Which is better than on the spine, so said my old neurologist. And so far the brain has been where it seems to be the most comfortable, for now. Which generally indicates more cognitive issues and less serious mobility issues. And that means, the best way to stump me is to ask for my phone number. A guy totally threw me for a loop and asked me the other day. First I started off with my old number, then I got confused so I lied and said that was my cell#. Then finally, after giving it some thought, I spit out the correct digits. Thankfully every time stores ask for my number, does anyone just give them out like that?, I just say 'no thank you' and avoid the whole issue. Not that I would give it out anyway.
Ok. I found these articles to be rather 'germane'. The use of that word is a little tribute to my brother-in-law, Sean, whom I thank for introducing it. When I was 15 or so. I was contemplating starting another blog so I could keep things of note, like these articles, organized and accessible, but not so much to anyone is not interested. But I haven't. So if you are not interested you can 'skip to the end'* and find something else.
Every once in awhile I get newsletters with links to articles like these. Sometimes they are about the latest death or side effect due to the latest drug. Can death be considered a side effect? It effectively halts all progression of a disease, so I'm not sure. But sometimes there are more interesting things like the following.
This one is about the Myelin Repair Foundation's work. I read about them when they just started and their singular approach to discovering how to promote remylenation, something none of the other drug companies were focusing on. The man who started it, Scott Johnson, has a personal story as he was diagnosed with MS about 20 years ago, I think. Though it has felt like an eternity watching their progress, I know it is a million times faster than other groups and Scott understands that time is of the essence. Some people don't have 10 yrs to wait for the trials to start and then another 10 to get it the results and FDA approval.
http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/nature-neuroscience-study-shows-unique-170000513.html
This one was particularly germane, as it mentions particularly women diagnosed at a young age. Both of which apply to me. I think I read the article elsewhere with a title that focused on the cost (up to $40k a year) and side effects (permanent scar tissue build up, having to stick yourself multiple times a week, feeling like you have the flu, liver problems etc) and went on to question whether or not is was of any benefit to patients who's MS appears "benign". I don't know how many neurologists would concur there is a category of "benign" MS. My old one said it is a matter of time before it is not so benign, therefore drugs were the best bet. In my experience, I have not found much benefit, and when I found none, happily dispensed with them. I actually just recently cleaned out my cupboards where I had multiple containers of used needles. You have to dispose of them at specific sites and making an effort to get rid of them was not on my radar screen so they piled up for years. I had to make two trips to Bartel's to get rid of them all as they can only hold so many in their once-a-week-picked-up receptacle. Oh, and the fact that I had to pay a disposal fee for each container was also a deterrent. Once a day for 7 years adds up. It didn't cost me anything to keep them on the garage shelf and I rarely saw them. Until Shane decided we should clean the garage last week. I thought they were all gone, but I found one more box in the kitchen cupboard yesterday. I don't know how long it will remain there. Its not really in any one's way.
Warning- this article contains numbers. Fortunately I was able to extract the information I wanted from it anyway.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AAN/32362
*The End
Shane and I were just discussing cultural literacy the other day and how many references, quotes, etc. exist for just a generation. The above 'skip to the end' is of course from The Princess Bride which I remember watching over and over with my cousins, friends, siblings. We could quote pretty much the whole movie and used the lines in daily conversation wherever they fit. Although one time, I inadvertently used the 'its possible, pig' and the recipient was not amused. It is good to check your audience first. I just assumed everyone had seen it. I feel sad for the kids who haven't seen it. Somehow my kids' education wouldn't have felt complete without it and I felt it was my parental duty to make sure they did. Shane decided they also needed to see some Monty Python so we've shown them some select scenes from The Holy Grail. Having seen it before myself, only select scenes. Fortunately it is easy to find 'The holy hand grenade', 'the black knight', 'the bridge' and of course the 'killer rabbit'. Audrey was not as amused by the bunny one as she is convinced all rabbits are docile and deserving of the utmost care and reverence. Despite the scars we all have when one of ours
We are finishing up our school work in the next couple weeks. Audrey finished her end of the year testing and feels she did well. She will be doing algebra next year! how the time flies. The other kids will theirs soon. Shane starts vacation tomorrow! A much needed one. Last night he got home at 6:30, which is not unusual, then got a call two minutes after he said 'hi' and was on the phone for another half hour. I am hoping to get some house/yard work accomplished and lots of relaxing and some time for us to get away for a bit.
I might try my hand at maternity clothes shopping again. My sister remarked the last 5 times she has seen me I was wearing the same outfit. Its because I have 5 of them and it's comfortable. But it may be time to add some new things. And then I have my ultrasound coming up, where we may/may not be able to ascertain the gender of our newest arrival. Kateri is hot ot trot on getting anything we may want/need right now. I told her we'll hold off at least until we know to prepare for a boy or girl. I am afraid there will be no holding her back once we do know. Audrey didn't cooperate at her ultrasound and then I skipped the ultrasounds for the next two. So Cyprian was the only one we knew about. It did help with name decisions. We are pretty set on a family name for a girl, but not so much for a boy.
While I've been clicking the keyboard, the big kids have been shooting footage for a movie they are making. Cyril just came to show me some clips and so far it is looking good. Pippin makes a very cute King Arthur, just to give you a hint. I will definitely link to the finished product and a collection of bloopers, which with kids acting, directing, scripting, and filming there will be some good ones. And just now Kateri came in to tell me she got rid of her toy kitchen and fridge and I didn't need to worry about them. She decided she needed more room in her room and that she didn't use them enough to warrant all the space they took up. So I lugged them down to the end of garage, with Cyril's help, and suggested we ask the neighbor girl if she would like them. Apparently she, and her mom, said yes. So Kateri got Shane's dolly out and wheeled the stove over while the mom carried the fridge. We have great neighbors.
Cyril decided he is done with lizards and we hauled the big tanks out of his room to the end of the garage. One got picked up the other day by a fellow home-schooler, and the other is spoken for as well. I feel like hauling lots of things down to the end of the garage and watching them disappear with not much effort on my part. It is a good way to start spring cleaning.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn?
(I was going through some posts and found several old, unpublished posts. Not like a lost and valuable manuscript, but they were fun to re-read and wonder what/how I was intending to finish them. I'm not entirely sure where I was going with them. This was meant to be a follow up to the Gimp Parade post, which I am not able to locate at this time. But here it is anyway.)
This is one of my favorite lines by Mr. Bennet. Actually, I think most of my favorite lines in Pride and Prejudice came from him. I highly recommend the BBC version of Jane Austen's book. I don't really have anything good to say about the others.
I thought this quote really summed up how I feel about dealing with our fellow parade participants. Because if you can't laugh or be laughed at, well that's too bad. You're missing a lot of fun. And looking at things from a comedic perspective can help you get through a lot.
I know, for me, when I am having a hard time or 50 thousand things have gone wrong in the last 30 sec, I pause and think "This will be so funny when I tell Shane or Tirzah" and then I almost look forward to the next harrowing event. It's like the cherry on top. And just in that brief moment, it doesn't seem so hard. Sometimes. Sometimes it may take weeks to be able to fully appreciate the hilarity of a situation, but it will come.
Laughter is the best medicine. It lightens the mood when things are too serious. It pulls us back and gives us an entirely different perspective. And keeps us from taking ourselves to seriously and going over the edge.
And what is funnier than our, or our neighbor's, mishaps? Not much.
So many times, like the one where the kids cut up and spread apple all over the kitchen, I'd think "Quick , where's the camera. This will be great on my blog." And sometimes I start laughing as I compose the funny story in my head. Which is kind of awkward if I'm out in public. Like the time I "ran" in to the grocery 9 mos pregnant, tripped on the little rug and landed on all fours right in the door way. I laughed all the way to the diaper aisle and back out. I wished someone had been there to enjoy it. Shane had already pulled the car away so I just had to tell him about it when I got back and show him my skinned knee.
Even more serious events were opportunities. I guess it was so ingrained in us siblings, it was hard not to enjoy a joke. Even at my brother's funeral. Of course there were lots of tears, but somehow slightly "inappropriate" for a funeral, phrases appeared everywhere. And so we enjoyed respite from mourning and laughed.
When I was first diagnosed there were lots of opportunities as well. I mean come on, a stiff-legged, visually impaired teen-ager, with no sense of balance? ( I know you are laughing already, or at least I hope you are). I remember once, racing my younger sister to the piano. Somehow we both got the idea to practice and started heading for the bench at the same time.With both legs numb, it was not a graceful race- much like Frankenstein tying to sprint. Only slower. I can only imagine my upper body moving much faster and fluidly than my concrete legs. And as she was behind me she got the full show. She collapsed in a heap of laughter on the floor. I kept moving, not sure what you would actually call my particular method of locomotion, and got the piano.
Then there was the time I showed up for a therapy appointment to find the door locked. And I really regretted the cup of tea I had had before leaving. A community college across the street and a police station kitty corner to my location, I felt I had not many options for relieving myself. Missing the appointment was not desirable and neither was trying to get through an hour of therapy with wet pants. It seemed there were no good options. Until I spotted the large flower pots on the front step. And not being pregnant and still being somewhat small, they seemed the perfect screen for me. I tried not to look at any passing cars, much like a child hiding by covering his face, and started giggling at myself for being in such a situation, but also feeling resourceful for solving my predicament. It was raining and I knew the step would be washed, so I did not mention it in my session. I did mention it to my other therapist-not the one with the flower pots. She laughed and congratulated me for getting out of a tight spot successfully and said it was a great story.
Or my second date with Shane. He took me to the symphony and I wore a cute little black dress I had bought for the occassion. I was feeling cute, the music was great and we were getting through the evening very well. At the intermission I went to the restroom, which magically had no line and was pretty much deserted. As I was walking back into the lobby a lone lady on the pay phone( yes, it was that long ago) paused her converasation waved and called me back in saying "Excuse me miss? Your skirt is caught in your waist band!" I reached back to find that the hem had caught in my nylons, my entire backside was exposed, and I had just stepped into the crowded lobby. I immediately felt less svelte and very thankful to the woman who kept me from an extremely embarrassing event. I didn't tell that one to Shane until much later, but you can appreciate its potential. Of course I told my sisters when I got home, who in turn recounted other date mishaps and we all laughed.
I think Shane is fine with me sharing a moment he had. He had recently interviewed for a job he wanted(which he did get) and was waiting for call back on his cell phone. Back when cell phones were still novel and the size of small bricks. He had one in his pocket and was walking across the Quad at the university enjoying the warm spring weather and flowering cherry trees after class feeling that all was right with the world. And probably thinking about me. He reached his hand back to his waist and found, to his dismay, a toothbrush, sticking up like an antenna as it was trying to make a daring escape up and out his back pocket. He told me that one the same day, which was sweet. Of course I laughed.
The moral of this post is 'learn to laugh at yourself, because everyone else is so you might as well enjoy the joke too". And also, watch your back. Things might be looking pretty rosy from the front, but there is always another side. Which fortunately works both ways for those not seemingly not so pleasant situations. I"m pretty sure that is what my intentions were when I started it years ago.
This is one of my favorite lines by Mr. Bennet. Actually, I think most of my favorite lines in Pride and Prejudice came from him. I highly recommend the BBC version of Jane Austen's book. I don't really have anything good to say about the others.
I thought this quote really summed up how I feel about dealing with our fellow parade participants. Because if you can't laugh or be laughed at, well that's too bad. You're missing a lot of fun. And looking at things from a comedic perspective can help you get through a lot.
I know, for me, when I am having a hard time or 50 thousand things have gone wrong in the last 30 sec, I pause and think "This will be so funny when I tell Shane or Tirzah" and then I almost look forward to the next harrowing event. It's like the cherry on top. And just in that brief moment, it doesn't seem so hard. Sometimes. Sometimes it may take weeks to be able to fully appreciate the hilarity of a situation, but it will come.
Laughter is the best medicine. It lightens the mood when things are too serious. It pulls us back and gives us an entirely different perspective. And keeps us from taking ourselves to seriously and going over the edge.
And what is funnier than our, or our neighbor's, mishaps? Not much.
So many times, like the one where the kids cut up and spread apple all over the kitchen, I'd think "Quick , where's the camera. This will be great on my blog." And sometimes I start laughing as I compose the funny story in my head. Which is kind of awkward if I'm out in public. Like the time I "ran" in to the grocery 9 mos pregnant, tripped on the little rug and landed on all fours right in the door way. I laughed all the way to the diaper aisle and back out. I wished someone had been there to enjoy it. Shane had already pulled the car away so I just had to tell him about it when I got back and show him my skinned knee.
Even more serious events were opportunities. I guess it was so ingrained in us siblings, it was hard not to enjoy a joke. Even at my brother's funeral. Of course there were lots of tears, but somehow slightly "inappropriate" for a funeral, phrases appeared everywhere. And so we enjoyed respite from mourning and laughed.
When I was first diagnosed there were lots of opportunities as well. I mean come on, a stiff-legged, visually impaired teen-ager, with no sense of balance? ( I know you are laughing already, or at least I hope you are). I remember once, racing my younger sister to the piano. Somehow we both got the idea to practice and started heading for the bench at the same time.With both legs numb, it was not a graceful race- much like Frankenstein tying to sprint. Only slower. I can only imagine my upper body moving much faster and fluidly than my concrete legs. And as she was behind me she got the full show. She collapsed in a heap of laughter on the floor. I kept moving, not sure what you would actually call my particular method of locomotion, and got the piano.
Then there was the time I showed up for a therapy appointment to find the door locked. And I really regretted the cup of tea I had had before leaving. A community college across the street and a police station kitty corner to my location, I felt I had not many options for relieving myself. Missing the appointment was not desirable and neither was trying to get through an hour of therapy with wet pants. It seemed there were no good options. Until I spotted the large flower pots on the front step. And not being pregnant and still being somewhat small, they seemed the perfect screen for me. I tried not to look at any passing cars, much like a child hiding by covering his face, and started giggling at myself for being in such a situation, but also feeling resourceful for solving my predicament. It was raining and I knew the step would be washed, so I did not mention it in my session. I did mention it to my other therapist-not the one with the flower pots. She laughed and congratulated me for getting out of a tight spot successfully and said it was a great story.
Or my second date with Shane. He took me to the symphony and I wore a cute little black dress I had bought for the occassion. I was feeling cute, the music was great and we were getting through the evening very well. At the intermission I went to the restroom, which magically had no line and was pretty much deserted. As I was walking back into the lobby a lone lady on the pay phone( yes, it was that long ago) paused her converasation waved and called me back in saying "Excuse me miss? Your skirt is caught in your waist band!" I reached back to find that the hem had caught in my nylons, my entire backside was exposed, and I had just stepped into the crowded lobby. I immediately felt less svelte and very thankful to the woman who kept me from an extremely embarrassing event. I didn't tell that one to Shane until much later, but you can appreciate its potential. Of course I told my sisters when I got home, who in turn recounted other date mishaps and we all laughed.
I think Shane is fine with me sharing a moment he had. He had recently interviewed for a job he wanted(which he did get) and was waiting for call back on his cell phone. Back when cell phones were still novel and the size of small bricks. He had one in his pocket and was walking across the Quad at the university enjoying the warm spring weather and flowering cherry trees after class feeling that all was right with the world. And probably thinking about me. He reached his hand back to his waist and found, to his dismay, a toothbrush, sticking up like an antenna as it was trying to make a daring escape up and out his back pocket. He told me that one the same day, which was sweet. Of course I laughed.
The moral of this post is 'learn to laugh at yourself, because everyone else is so you might as well enjoy the joke too". And also, watch your back. Things might be looking pretty rosy from the front, but there is always another side. Which fortunately works both ways for those not seemingly not so pleasant situations. I"m pretty sure that is what my intentions were when I started it years ago.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Busy
We had a very busy weekend and I am ever more looking forward to finishing up schooling for the year and maybe getting to some yard work. I am so excited yard work sounds appealing because a month ago it sounded impossible and I didn't even care. But with the morning sickness completely gone I find new interests and projects coming into my head and I feel I am getting the energy to actually follow through with them. Which is very good timing because this weekend would have been very different a few weeks ago.
Friday afternoon Shane texted me and asked if I wanted to take the kids to see The Avengers that night. Knowing it was opening weekend and would be really crowded, it was a 2 1/2 hr movie, I had to be at the church at 9:30 for Kateri's First Confession the next morning and that we'd have to scramble to meet him at the 4:20 showtime I still said yes. Three weeks ago I would have just texted him back what I wanted him to bring home for dinner and left it at that.
But he got the tickets, we met him, I stayed awake the entire movie and we all had a great time. It was very good. It was totally clean, maybe a couple swear words and a tiny bit of blood. And lots of great lines delivered by Robert Downey Jr, who I really like. But I really like funny sarcasm and he is great at that. So we had fun even if we did have to sit in the second row. Then we had to go out to eat because it was after dinner time and we were all starving.
The next morning I took Kateri to her first confession class and confession. I told her she'd have an hour to work with the teachers and then they would get a snack before going into the church. She liked the idea of having snacks with the kids and was happily practicing her prayers the entire drive.It went very well and though she was nervous she took her turn without any fuss. Then she asked when she could go again. I am so proud of her.
Then we raced home to get ready for Cyril's drama class' production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
I grabbed sandwiches and doughnuts on the way home knowing everyone would need to eat and we had to hurry. It helped mostly. Cyprian was thirsty all through the play but he survived until dinner afterwards. Grandma and Grandpa had taken Cyril to the theater already, which meant Shane and I could drive together. Which is always nice.
Cyril did very well, and even when he forgot some lines he recovered and most people probably didn't even notice. He played Snug, who plays the lion, and he did both roles well. I think comedy is his thing. But he decided not to do drama again this year so maybe we'll just be seeing home productions for awhile.
After the play, we had to celebrate both Cyril and Kateri's accomplishments, so we took Grandma and Grandpa out to dinner. We had to get to bed at a decent time, as early mornings are no small feat for these kids, and Kateri was making her Solemn Holy Communion the next day. It was fun getting her up and dressed and doing her hair, then carefully getting her into the car. Fortunately she likes that kind of thing and never complained once.
We had to skip the group lunch after confessions on Saturday to get to the play, but I think brunch the next day with Father Josef more than made up for it. She kept talking about how nice Father is and how nice his house is and how they got to have sparkling cider in glass goblets. She loved all the fanfare and processing. And picture taking. We kept having to remind her to pay attention all through Liturgy because when she caught my or grandma's eye she would sit and grin and basically act like a model until we motioned to her to turn around. She likes cameras too.
Grandma and Grandpa had things to do, but even after brunch Kateri was not done celebrating. And the rest of us had only snacked, so we stopped at a cafe for more brunch. Finally, I made dinner that evening and realized I had not cooked the entire week-end, until then. But everything felt very festive and special to the kids, which it should. We will have to have another party for Mother's Day, and Grandma's birthday, and the end of classes. But eventually things will calm down. And then Shane and I are going away for a couple nights, for a belated Christmas and 14th Anniversary celebration, which until now I was not feeling well enough to enjoy. But this timing works out perfectly.
Friday afternoon Shane texted me and asked if I wanted to take the kids to see The Avengers that night. Knowing it was opening weekend and would be really crowded, it was a 2 1/2 hr movie, I had to be at the church at 9:30 for Kateri's First Confession the next morning and that we'd have to scramble to meet him at the 4:20 showtime I still said yes. Three weeks ago I would have just texted him back what I wanted him to bring home for dinner and left it at that.
But he got the tickets, we met him, I stayed awake the entire movie and we all had a great time. It was very good. It was totally clean, maybe a couple swear words and a tiny bit of blood. And lots of great lines delivered by Robert Downey Jr, who I really like. But I really like funny sarcasm and he is great at that. So we had fun even if we did have to sit in the second row. Then we had to go out to eat because it was after dinner time and we were all starving.
The next morning I took Kateri to her first confession class and confession. I told her she'd have an hour to work with the teachers and then they would get a snack before going into the church. She liked the idea of having snacks with the kids and was happily practicing her prayers the entire drive.It went very well and though she was nervous she took her turn without any fuss. Then she asked when she could go again. I am so proud of her.
Then we raced home to get ready for Cyril's drama class' production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
I grabbed sandwiches and doughnuts on the way home knowing everyone would need to eat and we had to hurry. It helped mostly. Cyprian was thirsty all through the play but he survived until dinner afterwards. Grandma and Grandpa had taken Cyril to the theater already, which meant Shane and I could drive together. Which is always nice.
Cyril did very well, and even when he forgot some lines he recovered and most people probably didn't even notice. He played Snug, who plays the lion, and he did both roles well. I think comedy is his thing. But he decided not to do drama again this year so maybe we'll just be seeing home productions for awhile.
After the play, we had to celebrate both Cyril and Kateri's accomplishments, so we took Grandma and Grandpa out to dinner. We had to get to bed at a decent time, as early mornings are no small feat for these kids, and Kateri was making her Solemn Holy Communion the next day. It was fun getting her up and dressed and doing her hair, then carefully getting her into the car. Fortunately she likes that kind of thing and never complained once.
We had to skip the group lunch after confessions on Saturday to get to the play, but I think brunch the next day with Father Josef more than made up for it. She kept talking about how nice Father is and how nice his house is and how they got to have sparkling cider in glass goblets. She loved all the fanfare and processing. And picture taking. We kept having to remind her to pay attention all through Liturgy because when she caught my or grandma's eye she would sit and grin and basically act like a model until we motioned to her to turn around. She likes cameras too.
Grandma and Grandpa had things to do, but even after brunch Kateri was not done celebrating. And the rest of us had only snacked, so we stopped at a cafe for more brunch. Finally, I made dinner that evening and realized I had not cooked the entire week-end, until then. But everything felt very festive and special to the kids, which it should. We will have to have another party for Mother's Day, and Grandma's birthday, and the end of classes. But eventually things will calm down. And then Shane and I are going away for a couple nights, for a belated Christmas and 14th Anniversary celebration, which until now I was not feeling well enough to enjoy. But this timing works out perfectly.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Because, You Know, It's Been Awhile
We had a fabulous Easter, with amazing weather, great food, great company, and I can't take credit for any of it. Meaning I did not do any work. My sister called up and suggested she bring the party to my house, as I was still spending most of the day in bed. So, of course, I said yes. Shane got the kids cleaning the house, my mother-in-law stuffed 90some eggs and made Easter baskets for the kids before heading out to visit the cousins in other parts of the state and beyond, and I just lay in bed.
Sunday, my sister and her husband brought over all kinds of yummy treats and grilled in the amazing weather. Tirzah remarked this was Jack's(7) first Easter where an outdoor egg hunt was possible. For being early April, it really was unbelievable. So was the fruit salad she made, and the chicken skewers, and I guess the wine. Still tastes like vinegar to me.
The kids were very excited to be together finally. And then Tirzah invited her brother-in-law over, and Shane's brother and girlfriend called and said they were coming too, so we ended up having a real party, complete with a bonfire and flaming dessert. Actually, it was just an almond cake that Shane decided needed be doused with Bacardi and set afire. It was better before the roasting, but luckily we had already eaten most of it.
I did not take any pictures, but when my sister puts hers up on her blog you can check them out there. One of my favorite parts was the egg hunt. I think all together we had around 150 eggs so it was great we had so many adults to help hide them. A few golden eggs were filled with handfuls from the change jar, and one special egg . I set that one aside and gave it to Shane.. He shook the egg and said
"There's nothing in it."
"Shh. There's a 5 dollar bill. Hide it carefully."
He hid it very carefully and when most of the others were picked up and put in baskets, it had not been found. Not one to be patient, Shane finally started giving hints about 'northwest corners and elevation and some riddle that sounded Squirrel Nutkinish'. The kids kept running around like' Oh, now I know where to look.' And Shane kept egging them on with "Come on. It's still out there. 5 dollars could be yours. You'd better hurry." As if they were not frantic enough.
Finally Audrey, no surprises here, looked up in the branches of the big cedar tree and pulled down the golden egg. There was much rejoicing and laughing and we all said it had been a great hunt. Audrey opened her egg to reveal her prize and found, stickers. Only stickers.
Shane looked at me. I looked at Shane. Both knowing the other person must have gotten it mixed up. Except he's probably right and I gave him the wrong egg. So then he announced that someone already had the golden prize, so the kids started tearing through their baskets opening eggs. Cyprian pulled out another golden egg, cracked it open, then his face lit up with surprised delight and he held up the $5 bill.
Jack high-fived Pippin, we all had a good laugh, decided the egg hunt could not have been more entertaining, and Shane promised to give Audrey a new prize, as she had located the difficult egg.
The rest of our week went well and each day I felt increasing amounts of energy and normalcy. I got the kids to their swimming and music lessons and washed some dishes. There was still a bit of resting in between activities but on the whole, I was feeling like things were in an upward trend.
And then this morning, Cyprian threw up. At 5 this morning, meaning I have been up scrubbing and cleaning since then and will probably go back to bed when Shane is up to take over. Which is right now.
Sunday, my sister and her husband brought over all kinds of yummy treats and grilled in the amazing weather. Tirzah remarked this was Jack's(7) first Easter where an outdoor egg hunt was possible. For being early April, it really was unbelievable. So was the fruit salad she made, and the chicken skewers, and I guess the wine. Still tastes like vinegar to me.
The kids were very excited to be together finally. And then Tirzah invited her brother-in-law over, and Shane's brother and girlfriend called and said they were coming too, so we ended up having a real party, complete with a bonfire and flaming dessert. Actually, it was just an almond cake that Shane decided needed be doused with Bacardi and set afire. It was better before the roasting, but luckily we had already eaten most of it.
I did not take any pictures, but when my sister puts hers up on her blog you can check them out there. One of my favorite parts was the egg hunt. I think all together we had around 150 eggs so it was great we had so many adults to help hide them. A few golden eggs were filled with handfuls from the change jar, and one special egg . I set that one aside and gave it to Shane.. He shook the egg and said
"There's nothing in it."
"Shh. There's a 5 dollar bill. Hide it carefully."
He hid it very carefully and when most of the others were picked up and put in baskets, it had not been found. Not one to be patient, Shane finally started giving hints about 'northwest corners and elevation and some riddle that sounded Squirrel Nutkinish'. The kids kept running around like' Oh, now I know where to look.' And Shane kept egging them on with "Come on. It's still out there. 5 dollars could be yours. You'd better hurry." As if they were not frantic enough.
Finally Audrey, no surprises here, looked up in the branches of the big cedar tree and pulled down the golden egg. There was much rejoicing and laughing and we all said it had been a great hunt. Audrey opened her egg to reveal her prize and found, stickers. Only stickers.
Shane looked at me. I looked at Shane. Both knowing the other person must have gotten it mixed up. Except he's probably right and I gave him the wrong egg. So then he announced that someone already had the golden prize, so the kids started tearing through their baskets opening eggs. Cyprian pulled out another golden egg, cracked it open, then his face lit up with surprised delight and he held up the $5 bill.
Jack high-fived Pippin, we all had a good laugh, decided the egg hunt could not have been more entertaining, and Shane promised to give Audrey a new prize, as she had located the difficult egg.
The rest of our week went well and each day I felt increasing amounts of energy and normalcy. I got the kids to their swimming and music lessons and washed some dishes. There was still a bit of resting in between activities but on the whole, I was feeling like things were in an upward trend.
And then this morning, Cyprian threw up. At 5 this morning, meaning I have been up scrubbing and cleaning since then and will probably go back to bed when Shane is up to take over. Which is right now.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Bedtime? What Bedtime?
So a friend posted her daily routines with her two little girls. It all sounded very peaceful and civilized and like number three should be able to pick up the rhythm and get with the program when he arrives. I think it is great to get on some rough schedule, especially when a new one is coming to shake everything up. Then I reflected back on my attempts to do anything in a timely fashion when we had younger kids. Kids who did not like to sleep. Ever.
I am afraid it comes from my side. We've always been night owls and that was ok for my dad's job which started at 11:00am . But not so handy when your husband gets up at 5:00am. Midnight is just not an acceptable bed time.
Our kids never nap past the age of 2, and I'd envy the mom with a 3yr old that take a 2 hr nap and then goes to bed at 8:30. What? Even without naps bedtime was never smooth- unless they were sick and really needed the sleep. A lot of our evenings with Audrey , we'd get in the car and go for a ride. Usually to Dick's to get cheeseburgers and shakes. Not the best evening snack but we'd ride and talk and eventually she'd fall asleep. We still used it when Cyril hit the 'I don't need sleep anymore' stage. Two kids with one ride. We decided to give up the snack part and tell them we were going to 'Destination X' a really cool place they were going to love. They'd be excited getting into their car seats and Shane would hop on the free way- the less stops the better for sleeping kids.
The next morning they'd ask about our trip and I'd tell them they fell asleep, so we decided to just come home. But we could go another night. And they'd get excited. Writing about it now it seems kind of mean. But sleep-deprived parents are desperate and as I didn't get naps, and was probably expecting Kateri by then, anything that offered respite was welcome. Given the price of gas now it would be a really expensive bedtime routine.
Our new one is not so crazy, or maybe it is . And with us getting over various illnesses its been a little more hectic. For example, here was last night's routine.
10:00- Shane announces bedtime is approaching and tells the kids to get a snack if they need one. Some of them head to the kitchen to feed themselves. I am already in bed because that is where I am spending my days right now.
10:10 - Shane announces it is bed time and tells the kids to brush their teeth. Kateri asks if she can finish the load of laundry she put on- he says yes. Audrey starts getting ready and doesn't ask for anything but is probably planning on finishing up The Return of the King- or whichever book she is re-reading.
10:20 Cyril and Cyprian petition to sleep in our room, where they slept last night. Seeing it is the most expedient thing at the moment we say yes and Shane tells them to make 'nests' on our floor by his side of the bed so I won't trip going to the bathroom. Which is very thoughtful.
10:30- Cyprian says he's hungry. Shane says he'll have to wait for breakfast. We hear Kateri working in the laundry room.
10:32- Cyprian says he's scared. Shane asks of what. Cyprian says he doesn't know. So Shane proclaims an expulsion for all things scary to Pippin and bans them from our room. Cyprian says he knows he is just saying that to make him not scared but it didn't work. Shane asks what would make him not scared. Pippin doesn't know. Shane says to let him know when he figures it out.
10:40- Cyprian says one thing is, is that when he sleeps in between two people, he doesn't get scared. Shane asks him what he is asking for. Pippin is reluctant to say. By this point Cyril, Shane, and I are all laughing, but Shane still waits for Pippin to ask.
10:45- Finally Cyprian asks to sleep in our bed. We say yes, but Shane stipulates that if Pippin needs to snuggle he has to snuggle Shane, not me, which is very sweet of him. Cyprian has not lost the baby habit of liking to pet arms- especially cold ones-even in his sleep. Pippin agrees and crawl into bed. I feel the bed shaking and ask Shane if he is laughing or was it the washing machine on spin cycle- it literally shakes the whole house. It was Shane laughing. I hear Kateri still doing something but know she'll put herself to bed when she is done, so I don't get up.
1:00am- everyone else is asleep. Pregnancy insomnia has set in and now I am getting hungry. Either that or I need to vomit. I decide to try for the former so I get up to get a glass of half-and-half and put the clothes in the dryer. Get back in bed and eventually fall asleep.
5:00am- Shane's alarm goes off. A couple times. He fumbles around his nightstand looking for the offending object. In the process he knocks over a water glass. Cyril pipes up,
"What is that?"
Shane answers him, "Its nothing, Cyril. Go back to sleep."
"But what is it?" Cyril insists.
"I said its nothing. Just go back to sleep."
"Then why is my head wet?" Cyril asks.
6:00am I kiss him good bye, get another glass of half-and-half and come back to bed, where an hour or so later I am able to finally fall back asleep.
I know we have a lot to work on before new baby arrives. I am hoping once this first part passes I'll feel able to figure out a good routine and we can all get on it. Right now I feel in survival mode. Make it to the next meal, make it to the bed, make it to the toilet etc. But hopefully I'm getting there.
I am afraid it comes from my side. We've always been night owls and that was ok for my dad's job which started at 11:00am . But not so handy when your husband gets up at 5:00am. Midnight is just not an acceptable bed time.
Our kids never nap past the age of 2, and I'd envy the mom with a 3yr old that take a 2 hr nap and then goes to bed at 8:30. What? Even without naps bedtime was never smooth- unless they were sick and really needed the sleep. A lot of our evenings with Audrey , we'd get in the car and go for a ride. Usually to Dick's to get cheeseburgers and shakes. Not the best evening snack but we'd ride and talk and eventually she'd fall asleep. We still used it when Cyril hit the 'I don't need sleep anymore' stage. Two kids with one ride. We decided to give up the snack part and tell them we were going to 'Destination X' a really cool place they were going to love. They'd be excited getting into their car seats and Shane would hop on the free way- the less stops the better for sleeping kids.
The next morning they'd ask about our trip and I'd tell them they fell asleep, so we decided to just come home. But we could go another night. And they'd get excited. Writing about it now it seems kind of mean. But sleep-deprived parents are desperate and as I didn't get naps, and was probably expecting Kateri by then, anything that offered respite was welcome. Given the price of gas now it would be a really expensive bedtime routine.
Our new one is not so crazy, or maybe it is . And with us getting over various illnesses its been a little more hectic. For example, here was last night's routine.
10:00- Shane announces bedtime is approaching and tells the kids to get a snack if they need one. Some of them head to the kitchen to feed themselves. I am already in bed because that is where I am spending my days right now.
10:10 - Shane announces it is bed time and tells the kids to brush their teeth. Kateri asks if she can finish the load of laundry she put on- he says yes. Audrey starts getting ready and doesn't ask for anything but is probably planning on finishing up The Return of the King- or whichever book she is re-reading.
10:20 Cyril and Cyprian petition to sleep in our room, where they slept last night. Seeing it is the most expedient thing at the moment we say yes and Shane tells them to make 'nests' on our floor by his side of the bed so I won't trip going to the bathroom. Which is very thoughtful.
10:30- Cyprian says he's hungry. Shane says he'll have to wait for breakfast. We hear Kateri working in the laundry room.
10:32- Cyprian says he's scared. Shane asks of what. Cyprian says he doesn't know. So Shane proclaims an expulsion for all things scary to Pippin and bans them from our room. Cyprian says he knows he is just saying that to make him not scared but it didn't work. Shane asks what would make him not scared. Pippin doesn't know. Shane says to let him know when he figures it out.
10:40- Cyprian says one thing is, is that when he sleeps in between two people, he doesn't get scared. Shane asks him what he is asking for. Pippin is reluctant to say. By this point Cyril, Shane, and I are all laughing, but Shane still waits for Pippin to ask.
10:45- Finally Cyprian asks to sleep in our bed. We say yes, but Shane stipulates that if Pippin needs to snuggle he has to snuggle Shane, not me, which is very sweet of him. Cyprian has not lost the baby habit of liking to pet arms- especially cold ones-even in his sleep. Pippin agrees and crawl into bed. I feel the bed shaking and ask Shane if he is laughing or was it the washing machine on spin cycle- it literally shakes the whole house. It was Shane laughing. I hear Kateri still doing something but know she'll put herself to bed when she is done, so I don't get up.
1:00am- everyone else is asleep. Pregnancy insomnia has set in and now I am getting hungry. Either that or I need to vomit. I decide to try for the former so I get up to get a glass of half-and-half and put the clothes in the dryer. Get back in bed and eventually fall asleep.
5:00am- Shane's alarm goes off. A couple times. He fumbles around his nightstand looking for the offending object. In the process he knocks over a water glass. Cyril pipes up,
"What is that?"
Shane answers him, "Its nothing, Cyril. Go back to sleep."
"But what is it?" Cyril insists.
"I said its nothing. Just go back to sleep."
"Then why is my head wet?" Cyril asks.
6:00am I kiss him good bye, get another glass of half-and-half and come back to bed, where an hour or so later I am able to finally fall back asleep.
I know we have a lot to work on before new baby arrives. I am hoping once this first part passes I'll feel able to figure out a good routine and we can all get on it. Right now I feel in survival mode. Make it to the next meal, make it to the bed, make it to the toilet etc. But hopefully I'm getting there.
Monday, April 2, 2012
From the Trenches
..Or since I seem to be the only one left, maybe the foxhole.
These past few weeks have been horrible. First the morning sickness, which pretty much encompassed my entire days, and nights, has been the worst of all my pregnancies. It started earlier than the others and nothing would assuage its nastiness. Several week-ends I just stayed in bed hoping to sleep most of it off. But then I'd get hungry and have to get up and throw some food at the kids, who are actually pretty good at throwing their own food so sometimes I just left them to their own devices.
Then 'the cold from hell' hit. All of us. It was complete with high fevers, extreme malaise, and a general "I wish I could die" feeling. Shane actually took off a whole week of work- which is more sick days than he took together last year. And Shane is a trooper so you know if he is down, it's pretty serious. Thankfully my mother-in-law would come by and do provision and medication drops and even some toys to entertain the kids. We'd thank her and shoe her out the door, not wanting to let the little devils out into the world. Shane's birthday fell on one of our sick days, which we will have to re-celebrate once we are all better, and she brought a pizza and his present. I don't know how we would have gotten through those two weeks without her extra tissue, cough syrup, snacks for the kids, and lots of apple juice deliveries. Maybe we'll have a thank you party along with the birthday party.
I can say for sure it was the worst cold I've ever had. Ditto for Shane. We could nothing but lie in bed watching Netflix on the laptop. We went through both seasons of Downton Abbey, all of 'The Event' and we'd get excited if it happened to be a day where a fresh Big Bang or 30 Rock would be available. I will never take Amazon for granted. Ever.
The kids picked their own movies and holed up in the bonus room, coming out to get extra gummisnacks or juice or cracker now and then. And int he evening I'd line them up for their nightly cocktails and send them to bed with a box of Kleenex. Actually, I ended up sleeping in Kateri's room so I could administer extras, check temperatures, or get up to vomit without disturbing Shane's restorative slumber. I figured one of us needed to be sane the next day.
Well, you'd think having us all laid up at once would be enough, and my pregnancy gag reflex coupled with extreme coughing fits would appease the sick gods. But no. My second week in I developed a UTI, which I am prone to, especially during pregnancy. So I got myself up to the clinic, then picked up some meds, some acidophilus, and a pizza from the new Whole Foods. Anything to add a festive air to the atmoshpere and give us a break from not-home-made-meals and not Froot Loops. Which pretty much kept us all going for the first week or so.
Oh, and did I mention that the vomiting started for me as well? I only ever threw up with the first pregnancy, and that was maybe two times. But this time, like clockwork, eight pm would roll around and I'd be on the lookout for the nearest toilet or sink or whatever else seemed like a good receptacle. Sometimes it would wait until I was in bed. Then I knew I'd have to wait until it had its way to really try falling asleep. Now it is not too picky and is testing to see if mornings are more its style. Or maybe my stomach is just trying to tell me to lay off the Froot Loops. Second breakfasts are a must now.
By Monday Shane was feeling up to going to work but opted to work from home as I was still very much under the weather. The kids were all well by now and wanting to venture out into the great big world oustide our door. Kateri, especially had a hard time understanding it would not be nice to go play with her friends yet. After she'd been well for a week we let her play outside with them, but never in confined spaces or in our house. That gave her a little outlet for her social energies and gave us a break from her complaining she was bored.
So Tuesday Shane started back. I kept waiting and waiting to finally turn that corner where I knew I was on the rebound and would someday be able to leave my bedroom. Unfortunately, I got worse. And then I knew I needed to leave my room and haul myself to the clinic again.
"Hi, remember me? I was here last week. And a couple weeks before that. Did you miss me?Is this mask for me? Why thank you."
They did a big nasal swab- I didn't know q-tips came that long- and some blood work. I sat in the chair trying to breathe slowly so as not to set off a coughing fit and praying they would just decide to knock me out for a couple weeks and I could wake up all better. Instead, he said it had settled into pneumonia and gave me a prescription for more antibiotics. I was really glad I had asked the first dr to prescribe Monural for the UTI, as it is a one dose very targeted treatment option. You mix it with water, it tastes fine, and then you feel better. My midwife is the one who told me about it way back when. Most drs don't suggest it right away, but are amenable to it if I ask for it. I think it is more expensive than the other drugs but I like to take as little as I have to and it has no side effects.
But, for the pneumonia the dr said a round of azythromicin, which is only 5 days, but can can have some rather unpleasant side effects. I definitely did three hours after the first dose, but by the second the probiotics had kicked in and I seem to be tolerating it just fine. I still feel like death warmed over and spend most of a 24hr period in bed, but at least I don't have horrid stomach cramps to go with it.
Also today, I was able to eat the most I've eaten in weeks. After doing the requisite morning ritual, of course. So I am hoping the more nutrients will give me some energy and I'll be able to stand long enough for a shower. And maybe make some Easter plans? I've made none and my in-laws, who we usually celebrate it with, are going to Shane's sister's in Idaho so we'll be left to make out own party.
The neighborhood is planning big egg hunt and brunch on Holy Saturday, which is not my liturgical preference, but given what they've been through what they've been through, I think starting festivities a few hours earlier is just fine. We are planning on going to the vigil liturgy if we are all fit to be in public by then.
As another bonus I've develped an earache and it hurts to lie down and sometimes swallow. Given that I am already on antibiocs I am not going to the clinic again to get it checked out. I just want to tell you about it since Shane is asleep. I am hoping by the time I finish this I will be so exhausted that nothing will keep me from falling asleep. I did take some Tylenol for it earlier.
So this was not quite the Lent we were aiming for, but life offered us opportunities to practice fortitude, patience, long suffering, bonding through mutual suffering, some forms of fasting and abstinence, and eternal gratefulness for all the things life was not asking us to do. Like get on a wagon train. Shane says I'd have been a bad pioneer and probably would have been content to stay on the east coast. I think I might have been content to stay in Europe.
Happy Holy Week to everyone.
Also, spell check is not cooperating and wants to delete the entire post when I try to fix a word, so rather than fix it I am posting as is.
These past few weeks have been horrible. First the morning sickness, which pretty much encompassed my entire days, and nights, has been the worst of all my pregnancies. It started earlier than the others and nothing would assuage its nastiness. Several week-ends I just stayed in bed hoping to sleep most of it off. But then I'd get hungry and have to get up and throw some food at the kids, who are actually pretty good at throwing their own food so sometimes I just left them to their own devices.
Then 'the cold from hell' hit. All of us. It was complete with high fevers, extreme malaise, and a general "I wish I could die" feeling. Shane actually took off a whole week of work- which is more sick days than he took together last year. And Shane is a trooper so you know if he is down, it's pretty serious. Thankfully my mother-in-law would come by and do provision and medication drops and even some toys to entertain the kids. We'd thank her and shoe her out the door, not wanting to let the little devils out into the world. Shane's birthday fell on one of our sick days, which we will have to re-celebrate once we are all better, and she brought a pizza and his present. I don't know how we would have gotten through those two weeks without her extra tissue, cough syrup, snacks for the kids, and lots of apple juice deliveries. Maybe we'll have a thank you party along with the birthday party.
I can say for sure it was the worst cold I've ever had. Ditto for Shane. We could nothing but lie in bed watching Netflix on the laptop. We went through both seasons of Downton Abbey, all of 'The Event' and we'd get excited if it happened to be a day where a fresh Big Bang or 30 Rock would be available. I will never take Amazon for granted. Ever.
The kids picked their own movies and holed up in the bonus room, coming out to get extra gummisnacks or juice or cracker now and then. And int he evening I'd line them up for their nightly cocktails and send them to bed with a box of Kleenex. Actually, I ended up sleeping in Kateri's room so I could administer extras, check temperatures, or get up to vomit without disturbing Shane's restorative slumber. I figured one of us needed to be sane the next day.
Well, you'd think having us all laid up at once would be enough, and my pregnancy gag reflex coupled with extreme coughing fits would appease the sick gods. But no. My second week in I developed a UTI, which I am prone to, especially during pregnancy. So I got myself up to the clinic, then picked up some meds, some acidophilus, and a pizza from the new Whole Foods. Anything to add a festive air to the atmoshpere and give us a break from not-home-made-meals and not Froot Loops. Which pretty much kept us all going for the first week or so.
Oh, and did I mention that the vomiting started for me as well? I only ever threw up with the first pregnancy, and that was maybe two times. But this time, like clockwork, eight pm would roll around and I'd be on the lookout for the nearest toilet or sink or whatever else seemed like a good receptacle. Sometimes it would wait until I was in bed. Then I knew I'd have to wait until it had its way to really try falling asleep. Now it is not too picky and is testing to see if mornings are more its style. Or maybe my stomach is just trying to tell me to lay off the Froot Loops. Second breakfasts are a must now.
By Monday Shane was feeling up to going to work but opted to work from home as I was still very much under the weather. The kids were all well by now and wanting to venture out into the great big world oustide our door. Kateri, especially had a hard time understanding it would not be nice to go play with her friends yet. After she'd been well for a week we let her play outside with them, but never in confined spaces or in our house. That gave her a little outlet for her social energies and gave us a break from her complaining she was bored.
So Tuesday Shane started back. I kept waiting and waiting to finally turn that corner where I knew I was on the rebound and would someday be able to leave my bedroom. Unfortunately, I got worse. And then I knew I needed to leave my room and haul myself to the clinic again.
"Hi, remember me? I was here last week. And a couple weeks before that. Did you miss me?Is this mask for me? Why thank you."
They did a big nasal swab- I didn't know q-tips came that long- and some blood work. I sat in the chair trying to breathe slowly so as not to set off a coughing fit and praying they would just decide to knock me out for a couple weeks and I could wake up all better. Instead, he said it had settled into pneumonia and gave me a prescription for more antibiotics. I was really glad I had asked the first dr to prescribe Monural for the UTI, as it is a one dose very targeted treatment option. You mix it with water, it tastes fine, and then you feel better. My midwife is the one who told me about it way back when. Most drs don't suggest it right away, but are amenable to it if I ask for it. I think it is more expensive than the other drugs but I like to take as little as I have to and it has no side effects.
But, for the pneumonia the dr said a round of azythromicin, which is only 5 days, but can can have some rather unpleasant side effects. I definitely did three hours after the first dose, but by the second the probiotics had kicked in and I seem to be tolerating it just fine. I still feel like death warmed over and spend most of a 24hr period in bed, but at least I don't have horrid stomach cramps to go with it.
Also today, I was able to eat the most I've eaten in weeks. After doing the requisite morning ritual, of course. So I am hoping the more nutrients will give me some energy and I'll be able to stand long enough for a shower. And maybe make some Easter plans? I've made none and my in-laws, who we usually celebrate it with, are going to Shane's sister's in Idaho so we'll be left to make out own party.
The neighborhood is planning big egg hunt and brunch on Holy Saturday, which is not my liturgical preference, but given what they've been through what they've been through, I think starting festivities a few hours earlier is just fine. We are planning on going to the vigil liturgy if we are all fit to be in public by then.
As another bonus I've develped an earache and it hurts to lie down and sometimes swallow. Given that I am already on antibiocs I am not going to the clinic again to get it checked out. I just want to tell you about it since Shane is asleep. I am hoping by the time I finish this I will be so exhausted that nothing will keep me from falling asleep. I did take some Tylenol for it earlier.
So this was not quite the Lent we were aiming for, but life offered us opportunities to practice fortitude, patience, long suffering, bonding through mutual suffering, some forms of fasting and abstinence, and eternal gratefulness for all the things life was not asking us to do. Like get on a wagon train. Shane says I'd have been a bad pioneer and probably would have been content to stay on the east coast. I think I might have been content to stay in Europe.
Happy Holy Week to everyone.
Also, spell check is not cooperating and wants to delete the entire post when I try to fix a word, so rather than fix it I am posting as is.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Lots to Catch Up On
So a lot has happened in the past few months but I am going to skip most of it so I can feel I am all caught up and post about current and important things- important to me anyway. I wanted to finish up our Scotland trip pictures because lately I have been missing Bobby's culinary genius a lot and looking at pictures makes me remember a colder less barfy time when I wanted to and could eat a whole plate of lasagna and not worry that it was not quite what my stomach wanted and as a result I would never be able to eat, or even smell, lasagna again,. Ever. I have already had to cross several dishes off my safe list, some after only one meal.
Yes, the biggest news is we are expecting Baby Patton 5.0 in the fall, and given the discomforts so far, everything seems to be going well. I was worried that like last time it would not work out so talked Shane into not telling the kids for awhile. Which meant we couldn't tell anyone. But when the nausea got worse and Grandma was wondering why Shane was staying home to take the big kids to lessons, Shane shared the news. And when they came home he announced it to all the kids.
Kateri's eyes got huge. She grinned and started jumping up and down saying, "Yes. That's what I've been praying for." She ran up to Shane and said " I KNEW you could do it!"
All the kids are excited, but I think Kateri thinks this baby is for her. She's asked if the baby can sleep in her room and I can't pass her without her patting my tummy and saying "Hi, baby". She's making lists of everything we'll need to get and Then we got on to the business of sharing the work load a bit more and I started thinking I really need to get the kids on a sustainable and without too much oversight house cleaning routine. Which I have thought about before every new addition to the family, but this time it's for real.
I am enjoying being able to feel crummy and stay in bed late or take a nap and know the house will not fall apart and the two year old will not flush toys down the toilet or use permanent marker on the walls if I am resting. A luxury you can only appreciate when the last three times you did have to worry about all that. And more. I am only two months now, but I think the nausea is lessening a bit already. Which I am very thankful for as well.
So now, on to finishing up the trip pictures:
The scenery everywhere was gorgeous.
It was great to get out and hike after we'd anchored and get the views from above.
This was hiking down to the beach after checking wind for paragliding.
Skara Brae, which I think is said to be older than the pyraminds.
The Old Man of Hoy.
More ruins on an uninhabited island.
The wind was not great. Captain Gavin and Iain did a tandem and decided it was not worth it to go again.
And then there was dinner.
And lunch.
And breakfast. Bobby would ask how you'd like your eggs that morning and there was coffee and tea to go with rolls and bread that made the whole boat smell like a warm bakery on a cold rainy day.
There were also 'Highlan' coos'.
There was lots and lots of card playing. Some poker, but mostly Dirty Clubs.The best part of Dirty Clubs is not losing and watching the others do their forfeits.The last night we went on shore to a pub for drinks and cards. I am surprised we did not get thrown out, but I think the bartender was secretly amused by our antics. And we left a nice tip.I think Shane was enjoying whatever factoid Iain had just made up here. As he, Iain prepared for his pirouetting up to the bar and ordering another round. I was disappointed in that he did it in such slow motion as to not draw any attention to himself.
Yes, the biggest news is we are expecting Baby Patton 5.0 in the fall, and given the discomforts so far, everything seems to be going well. I was worried that like last time it would not work out so talked Shane into not telling the kids for awhile. Which meant we couldn't tell anyone. But when the nausea got worse and Grandma was wondering why Shane was staying home to take the big kids to lessons, Shane shared the news. And when they came home he announced it to all the kids.
Kateri's eyes got huge. She grinned and started jumping up and down saying, "Yes. That's what I've been praying for." She ran up to Shane and said " I KNEW you could do it!"
All the kids are excited, but I think Kateri thinks this baby is for her. She's asked if the baby can sleep in her room and I can't pass her without her patting my tummy and saying "Hi, baby". She's making lists of everything we'll need to get and Then we got on to the business of sharing the work load a bit more and I started thinking I really need to get the kids on a sustainable and without too much oversight house cleaning routine. Which I have thought about before every new addition to the family, but this time it's for real.
I am enjoying being able to feel crummy and stay in bed late or take a nap and know the house will not fall apart and the two year old will not flush toys down the toilet or use permanent marker on the walls if I am resting. A luxury you can only appreciate when the last three times you did have to worry about all that. And more. I am only two months now, but I think the nausea is lessening a bit already. Which I am very thankful for as well.
So now, on to finishing up the trip pictures:
And then there was dinner.
And some days were really cold. There was not a day-or night- I did not wear at least two layers of everything, plus jackets, sometimes borrowing Shane's as well.
And everywhere we went there were woolies, sometimes adding dinner music in the evenings we ate outside.
The boys solving the world's problems.
A little bit of SUPPing and surfing.
More ruins on an uninhabited island.
However, we were rewarded with First Mate Tom's forfeit of having to say 'meow' five separate times when he ordered. Shane and Charles were very inconspicuously standing close by to document it. Shane was laughing so hard he could not stand up straight.
Here Tom, Charles, and Martin prepare for their respective tasks- Dive down and get a handful of sand, swim to shore and back in not very calm water, and play the role of bar wench for the evening.
Shane's poker face.
All in all, it was a fabulous trip and a great way to end the Best Odyssey. We decided not to join the next venture- Ocean Odysseys, I think-which will spend all five years in the South Pacific, as we have moved on to our own new adventure, which I mentioned at the beginning. Speaking of which, I think it's time for a little bit of toast, though I would love Bobby's lasagna.
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