight - hence the 1/16.)



Anyway, that pretty much sums up my 31st birthday.  Like I say each year, I love getting older...the thirties don't scare me one bit and I truly think each year has gotten better and better.  I'm confident in saying that 31 is going to be yet another fabulous year!  Thank you to my hubby for making me feel extra special today, even from hundreds of miles away!

P.S. - In case you were wondering, Brantley obeyed and had no poopy diapers.  Instead, he saved it for the bathtub.  Happy birthday to me... :)