Play All Day

from the Saturday Night files

Hello, friends.  I have been waiting for this relaxing Saturday night all week.  It was a LONG one.  I was off campus more than I was on, and now I'm officially in the throes of "working two jobs".  It has been -- and will continue to be -- a whirlwind. 

On top of the busy business that was actually scheduled for the past week, Sara added her own dose of excitement when, on Thursday, her school called to say that she wouldn't eat, wouldn't play, and that she just wasn't being herself.  By the time I picked her up to take her to the pediatrician on Thursday afternoon, she was wheezing heavily.  The doctor immediately gave her a breathing treatment which she thoroughly and passionately lamented.  However, it worked, and most of her wheezing subsided.  The doctor called her condition "bronchiolitis," which is not quite asthma (like her daddy suffered from as a kid), but which is very similar to something I struggled with pretty consistently twice a year (spring and fall during heavy allergy seasons) for many of my childhood years.  Doc sent us home with steroids (again...ugh), an antibiotic for infected ears (again...double ugh), and our very own shiny new nebulizer to use every six hours around the clock.

Sara and I went back to the doctor this morning for a re-check.  While we were there, she did another breathing treatment.  After listening to her breathing and noticing her improved state thanks to the treatment, the doctor shared this tidbit: "The good news is that it's not related to any viral infection.  The bad news is that it's hereditary and you're probably looking at dealing with this for ... a while."  The last part of the statement is pretty generic, but we have no way of knowing when - if - she'll quit being a wheezer.  Given her genes and the fact that she is the product of two childhood wheezers, chances are this could last into her teen years.  The doctor did say that if we're having to use the nebulizer frequently without improvement in her condition, he may look into a long-term medication to help the situation, though I obviously hope to completely avoid this option if at all possible.  Honestly, best case scenario based on what we know at this point is that Sara will come down with this bronchial condition only a couple times a year as a result of allergies, and I think that is fairly common.  Worst case scenario is that we're relying on the nebulizer regularly, at which point she'd basically fall into the asthmatic category. Still, the chance remains that Sara's scenario will be neither of those things and that her condition this week has been a total fluke that will never arise again.  Anyway, in the meantime, we're continuing the breathing treatments and seeing the doctor again shortly.

Our friends Craig and Isaac came to town this weekend in honor of the NFL draft.  Craig had to leave earlier today, and now Steve and Isaac are out and about somewhere.  Which brings me to my relaxing evening.  Sara, Higgins, and I took a nice long walk and then played in the backyard.  While Sara worked on her mowing skills, I pulled some weeds from the flower bed.  At one point, Sara noticed what I was doing, and decided she'd help.  Before I knew it, she'd taken my weed-collecting bucket to the middle of the yard and was taking trip after trip from the flower bed to the bucket with handfuls of mulch (which is apparently what she thought I was putting in the bucket).  She thought she was being such a big helper, so I took the opportunity to encourage her and thank her for helping me.  (In hindsight, should I have taken the opportunity to teach her the difference between weeds and mulch?  Did I miss an opportunity?  Am I instead teaching my daughter that I'll praise her for doing anything, even when it's not the right thing?  I can't help but be a little bit obsessive -- and fearful -- about missing teachable moments.  Anyone with me?) When we were done, I asked her to put the bucket back on the porch, and she did so happily.  By that time, she was back to wheezing so we headed inside for another dreaded treatment, and then bath, books, and bed.

I've spent the last hour or so doing laundry and working on some school stuff.  I know that doesn't sound super relaxing, but just having the time to be home to do those things relaxes me, if that makes sense.  Plus, I enjoyed some wine while doing my chores, so that helps.  Now I'm going to read my book.  That will be, without a doubt, relaxing.

Wordless Wednesday

It's just that I don't have much to say.

I'm not ignoring my blog, it's just that I don't have much to say.  This week has been crazy and it's only half way over.  On the flip side, it's already half way over?!  I'll sum up the craziness at school so far this week in a few explicit words: detective, assault(s), handcuffs.  Oh, the excitement of springtime in a middle school.

Anyway, I do have some exciting news that most of you already know about because my not-so-coy husband proudly posted it on Facebook at the end of last week.  Of course I didn't know he had done such a thing until someone called to comment on it because, as you know, I'm one of the last remaining Facebook hold-outs.  Anyway, if you aren't up to speed, don't feel bad.  My exciting news is actually supposed to be a secret, so you're still among the first to know.  To the point ... my big news is that I have a new job for next school year!  While I won't officially start until June, the work is already coming my way so I'll be doubling-up for the rest of this year.  I'm thrilled about my new opportunity; it's one I've had my eye on for months and it happened to fall my way.  That's really all I'm going to say about it for now because, like I said, it's technically still a secret.  Shhhhh.

My change is also meaning a school change for Sara.  Her current school is convenient now, but won't be starting in June, so we're "hunting" for something new.  The term "hunting" really isn't super accurate, I guess, because I've only looked at one place ... but I thought it seemed pretty good so I put a small deposit down to hold a spot.  The biggest problem is that I've been so happy with her current school, and I just cannot fathom finding a new place that is as great.  Truth be told, I can't fathom finding a new place that is as great and doesn't cost a bajillion dollars.  In the end, I think Sara's transition will probably be harder on me than it will be on her (at least I hope so).  I just dread saying goodbye to her current teachers.  They have been such a blessing to us over the past sixteen months.

Speaking of 16 months, that's how old Sara Noel is now.  What?! 

Tonight we had gymnastics class at ASI.  This was our fourth week, and Sara is definitely getting the hang of things.  The class has kids up to three-years old, so there's an obvious difference in skill levels, but Sara seems to hold her own.  The kids do a variety of stations during the 50-minute session.  Sara's favorites are the trampoline and the circuit where they work on front rolls.  She's getting used to the pit, and really doesn't care at all for the circle/stretching time.  The whole sitting still thing is a real struggle.  Anyway, Steve and I have alternated between participating in class with Sara and watching from the stands.  Participating really is a good workout for the parent.  Tonight was my night, which is why I'm now sitting at the computer and Steve is out on a run. (Don't think that I'd actually be out on a run if it had been Steve's gymnastics night.  I'd probably still be sitting at the computer). 

Remember a while ago when I said I'm growing my hair out?  I'm still working on it, but now it's in a huge rut ... it's only growing thicker, not longer.  I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't had it cut in six months.  This evenings on the way home from gymnastics, I made a desperate phone call to my hair girl, pleading with her to fit me in after I've ignored her for so many months.  Hopefully that will happen this weekend.  It's urgent.

In addition to a potential haircut, we're looking forward to a fun weekend.  Liam's birthday party is Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night I'm going out with some girls to celebrate a sorority sister's bachelorette party.  I don't actually know any of the girls with whom I'll be going (except the bride, of course), but that is totally beside the point.  The point is that I'm going out.  By myself.  On a Saturday night.  WOO-HOO!

Other than that, my allergies are out of control.  Anyone else in my boat?  Speaking of allergies, Sara will be undergoing her official allergy testing next Monday.  Hopefully the update will be minimal.

So I guess I found a few things to say.  No new pictures this time, which I know is upsetting to the grandparents.  I promise a few on the next post.

Trouble With a Capital "T"

And that rhymes with "G" ...

...and that stands for GIRL.

Incidentally, it also rhymes with "D" ...

... and that stands for DRAMA.

Kiss & Tell

When I picked Sara up from school this afternoon, Ms. Rekha told me that Will kissed Sara on the lips three times today.  She said that Will had tried before, but that Sara had rebuffed his advances by pushing him.  Today, though, Sara didn't push Will away, and both kids thought their kisses were so funny that they laughed and laughed after each one.  Oh, my.

On the way home,  I advised Sara to find a happy medium between the pushing and the kissing.  I think a simple, "Thanks, but no thanks," should suffice. 

Happy Easter

We had quiet Easter, but enjoyed spending time just the three of us today.  Our festivities actually began last night with an egg hunt and potluck with a few of the neighbors in the cul-de-sac.  Sara loved running around with all of the big kids, and was beat by the time we came inside for the night.  She woke up today ready to go, though, and was thrilled to see that the Easter Bunny had visited our home during the night.

The very first item Sara pulled out of her basket was the pair of shoes.  She walked around holding them, saying, "Choos, choos."  They are a little big and may not really fit until the fall, but I'm so glad the EB picked them out because I think they are the cutest!

Sara also received bubbles, a coloring book, and a watering can.

We spent some time today at a fun park near our house.  We were sad to see signs stating that the park will be closed beginning tomorrow through August for renovations.  I'm sure it will be really nice when it's finished, but we were hoping to frequent it this summer.  Oh, well.

This evening we grilled pork tenderloin, and had it with potatoes and green beans.  I know you're supposed to have ham on Easter, but I couldn't find any small enough for just us.  Our tenderloin, glazed with red pepper jelly, turned out great and didn't make us miss the ham at all.  I also made red velvet cupcakes for dessert, but unfortunately neither my husband nor daughter appreciated my baking efforts.  They opted for ice cream instead, which means I'm bringing a bunch of leftover cupcakes to work tomorrow ... they certainly can't sit around here staring at me!  Sara devoured her ice cream; we never have dessert, so it was a real treat.   Steve couldn't believe that I failed to get Higgins any Easter treats this year (those days have passed, I guess, without my really even realizing it), but he did enjoy some leftover pork bits to compensate.  Now he and Sara are both sleeping soundly.

Hope everyone had a nice Easter and took plenty of time to enjoy family, friends, and the miracle of the One Who died to save us.

It's No Joke

Today is a BIG day in Faribault, MN.

Grandpa Todd is retiring after 34 years as a court reporter.  That's a long time!  We can't be in MN to celebrate with him today, but we'll be there for the bash in May.  In the meantime, Gpa Todd will be drumming, golfing, running, not wearing ties, spending time at the lake, cruising, not commuting to work, doing whatever sounds good whenever it sounds good, and - generally - living the good life. 

Congrats, Gpa Todd.  We love you!