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moment of zen

 

Relaxation techniques.  It's the new craze at my place.  For me, for Max, for Pip.

For Max.  The last few weeks have seen the return of hot-headedness.  It's been so quiet and calm for so long now, I knew we were due.  What's setting him off?  Who knows.  Saturday he was a disaster.  This morning, too.  In fact, many mornings haven't gone so great.  Why?  School.  For the last month, every morning when I walk into his room the first words he utters ~ "no school today?!?!" ~ said with a glimmer of hope that it might be true.  It's all downhill from there.  Poor thing. 

• Relaxation technique: close your eyes, count to three, breathe deep.  Effects: not working yet.

For Pip.  The last few weeks have seen the start of daily night wakings.  Like clockwork between 10:00 and 11:00 each night I hear her toss and turn in bed and then tears.  She'll wander out of her room crying, calling for Mommy or Daddy and is very agitated.  Come morning she doesn't remember a thing and we're guessing it's just a case of bad dreams.  

• Relaxation technique: chanting.  "1, 2, 3...all about me".  repeat.  A way to lose her train of thought, change direction, relax.  Even while asleep.  Effects: not working yet.

For Me.  The last few weeks have seen the return of hot-headedness and the start of daily night wakings.  Not to mention my own insomnia over family health and doctor's appointments. 

• Relaxation technique:  snoring.  Effects:  sorry, Billy Webb.

 

 Know a trick to get little ones to chill?  Do tell!

 

 

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No More Tissues

 

Sleep was scarce last night.  Concern for my girl and a behind-the-scenes thing {cat xrays/surgery??} had me up.  I tossed and turned and finally retreated to the sofa.

I couldn't turn off my brain.  Mostly, because of frustration with Emerson's medical care.  I've mentioned my challenges diagnosing this and now, unfortunately, I find myself on similar ground with Emerson.  Having the nation's top-ranked pediatric hospital and doctors in my backyard is truly a blessing and I'm grateful, but that experience and expertise doesn't always mean 100% satisfaction along the way and I need to vent.

Doctors work their asses off.  There's no question.  They do amazing things and treat thousands of families.  Herein lies my problem.  Miss Pippy's case isn't like the 100 other kids who march into ENT or Allergists' offices.  Hers is different.  So, while running the "checklist" for most kids probably works.  It hasn't for us.  And our mama bear/papa bear intuition has known all along it wouldn't.  So a $15,000 out-patient adenoidectomy {shocking, no?} and the risk of general anesthesia and days off work and school was a waste, really.  And I knew it would be.  I knew it.  My uncle knew it, too.  He was my 2nd ENT opinion and his recommendation: wait.   But, my grand plan was to have this thing done and gone by summer and the acquired habits beat by 1st grade.  So, I fought the urge and went ahead with our treating Physician's advice.  After all, he's no slouch.   

{Chief Physician, Otolaryngology // Director, Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program // Professor of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania}

But even the best can't know everything.  And I wouldn't expect that.  What I would expect, however, is a thorough review of my child's records and a careful assessment of past treatments,which, I have made certain are up-to-date and inclusive of out-of-network care {Allergist/Labs/Tests}.  A large piece of my frustration also has to do with timing and availability of appointments.  No.  I'm not waiting another 30 days to see you and talk next steps.  We're 30 days away from ONE YEAR of sinus mess and THREE YEARS of undiagnosed nail disease.  It's time for aggressive treatments and testing and dialogue.

So, I did what any frustrated, bewildered parent would do, and that's turn to the Web.  It's a slippery slope, researching on your own.  There's just SOOOO much out there.  But my research took me to two outstanding sites dedicated to Immunology Disease/Disorders and it was through my research I found a kernel of hope in an easy test we might try.  Nothing more invasive than a Q-tip and a swab.  Fine, Mr. ENT, you can't see us for 30 days, but my Pediatrician can.  I made an appointment the next day, took my web print-out with me and said, I want to test for this. 

Dr. - "I see you have an appt with ENTon 5/17, I want to email him and get his thoughts."  Me - "fine.  But regardless of what he says, I want to test her."  I was already on edge that not one physician over the course of the year thought to mention the idea of a staph infection which pops up pretty quickly when you google "causes of recurrent sinusitis resistant to Antibiotics".  Why am I the only one suggesting this?  It's a hell of a lot cheaper than surgery. Why Dr. ENT when I phoned you two days before surgery and asked one more time ~ isn't there anything else we can do or try~ was I told no?

And then, my annoyance hit a high this morning when upon receiving the positive test results I was told "let's do another round of antibiotics".  WHAT?!?  Are you joking?  Have you checked her file?  We've done more antibiotics over the last year than I can count.  No.  I'm not doing more of the same.  Nurse  -  "Well, the key is you have to run a course of meds longer than 10-days".  WHAT?!?  Are you joking?  We just did a 20-day script in March, which was directly on the heels of a 10-day course and THEN we just did another 10-day script after surgery.  No.  I"m not doing it.  Let's do something else.  Nurse ~ "like what?".  Well, how the hell should I know?!!?

I won't bore you with more of the conversation which only got worse. 

I will bore you with this.  It's my focus in life to give my daughter the ability to breathe freely, without mess. 

And my Doctors had just better get. on. board. 

 

 

 

May weekends

Billy Webb and the babies hunting for worms

~~~

Don't you love the month of May?  It's one of my favorites.  Flowers are blooming, the weather's turning and it begins and ends with a holiday {margarita, anyone?}. 

It also includes two of my favorite annual horsey events:  Devon and the Derby.  Devon comes later, so lets talk Derby.  I can't really say I'm a huge horse racing fan, but I do love to watch this race.  One time, for an article I was writing, I got to interview the late, great local favorite Barbaro's trainer while he was standing on Derby soil the day before the race and it felt like a total celebrity encounter.  I was giddy when I hung up the phone!

Last year, I declared Derby "our new annual event!".  The munchkins, Billy Webb and I circled the t.v. and picked our favorites, mostly by silks and name, and cheered the riders down the stretch.  Tonight, I'll hit the grocery store for proper snacks and wouldn't mind if I came home with some horses stickers, too.

Enjoy your weekend, however you cheer it on!

 

 

sigh

It was worth a shot.  I guess. 

Deep down I wanted to cancel.  I even called the Dr. two days prior hoping for a few last minute tests.  Was there something else?  My inner voice kept saying "adenoids aren't it".  But, I didn't want to be a naysayer or put bad mojo out there or skip a step that might help.  Alas, it seems Pip's surgery was for naught.  The nose remains the same.  I think my new calling could very well be tissue box designer.  Sure, there's all kinds of splashy new designs out there but maybe I could revolutionize the product.  Last night, I bought a box decorated with "hand-sketched" artsy owls {which Em loved!}.  Every morning she takes one tissue pack on her person and a few extras stuffed in her pocket for the playground.  The amount of $$$$ we're spending on kleenex could very well drive me to old school handkerchiefs.  gross.

Poor Pip.  My poor sweet girl. 

Then, last night in the grocery store, I saw this ~ Philly Mag.  You're for damn sure I bought two copies and flagged, highlighted and earmarked any and every Doctor that might help.  Phone calls start today.

Wish me well.

 

 

Florida cankle

 

helped with this.

 

  

"Old ladies go to Florida and twist an ankle.  Nice one Granny." _{Billy Webb}

 

awesome.

 

supergirl.

 

best. patient. ever.

 

 

 

 

i {heart} reading

 

I went a bit haywire over the weekend.  Instead of cleaning my room {you guys, it's a mess!}, I ended up stuck to the sofa surfing apps. 

It's a bit ridiculous how excited I am for Emerson to be reading.  I can't be the only parent that is completely smitten by hearing their child read, but let me tell you, I could be the MOST smitten parent to hear their child read.  

 Over the last few weeks she's totally blossomed ~ she can see!! yay glasses! ~ and I decided it's time to put our ipad to use.  We don't really use it much, or ever, with the kids {only to watch Savion Glover videos!}, but Emerson loves it when we do.  So, I thought reading games and online books might make fun "good behavior" rewards for her.  Now, I could be the only parent who doesn't have apps on their ipad, but whatever, I like to buck the norm.  ha!  So, over the course of an hour while she napped, I found 10 great apps for reading and math that I can't wait for her to try. 

It's only a matter of time before we can select our first book club material.  Now, if only we could get Daddy on board....  :)

 

Here are a few apps that appealed to me.  If you have any favorites, do tell!

 Rock 'n' Learn

RandomHouse Reading

Super Why!

Dr. Suess ABC

Piggy Math

 

 

simple pleasures.

 

I'm kind of anti TV.  At the odd hour where I sit down to watch something {which happens never}, I get annoyed by what's on.  Yes, I realize television is a medium to escape the everyday and vedge out, but I just can't get my arms around things like The Bachelor or celebrity-driven news.  It's why most nights you'll find me scrolling the ipad or opening a magazine in search of something to read. Lately, I"ve been itching for a good book.  After sitting around FOREVER, I finally started this the other day and am enjoying it quite a bit.  Then this morning a new title caught my eye.  I came across this list of parenting books and spontaneously purchased Simplicity Parenting.  The idea speaks to me. 

I'm kind of anti-excess when it comes to my kids {except for hugs & kisses & Valentine's Day!  :)}  More is just more.  It's not better.

Emerson has discovered the power of commercials and can often be heard saying, "Mommy, for my next birthday can I have...".  Turning down those requests is fairly simple right now, but once the power of peer pressure and peer comparison sets in, the battle begins.  For now, I can teach her that she's a lucky girl with many nice things and not everyone is so lucky.  I can teach her the power of saving and the importance of donating.  And I can replace screen time with books and nature and even better, her imagination.

 

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learnings

 

The other day a marker offered a great teaching moment.

While finishing dinner, Billy Webb turned to Emerson and said, "Remember when I picked you up at school and you and Sanya were drawing?  Well, Miss Julie said someone used permanent marker on one of the boards by accident, but when she asked the class about it, no one answered".      

A nervous smile appeared on Emerson's face.  Then, a conversation about truth and honesty.  That night at bedtime she and I rehearsed what she would say in the morning. 

me:  I'll be Miss Julie, you be Emerson.  go.  "Hi Em, what's up?"

pip:  silence

me:  don't be scared.  say it loud and proud.

pip:  "I drew on the board and I'm sorry I didn't tell the truth" 

We practiced again in the morning and she did great at school.  Marched right in and confessed.  Later on, at dinner, I shared news of the confession with Billy Webb and he and I took turns telling of a time when we were scared but told the truth.  Mine involved horses and a cornfield, his crayons and a door. 

Here's hoping all future school misdeeds never advance beyond improper use of a writing instrument. 

 

 

 

getting schooled

 

Remember not long ago I started school research for Miss Pippy Big Girl who starts Kindergarten in the fall?  Well, I'm happy to report things are going quite well.  My first success came via email. 

I reside on the border of two elementary schools ~ 1 good, 1 so-so.  Upon placing a call to the registration office I was told the not-so-good news that my address falls in the so-so school zone.  Blasted!  Now, I believe I've mentioned before that I"m one of those people who believes anything is possible.  My motto: don't say no for the other guy.  So, I turned to the web and dug out the name of the Superintendent of Elementary schools for our district.  A few short email exchanges later I had the answer I wanted, "you can go to school good".  Hot damn!  It just goes to show what a little leg work can do.

Aside from the public school system, I also mentioned a random google search had turned up the story of two Charter schools applying to open in my district.  More good news, right?  Since then, I turned into a super sleuth and researched as much as I could about charter schools {admission through lottery, tax $ funded} as well as information on the two local applicants {eNG, SCSC}.  I read their applications page-for-page, attended the Board meeting presentations and even sat down one night to watch the YouTube video of one I missed.  And at the very last minute of the 1 hour, 20 mins presentation one final community member took to the mic to offer her praise.  And don't you know it was a former co-worker who is on the Board of Directors for the Charter school!  It's who you know, right?  Guess who my first email went to the next day?  :) 

And then just last week I toured that applicant's existing school in a neighboring district and walked away more convinced that I must get in!  If lady luck can look my way, just this once, I'll be forever indebted.  Full-day kindergarten, right down the street, with an educational approach that includes project-based learning and volunteerism all screams excellence to me.  What more can you hope for in a school? 

The district's decision comes February 12 and if approved, lottery results come mid-March.  I'll keep you posted.

 

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