Double whammy

The staff at our pediatrician's office are likely beginning to think I am stalking them as I made my third visit in seven days to them today.

While I like everyone at the office, I was conducting actual business on each of these visits and intend no harm to any of the fine folks who help to assure my girls are healthy.

Last Monday was Lola's 9-month check up. She mostly received rave reviews from Dr. Packard, but did not get good news when it came to meeting her milestones or making weight. Dr. Packard was concerned that Lola was only weighing 15.8 pounds, wasn't yet pushing herself to a sitting or standing position, couldn't crawl, doesn't wave "bye-bye" and is not saying "mama," "dada" or "baba."

I was all kinds of worried about this turn of events and began frantically researching and talking to anyone who I thought could be of any assistance to us. I got lots of great advice from people, but turns out none of it was needed as apparently all Lola needed was a few days to get all her ducks in a row.

I am thrilled that in seven days Lola is now completely adept at pushing herself to a sitting position and is doing the "commando" crawl all over the place. She hasn't yet mastered pulling up to a standing position, but she's getting there. I think waving is going to take some more time as will vocalising "mama," "dada" and "baba;" although I swear she said "cracker" on Sunday. (Don't call the crazy house on me. I have witnesses who'll back me up.)

As far as gaining weight goes, Jeff and I have begun feeding her loads of table food which is sure to pack the pounds on her frame. (It certainly worked for me.)

My other two visits to the pediatrician were for Amelia, who on Wednesday night began coughing in a manner that sounded as if she were communicating with a colony of sea lions. I took her in Thursday and learned she had a sinus infection. The doctor prescribed Zithromax and told us to continue the regimen of over-the-counter medicines we'd been giving her. He also ordered an allergy test to be performed when she is completely well speculating she is allergic to something that is aggravating her sinuses and making them ripe for infectious bacteria to move into.

Friday was not good as she spent the better part of the day coughing to the point she vomited, but by Saturday she appeared to be on the mend. Our luck ran out on Sunday, though, as she took a sudden turn for the worse. I knew something bad was going on when her grandparents came for a visit and she spent the majority of their visit on the couch doing an impression of a wet dish rag.

I got her an appointment with the doctor for this afternoon; but before I could take her in to be checked out, I doped her up, got her dressed in one of her fanciest dresses and hauled her and Lola to preschool for spring photos. I hated the thought of her not being in the class photo, and she really wanted to be in it as well; so I did the best I could to keep her illness at bay long enough for the photographer to snap what I hope were a few good shots of her and her sister and one great class picture. Hopefully she didn't infect any of her classmates who's parents will want my head on a stake if their little ones turn up sick in a few days.

After photos we came home and within a very short period of time Amelia had once again morphed into a slug with the coloring of paste. By the time we got to the doctor a few hours later her temperature was coming in at a scary 103.9 and she was so weak I pushed her in the stroller while toting Lola on my hip.

Dr. Packard gave her a good check-up and determined she has a double ear infection. He said it's not uncommon for preschoolers, who aren't the most efficient nose-blowers, to develop an ear infection after a sinus infection because they often will push infected mucous into their ears when attempting to blow their nose or even when simply coughing or sneezing. And, although she'd finished a course of Zithromax, he said it likely wouldn't have helped prevent her ears from becoming infected because it's not a first-line drug prescribed for the treatment of ear infections.

So, now she's on a course of Omnicef and has taken up residence on the couch where I intend her to stay for the next couple of days in the hopes she'll be well enough to return to school on Thursday and will be fit and ready to go with her daddy on Saturday to see "Walking with Dinosaurs" at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.

Now, if I can just keep Lola well.

Sad days

No Flashback Friday post today. I haven't had time to dig through photos as Amelia has been sick with a wicked sinus infection that comes with horribly high fevers and coughing until she vomits. Ugh! I am on my third load of bedding today as she threw up on my sheets and comforter twice this morning.

Lola has been coughing like mad, but thankfully has no fever and has shown no symptoms of the illness that has taken hold of her sister.

For some Flashback Friday fun, head over to My Tiny Kingdom to read about Anne's boys' "oops" moments.

Break over

How come five days at the house seem to drag by as if propelled by snail power, but five days at a gorgeous resort nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains whiz by faster than a thoroughbred speeding down the track at the Kentucky Derby?

Spring break wasn't nearly long enough as far as I am concerned. I've been home four days, and I am already pining for another relaxing week of vacation.

Jeff, Amelia, Lola and I spent the last week at Wilderness of the Smokies Resort in Sevierville, TN. I highly recommend this place as a vacation destination for any family with children. They cater to families by providing both an outdoor and indoor water park, an arcade, child-friendly menus and luxurious deluxe suites big enough for everybody to spread out.

Jeff and Amelia stayed at the indoor water park for hours everyday. (You can see the ceiling in the above photo.) Lola and I went down too, but our visits were scheduled around her naps. We loved that the water park stays open until 11 p.m. because we could sleep late and know we still had plenty of time to swim.

I also loved that, although the water park is enclosed, more than two-thirds of its ceiling is covered in windows so sunlight could stream in during the day. However, because it's an indoor park, the temperature is kept at a comfortable level so fat girls like myself don't sweat so bad that we slide off the patio furniture like a pat of butter on a stack of pancakes.

There are two areas for kids. One, shown in the two above photos, has a giant bucket that periodically dumps water on the kids. There are also two kid-sized water slides in this area as well as various water guns positioned throughout.

The other kid area is designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Amelia is riding on a see-saw in this area. This contraption shoots water from a porthole after the riders begin going up and down. The blast of water is spectacular and everyone in its path gets a good soaking. There is also an itty-bitty slide designed just for the smallest swimmers.

Lola loved the swings in the baby area. They bounced, twirled and swung back into a stream of water. I loved that the kiddie area has a graduated depth that starts at about a half an inch of water and at its deepest is only 1 & 1/2 feet.

I spent a lot of time in the baby pool, in which I am seated with Lola and Amelia in the above photo, as I usually watched Lola while Jeff and Amelia tackled the two big water slides as well as the wave pool. There was also a surf rider, but Amelia was too short to ride it. She was also too short to ride the Storm Chaser, a giant twisty-turny slide, but she loved getting to swim in the outdoor heated pool and the hot tub, which was fun for me and Jeff as well.

The only downside for me was that I had to climb four flight of stairs in order to ride the water slides with Amelia. That's a tough haul for a big girl. I was puzzled by the fact there's an elevator for the floats, but guests had to climb the stairs. I would have gladly taken two floats up on an elevator rather than make that coronary-inducing trek. I know the fact I struggled to get up the stairs is a sure sign I need to find time to exercise so I don't drop dead while trying to have fun with my kid. I am adding that to my to-do list (1. Don't die.)

Amelia was so tired by Friday she could hardly bring herself to climb down the rope ladder in the fort play area. Her little eyes in the above photo show just how tired she was. The upside for us though was that we had no problem getting her to sleep every night.

We rented a multi-room suite that was gorgeous. It was equipped with a "bumper bed" that Amelia immediately claimed as her own. She loved sleeping up there, but didn't like that there wasn't a reading light. She's just like me in that she loves to read books before going to sleep.

The suite we stayed in is designed to sleep twelve, but was just perfect for our family of four. Jeff and I even got our own beds for the week. He took the queen, and I slept in the double bed below Amelia's bunk. We're comfortable enough in our relationship to know that sleeping apart for one week will not wreck our marriage. In fact, having been married for 10 years we know that a little space can do wonders for our relationship.

Our last day of vacation was spent at the Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg. While we had a good time, Jeff and I agree that we like the aquarium in Chattanooga better. Amelia and Lola both enjoyed seeing all the undersea creatures, but probably would have had a better time had they both not been so tired.

My favorite part of the aquarium was seeing the jelly fish and the giant sea turtle. These creatures are so calming to me. I could sit and watch them for hours.

This was the first trip we've taken as a family of four. Things went smoother than I expected although there were some things we could have done without such as the 1 a.m. fire alarm our first night there that scared Jeff and me half to death. Bless our big protector, he almost broke his neck when he leaped out of bed and tripped trying to navigate his way around this strange room in the dark.

Additionally, Lola fell twice landing on her head both times. I discovered the hard way that she's too mobile to be contained in a bouncy seat now. Within minutes of placing her in it, she had managed to use her body weight to throw the seat off the couch and into the floor. I also learned that she's quick as lightning and cannot be left on raised surfaces even for a few seconds because her second fall came as I turned my back to retrieve a toy and she rolled off the bed landing forehead down on the four-inch wide molding. She got a nice cut on her head from that fall.

I certainly was not pleased to discover that apparently a rhinoceros family had booked the room upstairs from us and enjoyed performing calisthenics and hosting relay races around the clock. About the only time they weren't plodding around their quarters, most likely wearing clogs from the sounds we heard below, was when the Thirsty Miner Saloon opened its buffets. Otherwise it was day and night stompapalooza.

This trip also served to inform me that I desperately need to get a new bathing suit. I discovered this while riding in the wave pool with Amelia, who preferred to ride atop my belly while I was sitting in the float (which, by the way, provides a magnificent ab workout. There are muscles in my abdomen that are still sore from riding the waves in this manner.)

My bathing suit, which is a backless, halter design, is not made to endure such feats. I know this because I barely managed to refrain from flashing my boobs to men, women and children whilst trying to keep us afloat. I need something with a lot more support before I venture back into any wave pools lest I embarrass myself and my kid.


Lastly, I had to refrain mightily from slapping one woman who's conversation I overhead at the baby pool. This lady couldn't have weighed a pound over 105 yet was wearing a bathing suit with a blousy top and a skirt. I heard her tell someone that she was so embarrassed about her body since having the baby (who appeared to be about six months old) that she had to buy a "fat lady suit" to cover her "problem areas." I wanted to ask her if she was keeping her "problem areas" in her purse because as far as I could see she had none. I don't know if she was fishing for attention or is seriously insecure, but I wanted to shake her and tell her she needs to get over herself, realize just how great she looks and shift her focus from her imagined flaws and onto her beautiful baby.

Flashback Friday: Giddy up little doggie

My grandmother once told me that my daddy only wanted to accomplish two things in his life: be a cowboy and a soldier. He got to do both in his short 43 years. Most people are not so lucky. Many live way beyond 43 without ever realizing their dreams.

Daddy was born in Christmas, FL, which was settled by his descendants, where cowboys were a dime a dozen. His daddy, Everett, put him on a horse about as soon as he could hold his head up good. In this picture daddy is three years old. You can tell my grandfather, who I never knew because he died in 1960 at the age of 58, is proud as punch of his little buckaroo.

Daddy took to being a cowboy the way a horse takes to oats. Once it was in his blood, it was all he wanted to do. As he got older, daddy started participating in rodeos. His favorite and best event was bronc riding.

Daddy had a special connection to his horses. He could get them to do almost anything, which is why he fared so well on the rodeo circuit. Daddy's rodeo career ended, though, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, a career he stayed with more than 20 years.

Throughout his time in the army, daddy still managed to occasionally saddle up and enjoy a nice ride. In fact, when I was little we had horses for a time. They were named George Dickel, Jack Daniel's and Johnny Walker. It was years later before I figured out those weren't just horse names.


Even though she will never know my daddy, who died 22 years ago when I was 13, Amelia has inherited his love of riding horses. We don't own any, but a dear friend, has several and has allowed her to ride at his place. Her favorite, on which she is perched in this photo, is Nicholas. He is a gentle and easy-going horse, which makes him a terrific ride for a 4-year-old.

I know my daddy must be looking down from heaven wearing a big grin on his face because his granddaughter is carrying on his cowboy legacy.

Confession session: That can't be true!

Hopped on the scales this morning and discovered that I've gained five pounds since last week. The number rose from 235 to 240.

I stood there stunned for a few seconds; but, after picking my mouth up off the floor, decided that this number cannot be true. I have convinced myself that those five extra pounds are water weight. "Aunt Flo" has been in town, and I always retain water like a camel getting ready for a long trek across the Sahara whenever this aggravating lady comes for her monthly visit. Additionally, I haven't been drinking as much water as I normally do, which would certainly cause me to hoard more fluid than normal.

That having been said, my weight loss plans were certainly not helped by the fact that last week Amelia and I made a homemade carrot cake complete with full-fat cream cheese icing. I did a good job of staying away from sodas and out of the fast food drive thru, but did not do a very good job of saying "no" to carrot cake.

While my addition of five new (or are they old pounds just returning to their home) pounds bothers me, I am more concerned about the fact my blood sugar numbers have been higher than they should be, about 30 points higher to be exact. This is cause for great concern because high blood sugar does a number on my whole system making me thirsty, extremely tired and more prone to catching opportunistic infections. I have got to work on getting by blood sugar under control.

I have been better able to focus on getting enough sleep at night since Lola is feeling better and once again sleeping through the night. (Hooray!) I hope to work up to getting at least 7 & 1/2 hours a night.

In addition, I have been really trying to recognize real hunger. Because I have always been an emotional eater, I've never really known what it's like to eat because I am actually hungry. Most of the time I've eaten because I am trying to fill some other void. Eating to simply feed my body is proving to be a challenge, but I am slowly learning to do a better job of giving it what it needs rather than junk I can live without.

Wordless Wednesday: Cookie face and bonnet head

School days, dear old golden rule days

The decision of where to send Amelia to kindergarten has been weighing heavily on my mind lately.

We live about three miles from a small K-6 school that I know nothing about other than the bus transporting students to it runs past our house everyday at 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Amelia has been excited about the prospect of riding the bus since she was three and figured out what that big yellow vehicle was for.

I've reviewed the school's annual report card through which I learned that almost 50 percent of the students attending received free or reduced lunch. These numbers, which are higher than the system average and almost as high as the statewide average, are an indicator of poverty.

I can deduce from these numbers alone that about half of the kids at the school are living in homes where education likely takes a back seat to making sure there is food on the table and clothes in the closets. Therefore, these children would more than likely need more attention from the teacher than Amelia who comes from a home, while not overflowing with cash, certainly doesn't fall under the category of poverty and who has parents who always emphasize reading, problem-solving and learning.

I don't want Amelia to fall behind or lose her love for education simply because she gets less attention because she's ahead of the others in her class. Now, I have no way of knowing this might happen, but it stands to reason that it could.

I am happy to see on the report that 100 percent of the teachers at the school are considered highly-qualified to teach their classes; however, that doesn't tell me a whole lot more about things like what methods they use to teach, what kinds of things they emphasize and how much time they devote to hands-on learning.

Reading and math scores are pretty good; although I am troubled by the fact that of 51 fifth graders tested 15.7 percent only partially met the standard and of 48 sixth graders tested 14.6 percent only partially met the standard. Those numbers seem high to me. Additionally, of 49 fifth graders taking the Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing 10.2 percent did not meet the standard and 35 percent only partially met the standard. Those figures trouble me.

I know no matter where Amelia goes to school Jeff and I will supplement her education by continuing to expose her to all kinds of learning experiences, reading to her and teaching her life skills. Therefore, I think she would flourish academically no matter where she goes so long as we take an active role in her education.

What's worrying me, though, is that I've been approached by more than one friend who would love for us to enroll Amelia in the school system that serves the city where she currently attends preschool. We LOVE our friends so much, and with the exception of one close friend, all her buddies will be going to this system next year.

I struggled socially as a child because my mom didn't work to nurture my friendships. I am working hard to make sure this doesn't happen to Amelia because I know from my experiences that if the parents, but mostly the mom, don't nurture these early friendships that they will wither and die. While I know making friends is not the reason children go to school, I also know that having good friends with whom you love spending your school days makes a big difference in whether a child likes of hates school.

Here's my problem. If I were to send Amelia to school in this system, we would not be supporting her education in any fiscal manner. I do not do any shopping in this city, and we do not live there; therefore, none of our tax dollars would be going to her school.

Additionally, she would not qualify for bus service so I would be charged with driving her to and from school every day. And, if I start Amelia there, it only stands to reason that Lola would be going there too. Also, I would have to eat some crow because for six years I have been griping and moaning because my brother-in-law and sister-in-law chose to send their kids to school in a system outside of the city in which they live even though the schools in their city are excellent, in my opinion.

Should we choose to enroll her to this system, Amelia would go next year to a kindergarten-only school. I know several parents whose kids attend now or have in the past and they all give it glowing reports.

However, its report card shows that a whopping 71 percent of students received free or reduced meals. That number shocks me. But, considering about half the student population is Hispanic, many of whom are considered transient and non-English proficient, it shouldn't surprise me that so many of the kids are living in poverty.

There is no data available on reading and math scores because federally-manadated testing is not administered at this school because it is kindergarten-only, but 100 percent of the teachers are highly-qualified.

So, based on this tiny sampling of information I've gathered on both schools, I am still confounded. I want Amelia to get the best possible education, and I know no school is perfect, but I also know some are better than others.

Maybe I will schedule visits to both schools to see if the principals can enlighten me as to why I should choose their school. In the meantime, I am hoping that having blogged about this will ease my mind somewhat so I can focus on other issues that are needing my attention.

Spring is coming!

Amelia, Lola and I spent two hours outside Friday basking in the sun, enjoying the cool breeze and loving the warm temperatures. The only thing that was missing was daddy, who was still at work.



On Thursday, we took advantage of the first warm day this week and enjoyed a playdate with good friends at a local park.

Mary Margaret, Amelia and Deuce had a blast together. We spent about two hours at the park during which time the kids played to their hearts' content and us mommies, me, Miss Lindsey and Miss Hollie, got to spend some time chatting (when we weren't wrangling our babies. Poor Miss Lindsey spent most of the time trying to keep 19-month-old Harper Jane off of the big slide.)

Lola, who is slowly getting the hang of sitting up unassisted, was all kinds of excited about the playdate with friends. Just look at that toothy grin! She spent a great portion of the playdate fascinated with Cooper, Duece's little brother, who is about a month younger than she is. She also loved watching the big kids romp and tromp about the playground.

And, although this has nothing to do with spring coming, Amelia is loving her new snack by which she gets to go "fishing" using Goldfish crackers, pretzels and peanut butter. We discovered this snack thanks to Mary Margaret and her momma Ms. Lindsey. Read all about it HERE.

Confession session: Getting there

Scales are down three pounds from last week. I am currently weighing in at 235. I am managing to continue to be mindful of each bite I take. It's aggravating sometimes, but apparently works for me.

I am so looking forward to the weather warming up so I can get back into a routine of walking at least three mornings a week. I've really missed taking Lola to the walking track and pushing her in the stroller while I get in my mile for the day. We did that regularly for about two months, but quit once the weather turned cold and everyone took sick with various colds and infections.

My dear husband cleaned up our home gym for me in the hopes I would go down there and use the treadmill this winter. I have been nothing but big disappointment to him with regards to using the home gym. I've just been terribly complacent this winter, plus the best time for me to use the home gym would be in the mornings after dropping Amelia off at preschool, which is when I used to go to the walking track; however, even with a kerosene heater in the gym, I have still felt it's been too cold to take Lola down there with me.

Despite not exercising in months, I've managed to lose weight so hopefully I can do even better once Lola and I can get back to the track.

Missing momma

Today is my momma's birthday. She would have been 67 years old had she lived to celebrate this day. She's been gone almost two years. I miss her terribly. If you still have a momma, give her a hug today and tell her how grateful you are to have her.

1964
Portrait by Leon Kennamer, age 22.

1978
With me at Panama City Beach, FL, age 36.

1983
age 41

2003
With sisters Teresa and Gayle at a Christmas party, age 61.

2006
Celebrating her last Christmas with Amelia, age 64.


"Have you called your momma today?
I sure wish I could call mine,"
Paul "Bear" Bryant

Snow baby!