Seriously So Cute: May 2013

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Finally HOME

Today was a long day in the hospital. At 6am Savannah pulled her IV out while she was getting her heavy pain meds. So essentially she did not have any pain meds for almost 12 hours. I got her up to go potty and she was crying, pale, and in so much pain... I called the nurse several times (I know she is overworked on the floor but still my baby needed pain meds) and it took her a long time to get them to us.

I thought in report they would have passed on that not only was I am overbearing mother but also a nurse... After the nurse explained to me the difference between PO and IV meds I saw this was not true.

I was so displeased with the care savannah was getting a mere 48 hours post surgical (a very PAINFUL procedure) that I called the nurse practitioner an was a bout to call the nursing manager when Savannah's nurse finally came in... Good thing too bc I was about to lose it on her.

Savannah was able to get her brace today and it fits nicely. We got her walker and wheelchair delivered to the hospital and she couldn't jump out of bed fast enough and into her wheelchair where she owned the world. She spins around like a pro, but you better watch out because she will go forward or backward without notice and run over your toes or your toddler... Just sayin.

We were able to escape from our jail cell around 4:00 and we headed home VERY grateful!!!! Savannah couldn't wait to take her walker for a spin to the pool (no swimming allowed yet) while she watched the other girls swim (her preference anyway). It tuckered her right out and I had to carry her home. It's hard to know when she feels pain or if she is pushing herself too much. I will have to learn how to read her cues with this pain thing.

Just grateful to be home and taking care of her ourselves. The "littles" has MUCH fun with grandma and Jannae whilst we were away. Maybe we will get to do something fun while grandma is here but she might have to come back in August when we are feeling a little bit better.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

TODAY IS THE DAY

Can't believe that the day we have been waiting for for 11.5 years is here.

7 years ago we traveled to New York City to visit with Dr. Rozbruch about lengthening Savannah's leg. As we were in the waiting room holding Mikenna and I think I was pregnant with Daxton, I saw a lady come in in a wheelchair. She had this huge halo thing around her leg and it literally hurt my heart and soul to look at it but I couldn't take my eyes off of it.

We were a little too late on the external fixator that we could have done when she was 5, so we had to wait a few more years until better technology came around. Luckily about that time a doctor in Baltimore was creating an internal fixator for kids with a bone larger in diameter. We met him two years ago after he decides to relocate to west palm beach Florida. It's gorgeous here ms he knew the market here didn't ave an orthopedic surgeon doing limb lengthening... No duh! He could move anywhere and people would still travel across country (not unlike us) to have him perform surgery.

He's a superstar surgeon and after two years of visiting him here in Florida we decided to make a Go of it. Tiling was good and Doug's work has been working with bus wonderfully to be able to leave town for three or more months and have this surgery! I'm grateful for rock star doctors like Dr Paley who honestly are about their patients and families.... Unlike unrockstar physicians who leave 3 minutes before you get to the appointment you have waited months for....

Leaving Savannah in ever so capable hands... We got up early and dressed n readied ourselves down to the hospital just in time for preop. Savannah pulled down her socks and said "mom, I pulled down my socks so that doctor Paley won't cut them with my leg." She's a thinker that one. Always thinking... And talking!!!

She made friends with all the babies and nurses and doctors and even gave the surgeon and anesthesiologist the one two. Only savannah can get away with that ;). They wheeled her back to the OR and I was able to go back with her until they had to start intubating her (breathing tube).... They gave her some happy medicine and she became very combative and put her legs over her head at one point. I was trying not to bust a gut but it was pretty much next to impossible.

She didn't like the burning of the anesthesia in her arm... And at one point during surgery she bought herself another IV... I don't know why they ask for an IV if they are just going to place another one, but whatev. I asked if I could stay and watch because I think it would be fascinating...

Of course they said no. I was ready to leave anyway after I saw her laying asleep on the table. It's much easier when it is someone else's kid on the table or in pain or in the hospital bed. I don't like seeing her so down. (Even though some days I pray for these moments)....

Surgery was a success!!! It was about 4 hours long... A little long for my taste but bit went really well. The bone was a little smaller in diameter than they had originally anticipated so they had to do some maneuvering to make it fit but he said that that was ok and that the bone would grow around it. Crazy. I can't imagine how they will get it out... (In a year) but I'm sure w has already though of that. He also put a plate in her knee so that she can walk straight. Pretty slick how good he is. When I grow up I want to be one of his PAs. ;)

Savannah has been a little sick after surgery. We have changed her sheets pillows and blankets a few times but all is well. She is sleeping the pain and that's all I can hope for. Poor little honey. She was all smiles before surgery. Now she is locked up in her foggy head is anesthesia and pain meds.

The cafeteria is something to behold for sure!!! Totally repulsive. I vomited in my mouth when I saw the good they were serving. Gross!!!!!!

Monday, May 27, 2013

Getting settled

Today (and lets be honest, most of last night) was spent unloading ad putting stuff away. I am pretty sure the amount of stuff I packed tripled on our way here. All the things I thought I would need... Perhaps I didn't need as much. But I woulda been sad if I had left some things so I'm glad I brought them from home.

We finally got all settled in today with all our stuff, rearranged some rooms (but not before we took before pics so we would know where everything went when we were done. We unplugged the TVs in the bedrooms because let's be honest, we do NOT need more media in our lives... Between iPads iPods iTouches iPad minis...(I honestly never thought I would have so many "apple" items in my house... Owell...) We are just fine!

Making some very important trips to the store today was our top priority. Grandma bought us groceries last night so we didn't need much of those (that grandma I guess we will keep her). Off to the dollar tree but not before we drove by the ocean. It's absolutely gorgeous and unlike the beaches on the west coast. At the dollar store the kids got to choose "ten" items each.... I asked my mom if I got to choose an "Isabella ten" (20) or a "Mikenna ten" (10)? She thought I was pretty funny and told me I could get my own ;).

Silly grandma came all the way to Florida and forgot her swimsuit so we busted our way through the mall an got two suits and a coverup for her. Isabella did really good at picking swimsuits and taking the "broken" (ones we weren't picking) ones back to the racks. We visited the famous 1.4 million square foot "Gardens Mall"... Maybe you have heard of it ;).

Finishing off the night with dinner, swimming, and baths... We are preparing for our big day tomorrow. Surgery is scheduled for 8:00 am and we are to be there at 7:00. We will keep you all updated. Thanks for reading ;)!!!!

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Day 4 of our great adventure

Woke up this morning in Mobile, Alabama and went down the stairs to have a fantastic home made breakfast of biscuits and gravy, cereal, cream cheese danishes, waffles, tater tots, and oatmeal. Not a protein in sight! No Paleo here... we must be in the SOUTH. We are getting really good at loading and unloading all of our stuff, getting out of the car to go potty, and eating meals on our travel trays in under 30 minutes! SUCCESS!!!

After we were all done getting ready to lock and load up and move out, I came upon this little munchkin in the bathroom. I am grateful today for hotels and people who can pick up after me. It is a great feeling to not have had to worry about this little mess although I am sure I received a few tongue lashing via the cleaning ladies... though there was black long hair on the bathroom floor and food in the fridge before we even got there so maybe they don't do a great job cleaning after all!!!!

Leaving the good old state of Alabama was a little nostalgic because of one of my all time faves "Sweet Home Alabama" movie, that takes place in Greenville, Alabama. We almost detoured up there we (Jannae and I) love the movie so much. Alas an extra 4 hours did not seem THAT appealing to us as we were on our 34th hour in 4 days, so we passed on that idea. I have been able to get pictures of the "welcome to...." signs, but I was unable to get one for Alabama.... I am very disappointed Doug says I can just load one off the internet, but that is not that same as getting it myself :).

I was able to take some great pictures of the bridge that we crossed in Mobile. It was insane. Actually it puts the Hoover Dam bridge to shame. Ok maybe I just got a really cool pic of the battleship museum and the ONE skyscraper in the city :). Don't judge. It was a long day!

Kids actually have done really well. I am surprised also at how well Scarlett has done. Save an hour of crying because she was hungry and needed food and a nap, she was a perfect angel. She loved dancing, eating cookies and sonic cups, and pinching and pulling Jannae's arms and hair. Speaking of arms and hair, we were at the gas station in Alabama where it was extremely HOT and I said, "Man my arm pits are sweaty and its not even that HOT." To which Doug replied, "That's Sexy." and Jannae followed it with, "Wow, Doug, You married a keeper!" We all had a good laugh and ate ice cream cones from McDonalds and drank Dr. Pepper and Diet Coke. IT was NASTY from this particular McDs.... I really should just give it up for good, but then I would fail if I had it again, so "all things in moderation" will be implemented here.

Shameless selfie. It is what it is folks. I had to do it. I was bored out of my goard in the car for 4 LONG DAYS!!! I am grateful that my husband was able to drive most of the way so that I could keep you all updated via Facebook and Instagram. I still don't get Insta, but I am learning some fun tips and tricks from Jannae. BTW if you like this dress let me know and I can direct you where to find some like it (you can't get the same one because that would be awkward.... don't you think?.... Maybe not. Whatev.)

I am grateful that he is looking at the road and not the camera. I am looking at the camera but you can't tell because of my big sunglasses. Kids kept along watching movies, playing games, playing ponies, giggling, laughing, copying each other, "knock knock" jokes, playing the "quiet game" to which they all lost within 10 seconds. Isabella can NOT NOT talk for less than 3 seconds (the amount of time it takes to take a breath and start over again) and so she kept losing. She was not very happy a bout all this but what was she supposed to do? LOSE I guess. Unfortunate.... yet HALARIOUS.

I can't believe that we hit 2000 miles for our personal trip. This of course was taken before the additional 500 we had to put on as well. I had Doug take the car to get the oil changed.... sorry charlie, I don't want to be stranded on the side of the road because I was lazy and didn't do what I was supposed to do to make the car function properly. :)

We made a few more stops today than the other days. We were getting a little stir crazy and dance parties were no longer helping our little situation of inthecartoolongitis... so every two hours we took a little pit stop (that and Doug and Isabella's bladders are very small :)).

Finally arriving at our new "summer home" has been great! We are excited to start a little life here and hope that we can be able to make some new friends and see some old ones while we are here. Big plans to visit museums, parks, zoos, etc to entertain the kids this summer! Savannah's surgery is scheduled for 8 am Tuesday.... so wish us luck!!!

Day 3 of our big adventure

Lots of face booking to be had here! Kids are still hanging in there. Hard To believe that we crossed Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and ended up in Alabama. I'm excited to go over the bridge that is practically in the ocean. Will be a hoot. Hopefully it doesn't crumble while w are on it.

We drove through the backwoods in Louisiana and I said were going to get mugged. Doug told me that we would be fine in the backwoods because little towns are safe. I told him it is safe in the back woods until you get mugged.

At the gas station the kids went bird watching and counted all the birds in the sky. Then they played ring around the Rosie's and Isabella and Scarlet ended up in a little puddle of what I hope was water...

This gas station claimed to have clean restrooms. On the door it said so but then you went into the bathrooms and they were probably one of the dirtiest I have ever seen. At least we had a faucet unlike the other one however doug was not so lucky he was still without soap in the mens bathroom. However it was a step above the one we had previously visited in van horn Texas with the explicit items for sale on the wall for &0.25. Doug has made it a personal goal to always have quarters in trashy bathrooms from now on. (For those of u who know my husband, you know this is a joke)

Savannah's on book number 25 with a personal goal to complete a record number this summer.

I am proud to say that on this 4 day journey, Our first fast food stop was not until dinner on the third day. I am a planner and we have been eating very good for the most part. I did have the unfortunate circumstance of buying some nasty (what I thought may have been good) trail mix. Bitter disappointment.

Kids are busy with iPads iPods sewing cards worksheets sticker books snacks friendship bracelets movies dry erase boards and dance parties... Oh the fun we are having!!!!

Until tomorrow....

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Day 1 down

Started our journey yesterday at 5p. Our take off time was 4p and we were loading but you know how that goes with 7 people... Pretty much doesn't go to fast. About as fast as a terd of hurdles as grandpa Rogers would have said ;). Locked and loaded with gas and sonic drinks and ice cream we ventured out on our big adventure.

It's going to be a ride and I have some mixed feelings about it all. Nervous, scared, confused, hoping that moving my family to a different state/country (feels like) for the summer was/is the right thing to do. We have big plans to have lots of fun in Florida. I am sure it will be fine but the getting here has been stressful.

I will say that the weeks leading up to this point has been way worse than the actual drive so far. I could in ally sit my butt in the chair and just relax. Something I haven't done for weeks and certainly not the last week... Stress level at 150% I seriously thought I was going to explode.

We drove 9 or some hours last night into Texas... We forgot to take in the two hour time difference so it was 4 am when we finally hit our heads on the pillows. It was a good solid quick sleep. Up for breakfast and on the road again today.

We got up for breakfast and I made waffles at the continental breakfast place and it came out in a funky shape... The shape of TEXAS!!! Of COURSE!!! I seriously love Texas and I have missed it. Even being in a random place here that I've never been to feels like home here in Texas. I've missed Texas. I have missed the people, I have missed the pride, I have missed the feeling of Texas and the memories. We will be here for another day or so then on to Alabama... Wowza. Alabama HA!!!

Kids are doing good thanks to all the activities people brought over and I put together. Scarlett... Well that little bug may lose her mind.... ;( but she's bein a trooper so far.

Stay tuned!

Day 2 of our big adventure

After 10 hours driving from Van horn Texas to Dallas Texas we crashed at my cousins house. It was a great reprieve to visit family after a long day of traveling.

The kids are watching movies, playing games, coloring, and savannah is reading books! Her goal is to fill her whole folder with books that she has read this summer so that she can show her teacher next week when we get back (school year that is).

We were playing "I spy" and on the paper are pictures of items to search for on the road. There is a picture of a boat and Mikenna says, "mom, there is no way I am going to see a boat on the freeway mom." We all started busting up laughing and I said, "oh we got to out that on Facebook." To which she replied, "don't put that in Facebook... And don't put THIs On Facebook either..." All roaring with laughter... So I won't put it on fb but I will blog about it.

I can't even believe we are on this big adventure. It's exciting and terrifying!! To move somewhere else for a few months yet not have to commit to being gone for a long period of time.

Jannae is our DJ and she takes requests (orders) from Isabella most of the day (when we aren't engrossed in princess, scooby doo, and Pixar movies).

It is so much fun to visit for a few minutes with my Dallas family. It always feels like home when we see them. We miss them and wish they lived closer but are grateful to see them when we can. Wish it could have been longer ;). We will stop n see them on the way back! See you I. September!

Just got a call that surgery is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 am. Hopefully we will make it there in time! ;)

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Savannah's Big Day

A few months ago, Savannah approached us and mentioned that she wanted to be baptized. At about the same time, the bishop asked us if he could interview Savannah for baptism. So today, May 11, 2013, we baptized Savannah.

It was so wonderful. We set the time for 1130 because of a primary activity that was supposed to be from 9-11 and we wanted to accommodate Savannah's friends. I called up my sister in law who is AMAZING an asked her if she would make some invitations for us. She looked on pinterest for some ideas and pinned them for me to look at. Once the selection was made, I had the invite in hand. I ran to costco and made 25 copies for Savannah to give to her friends.

She gave 3 of them to her teachers at school and then came home and said that she needed 3 more for her friends in the office and she proceeded to tell me who they were for. Savannah is such a sweet and special girl it is hard not to love her. There are so many people who love her and that just brings a smile to my heart... We handed out about 15 invitations and were on our way.

Doug went this morning to turn on the font and set up chairs. He came home and said, "we set up 80 chairs, do you think that's enough?" I said, Of course its enough! That might be too many for sure. I walked into the primary room and thought yep, too many chairs. And then YOU started coming! So many of you showed up that we had to set up 4 more rows of chairs! I wasn't going to speak or stand up or anything, but when there were so many people who love my little Savannah started coming in droves, my heart was so FULL, I just couldn't not stand and tell you all how grateful I was.

I am truly grateful for the people in my life. Those who help on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly basis. I can't even express it in words. It truly takes a community to raise a child and I am grateful for my little community.

The program was really simple. Angelica said the opening prayer, Heidi led the music, Grandma talked on baptism and then we baptized Savannah. While we were changing, Mikenna and Derek did duets on the piano. Savannah was SO cute in the font room, she said, mom I am so nervous. But she did great. After the baptism ordinance (with our dads as witnesses), we had all the cousins come up and sing I Am A Child of God (all 3 verses) and the congregation joined in on the 4th verse. This was for Daxton.... Granny gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Then Doug confirmed Savannah with Derek, Tyler, Logan, Adam, Daniel, Grandpa, Grandpa, Bishop, Mark, and Colt. I said some things and bishop told a story. After that we sang Teach me to walk in the Light, and Lollie said the closing prayer.

Afterwards we went to moms for lunch and swimming. I am still overwhelmed and overcome at the number of people who came today. I stand all amazed. Truly. From the bottom of my heart. THANK YOU.

These little precious angels are mine. And I love them SO much. Being a mom sometimes isn't always bliss, but most of the time its worth it.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The Homeless Woman

About two weeks ago, I made an appointment with a local myopractor (after stalling for months) for yesterday afternoon at 3:15 for Savannah and I. After school I picked up the girls and went about my business getting snacks, talking with the husband, and fending off the baby so that I could get the older girls settled and doing their homework and chores. As the girls were finishing up the dishes, I was making cookie dough (as a bribe for the girls... and a coping mechanism for ME)... the phone rang.

It was the myopractor's office. (Looking at the clock it was 3:45) CRAP! I answered phone and was immediately apologetic for missing my appointment. The woman on the other end said that it would be fine if we came just then.

OK a little side note here. I woke up in the morning and threw on some clothes, didn't bother brushing my hair (because seriously with a baby in tow who has the coordination for that). I don't even think I bothered to put on any deodorant or brush my teeth (since that only happens when I take my habitual shower and then brush my teeth and put on deodorant). The white shirt I was wearing was covered in chocolate and boogers and oatmeal and macaroni and cheese... and the pants I was wearing were actually rather cute and in style (or so I thought). I guess you could say that I looked rather homeless.

As I ran out the door the thought did not even occur to me that I looked as though I was in disarray because so is the life of the (rather) young mother. I hauled Savanah out wearing her overly washed faded navy blue uniform shirt, khaki uniform pants, and very stylish black, grey, and white plaid socks. We entered the office huffing and puffing because I couldn't find the place and I was dragging Savannah by the armpit to speed her up. I filled out the necessary paperwork and we were ushered in to meet with the myopractor. The visit went well. Our concerns were addressed and we were on our way.

Side note: Savannah was diagnosed with scoliosis a few weeks ago and we had x-rays done and they looked HORRIBLE. Savannah has kind of a hunchback from it and it has been worrying me ever since my dad pointed it out. I had attributed it to her asymmetry but it is really from her scoliosis. I told the practitioner this and he proceeded to adjust and align her. Some may disagree that I took my special needs 11 year old to be adjusted by a myopractor, but I am here to tell you that her hunchback IS GONE!!!! Oh my word. Its seriously unbelievable unless you have seen it. I really wish that I would have gotten a before and after picture because it is truly remarkable.

I digress. We walked into the "lobby" area and I asked the receptionist/wife of the myopractor how much it was and what form of payment was accepted. She said only cash or check and I looked a little bewildered apparently because who has cash on hand? I proceeded to dig through my wallet looking for whatever cash I had.... $21. I asked if I could just come back tomorrow with a check when they opened or at my next appointment.... She said that wouldn't work. Then I asked her if she wanted me to run home and get my checkbook and come right back... That was then acceptable so I took me and my homeless looking self and child home to get the checkbook and dropped Savannah off at activity days and grabbed Isabella (who hadn't had her hair brushed in two days, wearing her new swimsuit, and without shoes).

I walked in and sat down to write out the check at the receptionist/wife's desk. This was our conversation:
ME: (pen in hand writing in checkbook) So what's the total?
HER: um well, usually it's, (flipping through the schedule book and I am like oh crap I bet she is going to tack on $10 because we were late) um, well.... Are you guys doing ok?
ME: um.... (thinking to myself yes we were just adjusted and my daughters back looks amazing and I feel amazing) what do you mean are we doing ok?
HER: um... (alot of "ums" in this convo) well... Is there a reason you had to go home and get money?
ME: (I THINK I AM CATCHING ON HERE!... I LOOK HOMELESS)...(I explained) Well actually I wrote my last check this afternoon and left the new checkbook on the counter so I had to go home and get it... Is that what you mean?
HER: Well I didn't want to take food from your mouth.
ME: (MOUTH GAPING OPEN... I AM NOT EVEN SURE WHAT I SAID AFTER THAT) but me and my homeless child walked out the door.

Sometimes we as mothers just get so ragged and run down that we just look homeless. And so is the story of the homeless woman. ME!!!

Daxton Box