We've had a very busy past few days...
Owen had his 3 year check up on Thursday. He weighs 33 lbs and is 37 inches tall. The checkup went pretty well, if you consider a complete meltdown in the exam room going well. Owen was just hungry, so I knew it would come and wasn't surprised when it did. The doc was surprised though! See, I had been in her office before concerned about his tantrums. But, the tantrums back then were on a completely different level and most of the time I had no idea where it was coming from. When I was in her office before, she said he was being a typical boy with a lot of energy. So, when he actually showed her what he's got, she was a little taken aback. She looked at me and said "wow" and I just looked her like "what, this? this is nothing!". I'm so used to it now. Owen calmed eventually and we got through the exam. I was kinda glad he threw the fit so she at least knew where I was coming from. After the doc apt we went to Burger King to get lunch. Owen played on the outside equipment, it was a beautiful day! Then, we went to his dentist appointment. I was nervous when they said he would go in by himself to see the dentist, I wasn't sure how it would go. But, he did great!! We've been doing a lot of reading about the dentist and he was excited to go. His teeth looked good.
Friday we went to our friend Heather's house for a playdate. All the kids that morning were in cranky moods. Owen was looking forward to playing with Brady, but he kept pushing him! (Owen pushes everyone now, not sure where that is coming from!) Brady, his little sister Lauren, and Levi all were a little cranky...must have been something in the air. As we were leaving, Owen threw a huge fit (surprise) and I had to hold him down to get him strapped in the car seat. Such a fabulous way to leave a friend's house....want us to come back next week Heather??? :-) Friday night we went out to dinner....to Chuck E Cheese! Woo hoo! Heather inspired me to go out to dinner with the fam...she had just taken hers on an outing and I wanted to be a big copycat. Owen did great!!! He got a little cranky towards the end, but he was just having fun and didn't eat and got cranky.
At this point, I feel like one of those really annoying moms who does nothing but talk about her kids...and then he did this, and this, and this...
So I'll do it some more....
Levi stood today on his own for a few seconds! He went to a parents day out for a couple of hours last week and the teachers there thought he was advanced! Yeah! Not because I think Levi is advanced, but (read earlier post) I was a little worried about his development. He is clapping now on cue and giving me kisses. He isn't cruising yet, but I think that will come very soon.
A quick congrats to my friend Jayna and her hubby Eric and daughter Amelia. They just added a new baby girl, Kaelyn! Congrats!
I need to close and go back to packing...Barclay and I leave for Jamaica in 4 days!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
He Said - She Said
Her Side (as dictated by Suzy):
So Barclay is annoyed with me. Its not the first and certainly won't be the last time. He calls me from Charter (cable company) store to say that because the cable is in my name, I have to give them permission to add HDTV to our service. I ask why we are adding HDTV, and he said well, because we got an High Def TV. I said well, we discussed the TV, but we didn't discuss getting extra cable service. He said, why would we get a High Def TV without the extra service, and besides we DID discuss it. I ask when, exactly, and he said that he asked how much extra the service was going to be and I told him $10. So, anyone following this??? He asked me a question, I answered, and somehow that constituted agreement for said service. Anyway, I feel bad now because he was having this conversation on the phone at the store with this service agent staring at him. We did not get the service.
His Side (as dictated by Barclay):
First of all, I was annoyed with Charter for saying I needed permission to begin with. I said, "can't you just look at the address on my license and compare it to the bill. Or how about you look at the name on the automatic bill payment every month...That's right its me!" The lady informed me of the new policy. So I thought, "no big deal". Whipped out the iPhone, dialed home with a confident swagger in my voice....
ME: "Honey, I'm at Charter and they won't let me add the high-def service because your name is on the account and not mine." Suzy: "What high-def service? What are you talking about? I'm confused.".
ME: (I hold up the universal, one minute please to the Charter lady as I continue to talk). "The $10 a month High Def service to go with the new High Def TV we bought."
Suzy: "We haven't discussed this. Why do we need it?"
ME: "Ummm, that's kinda the point of High Def. What's the point of having high def if we can't see the pimples on Oprah's third chin?"
Suzy: "I think we need to discuss it more."
ME: "Fine."
I hang up and look at the Charter lady, with a pitiful look. She of course apologizes for the policy. I inform her it's not her fault, and maybe someday, I'll be able to spend $10 a month without asking for permission. So I sulk out the door and head home, reminiscing of the days back when I used to have balls.
So Barclay is annoyed with me. Its not the first and certainly won't be the last time. He calls me from Charter (cable company) store to say that because the cable is in my name, I have to give them permission to add HDTV to our service. I ask why we are adding HDTV, and he said well, because we got an High Def TV. I said well, we discussed the TV, but we didn't discuss getting extra cable service. He said, why would we get a High Def TV without the extra service, and besides we DID discuss it. I ask when, exactly, and he said that he asked how much extra the service was going to be and I told him $10. So, anyone following this??? He asked me a question, I answered, and somehow that constituted agreement for said service. Anyway, I feel bad now because he was having this conversation on the phone at the store with this service agent staring at him. We did not get the service.
His Side (as dictated by Barclay):
First of all, I was annoyed with Charter for saying I needed permission to begin with. I said, "can't you just look at the address on my license and compare it to the bill. Or how about you look at the name on the automatic bill payment every month...That's right its me!" The lady informed me of the new policy. So I thought, "no big deal". Whipped out the iPhone, dialed home with a confident swagger in my voice....
ME: "Honey, I'm at Charter and they won't let me add the high-def service because your name is on the account and not mine." Suzy: "What high-def service? What are you talking about? I'm confused.".
ME: (I hold up the universal, one minute please to the Charter lady as I continue to talk). "The $10 a month High Def service to go with the new High Def TV we bought."
Suzy: "We haven't discussed this. Why do we need it?"
ME: "Ummm, that's kinda the point of High Def. What's the point of having high def if we can't see the pimples on Oprah's third chin?"
Suzy: "I think we need to discuss it more."
ME: "Fine."
I hang up and look at the Charter lady, with a pitiful look. She of course apologizes for the policy. I inform her it's not her fault, and maybe someday, I'll be able to spend $10 a month without asking for permission. So I sulk out the door and head home, reminiscing of the days back when I used to have balls.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
"Its a beautiful day...."
I have that song from U2 in my head...its on our wedding video too.
I'm feeling very thankful for everything in my life this morning. Its absolutely gorgeous outside, and Barclay is making me an omelet (my hubby is a damn good cook). We have had such a wonderful weekend. The boys went to grandma and grandpas' on Friday (again, I have fabulous in-laws). Owen had a blast playing outside all weekend there. Friday night, I had a bunch of friends over and we drank and talked the night away until 2 am (some ladies until 4 am!). Barclay went out with his guy friends. Saturday, another beautiful day, we did some yard work outside. Barclay got to take a nap, in exchange for us to go see a model home in a new subdivision (This whole house thing is a bit of a sore spot for Barclay and I, but that is a blog entry for a different day, I'm staying positive right now:-)). Then, we went to a late afternoon picnic with a bunch of friends. This morning, we woke up to beautiful weather, and having a cup of coffee listening to some Christian music. We both like contemporary Christian music...not the old school hymn stuff (nothing wrong with it, just not our thing).
I'm so happy right now, just feeling very grateful for my life, family, and good friends.
I'm feeling very thankful for everything in my life this morning. Its absolutely gorgeous outside, and Barclay is making me an omelet (my hubby is a damn good cook). We have had such a wonderful weekend. The boys went to grandma and grandpas' on Friday (again, I have fabulous in-laws). Owen had a blast playing outside all weekend there. Friday night, I had a bunch of friends over and we drank and talked the night away until 2 am (some ladies until 4 am!). Barclay went out with his guy friends. Saturday, another beautiful day, we did some yard work outside. Barclay got to take a nap, in exchange for us to go see a model home in a new subdivision (This whole house thing is a bit of a sore spot for Barclay and I, but that is a blog entry for a different day, I'm staying positive right now:-)). Then, we went to a late afternoon picnic with a bunch of friends. This morning, we woke up to beautiful weather, and having a cup of coffee listening to some Christian music. We both like contemporary Christian music...not the old school hymn stuff (nothing wrong with it, just not our thing).
I'm so happy right now, just feeling very grateful for my life, family, and good friends.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Levi fell in the toilet
Got your attention? Here is an actual rending of a morning-in-the-life of the Nothaus family. All events are true and factual
-Got up 5 am and went to gym
-Got home from gym in a fabulous mood. Bright, sunny, crisp, cool, morning.
-Got both boys ready to leave for 8 am doc apt across town
-Put boys in van, yelled at Owen because he wouldn't sit in the car seat (good mood over)
-Started drive across town in awful traffic. Wondered why in the hell I made an 8 am apt for Owen.
-Levi starts crying. Doesn't stop entire car ride
-Cursed and moaned that we would be late for 8 am apt even though the doc office is never on time.
-Arrive at doctor office, taking 10 minutes to unpack boys and all their crap
-Race to elevator. Owen screaming "Owen push button"
-Let Owen push button once inside the elevator, pushes button for 3 different floors
-Get off elevator, race to doc office. Doctor is actually standing there waiting for us. I feel like an ass.
-Doc does hearing test. Owen doesn't pass, told we have to come back in 1-2 months. Sends us upstairs for another doctor.
-Go to elevator. Owen screaming "Owen push button"
-Let Owen push button once inside the elevator, pushes button for 4 different floors (nope, didn't learn my lesson the first time)
-Levi gets tired and starts fussing
-Arrive at other doctor apt waiting room
-Receptionist hands me 5 pieces of paper to fill out. Trying to fill out while Levi is fussy and Owen trying to run out the door.
-Owen says, "Go Pee".
-Got to restroom. Put Levi on floor in stall. Help Owen with his pants. Levi crawls under stall door. Hear big splash. Run into other stall, Levi pulled himself up and fell in toilet.
-Owen flushes toilet for 50th time. Run back in other stall. Owen has taken toilet paper roll from stall and put in toilet and flushing it watching it unroll.
-Take boys over to sink to clean them up
-Go back to waiting room. Smash Levi's hand in door when trying to fit stroller through it. Levi starts screaming.
-Receptionist tells me I forgot to fill out a piece of paperwork.
-Get called into tiny waiting room. Owen starts repeating "that one" and Levi starts screaming again.
-Yell at Owen to stop saying "that one"
-Ignore "No Food" sign on door and break out treats.
-Levi dumps treats all over floor
-Owen starts screaming
-Wonder briefly how inappropriate it would be to put duck tape over Owen's mouth
-Doc comes in, gives me a dirty look
-Doc checks out Owen, says ears are fine, make an apt for 9 months
-Notice that no one makes eye contact with me as I am leaving the office
And that was all before 9 am....
-Got up 5 am and went to gym
-Got home from gym in a fabulous mood. Bright, sunny, crisp, cool, morning.
-Got both boys ready to leave for 8 am doc apt across town
-Put boys in van, yelled at Owen because he wouldn't sit in the car seat (good mood over)
-Started drive across town in awful traffic. Wondered why in the hell I made an 8 am apt for Owen.
-Levi starts crying. Doesn't stop entire car ride
-Cursed and moaned that we would be late for 8 am apt even though the doc office is never on time.
-Arrive at doctor office, taking 10 minutes to unpack boys and all their crap
-Race to elevator. Owen screaming "Owen push button"
-Let Owen push button once inside the elevator, pushes button for 3 different floors
-Get off elevator, race to doc office. Doctor is actually standing there waiting for us. I feel like an ass.
-Doc does hearing test. Owen doesn't pass, told we have to come back in 1-2 months. Sends us upstairs for another doctor.
-Go to elevator. Owen screaming "Owen push button"
-Let Owen push button once inside the elevator, pushes button for 4 different floors (nope, didn't learn my lesson the first time)
-Levi gets tired and starts fussing
-Arrive at other doctor apt waiting room
-Receptionist hands me 5 pieces of paper to fill out. Trying to fill out while Levi is fussy and Owen trying to run out the door.
-Owen says, "Go Pee".
-Got to restroom. Put Levi on floor in stall. Help Owen with his pants. Levi crawls under stall door. Hear big splash. Run into other stall, Levi pulled himself up and fell in toilet.
-Owen flushes toilet for 50th time. Run back in other stall. Owen has taken toilet paper roll from stall and put in toilet and flushing it watching it unroll.
-Take boys over to sink to clean them up
-Go back to waiting room. Smash Levi's hand in door when trying to fit stroller through it. Levi starts screaming.
-Receptionist tells me I forgot to fill out a piece of paperwork.
-Get called into tiny waiting room. Owen starts repeating "that one" and Levi starts screaming again.
-Yell at Owen to stop saying "that one"
-Ignore "No Food" sign on door and break out treats.
-Levi dumps treats all over floor
-Owen starts screaming
-Wonder briefly how inappropriate it would be to put duck tape over Owen's mouth
-Doc comes in, gives me a dirty look
-Doc checks out Owen, says ears are fine, make an apt for 9 months
-Notice that no one makes eye contact with me as I am leaving the office
And that was all before 9 am....
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Just some stuff
Owen is learning how to use the computer. That is good and bad. Good, because surely he is a genius if he knows how to use the computer at 3 years old right? (joking), bad because he is doing things to our computer that we don't know how to undue. Case in point, he somehow changed a setting on the Internet so I couldn't get to blogspot to create my post, and, yesterday, I happen to look at the computer screen to see an error message "Now erasing your hard drive". It was slow motion as I ran to the computer, the computer was talking to me like that movie War Games ("do you want to play a game...do you want me to erase all your data because your stupid ass left your 3 year old on the computer by himself?"). I think I clicked some button moments before it initiated. To my knowledge, all is well.
So, my husband just looked at my twitter account is now concerned about my "part-time" job. Apparently, I have quite a few followers from not-so-Christian like people...one person had a status of, well, let me just say "love you long time" is putting it nicely.
Okay, so today went well. Levi is over his pooping issues from the other day and was very regular today. Those with little ones know how very important this is. We played ball today, sat on the ground and rolled a ball back and forth. Did I mention before that he said Ball?? Last week he did, it was so awesome! Owen didn't say ball until over 18 mo old. Levi also looks like he is starting to wave and "roll 'em up". My performance development plan is working!
Owen did well at school again. His teachers describe him as very sweet. He is such an Eddie Haskle (Leave it to Beaver), we got home and he didn't want to come inside to I bribed him with a treat. Then he didn't want to go upstairs after lunch so I bribed him with a treat. (notice a trend?). He ended up pooping right after I left him in his room for nap, decided to take off his pants and sit on his chair...and then apparently do some acrabats in said chair. So I got to clean ground in poop off his chair today, good times...good times....
So, I'm on weight watchers and doing fabulous! I have lost 11 lbs so far and today I had my body fat re-tested and I've lost 4% body fat! I'm feeling great and love the program. If you stick to the points, it really does work!
I bought 5 power ball tickets tonight. If we win, you probably won't hear from me for awhile as I will be searching for my own private island to buy.
So, my husband just looked at my twitter account is now concerned about my "part-time" job. Apparently, I have quite a few followers from not-so-Christian like people...one person had a status of, well, let me just say "love you long time" is putting it nicely.
Okay, so today went well. Levi is over his pooping issues from the other day and was very regular today. Those with little ones know how very important this is. We played ball today, sat on the ground and rolled a ball back and forth. Did I mention before that he said Ball?? Last week he did, it was so awesome! Owen didn't say ball until over 18 mo old. Levi also looks like he is starting to wave and "roll 'em up". My performance development plan is working!
Owen did well at school again. His teachers describe him as very sweet. He is such an Eddie Haskle (Leave it to Beaver), we got home and he didn't want to come inside to I bribed him with a treat. Then he didn't want to go upstairs after lunch so I bribed him with a treat. (notice a trend?). He ended up pooping right after I left him in his room for nap, decided to take off his pants and sit on his chair...and then apparently do some acrabats in said chair. So I got to clean ground in poop off his chair today, good times...good times....
So, I'm on weight watchers and doing fabulous! I have lost 11 lbs so far and today I had my body fat re-tested and I've lost 4% body fat! I'm feeling great and love the program. If you stick to the points, it really does work!
I bought 5 power ball tickets tonight. If we win, you probably won't hear from me for awhile as I will be searching for my own private island to buy.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
First Day of School!
Owen's first day of preschool was yesterday. He was so cute with his backpack and new shoes. I didn't get to see him off because I go to work so early on Mon/Tues, but you can tell how excited he is in the pictures. I'm excited to see what this year brings. I think it will be good for him to be around other kids and have to take direction from another adult for a good chunk of time (besides me, dad, gma/gpa). He will go to school M-TH for 3 hours. At first I was really sad he would be gone 4 days a week, but the 3 hours will fly by, and I will get to spend time with Levi.
I'm tired and still need to call my friend back so that is enough for today.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
What the #$%^?
Okay, before I write this post, and who knows if I will even post it, here is something to know about me. I tend to be slightly dramatic. My intent of this blog is to be as real as possible with the happenings of our family. That means, its not all picture perfect and puppy dog tails. I'm no where near a perfect, slightly perfect, near perfect mom....maybe mediorce. If you could study for parenthood by golly I would have an A+. I've read just about every parenting book there is, which has gotten me into trouble on several occasions. So, for all family who is reading this, please don't be alarmed at my candor.
What the *(#$ is up today???? It is the day after Owen's bday, and there are new toys and presents galore, and he is being a whiny little....um boy. Barclay is currently scolding Owen for something for the millionth time today and I'm typing on the computer because I don't want to be around him right now. Levi is upstairs crying, the little guy has pooping issues and needs to go to sleep because he has only slept 45 min today. Needless to say, its chaos here today.
Yesterday, Owen's actually bday, went very well. He had a good time at his party, and played with his little friends. Brady arrived and he said "Hi Brady". We didn't open presents because that morning, Barclay and tried to give him our presents and he wouldn't open them, maybe its a sensory thing.
I think its because I have this expectation of how Owen should be. When he walked down the stairs and saw a million presents at the foot of the stairs, he should have done a swan dive into them like any red blooded (or at least a child with my blood) 3 year old, right? So, then I get upset because he's not into the presents...or the Thomas Bike we got for him, even though Barclay warned me that Owen was too young for the bike but I didn't listen and got it anyway....I hate it when he is right. So, Owen is playing with a pooh phone from some garage sale years ago. And Levi is still crying upstairs.
Vodka anyone???
What the *(#$ is up today???? It is the day after Owen's bday, and there are new toys and presents galore, and he is being a whiny little....um boy. Barclay is currently scolding Owen for something for the millionth time today and I'm typing on the computer because I don't want to be around him right now. Levi is upstairs crying, the little guy has pooping issues and needs to go to sleep because he has only slept 45 min today. Needless to say, its chaos here today.
Yesterday, Owen's actually bday, went very well. He had a good time at his party, and played with his little friends. Brady arrived and he said "Hi Brady". We didn't open presents because that morning, Barclay and tried to give him our presents and he wouldn't open them, maybe its a sensory thing.
I think its because I have this expectation of how Owen should be. When he walked down the stairs and saw a million presents at the foot of the stairs, he should have done a swan dive into them like any red blooded (or at least a child with my blood) 3 year old, right? So, then I get upset because he's not into the presents...or the Thomas Bike we got for him, even though Barclay warned me that Owen was too young for the bike but I didn't listen and got it anyway....I hate it when he is right. So, Owen is playing with a pooh phone from some garage sale years ago. And Levi is still crying upstairs.
Vodka anyone???
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Happy Birthday Owen!
Happy birthday my sweet Owen! You are 3 years old today! I really hope you enjoy your birthday. You get to have a party at Whittle Train station with lots of your playdate friends. You have so many people who care for you and cherish you. You are such a joy to be around. Our road together hasn't always been easy. Daddy says we are like "oil and oil". We are so much alike, and sometimes that gets us into trouble with each other. We are both very active, opinionated, stubborn, strong willed, independent, confrontational, and once we get an idea in our head, we can't let it go. Those traits don't always go well together with 2 people in the same house. And even though I pull my hair out sometimes, I'm glad you have those qualities. Because I know you will never let anyone or anything get you down. You will conquer everything you set your mind to. You are a fighter. Your name even means Warrior, and its so fitting. With all these type-A traits also comes this big heart and a killer smile. You can melt anyone with those sparkling blue eyes. When you run up to me smiling and laughing and throw your arms around me I could die right then a happy person. Gosh, sometimes I wish for you to be older so that its not "so much work", but I don't want that either. I love your innocence, your energy, your pure joy. I love you sweet boy, more than I could ever put into words.
Happy Birthday.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The boys are tired and cranky
Both boys are upstairs crying right now. There is little left to do other than let them cry while I type and try to ignore it. They are both very tired and cranky, and its my fault...well kind of.
The day started off great. Grandma and cousin Wyatt drove over from Carlyle to spend the morning with Owen for his birthday. We all went to the Creation Station at the Museam of Transportation and then rode the train. We went to McDonalds for lunch after.
Both boys were very tired and ready for naps as soon as we got home. That was all well and good, except I had to take them to the Open House at Owen's new school at 1 pm. So they both only got 30 minutes of rest, not good for boys who like their long 3 hour naps (not good for me either). Why in the world did this school schedule an open house from 1 - 2 pm??? I needed to take Owen, so that he is comfortable when he goes on Monday. I'm still annoyed about it, esp as I listen to my 2 guys cry from being over-tired. I'm tired and cranky too. Hopefully they fall asleep soon.
Tomorrow is a big day. Owen turns 3 and has a birthday party at Whittle Train Station. There are lots of little friends coming, but he keeps talking about Brady. He says "Brady is coming to my birthday, I'm going to be 3". Its so cute.
Okay, I think they are calming down. I need to rest. Hopefully I can get a quick nap in when daddy gets home from work.
The day started off great. Grandma and cousin Wyatt drove over from Carlyle to spend the morning with Owen for his birthday. We all went to the Creation Station at the Museam of Transportation and then rode the train. We went to McDonalds for lunch after.
Both boys were very tired and ready for naps as soon as we got home. That was all well and good, except I had to take them to the Open House at Owen's new school at 1 pm. So they both only got 30 minutes of rest, not good for boys who like their long 3 hour naps (not good for me either). Why in the world did this school schedule an open house from 1 - 2 pm??? I needed to take Owen, so that he is comfortable when he goes on Monday. I'm still annoyed about it, esp as I listen to my 2 guys cry from being over-tired. I'm tired and cranky too. Hopefully they fall asleep soon.
Tomorrow is a big day. Owen turns 3 and has a birthday party at Whittle Train Station. There are lots of little friends coming, but he keeps talking about Brady. He says "Brady is coming to my birthday, I'm going to be 3". Its so cute.
Okay, I think they are calming down. I need to rest. Hopefully I can get a quick nap in when daddy gets home from work.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
I worry...
I'm sitting here with a pit in my stomach. Because I don't have enough to worry about, I'm now a little concerned about Levi. I just read a friend's blog whose baby is one month younger than Levi, and he is pulling up on everything, cruising, waving, blowing kisses...Levi is doing none of those things. Well, he is starting to pull up now, but doesn't seem all that interested in it. He is starting to crawl a little more, but still mainly does the military scoot. He is starting to do mamamama now....please please let everything be okay with Levi. I want to cry. I asked the speech therapist yesterday if I had anything to worry about, and she said no. She mentioned to have his ped look to see if he has hip dysplasia (sp?) cause he is only scooting with this right leg. I'm just being paranoid and oversensitive, right?? I started to get worried about Levi when at his last ped visit, she went over a developmental milestone checklist and I answered 'No' to just about everything (crawling, waving, claping, pulling up). She said to call if he wasn't doing those things in 6 weeks. I just need to put Levi on a performance development plan! ha!
Today has been another good day though. Both boys in very good spirits. Owen had My Gym camp this morning for 3 hours, then his last visit with the OT. She was another huge help in our lives. The first time she came, Owen went and sat on her lap. That was nuts because he never even sat on our laps! It was like he knew she was gonna "get" him. She has taught us a lot about his sensory seeking behaviors. Things that used to bug the crap outa me now make sense.
Yesterday afternoon, Owen and Levi played outside in the "water park" and rocket spinkler..here are some picts
Today has been another good day though. Both boys in very good spirits. Owen had My Gym camp this morning for 3 hours, then his last visit with the OT. She was another huge help in our lives. The first time she came, Owen went and sat on her lap. That was nuts because he never even sat on our laps! It was like he knew she was gonna "get" him. She has taught us a lot about his sensory seeking behaviors. Things that used to bug the crap outa me now make sense.
Yesterday afternoon, Owen and Levi played outside in the "water park" and rocket spinkler..here are some picts
OMG - I can't believe it took me this long to bring this up....on the front cover of the Post Dispatch this morning was an article on Autism Insurance coverage (here is a link to the article): http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/9306D44B0EA32206862576110000E653?OpenDocument
It makes my blood boil that insurance companies can mandate what they feel is "insurable". From what I understand, companies do not think autism is "curable" so they don't want to spend $$ on its treatment. The last time I checked (and I just googled to make sure this is accurate) there is no cure for cancer...so do insurance companies deny coverage for chemo? And another thing, insurance will cover the cost for gastic bypass surgery.... (okay, I need to stop now because I don't have think enough skin for hate mail :-) ).
Thanks for the e-card hunny, that was very sweet :-)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A great day!
I wish I could bottle today up and just reproduce it and live it every day. I could tell from the moment Owen got up that he was "with it". He is 100% with us today, just a normal very happy (almost) 3 year old boy. We started the morning off with cereal, he played some sesame street games on the computer, and then we went for a walk. He drives his red dodge truck and I walk with Mason and Levi. He did so good! We were running out of time because Miss Sue(speech therapist) was gonna be at our house, so I told Owen we couldn't take our normal route. I was nervous, because Owen fixates on sameness. We have to walk the same route every day. I was ready for a meltdown. He started to go "left" and I said "Owen we have to go straight, Miss Sue is going to be at our house soon" and I just started walking straight, hoping and praying he would follow....and he did!!!! I was shouting "good job Owen, good job listening" and clapping like mad...anyone on the street would have thought I was a crazy person, but this was HUGE for us, HUGE!! And then...we get home and Owen said "Hey mommy, I want to go downstairs to the basement and play with beads, I won't let Levi have any". Okay, can I remind you that just 3 months ago we were happy if Owen put 3 words together? He not only asked to go and play, but remembered me saying to him that Levi was too little for the beads he played with and not to let him have them.
Owen's last session with Miss Sue was today. I'm sad. She has helped our family so much and given such great advise. She has truly helped our family grow. (If anyone in STL is in need of services, please contact her http://www.therapyrelief.com/)
After speech, we packed up and went to Tilles Park. St. Louis has amazing parks, really, I've been here 3 summers now and still haven't been to all of them. This park had a great play area and a little water play area. I had a scary moment when I was doing something with Levi and couldn't find Owen. I eventually found him on the swings, but it was really scary...he is so fast! So here is a mommy thing I did while at the park that maybe wasn't cool, but it had to be done. We got to the park and I got Levi out and he had pooped. I go to change him and opps...no diapers! So I took a wipe and scraped the poop onto the ground and put the diaper back on him :) No, there wasn't a bathroom or a garbage can around. Its just poop on the ground, no worse than the duck poop everywhere....Oh, and then I didn't realize the water area was there, so I let Owen run around in his underwear to play in it. Yes, I am THAT hoosier mom...
I've come home to a spotless clean house. Every-other-Wed my cleaning lady comes and it is by far my favorite day of the week. I used to be a neat freak before I had kids, so I really enjoy the 2 hours I get of a spotless house. I wanted to take a picture to show the house at Noon and then at 4 pm, because it will be a mess by then, but the camera is in Levi's room. Its quiet, the boys are sleeping, the house is clean, I'm in heaven. I feel like I should be on one of those Hersey Bliss commercials right now.
Owen's last session with Miss Sue was today. I'm sad. She has helped our family so much and given such great advise. She has truly helped our family grow. (If anyone in STL is in need of services, please contact her http://www.therapyrelief.com/)
After speech, we packed up and went to Tilles Park. St. Louis has amazing parks, really, I've been here 3 summers now and still haven't been to all of them. This park had a great play area and a little water play area. I had a scary moment when I was doing something with Levi and couldn't find Owen. I eventually found him on the swings, but it was really scary...he is so fast! So here is a mommy thing I did while at the park that maybe wasn't cool, but it had to be done. We got to the park and I got Levi out and he had pooped. I go to change him and opps...no diapers! So I took a wipe and scraped the poop onto the ground and put the diaper back on him :) No, there wasn't a bathroom or a garbage can around. Its just poop on the ground, no worse than the duck poop everywhere....Oh, and then I didn't realize the water area was there, so I let Owen run around in his underwear to play in it. Yes, I am THAT hoosier mom...
I've come home to a spotless clean house. Every-other-Wed my cleaning lady comes and it is by far my favorite day of the week. I used to be a neat freak before I had kids, so I really enjoy the 2 hours I get of a spotless house. I wanted to take a picture to show the house at Noon and then at 4 pm, because it will be a mess by then, but the camera is in Levi's room. Its quiet, the boys are sleeping, the house is clean, I'm in heaven. I feel like I should be on one of those Hersey Bliss commercials right now.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
2009 Walk for Autism in St. Louis
I have started Team Nothaus for the 2009 Walk Now for Autism event in St. Louis. I've set a team goal of raising $1000. I would greatly appreciate your support, even $5 is helpful!! Please follow this link to donate and/or sign up for my team!
http://www.walknowforautism.org/stlouis/nothaus
http://www.walknowforautism.org/stlouis/nothaus
Monday, August 10, 2009
I finally did it!
I got my butt outa bed at 5 am this morning to work out! I did a spin class at Golds...I'm pretty sure the spin instructor thought I was there to train for the navy seals or something. I just wanted a good workout, not to swim in my own sweat. Well, I burned a lot of calories anyway.
Today I worked. I work Mon/Tues at Scottrade, I love my job. It is a fabulous balance between being a mommy and having my own time. Work is a part of my identity. Plus, the extra $$ doesn't hurt. The boys are at Grandma/Grandpa. I have fabulous in-laws who love our boys to pieces. Barclay talked to Grandma and she reported that Owen's cousins came over and he actually played with them quite a bit...yeah!
I have a question...just how many freaking clothes can 2 kids under 30 lbs go through?! I do a load of laundry almost every day, and I can never seem to catch up. As soon as I think I have it all, bam!, there is a dirty onesie. My friend Mindy said she does laundry every 2 weeks, I have no idea how that is accomplished.
Barclay and I had date night tonight. Monday isn't very sexy for a date night, but we are thankful for it nonetheless. We got our monthly massage and then went out to dinner. Yes, we get a massage once a month. I think its important to take care of your body, mind, spirit. And my spirit is soothed by a massage :-) Its actually quite reasonable through massage envy.
I'm off to watch Kate minus John plus eight. I've been watching that show for a long time, and I'm addicted even though I shouldn't give them the time of day. At first, I felt sorry for John, cause Kate can be a overbearing bitch, but his behavior as of late makes me ill. But I'll keep watching, cause even though I am a control freak, Kate is 1000X worse and makes me feel better about myself :-)
Today I worked. I work Mon/Tues at Scottrade, I love my job. It is a fabulous balance between being a mommy and having my own time. Work is a part of my identity. Plus, the extra $$ doesn't hurt. The boys are at Grandma/Grandpa. I have fabulous in-laws who love our boys to pieces. Barclay talked to Grandma and she reported that Owen's cousins came over and he actually played with them quite a bit...yeah!
I have a question...just how many freaking clothes can 2 kids under 30 lbs go through?! I do a load of laundry almost every day, and I can never seem to catch up. As soon as I think I have it all, bam!, there is a dirty onesie. My friend Mindy said she does laundry every 2 weeks, I have no idea how that is accomplished.
Barclay and I had date night tonight. Monday isn't very sexy for a date night, but we are thankful for it nonetheless. We got our monthly massage and then went out to dinner. Yes, we get a massage once a month. I think its important to take care of your body, mind, spirit. And my spirit is soothed by a massage :-) Its actually quite reasonable through massage envy.
I'm off to watch Kate minus John plus eight. I've been watching that show for a long time, and I'm addicted even though I shouldn't give them the time of day. At first, I felt sorry for John, cause Kate can be a overbearing bitch, but his behavior as of late makes me ill. But I'll keep watching, cause even though I am a control freak, Kate is 1000X worse and makes me feel better about myself :-)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Re-calibration Sunday
I love going to church. I almost always feel so fulfilled after going. There are times that I am not so much into the topic, but 75% of the time I am better for going. Barclay and I are non-denominational. We believe in God and Jesus, but we do not have a particular affiliation. We attend Windsor Crossing, which is a great place. They have cool music, and best of all you can roll out of bed and go, dressing up is not required and in fact if you did people might look at you kinda funny. Today, the guest speaker was telling a story about a man whose 7 month old died. I can't even wrap my head around how painful that is to go through, and I never never want to find out. The topic was painful to listen to, but I left feeling very thankful for my boys. I can get sour sometimes, and wonder why things have to be "so hard", but really, its not hard. I don't want God to show me hard, I want to appreciate what I have right now.
The timer just went off for Owen's GFCF choc chip cookies with pureed summer squash mixed in. I put pureed veges in everything. He loves spinach brownies. But, just know they are as awful as they sound, Owen just doesn't know any better. I was doing the mix ins before stupid Jessica Sienfield :)
I am digging the blogging. I love to talk, and this is a way for me to talk un-interrupted for as long as I want....
Last night we gave the boys a bath together for the first time. It was so fun. Oh, as a matter of fact, it was the first time we ate dinner together as an entire family. Levi usually goes to bed at 6. But, he had a very late nap yesterday so we all go to eat together. Barclay made porterhouse and Owen ate a ton of it! The best steakhouse in town has nothin' on my husband's steaks. So, we tried a double bath and the boys had fun. Owen "washed" Levi.
Today after church we went to Target and got the boys (I love saying that) a new outside pool. I wanted to get 2, but we are on a cash only budget now to start saving more $$ so I had to pick between the two...you notice I say "I" had to...most of Owen's toys are for me, not him. I'm on a mission to keep him entertained. The happiness factor in our house looks like this...if the following people are happy in this order, then we are okay: Owen-Mommy-Levi-Mason(dog)-Daddy
The timer just went off for Owen's GFCF choc chip cookies with pureed summer squash mixed in. I put pureed veges in everything. He loves spinach brownies. But, just know they are as awful as they sound, Owen just doesn't know any better. I was doing the mix ins before stupid Jessica Sienfield :)
I am digging the blogging. I love to talk, and this is a way for me to talk un-interrupted for as long as I want....
Last night we gave the boys a bath together for the first time. It was so fun. Oh, as a matter of fact, it was the first time we ate dinner together as an entire family. Levi usually goes to bed at 6. But, he had a very late nap yesterday so we all go to eat together. Barclay made porterhouse and Owen ate a ton of it! The best steakhouse in town has nothin' on my husband's steaks. So, we tried a double bath and the boys had fun. Owen "washed" Levi.
Today after church we went to Target and got the boys (I love saying that) a new outside pool. I wanted to get 2, but we are on a cash only budget now to start saving more $$ so I had to pick between the two...you notice I say "I" had to...most of Owen's toys are for me, not him. I'm on a mission to keep him entertained. The happiness factor in our house looks like this...if the following people are happy in this order, then we are okay: Owen-Mommy-Levi-Mason(dog)-Daddy
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Bye Bye Pear Tree
We had our pear tree in the front yard cut down today. As much as I bitched about the thing, I'm kinda sad it is gone. It was a nice tree, but man those pears everywhere in the front were so flippin annoying. So many ants and rodents as a result. Plus, now we have more light coming into our house. It just seems so empty out front. Here is a before and after shot.
Today I went to a special needs fair. I wanted to hear a DAN (defeat autism now) doc speak and I'm really glad I went. At first, I was kinda annoyed. It was like a used car lot with sales people trying to sell something at every corner. Everything from theraputic hot tubes (will insurance pay for that?? :) ) to a new bath tub. I still don't really understand why the bath tub people where there. There was a booth with reps from Washington University, so I talked with them for awhile and that was cool. The conference with the DAN doc, Amy Davis, was awesome. She spoke about nutrition and how a lot of what we are is correlated to what we put into our bodies. Now, I love processed food just as much as the next person, but I'm definately more and more into health food for our family. Sure, it costs a little (okay, a lot) more, but in the long run I think it will actually be cheaper as we will be healthier. She has an autistic son so all of this is personal for her.
When I was listening to her talk, I had an ah-ha moment. Owen has been "stimming" a lot this week and acting really wierd at points (lots of toe walking, and sensory seeking behavior). He is on the GFCF diet so of course we wonder what we fed him accidentally. We couldn't think of anything, and during the presentation the doc was talking about chlorine in our water. HELLO, we have been swimming 4 times this week and I had a mental vision of Owen drinking water at the water parks. So, I wonder if there is something to that. Who knows, I have a tendancy to second guess myself all the time.
I asked Barclay if there is anything else I should report and he mentioned all of the things he has done today so I guess I'll put it in here: babyproofing (gates), cleaned kitchen, made Owen some GFCF bread, built a fort for Owen, and now is making his super yummy steaks. Yes hun, you rule.
Here are some recent (i.e. 5 min ago) shots of us and the boys.
Today I went to a special needs fair. I wanted to hear a DAN (defeat autism now) doc speak and I'm really glad I went. At first, I was kinda annoyed. It was like a used car lot with sales people trying to sell something at every corner. Everything from theraputic hot tubes (will insurance pay for that?? :) ) to a new bath tub. I still don't really understand why the bath tub people where there. There was a booth with reps from Washington University, so I talked with them for awhile and that was cool. The conference with the DAN doc, Amy Davis, was awesome. She spoke about nutrition and how a lot of what we are is correlated to what we put into our bodies. Now, I love processed food just as much as the next person, but I'm definately more and more into health food for our family. Sure, it costs a little (okay, a lot) more, but in the long run I think it will actually be cheaper as we will be healthier. She has an autistic son so all of this is personal for her.
When I was listening to her talk, I had an ah-ha moment. Owen has been "stimming" a lot this week and acting really wierd at points (lots of toe walking, and sensory seeking behavior). He is on the GFCF diet so of course we wonder what we fed him accidentally. We couldn't think of anything, and during the presentation the doc was talking about chlorine in our water. HELLO, we have been swimming 4 times this week and I had a mental vision of Owen drinking water at the water parks. So, I wonder if there is something to that. Who knows, I have a tendancy to second guess myself all the time.
I asked Barclay if there is anything else I should report and he mentioned all of the things he has done today so I guess I'll put it in here: babyproofing (gates), cleaned kitchen, made Owen some GFCF bread, built a fort for Owen, and now is making his super yummy steaks. Yes hun, you rule.
Here are some recent (i.e. 5 min ago) shots of us and the boys.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Gentleman, leave the speedos at home!
Owen had swimming lessons this morning, so off we went to the pool. From 10 - 10:30 he is supposed to do the teacher led lesson. Well, maybe he would if there wasn't TEN little kids and TWO instructors. He kept walking off, and I don't blame him cause it looks more and more boring each week. Owen is going to be a bad influence on kids. Yes, I'm going to have that kid that when you ask your son why he jumped off the highest part of the slide, well, "because Owen did it...". So Owen wouldn't stay on the wall, and as a result several other boys followed suit. Swimming lessons end and Owen and I went outside to for Toddler play time. Nothing spectacular there. The speedo incident happened when we came inside. There is a lap swimming pool, and Owen wanted to sit and watch the swimmers. So we did. Then, an old man in the shortest speedos came walking over. Men, do not, under any circumstances wear speedos (unless you are built like Micheal Phelps, then maybe it is okay). Yeah, I get that they are supposed to help you swim faster and all that. But, again, unless you are Micheal Phelps does it really matter that normal swim trunks will slow you down a minisule of a second? The really REALLY funny part is that Owen looks up at this man and says "Daddy?". I'm laughing again just thinking of it. I almost choked. First of all, that Barclay would ever be caught dead wearing them, Secondo of all, picturing my husband wearing them. No, thats not nice to say, but its damn funny!! (You think so too right hunny?).
Its only 2:30 and I'm exhausted. This is our day so far: Golds Gym at 8 am (note that the kids club workers commented that Owen "kept to himself and kinda zoned out the whole time", ugh, not good, but he seemed to come out of it as soon as we left), swimming lessons at 10, Toddler swim time at 10:30, home for lunch and some more outside play, got boys ready for 12:30 nap, tried to calm Owen out of huge trantum before bed, met with Owen's speech therapist at 1, called Owen's special school district to set up apt for open house, very quick shower, and now Levi is awake from Nap. And its only 2:30.
I just asked Levi to say mama and he answered with DaDa. And a big toot.
Happy Birthday Aimee!
Its only 2:30 and I'm exhausted. This is our day so far: Golds Gym at 8 am (note that the kids club workers commented that Owen "kept to himself and kinda zoned out the whole time", ugh, not good, but he seemed to come out of it as soon as we left), swimming lessons at 10, Toddler swim time at 10:30, home for lunch and some more outside play, got boys ready for 12:30 nap, tried to calm Owen out of huge trantum before bed, met with Owen's speech therapist at 1, called Owen's special school district to set up apt for open house, very quick shower, and now Levi is awake from Nap. And its only 2:30.
I just asked Levi to say mama and he answered with DaDa. And a big toot.
Happy Birthday Aimee!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
My first ever blog
I'm trying this blogging business. I'm so out of synch with the times; I've turned into one of those people that used to annoy me as a kid (what do you mean you don't know who Madonna is? Come on Grandma, its a CD, it plays music...whats so hard to understand?). Yeah, as I am still trying to figure out the IPOD feature on my Iphone, and I still don't get what Itunes is. Anyway, the point is I don't really get the whole blogging thing. But, I'm trying it out. I want a way to keep people updated on my (our) lives and a way to document all the cool and not-so-cool happenings with our kiddos. The time is going so fast, that it is going to slip away and I won't remember a thing. Maybe if I blog, I'll actually have something to reference to remember when Levi first pulled himself up (today!).
I'm going to try to keep this updated daily. Just like I said I would get up every morning at 5 am and run (ha ha, yet to do that...). I'm honored if you take time out of your busy schedule to read this, but just know that I'm not one of those witty writers (bloggers??) you hear mentioned. I'm pretty boring, a bad speller, and even worse at grammer.
Just to bring everyone up to speed (good lord, did I really just say that...I'm sure my work jargon will come out more than once); anyway, Owen is almost 3 years old (Aug 15th) and Levi is a little over 9 months. Owen has some developmental delays and we've had a very busy summer getting him speech and occupational therapy. He has made dramatic improvements. He is now potty trained and talks in senatnces. At the beginning of the summer, he was literally bouncing off walls, wouldn't make much eye contact, and was doing good to put 2 words together. Today, he said "Hey Mommy, I want to go under the rainbow". The rainbow is a spray water park thing by our house. So, I packed up both boys and we headed to the rainbow. Can I say how exhausting it is to watch 2 boys at a water park alone? It is. Anyway, Owen has good and bad days, just like we all do. But, for the most part he is doing really well. I'm so proud of him. I was putting him to bed the other night and he layed his head on my shoulder while I read to him and my heart wanted to burst with love. (1 minute later he got up and sat his butt on my face and laughed, but thats beside the point). Levi is precious. He is a very happy baby. He absolutely LOVES Owen. Owen walks up the stairs and Levi laughs. Its is so fun to watch. He is doing a military style crawl but not 'offically' crawling yet. He is drinking from a sippy cup, and says "Dada" all day. Oh, and now he pulls himself up. He basically just sits all day and smiles. As long as he is fed he is happy. (As a reminder, he was over 9lbs when born and hasn't looked back since!). He isn't the best overnight sleeper. Takes great naps, but still gets up now and then throughout the night. Barclay is the one who gets up with him 99.9% of the time, so I can't really complain (see I am giving you credit babe). I'm not a good night time mommy. I really REALLY like to sleep. Right now its 9:34 and I'm tired. So, I think I'm done for the evening.
Here it is, my first blog.
I'm going to try to keep this updated daily. Just like I said I would get up every morning at 5 am and run (ha ha, yet to do that...). I'm honored if you take time out of your busy schedule to read this, but just know that I'm not one of those witty writers (bloggers??) you hear mentioned. I'm pretty boring, a bad speller, and even worse at grammer.
Just to bring everyone up to speed (good lord, did I really just say that...I'm sure my work jargon will come out more than once); anyway, Owen is almost 3 years old (Aug 15th) and Levi is a little over 9 months. Owen has some developmental delays and we've had a very busy summer getting him speech and occupational therapy. He has made dramatic improvements. He is now potty trained and talks in senatnces. At the beginning of the summer, he was literally bouncing off walls, wouldn't make much eye contact, and was doing good to put 2 words together. Today, he said "Hey Mommy, I want to go under the rainbow". The rainbow is a spray water park thing by our house. So, I packed up both boys and we headed to the rainbow. Can I say how exhausting it is to watch 2 boys at a water park alone? It is. Anyway, Owen has good and bad days, just like we all do. But, for the most part he is doing really well. I'm so proud of him. I was putting him to bed the other night and he layed his head on my shoulder while I read to him and my heart wanted to burst with love. (1 minute later he got up and sat his butt on my face and laughed, but thats beside the point). Levi is precious. He is a very happy baby. He absolutely LOVES Owen. Owen walks up the stairs and Levi laughs. Its is so fun to watch. He is doing a military style crawl but not 'offically' crawling yet. He is drinking from a sippy cup, and says "Dada" all day. Oh, and now he pulls himself up. He basically just sits all day and smiles. As long as he is fed he is happy. (As a reminder, he was over 9lbs when born and hasn't looked back since!). He isn't the best overnight sleeper. Takes great naps, but still gets up now and then throughout the night. Barclay is the one who gets up with him 99.9% of the time, so I can't really complain (see I am giving you credit babe). I'm not a good night time mommy. I really REALLY like to sleep. Right now its 9:34 and I'm tired. So, I think I'm done for the evening.
Here it is, my first blog.
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