Joe's dad, and his fiancée, Mary, came for a visit on Wednesday night! They got in really late so Joe picked them up from the airport and we were all asleep when they arrived. The kids were VERY excited. Alana made them pictures she colored and taped it on the door to the room they would be sleeping in :)
The next day, we went downtown and went to the Alamo and Riverwalk area. We had lunch at The Original Mexican restaurant. It was pretty hot outside so we opted to eat inside with more room and to be cooler. It was pretty yummy! Pa ordered a HUGE beer. Collin only ordered french fries ( he likes to eat my food instead), Alana got her usual taco and the rest of us got some sort of platter with a variety of things. My favorite was the cheese enchiladas!
We then went on the little boat ride they have on the Riverwalk. I must say, Collin was pretty good for him, but he started to lose it by the end. He was crawling around under the seats and creeped out a couple of girls who didn't know who/what was under the bench! LoL. We went home after that because it was so hot. Everyone, but me, went to the pool for some afternoon cooling off! I went to the MedClinic to get my darn ankle x-rayed.
My dumb ankle started bruising all over and is still hurting, so decided to go in. They x-rayed it and said no fractures or broken bones. So I must have a bad sprain. He says the bruising must be because I also tore/sprained ligaments between my tibia and fibula bones and it took a couple days for the blood and juices to come down. They put me in a big, bulky, annoying boot. Boo. The doctor said we will see if it gets better and if not, the next step is a MRI.
They all came home from the pool shortly after I got home and we all kinda lounged and took naps. We had Rudy's BBQ for dinner that night. Joe and I ended up going out to the movies and saw Horrible Bosses at Alamo draft house, which is one of those theaters where you can order food and alcohol. We had some nacho's and a pitcher of Sangria :) It was fun, but a late night.
Friday was our 4 year anniversary. We went to try and get our cars registered, but ended up not having everything we needed. It is a huge pain in this state! We picked up everyone and headed over to Whataburger for lunch (YUM!) and then went to Outdoor World to see the fish. Pa and Mary ended up buying some pool toys and a mermaid towel for Alana. Joe and I went and picked up our tickets for HP 7.2 for that afternoon. So we went out to see that after dropping off everyone, followed by Maggiano's for our dinner. It was sooo yummy! We then went to DSW and Best Buy and miraculously didn't buy anything. We picked up dessert (crepes, my fav.) and brought them home for all of us.
That night, we shared a bottle of wine that we got Pa for his birthday present, and he decided to open it to share with all of us :) It was REALLY good Cab. we got from Robert Mondavi when we went to Napa. We put a movie on for the kids and the rest of us watched Red Riding Hood, which was okay and went to bed.
Saturday, we went to La Cantera and had lunch at the food court. We bought a couple of books at Barnes and Noble. Joe and I had to get back to take Belle to her doggie training class. She learned how to lay down! She is the biggest barker in the class, but whatever. We are trying :) The kids napped while we were out doing that and we all went to the pool after, came back and showered up.
That night we went to Fralo's the Art of Pizza. It is a little place that is mostly outdoor seating and they have live music at night. Clearwater was playing that night. We invited some friends that live nearby. They have 3 boys, 1, 5, and 7. Collin is really too young for the older boys, but Alana and their 5 year old play well! It was so cute because he was asking Alana to dance and she was being super shy, but they ended up dancing around up by the music with Collin, Pa and Mary. Collin ended up finding one of the most expensive cars and throwing rocks at it, typical Collin. Thank goodness he didn't do any damage and it didn't seem the owner even knew.*phew* We brought a couple of bottles of wine from home and ordered some beers for the guys and a bunch of pizza! It was a really good, fun night with friends and family. Thanks Pa!
I was feeling my wine ;) But Joe and I ended up going to a late showing of Transformers. I thought I was going to fall asleep, but managed to stay up. I couldn't believe how many kids were there for that late showing and how many of them fell asleep in it! LOL. It was good tho! We didn't get home until after 1:30am!
Sunday morning, we went mass. It has been awhile for us. It just hasn't been worth the hassle with the kids because we get nothing out of it. But the kids were pretty well behaved today! I think we will try again next week and see if we can start going more regularly. After church we went to The Egg and I for breakfast, very good and big portions! We came back and watched some tv and snoozed.
It was time for everyone to get going :( Pa and Mary needed to get to their hotel. They have a VERY early flight tomorrow morning and Joe needed to pack for his trip this week. Collin started to get really upset. We told him he could go with daddy to dropped them off, but when he realized mommy wasn't going, he didn't want to leave me either. Then daddy came home, packed and ate dinner, Collin realized he was leaving, too. He gets pretty upset and was crying and hugging daddy. Once he left Collin had a huge meltdown and won't let me out of his sight. I am hoping he will be okay pretty soon. He has a lot of saying goodbye to daddy in the near future :/
We had a good visit! We love it when Pa and Mary come to visit! It was alot of late nights for mommy and daddy and we got to go out without kids, which was much needed for all of us :) Now, we get have to get geared up for my family coming for a visit next week!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
My Anniversary is around the corner...
I have had quite the whirlwind of a ride with my husband so far in our life together. With our 4 year wedding anniversary coming up on Friday, I'm so happy to have him in my life (even if he hasn't been home so much in the past couple of years, or in the near future).
Growing up and having kids has completely altered our day to day lives, but our bond we built together before kids and how we work strengthening on that bond, is what keeps our love going, when we have little time to work on "us".
We both have changed alot in the last 4 years. We don't have all the same interests, like it seemed we did when we first got together. For instance, it almost dives me nuts to sit and watch TV when there is so much else to do or I could read a book, but he loves watching hours of TV. Funny thing is, I use to, too. He use to love to go shopping with me, but now it is a torturous event for both of us, if he goes. Granted, the kids do not make it fun either! It seems we have taken on our roles, as husband and wife, and conformed to what is expected of us in those respective roles. Was it because we wanted to? Or did we have to?
I think it is a little of both. I think we wanted to be thought of as a "normal" couple and there was also a need for us to change. For example, we were both SLOBS in college. Our house was always a mess and we both hated and refused to clean and do laundry. Well, having kids changed that in me. Granted, it was a gradual process, but now I have my own little system down and the point being, it gets DONE. Do I still hate it, you betcha! But I also hate when it is not done! So yes, I kinda wanted to change that and there was a need to change that habit as well! We have had alot of these type of experiences through the years. It has a lot to do with growing up (we were so young when we met) and also because of having children, a real job, responsibilities, etc.
I think one of the hardest things for both of us, is the lack together/quality time. We really like to do things together, like traveling, seeing movies, etc. but kids make all those things we really enjoy, really difficult. Do we still do most of it? Yes, but in the end it was only semi worth it, most of the time. We also have a lack of time in general, with what needs to be done and him working and traveling, there just isn't a whole lot of extra time.
I love doing outdoor stuff, but my kids are still to young to haul around up mountains on hikes, boating on lakes, and snowboarding trips in the winter. Could we do these things? Yes, but we have to carry kids, watch them likes hawks, and hear alot of complaining about "I want to go home". They are just too young for the activities we want to do. But in having kids, we knew this, I think we just didn't realize how much we would miss "me/us" time.
We both feel if we lived by family, who could watch the kids while we did some of these activities, we would be golden. But, as many families in this day and age, we are not close enough to family. The next step is a babysitter. But I have a hard time finding someone I want to leave my kids with and then on top of it, to spend that kind of money for someone to watch my kids! We are talking at least 3 hour events when we go out to dinner and a movie for a date night and an all day event if we go do something outdoors.
So what is the solution? Ha, good question. We try to put the kids to bed early enough so we can watch something other than kid shows. When he is home, I try to get as much attention as I can to fulfill my neediness. I never knew how needy I am emotionally, so we have a dumb system of I say "tell me" and he says "I love you". This is said more times than I like to admit, everyday. But it works. I want to hear it and he isn't going to remember to say it.
We love it when family comes in for visits, because that is usually when we get date nights! Pretty much every date night we get, we do the same thing. Dinner and a movie. This was our #1 pastime when we got together and still is! We love this because you have dinner, where you can talk about whatever is on our minds and then a movie, where we can snuggle and enjoy the closeness of being together, while watching the movie and don't really have to focus on anything else. It is our perfect date.
Mariage takes alot of compromise, it isn't always going to be about you or if you have kids, it is going to be about them. It takes a solid commitment, which I think alot of people don't understand what that means until you are in the midst of it. I think you should have a solid foundation of genuine love for each other before bringing kids into the world, because you rely on that when you are angry and frustrated with each other and don't have the time to work things out right away. You need to constantly work on that foundation by making time for each other and expressing your love for your partner, however that may be. I am guessing it is different for everyone.
I love my family with all my heart. My husband is my best friend, number one supporter and the one I aspire to make happy. To my kids, I try to be a good role model in every sense of the word, by making good decisions, having healthy relationships, teaching them to express their feelings and have acceptance of everyone. Although some days are more challenging than others, I wouldn't have done anything differently. We have had many stages: madly in love, content in love, the love of bringing our children into the world, now the love of raising our children together. No stage comes without its own set of issues and problems to work through, but I know what we have is special and always worth the fight.
7 years so far with my other half and 4 of those years, as of Friday, will be has a married couple. It seems like we have been together forever, but really it is just the beginning.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Little Mommy A.K.A. Alana
You never really know how you come off to your kids, until you see them acting like you!
Alana has taken on the role "mommy" to Collin. It was pretty funny at first, and a little helpful. But now, I think it is annoying to me and Collin :) I swear, I don't think he can take a step, without her saying something! Here are a few examples.
This morning, Collin came down to tell me he woke up from his sleep and he slept good. He does this most every morning. Alana came down shortly after and scolded him for waking me up! "Mommy is sleeping Collin! Don't wake her up!" Collin gave her the death stare. I proceeded to tell her, "Alana don't yell at your brother, I was up, just laying in bed." She then left it alone.
Later this morning, Collin went potty on the potty and on his way there, Alana asked "Do you want me to turn on the light for you Collin?" he replied "No, sissy" she came up behind him and turned it on anyway. He just ignored it. After he went, while she patiently waited, she then said "Good job colli! You are a good boy!". I just stood back and laughed to myself :)
She also tells him more than I would like "No! No Colli, don't do that!" "Daddy will be mad if you do..." No! That is mommies!" The funny and sad part is, pretty much everything she says to him, to reprimand or praise, are the same things I say to him! If you everyone want to know what your kids are picking up from you, just listen to their conversations, especially when they think you aren't listening!
Also, her new kick is everything about brides and marriages. She told me she needs to find a husband. I asked her why. She said so she can have babies! Now, I did tell her she needed to have a husband before she could have babies, but I surely didn't mean it for the next 20 years! Oi. It scares me a little bit.
Alana has taken on the role "mommy" to Collin. It was pretty funny at first, and a little helpful. But now, I think it is annoying to me and Collin :) I swear, I don't think he can take a step, without her saying something! Here are a few examples.
This morning, Collin came down to tell me he woke up from his sleep and he slept good. He does this most every morning. Alana came down shortly after and scolded him for waking me up! "Mommy is sleeping Collin! Don't wake her up!" Collin gave her the death stare. I proceeded to tell her, "Alana don't yell at your brother, I was up, just laying in bed." She then left it alone.
Later this morning, Collin went potty on the potty and on his way there, Alana asked "Do you want me to turn on the light for you Collin?" he replied "No, sissy" she came up behind him and turned it on anyway. He just ignored it. After he went, while she patiently waited, she then said "Good job colli! You are a good boy!". I just stood back and laughed to myself :)
She also tells him more than I would like "No! No Colli, don't do that!" "Daddy will be mad if you do..." No! That is mommies!" The funny and sad part is, pretty much everything she says to him, to reprimand or praise, are the same things I say to him! If you everyone want to know what your kids are picking up from you, just listen to their conversations, especially when they think you aren't listening!
Also, her new kick is everything about brides and marriages. She told me she needs to find a husband. I asked her why. She said so she can have babies! Now, I did tell her she needed to have a husband before she could have babies, but I surely didn't mean it for the next 20 years! Oi. It scares me a little bit.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Collin Update
Collin doesn't have strep and is no longer on his antibiotic. I guess that is the good news?
He does have hand foot and mouth disease, though! Oh man, you just never know with these little guys. So the day after the E.R. visit, he got some blisters around his mouth. I thought they were fever blisters after his temperature had been SO high. But the next day, they started to form on his hands and feet! It looks so gross and painful, but he hasn't complained once about it.
I took him to the doctor on Tuesday, to make sure that was what it was. The doctor said it was a classic case. He also said, that mainly, kids his age and under catch it and it is possible Alana won't get it or a milder form of it. Since it is a virus, no antibiotic and it just has to run its course. He said Collin should be alright by Thursday to take back to our normal routine at the gym :)
On another note, we ended up having a pretty good weekend. Our old college friends, Amanda and Wyatt were down from Dallas and came over for dinner on Friday night. Sunday, the kids and I went to a BBQ with Sabrina and Troy + family and the kids swam most of the day. They just LOVE the pool. On Monday, I dressed up their wagon, which became the "freedom mobile". We walked around our neighborhood in the parade and came back and did a little cookout with some new friends :) I know that sounds like alot, but it really wasn't. I made sure the kids took it easy and didn't get over tired, over heated or too worn out. I am hoping now, since they both have been to the E.R. and to the doctor's office here, that maybe we can take a break from being sick for awhile.
He does have hand foot and mouth disease, though! Oh man, you just never know with these little guys. So the day after the E.R. visit, he got some blisters around his mouth. I thought they were fever blisters after his temperature had been SO high. But the next day, they started to form on his hands and feet! It looks so gross and painful, but he hasn't complained once about it.
I took him to the doctor on Tuesday, to make sure that was what it was. The doctor said it was a classic case. He also said, that mainly, kids his age and under catch it and it is possible Alana won't get it or a milder form of it. Since it is a virus, no antibiotic and it just has to run its course. He said Collin should be alright by Thursday to take back to our normal routine at the gym :)
On another note, we ended up having a pretty good weekend. Our old college friends, Amanda and Wyatt were down from Dallas and came over for dinner on Friday night. Sunday, the kids and I went to a BBQ with Sabrina and Troy + family and the kids swam most of the day. They just LOVE the pool. On Monday, I dressed up their wagon, which became the "freedom mobile". We walked around our neighborhood in the parade and came back and did a little cookout with some new friends :) I know that sounds like alot, but it really wasn't. I made sure the kids took it easy and didn't get over tired, over heated or too worn out. I am hoping now, since they both have been to the E.R. and to the doctor's office here, that maybe we can take a break from being sick for awhile.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
E.R. Visits
I am so glad we have really good insurance, because my two little rascally kids seem to love the E.R.!
Alana went to the E.R. a week or so ago, because we thought she might have a bladder infection. Thank goodness she did not, but it was trip number one :)
Collin was running a fever a couple nights ago, and since he was waking up every couple of hours, I let him sleep in the living room so I didn't have to go all the way upstairs. Mama is out of practice of getting up every few hours! As much as I want another baby, I don't know if I can go through sleep depravation again :/ Not that it is really an option anyway!
He seemed fine the next day, his happy, active self. We went to the gym, and I had my personal trainer session. I didn't think the session went that bad, but man, the next day, I wanted to die because EVERY single muscle in body hurt! I thought I was in better shape than that? I had Joe try to massage my muscles and I was balling, tears and all, while he tried to loosen them up. I'm still sore today!
So that night, his fever spiked, went up to 103+ and I was giving him meds! After a VERY long night, his fever spiked to 104.5 while rotating between tylenol and motrin every 3.5 hours. He started to act kinda strange, drooling and shaking. I tried putting wet clothes all over his body, no clothes on, and still it wasn't coming down very much.
Me, being the crazy mom I am, call my mom, and she says take him in. I start freaking out because I only know where the Med Clinc I took Alana to, and have no idea where the real hospital is. I call the Med Clinc and they say it was fine to bring him there. I rush and get things together, incase it end up to be a long visit. I was thinking they might have to admit him, if he was dehydrated or if it was something serious. I kept thinking meningitis? Not sure why, other than the temp. and my thoughts getting carried away. I already admitted I can get a bit crazy. I leave Collin naked and get them in the car.
While we are waiting to see a doctor, Collin took a little nap and I just had given him another dose of meds. The finally call us in to take his temp and it was 101.8. It always comes down once you get there :) He was the most active he had been all day, too! So the doc took a look at him and said his throat was a little red. He swabbed it and did a strep test. It came back negative, but since his fever was so high, he decided to put him on an antibiotic.
We went to get his prescription filled at the HEB (grocery store). Of course it can't be easy. They didn't have the fax yet and said to come back in 30 mins. Ugh. So we went over to McDonald's for some lunch (Drive-thru). Collin had fallen asleep again. I figured out they had a drive thru for the pharmacy. Yay! Something went right ;)
Daddy ended up behind us on the way home and mommy was finally able to get a little nap in, before waking up for our torturous, forceful, medicine ritual that we both have come to hate. That night, I got smart and went and got him "candy" at CVS so he can take chewable tylenol and motrin. Wow, wish I had some of that sooner!
So he is on Amoxicillian for 10 days. Later that night, his fever FINALLY came down and he seems to be himself, again. He sure gave me a run for my money and had me all upset. I'm just happy he is feeling better now, and that he can take his antibiotic in his chocolate milk ;)
P.S. Now kids, it is okay if we don't have to go to the E.R. for awhile or ever. They will stay in business even if we don't go once a week ;)
Alana went to the E.R. a week or so ago, because we thought she might have a bladder infection. Thank goodness she did not, but it was trip number one :)
Collin was running a fever a couple nights ago, and since he was waking up every couple of hours, I let him sleep in the living room so I didn't have to go all the way upstairs. Mama is out of practice of getting up every few hours! As much as I want another baby, I don't know if I can go through sleep depravation again :/ Not that it is really an option anyway!
He seemed fine the next day, his happy, active self. We went to the gym, and I had my personal trainer session. I didn't think the session went that bad, but man, the next day, I wanted to die because EVERY single muscle in body hurt! I thought I was in better shape than that? I had Joe try to massage my muscles and I was balling, tears and all, while he tried to loosen them up. I'm still sore today!
So that night, his fever spiked, went up to 103+ and I was giving him meds! After a VERY long night, his fever spiked to 104.5 while rotating between tylenol and motrin every 3.5 hours. He started to act kinda strange, drooling and shaking. I tried putting wet clothes all over his body, no clothes on, and still it wasn't coming down very much.
Me, being the crazy mom I am, call my mom, and she says take him in. I start freaking out because I only know where the Med Clinc I took Alana to, and have no idea where the real hospital is. I call the Med Clinc and they say it was fine to bring him there. I rush and get things together, incase it end up to be a long visit. I was thinking they might have to admit him, if he was dehydrated or if it was something serious. I kept thinking meningitis? Not sure why, other than the temp. and my thoughts getting carried away. I already admitted I can get a bit crazy. I leave Collin naked and get them in the car.
While we are waiting to see a doctor, Collin took a little nap and I just had given him another dose of meds. The finally call us in to take his temp and it was 101.8. It always comes down once you get there :) He was the most active he had been all day, too! So the doc took a look at him and said his throat was a little red. He swabbed it and did a strep test. It came back negative, but since his fever was so high, he decided to put him on an antibiotic.
We went to get his prescription filled at the HEB (grocery store). Of course it can't be easy. They didn't have the fax yet and said to come back in 30 mins. Ugh. So we went over to McDonald's for some lunch (Drive-thru). Collin had fallen asleep again. I figured out they had a drive thru for the pharmacy. Yay! Something went right ;)
Daddy ended up behind us on the way home and mommy was finally able to get a little nap in, before waking up for our torturous, forceful, medicine ritual that we both have come to hate. That night, I got smart and went and got him "candy" at CVS so he can take chewable tylenol and motrin. Wow, wish I had some of that sooner!
So he is on Amoxicillian for 10 days. Later that night, his fever FINALLY came down and he seems to be himself, again. He sure gave me a run for my money and had me all upset. I'm just happy he is feeling better now, and that he can take his antibiotic in his chocolate milk ;)
P.S. Now kids, it is okay if we don't have to go to the E.R. for awhile or ever. They will stay in business even if we don't go once a week ;)
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