My parents decided that this year they wanted to do something a little different... they are taking the entire family on a cruise as their gift to us for Christmas! They had been researching and pricing and investigating for months, and finally found the one they wanted. They chose an 8 day cruise through the Mexican Riviera onboard the Norwegian Star. The ship is newer and a has a lot of fun things!
This is the atrium (doesn't it seem weird that that could be in the middle of a boat?
I'm really excited about the fun stuff for the kids! There's several indoor and outdoor pools, plus the kids have their own pool areas, and McKenzie will get to go to the kids club where she can do crafts and play games and all sorts of other fun things with other kids. And, I think its going to be great going with my whole family - there should always be someone to buddy up with when trying something new, and the ship is big enough we can hide from each other, too! Hehehe.
We'll be leaving from Los Angeles April 4th and visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, which is all new area for us. We're hoping to get some beach time in, some sightseeing, and maybe try some deep sea fishing.
Cris and I have gone on a few cruises before (Cris' boss gave him one a few years ago, and we had so much fun we booked one to Belize 2 years ago) so we feel comfortable with the cruise details. But, what really scares us is traveling with kids! We've never taken kids on airplanes, don't know what to do with car seats, and a million other things we probably don't know that we don't know! :) So, if you have any good advice on flying or cruising (or touring Mexico) with kids, we'd love to hear it! Thanks!
Oh my poor little girl. I know you aren't feeling well. You've been a trooper through the flu the last few days, but now a fever has taken over and I am not quite sure what to do with you. You are cranky, mean, and disagreeable. I am trying my best here, please understand. Also, please know that screaming "I DON'T LIKE YOU! I WANT MY DAD! I WANT TO GO TO GRANDMAS HOUSE!" over and over again doesn't help.
Last night you really didn't like me. In fact, you didn't want me in the same room with you. Your father took much joy in being your hero, and encouraged your tirade. We found out that you like daddy, Allison, Grandpa Ken, Devin and Beans. Just not mom. What? You like Grandma's dog more than your own mother!? Daddy even asked you if you wanted to find a new mommy, and not only did you say yes, you went outside to look for her! BY YOURSELF! IN THE DARK!
We also need to discuss the timing of your urgent needs. When you finally decide that there is a task that mommy could preform for you, you will only voice your demands at the precise moment I begin to nurse your sister. AND IT MUST BE DONE NOW! Or tears and fits and screaming will rain down upon me. Again. Yes, I know that this could be a sign of insecurity from having a new sister in the house, but honestly, I think you are just ticked off that I wont let you hold and touch Allison. Sweetheart, you are sick. Allison is not. I didn't invent the theory of germs to punish you. And although I find it endearing when you wipe your mouth off with the back of your hand in an attempt to kiss your sister, it just doesn't cut it.
So, honey, please have a popcicle. I'll wrap you up in a quilt, sing you a song and read you a book. I'll kiss your fevered brow as we watch your favorite movie, and rock you to sleep. That's how being sick is supposed to work at this age. Because, just so you know, you aren't supposed to hate me for another 10 years.
I still love you,
Mommy
I had been looking so forward to this last weekend. It was the first official time our family could all be together for a weekend. We planned a fun day on Saturday at Thanksgiving Pointe. Malory and Devin decided to meet up with us, so we decided to go to the dinosaur museum first while we waited for them to drive up. It was our first time there, and actually went really well. McKenzie had a hard time going through some of the exhibits slowly so Cris and I could read some of the displays, but there were plenty of places for her to get some energy out.
After a nice lunch at their cafe, we went to the boo at the barnyard with Mal and Devin. McKenzie got to play games, decorate cookies and RIDE A PONY!!! My favorite part was hearing her talk to her pony "Hi leetle ponee! I am going to ride on you, okay? Pony, you are a bumpy ride! I need to go now, pony, daddy says I have to go. Buhbye!" I wish I had the video camera! In fact, I wish I had pictures. Our camera batteries konked out halfway through the day, so that was disappointing.
The boys couldnt handle being so close to Cabellas withough stopping in, so we had to sqeeze that in, too. It was a busy day and we all had such a good time!
We were looking forward to going to church together on Sunday, but an hour after we went to bed McKenzie and I woke up with the flu. Since I was incapacitated, poor Cris had to change McKenzies sheets and clean up the mess solo. I was impressed! He HATES vomit more than anything, but he did it all without complaint. And he did a pretty good job... even if the sheets, bedspread, pillow and a blanket were all put in the same load in the washing machine.
(This is an upclose shot of her riding in the backpack)
As soon as we got to the pumpkin patch, McKenzie ran to the far end of the field. She had a hay-day checking out all of the pumpkins and keeping daddy on his toes watching her. The seven of us all found really nice pumpkins ($20 for the whole sha-bang) and had a great time. Check it out, it's on the corner of Vine and Coleman in Tooele.
Cinderella did ride a pumpkin to the ball, afterall!
Our little family riding in the wagon with our pumpkin treasures
I also ran into my bloggy buddy, Leann, and her adorable family at the pumpkin patch. What a small world!
Today Allison had her two week check up. She has gained 1 pound and 3 oz since our last appointment, so that's great! But the doctor is concerned, again, about her heart murmur. He did say that he may be overly-concerned because his daughter has had a lot of heart problems, including a valve replacement, so the issue is a sensitive one for him. But he wants to be sure. He called a specialist at Primary Children's to discuss the sounds he heard, and the two of them decided that we should go in to see a pediatric cardiologist. Our appointment is November 10.
The doctor did explain that he thinks it is one of two problems. The first (and most likely problem) is a flow murmur, and is not very serious at all. The left lower chamber of the heart could be leaking into the left upper chamber. It's a common occurrence, and as long as she continues to gain weight well and the sounds don't increase, it wont require any treatment.
The other problem is called a VSD. (More information here) This is when the left lower chamber could be leaking into the right lower chamber. It's a little bit more of a problem because one chamber handles oxygenated blood, while the other side handles oxygen-poor blood. When the two chambers don't keep blood separate, it can mean her heart is pumping less oxygen than it should to her body. Left untreated it can also cause lung disease from the increased pressure of too much blood flow.
Since he made it very clear that he's probably jumping the gun by sending us in to the specialist, and the chance of a VSD is quite slim, I'm not letting myself cry and get worked up about it.
However, my stash of Halloween candy has taken a serious hit! :) The next 19 days may be longs ones!
Cris and the kiddos showing off his buck. 
Daddy and one of his trophies
McKenzie was so excited when I told her that daddy had got a deer, she couldn't wait for him to get home. We had to wait on the porch for him to pull up and she nearly knocked him over with big hugs and insisted she see the deer RIGHT NOW!
Since Cris is up in the mountains for the weekend chasing Bambi's and bonding with his father, the girls and I are at home ruling the roost.
I sat in bed last night, listening to the girls deep breathing as they slept. (They both take after their father and breath so noisily, you can hear them through the entire house when they sleep!) I felt happy and content, and was enjoying the moment when I heard McKenzie call out "Help!" twice, which is unusual for her. I jumped out of bed (actually, almost into the bassinette) and darted across the hall. She was sitting up in her bed, looking confused. My first thought was that she was sick and had thrown up. I sat down on her bed and put my arms around her, but she just sat there and didn't move. I leaned back so I could see her face, and (as sad as it sounds) it creeped me out! Her eyes were open, but she wasn't really seeing anything and wasnt really awake. I checked her and the bed for bodily fluids, inspected for any other cause of distress and couldnt find anything. I think she must have been dreaming or sleep walking. Either way, I didnt like it. I gently laid her back down, covered her up, and listened to her jabber for a few seconds, and then she was back asleep.
She woke up a few more times during the night, once for a drink and a few more times to potty. Allison, who normally will only wake up once or twice during the night, was wide awake as well. She slept most of the afternoon, and wanted none of it last night! She was hungry and wanted to play. We also played the dirty diaper game. Not familiar with it? It goes like this: Baby has a stinky diaper. Mommy changes it, finishes the last snap on the jammies, and baby immediately fills it up again. Mommy waits a few minutes to make sure baby is done, and just as mommy removes diaper, baby resumes her dirty, dirty task, all over the changing table - and mommy too. Mommy cleans up baby again, puts on fresh jammies and cleans up the changing table. After mommy feeds baby, she hears another ominous girgle. You get the picture, right? The game started around 2am, and by 3:30, I still wasn't back in bed.
Needless to say, I was a little tired this morning when McKenzie woke up at 6:30. I tried to snooze on the couch while she watched cartoons, but was awakened by a weird 'tinkle' sound coming from the hall. I sat up and saw McKenzie squatting and peeing on the carpet outside the bathroom door. WHAT THE HECK!? I asked her what she was doing (while trying to count to 10 in my head and not begin beating her), and she looked up at me all innocent-like and told me that the bathroom light wasn't on. ARGH!
So, here's to hoping Cris gets his deer soon, because the girls are ganging up on me! LOL!
Quote: "Whiskers! I'm Grandpa Ken!!!"
(Whoops! they slid a little on the tray!)
Today I wore real Levi's. With a zipper! And a button!
Granted, they are my 'fat pants' but, THEY DON'T HAVE AN ELEASTIC WASTE BAND!
Wahoo!!!!
Dear McKenzie,
You are three years old today. It's amazing to me how much you changed my life. My eyes are watering now as I think about all that we've been through. I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with you. I was in Louisiana traveling for work, and didn't want to share such a special secret with your father over the phone. I mailed him the positive pregnancy test, and still remember the thrill in his voice when he called me the minute he opened the package. He kissed my tummy and talked to you every night while I was pregnant with you. After our first ultrasound, he said you did look a little bit like a tadpole, and christened you his "little froggy baby".
When you were born, my life changed the moment you were placed in my arms. I loved you so much while I was pregnant with you, but can't describe how much that love instantly expanded holding you near me. You were a beautiful baby, and watching your father hold you for the first time with wonder and pride in his eyes is one of my very favorite memories.
Even as a baby you were independent and opinionated, something that still hasn't changed. You know what you want to do, and once your mind is made up, there isn't much that can change it. You are always on the go, experimenting with new things and testing the limits. This has made you very brave and incredibly smart. I am in awe of how talented you are, and you continue to impress me every day.
Right now, you are a little adult. You will gladly pass up playing with toys to help your father and I with whatever we are working on. You are my laundry helper, bathroom scrubber and especially love to help cook and hand wash the dishes. (Of course, you refuse to help if we ask you, though!) You will do anything to go play in the mountains with you daddy, or even tinker in the garage with him. I love watching you two together - daddy and his little buddy.
I hate when you are scared, but having your arms tightly wrapped around my neck needing security makes me so happy and I feel so rewarded. I love your sticky little fingers and your great big kisses. You make me so happy and I am so proud of you!
I love you forever,
Your mommy
I forgot to mention earlier in the week that Allisons billirubin levels are coming down, and things are looking good!
1 day old: 7.5
3 days old: 10.4
5 days old: 7
The doctor said we're over the hump and as long as her skin or the whites of her eyes don't get any more yellow, we wont need to abuse her heel and do more testing! Yay! We'll continue our little sunbaths though, but that's okay, she seems to like them. :)
Allison is such a good baby! She rarely cries, and only wimpers and grunts when she needs some attention. The last two nights she's let me get 5 straight hours of uninterupted sleep (if you dont count the few times I had to wake up and check on her just in case)! McKenzies been such a good helper and loves being a big sister.
We stopped by Grandma Dona's for a visit yesterday, and my mom, McKenzie and I painted gords for Halloween. McKenzie loved it! She used a marker to draw a face on her calico pumpkin - and I thought she did pretty well. The face has eyes, nose, a mouth with little teeth, ears and legs! So cute!
I thought about writing about this yesterday, but the emotions were a little raw. Now that I've had a day to digest it all, I'll share...
When we were discharged from the hospital, we were told that Allison had bilirubin present in her bloodstream. They said she was in the low risk level and to make an appointment with her pediatrician for a follow up on Monday. Since 50% of kids have bilirubin levels when they are born, I wasn't too concerned. But when we went to her doctors appointment on Monday, I left in tears.
The doctor (whom has been my doctor since I was a kid and has been nothing but wonderful) absolutely freaked me out. The first thing the doctor doctor asked about was her heart. I told him that she had a slight murmur sound when she was born, but before we left the hospital there was no trace of it. He listened, said he couldn't hear one, but that we would need to watch it because murmurs tend to hide and reappear. (My brother had PDA, a problem with his heart valve not closing off after being born, so I was nervous about the murmer anyway.) Then, he looked at the discharge paperwork and said that I would need to get her directly to the local hospital for more lab work and would probably have to take her back every 24 hours for follow up care. He said her bilirubin level on Sunday was a 7.5 and he was fully expecting it to hit above 20 so we should prepare for phototherapy treatments and may want to make arrangements to rent the equipment. That, I could handle. Then he started talking about the major genetic diseases that could be causing the problem and the threat of complete liver failure. I was a little surprised and told him that I didn't get the impression that it was that serious of an issue and he said, "Well, all that matters is that you are taking the first step to getting her healthy now. We'll work hard to make sure she pulls through." EEEK! He continued to tell me that I was lucky that her and I are both O+ blood types, so we could rule out two of the most terminal diseases. He also was upset that she had lost 3 oz since delivery and was concerned she wasn't absorbing food like she should.
I held it together until the minute I hit the car, where I started bawling. I called Cris at work and blubbered some more. I'm sure when I checked in at the hospital I was blotchy faced and frightening. They gave me a special tag to keep on her car seat since the doctor had warned them that would would likely be in and out of the facility throughout the rest of the month and they didnt want us to have to go through admitting each time. I took her to the lab where they squoze blood out of her heel and they sent me on my way. I cried the whole way home and felt so guilty that I had been oblivious to my daughters life hanging in jeopardy.
Just after Cris got home from work, the doctor called with the results. He said her level went up from a 7.5 to a 10.4, but that was well under the normal curve, and dropped her further into the low risk category. He cancelled the Tuesday appointments at his office and the hospital, told us there was no need to worry, but just to be safe they'd recheck her levels on Wednesday. I was so relieved to hear the news, but WHAT THE HECK!? I still don't know why there was a need for all of the drama, but I am so happy to hear that she's okay. The doctor asked me to supplement breast milk with formula as a precaution, and we have her taking 5 minute sunbaths in a sunny window a few times a day. It's just a slight case of jaundice, but every time I hold her I am extra thankful for her and grateful for our health.
Things have been busy, but I have all sorts of pictures I can't wait to share. As I find some time I will post a few here, and am hoping to finally get our family website updated with more! Check back soon! Until then, we are home. Stop by and say hello!
I've been having contractions since 4pm yesterday. They're now about 5 minutes apart. As soon as Cris hops out of the shower, we're heading into the hospital. We'll keep you posted!
