Captured forever.

One of the mom's who came to Jackson's party takes awesome pictures! She just captures them. Thank you Nicole!!!! Enjoy!

Addison, 3 and 11 months

Jackson, 6

Arghhh...the Pirate Party!

This year's 6th birthday party was a pirate theme. Jackson wanted something "scary," but we have to compromise in this house. He and I definitely don't see eye to eye all the time! So when I suggested pirates and showed him some pictures, it was on! I had lots of ideas in my head...but man, how life gets in the way! Life and crutches. I have a stress fracture in my left foot that I just had diagnosed late last week, which means that I am on crutches for two weeks. And yes, of course the party has to continue, crutches or not!

We found a cake he wanted and with a few modifications, it turned out perfectly. "Super scary!" I did learn though that it is much more complicated to try and decorate the cake while supervising the kids also. I definitely do not take Dave for granted. It's a lot of work, but manageable. Let's just say that there were a few times I was ready to chuck the whole thing! (I love you Jackson, but it was a difficult morning).

Grandma and Grandpa H drove in for the party and surprised the kiddos. Their timing was perfect, and after a quick bite they were able to help throw the final details together while I finished getting ready myself. Snacks were out and Jackson was waiting by the window. It was cute. This was the first year that it was more than just his little circle (preschool friends). He helped make the list, and actually helped pass out the invites too. (I made a big school mishap and Jackson handed out his invites to his friends at school first thing, which made for a rough start for his teacher. She had to explain that you can't always invite everyone in your class...sorry for the hurt feelings).

Friends showed up and they had a blast. I did not plan the treasure hunt that I was going to. I had no games except the pinata. And they had fun. They jumped in the jumper, played downstairs in the playhouse/climber, and played in Jackson's room. They made a wild jungle downstairs (and Jackson didn't complain when it was time to clean up...he's 6, right?). They had a blast jumping in the hallway trying to catch the balloons. I've got to remember, it's the simple things! When we did the pinata, I wasn't sure if it would open. I've bought the string attachments before to make it "safe," but this one came with them, and there were no instructions. I just assumed that it would work. Well, all the kiddos pulled and it didn't open. So we improvised (there was no way I was going to put a stick in anyones hands). I had them turn around, and Dave pulled it down and we strategically scattered the candy on the grass. Score one for the parents. Kiddos didn't even realize that they didn't "break" it. (Funny, when I was stuffing the candy, I realized that I bought candy that my kids don't like! It honestly wasn't on purpose, but I wasn't sad!)

London, Jackson and Adelyne

Laurissa

Jumping for balloons

Addison jumped on her bed

Blowing the sound makers (that didn't make sound!)

Sky's the limit!

The scary pinata.

For cake time, Jackson was stoked. He kept telling people "My mom makes the BEST cake!" Thanks Jackson! I'm glad it was worth it. I tried a new filling this time to glue the cakes together. I used jam, melted it a little and then added some jello powder in the same flavor. It was great! It held together and just added a little something more than just more frosting! I also use applesauce instead of oil. The cake Jackson chose this year was the funfetti kind, which is exactly like the "birthday cake" my family used to make (only now it comes in a box)! I'm guessing that love has a flavor, no other reason why it would taste so delicious!

Enjoying his cake!

Black frosting does wonders for a mouth,

Jackson got a red wagon from Grandma and Grandpa H, and both kiddos had a blast playing with that after everyone left. They partied so hard that Jackson closed his eyes in the wagon. (He really isn't asleep), but it wasn't long after that that he fell asleep! 

Happy birthday Pirate Jackson! I hope this year is a blast!!!!

Not peanuts

Scene: We are in the car, on our way back from Phoenix. Jackson is itching in that way that men do (seriously, it's ingrained).

Addison: "Jackson, don't itch your peanuts."

Jackson: "They're not peanuts. They are called nuts."

At that point, both Dave and I did everything we could not to look at one another or at the kids. I know I was fighting the laughter for a good couple of minutes.

It's like a puzzle

I generally enjoy puzzles. I like to have the pieces in front of me, and I'm pretty good at seeing how they all fit together. Trying to figure out, or let the doctors figure out, what was the cause of Addison's illness has been frustrating. I trust the doctor, but I'm her mom, so I have to ask questions. That's my job. Her labs came back looking good, which is a relief. She tested positive for parvovirus B19 (and no, it's not the same one as the dog parvo; and no, she didn't catch it from a dog). He said she had/s acute parvovirus. It explains the rash, fever, hip, and even the inflamed liver. Here's what I can't understand...I can't find any information on acute parvo B19 in kids. Acute cases seem to occur in adults, but not so much in kids. Now, I know Addison is unique, and from day 1, she has always been consistent in letting us know she was going to it her way, but there should be something on the world wide web, right? Her hip ultrasound was done this past week, and that looks good too. She still has some tenderness at times, but it is not waking her up (yay!). Her cheeks and chin have also taken on a red glow.

I just feel like there is a piece of the puzzle missing. When the doctor called back with the latest results, he said we didn't have to come back for her follow up next week. But, I think since I'm a people person, I need to be able to look in his eyes when we talk. He said the rash could last for 3 to 4 months, so I'm assuming that this also means that her irritability and just "not herself" could last that long. 

He said to call him if anything new happens. So does that mean the peeling on the top of her toes (and no, it's not athletes foot...it's subtle, but looks like when something was swollen and then peels). What about the spot on her leg that she has had for 2 weeks? It's red, has come to a head twice, but is still inflamed. Hurts a little to the touch, but other than that hasn't changed in those two weeks. This past week, she's gotten a few more on her belly that are just red. Or what about the small rash that started two nights ago on the top of her thumb, pointer and middle finger on both hands? And I think she's got a cold now too...so instead of calling him every time this changes, we're going in for the follow up. Yes, it's probably overkill. But a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do. Hopefully, he will be able to explain a little more about the "usual" course of an acute parvo B19 infection, so that I don't have to freak out over every little change. 

Working in education, I definitely know that it's hard to know "too much" about things at times (ie, what certain behaviors all linked together usually mean). At the same time, it is certainly difficult to not "know enough;" to have to trust the doctor. We teach our kids to ask questions, to educate themselves, and maybe that's my hardest part right now. I can't educate myself because I can't find anything on it. Everything out there is related to "fifth's disease" or "slapped cheek syndrome." That is a common kids illness, caused by the virus, where the kiddos have a fever, rash and bright red cheeks/chin. Some kids get it and no one knows. But other than that, there's nothing out there on acute cases unless it's related to an adult or an immune compromised kid (which she is not). Although, as Dave pointed out to me (he is good at trying to keep me grounded and not freaking out) she had a bacterial infection (we know that because of her response to the antibiotic) and could have gotten the acute parvo B19 secondary to the bacterial infection. 

I don't know. I'm not the doctor, I know that. But I am the mom, and I just need to see the whites of his eyes to reassure me that in 3 or 4 months, I will have my good natured, not irritable or tired in the middle of the day, kiddo back! And don't get me wrong, she is on the mend. We see glimpses of her, just not enough, know what I mean?

Callie

Ten years ago, Dave started talking about getting a dog. He had some convincing to do because back then, I was a cat person...no dogs. But Dave can be irresistible, so we soon started looking for dogs through the local rescue agencies. We were both in agreement that we did not want a puppy. Our first attempt was a Dalmatian, but that is another story.

After that attempt, we were a little gun shy. But I knew how much Dave wanted a dog. I kept looking and stumbled upon this super cute, not too big dog, that looked like a puppy but was 9 years old. I sent Dave the link, and he wanted to wait awhile (our first "dog" was rough), but I was ready. I printed her picture and hung it right in front of front door. There was no way to get in the house without seeing her sweet face. I can't remember, but I don't think it took more than a day or so to get the OK. I drove to the shelter with a friend to pick her up. (Now remember, I didn't grow up with dogs, so I hadn't thought through how I was going to get her home). We picked her up and she rode nicely in the trunk (I had an SUV).

She adapted well, and was a great apartment dog. We took her out to potty and there were no issues. She had an accident one day and went to the bathroom, so I was actually taking out the bathroom rug to the trash when we ran into our apartment manager. Apparently rules had changed and dogs were no longer allowed. I promised her we were dog-sitting and that her owners were coming home that night. I took her home, and started to nag my grandma to take her until we moved (in 3 months). She loved dogs, and Callie was right up her alley, so she said yes. Dave and I took her to grandma's the following day, got in our first car accident (we were rear-ended by a big truck that shifted the whole frame of the Mountaineer. Callie threw up, but was fine. I freaked out, was fine until later that night and spent the rest of the summer doing physical therapy for whiplash while I was studying for my comps...which was humorous and a challenge because I wasn't supposed to put my head down, like when you read and study...go figure!)

Callie and Grandma had a special relationship! They loved each other, and I'm so glad they got the summer together! From that summer on, we weren't allowed at my parents house without the dog so grandma could have a visit. My mom and sister brought Callie home to us when we moved into our fist new home in August. It was good to have her home.

At that house, Callie loved to play. She learned to love socks, and would bury socks in our almost non-existent yard. There are probably still white tube socks buried in there. She loved "greenies" and would also hide them in random places throughout the house. One time, I found one in a potted plant inside. Dave had let her sleep on her bed, and that was not my favorite at all...but he loved it. When Jackson came along, I convinced him that it was time, and she was evicted.

Callie loved the kids. She would play with them, and I'm sure they are what helped her stay younger than her years. I have a great picture of her peering into the basket Jackson was sleeping in one day. Always the protector. She liked to be top dog, and it didn't matter the size. She tolerated being dressed up and tucked in many, many times. I can't say that I will miss it, but as she got older she began to use my shower as her bathroom in the middle of the night. Let me tell you, that is no way to wake up at 5 in the morning. But, at least she used the shower so cleanup was easy. We never could figure out why she didn't bark. Funny...the last two mornings, first thing I've done is check the shower.

Callie has been pretty much blind and fairly deaf for a long time. But Sunday morning, she woke up and couldn't walk well. Her back legs kept giving out, and she wasn't there. You know, in her eyes. She kept walking into walls. We had talked lots with the kids about how old Callie was and how one day she would go to heaven like Pepper (grandma and grandpa's dog). But this was the first time they really saw her as not well. We were all very sad for her. Jackson and Addison thought her leg muscles might be hurting so they wanted to give her a bath, which we did (it's what I do for them when their muscles are sore). Poor girl couldn't stand in the shower and fell over when she tried to shake. When Addison suggested we take her to the vet, I said we would and tried to hide my tears. I knew what would happen.

Monday morning she woke up and her head was torqued to one side and she was walking in circles. Dave had to carry her to the bathroom where she stayed during the day. Kelly then had to take her again because the kiddos opened the door. Talk about impending doom. We knew it was time, and didn't want her to suffer at all. But how do you prepare for that?

Everyone gave Callie hugs Tuesday morning. Jackson and Addison made sure I said goodbye because she was hurting and had to go to the vet that day. Thank goodness for sunglasses because I was able to hide my tears as I left. Kelly later told me that they made her say goodbye too....maybe they knew.

I waited until Dave got home that night and we told them at dinner. Addison burst into tears, she is very sensitive with animals. Jackson was very concerned about understanding what happened. He was also concerned with helping Addison feel better. We explained that she had had a stroke, and that a blood vessel had burst and she had too much blood in her brain. We told them she was in heaven playing with Pepper and Great-grandma. We talked about Callie all during dinner and decided to look at pictures later. It ended up being only Addie and I when we sat down to look at pictures. Addison immediately said to me, "No mom. These are pictures of Callie here at home. I want to look at her now, in heaven." 

Me too, Addie. Me too. Callie was my first dog. She was the first dog your daddy and I had together. She has been through the first almost ten years of marriage, two kids and three moves if you count the one to grandma's. She lived quite a life, and will always live in our hearts!

6 years old!!!

Dear Jackson,

Happy birthday bugaboo!!! You turned 6 years old today. There are times when it hits me, and today was one of them. I cannot believe that you are 6. This morning, you walked out into the kitchen with such a big grin, you looked older. Our conversation consisted of me telling you that you looked older, and you saying, "no, I look just like I did when I was 5." So we took a picture to make sure, and that made you smile even more.

You are such a sensitive, bright, caring and busy kid. You are always in tune with how others around you are feeling. You crack me up because you have two speeds...super fast, or super slow. You love to climb, which is why we got the climber outside (it's too bad I can't find one for inside)! You love to read, and right now, your favorite books are nonfiction books. You love dinosaurs, nature, bugs, the human body and anything else you can get your hands on. You are thinking more and making connections with ideas and thoughts. And your vocabulary! Last night, you said you were looking for something "suspicious" and dad and I just looked at you, somewhat astounded. You looked right back, repeated what you said and then changed your word to mysterious. You are very scheduled and set in your ways. You like things a certain way, and we are still learning skills to help us when we have to deviate from our schedule.

Jackson, you are such a blessing and joy in our life. You light up a room with your personality when you walk in. You are so friendly that you have the ability to draw others into your activities. You love to use your imagination. You like "scary stuff" but you don't. It's cute. You are concerned about who you are going to marry (but you think kissing is gross!! let's keep it this way for a long time), and about learning things to help you be a good dad like your own.

You are continuing to become such an awesome kid. You are growing and learning all the right things, and I know these things will take you all the way in life. Mom and Dad are so proud of you and everything you are. I know you will continue to embrace all that you are learning and doing. I know you will ask questions about everything, and I promise we will figure out the answers together. Keep on learning and growing Jackson. I love you with all my heart. I am so glad that you still like to snuggle, as one of my favorite times is putting you to bed. It's our quiet time!!!

Mommy loves you bug!!! You're the best 6 year old ever!

Love,
Mommy

Looney Tunes Soccer

Soccer season started last week! I was excited that Jackson said he wanted to play again, and before it started, Addison was excited too! First practice came, and Jackson was stoked! He had a blast. Addison was initially nervous, but got out there and did drills with the others. She bolted though when they formed two teams and "practiced a game." Guess the mob of little kids running and chasing a ball was too much for her! 

As practices continued last week, Addison decided she liked playing with Rocky, one of the helpers, on the sideline. She is pretty good actually, but doesn't want to get out there at all with the mob. Jackson is right in the middle. Still working on his coordination, but that's why we're doing this!! He is way more enthused this year than last, so that is an improvement! 

Saturday was their first game, and it was awesome. Jackson got out and had a blast. He was a little bummed because he didn't make a goal, but he was close at one point. He got in there though, and was with the team most of the time. Addison watched from the sidelines. She's still not sure about the whole thing, so we did have tears at the end and she ended up in our arms. But, she did run out with the team at the end and high five the other team. She also did the team cheer at the end, which was a first, so I'm still holding out hope that by the end of the season we will get her playing on the field! 

Here's to an awesome season Looney Tunes!!!

 Totally excited!

 Both of my looney tunes...our team name fits this house!

 Before the tears, we did have smiles! This is proof!

 Go, Jackson, go!!

 Not sure what he was getting ready to do, but it's a cool shot!

 Daddy's turn.

Mommy's turn! Getting ready to cheer, and have to stick that hip out (bad for back), but only way to balance my baby girl! She's getting so big!!!

Run, Mommy, run!

I. DID. IT.

Yes, I ran 13.1 miles. The WHOLE 13.1 miles. Even as I type that, and I sit here icing my feet, I cannot believe it. Waking up yesterday, I was terrified. Today, I conquered. Holy cow!!!

We got up early this morning because the race started at 7:30am. Thankfully, Ed took us so we didn't have to catch the shuttle. Of course, I started my morning with coffee and yogurt. There was discussion as to what to wear...because you don't want to be too cold, but wearing too much makes you too warm. Who knew so much thought went into running clothes? I employed the "at least I look good" thought and wore my new running capris, blue shirt and my sister's long sleeve shirt that all matched my shoes! 

First picture of the morning...here we go!

We decided to check a bag with our jackets so we didn't freeze before the race. And actually, we didn't really need them before, but man, they were a huge help after! We thought we were running short on time because we couldn't find the actual bag check. Then, when we found it, they announced that they would be doing a 10 minute start delay because other runners were having a difficult time getting to the race. Worked in our favor. I was surprised at how warm the corrals are. Makes sense because of all the people who were waiting to get started also. We were in corral 7, so once the race started, we had to wait until we got to the starting line. I was impressed at how they got everyone off because never once did I feel like I was surrounded by people and had to get out of there. It was a smooth start!!

 Just getting started! Kim is on the left (in red), I am in the middle and Tara is on the right (in purple).

So now we run. At one point early on, Kim commented on all the downhill....hadn't dawned on me. And somewhere in my mind, I wasn't worried about it because I had myself convinced that the route was supposed to be a flat run. It was not. About mile 8 or 9, we hit the uphill and it continued until mile 12. At another point in the middle, we passed a coffee shop and I totally had the thought that it would be sooo easy to just go in and sit! As we hit the end of the run, past mile 9, the mind game was amazing. With every step, I kept saying "run, mommy, run" which was the text that Dave and the kiddos sent me right before the race. Knowing they were getting updates on my progress helped. My quads started to ache. During the last mile, my knee started to hurt. All I wanted to do was stop, but I didn't. Kim was ahead of me (Tara was long gone, she's super fast!), and she turned to see if I was going to catch her, and I waved her ahead. At that point, I think I had less than a mile to go and I knew I would finish, but I also knew I couldn't push to catch up to her. 

I crossed that finish line and totally was overwhelmed by emotion. I could feel my body starting to cry, but as that started, all my bronchial tubes started to close and I was afraid I was going to have an asthma attack right there. I choked back the tears and Kim got me a medal! I had done it. My mind was racing. This was right up there with my marriage and giving birth to my kids. In fact, I felt at one point that if I could do this, I could give birth without an epidural.  Funny where minds go. 

I did not grow up an athlete at all. At all. And look at me, I just ran 13.1 miles; keeping my pace steady at 9 minutes 49 seconds. A few times it was less, and during the last .2 miles it slowed a bit. The people out there were amazing, one lady was wearing a shirt that she had lost 139 pounds. There were young and old. There was one creeper who encroached on my space and then on Kim's space, but we passed him. It was the only thing to do! They had yummy snacks around, so we feasted on jamba juice and frozen yogurt while we tried to find Tara and Ed. We got a space blanket, and that was a lifesaver. It was amazing how fast I started to get cold! And then we hiked. Back to the car. Actually, I waddled. I felt like an extremely pregnant lady who could not walk normally. But we made it and the shower afterwards was AWESOME!!!

Tara, me and Kim!!! WE DID IT!!! 

Sisters with medals!

Kim and I stopped for pedicures on the way home, and I could have stayed in that chair all day! It felt wonderful. 

Jackson and Addison, you can do ANYTHING!!!! If your mom can go out and start running and run a half marathon at 32 after having no running history, you can do whatever you want. Yes, you will have to work hard. But anything worth doing in life requires hard work. Just like your support helped get me through this, your dad and I will help get you through whatever you decide to do with our support. Sometimes, before you believe in yourself, others believe for you! Just listen and you will go far!!!

Yes, I did it. I am still amazed. Dave believed in me and supported me while I got out and ran, even when I did not believe it was possible. Amazing! I am very glad that today is a holiday...hopefully tomorrow I will be able to fake walk a little. If not, I will be spending most of the day at my desk...today, I have to figure out if I can walk in heels, otherwise tomorrow is casual Tuesday! Heck, maybe I'll wear my shirt from the race!!

One in a million

Addison and I went to the infectious disease doc this past week to see if we can figure out what exactly was the culprit of this whole illness, and also to figure out why she's still waking up with pain in her leg. He was very nice, and was very good with her. After her last "tickle your throat" test, she is apprehensive of anyone looking down her throat, so he had to show her he had NOTHING in his hands in order for her to open her mouth. He indicated that he didn't think it was caused by a virus, kind of hinting that it was more bacterial in nature. He manipulated her leg/hip and she did not like that. He thinks that she developed "reactive arthritis" which can occur after an infection. We have to go back at the end of the month for an ultrasound of her hip to make sure she has no fluid in there, and he also ran labs both to see if certain antibodies are present which would tell him what caused it, and to make sure that the pains are the reactive arthritis like the suspects. I have been impressed with him, as he has called a few times. Once to add another lab to her set of labs, and another because I called about her ever changing rash/spots. She is still fighting a rash on her butt and has some spots that look similar to chicken pox, the little blister thing...I couldn't get her in to our doc yesterday, so we are just watching...but if it's not one thing right now, it's another. When I talked to him on the phone, he said he was going to call over the weekend to check because he suspected yet a different reaction basically with these spots.

She is my one in a million for sure!!! Addison has always done her own thing, and she continues to do that with this. I'm ready, though, for a run of the mill cold or ear infection. Something that makes sense and is easily diagnosed. There are times when I feel like I've turned into a crazy mom (and I'm sure Dave thinks so too :)), but I know her and what is normal for her. Maybe every mom should have to go through some kind of "mom medical school." I don't know....all I know for sure is that I want my little one 100% back to her normal self, and we just aren't totally there yet! We certainly won't forget the winter of 11/12!

On another note, it's the day before my half-marathon and I am terrified!!! It is so much easier to talk about in the distance than to realize that this morning, after the kids first soccer game, I will head out of town where I have paid to run 13 miles. Something sounds wrong with that picture!! Here's to strong strides!!!

"Will you marry me?"

Last night, after one of our soccer practices, Jackson bounded up to Laurissa and asked her "will you marry me?" Laurissa just looked at him. Laura (Laurissa's mom) gasped and said "Laurissa just got her first proposal!" I was trying not to laugh.

Laura asked what she said, and she looked matter of factly at her mom and said, "I said no." Well, I didn't hear the second one, but Jackson also went up to Adelyne and proposed. She also said no.

One day Jackson. One day! I know the right girl, at the right time will say yes!!!!! You will make an amazing husband and dad!

3 weeks is too long!

This has been the longest Christmas vacation on record...for so many reasons. For a break that was supposed to be restful, I feel like we need a break from our break. Since we've been home, it's been nice. Jackson has enjoyed a few more pajama days, and Addison has changed her clothes too many times to count. Toys have been taken out and played with and then left as the mess got bigger. Clothes have been washed and FINALLY put away! Couches have been climbed on, over and jumped on. Paper has been colored, cut and glued. Snacks have been snacked on. Morning time has included extra snuggling in bed followed by coffee and more snuggling on the couch. Jackson and Addison have played too much with one another, if you catch my drift! I have been tested and my limits have been pushed. But, the toys are put away and the messes cleaned up. Three weeks is great for kids, and teachers definitely need a break! But man, as a mom, I'm ready for my kiddos to head back to school! Let the learning continue!