because I wanted to see time fly. Wait, it's doing that on its own. It's the beginning of December, and I have realized that I have not been doing very well keeping up with my blog. So many things have been going on, and the girls are growing so quickly.
We celebrated Dad's 58th birthday on Sunday, by going to Logan's Roadhouse in Lake Worth. It was not nearly as tasty as Texas Roadhouse, but it was nice to see Mom, Dad and GiGi. Macey hates baby food, but she loves mashed potatoes, and ate them up. Mikayla is so well-spoken, expressive and dramatic. Macey is the exact opposite, as she is observant, reserved and calm. I have never seen two little girls more in love, though. Mikayla hugs and kisses Macey all the time. She talks to her and plays with her constantly. Macey lights up when she sees Mikayla coming toward her. They are both sad when the other is upset, and they are both happy when the other is happy. They feed off each other, and they truly love being together. It is precious to watch, and it warms my heart.
Adam's dad, Roy, came in town the week before Thanksgiving. We went straight to the "Cowboy Boat," as Mikayla calls it, to watch Trinity play Allen in the high school football playoffs. I had already bought tickets, so wouldn't have to wait in line to purchase them. Mikayla is only three, so I didn't buy her a ticket. I put Macey in her Baby Bjorn, so she was strapped to my front. Adam and Roy went through the turnstile first. Mikayla was behind me as I handed the attendant my ticket. He scanned the ticket, and I went through the turnstile. I turned around to take Mikayla's hand to help her through the turnstile. The attendant grabbed her arm, and he said, "She can't go through. She needs a ticket." It scared Mikayla half to death that this stranger grabbed her arm. Sheer terror flooded her face. She looked at me, and I felt her fear. I didn't want to lose eye contact with her, because I didn't want her to think I was abandoning her. I told him not to grab her, and I (with Macey still strapped to me) leaned over and scooped her up. I held her and comforted her. I told the man that he scared her, and she was only three and didn't need a ticket. He said that in the contract, it stated that everyone needed a ticket. As I tried to comfort Mikayla, he pulled out a sheet of paper with the "rules" of entrance to the game. I looked for Adam and Roy, and they were several yards inside the stadium. Another attendant came over, and said Mikayla was fine, and that she didn't need a ticket. As Mikayla cried, Adam and Roy must have realized that I wasn't right behind them, and they made their way back to us. Adam took Mikayla to comfort her, and we walked further into the stadium. The original man who had grabbed Mikayla came over and apologized, but the damage was done. Mikayla has repeated the story to everyone she has come in contact with since the incident. Now that time has put some distance between "when the man grabbed my arm," we are able to smile about it as Mikayla recounts the details of that day.
While Roy was in town, we went to the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine to see ICE! It is a walk-through gallery of ice sculptures. This year, the theme was "A Charlie Brown Christmas." The exhibit is in a tent that is chilled to 9 degrees. We left Macey at home. They give out these big blue puffy parkas to keep the visitors warm. I layered Mikayla's clothes to where she looked like Ralphie from "A Christmas Story"! Mikayla loved it, but she kept saying her cheeks were cold! It was amazing to see the intricacies of creating such massive sculptures out of ice.
We had a great visit with Adam's dad. He took Mikayla on a walk and played with her on the playground, and they played chalk on the sidewalk and driveway. We also made fajitas, and Mom and Dad came over to enjoy the best fajitas in the state! I'm pretty sure he returned to Las Vegas completely exhausted from playing with Mikayla and keeping her entertained. Macey, or course, was always a pleasure, and was so happy just to be around.
On Thanksgiving, we went to Weatherford to Adam's mom and step-dad's. We spent the whole day out there, and had a feast. I was so thankful to finally have an entire Thanksgiving break. I have never had the entire week off before. I have always had basketball practices and games. I have the entire day on Saturdays to spend with Mikayla and Macey. When I lay Macey down in her bed and when I lay down with Mikayla at night to tuck her in, I am most thankful that I am able to be home with my girls every night. I feel like I missed so many nights, and so many kisses and so many hugs.
Although I miss basketball dearly, I have realized that I will never get these precious moments back. I want to spend my time with MY little girls right now, not other peoples' little kids. There will be more basketball teams to coach. There will never be another time when my girls are little.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Fall Update
Heading to school yesterday, Mikayla looks out the window and spot the shadow of the car. "Look, Mommy, your car shadow!" I look out my window, and I see a black shadow on the side of the road driving right next to us. "It's racing us, Mommy!" she continued. Laughing, I said, "Well who do you think will win, Mik?" She replied, "Us, Mommy, that's silly." She is so smart and I am constantly amazed at what she knows and what she is capable of doing and thinking about.
Macey is crawling pretty well now. She has been pulling up in a crawling position for about a month now. She was rocking for a while, too. Last Sunday, she actually crawled a couple steps. Now, only a few days later, she is able to go halfway across the room without falling. I can't believe how fast she is growing up, too. She is seven and a half months old, and she has absolutley no interest in eating at all. All she wants is her bottle. She gets upset and will spit out her baby food. It's only unusual because she never gets upset - about anything. The only thing she will ever get upset about is her bottle. I've tried everything with trying to get her to eat, and she wants none of it.
Today, the girls got to wear costumes to school because it's the last day of school before Halloween. Mikayla wore her ladybug costume from last year, and Macey wore Mikayla's old Tigger costume. They were the cutest little girls in the world. I am so proud to be their mommy. They make me so happy, and I look forward to being with them every day.
Macey is crawling pretty well now. She has been pulling up in a crawling position for about a month now. She was rocking for a while, too. Last Sunday, she actually crawled a couple steps. Now, only a few days later, she is able to go halfway across the room without falling. I can't believe how fast she is growing up, too. She is seven and a half months old, and she has absolutley no interest in eating at all. All she wants is her bottle. She gets upset and will spit out her baby food. It's only unusual because she never gets upset - about anything. The only thing she will ever get upset about is her bottle. I've tried everything with trying to get her to eat, and she wants none of it.
Today, the girls got to wear costumes to school because it's the last day of school before Halloween. Mikayla wore her ladybug costume from last year, and Macey wore Mikayla's old Tigger costume. They were the cutest little girls in the world. I am so proud to be their mommy. They make me so happy, and I look forward to being with them every day.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Top Grammar Pet Peeves
I am alarmed at the growing number of adults - college educated adults - who can't get it right! I have decided to make a list of my top Grammar Peeves. Because if you know me, you know that bad grammar makes me [sic].
1. To, too and two. To = the preposition, gives direction. Too = also, enough. Two = 2; one more than one. In two hours, I'm going to the store, too.
2. "Literally" means it actually happened, not that it figuratively happened.
3. "Irregardless" is not a word. No, it's not. Trust me.
4. There, Their and They're. There = Over there; think here and there. Their = more than one person showing ownership of something. They're = a contraction for they are. Their jackets are over there; they're coming right now.
5. Loose and lose are two separate words. Loose = not tight. Lose = to not win. If the slot machines are loose, I can't lose!
6. The phrase is, "I couldn't care less." This means that you do not care, and there is not a possibility of caring any less than what you do now. If you say, "I could care less," it means that you do care, and there's a possibility that you could care less than what you do right now.
7. "Ain't" is not a word. I don't care if it's in the dictionary.
8. It's and its - I know it's confusing. It's = a contraction for it is. Its = showing possession. Its leash is on the table; it's not going to walk itself.
9. You're and Your - You're = contraction for you are. Your = showing possession. Get your feet off the coffee table; you're going to wipe it down with sanitizer.
10. You don't use an apostrophe to make a plural.
11. Everyday and every day. I see this one every day. I've seen it on billboards; I've seen it on shampoo bottles. I understand they may be just everyday people, but how can they get it wrong every day? everyday = adjective used to describe a noun. every day = adverbial phrase meaning daily.
12. A lot is two words.
13. Trust me, your grammar looks better my way.
I know there are some more, but I will add to them as I can recall. I'm sure I will think of more in the coming days.
I think I am going to have to start correcting Facebook posts written with incorrect grammar. Maybe I could just "tag" the repeat offenders in this note, then they would have to read it, and maybe they would learn something!! Someone needs to love these people enough to bring it to their attention, don't you think?
1. To, too and two. To = the preposition, gives direction. Too = also, enough. Two = 2; one more than one. In two hours, I'm going to the store, too.
2. "Literally" means it actually happened, not that it figuratively happened.
3. "Irregardless" is not a word. No, it's not. Trust me.
4. There, Their and They're. There = Over there; think here and there. Their = more than one person showing ownership of something. They're = a contraction for they are. Their jackets are over there; they're coming right now.
5. Loose and lose are two separate words. Loose = not tight. Lose = to not win. If the slot machines are loose, I can't lose!
6. The phrase is, "I couldn't care less." This means that you do not care, and there is not a possibility of caring any less than what you do now. If you say, "I could care less," it means that you do care, and there's a possibility that you could care less than what you do right now.
7. "Ain't" is not a word. I don't care if it's in the dictionary.
8. It's and its - I know it's confusing. It's = a contraction for it is. Its = showing possession. Its leash is on the table; it's not going to walk itself.
9. You're and Your - You're = contraction for you are. Your = showing possession. Get your feet off the coffee table; you're going to wipe it down with sanitizer.
10. You don't use an apostrophe to make a plural.
11. Everyday and every day. I see this one every day. I've seen it on billboards; I've seen it on shampoo bottles. I understand they may be just everyday people, but how can they get it wrong every day? everyday = adjective used to describe a noun. every day = adverbial phrase meaning daily.
12. A lot is two words.
13. Trust me, your grammar looks better my way.
I know there are some more, but I will add to them as I can recall. I'm sure I will think of more in the coming days.
I think I am going to have to start correcting Facebook posts written with incorrect grammar. Maybe I could just "tag" the repeat offenders in this note, then they would have to read it, and maybe they would learn something!! Someone needs to love these people enough to bring it to their attention, don't you think?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Must be Mikayla Day
Kids say the darndest things, and Mikayla has had more than her share today. Friday, I was sick to my stomach and was throwing up most of the evening. Mom came over to help me with the girls. This morning on the way to school, Mikayla was talking about SuSu and how SuSu picked her and Macey up from school on Friday. She asked me why SuSu picked her up, and I told her it was because I was sick on Friday, and that I had a stomach bug. Then she replied, "You had a bug in your tummy?" "Yes, Mikayla, Mommy had a bug." So this evening, we were outside and I was weeding the planter beds and Mikayla was drawing on the driveway with chalk. Vada, the 10-year-old girl across the street came outside and told Mikayla hi. Mikayla wanted her to come over, but Vada said she couldn't, because she was sick. Then Mikayla said, "My mommy had a fly in her tummy!" Then she turned to me and said, "Right, Mommy? You had a fly in your tummy." I could only smile at her.
Also on the way to school this morning, Mikayla and I were playing her favorite car game, "A Truth or a Lie." Basically, I say something, and then Mikayla has to tell me whether it is the truth or a lie. Most of the time, I start it out with one about the sun and China. "If I said the sun is in China, is that the truth or a lie?" to which Mikayla replied, "A lie! The sun is right there!" Well this morning, after that question, Mikayla drew a breath in, and her eyes brightened as she said, "Mommy, wouldn't it be cool if we had a rocketship to fly to CHINA!?? We could go real fast!" She makes me smile.
Ac ouple days ago, I was talking to Mikayla about Dr Pepper, and I told her that Dr Pepper was "the sweet nectar of the gods" and she thought it was hilarious. She's been saying it ever since. Any time you ask her about Dr Pepper, she'll tell you it's the "sweet nectar of the gods."
Also on the way to school this morning, Mikayla and I were playing her favorite car game, "A Truth or a Lie." Basically, I say something, and then Mikayla has to tell me whether it is the truth or a lie. Most of the time, I start it out with one about the sun and China. "If I said the sun is in China, is that the truth or a lie?" to which Mikayla replied, "A lie! The sun is right there!" Well this morning, after that question, Mikayla drew a breath in, and her eyes brightened as she said, "Mommy, wouldn't it be cool if we had a rocketship to fly to CHINA!?? We could go real fast!" She makes me smile.
Ac ouple days ago, I was talking to Mikayla about Dr Pepper, and I told her that Dr Pepper was "the sweet nectar of the gods" and she thought it was hilarious. She's been saying it ever since. Any time you ask her about Dr Pepper, she'll tell you it's the "sweet nectar of the gods."
Sunday, September 5, 2010
25 Things and Such....
This is from my Facebook page, so I thought I would share it here, as well.
I was tagged, which means I am obligated to now write my own 25 things. Something will happen to my best friend's sister's aunt's cousin's uncle if I don't follow what the directions say, so I better do as I'm told. I did this a while back, but let's see if I can think of 25 more things.
1. I hate painting. I absolutely love the finished product, though, so I am willing to put up with the pain.
2. I recently quit coaching basketball. I am in a brief period of denial. It will soon turn to grief and hopefully quickly to acceptance.
3. Macey is the absolute best baby ever. She never cries and smiles all the time.
4. Weeds are from Satan. He has planted weeds in my planter beds just to tick me off.
5. Even though I miss Trinity and her spirit, I really like my new job at Northwest High School (although the freshmen might drive me nuts!) and I'm so glad I made the move.
6. I got paint on my favorite pair of pants, and I refuse to not wear them. I just wear a shirt that's long enough to cover the paint.
7. I've found several gray hairs, and I'm surprisingly ok with it. Not like I want a whole head of them or anything, but the few are ok.
8. I like my new mist shower head. It makes me feel like I'm at the beach!
9. Soft drinks from a fountain just taste better.
10. I have never liked coffee, so I don't see what the deal is over Starbucks and other coffee houses.
11. I don't like dogs, and I never have.
12. I make hairbows for little girls, and I'll sell you some!
13. I love Texas! (The state, not the university)
14. If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to Greece.
15. I can pop both of my shoulders in and out of socket. You can feel it it you'd like, just ask! :)
16. I don't understand why people (especially strangers) think it's ok to pet a pregnant belly. Hands off, lady!
17. I don't remember the last time I put make-up on NOT in the car.
18. I can juggle.
19. I won my 1st grade and 4th grade science fairs. I also won the 7th grade spelling bee.
20. I'm afraid of falling from heights.
21. I've twice donated my hair to Locks of Love
22. My sister and I used to fight like cats & dogs, but we're actually really good friends now. I don't know what I would do without her. She and her family live all the way in Beijing, China.
23. I have never been snow-skiing. I went when I was 6, and I only went down the bunny slope, so I don't really count that.
24. I really wish I had paid attention more in high school and college. I didn't realize how important learning and education was when I was younger.
25. I've realized that growing older happens so slowly, you don't even realize it's happening. I've always thought of myself as a young, "with-it" kind of teacher, but the other day, I realized that I am more like the parents of my students than I am like them.
I was tagged, which means I am obligated to now write my own 25 things. Something will happen to my best friend's sister's aunt's cousin's uncle if I don't follow what the directions say, so I better do as I'm told. I did this a while back, but let's see if I can think of 25 more things.
1. I hate painting. I absolutely love the finished product, though, so I am willing to put up with the pain.
2. I recently quit coaching basketball. I am in a brief period of denial. It will soon turn to grief and hopefully quickly to acceptance.
3. Macey is the absolute best baby ever. She never cries and smiles all the time.
4. Weeds are from Satan. He has planted weeds in my planter beds just to tick me off.
5. Even though I miss Trinity and her spirit, I really like my new job at Northwest High School (although the freshmen might drive me nuts!) and I'm so glad I made the move.
6. I got paint on my favorite pair of pants, and I refuse to not wear them. I just wear a shirt that's long enough to cover the paint.
7. I've found several gray hairs, and I'm surprisingly ok with it. Not like I want a whole head of them or anything, but the few are ok.
8. I like my new mist shower head. It makes me feel like I'm at the beach!
9. Soft drinks from a fountain just taste better.
10. I have never liked coffee, so I don't see what the deal is over Starbucks and other coffee houses.
11. I don't like dogs, and I never have.
12. I make hairbows for little girls, and I'll sell you some!
13. I love Texas! (The state, not the university)
14. If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to Greece.
15. I can pop both of my shoulders in and out of socket. You can feel it it you'd like, just ask! :)
16. I don't understand why people (especially strangers) think it's ok to pet a pregnant belly. Hands off, lady!
17. I don't remember the last time I put make-up on NOT in the car.
18. I can juggle.
19. I won my 1st grade and 4th grade science fairs. I also won the 7th grade spelling bee.
20. I'm afraid of falling from heights.
21. I've twice donated my hair to Locks of Love
22. My sister and I used to fight like cats & dogs, but we're actually really good friends now. I don't know what I would do without her. She and her family live all the way in Beijing, China.
23. I have never been snow-skiing. I went when I was 6, and I only went down the bunny slope, so I don't really count that.
24. I really wish I had paid attention more in high school and college. I didn't realize how important learning and education was when I was younger.
25. I've realized that growing older happens so slowly, you don't even realize it's happening. I've always thought of myself as a young, "with-it" kind of teacher, but the other day, I realized that I am more like the parents of my students than I am like them.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Writer's Block
The girls are all tucked away, and it's before 8:30 on a Friday night. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to catch up on my blog, facebook and shutterfly. But as I sit to type, I'm having a major writer's block. I know there are so many things that I could be writing about right now, but my mind is blank. So I am doing what I tell my English students when they are feeling writer's block, "Don't just sit there, just write what you are thinking, even if you write about having writer's block!" I don't know how well it's working out just yet!
Adam helped me move into my classroom on Wednesday. I'm actually so excited to even HAVE a room. I've been a floating teacher for the past two years, so I don't really know what to do now that I have my own space. I know there will be a lot of blank walls, because I got rid of a lot of stuff that I had because I didn't have a place to store it. Instead of buying decorations, I'm going to somehow create a lesson where the students create something, so I can hang their work on the walls. I'm going to make them use those minds for something creative!
I've also realized that social media have caused awkward moments with acquaintances. People that I haven't hung out with in years, I know what is going on in their lives because I read it on facebook. If it weren't for facebook, I probably would never talk to these people ever again. So when I see these people in person, there is nothing to talk about. There is no catching up, because all I really need to know about these acquaintances is posted on their facebook wall. I never had a deeper friendship with these people than what I already know. Therefore, awkward silence with someone I've known for years, but don't really know at all.
Adam helped me move into my classroom on Wednesday. I'm actually so excited to even HAVE a room. I've been a floating teacher for the past two years, so I don't really know what to do now that I have my own space. I know there will be a lot of blank walls, because I got rid of a lot of stuff that I had because I didn't have a place to store it. Instead of buying decorations, I'm going to somehow create a lesson where the students create something, so I can hang their work on the walls. I'm going to make them use those minds for something creative!
I've also realized that social media have caused awkward moments with acquaintances. People that I haven't hung out with in years, I know what is going on in their lives because I read it on facebook. If it weren't for facebook, I probably would never talk to these people ever again. So when I see these people in person, there is nothing to talk about. There is no catching up, because all I really need to know about these acquaintances is posted on their facebook wall. I never had a deeper friendship with these people than what I already know. Therefore, awkward silence with someone I've known for years, but don't really know at all.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Back to School
I had to return to school on Thursday. I guess you could say we are having a "soft start" to the school year. I had professional development Thursday and Friday, so it was a little easier to leave the girls. It also didn't hurt that my aunt Becky watched the girls Thursday and my mom watched them on Friday. Next week I have new teacher training, but I only have to attend for three of the five days because I'm not new to the profession.
La-La and Justin got in town last Friday. We had dinner on Saturday at a cajun restaurant called Boo-Rays. It was nice to finally see everyone face-to-face. With skype, we get to "see" them a lot, but it's just not the same. This was the first time that Justin got to see Macey, so it was nice to get a picture of the Six girls and all of their families together.
La-La and Justin got in town last Friday. We had dinner on Saturday at a cajun restaurant called Boo-Rays. It was nice to finally see everyone face-to-face. With skype, we get to "see" them a lot, but it's just not the same. This was the first time that Justin got to see Macey, so it was nice to get a picture of the Six girls and all of their families together.
Friday, July 23, 2010
"I'm Pwight"
"Mommy, I'm pwight," Mikayla said to me very matter-of-factly the other day. I had no idea what she was trying to say, so I did the 'I-need-to-figure-out-what-my-daughter-just-said-but-I-don't-want-her-to-know-that-I-have-no-clue-what-she-just-said' questioning. I replied, "Oh really, how's that?" Quite proud of herself, she put her hand on her chest and closed her eyes as she said, "I say please and thank you." She drew in a breath, "And...and...'scuse me...and...sorry...and I'm pwight," as she cocked her head slightly. Her nose was crinkled from her mouth right side of her mouth being drawn up. It clicked. "Yes, Mikayla. You are very polite."
Friday, July 16, 2010
"I love Jesus!"
I wanted to get this down before I forgot about it, so it's just a short post today. As I was taking Mikayla to her swim lesson today, we were talking about all of the people we love. Mikayla was saying, "I love Daddy big much, and I love Macey soooo little much." I asked her why she only loved Macey little much, and she said it's because Macey is little, and when Macey is big, she will love Macey big much. As she was naming off people she loved, she stopped, and drew in a big breath. "And I love Jesus! What would I do without Him? I love Him so big much!" I thought it was too precious. If only we all had such child-like faith!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Moving is Never Fun!
Countdown to moving day: 3 days! We found a great 4 bedroom house in Justin - it is about 2 minutes from my new school. I am more than excited. There's a playground right down the street, and a community pool is within walking distance. It seems like everything is going so fast! I've been packing for the past several days, but it feels like I haven't made a dent. We got a whole bunch of boxes from different people, but it just isn't enough. We have way too much stuff. I took a car load of stuff to Goodwill, but I'm only about 3/4ths the way done packing up the house. Last night, Adam and I had to go find more boxes. We were dumpster-diving behind the Family Dollar. Very classy.
When Adam and I moved to our current house, I was 6 months pregnant with Mikayla, and I have decided it's much easier to move when pregnant than to move with kids. Mikayla has to ask what everything is that I put in every box. She gets in the way a lot, and I feel bad because I'm trying to pack, and I'm not giving her the attention she wants or needs. Her little three-year-old world is getting turned upside down. Then, when she wants something that I have already packed, she gets upset. I also am afraid to pack up too much because I might need it for the girls. So Macey's room isn't going to get packed until the night before.
I thought I would write down (type out?)a couple of stories about Mikayla before they become distant memories.
Mikayla loves to hear Bible stories. Every time we get in the car, she wants to hear stories of "Bible kids." Most of the time, she wants to hear about David. I think it's because she watched a movie about David and Goliath at Children's Church a couple weeks ago, and she really liked it. She wants to hear stories about "Little David," like when he was a shepherd and killed Goliath with the stones and slingshot. Then she wants to hear about "Big David" when he was king. I was telling her about David and Bathsheba - of course the "G-Rated" version. I told her that David got jealous of a man named Uriah, because he was married to Bathsheba, the most beautiful woman in all the land. Mikayla's ears perked up, and she said, "Like you and me, Mommy!" It melted my heart.
There are other moments that I find hilarious, but not quite as sweet. She asks me, "What time is it?" at least ten times a day. It's not as if she really understands the concept of time. At first, I responded by telling her the time. After a few days of this, I started making different replies. "Game Time" and "Time for you to get a watch" among them. Mikayla thought it was hilarious, so now she asks even more often (the opposite of what I was going for-oh well) and she will now instruct me as to how she wants me to answer. Where do they come up with these things?
Mikayla's grandma took her to Wendy's the other day, and in the kids meal were cards with jokes written on them. Mikayla quotes her favorite joke: "Knock, Knock, Who's there, No me know you have a cold, Mommy" She doesn't wait for the other person - she says the whole thing herself, but she leaves out the "Atch" and "Atch, who?" parts. But she thinks it's hilarious and will crack herself up laughing!
She also will flex her right arm and say, "This is thunder." Then flexing her left arm, she will say, "and this is lightning." The as she brings her flexed arms in across her chest, she says in a rather deep voice, "Don't get caught in the storm!"
Macey just stares at her big sister sometimes. I wonder what Macey thinks sometimes. She's so different from Mikayla. I'm beginning think that Macey is slightly more hard headed than I originally thought. When she was born, she never cried, and she was always the perfect angel. She still is, but I'm just noticing that she is a little more sneaky about her stubbornness. She will get upset when she doesn't have her pacifier, but yet she will take it out to insert her fingers into her mouth. She then gets upset because the pacifier came out, even though she was the one who took it out. She has also discovered that fussing will get her what she wants, and most of the time she wants Mommy to hold her - except when she's ready to go to sleep - she does not want any part of being held to go to sleep. She wants to be left alone. There is no rocking this child to sleep. She has learned that if she fusses, which she so seldom has done in the past, that I will pick her up. As soon as I pick her up, her fussiness vanishes. I set her down, fuss time again. Hmmm....smart girl.
I took Macey for her 4 month checkup on Monday, and she is 26 inches long and weighs 16 pounds 5 ounces. Big girl! She's in the 97th percentile for height and weight. I'm hoping she will be my tall girl. Mikayla was 6 months old before she was 26 inches long! **Crossing fingers** Grow, Macey, Grow!
When Adam and I moved to our current house, I was 6 months pregnant with Mikayla, and I have decided it's much easier to move when pregnant than to move with kids. Mikayla has to ask what everything is that I put in every box. She gets in the way a lot, and I feel bad because I'm trying to pack, and I'm not giving her the attention she wants or needs. Her little three-year-old world is getting turned upside down. Then, when she wants something that I have already packed, she gets upset. I also am afraid to pack up too much because I might need it for the girls. So Macey's room isn't going to get packed until the night before.
I thought I would write down (type out?)a couple of stories about Mikayla before they become distant memories.
Mikayla loves to hear Bible stories. Every time we get in the car, she wants to hear stories of "Bible kids." Most of the time, she wants to hear about David. I think it's because she watched a movie about David and Goliath at Children's Church a couple weeks ago, and she really liked it. She wants to hear stories about "Little David," like when he was a shepherd and killed Goliath with the stones and slingshot. Then she wants to hear about "Big David" when he was king. I was telling her about David and Bathsheba - of course the "G-Rated" version. I told her that David got jealous of a man named Uriah, because he was married to Bathsheba, the most beautiful woman in all the land. Mikayla's ears perked up, and she said, "Like you and me, Mommy!" It melted my heart.
There are other moments that I find hilarious, but not quite as sweet. She asks me, "What time is it?" at least ten times a day. It's not as if she really understands the concept of time. At first, I responded by telling her the time. After a few days of this, I started making different replies. "Game Time" and "Time for you to get a watch" among them. Mikayla thought it was hilarious, so now she asks even more often (the opposite of what I was going for-oh well) and she will now instruct me as to how she wants me to answer. Where do they come up with these things?
Mikayla's grandma took her to Wendy's the other day, and in the kids meal were cards with jokes written on them. Mikayla quotes her favorite joke: "Knock, Knock, Who's there, No me know you have a cold, Mommy" She doesn't wait for the other person - she says the whole thing herself, but she leaves out the "Atch" and "Atch, who?" parts. But she thinks it's hilarious and will crack herself up laughing!
She also will flex her right arm and say, "This is thunder." Then flexing her left arm, she will say, "and this is lightning." The as she brings her flexed arms in across her chest, she says in a rather deep voice, "Don't get caught in the storm!"
Macey just stares at her big sister sometimes. I wonder what Macey thinks sometimes. She's so different from Mikayla. I'm beginning think that Macey is slightly more hard headed than I originally thought. When she was born, she never cried, and she was always the perfect angel. She still is, but I'm just noticing that she is a little more sneaky about her stubbornness. She will get upset when she doesn't have her pacifier, but yet she will take it out to insert her fingers into her mouth. She then gets upset because the pacifier came out, even though she was the one who took it out. She has also discovered that fussing will get her what she wants, and most of the time she wants Mommy to hold her - except when she's ready to go to sleep - she does not want any part of being held to go to sleep. She wants to be left alone. There is no rocking this child to sleep. She has learned that if she fusses, which she so seldom has done in the past, that I will pick her up. As soon as I pick her up, her fussiness vanishes. I set her down, fuss time again. Hmmm....smart girl.
I took Macey for her 4 month checkup on Monday, and she is 26 inches long and weighs 16 pounds 5 ounces. Big girl! She's in the 97th percentile for height and weight. I'm hoping she will be my tall girl. Mikayla was 6 months old before she was 26 inches long! **Crossing fingers** Grow, Macey, Grow!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Losing my Blogging V-Card
Ok, so I have officially entered the world of blogging. It is not - in any way, shape, or form - because I have a desperate need to share my life with the world. It is rather that I want to create a living diary of sorts for the girls upon which to look back. It seems as though the past three years with Mikayla have flown by so quickly. So much has been forgotten, and I have been too caught up in work to sit down and write everything I wish to remember. I try to think back, and I wish so badly that I had written things down. Before computers, mothers would tirelessly scribe out every detail of their baby's life in the "Baby Book." I own one such baby book, and it sits empty and lonely on the top shelf of Mikayla's closet. I refuse to let this happen any longer. I want a recorded history of my girls, for they are my most precious gift, and I want to be able to look back and smile at the things they have said or done.
I wrote several things on my now defunct myspace page, and I am going to copy and paste them into here with a date so that I can have all writings about the girls in one place. I am also going to paste and copy a couple facebook notes that I have written about the girls. The other posts that will be on here before the date of July 6, 2010 are from my shutterfly site. I have always written a few words about the girls or about the pictures in the post, but now all the sites can be consolidated. I now have yet another website that I must attempt to keep up-to-date. I know have facebook, shutterfly, now this page. I will do my best!
The newest news is that I recently accepted a new teaching position at Northwest High School in Justin. It is an English-teaching only job, so I have hung up my coach's whistle (at least temporarily). It is bittersweet to be leaving such a great school, but I am excited to begin a new season of life where I will get to spend so much more time with my family. Thinking about all the things I will now get to do - Thanksgiving break, Christmas break - no before or after school practices, no Saturdays spent in the gym - makes me smile. I never ever thought I would feel this way, but I have to put my kids first, and I don't want to miss out on important parts of their lives. We also are moving out that way. We don't know where yet, but it will be in the Justin/Haslet/Roanoke area. I don't want to commute more than 15 minutes to school. We also have to find a new daycare for Mikayla, and she is not happy. Both times I have mentioned it to her, she has cried. Heidi, she says, is her best friend, and she doesn't want to leave Heidi!
For July 4th, we went to a friend's sister's house to swim. Mikayla showed off her newly acquired swim skills, for she has been in swim lessons for the better part of the summer so far. Macey sat in her baby float, and she loved the water. Adam dunked her completely under the water, and she didn't make a peep. She made a funny face because the water got in her eyes, but she wasn't upset in the least. After the swim, we went to a very all-American eatery for dinner: Chinese Buffet! We were tired and hungry, and it sounded good as we drove past! After dinner, we met Jason & Marte and their two little boys Ethan and Owen (who is only two weeks old) in Granbury for the fireworks show. I had forgotten just how far Granbury is from us! Mikayla was scared of the fireworks, as she was last year when we were in Kansas City at Jane's brother's house. We had our own private fireworks show last year, courtesy of Jess and Cindy. Jess, Robert, Ross and Alonso (Ross' friend) set them off for us in the field adjacent to Jess and Cindy's house. Mikayla said at the time, "No yike it, figh-ah-yerks" as she buried her face in my chest, hands covering her ears. It was translated as "No like it, fireworks." This year, she told me, "No like the boom, Mommy." She likes the pretty colors, just not the loud noises.
She doesn't like many loud noises. When she enters a boisterous gymnasium, she usually covers her ears. Like when she had her first basketball practice June 12th. I think I was actually more excited than she was for playing basketball. Adam and I signed her up knowing she is entirely too young for organized sports of any sort. I wanted to do it more because I thought it was adorable, and I could get some great photo ops that would be priceless in years to come. Especially if she ends up play at "Okah-tima." She decided during the women's NCAA basketball finals this year that when "Me get big, me play basketball at Okah-tima." She can now pronounce Oklahoma, and she relishes telling everyone that she is going to play there one day. Her team is the Hornets, and their jerseys are green and white reversibles. Quite nice for a 3-and-4 year old league. Screenprinted on each side is the Arlington "A" that the city uses as their logo. She now recognizes that "A" logo everywhere we go now. The "A" is on street signs, billboards, water towers, etc. When she "I spy something with my little eye," she said "My basketball!!" She associated the "A" with her basketball team, not the city in which we live, and I think it's hilarious!
Mikayla has also been learning logos and signs for various restaurants and gas stations. She will recognize them and call them out. The list she knows at this age is actually quite impressive. She is learning more every time we get in the car. I have decided to make it into a "learn how to read" experiment. I have made a pdf document to various logos, and i am going to show it to her, along with the letters that form the words. I am in hopes it can teach letter recognition and phonics.
I guess this is more than enough for my first real blog. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope that Mikayla and Macey will enjoy it (or be embarrassed by it) in the years to come!
I wrote several things on my now defunct myspace page, and I am going to copy and paste them into here with a date so that I can have all writings about the girls in one place. I am also going to paste and copy a couple facebook notes that I have written about the girls. The other posts that will be on here before the date of July 6, 2010 are from my shutterfly site. I have always written a few words about the girls or about the pictures in the post, but now all the sites can be consolidated. I now have yet another website that I must attempt to keep up-to-date. I know have facebook, shutterfly, now this page. I will do my best!
The newest news is that I recently accepted a new teaching position at Northwest High School in Justin. It is an English-teaching only job, so I have hung up my coach's whistle (at least temporarily). It is bittersweet to be leaving such a great school, but I am excited to begin a new season of life where I will get to spend so much more time with my family. Thinking about all the things I will now get to do - Thanksgiving break, Christmas break - no before or after school practices, no Saturdays spent in the gym - makes me smile. I never ever thought I would feel this way, but I have to put my kids first, and I don't want to miss out on important parts of their lives. We also are moving out that way. We don't know where yet, but it will be in the Justin/Haslet/Roanoke area. I don't want to commute more than 15 minutes to school. We also have to find a new daycare for Mikayla, and she is not happy. Both times I have mentioned it to her, she has cried. Heidi, she says, is her best friend, and she doesn't want to leave Heidi!
For July 4th, we went to a friend's sister's house to swim. Mikayla showed off her newly acquired swim skills, for she has been in swim lessons for the better part of the summer so far. Macey sat in her baby float, and she loved the water. Adam dunked her completely under the water, and she didn't make a peep. She made a funny face because the water got in her eyes, but she wasn't upset in the least. After the swim, we went to a very all-American eatery for dinner: Chinese Buffet! We were tired and hungry, and it sounded good as we drove past! After dinner, we met Jason & Marte and their two little boys Ethan and Owen (who is only two weeks old) in Granbury for the fireworks show. I had forgotten just how far Granbury is from us! Mikayla was scared of the fireworks, as she was last year when we were in Kansas City at Jane's brother's house. We had our own private fireworks show last year, courtesy of Jess and Cindy. Jess, Robert, Ross and Alonso (Ross' friend) set them off for us in the field adjacent to Jess and Cindy's house. Mikayla said at the time, "No yike it, figh-ah-yerks" as she buried her face in my chest, hands covering her ears. It was translated as "No like it, fireworks." This year, she told me, "No like the boom, Mommy." She likes the pretty colors, just not the loud noises.
She doesn't like many loud noises. When she enters a boisterous gymnasium, she usually covers her ears. Like when she had her first basketball practice June 12th. I think I was actually more excited than she was for playing basketball. Adam and I signed her up knowing she is entirely too young for organized sports of any sort. I wanted to do it more because I thought it was adorable, and I could get some great photo ops that would be priceless in years to come. Especially if she ends up play at "Okah-tima." She decided during the women's NCAA basketball finals this year that when "Me get big, me play basketball at Okah-tima." She can now pronounce Oklahoma, and she relishes telling everyone that she is going to play there one day. Her team is the Hornets, and their jerseys are green and white reversibles. Quite nice for a 3-and-4 year old league. Screenprinted on each side is the Arlington "A" that the city uses as their logo. She now recognizes that "A" logo everywhere we go now. The "A" is on street signs, billboards, water towers, etc. When she "I spy something with my little eye," she said "My basketball!!" She associated the "A" with her basketball team, not the city in which we live, and I think it's hilarious!
Mikayla has also been learning logos and signs for various restaurants and gas stations. She will recognize them and call them out. The list she knows at this age is actually quite impressive. She is learning more every time we get in the car. I have decided to make it into a "learn how to read" experiment. I have made a pdf document to various logos, and i am going to show it to her, along with the letters that form the words. I am in hopes it can teach letter recognition and phonics.
I guess this is more than enough for my first real blog. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope that Mikayla and Macey will enjoy it (or be embarrassed by it) in the years to come!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
First Basketball Game
Today was Mikayla's first basketball game ever. They play six minute running-clock quarters, and she played the second and fourth quarters. I say play, but I really mean that she walked up and down the court wondering what was going on. SuSu, Daddy Pat, Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle ROss were all there to see her play. She didn't want to get out on the court, so I had to bribe her with jelly beans and lollipops to get out on the court. I videotaped the whole thing, so I will be able to look back and laugh. Hopefully, she will too. It's a 3 and 4 year-old league, but there is a marked difference in the 3 year olds and the 4 year olds. The 3 year olds don't really want to be there, their parents pushing them onto the court. They are shy, and rarely do they know what to do, even when told. The 4 year olds are trying to dribble, steal the ball and shoot. I'm in hopes that Mikayla will blossom this year! If she doesn't, it's ok, I have many years to mold her into a star! :)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Summertime!
The end of school finally got here, and we have already had a busy summer! We bought a Slip n' Slide, and Mikayla loves it! When we first got it out, she didn't understand the concept, so she just ran through it like it was a big sprinkler. Adam grabbed her and threw her down it like she was a bowling ball, and she loved it! She did not want to have to go inside!
Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend, we went to our friend's, Linda Aleckner, house because she had a party celebrating her graduation from law school. Mikayla spent the night at my parent's house, so that Adam and I could actually enjoy the party and the pool, instead of having to chase around Mikayla all night! Macey got to get in th epool for the first time. Adam dunked her all the way under, and she surprisingly didn't cry.
We spent Memorial Day at my grandmother's house, and Macey did great, as always. Mom and Dad met us over there with Mikayla, who had a new burn on her arm from mom's curling iron. Mom said that she warned Mikayla over and over not to get too close, but being the strong-willed 3-year-old that she is, she didn't listen. It was so bad that I could read the letters "CONAI" on her arm from the word "Conair" that is engraved on the top of the curling iron.
I celebrated my 29+2 birthday on June 4th, but the family celebration was on the 3rd at Joe T. Garcia's in the stockyards. We had a good time, and it wasn't too hot outside, so it was a comfortable evening on the patio. Grandma had thought Dad told her Uncle Julio's, so when she called and asked where we were, Dad had to guide her to Joe T.'s. When she finally got there, it was late, and she was spitting mad! I have never seen her so upset! She eventually calmed down, and we had a lovely fajita dinner. On the 4th, I had to take Mikayla to the pediatrician because (among other things) an infection was setting in on her arm from the burn. The doctor also had to do a follow-up check on her head injury. Mikayla, Macey and I went to breakfast at Whataburger, which brought back fond memories of college. Then we went swimming at the Randol Mill Splash Park. We got snow cones before we went home for a nap. When Adam got off work, we met him at Texas Roadhouse (another college throwback) for dinner, and topped it off with Marble Slab ice cream. It was a great day!
I'm really not as traumatized at turning - dare I say it - 31 as I let off. I am at a great place in my life and I enjoy being a mom so much. I think it really is just that I can't believe that I am actually 31, because I still feel like I'm in my 20's, and I can't wrap my head around the fact that time is passing. I found my first gray hairs, and I didn't flip out like I always thought I would. They actually look blonde, so I just need an appointment at the salon for some highlights to make them all blend in!
Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend, we went to our friend's, Linda Aleckner, house because she had a party celebrating her graduation from law school. Mikayla spent the night at my parent's house, so that Adam and I could actually enjoy the party and the pool, instead of having to chase around Mikayla all night! Macey got to get in th epool for the first time. Adam dunked her all the way under, and she surprisingly didn't cry.
We spent Memorial Day at my grandmother's house, and Macey did great, as always. Mom and Dad met us over there with Mikayla, who had a new burn on her arm from mom's curling iron. Mom said that she warned Mikayla over and over not to get too close, but being the strong-willed 3-year-old that she is, she didn't listen. It was so bad that I could read the letters "CONAI" on her arm from the word "Conair" that is engraved on the top of the curling iron.
I celebrated my 29+2 birthday on June 4th, but the family celebration was on the 3rd at Joe T. Garcia's in the stockyards. We had a good time, and it wasn't too hot outside, so it was a comfortable evening on the patio. Grandma had thought Dad told her Uncle Julio's, so when she called and asked where we were, Dad had to guide her to Joe T.'s. When she finally got there, it was late, and she was spitting mad! I have never seen her so upset! She eventually calmed down, and we had a lovely fajita dinner. On the 4th, I had to take Mikayla to the pediatrician because (among other things) an infection was setting in on her arm from the burn. The doctor also had to do a follow-up check on her head injury. Mikayla, Macey and I went to breakfast at Whataburger, which brought back fond memories of college. Then we went swimming at the Randol Mill Splash Park. We got snow cones before we went home for a nap. When Adam got off work, we met him at Texas Roadhouse (another college throwback) for dinner, and topped it off with Marble Slab ice cream. It was a great day!
I'm really not as traumatized at turning - dare I say it - 31 as I let off. I am at a great place in my life and I enjoy being a mom so much. I think it really is just that I can't believe that I am actually 31, because I still feel like I'm in my 20's, and I can't wrap my head around the fact that time is passing. I found my first gray hairs, and I didn't flip out like I always thought I would. They actually look blonde, so I just need an appointment at the salon for some highlights to make them all blend in!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Mother's Day
Macey is growing up so fast! She turned two months old on May 10th, and I just can't believe it! Mikayla absolutely adores her little sister. She asks to hold her all the time. She is constantly giving her kissess and hugs. She will say, "Macey is so cute," or "I love her little much!" The reason Mikayla says that she loves Macey "a little much" is because Macey is so little. Mikayla says that once Macey gets bigger, she will love her "big much!" Too cute!
For Mother's Day, we went with my family to the Keg Steakhouse in Fort Worth for lunch. I found a ladybug in my salad, so I ended up get it for free. I was told they are good luck, and I guess it's better than finding a roach in my salad! We met Adam's mom and family for dinner at Texas de Brazil in downtown. It was delicious and bug-free! Mikayla had fun playing with the red/green place-cards that indicate if you are ready for food. She was sticking it to her forehead, and laughing hysterically. Macey was her typical perfect-baby self the whole time. She just slept and then watched us the entire dinner.
Macey is really starting to smile a lot now. She will react to me if I am talking to her, and I can get her to smile. Her hair sticks straight up in the air like a mohawk. I think it's adorable, and it's a good thing I do, because it will NOT sit down! I refuse to put products in a baby's hair, so I will not put hairspray or gel on it. After bathtime the other night, though, Adam made the best of it and combed it all together into a better mohawk. It was hilarious, and Mikayla got a kick out of it, too.
On the 21st, Mikayla was running in the lunchroom of her daycare. She tripped and fell, busting her head open. The daycare called Adam, who was at work. He immediately called me, and I rushed up to her daycare. When I arrived, she had calmed down, and she was sitting on the daycare director's lap in the entryway of the daycare. As soon as she saw me, she fell apart. She was covered in blood, and her blonde-white hair was streaked with red. I held her as she sobbed on my shoulder, and I took her to Harris-HEB Hospital Emergency Room. She went through waves of crying and calming down the entire time we were there. The nurses were really nice, and I had to hold the lidocaine-filled cotton ball on her head for 20 minutes to numb the cut. Once it was cleaned, we could see the cut more clearly. It was about an inch long about two inches above her right ear. The doctor came in after it was numb and glued the cut with DermaBond. Adam came to meet me at the hospital so that he could take her home, and I could return to school. The nurses gave Mik four Dora stickers for being such a brave little girl, and Adam and I joked that those were the most expensive stickers she will ever receive!
For Mother's Day, we went with my family to the Keg Steakhouse in Fort Worth for lunch. I found a ladybug in my salad, so I ended up get it for free. I was told they are good luck, and I guess it's better than finding a roach in my salad! We met Adam's mom and family for dinner at Texas de Brazil in downtown. It was delicious and bug-free! Mikayla had fun playing with the red/green place-cards that indicate if you are ready for food. She was sticking it to her forehead, and laughing hysterically. Macey was her typical perfect-baby self the whole time. She just slept and then watched us the entire dinner.
Macey is really starting to smile a lot now. She will react to me if I am talking to her, and I can get her to smile. Her hair sticks straight up in the air like a mohawk. I think it's adorable, and it's a good thing I do, because it will NOT sit down! I refuse to put products in a baby's hair, so I will not put hairspray or gel on it. After bathtime the other night, though, Adam made the best of it and combed it all together into a better mohawk. It was hilarious, and Mikayla got a kick out of it, too.
On the 21st, Mikayla was running in the lunchroom of her daycare. She tripped and fell, busting her head open. The daycare called Adam, who was at work. He immediately called me, and I rushed up to her daycare. When I arrived, she had calmed down, and she was sitting on the daycare director's lap in the entryway of the daycare. As soon as she saw me, she fell apart. She was covered in blood, and her blonde-white hair was streaked with red. I held her as she sobbed on my shoulder, and I took her to Harris-HEB Hospital Emergency Room. She went through waves of crying and calming down the entire time we were there. The nurses were really nice, and I had to hold the lidocaine-filled cotton ball on her head for 20 minutes to numb the cut. Once it was cleaned, we could see the cut more clearly. It was about an inch long about two inches above her right ear. The doctor came in after it was numb and glued the cut with DermaBond. Adam came to meet me at the hospital so that he could take her home, and I could return to school. The nurses gave Mik four Dora stickers for being such a brave little girl, and Adam and I joked that those were the most expensive stickers she will ever receive!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Birthday Weekend & Easter
Mikayla is three! Her birthday was on Easter Sunday, so we had an Easter egg hunt birthday party for her on Saturday. We invited friends and their kids. We ate Dickey's barbeque, and we colored Easter eggs. Adam played the role of the Easter Bunny, and all the kids had a great time hunting the Easter eggs! Mikayla had a Dora themed birthday cake, and she made sure to tell everyone about her Dora cake. It was slightly overwhelming to throw a three-year old's birthday party with a newborn, but I made it out alive!
Adam's dad and step-mom were in town as well, so we had a lot of fun visiting with them. Grandfather played chalk with Mikayla out on the driveway, and she absolutely had a blast. They enjoyed the kids, and Mikayla loves her Grandfather and Grandma Mary. She won't stop talking about them. I think Grandfather and Grandma Mary were both more tired when they arrived home than when they arrived here. On Mikayla's actual birthday, we all went to church for the Easter service, then we went to Genghis Grill for lunch. Needless to say, I think Mikayla had a wonderful third birthday weekend!
Adam's dad and step-mom were in town as well, so we had a lot of fun visiting with them. Grandfather played chalk with Mikayla out on the driveway, and she absolutely had a blast. They enjoyed the kids, and Mikayla loves her Grandfather and Grandma Mary. She won't stop talking about them. I think Grandfather and Grandma Mary were both more tired when they arrived home than when they arrived here. On Mikayla's actual birthday, we all went to church for the Easter service, then we went to Genghis Grill for lunch. Needless to say, I think Mikayla had a wonderful third birthday weekend!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Ni Hao!
La-La, Sadie and Titus left for China on April 1st. Justin had to be in China by February 28, so he had left before La and the kids. La stayed behind to finish packing up the house, sell the house and tie up the loose ends. She came up to Fort Worth to stay with Mom and Dad once the house sold, and everything was taken care of in the Woodlands. She wanted to stay until at least Macey was born. Mom flew over there with her to help her with the kids on the flight, as well as help her acclimate to life in China. Since I had a c-section, I needed Mom's help for at least two weeks after Macey was born, so La-La had to wait for Mom's services until that two weeks was up. Mom has had a stressful couple of months! We tried to spend as much time as we could with La and the kids before they left, because we're not sure how soon we will be able to see them again. With little ones, they will all grow up so much before we get to see each other again! That's why it's so great that there are websites like Facebook and shutterfly. It's like a window into our loved one's lives, even from halfway across the globe.
Macey is growing so fast, and she is the best baby ever! She loves to sleep, and when she is awake, she loves being held and cuddled. Mikayla loves her little sister, and she always wants to help do everything for Macey. I sometimes have to tell Mikayla to leave her little sister alone, which I hate to say to her. I don't want Mikayla to think that I care about Macey more than I care for her, it's just that Mikayla can be so rough with a newborn baby!
Macey is growing so fast, and she is the best baby ever! She loves to sleep, and when she is awake, she loves being held and cuddled. Mikayla loves her little sister, and she always wants to help do everything for Macey. I sometimes have to tell Mikayla to leave her little sister alone, which I hate to say to her. I don't want Mikayla to think that I care about Macey more than I care for her, it's just that Mikayla can be so rough with a newborn baby!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The real problem with healthcare
The real problem with healthcare is that the prices are exorbitant. It has NOTHING to do with insurance, insurance costs, premiums or the insurance business AT ALL. The healthcare bill passed by congress will do nothing to decrease the cost of health care - only force employed, tax-paying citezens to pay for everyone. My case is made here: I just received the bill for delivering Macey. This does not include Macey's hospital bill, nor does it include my OB/GYN payments, nor does it include the anesthesiologist. All of those bills are separate. This is just for ME, and delivering Macey. I went in the hospital on Wednesday, and was released on Saturday.
TX HLTH ARLINGTON MEMORIAL HOSP
Private Room: 3240.00
Drugs: 196.25
Med/Surg Supplies: 54.00
Laboratory Services: 1225.50
Laboratory Services: 194.25
Laboratory Services: 60.75
Laboratory Services: 334.00
Operating Room: 2462.00
Operating Room: 642.75
Drugs: 737.11
Recovery Room: 1057.25
Totals: $10,203.86
Does anyone see a problem with this? $3,200 for a private room? At Arlington Memorial, they don't offer anything BUT a private room in the maternity ward. $933 for drugs? I was on a morphine drip for 12 hours, then I had pain meds (ONE Lortab and a motrin every 4 hours after that) And that cost almost a grand? What the heck kind of labs are they running, either? More than $1800 in lab services? I don't even remember them drawing my blood more than three or four times! Over three grand for the operating room - that I was only in for less than two hours??? And than more than $1,000 for the recovery room? I was only in the recovery room for less than two hours!!
Blue Cross Blue Shield covered $9,998 of these costs, but I of course had to pay my 20%, and my deductible, so that means we paid more than $2,200 out of our pocket for Macey just to be delivered at the hospital. BCBS ended up only paying about $7,700 of my hospital stay (Remember I didn't include OB/GYN costs, Macey's dr. bills and separate deductible, or the anesthesiologist) That is in addition to the $350 per month for my insurance premium that is deducted out of my paycheck monthly.
Just think: If the true cost of healthcare went down: meaning: hospitals and doctors not charging an arm and a leg for every little thing a patient touches, then the insurance companies would not have to pay out as much to said hospitals, then said insurance companies wouldn't have to charge such costly premiums, then consumer (patient) ME wouldn't have to pay so much! The government buying insurance for every American will do nothing to lower the costs of healthcare. Sadly, it will do the opposite. It is going to force the hospitals to charge even more for their services, therefore, causing the insurance companies will be forced to fork over more money to pay the hospital bills, therefore, the insurance companies will pass the buck to you and me, and premiums will skyrocket. Alas. A sad day.
TX HLTH ARLINGTON MEMORIAL HOSP
Private Room: 3240.00
Drugs: 196.25
Med/Surg Supplies: 54.00
Laboratory Services: 1225.50
Laboratory Services: 194.25
Laboratory Services: 60.75
Laboratory Services: 334.00
Operating Room: 2462.00
Operating Room: 642.75
Drugs: 737.11
Recovery Room: 1057.25
Totals: $10,203.86
Does anyone see a problem with this? $3,200 for a private room? At Arlington Memorial, they don't offer anything BUT a private room in the maternity ward. $933 for drugs? I was on a morphine drip for 12 hours, then I had pain meds (ONE Lortab and a motrin every 4 hours after that) And that cost almost a grand? What the heck kind of labs are they running, either? More than $1800 in lab services? I don't even remember them drawing my blood more than three or four times! Over three grand for the operating room - that I was only in for less than two hours??? And than more than $1,000 for the recovery room? I was only in the recovery room for less than two hours!!
Blue Cross Blue Shield covered $9,998 of these costs, but I of course had to pay my 20%, and my deductible, so that means we paid more than $2,200 out of our pocket for Macey just to be delivered at the hospital. BCBS ended up only paying about $7,700 of my hospital stay (Remember I didn't include OB/GYN costs, Macey's dr. bills and separate deductible, or the anesthesiologist) That is in addition to the $350 per month for my insurance premium that is deducted out of my paycheck monthly.
Just think: If the true cost of healthcare went down: meaning: hospitals and doctors not charging an arm and a leg for every little thing a patient touches, then the insurance companies would not have to pay out as much to said hospitals, then said insurance companies wouldn't have to charge such costly premiums, then consumer (patient) ME wouldn't have to pay so much! The government buying insurance for every American will do nothing to lower the costs of healthcare. Sadly, it will do the opposite. It is going to force the hospitals to charge even more for their services, therefore, causing the insurance companies will be forced to fork over more money to pay the hospital bills, therefore, the insurance companies will pass the buck to you and me, and premiums will skyrocket. Alas. A sad day.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Macey's Debut
The day finally arrived! I felt like it would never come! I was actually hoping she would arrive on February 26th, which is my mom's birthday. I thought it would be neat that they could share a birthday, plus, it would put almost exactly 3 weeks between each grandchild's birthday. Macey had other plans, though!
I had a scheduled c-section on March 10, 2010. I woke up and got ready. I put on Make-up and straightened my hair. It was such a relaxing morning. Mom and Dad came over to watch Mikayla for us. They were bringing her up to the hosptial about 30 minutes after we left. I arrived at the hospital at about 11, and I was supposed to go into the OR at 12:30, but there was an emergency c-section that came in before me, so I got bumped. We didn't go into the OR until about 1:45. I hadn't eaten anything all day, because I was going into surgery. I was starving and thirsty by the time I was on my way in.
The nurses and I were chatting as we went in to the OR. As I was sitting on the table, and the anesthesiologist was prepping me, my doctor started talking about how she bought milk from a man down the street from her and she was making homemade butter. How random, I thought. As my spinal began to take effect, they quickly laid me down on the table, and I thought to myself that I cannot do this again, and this will be my last child. Fear gripped me, which was unusual, because I hadn't felt that way until that very moment. I guess the realization that my precious child was about to be cut out of me had set in.
The surgery went great. The anesthesiologist kept having to give me different drugs to counter the side effects of the drugs he was giving me. I don't know how many different drugs he adminstered, but it was a lot. He gave me novacaine, and I asked him and Adam, "Is that noise real?" I knew it could possibly be a side effect of a drug, but it sounded so real. The anesthesiologist asked what it sounded like, and I told him it sounded like an alien spaceship. He laughed, and said he hadn't heard it described like that beforem but it was indeed a side effect to the novacaine. Interesting.
Evidently, Macey didn't want to leave her warm cocoon, and my OB?GYN had to use a suction cup to pull her out. She couldn't get a good suction, and the suction cup came flying out and hit my OB/GYN in the goggles! After several tries, Macey Jane Mercer arrived at 2:42 p.m., and she weighed 9 lbs. 8.6 oz. and was 21 and 1/4 inches long. Adam's first words upon seeing Macey were, "She has dark hair - and a lot of it!" I knew then that Macey and Mikayla would be opposites! I got my first glimpse of her, and tears welled up in my eyes. I instantly fell in love with her. I wanted to hold her so badky, but I couldn't The nurse handed her to Adam, and he brought her close to my face, where I could kiss and stroke hers. I just kept telling her how much I loved her. Once again, I was in awe of God's wonderful gift of children.
I got to carry her out of the OR into the recovery room, where all the family waited: Mikayla, SuSu, Daddy Pat, Grandma, Grandpa and Ross. Everyone started immediately taking pictures and texting and calling other relatives and friends. At one point, I had to tell everyone to stop it with the phones and cameras. I realized that no one was actually looking at Macey. They were all looking at her through the lense of a camera. I love pictures, but I wanted them to see HER, not moving pictures of her.
Mikayla absolutely loves her little sister, and she has done a great job adjusting to not being the only child. Every day when she came into our hospital room, Mikayla immediately wanted to know where Macey was so she could give her a kiss. She wanted to hold her and kiss her the whole time. My c-section recovery was harder than with Mikayla, so I asked my doctor if I could stay an extra day at the hospital. It was so nice to have food delivered to me, and have Macey, the TV, the toilet and the shower all within 3 steps! We came home on Saturday the 13th, and Macey is the best baby ever! She sleeps great, and she rarely cries! She loves to be held and cuddled, and she is just so precious. She captured our hearts so quickly!
I had a scheduled c-section on March 10, 2010. I woke up and got ready. I put on Make-up and straightened my hair. It was such a relaxing morning. Mom and Dad came over to watch Mikayla for us. They were bringing her up to the hosptial about 30 minutes after we left. I arrived at the hospital at about 11, and I was supposed to go into the OR at 12:30, but there was an emergency c-section that came in before me, so I got bumped. We didn't go into the OR until about 1:45. I hadn't eaten anything all day, because I was going into surgery. I was starving and thirsty by the time I was on my way in.
The nurses and I were chatting as we went in to the OR. As I was sitting on the table, and the anesthesiologist was prepping me, my doctor started talking about how she bought milk from a man down the street from her and she was making homemade butter. How random, I thought. As my spinal began to take effect, they quickly laid me down on the table, and I thought to myself that I cannot do this again, and this will be my last child. Fear gripped me, which was unusual, because I hadn't felt that way until that very moment. I guess the realization that my precious child was about to be cut out of me had set in.
The surgery went great. The anesthesiologist kept having to give me different drugs to counter the side effects of the drugs he was giving me. I don't know how many different drugs he adminstered, but it was a lot. He gave me novacaine, and I asked him and Adam, "Is that noise real?" I knew it could possibly be a side effect of a drug, but it sounded so real. The anesthesiologist asked what it sounded like, and I told him it sounded like an alien spaceship. He laughed, and said he hadn't heard it described like that beforem but it was indeed a side effect to the novacaine. Interesting.
Evidently, Macey didn't want to leave her warm cocoon, and my OB?GYN had to use a suction cup to pull her out. She couldn't get a good suction, and the suction cup came flying out and hit my OB/GYN in the goggles! After several tries, Macey Jane Mercer arrived at 2:42 p.m., and she weighed 9 lbs. 8.6 oz. and was 21 and 1/4 inches long. Adam's first words upon seeing Macey were, "She has dark hair - and a lot of it!" I knew then that Macey and Mikayla would be opposites! I got my first glimpse of her, and tears welled up in my eyes. I instantly fell in love with her. I wanted to hold her so badky, but I couldn't The nurse handed her to Adam, and he brought her close to my face, where I could kiss and stroke hers. I just kept telling her how much I loved her. Once again, I was in awe of God's wonderful gift of children.
I got to carry her out of the OR into the recovery room, where all the family waited: Mikayla, SuSu, Daddy Pat, Grandma, Grandpa and Ross. Everyone started immediately taking pictures and texting and calling other relatives and friends. At one point, I had to tell everyone to stop it with the phones and cameras. I realized that no one was actually looking at Macey. They were all looking at her through the lense of a camera. I love pictures, but I wanted them to see HER, not moving pictures of her.
Mikayla absolutely loves her little sister, and she has done a great job adjusting to not being the only child. Every day when she came into our hospital room, Mikayla immediately wanted to know where Macey was so she could give her a kiss. She wanted to hold her and kiss her the whole time. My c-section recovery was harder than with Mikayla, so I asked my doctor if I could stay an extra day at the hospital. It was so nice to have food delivered to me, and have Macey, the TV, the toilet and the shower all within 3 steps! We came home on Saturday the 13th, and Macey is the best baby ever! She sleeps great, and she rarely cries! She loves to be held and cuddled, and she is just so precious. She captured our hearts so quickly!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Busy lives, lots of snow!
There aren't many pictures from January and February because I was so busy! Basketball takes away so much of my time. I am at school for JV practice at 7:00 a.m., then I teach English, then I have varsity practice until 5:45 every day. I don't know how I will be able to do this with two kiddo! We did have a snow day, because North Texas got a record 11 inches of snow in one day! Mikayla loved playing in all the snow. Adam and Mikayla made a chair out of snow, as well as a snowman. We didn't get any pictures of the snowman, though.I made Mikayla some "Southern Improvised" snowboots. I took plastic Wal-Mart sacks and wrapped them around her feet. Then I held them on with duct tape. Ah, behold the power of duct tape! :) We don't ever get enough snow to warrant snow boots, so I thought it was an ingenious way to keep her legs dry in the 11 inches of snow! :)
This has also been a time of firsts for Mikayla. With the arrival of Macey in a couple days, we traded the guest bed into Mikayla's room for her "Big Girl Bed." She has done GREAT in the transition, and she loves her new bed. She got to pick out her quilt and sheets. She also had her first haircut the other day. She was great! At first she didn't want to sit in the chair, but we went to a kid-cuts place, and they put in Dora and gave her a sucker. She was wonderful after that! She's such a big girl, and she is growing up so fast! She's ready to be a big sister, too. She talks about Macey all the time, and I think she's going to transition well on that front as well. At least I'm praying so!!
This has also been a time of firsts for Mikayla. With the arrival of Macey in a couple days, we traded the guest bed into Mikayla's room for her "Big Girl Bed." She has done GREAT in the transition, and she loves her new bed. She got to pick out her quilt and sheets. She also had her first haircut the other day. She was great! At first she didn't want to sit in the chair, but we went to a kid-cuts place, and they put in Dora and gave her a sucker. She was wonderful after that! She's such a big girl, and she is growing up so fast! She's ready to be a big sister, too. She talks about Macey all the time, and I think she's going to transition well on that front as well. At least I'm praying so!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Christmas 2009
I thought Christmas break would never arrive! We went to the Woodlands to visit La-La, Justin, Sadie and Titus. During that time, Trinity played in the state championship football game. I really had wanted to attend, but we already had plans to visit La & Justin, and since they are potentially moving to China soon, I didn't want to break our plans. The game was televised, however, so I got to watch the game on TV. I was jumping up and down as we won in overtime! Trinity High School, Euless Texas, 2009 Class 5A State Champions! It was an awesome feeling!
Mikayla and Sadie were so much fun together the whole break. On Tuesday before Christmas, La, Justin, Sadie, Titus, Adam, Mikayla, Mom, Dad and I all stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. The whole theme is a lodge in the mountains. There are huge wolves on a giant stone fireplace in the lobby, and there are wooden accents everywhere that make you think you might be in the mountains somewhere. They have an indoor waterpark, and it was so much fun! The girls just went down the water slide over and over. Mikayla kept cutting all the other kids in line, and she made sure Sadie was right behind her! There were big-kid rides, too. Justin and Adam thought for sure Dad was going to have a heart attack when they went down the biggest ride at the park. We also made it down the lazy river. I made the mistake of taking Mikayla by myself. Her I am a pregnant lady trying to get into an innertube with a 2 year old. Then I had to get comfortable, and Mikayla held onto me for dear life. She gets scared when she can't touch the bottom of the water. Luckily, Justin came by to help me just in the nick of time!
That evening, we had Christmas exchange. GiGi, Pam, Tom and Becky all came. We ordered pizza and ate in Mom & Dad's hotel room. Later that night, the hotel had story time for the kids in the lobby. While we were waiting for the story time to begin, La and I took the girls over on the side to see Santa. Mikayla said she wanted to sit on Santa's knee, but when Sadie sat on his lap, I knew MIkayla had no intention of getting on his knee. When it was her turn, she clung to my leg, and begged me to pick her up. Santa was a no-go. A huge display with characters that moved and rotated performed a Christmas musical. It even snowed indoors! It was actually bubbles, but it was a neat effect for the kids! Mikayla was so tired by this point, with no nap all day, that she was barely holding on.
On Christmas Eve, as we were leaving the hotel, we had a snow storm, so we woke up on Christmas morning to a white Christmas! It was the first white Christmas I can remember. I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of it! That is the pregant brain. Sorry!
Mikayla and Sadie were so much fun together the whole break. On Tuesday before Christmas, La, Justin, Sadie, Titus, Adam, Mikayla, Mom, Dad and I all stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. The whole theme is a lodge in the mountains. There are huge wolves on a giant stone fireplace in the lobby, and there are wooden accents everywhere that make you think you might be in the mountains somewhere. They have an indoor waterpark, and it was so much fun! The girls just went down the water slide over and over. Mikayla kept cutting all the other kids in line, and she made sure Sadie was right behind her! There were big-kid rides, too. Justin and Adam thought for sure Dad was going to have a heart attack when they went down the biggest ride at the park. We also made it down the lazy river. I made the mistake of taking Mikayla by myself. Her I am a pregnant lady trying to get into an innertube with a 2 year old. Then I had to get comfortable, and Mikayla held onto me for dear life. She gets scared when she can't touch the bottom of the water. Luckily, Justin came by to help me just in the nick of time!
That evening, we had Christmas exchange. GiGi, Pam, Tom and Becky all came. We ordered pizza and ate in Mom & Dad's hotel room. Later that night, the hotel had story time for the kids in the lobby. While we were waiting for the story time to begin, La and I took the girls over on the side to see Santa. Mikayla said she wanted to sit on Santa's knee, but when Sadie sat on his lap, I knew MIkayla had no intention of getting on his knee. When it was her turn, she clung to my leg, and begged me to pick her up. Santa was a no-go. A huge display with characters that moved and rotated performed a Christmas musical. It even snowed indoors! It was actually bubbles, but it was a neat effect for the kids! Mikayla was so tired by this point, with no nap all day, that she was barely holding on.
On Christmas Eve, as we were leaving the hotel, we had a snow storm, so we woke up on Christmas morning to a white Christmas! It was the first white Christmas I can remember. I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of it! That is the pregant brain. Sorry!
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