Merry Christmas!

We made our annual trek to the local Christmas tree farm today. String Bean is now 3 (yes, she had an epic birthday celebration since my last post) and fully enjoyed the experience. While hunting for a tree, we stopped and pondered the merits of many before we found String Bean standing in front of one and pointing. We ended up taking that one home.

Upon arriving at home, Mr. Bean put the lights on the tree while we watched the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles, much to my father's dismay. String Bean eagerly awaited her chance to put the ornaments on. Jelly Bean just tried to chew and grab whatever she could reach. (She is crawling and pulling up now. We've hit a lot of milestones since my last post.)

When the time to decorate finally came, String Bean concentrated on a very small portion of the tree and hung the majority of her ornaments there. She also put on her mittens to do it because the tree was too pokey.

That was our afternoon and evening. It is 10:30 and Mr. Bean and I just finished donning the rest of the house in holiday fare. Now to relax and enjoy the season!

Merry Christmas!

Wiggly Circus

String Bean has been beside herself all week long waiting for today: the day we were to go to see the Wiggles in concert!

Upon arrival at the Rosemont Theater, Mr. Bean and I quickly figured out we had made a huge mistake by not bringing cash for parking. Seriously. Who runs a cash-only business in 2010?! So, after I made a quick dash over to the hotel nearby, we were able to park legally.

We managed to make it in time to check out the merchandise table briefly and take a photo or two before finding our seats and waiting for the show to begin.

Our family waiting for the show to begin.

Of course String Bean's favorite songs were done: Big Red Car, Do the Monkey, Music Box Dancer, Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy, Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Shimmy Shake, and many others.

Someone is excited!

Jelly Bean was fixated on the glow from the stage and the crazy dancing that String Bean was doing at her seat.

Jelly Bean's reaction to the concert starting.

Anthony welcoming us to the show.

Toot, toot, chugga, chugga, big red car!

By the last couple of songs, String Bean had lost her steam from all the jumping and dancing so she curled up in Mr. Bean's lap and enjoyed the show with her thumb in her mouth.

Following the show, we took a bathroom break and then went back to the merchandise table where String Bean hemmed and hawed over her choices. She narrowed it down to a Wags the Dog hat or a Dorothy the Dinosaur Hat. When she realized the Dorothy hat was reversible and became a Sam Wiggle hat, that eventually won her over.

String Bean wearing the Dorothy/Sam hat in front of the Wiggles sign.

We posed for more pictures in the lobby and headed out toward our car. We had parked relatively close to the Wiggles' tour buses so our walk to the car took us past them. We noticed a small crowd of 30 or so parents and kids crowded nearby and found Jeff in the midst of the crowd! String Bean enjoyed meeting him and he signed one of the swag promo materials that were available for free at the merch table.



Shortly after signing our poster, Jeff hopped on his bike and went for a ride. We heard from someone in the crowd that Anthony had ridden off on his bike and avoided the crowd. Since the fans started to head toward their cars, we assumed Sam was already on the bus. (Murray was away on a "family commitment" and Ringo [who?] was filling in for him.)

We walked to our car, put the kids in their seats and went to drive out. We saw only one car exiting the same way we went and they had stopped a pedestrian and were talking to him through their car window.

We quickly realized it wasn't a pedestrian, but Anthony on his bike...carrying all his luggage. We asked him why he was carrying his luggage and he said, "Well, this was our last concert so we are going to the airport and...its a long story!" He was kind enough to sign our poster and pause for a photo before riding off into the sunset (aka-behind a nearby building where Jeff was riding his bike, too).

Anthony with all his luggage signing autographs for the people who flagged him down. Thanks, people in the black SUV!

Who knew Anthony had a tat?

String Bean was thrilled to have met 2 of the Wiggles! I suspect she will be talking about this for weeks and months to come.

Fame in Philly

We travelled to Philadelphia this weekend to celebrate my grandfather's 90th birthday which happened to fall on Friday the 13th this year. He was born on Friday the 13th as was his wife, my aunt, one of his great great grandchildren, and me. (My father-in-law was also born on Friday the 13th.) My grandfather could have had an entire hour dedicated to his life story about how God has taken care of him over the years, but you'll catch just a brief glimpse of that here.

This is not my television debut in Philadelphia. My photo has been on the news twice before when the reporters covered the same story with a different angle. This is, however, my first interview on the news in Philadelphia!

Happy 90th Birthday, Pop-Pop! Proud to be one of the fellow Friday the 13th-ers in the family!

(Print version can be found here.)

Getting Crafty with Whitney

My friend Whitney has a great blog, Elm Street Life, where I like to go often just to drool over the photographs she takes. Of course, it is a great way to keep up with what is going on in her life since she no longer lives nearby. I also enjoy watching her crafty things come to life with her helpful "how to" instructions.

I recently read this post and decided to try it out for myself during Jelly Bean and String Bean's naps. Here are the results!

String Bean shows off my very first attempt. This took me about 5 minutes total to do.

Since String Bean has a lot of hair, I tried this out with a larger barrette.
Worked GREAT!
She will likely be wearing both of these barrettes at the same time.

Yes, Jelly Bean's hair is long enough and thick enough that it needs a barrette, too!
I used the smallest bud I could find for her tiny head.

I did not have a glue gun like Whitney suggested, but I did have tacky glue. I'm hoping that does the trick. If not, I will probably be investing in a glue gun, soon. These little barrettes make great gifts and I know 3 little girls (all sisters) who probably need some barrettes for back-to-school!

And here are some bonus pictures of my girls which don't show off the barrettes very well; however, personalities are on display!

Jelly Bean cooing. 12 weeks old.
(And a great photo of the underside of the barrette.)

String Bean "smiling" for the camera while eating M&Ms,
her reward for peeing on the potty!
Age: 2 years 8 months

Jelly Bean's Thoughts

My sister was really grossed out by the different terms I used for breast milk when String Bean was a baby. Mommy milk, yummies, milky treats...String Bean has decided breast milk is "Mommy juice" and whenever Jelly Bean starts crying, String Bean pipes up, "Jelly Bean needs Mommy juice!"

If Mr. Bean is changing Jelly Bean's diaper and begins to wail, String Bean will announce what she assumes is Jelly Bean's thoughts on getting her diaper changed: "Daddy, it's cold!"

Apparently, those are Jelly Bean's only thoughts in life so far. Says String Bean.

String Bean on Dental Health

Mr. Bean is responsible for String Bean's oral hygiene. Now, I used to work for an endodontist (root canal doctor), so I am definitely the expert here, but String Bean insists that Daddy help her brush her teeth; however, when he is gone at bedtime, I am an acceptable substitute.

This evening, Mr. Bean sat down to watch the Blackhawks game and String Bean's bedtime was creeping ever so close. I looked at String Bean and said, "String Bean, it is almost bedtime. Have you brushed your teeth?"

Mr. Bean looked at me and said, "No, Daddy is watching hockey."

As I started to stand up, I said, "String Bean, it is time to brush your teeth."

String Bean replied, "No, Daddy watching hockey!" Clearly, Mr. Bean and I had a good chuckle over this.

I finally convinced her to get her toothbrush ready for Daddy and she decided to "brush" them on her own. Then she let me check her work and clean the spots she missed...which was nearly everything.

Don't worry, Mr. Bean still read her a story and tucked her in.

Paternity Leave

Mr. Bean's last day of paternity leave. He's been asleep for hours. String Bean has been asleep for hours. Jelly Bean has been asleep beside me on the couch for about an hour.

We are all still in our PJs and sleeping through the lunch hour.

Why can't paternity leave last forever?

Philadelphia

I am sipping tea out of my Philadelphia mug.

My grandparents lived in Philadelphia for as long as I can remember, so I probably should be thinking of them when I drink from it. Nonna and Pop-Pop. Nonna died about 7 years ago. I remember the day because it was near my first wedding anniversary and Mr. Bean and I had just made an offer on the condo where we are now living.

String Bean has recently gotten into the story of Noah again. Instead of Noah, she says Nonna. It has led to some very confusing moments for me because she never knew Nonna and we haven't been talking about her lately. But it is a nice reminder of my grandmother.

No, instead of thinking of my grandparents, I am reminded of my husband's friend, Bryan. He lives in Philadelphia (not the suburbs like my grandparents) and used to work at Starbucks. One time when we visited, we spent some time with him and he gave us the Philly mug that I enjoy my tea out of this morning. Thanks, Bryan!

Pop-Pop turns 90 in August, so we will be visiting Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, then....as a family of 4!

Two More Weeks

Ooh-Ah is scheduled to be evicted from her uterine utopia on May 4. If she comes earlier, that's OK, but there will be no more of the easy life come 7:30 am on the 4th!

String Bean is getting excited!

Typical Toddler Behaviors

String Bean has been exerting her independence lately, which I'm told (and I read) is typical behavior of a two-year old. Here are some examples:

• No longer am I allowed to button her jacket.
• Nor unbutton it.
• Shoes are apparently up to the wearer to pick and put on.
  
• And take off.
  
• If I give String Bean two choices of dresses to wear, she will chose neither. It is as if she is saying, "I need options, Mom!" (I had my best success when I laid 9 dresses on her bed and sent her into her room alone to pick out one.)
• When told, "You are wearing your monkey pajama pants," a toddler remembers that she has 2 pairs of monkey pajama pants. No matter which one I pull out, it would be the wrong one. Tears follow.
  
• Although coloring is a favorite activity, if it is my idea, String Bean isn't interested...until 15 minutes later.
  
• Leaving the house has become a chore. "I need this," is the common cry I hear as String Bean goes around the house picking up random objects and toys to take along on the quick run to pick up the babysitter.
  
• Don't get me started on accessories.
  

New Shoes

Photo by Ro Potter
December 19, 2009

String Bean's Words

This morning I told String Bean it was naptime. She looked at me and said, "Boom, boom, pow!" and then turned away and said, "I need Star Wars."

Resurrection Rolls

Our family tradition at Easter time is to make Resurrection Rolls. This afternoon when String Bean finished her lunch, we set up the workstation to make the Rolls. She did not enjoy getting her fingers dirty (typical). However, once she realized the dough was not cookie dough, she had fun trying to wrap the marshmallows up in it.

While we waited for the Rolls to cook and cool, String Bean, Mr. Bean, and I watched the Charlie Brown Easter Beagle special. String Bean is the biggest Charlie Brown and gang fan you've ever seen. (All we've heard the last few days is "New Brown? Please?")

We set the ready-to-eat Resurrection Roll in front of String Bean and told her to look and see if Jesus was still in there. When she popped it open, she just looked at me with a blank stare unsure of what to say since Jesus had disappeared. I said, "Where is he?" She replied, "Bye-bye." Mr. Bean and I taught her to say, "Risen."

It is a precious tradition especially with preschool aged kids. If you and your family don't have a tradition and are looking to start one, we highly recommend Resurrection Rolls!

It is Much Too Early

I got a text message today that said, "Can I pick up String Bean for a date tomorrow night? I'd like to take her out to dinner."

Is it just me, or are kids dating younger and younger these days? Perhaps Mr. Bean needs to start practicing at the shooting range!

Vacuum Phobia

We've known for months (or even a year?) that String Bean is terrified of the vacuum. It was never more obvious to me than when the cleaning service came today to clean the common areas of our condo building. We could hear the vacuum outside our door and she shivered in her high chair with fear.

30 minutes later, we went to get the mail. No vacuum cleaner in sight. After picking up our mail, we could hear the vacuum cleaner start on the floor above us. Oh, the sheer terror and extremely cautious steps my two-year-old took were fueled with adrenaline. I had to carry her halfway down the hall until we couldn't hear the vacuum anymore.

Oh the innocence of a child! I can't imagine having one fear in life--a fear of a vacuum which can easily be turned off. I hope she stays innocent like this for some time to come.

Healthy!

All of String Bean's tests came back normal and we have been puke-free for more than 48 hours. I feel like we can finally start catching up with all the things that piled up while we were sick.

I can't wait to open my mailbox and find the bills from the hospital, doctors, and labs. I got my bill for my first physical therapy session today. It came in at just over $300! I sure hope that they were future-billing for dates instead of that being the cost per session although I am not holding my breath. I told Mr. Bean that we will definitely be hitting our max out-of-pocket with our insurance company this year.

What would we do without medical insurance?

Never-Ending Illness

Well, kids, I am home from the hospital. I got released on Saturday night after a second round of potassium to get my levels high enough. I'm happy to report that I'm feeling good.

String Bean, however, is on day 7 of a puking spree that does not want to end. We just got back from doctor's visit #4 for her and they finally ordered some lab tests. 7 blood tests and a stool sample. We were fortunate enough that she soiled a diaper during the appointment so we didn't have to wait it out for a sample.

Now, we wait.

We also had dentist appointments. The Bean family is cavity free. At last, some good news!

At the Hospital (Part 2)

Yesterday, I told you about the dehydration that landed me as an overnight guest in one of the finer hospitals in the greater Chicago-land area. I concluded that post with the image of me hobbling around due to my piriformis syndrome really flaring up.

Shortly after publishing yesterday's post, my blood was drawn and it was discovered that my calcium, iron and potassium were low. I already knew about the iron. I'm on supplements for that. My iron levels have dropped much lower than where they were a few weeks ago, but the nurses have assured me that is due to all the throwing up I have been doing. The calcium didn't surprise me much. I know I need more.

The potassium levels were dangerously low. Normal is 3.5 to 5. My potassium was measuring at 2.2. This could be one of the reasons I was having so much pain in my piriformis area. (Time will tell!)

I was given potassium in my IV. While the nurse was getting the IV ready, I asked her if this would be like penicillin and burn going in. She said, "It might." Understatement of the year.

As soon as she left, my attention turned to String Bean who was visiting along with Mr. Bean and I was trying to determine if she had a fever or not. I started to feel a sting in my arm. I called the nurse in. She "stopped" the potassium and left. She hadn't fully stopped it and the pain crept up my arm. By the time she got the potassium stopped and flushed my IV with the hydrating solution, I was on the verge of puking and passing out. Mr. Bean said I looked like death. The nurse was clearly freaking out but doing her best to remain calm. Several other nurses came in during the episode and a call to the OB on call went out. My blood pressure was taken. I measured at 76/30 (or something in that ball park). I am certain my blood pressure was much lower as I was starting to feel a little bit better by the time the blood pressure was taken.

Mr. Bean wondered aloud if that bag was really labeled "potassium" and not "hydrochloric acid."

We finally got the "watered down" solution balanced correctly so I was not in pain during the procedure. The infusion ended at 1 am, and at 3 am, they had to draw my blood. There must be something mystical and magical about drawing blood 2 hours after the infusion.

My number needed to be 3.9 or higher. I was 3.4. So, I am now on infusion #2 which takes about 6 hours to draw. Not sure if the 2 hour thing still applies (assume so), which puts me here until 5 at the very earliest. This does not look good for me going home today. Sigh.

Waiting for the OB to come and do rounds so I have a better idea of what is going on.

Scariest thought: they were considering sending me home after triage and my first couple IVs on Thursday. Glad I decided to stick it out a bit.

At the Hospital

Well, I did not survive much longer past Mr. Bean. Unfortunately, being 7 months pregnant sure adds to the stress of the stomach flu on the body.

I woke up at 3 am on Thursday morning with the stomach flu. I was enjoying some quality time with the toilet in the bathroom until I realized that I was "leaking" out of both ends and perhaps I should enjoy more quality time with a bowl while sitting on the toilet instead.

It didn't take long for me to be vomiting bile, and by 7 am, I was ready to call the OB and find out if there were some meds I should be taking to reduce the nausea and hopefully vomiting. Wouldn't it figure that my OB is on vacation right now? Around 8 am, his nurse told me just to "wait it out" and after 48 hours I should be "just fine."

By noon, I was miserable. I had stopped throwing up around 10:30 am, but I kept hopping out of bed sure I would be vomiting at any moment. The nausea and heartburn I was experiencing were horrible. At 1 pm, Mr. Bean and I decided going to the ER would probably be the best thing I could do to alleviate the pain.

Upon arrival at the ER, I was immediately taken up to labor and delivery so I could be monitored. I was asked for a urine sample. When the results came back, I went right onto IV fluids. I was mercifully given Zofran for the nausea which is a miracle drug.

3 liters of fluids later, I gave another urine sample and still was spilling keytones in my urine (which is indicitive of muscular tissue breaking down - not a desirable outcome) so I was admitted.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Bean called to let me know that String Bean threw up again at home. This poor kid just can't lick this bug.

When I woke up this morning, I continued to have severe diarrhea, so some additional labs were taken which we are waiting for the results of. Mr. Bean is working on a project for work and String Bean is asleep on the couch in my room.

According to the appearance of my urine, I am still very dehydrated despite having gotten 5 liters of fluid in my IV. We wait to see if I'll be enjoying another night at the hospital.

To make matters more comical, I'm having a lot of difficulty walking around. Imagine having diarrhea, having to carry and IV stand around with you and barely being able to walk. What a sight!

Another One Bites the Dust!

Mr. Bean came home early from work with a fever and chills and threw up. His response, "It feels so good to finally throw up."

String Bean slept all day long. Only woke up to go to the pediatrician and say hi to dad once.

I'm the one left standing. How long can I last?