Happy Birthday Emma

I always take pictures of my kids before they wake up on their birthdays. I don't know exactly why, but I do. Emma slept in this morning and I managed to get a shot of her before those little eyes popped open. She actually slept more than 12 hours! She had to get her shots yesterday and didn't get a very good nap and she was a BEAR last night. She went to bed about 7 p.m. and slept until 8 a.m. I heard her whine some during the night, but she slept great. I was surprised!

She had a good visit with Dr. H yesterday. She weighs 26 pounds and is 34.5 inches long. She has grown so much. Dr. H wants her weight to "level off" now. I think when she starts walking her weight will level off. She doesn't eat a lot of snacks and eats relatively healthy. He was a bit surprised when I told him she was still drinking from a bottle. I know she should be drinking from a cup but she hates it and refuses to make any effort to drink from it. I have told myself we have to work on that much harder now. She can do it, she just doesn't want to. She did have some fluid behind her right ear and now we are on Augmentin to clear that up. He is concerned about her hearing and as soon as we get a clear exam she has to go back to Vandy and get another hearing test. He also wants her to have a speech evaluation since she isn't talking yet. Of course why would she bother talking when she can point to something and make her Horseshack noise and get it. This kid has it figured out!

Our birthday party is tomorrow and we aren't sure who will get to come. It's looking like a major Asian Invasion with Emma, Rory, Camden, Ella and possibly Emi. I am looking so forward to seeing all these guys together. It should be a lot of fun. I just have to work tonight and then come home and get it all together. Ashton is going skiing with Daniel's church and I am praying he doesn't have any injuries. He has never skied before so that should be fun! Brady is going to go skating with Ryan's youth group and that has as much potential for injury as skiing does. If they are anything like their mom they have no coordination and should not be on wheels or skies.

I have had Emma's birth mother on my mind all morning. I'm sure that she has thought about her little girl over the last 24 hours more than she would normally. I can only imagine her thoughts and feelings and I hope that somehow she knows that her little one is safe and loved. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her.

Do you ever go into the Hollister or Abercrombie stores? If so then you understand that it almost takes your breath away because of all the cologne they spray on the clothes. Well, imagine if you will that my house smells a lot like that right now. Emma knocked over a full, new bottle of perfume from my bathroom counter and I cleaned it up with a towel and now my house smells like one of those stores. You can smell it outside because of the dryer vent! It's almost sickening. Did I mention that it was a NEW bottle of perfume that I had treated myself to?

Well, I am about to attempt to take a quick nap before little bit gets up. Bo has gone to run errands and will pick up the boys from school. As much as I wish he was working on Fridays from a financial stand point it is nice having him here to get the boys to and from school.

Have a great weekend and Valentine's Day!

Just a Few Pics

It was one of those times that Emma refused to give me a good photo op.

Attempting to get out of Aunt Sissy's antique rocker.

Me and my Aunt Sissy.

Emma has been so cute and sweet the last few days. She has really started to show her personality. Yesterday she was in my makeup drawer moving things around and I saw her pretending to put eyeshadow on her cheeks. It was so dainty with her little finger. Her other sweet moment was when Bo was about to put her to bed last night. She was standing at the couch looking at me and Bo was about to reach for her and she knew it was bedtime. She just sort of tossed her head back and smiled the most adorable smile while she sat down and planted herself firmly on the floor. We caved and let her stay up another 15 minutes.

Tomorrow she goes to have her 2 year check up and get shots. I hate that for her. We have had to play catch up on her immunizations and it always bothers me. I know it's the right thing to do, but I still hate it.

I have to give a huge shout out and praise God for answered prayer. I have not mentioned it on my blog but a coworker and friend of mine had a cancer scare this week and her biopsy results came back negative today. What a huge answer to prayer! God is so faithful and we are so thankful for her good news.

Weekend Wrap Up

Doesn't she look cute sitting so lady like waiting on her breakfast?

Doesn't her breakfast look good?

She literally begs for bananas.

This is a laughing alligator that our friend Linda from church gave Emma as a shower present. She loves this thing. She drives me nuts making me push its foot so it will laugh at her. Thanks again Linda!

Just eating with my mom.

Our weekend was rather busy. I worked Friday night and then we went to a birthday party for Dede's daughter who turns 18 tomorrow! Man are we getting old. We then went to the funeral home for my friend Janelle's mother and visited with lots of old friends. Janelle and I have been friends for over 25 years and her family means so much to me. We have gone through a lot together. Yesterday was church and the funeral and church again and the weekend is gone.

Today Emma and I went and visited my aunt and had a great time with her. Emma is named for her (Elizabeth). She is the kind of aunt everyone wants. Her birthday is Wednesday and we wanted to spend some time with her. Emma was very entertaining and revealed many of her tricks to her Aunt Sissy. Then it was home to get the boys, play outside a while in the wonderful 70 degree weather and now it's almost dinner time. Where does the day go? Okay, I'm even boring myself.

No other exciting news. Emma is cranky since she didn't have a real nap today, so I suspect our evening may be a fun one.

I Really Need to get This Off My Chest

I am very much a current events person. I love knowing what is going on in the world and unless you have been living under a rock somewhere the Californian woman and her octuplets is big news. I suspect it may even get bigger as time goes on.

When I first heard the story and there was no talk of the 6 children that she already had, I was happy for her and I assumed her mate. When the news came out that she was single, unemployed, living with her parents, and had 6 children already, I have to admit my tone changed. Perhaps it should not have, but I have to admit it did. I am not even sure how to express my feelings about this without sounding cold hearted, but I think she was incredibly selfish and irresponsible. First of all, I realize that it really doesn't matter what I think, but I had to express it because it has really been bugging me. Even more irresponsible in my opinion is the doctor that implanted her embryos. I think that person should be brought before the California board and made to explain him/herself. I can't believe he would put a patient at such risk and I can't believe that he would implant a woman who has no job, no husband, no home and I'm betting, no insurance that isn't provided by the state. Does California Medicaid pay for fertility treatments? I know that is being judgemental of me, but I am a nurse and I see a lot of folks in our great state that have state provided insurance and are certainly capable of being employed and having insurance. That is a major flaw in our system. When a 20 year old, perfectly healthy, 2 pack a day smoker, carrying a cell phone, comes in to an ED and needs to be seen for something trivial and proceeds to tell you they don't have a job and you can bet aren't looking for one, it causes one to be a bit jaded and incredibly frustrated with the system. When they proceed to tell you that can't pay for their kid's Motrin, can you please give me some or get the doctor to write a prescription for it, that is even more frustrating. Of course, they are telling you their sob story while they are talking on their cell phone. So if a 30 year old woman (33 I think) is able to have fertility treatments when she already has 6 kids, that is equally frustrating. I saw her interview on the Today show this morning and she said she always wanted a big family because she was an only child and came from a dysfunctional family. HELLO, exactly how does she plan on functioning with 14 kids. She did state that she plans on going back to college in the fall to get her Masters Degree in counseling so she can provide for her family. I'm sorry, but just how realistic is that? I applaud her if that happens, but somewhere in my jaded, judgemental mind, I don't see it happening and she would have to counsel a whole lot of folks to provide for 14 kids. And what about the irresponsible sap that was the sperm donor. She did state that he was the father of all of her kids and she hoped that he would get involved at some point. Good luck with that one.

Okay, enough of my rant, but I am just appalled that a doctor would implant a woman with 6 embryos (she stated 6 and that 2 of the octuplets are twins) when the woman couldn't possibly be equipped to handle them. When she was asked about how she would care for them, she stated that she planned on "being present" for them, holding them, and loving them. That's all great, but coming from a mom that has a toddler that is in constant motion, I'm not sure how she plans to be super mom, but good luck with that. And what about the cost of the medical care for these children......clothes, diapers, formula, wipes, food, child care, school supplies, prom dresses, car insurance, weddings - see, I am thinking ahead. I don't think this woman was thinking at all.

Sorry if I have offended anyone, but everyone is entitled to their opinions and I had to get this one off my chest. My mother, who may be a saint (and I really mean that), said we need to pray for this woman. I agree, but at some point it's hard to pray for people when you think they may be the dumbest person on earth. I know, that's when we should pray for them the most and I am going to try to do so.

Okay, after allowing me to vent, I wish everyone a good weekend. It's supposed to be in the 60's around here, so hopefully we can get outside.

Thursday and Long Last HIGH SPEED

Well, after a long time coming, the Charter guy finally delivered and I have wireless! No more downloading pictures at the excessive speed of 10 minutes per picture! Of course, they did manage to cut my land line in the process, but I'm really not too surprised. Oh well, tomorrow it should be fixed and all will be forgiven.

I think my little angel daughter had a headache last night after her bump to the head. She didn't sleep well and was up at 11:30 and acting a little weird. She took a bottle and went back to bed and I heard her whining some during the night. She seems fine today, maybe a little crabby at first. I am hoping that tonight will be a better night for her and me.

Today has been a pretty sad day. My dearest friend since high school lost her mom today. She had a massive stroke this morning and didn't make it. Her mom was the coolest, funniest person. She also happened to be my English teacher when I was a Senior. She was always fun to be around and when we wanted to do something daring while in high school, it was her house that we went to (sorry momma). She was one of a kind and will be missed by so many people. Please say a little prayer for my friend Janelle and her family.

So, that about wraps it up. I am old and as soon as I get this girl settled in to bed tonight, I too am going to retire for the evening. I am enjoying a good book by Jodi Picoult and I really want to finish it. She is one of my favorite writers.

Life's Little Lessons

Sometimes it just takes experience to learn your lesson. Take for instant the new lesson that I have learned. NEVER go Krogering on the first Wednesday of the month. Why you ask? That is Senior Day and they come out in droves. Don't get me wrong, I love older people. I have nothing but respect for them and believe the whole respect your elders theme. I don't however want to do my major grocery shopping on the same day they do theirs, especially with a toddler along. It took much longer because they block the aisle and might run you over. Seriously, when my mother suggested that I might not want to shop today because the old people move to slow and block the aisles, I should have believed her. I mean, let's face it, she's a senior too and understands this well. She moves fast for a senior though!

Life lesson number 2 for today. When your teenage son suggests that we go to the library because school was out early and he wants to get some books (yeah right, only wanted to use his new laptop) and you have a cranky toddler who hasn't had a real nap, it's not a good idea. She wasn't at all impressed with the library and while I was holding her hand and walking her, she fell and hit the book shelf and suffered a rather large bump on the head. I, being the in control nurse that I am, called work and spoke with my coworker to get reassurance that my kid didn't have a major head injury and might require a CT scan. Thanks Judy for your reassurance!

So, that sums of my day. I shopped with the Seniors, mistake number one. I let my daughter take an impressive lick to the head, in the LIBRARY of all places. She's such an angel and she is now sitting next to me going through the mail and has a slight smell coming from her, so I am off the change another diaper and I hope that my life lessons my help some other poor soul in need.

Weekend Wrap Up

Aunt Pam and the birthday boy.

Giggee and Emma looking at Emma's Valentine goodies. She especially liked her animal crackers and Ashton was kind enough to eat all of her candy.

If Emma won't wear the crown, Aunt Pam will. Emma loved her puzzles that Aunt Pam gave her. The puzzles had all types of animals on them and when you remove the pieces the puzzle makes the sound of that animal.

Emma was such a lady about her cake. She would just stick her little finger in it and then lick her finger. Ashton wanted her to just dig in the cake but she wasn't interested in that. She'll learn!

I had prepared for a mess, but she was very neat about her cake.

I think the look on Ashton's face says it all. He was quite jealous of Brady's present. I think Brady was loving the revenge. Since Ashton got a cell phone for Christmas and Brady is still waiting on his Ashton has been a bit rude about it. Well, it was Brady's turn!

A lap top! Brady was thrilled with his present from Giggee and Pop. He hasn't let it out of his sight since he got it.

Notice the very cutting look on Emma's face. Also notice the crown on her head. Aunt Pam slipped it on her head while she was walking with Pop and couldn't do anything about it. This girl wasn't happy with her Aunt Pam.

Emma playing with her princess puzzle.

This crown was supposed to light up but unfortunately it didn't work. Aunt Pam wore it anyway in an attempt to persuade Emma to wear hers.

No Aunt Pam, I don't want to put it on my head. Thanks anyway.

Again I say, no Aunt Pam, I don't want to put it on my head.

Okay Aunt Pam, I will put it on my head.

Our weekend was busy with work, birthday celebrations, church, and more work.

Dede and I had a great night at work on Friday night but unfortunately we can't say the same thing about Sunday night.

We had an early birthday celebration for Brady and Emma at Giggee's and Pop's house on Saturday. We had a great meal and the kids enjoyed their presents. Brady was thrilled with his lap top and hasn't let it out of his sight for fear that Ashton might touch it. Emma was also happy with all of her goodies. She performed for everyone that night. She did all of her little cute moves to impress! The funniest thing she did involved my food. She was sitting in my lap after she finished eating and while I was talking and still trying to finish my meal, she leaned over my salad bowl and stared into it and we heard her make a spitting noise. Just completely out of the blue this child spit in my salad or at least pretended to. She then just looked up at us and laughed. I don't know where that one came from!

I can't believe it's already Tuesday and of course I am so behind. My house looks like a whirlwind came through it so today will be spent cleaning and picking up. I really hope to get a lot accomplished today because it's almost unlivable.

Well, I suppose that I don't have anymore exciting news, so it's off to get started. Have a great day!