Too Much Trauma for This Mama!

 Yesterday started off as a pretty normal day. In fact I love Thursdays. I have a great schedule at school with two 45 minute planning periods back to back, and then I have a help session after school where I help teachers with anything having to do with technology. I headed down the yellow hall around 2:45 and ended up helping FOUR teachers within the hour before I had to leave to get my hair cut. I just love it when I am of good use to somebody- especially lots of somebodies!

Heather, my hairdresser, washed my locks and then proceeded to trim them. While she was trimming, my cell phone rang. I didn't answer because I just think that's rude. If the call is important enough I can call them back. I am not going to talk on the phone while Heather is cutting my hair. I was a little embarrassed that I had forgotten to turn it to vibrate. I told her, "I have no idea who would be calling at this time of day. It could be day care telling to come get my kids that they'd had enough of them." We both laughed, and she started drying my hair. She decided to curl my hair once it was dry and had half of my head curled when my phone rang again. I was still embarrassed that I had forgotten to put it on vibrate. How rude of me! Anyway, she insisted that I answer it, and it was Kevin telling me that the day care was trying to get in touch with us. Sarah had fallen and cut her head and would probably need stitches. Well, Heather quickly finished with my curls, I paid her, and we set up my next appointment. 

I drove as fast as I could to get to the day care and called the pediatrician on the way to let them know we were coming and would be in need of their "after hours" services. Of course, wouldn't you know I got behind every slow person on Church Street. I could not get to my baby fast enough. When I did get there, she was getting the royal treatment. She was sitting in the director's lap watching Mickey Mouse videos on the computer and eating her second lollipop. I scooped her up along with Adam and Jackson and headed a few blocks over to the pediatrician. 

It turns out that she was running to get a toy from under the swings. Supposedly one of her friends kicked her, but we think she must have gotten cut by the swing. She has a nice deep cut coming out of her left eye onto her cheek.

As soon as we walked in the door, the receptionist had the paperwork ready for me to sign and quickly took my copay. We sat down in the waiting room for less than five minutes before the nurse called us back. Jackson decided that he did not want to go and that he promised me he would take care of Adam and that they would behave. So, thinking, "Wow, they knew I was coming and they were ready for us, they'll get Sarah stitched up and out of there in no time", I left the boys in the waiting room to play with the "doctor toy" (you know, the one with the shapes that move along those tracks) and to watch the fish. Mistake #1.

The nurse said the doctor will see us shortly. I heard voices in the hall. I believed her. Thirty minutes later, Kevin calls to say he is home in the driveway. I tell him to back out of that driveway and come get the boys. Who knows what they are doing alone in the waiting room. After waiting an hour, the doctor comes in and looks at Sarah and says, "Yep, we've got to stitch that up". He says that he'll go get the room set up and call us back when it's all ready. I thought, "Good, he'll stitch Sarah up, and we'll be home eating dinner in no time." Mistake #2. I guess he forgot to mention that he was going to see the other patients waiting before he was going to stitch Sarah up.  Another hour goes by. Sarah entertained herself with my phone and was not appreciative when I "borrowed" it to text Kevin every once in a while. He finally left and took the boys to Moe's to eat.

It was finally time to go back to the procedure room. Sarah immediately recoiled and started screaming as soon as we walked in. I must interject here to explain. Two weeks ago, Sarah had that surgery where she had tubes put in her ears and her adenoids taken out. The boys had dentist appointments on Tuesday and she sat trembling terrified of Dr. Beshears and the hygienists with their masks on. Those doctors and nurses at the surgery center told us she wouldn't remember a thing about that surgery. I do believe they were wrong!!! Doctors are now very scary to Sarah. I tried lying her on the table but she was trying with all her might to roll right off. I'd never seen her twist as much as she did. The nurse held her head and I held her hands while both of us were getting kicked by her feet. Once the doctor finally got it numbed- with a needle- YIKES! She calmed down enough for us to talk to her. The doctor covered her face up with a paper covering so that only the cut showed through the hole. That really seemed to help. She didn't have to see those awful things coming at her, and she could play peek-a-boo with me and the nurse. We started asking her questions, and she finally asked for supper and her bear. Poor thing. Traumatized and starving. 

Unfortunately I had a front row seat to view the whole thing and was surprisingly not too grossed out about it. I'd never really known how those stitches worked and now I do. I'm not saying I would want to do all that again- I am avoiding it at all possible costs. 

They did give Sarah some consolation prizes. She got TWO prizes from the prize box and another lollipop.  


We got home about 3 and half hours after this huge adventure started. Sarah asked for a peanut butter sandwich and some milk. She ate it all and was ready to go take a bath and go to bed. I think at that point I may have begun to stop shaking and was ready for a bed myself.  

 

Here Sarah is with a full belly and her bear making kissy faces at the camera. She is unfazed by all the trauma that just transpired. 

She is holding her bear (which she asked for several times- never again will we leave home without bear!) and her three prizes- an alligator car, a princess necklace, and a nice band-aid on the side of her face.

She slept fine all night and seemed OK at breakfast. She did wince once with pain when Jackson started to get a little too close. I noticed this afternoon that her eyelid was looking a little purple. I'm afraid she may end up with a black eye or half a black eye before this is all over with. 

She is supposed to go back to the doctor on Tuesday to get the stitches out. I am looking for any volunteers that are willing to take her to that appointment. My suggestion- wear padded clothes for the kicking and earplugs for the screaming. Lift some weights to build up your muscles for holding her down and you'll be fine. Oh, and if anyone has a plastic bubble we can put her in to keep her safe, we'd appreciate that, too!

Girl Stuff

After the Pinewood Derby race we decided to head to the Lego Store in Raleigh. The boys thought it would be fun, and Kevin thought he would be able to pick some of our lost pieces to complete the sets we already have. I just thought, Mall? Sure I'll go. The boys got very excited looking at all the Lego's and so did Sarah for a while. The boys headed to the back of the store where they built and built and built. Finally, Sarah and I gave up and went for a walk around the mall.

Well, we only went a few stores down, and I saw it- the Bulid-a-Bear store. It was time for Sarah to make her first bear. She quickly chose the white one but was not fond of watching her get stuffed. The machine was kind of loud. She refused to wash her, but that's OK we aren't always squeaky clean at our house anyway. We picked out a cute ballerina dress and some shoes for her. We named her Lucie and then found the panties. Yes, people, they have panties for these bears. And would you believe- they had Hello Kitty panties just like Sarah's! So Lucie now has panties too, except she is an expert at keeping hers dry. Let's hope Lucie teaches Sarah a lesson. So far Lucie has become Sarah's best friend.

Winnings All Around

Jackson worked very hard on his science fair project last weekend. He made a bubble solution with water and dish detergent. Then he added sugar, glycerin, corn syrup, and lemon juice to see which would make his bubbles last longer. The glycerin did it! He took the project to school last Tuesday to present to his class. Then all the projects from the third, fourth, and fifth graders were placed in the gym. They were viewed by the whole school on Wednesday and then judged on Wednesday afternoon. It was very secretive and we weren't allowed to enter the gym until 4:30 when all the judging was complete. We walked in and by golly, there was a second place ribbon on Jackson's project. I was shocked because there were some pretty good projects and never in a million years would I have expected Jackson's project to win. Not that his wasn't a good project- it was great! I just thought, I never won, so my kids won't either. I had that totally wrong, huh?

He was so proud of himself and so were we!

Throughout last week Kevin and Jackson have been working on a Pinewood Derby car for Cub Scouts. Adam saw Jackson looking for designs on the computer and picked one out for his car, too. So Kevin headed back to the Boy Scout store and got Adam a Pinewood Derby kit, too. They both entered cars into the race on Saturday although Adam's car was racing unofficially. In fact, they even raced each other a couple times. Jackson's car won each time (WHEW!).

Here is Adam's car ready for a race. He picked the design and the color and added those fancy stickers on the back. I guess he is car 24?

Here is the final, top three cars. Yes, that would be Jackson's name next to the number three. He won third place and his car gets to go on to the District race in May. Whoo Hoo!

Here is Jackson's car sitting out waiting for its next race at the District level. We had to leave it there so it could be officially taken to the district race.

Jackson is showing off his car and his trophy. He was so excited to get that trophy! We went to the Lego store to celebrate! More on that later.

I know this is Adam's car racing, but I'm not sure if Jackson's was racing too. And why this is at the bottom of this post, I have no idea. I cannot get my pictures to load in the right order tonight. Drives me crazy..... GRRR!

Boy Stuff

I'm not sure who likes these Monster Jam nights more- the boys, Kevin, or me. After about five hours of girl only time (and such a quiet house), the boys came home to tell me all about Monster Jam. As excited as Adam and Jackson were you would have never known it was after 11:00.

Adam: "Jackson was talking to me to see if I could hear him. I could and I could hear the monster trucks too. Those earphones didn't work good."
Me: Hmm.... So much for saving their hearing.

This would be Grave Digger- one of the few Monster Trucks I can name and only because it's their favorite one and we saw it this summer.

This was one of the crusher cars (according to Jackson- who should probably be writing this entry for me- I'm gonna work on that!) that the Monster Trucks run over. Adam is just looking thrilled isn't he? They are in the pit before the show where you get to see the trucks up close and personal. Kevin said it was so crowded you could hardly move so they went to their seats.

Sarah and the Prayer Shawl

This is Sarah with her prayer shawl. Yes, sadly, she needed some prayers two weeks ago. We found out back in October that Sarah's tubes in her ears had fallen out and that she did have a pretty bad ear infection. A visit to the Ear Nose and Throat doctor, Dr. Vaught, confirmed that yes, both tubes had fallen out and that Sarah couldn't hear very well. He said that Sarah needed to have another set of tubes and that this time he was going to take her adenoids out. So, two Wednesdays ago, we got up very early to head to the Mebane Surgical Center.

Sarah was in great spirits (despite the fact that she did not get her PopTart that morning) until the nice receptionist but a bracelet on her. Yes, this would be the child that picks things up around the house to put on her wrists. She was not having this hospital bracelet at all. She screamed and she screamed. I'm surprised the rest of the people in the waiting room didn't run away. The receptionist tried giving her a Chik-fil-a cow with a free milkshake coupon. She threw that one down. We finally just slipped the bracelet off and miraculously, she stopped crying.

They called Sarah back and she hopped off and walked back to her bed on her own. The nurse asked a few quick questions and told us to undress Sarah and put the hospital gown on her. Well, we thought the bracelet was bad... Kevin worked on her shoes while I pried her dress off of her body and out of her hands. Did you hear the screams? I'm sure the neighbors that live next to the surgical center were awakened by such a scream. She refused to let the kitty-cat gown get with in feet of her. She was not going to have it. The anesthesiologist stopped by and said that it was OK to leave her clothes on and continued to ask us some more questions. Dr. Vaught also stopped by. While all these visitors were talking with us, Sarah had grabbed her socks, shoes, and dress and had proceeded to dress herself. She actually got the shoes on the right feet this time, but the dress was on backwards which was fine with her as long as she wasn't wearing the kitty-cat gown. So, my two year old went off to surgery kicking and screaming as I'm sure you can imagine wearing her clothes- shoes and all.

Kevin and I headed to the waiting room as we heard the wailing get farther and farther away. When it was said and done, the doctor talked with us for a few minutes and then the nurse told us to follow her. We were both listening for the sobs and the crying... and there weren't any- none at all. Another nurse was holding Sarah and she was as calm as could be. I took her and held her and rocked her while the nurse gave us our "take home" directions. She did admit to hearing the screams thirty minutes earlier and was a little worried to have to deal with this patient of hers.

Sarah made it through just fine. She laid around all day on Wednesday and then was a totally different child on Thursday. She heard the garbage truck early Thursday morning, and I could tell she had never heard it before. She also started talking and singing (as this video shows) and hasn't stopped since. Her speech therapist was astounded when she worked with her last Tuesday. She said she'd never seen anything like it.

Sarah is very happy to have her prayer shawl. In fact she sleeps with it every night. I 'm not sure she is the one that needs it. The only way Kevin and I are going to make it through the next 16 years with her is through some major praying.

New Year, New Do!

The boys were in dire need of a haircut after Christmas. Sarah's hair was also looking rather "stringy". I could not wait for January 3 to roll around- hair appointment day. Sarah went first this time and Heather went to town cutting off her baby locks. Heather insisted that I save some of Sarah's hair. My response was "What am I going to do with it?" She said, "I don't know, but you've got to save it." Guess what? I believe it is still sitting in its sealed envelope in my purse. If I did ever take it out I have no idea where I put it.

This was Sarah's solemn look the whole time she was getting her haircut. Now don't get me wrong- she wanted to be in that chair. In fact she pushed Adam out of the way so she could be first.

Here is her "after shot"- the best I could get. She wouldn't be still long enough. She hopped right down and told Adam it was his turn.

Here is another after shot once we got home. Kevin took these pictures and he didn't get one with her mouth closed.

She is holding a dinosaur skeleton from her Wendy's kids meal. Yes, we finally made it to the new Wendy's in Mebane. I was very disappointed that the ever famous 32 flavors drink fountain was broken. I really only wanted regular Coke, but to have all those choices! I guess that means we'll have to go back! I do love me some Wendy's- well, not as much as I used to, but their baked potatoes aren't half bad.

Happy New Year!

Holiday Happenings

It's December and I have decided that it is definitely the busiest time of the year. We started our month off with a visit from Ivey. Emily and Joe came with her too! They went to Joe's Christmas party, and Ivey stayed and played with Sarah. Kevin, Jackson, and Adam headed to the Mebane Christmas Parade.

Sarah knows she is not supposed to touch the Christmas tree. I think she was surprised I was letting her touch it so I could get a picture.

Soccer has ended and basketball has started. This is Jackson's first game and the only one he's been able to make so far (I told you December was busy!). He made a shot but unfortunately we didn't get a picture of that.

Adam is playing basketball, too. He and Kevin are in a program called "Family Hoops" at the YMCA. They are learning basic basketball skills and have no organized games.

Jackson was Herbie in the 3rd grade musical, "The Reindeer Whisperer". His famous line was, "I want to be a dentist." On the same night, Adam and Sarah performed at their school. Aunt Jeanne and I watched Adam and Sarah, and then we all headed over to Smith School to watch Jackson. We made it just in time. They were singing their first song.

Adam and Sarah right before their performances.

Adam's class sang "All God's Creatures Have a Place in the Choir". He was a frog. They also sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer which seems to be Adam's favorite song this Christmas season.

Sarah's class sang "This Little Light of Mine" and waved their flashlights all around.

The next night I had a Christmas party to attend, so Kevin took the kids to A Victorian Christmas in downtown Burlington.

They were making it "snow" on the street. Jackson was quite shocked that he was catching soap bubbles and not flakes!

Jackson talks to Santa.

Adam talks to Santa. I heard that Sarah would give him a high five but nothing more.

Sarah is in the library "writing" her letter to Santa.

Adam must be thinking about what to write.

Jackson takes this letter writing very seriously. This would actually be his second letter to Santa.

Adam and Sarah have been taking a Creative Movement class at their day care. Miss Kim comes once a week to tell stories, dance, and do other fun stuff with them. I believe Adam has learned his days of the week by keeping up with when Miss Kim comes.

Sarah's group showed us some of the fun stuff they've done with Miss Kim.

Adam's grouped performed "Miss Kim's Nutcracker". Obviously Adam was one of the toy soldiers.

Don't let this sweet innocent look fool you!

After the Santa incident in Downtown Burlington, we thought we'd make a trial run at visiting Santa. We went to the mall in Burlington knowing that Santa wouldn't be too busy there. Sarah refused to let go of me but would let me stand next to him. She looked at the camera, they cropped me out, and viola! We got a decent picture of the three of them with Santa. We are not risking it by trying again, so this unofficial visit became our official visit this year!

The next exciting thing.... Sarah got a new bed! She is so excited to have a big girl bed. She's actually become quite possessive of it. She won't let anyone near it saying, "My bed. Get off Jackson (or Adam)!" She insists on sitting on it when getting dressed and undressed which makes it difficult to get the pants on sometimes.


Last night Adam had basketball practice and Santa showed up! Adam visited with Santa for a few and then went back to shooting hoops.

We are winding down here to the end, but the fun just doesn't stop. We are going to a live nativity and Christmas in the Park tomorrow night. I'd like to squeeze in a trip to Tanglewood, but I just don't think it's all going to fit in this year.

The boys are so excited that Christmas is only 4 days away. They anticipate opening the advent calendar each day and finding Fred, our resident "Elf of the Shelf". He has been reporting to Santa quite regularly and has even brought some letters back from Santa. Let's hope we've all behaved well enough for that visit from Santa!