It's funny. When Katie was a toddler, I could take her to any restaurant, and she would be the neatest eater at the table. And wow, she would eat almost anything. My boys are different. About a year ago, Noah stopped eating much of anything. For about 3 months, he would only eat a couple of things. I spoke with his speech therapist and his pediatrician, but they assured me that he would eat when he was ready. To suppliment, I began giving him Carnation Instant Breakfast daily. That way, he would get the nutrition he was lacking in his diet. To this day, he is incredibly picky, refusing to eat any fruit or vegetables, aside from what is in his chili and spaghetti.
When Aidan began Pre-K, I had to pack him a lunch because he was refusing to eat what they served him. At dinner, he would pick at everything. He's not as picky as Noah, but there are only certain foods he will touch. As a child, my parents would force me to sit at the table until I cleaned my plate. As a result, I refuse to touch seafood, even now. I don't want my kids to miss out on certain foods, so our rule is that you have to take at least one bite of everything on their plate. If they don't like it, they don't have to eat more, but this way, they are exposed to new foods and have the opportunity to develop their palates.
I just wish dinnertime wasn't such a battle of wills! At least Katie still eats very well and will clean her plate at just about any meal!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Family Planning
I don't know about everyone else, but when I was a little girl, I envisioned meeting a wonderful man, getting married, having kids, and living happily ever after. I never thought about the details, of course--I just figured that once I was married, everything would magically work itself out. Naturally, as I grew up, I figured out that there was a whole lot more to marriage and kids.
As a teenager, I didn't think much about birth control. I was raised Catholic, and Catholics view artificial birth control very negatively. However, when I went to college, a lot of my friends were on birth control for various reasons. I still did not get on the pill. I met Chris, fell in love, and we were engaged. A few months before our wedding, I decided to go ahead and try out the pill. As I mentioned, I was raised to believe that the pill was not acceptable, yet Chris and I knew we did not want to get pregnant immediately. I went on Ortho-Cycline and it did horrible things to my body. However, I decided to give it a try for a few months, at least until after the wedding. We were married in April 2002. By September, I had had enough and went off of the pill. We weren't trying to have a baby, but we were ok if it happened. Sure enough, I was pregnant by October. Unfortunately, that pregnancy ended in miscarriage. I was devastated. Of course, by then, I wanted to be pregnant, and by Christmas, I found out I was expecting Katie. After her birth, I went on the mini-pill. I liked that so much better than the combined pill, and I was on that for about a year or so before going off of it. Once again, I got pregnant again, and was devasted to learn I had a partial molar pregnancy. However, I was blessed to get pregnant with Aidan a few months later. After Aidan's birth, I went back on the mini-pill, but around Aidan's first birthday, I got very sick with pneumonia. I didn't realize the antibiotic would affect the pill, so I was surprised to learn I was expecting Noah! There was no miscarriage this time! While I was still pregnant with Noah, we discussed our options after Noah's birth. Although I knew I was not done having kids, we wanted something more reliable than the pill. We decided to go with the Mirena. I had that put in place 6 weeks after his birth. Now, a lot of my friends had decided to go with the Mirena, so I was hopeful to have something wonderful. It was a horrible decision. I began spotting bi-weekly, and I was miserable. 10 months later, I had it removed and went back on the pill. Unfortunately, I continued spotting and had to switch pills about 3 times before I found one that worked. I ended up back on the mini-pill. Two months later, in Sept. 2010, I learned I was pregnant again, this time completely unexpectedly. I fell into that low percentage of those who got pregnant taking the pill correctly. But, we all know how the story ends--I was pregnant with twins that did not make it.
Now, let me go deeper. The side effects of the pill can be bad--spotting between periods, irritability, weight gain, blood clots, high blood pressure--the list goes on. I never thought much about the side effects--I figured most of them wouldn't affect, and I was correct. However, after I had Noah and went back on the pill, my body responded differently. My entire life, even during pregnancies, I've had low blood pressure. Once I had Noah and went back on the pill, my blood pressure rose. I went from being well below normal to borderline high blood pressure. I couldn't figure it out. Then, during my pre-op for the D&C, the nurse at the hospital asked if I was on blood pressure medicine, and I responded no. Well, as you all know, my D&C was botched, and I ended up back at the dr. on Friday. When they took my blood pressure, it was 112/60--such a difference from the 130/80 a few weeks back! That's when it hit me--for the first time in ages, I have been off of birth control for several months and my body has had a chance to reset itself!
However, it's more than physical--it's become moral. I began researching the pill a bit more. I learned much more about how it works. Initially, I thought it kept me from ovulating, but as you read the material, you learn that it sometimes works by not allowing a fertilized egg to implant. I have now lost 4 babies, and I have always been pro-life. However, now I understand why the Catholic church is so opposed to the pill. Personally, I cannot ever go back to something that could destroy a life. For me, life begins the moment the sperm and the egg meet. I realize that not everyone feels this way, and this is not meant to be an offensive post. I'm simply saying that, for me, the benefits no longer outweigh the risks. I am not like the Duggars. I would never try to push my views on anyone else, and I'm not looking to have 30 kids. There are other types of family planning, ones that I can live with.
As a teenager, I didn't think much about birth control. I was raised Catholic, and Catholics view artificial birth control very negatively. However, when I went to college, a lot of my friends were on birth control for various reasons. I still did not get on the pill. I met Chris, fell in love, and we were engaged. A few months before our wedding, I decided to go ahead and try out the pill. As I mentioned, I was raised to believe that the pill was not acceptable, yet Chris and I knew we did not want to get pregnant immediately. I went on Ortho-Cycline and it did horrible things to my body. However, I decided to give it a try for a few months, at least until after the wedding. We were married in April 2002. By September, I had had enough and went off of the pill. We weren't trying to have a baby, but we were ok if it happened. Sure enough, I was pregnant by October. Unfortunately, that pregnancy ended in miscarriage. I was devastated. Of course, by then, I wanted to be pregnant, and by Christmas, I found out I was expecting Katie. After her birth, I went on the mini-pill. I liked that so much better than the combined pill, and I was on that for about a year or so before going off of it. Once again, I got pregnant again, and was devasted to learn I had a partial molar pregnancy. However, I was blessed to get pregnant with Aidan a few months later. After Aidan's birth, I went back on the mini-pill, but around Aidan's first birthday, I got very sick with pneumonia. I didn't realize the antibiotic would affect the pill, so I was surprised to learn I was expecting Noah! There was no miscarriage this time! While I was still pregnant with Noah, we discussed our options after Noah's birth. Although I knew I was not done having kids, we wanted something more reliable than the pill. We decided to go with the Mirena. I had that put in place 6 weeks after his birth. Now, a lot of my friends had decided to go with the Mirena, so I was hopeful to have something wonderful. It was a horrible decision. I began spotting bi-weekly, and I was miserable. 10 months later, I had it removed and went back on the pill. Unfortunately, I continued spotting and had to switch pills about 3 times before I found one that worked. I ended up back on the mini-pill. Two months later, in Sept. 2010, I learned I was pregnant again, this time completely unexpectedly. I fell into that low percentage of those who got pregnant taking the pill correctly. But, we all know how the story ends--I was pregnant with twins that did not make it.
Now, let me go deeper. The side effects of the pill can be bad--spotting between periods, irritability, weight gain, blood clots, high blood pressure--the list goes on. I never thought much about the side effects--I figured most of them wouldn't affect, and I was correct. However, after I had Noah and went back on the pill, my body responded differently. My entire life, even during pregnancies, I've had low blood pressure. Once I had Noah and went back on the pill, my blood pressure rose. I went from being well below normal to borderline high blood pressure. I couldn't figure it out. Then, during my pre-op for the D&C, the nurse at the hospital asked if I was on blood pressure medicine, and I responded no. Well, as you all know, my D&C was botched, and I ended up back at the dr. on Friday. When they took my blood pressure, it was 112/60--such a difference from the 130/80 a few weeks back! That's when it hit me--for the first time in ages, I have been off of birth control for several months and my body has had a chance to reset itself!
However, it's more than physical--it's become moral. I began researching the pill a bit more. I learned much more about how it works. Initially, I thought it kept me from ovulating, but as you read the material, you learn that it sometimes works by not allowing a fertilized egg to implant. I have now lost 4 babies, and I have always been pro-life. However, now I understand why the Catholic church is so opposed to the pill. Personally, I cannot ever go back to something that could destroy a life. For me, life begins the moment the sperm and the egg meet. I realize that not everyone feels this way, and this is not meant to be an offensive post. I'm simply saying that, for me, the benefits no longer outweigh the risks. I am not like the Duggars. I would never try to push my views on anyone else, and I'm not looking to have 30 kids. There are other types of family planning, ones that I can live with.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Speech Explosion
Noah's been out of speech therapy for 2 weeks now. When Aidan was turning 3, one day, his speech just suddenly began to get better. Now, granted, his speech was never as delayed as Noah's has been, but he didn't speak a lot until after his third birthday. I have been convinced that Noah knows more words than he uses. I also am convinced that he has selective hearing and only cooperates when it's convenient for him.
Over the last week, Noah's proved time and again that he understands me consistently. If I ask him to get me something, he usually will. If I tell him to do something that he doesn't want to do, he tells me no. When he fills up a diaper, I will tell him that we need to work on potty training, and he will agree with me. Today, his communication was better than I've ever seen it. He was looking for Aidan and said, clear as day, "Aidan, where are you?" We were getting ready to leave the house, and he said, "Mommy, come on." But the real surprise came while we were out. Chris and I had decided to take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese as a treat. As soon as well pulled up, Noah began shrieking and saying, "Yay, Chuck E. Cheese!" We were shocked! He told us he wanted pizza, and he actually ate two slices! However, what amazed me the most was his reaction to the games. He stared at them intently while we ate, and when we were done, I took him to the games. He ended up leading me around the game room, and he stopped at a ticket game. I showed him where to insert the coin, and not only did he insert the coin, he aimed the coin to get it to go into a slot to earn tickets! He was so excited that he kept playing, earning more tickets. I told him to try another game, and he kept hitting the bonus tickets! Noah earned well over 100 on his own, without my help! Katie and Aidan can't even do that! As we were leaving, CEC himself came out, and Noah's eyes sparkled. He gave CEC five and looked happier than ever. My little man, the one whom I've been silently begging to communicate with me, is finally coming out of his shell and opening up. He's speaking in sentences, and recognizing letters. At Publix, he said "P-U-B-L-I-X" as soon as well pulled up. Noah's growing up!
Over the last week, Noah's proved time and again that he understands me consistently. If I ask him to get me something, he usually will. If I tell him to do something that he doesn't want to do, he tells me no. When he fills up a diaper, I will tell him that we need to work on potty training, and he will agree with me. Today, his communication was better than I've ever seen it. He was looking for Aidan and said, clear as day, "Aidan, where are you?" We were getting ready to leave the house, and he said, "Mommy, come on." But the real surprise came while we were out. Chris and I had decided to take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese as a treat. As soon as well pulled up, Noah began shrieking and saying, "Yay, Chuck E. Cheese!" We were shocked! He told us he wanted pizza, and he actually ate two slices! However, what amazed me the most was his reaction to the games. He stared at them intently while we ate, and when we were done, I took him to the games. He ended up leading me around the game room, and he stopped at a ticket game. I showed him where to insert the coin, and not only did he insert the coin, he aimed the coin to get it to go into a slot to earn tickets! He was so excited that he kept playing, earning more tickets. I told him to try another game, and he kept hitting the bonus tickets! Noah earned well over 100 on his own, without my help! Katie and Aidan can't even do that! As we were leaving, CEC himself came out, and Noah's eyes sparkled. He gave CEC five and looked happier than ever. My little man, the one whom I've been silently begging to communicate with me, is finally coming out of his shell and opening up. He's speaking in sentences, and recognizing letters. At Publix, he said "P-U-B-L-I-X" as soon as well pulled up. Noah's growing up!
Happy 2011!
I cannot believe we are already in 2011! For the most part, we really had a good 2010, but during the fall, everything fell apart. I am hopeful that we have a good 2011. It got off to a pretty good start.
On New Year's Eve, Chris had to work half of a day, so the kids and I spent the afternoon baking and then playing outside. After all, it was about 63*, a pleasant change from the 30* days we had experienced a week earlier. Noah got his first bike for Christmas, and was eager to test it out. All of the kids were excited to ride their bikes, and really enjoyed the time outside. When Chris got home, we loaded everyone into the van and headed for the Commerce outlets. Chris had bought me a new Coach purse for Christmas, but learned of the Coach outlet a day later and asked me to wait to use the new purse until I checked out the outlet. As it turns out, I was able to get a bigger purse, matching wallet and checkbook cover, and clutch for only a little more than what Chris had initially paid for the purse from Macy's. We also went to Bath and Body Works for me to stock up on hand soap during their semi-annual sale, and we checked out the TRU Express. Katie ended up getting a new puzzle, checkers, bingo, and playing cards for $3 total! After our shopping excursion, Chris took us to eat at Cracker Barrel. It's one of the few restaurants where all of our children eat well.
When we got home, we put the kids to bed and Chris and I watched a movie on our new 40" tv, then we rang in 2011 with Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark. We went to bed around 1 am. On New Year's Day, I had invited my parents as well as Rachel and Tim over for dinner. Last year, I began a new tradition of cooking a turkey for New Year's. This year, we had turkey, dressing, green bean casserole, black-eyed peas, cranberry sauce, and gravy, and I made a fudgy peppermint torte for dessert. Needless to say, everyone was stuffed after dinner! It's a lot of work, but my parents had helped us out a lot with the kids in Nov. and Dec., and this was my way of showing my appreciation.
I don't do well making resolutions, but I have a few goals this year. To begin with, Chris and both need to find new jobs. I would love some kind of job in the school system so that I could be off when the kids are out of school. Chris is looking for a marketing job. I hope to finish paying the rest of our debt off this year (most of it is gone, but we still have a bit left). I am trying to be more patient, especially with the kids. I am hoping to create healthier, tastier dinners for us. Also, I hope to add to our family this year, but I know it will take a bit to get Chris to agree to that. I would like to focus more on Chris and me and making time for ourselves. Here's to a fresh beginning!
On New Year's Eve, Chris had to work half of a day, so the kids and I spent the afternoon baking and then playing outside. After all, it was about 63*, a pleasant change from the 30* days we had experienced a week earlier. Noah got his first bike for Christmas, and was eager to test it out. All of the kids were excited to ride their bikes, and really enjoyed the time outside. When Chris got home, we loaded everyone into the van and headed for the Commerce outlets. Chris had bought me a new Coach purse for Christmas, but learned of the Coach outlet a day later and asked me to wait to use the new purse until I checked out the outlet. As it turns out, I was able to get a bigger purse, matching wallet and checkbook cover, and clutch for only a little more than what Chris had initially paid for the purse from Macy's. We also went to Bath and Body Works for me to stock up on hand soap during their semi-annual sale, and we checked out the TRU Express. Katie ended up getting a new puzzle, checkers, bingo, and playing cards for $3 total! After our shopping excursion, Chris took us to eat at Cracker Barrel. It's one of the few restaurants where all of our children eat well.
When we got home, we put the kids to bed and Chris and I watched a movie on our new 40" tv, then we rang in 2011 with Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark. We went to bed around 1 am. On New Year's Day, I had invited my parents as well as Rachel and Tim over for dinner. Last year, I began a new tradition of cooking a turkey for New Year's. This year, we had turkey, dressing, green bean casserole, black-eyed peas, cranberry sauce, and gravy, and I made a fudgy peppermint torte for dessert. Needless to say, everyone was stuffed after dinner! It's a lot of work, but my parents had helped us out a lot with the kids in Nov. and Dec., and this was my way of showing my appreciation.
I don't do well making resolutions, but I have a few goals this year. To begin with, Chris and both need to find new jobs. I would love some kind of job in the school system so that I could be off when the kids are out of school. Chris is looking for a marketing job. I hope to finish paying the rest of our debt off this year (most of it is gone, but we still have a bit left). I am trying to be more patient, especially with the kids. I am hoping to create healthier, tastier dinners for us. Also, I hope to add to our family this year, but I know it will take a bit to get Chris to agree to that. I would like to focus more on Chris and me and making time for ourselves. Here's to a fresh beginning!
Merry Christmas 2010!
Wow, this holiday season simply flew by for Chris and me. I began my holiday season by quitting Hallmark. It was a nice job, but it simply didn't pay enough for me to continue. Ok, so technically, I'm still employed by them, but my collegue took over my stores until they hire someone to take my place. I did, however, work quite a few hours at Van Adams in December. Van had told me before the holidays that I could as much as I wanted, so I took him up on that offer. Three weeks before Christmas and Christmas week, I worked over 50 hours! It was good, though, because I ended up selling $26,000 in December alone at the store, which is not bad for a part-timer! Van had his three full-time employees, plus his two regular part-time employees (including me), and he ended up hiring 3 other people for the holidays. Well, unfortunately, the holiday help wasn't as helpful as we would've hoped, but they were ok. We ended up selling 40% more than we did last year, so Van was very generous with his bonuses. He would usually give a daily bonus, then he gave a large Christmas bonus. Although both Chris and I were exhausted Christmas Eve, we knew it was well worth it.The kids ended up at Chris' parents' house and my parents' house while we worked. Chris' parents watch the kids in early to mid-December, and my parents took over the last two weeks. Although we knew it would be difficult for the kids, it's a sacrifice we make every Christmas in order to earn quite a bit for our savings. Noah spent his third birthday with my parents, who took the kids to the park and to Steak 'n Shake to celebrate. On Christmas Eve, we picked the kids up and headed to Grayson UMC for the 7 pm service. As Chris and I were sitting in the church, it became abundantly clear that we all considered this our church home. We had never officially joined when we lived in Grayson, and we have been to numerous churches in Dacula. However, as we were rejoicing in Jesus' birth, Chris and I realized that we needed to find an official church for our family again. After church, we headed to Waffle House for our annual Christmas Eve dinner, and the kids were really looking forward to going there. After dinner, we were driving home and discovered a neighborhood close to us had luminaries, so we drove through and enjoyed the sights. When we got home, the kids had baths and we put out 4 cookies and chocolate milk for Santa, and Chris sprinkled Aidan's reindeer bait in the front yard.
We awoke to a cloudy and cold Christmas morning, but sure enough, St. Nick had been to our house! The tree was filled with gifts for everyone, and the milk and cookies were gone. Chris made cinnamon toast, which was gobbled up in the dining room as we looked through our stockings. After breakfast, the gifts were opened! Katie got quite a bit of American Girl gifts--a doll bed, several outfits, and some accesories, as well as a desk for her bedroom. Aidan's Christmas was mostly DS games, as well as Transformers and Super Hero Squad. Noah had a Toy Story 3 Christmas, complete with a remote control Buzz Lightyear. I got Chris some clothes (a Nautica sweater and shirt), Epic Mickey, Donkey Kong for Wii, a new electric razor, and some speakers for his iPhone. He got me a new iPhone case (I've destroyed 2 so far), Godiva chocolate, gift cards for some date nights, and a new Coach purse. We ate a light lunch, and then headed to my parents' house for Christmas dinner. As we were driving over, the wintery mix changed to all snow, and as we ate a delicious Honey-Baked Ham dinner, the snow quickly began to accumulate. We opened many more presents there, then headed home. Once we arrived back home, Chris and the kids built a snowman for our White Christmas! It was a miracle to have about 3 inches of snow on Christmas Day in Georgia.
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