Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Gap casting call update...
So I did it. I shamelessly entered my kids in the gap casting call. Maybe one of those 20 amazing, awesome, beautiful/handsome, intelligent (just in case they read this) panelists will somehow (out of the billions of entries and cuteness overload) come across one of my children's photos. I mean if they actually look at them, how can they not pick them (other than *Ava's eye photo--whoops)? I won't solicit votes though. I mean, you can if you want...but I do encourage you to enter your own children!! And then if your child wins you have to take me on your trip to Las Vegas! :) The votes go towards the "fan favorite", which is not the same as being a finalist (those lovely panelists pick those)!
So, I thought it would be fun to vote, however I went to see the top voted kids...and they have like 20,000 votes! Are you kidding me? The top two are brother and sister, and let me tell you...those were SOLICITED votes. lol I mean they are cute kids, but uh, yeah not 20K votes worth. So anywho, I dont know 20,000 people, and it would take a lot more than the 5 blog stalkers I have to vote every day to even come close to that! I will still post the link so you can see which photos I submitted. I realized how bad I have been with taking pictures lately!! I need to get on that!! I need to get on a lot of things...like going and getting Logan out of his crib right now cause all I here is "momma din, DIIIIN, DIIIIIIIIIN MAMAMAMAMA" *din=Done :)
http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/ldilley4410/249200147/
http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/dilley331/
If you click "see all entries by ldilley" you can see the others. I also had to submit one under Chris's name because I didn't resize one of Ava's photo *ie the EYE, and all it did was post a picture of her eye. Gee, maybe we'll win on most artistic photo! :)
So, I thought it would be fun to vote, however I went to see the top voted kids...and they have like 20,000 votes! Are you kidding me? The top two are brother and sister, and let me tell you...those were SOLICITED votes. lol I mean they are cute kids, but uh, yeah not 20K votes worth. So anywho, I dont know 20,000 people, and it would take a lot more than the 5 blog stalkers I have to vote every day to even come close to that! I will still post the link so you can see which photos I submitted. I realized how bad I have been with taking pictures lately!! I need to get on that!! I need to get on a lot of things...like going and getting Logan out of his crib right now cause all I here is "momma din, DIIIIN, DIIIIIIIIIN MAMAMAMAMA" *din=Done :)
http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/ldilley4410/249200147/
http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/dilley331/
If you click "see all entries by ldilley" you can see the others. I also had to submit one under Chris's name because I didn't resize one of Ava's photo *ie the EYE, and all it did was post a picture of her eye. Gee, maybe we'll win on most artistic photo! :)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Counting the ways my kids are AWESOME!
I think most parents have that innate ego that their kid's are the best, cutest, strongest, talented, etc...even when maybe they aren't so much. lol Well, I am no exception. Id like to share a random list of how awesome my kids are, if not only to prove to them when they are older that I DID remember to write some things down in their baby book (both are mostly empty at the moment---a lot like my keeping up with this blog :)).
Ava:
A few different times now that I have picked her up from preschool, one of her teachers walks her out to the car and just completely dotes on her..."Ava is such a good girl, she listens so well, she is just so adorable I could eat her (please don't), she is just so much fun I just wanna take her home (we can maybe schedule that)", etc. I feel myself blush a little when I hear how awesome someone else thinks MY child is, and a little proud to hear that she listens so well to other adults. She IS pretty awesome.
The fact that she came up with "What in tarnation?" all on her own.
She is already starting to refer to her daddy as "father". Perhaps one of my favorites. Our random conversation at breakfast the other day..."Mommy, remember when father bought me a train for the Christmas tree." And last night before bed, "I wish father were here."
She has no fear. Something that as a mother I wish she had a LITTLE bit of, but it still proves her awesomeness. She was the 1 yr old, climbing the highest slide by herself at the park. She is the 3 yo gymnast who does flips on the bar, with praise from her gymnastic teacher about being fearless. She is the preschooler, who asks her mommy to drop her off at the curb. She wants to walk in all by herself. She is Miss Independent, that's for sure!
I love the way she can walk into a room and make friends with everyone there! She LOVES to socialize, and is always trying to plan out our day. I love that she is so outgoing! She takes after her father on that one!
Always says at random times of the day, "I love you mommy". "Logan, I love you" or "I love daddy/father." "I love grammy/grandpa", etc. She is a very thoughtful little girl, full of love. Basically, she is awesome!
Logan:
Started saying daddy right around a year, maybe even earlier (told you Im not good at writing this stuff down). Said mommy right around 16 months, also about the same time he started saying daggy instead of daddy. I LOVE IT!
Has no problem tackling his sissy in a tutu or princess dress (see picture below).
He will try to repeat just about everything you say, and if he doesn't he just laughs...like as if to laugh at you for even suggesting he say that! (I know what you are thinking, age appropriate right? Well if you heard him say elmo you'd understand! His voice deepens, and he puts special emphasis on the oooo. I'll have to post a video of all his words. I know its something all kids do, but watching a baby learn to talk is just plain awesome!
Has been known to climb on top the counters, the highchair, back of the toilet, back of the couch, back of the chair...he climbs so much, I'm pretty sure he is part monkey...or maybe that's just "all boy".
When he does climb on something he shouldn't, I know this because its always followed by him saying "tada"! I have turned around after hearing "tada" only to find him standing on the top slat of the kitchen chair, on top of his highchair tray, and standing on the back of the toilet while I was in the shower! He is for sure going to give me a heart attack! "Tada" also means, "I just put ketchup in my hair", "I just put ketchup in sissy's hair", "I climbed on top of the bathroom counter and knocked down all of mommy's makeup, and now I'm wearing it", etc. Basically, "tada" is like "uhoh" only 1000 times worse. haha
He is very sweet and caring. After watching my friend Mary with her baby, he now will sit and rock a baby doll in his elmo chair and "burp" the baby. He loves babies! One good thing about him being around so many girls, he is gonna be an AWESOME boyfriend and one day husband and father. Yes, I can tell this at only 17 months. As wild and crazy as he can be, he has such a gentle soul. Basically, he is awesome!
Stay tuned to vote for my awesome kids, after I enter them in the gap kids casting call! Its not that I think my kids are the cutest kids ever and will hands down win, its that they have no clothes that fit them and there is a 1000 dollar shopping spree on the line. So please, even if you don't think they are cute, come back and vote for them, so that they might have clothes to keep them warm in the winter! :) Thanks for reading!
Ava:
A few different times now that I have picked her up from preschool, one of her teachers walks her out to the car and just completely dotes on her..."Ava is such a good girl, she listens so well, she is just so adorable I could eat her (please don't), she is just so much fun I just wanna take her home (we can maybe schedule that)", etc. I feel myself blush a little when I hear how awesome someone else thinks MY child is, and a little proud to hear that she listens so well to other adults. She IS pretty awesome.
The fact that she came up with "What in tarnation?" all on her own.
She is already starting to refer to her daddy as "father". Perhaps one of my favorites. Our random conversation at breakfast the other day..."Mommy, remember when father bought me a train for the Christmas tree." And last night before bed, "I wish father were here."
She has no fear. Something that as a mother I wish she had a LITTLE bit of, but it still proves her awesomeness. She was the 1 yr old, climbing the highest slide by herself at the park. She is the 3 yo gymnast who does flips on the bar, with praise from her gymnastic teacher about being fearless. She is the preschooler, who asks her mommy to drop her off at the curb. She wants to walk in all by herself. She is Miss Independent, that's for sure!
I love the way she can walk into a room and make friends with everyone there! She LOVES to socialize, and is always trying to plan out our day. I love that she is so outgoing! She takes after her father on that one!
Always says at random times of the day, "I love you mommy". "Logan, I love you" or "I love daddy/father." "I love grammy/grandpa", etc. She is a very thoughtful little girl, full of love. Basically, she is awesome!
Logan:
Started saying daddy right around a year, maybe even earlier (told you Im not good at writing this stuff down). Said mommy right around 16 months, also about the same time he started saying daggy instead of daddy. I LOVE IT!
Has no problem tackling his sissy in a tutu or princess dress (see picture below).
He will try to repeat just about everything you say, and if he doesn't he just laughs...like as if to laugh at you for even suggesting he say that! (I know what you are thinking, age appropriate right? Well if you heard him say elmo you'd understand! His voice deepens, and he puts special emphasis on the oooo. I'll have to post a video of all his words. I know its something all kids do, but watching a baby learn to talk is just plain awesome!
Has been known to climb on top the counters, the highchair, back of the toilet, back of the couch, back of the chair...he climbs so much, I'm pretty sure he is part monkey...or maybe that's just "all boy".
When he does climb on something he shouldn't, I know this because its always followed by him saying "tada"! I have turned around after hearing "tada" only to find him standing on the top slat of the kitchen chair, on top of his highchair tray, and standing on the back of the toilet while I was in the shower! He is for sure going to give me a heart attack! "Tada" also means, "I just put ketchup in my hair", "I just put ketchup in sissy's hair", "I climbed on top of the bathroom counter and knocked down all of mommy's makeup, and now I'm wearing it", etc. Basically, "tada" is like "uhoh" only 1000 times worse. haha
He is very sweet and caring. After watching my friend Mary with her baby, he now will sit and rock a baby doll in his elmo chair and "burp" the baby. He loves babies! One good thing about him being around so many girls, he is gonna be an AWESOME boyfriend and one day husband and father. Yes, I can tell this at only 17 months. As wild and crazy as he can be, he has such a gentle soul. Basically, he is awesome!
Stay tuned to vote for my awesome kids, after I enter them in the gap kids casting call! Its not that I think my kids are the cutest kids ever and will hands down win, its that they have no clothes that fit them and there is a 1000 dollar shopping spree on the line. So please, even if you don't think they are cute, come back and vote for them, so that they might have clothes to keep them warm in the winter! :) Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Babysteps Photography, Lesson 1: The On/off button
Here is what I have learned so far: I won't learn anything unless I turn the camera on! I started out reading all these "learn how" websites (which I will continue to do knowing me), only turning the camera on to see how the heck everything actually applied to my camera. And, I'm pretty sure the manual is written in a foreign language. :) I have learned a good lesson so far, the manual and the websites won't do me any good unless I just turn the camera on and start snapping away! So I did! And my husband has participated as well (I will admit a bit of jealousy cause he seems to know a lot more than I do and his pictures look better than mine!) Bear with me, as I just uploaded over 400 pictures to my computer!!! We have had a great couple of weeks to capture--The Great LaPorte County Fair and even a little mini family getaway for a friend's wedding. Here is a sweet pic of my little man (courtesy of Images.by.Chris) to keep you entertained while I make my way through editing the other 400 some pictures! :) MMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm, ice cream!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
My new toy, updates, and more promises!!
Ok, so I know the world has not stopped in its tracks because of my inability to keep up with this blog. The short of it...having two takes up a lot more time than I imagined it would! Not to mention, Logan has this amazing radar to know when the computer is open and will fly in from across the room (or the other room) to come pound on the keys, pull on the screen, etc etc. As you can imagine that has limited my blogging time to bedtime or naptime, formaly known also as my bedtime or naptime. However, Ive got a new toy and Im picking up a new hobby! Photography is something I have ALWAYS wanted to get into, and that desire has grown more and more since having children (the PERFECT subjects). I am planning to devote more of that former sleep time to my new hobby. My loving husband has made this all possible by gifting me, probably the best gift EVER---a brand new DSLR camera. (don't worry, I just learned what that means too) Basically, it means I have this really awesome camera, that I know nothing about! Its time to put my money where my mouth is and invest some of my sleep time into learning my new hobby! Im going to hold myself accountable by providing weekly updates (photo updates) of my learning progress.
My lesson learned this week...even on Auto, I hardly have to do anything to these pictures! Im very excited to learn the manual side of the camera, but for now Im just enjoying taking pictures without having to go in and edit every single one of them! Plus, I think I have finally got a picture that really shows their true eye color. A detail that is priceless to a mother! Whatcha think?
My lesson learned this week...even on Auto, I hardly have to do anything to these pictures! Im very excited to learn the manual side of the camera, but for now Im just enjoying taking pictures without having to go in and edit every single one of them! Plus, I think I have finally got a picture that really shows their true eye color. A detail that is priceless to a mother! Whatcha think?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Ava is 3 and Logan is walking!!!
Where is the time going? Ava's 3rd bday was 3 weeks ago, this is how awesome I am at updating everyone! :) But, she had a wonderful birthday! We spent the sunday before at Grammy's house for a bday party, followed by Monday (her actual bday) with her best friends at the bounce house place, and then later that evening with Grandma and Grandpa Dilley! And Logan is walking more and more each day. He really started taking off this past weekend, after months of taking a few steps at a time. I thought Id do some spring cleaning on my blog, add some pictures, and a nice little update. We are all EXTREMELY ready for spring! Not a day goes by that Ava doesnt ask to go out and play. We were lucky with a week or two of park days and even one beach day! Hoping this 40 degree weather passes soon! Anyways, here are some pictures and video of the last few weeks...birthday, beach, walking, etc. Enjoy!
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Friday, March 6, 2009
Logan's surgery
Logan had his hypospadias repair on Monday at Children's Memorial in Chicago. It could not have gone any better! It is such an awful feeling knowing your baby has to go under general anesthesia, but he did (and continues to do) amazing! We got there first thing in the morning, 730 am. I had woken him up at 330 am so he could nurse one last time. Knowing how much my little man eats, I thought being NPO was going to be so hard on him. But, he did great right up until it was time for him to head back to surgery. He crawled around in his gown, played peek-a-boo with the doctors and nurses outside his sliding glass door. He found his EMPTY sippy in my purse, which was enough to break my heart! He kept trying to shake it, then take a drink, then shake, then drink. Of course there was nothing in it. :( It was so hard to let them take him back! I thought I would be able to go back with him until he was asleep, but the anesthesiologist said he would be asleep within 2 min of leaving me, so its best if he just carries him back. UGH that was hard. But, Logan didnt cry, which made it easier. He just stared at the doc, holding his frog and sucked away on his paci. They put him under general, and also did a caudal block, which is like an epidural for pain control after the surgery. I couldnt believe how well he did!
They finished the surgery sometime around 11. The doctor came to talk to us for maybe 10 minutes, then we got to go see him in recovery right away. He was already WIDE awake and he had chugged down 4 oz of juice! He nursed right away and did so well they only kept us back there for a few minutes. We waited maybe another hour for his discharge instructions and prescriptions and just like that, we were on our way home! He didnt even snooze on the ride home. He took his normal nap and went to bed just like normal. He hasn't even been overly fussy, which is something we were definately trying to prepare ourselves for! Kids are amazing and so resilient! He was a little bummed today, after I took his dressing off. He seemed a little pissed off at me, but honestly thats the most change Ive seen in him ALL week! What a relief this has been! I keep waiting for the ball to drop and things to change. But, overall we are very thankful this is over with and that he has been holding up so well! What a trooper!
Mommy and Logan before Surgery
Playing peek-a-boo with the doctors and nurses
He found the empty sippy! :(
Trying to escape!!
AFTER surgery, still clinging to frog
Daddy and Logan after surgery
Grammy and Logan
Here he is later that day, 6 hours after surgery!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Doctor appts!
Last week (or was it the week before?? lol) I took both kiddos to the doctor for their well-child exams! Ava's THREE yr appt (gasp) and Logan's 9 month appt, as well as his pre-surgery physical. Ava certainly impressed the doctor with her verbal skills, as she talked NON-STOP during the visit. Logan impressed the doctor with his eating skills and his motor skills, as he walked around (with my help of course) eating cheerios the whole visit. Both kids got a clean bill of health! Both are growing (at their own pace) right on track!
Ava's 3 yr stats: 29 lbs (25th%) and 36.5 in (45%)
Logan's 9 mo stats: 20.5 lbs (50th %) and 29 1/2 in (80th%)
Logan actually lost some weight since his 6 mo appt, probably because he has been moving non-stop since then! Doc thinks he is gonna be a lean, tall, eating machine. Maybe following in his Mumma uncles footsteps! He really is losing that baby look! :( Im sad about it, Chris is happy about it! He is more of a toddler person and Im MUCH more of a baby person! Its so amazing to watch your kids grow, definately bittersweet for me though! Here is a picture I took of him last week! Red nose and all, he had a little cold at the time! Also, note the fingers in the mouth! His top two teeth came through, making a total of 4 now! He has his surgery next Monday, so thoughts and prayers would be much appreciated! I know God will watch over him, but the mama in me can't help but be nervous! After I took this picture of Logan sitting in the chair like a big boy...Ava wanted to sit in the chair to show how big she is too! I need to post a new Ava-isms post. Ive got some doozy's from the last few weeks!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Logan: Our human garbage disposal
Ava has had the attention the last few posts, so today's nap time I'd like to dedicate to Logan, the human garbage disposal! My mom text me one morning as she is feeding him breakfast, "does he have a stop button"? I admit, Ive looked for one. The downside to this eating machine...at the ripe age of 9 months, he is already trying to eat us out of house and home. The teenage years are not looking pretty for my grocery bill!!
The plus side...he has a sister who eats like a bird! But don't worry...that food no longer goes to waste! I no longer get mad because I made her a grilled cheese that she took one bite off. Logan will eat it. I no longer get upset that I opened an entire can of peaches for her that went untouched. Logan will eat it. I CAN order her meals again when we go out to eat, because now I know what she doesn't touch, Logan will. Money not wasted. :) Left over pepperonis or half eaten containers of green beans that no longer have a place in the refrigerator? Don't worry, Logan will eat them. Cheese or yogurt that will expire in 2 days? No rush...Logan will eat it. Aside from the bottle filled with Pepsi, and the fried chicken he eats every night before drifting off to sleep...I don't foresee a trip to Maury Povich anytime soon. His rolls are trimming down, his face is getting leaner. I hate to say it but he is looking more and more like that active T word (toddler) than he is my sweet, chubby little baby! We go next week for his 9 mo and Ava's 3 yr (gasp) check-up. I'll be able to give a more accurate weight for my "little" guy. Speaking of toddling, he is getting closer and closer to walking. He loves his walker toy, and he loves to walk around the room holding your hands. He even gets brave at times and even tries it one-handed! We'll see...but, I have a feeling it won't be long!
I thought since the topic was about food, Id share some of the little man eating. The first two are of him eating blueberries. The pictures don't even do justice to the mess he made! He LOVES him some blueberries though!
The next two pictures I thought were pretty funny. Logan's favorite pastime lately...playing in the cupboards! I think he is looking for a snack, or planning his next meal! (check out all that snow through the window---blech). Then lastly, we are thinking about entering him in a chugging contest! haha. He puts his whole self into his drinking...then throws his cup when he is done. Typical male! :)
I know that every baby does "so big"...but its still sooo stinkin cute!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Ava-isms: Part One
We do this weekly "kids say the darndest things" post on a mommy forum I belong too. Its hysterical the things they come up with at this age. Ava has me laughing on a daily basis with some of the things she says. I wanted to start keeping track of them, and maybe some of you will find some entertainment in them as well! So, Id like to start a weekly post here too!
1. Everyone that walked into the room was a doctor. Didnt matter if it was housekeeping, the nurse, an actual doctor...they were ALL doctors. Anytime Id leave and come back she'd have another gift (she was 1 of maybe 3 pts on the floor and she was the only little one). Id say, who brought you that? She'd say the same thing everytime..."the doctor got me this" hahaha "the doctor brought me more apple juice", "the doctor made my bed", etc etc
2. In the ambulance...I had to sit up front, so she was sitting in the back by herself with the paramedic. I could hear the guy talking to her, but couldnt really hear their conversation. All of a sudden he comes up front by us and the driver asks him what he is doing. He said he was trying to entertain her by asking her questions and she turned to him seriously and said..."Im just going to close my eyes right now. No more talking." so, he turned the lights off and came up front. lol
3. So, then we get to the hospital and she came alive again and started talking nonstop. "Is this the hostital?" (hospital) "Are we going on the alligator? (elevator) Is that guy sick like me?? She yelled REAL loud, "Pooh, pooh, pooh, poohs on the floor". (we were all thinking she is talking about poo on the floor) Ava said "no, you silly, dare's pooh right dare on da fwoor." Sure enough, there was a huge winnie the pooh sitting right there! No, you silly!
4. My cynical little girl. Whenever we are watching tv, if she sees something not "real" she will let us know. "barney isnt real, dinosaurs cant talk, monsters dont talk"...etc. We were at dinner last week and my brother points to a dog that she is coloring and asks her what a doggie says. She turns to him all seriously and says..."Dogs cant talk!"...DUH! hahaha
5. She got so sick of me asking how she was feeling, one time she was laying in bed and it looked like she was gonna get sick. I asked her if she was gonna throw up and she said "Dont say that to me ANYMORE mom." I maybe was being a tad overbearing!
More to come...nap time is officially over! :(
1. Everyone that walked into the room was a doctor. Didnt matter if it was housekeeping, the nurse, an actual doctor...they were ALL doctors. Anytime Id leave and come back she'd have another gift (she was 1 of maybe 3 pts on the floor and she was the only little one). Id say, who brought you that? She'd say the same thing everytime..."the doctor got me this" hahaha "the doctor brought me more apple juice", "the doctor made my bed", etc etc
2. In the ambulance...I had to sit up front, so she was sitting in the back by herself with the paramedic. I could hear the guy talking to her, but couldnt really hear their conversation. All of a sudden he comes up front by us and the driver asks him what he is doing. He said he was trying to entertain her by asking her questions and she turned to him seriously and said..."Im just going to close my eyes right now. No more talking." so, he turned the lights off and came up front. lol
3. So, then we get to the hospital and she came alive again and started talking nonstop. "Is this the hostital?" (hospital) "Are we going on the alligator? (elevator) Is that guy sick like me?? She yelled REAL loud, "Pooh, pooh, pooh, poohs on the floor". (we were all thinking she is talking about poo on the floor) Ava said "no, you silly, dare's pooh right dare on da fwoor." Sure enough, there was a huge winnie the pooh sitting right there! No, you silly!
4. My cynical little girl. Whenever we are watching tv, if she sees something not "real" she will let us know. "barney isnt real, dinosaurs cant talk, monsters dont talk"...etc. We were at dinner last week and my brother points to a dog that she is coloring and asks her what a doggie says. She turns to him all seriously and says..."Dogs cant talk!"...DUH! hahaha
5. She got so sick of me asking how she was feeling, one time she was laying in bed and it looked like she was gonna get sick. I asked her if she was gonna throw up and she said "Dont say that to me ANYMORE mom." I maybe was being a tad overbearing!
More to come...nap time is officially over! :(
Ava's hospital adventure
As most of you know, Ava spent a few days in the hospital last week. I know that the normal course of a blog is that I would have posted about it as it was happening, along with updates so you knew what was going on. But, I guess we got too caught up in a sick child and a 9 month old at home. Im sure you understand. At any rate, I still wanted to document this event for myself, for Ava, and for anyone curious. So, here’s what happened:
Ava started having belly aches, stopped eating food, and having some intermittent diarrhea on Sunday. It was nothing intense, but I knew she wasn’t feeling right. Thursday, she woke up as usual. Ventured over to our room, drank her FULL sippy of milk, then proceeded to throw it up all over my bed! Poor thing, was so sick after that. All day Thursday, she would just moan and cry in pain. Anything she ate or drank, came out one way or another. I called the peds and they told me there was a stomach bug going around, just try and keep her hydrated. So…I did. Friday, was pretty much the same, although she seemed maybe a touch better. After talking with the peds office again, I was convinced it was just a stomach bug and to just try and wait it out, I even went to work. What really bothered us about this though, was she would have these periods of extreme pain. It would jolt her off the couch, eyes bulging out of her head type of pain. Finally, Saturday…I had just gotten home from work and she seemed to be doing a little better. She was thirsty and drinking, which I thought was an excellent sign of improvement. I went to sleep, and not even two hours later Chris came to wake me up. He said he was taking Ava to the ER. She was SCREAMING in pain, and wouldn’t stop. She couldn’t be consoled, she didn’t want to be touched, nothing. Now I was worried that this was more than just a stomach bug. I ended up taking her to the ER myself.
After throwing up (her not me) in the doorway to the ER and no one even offering me a paper towel, Ava screaming in my lap, people talking about having been there for 3 hrs already…I had contemplated leaving. Im glad I didn’t. Thanks to a sympathetic mom/nurse, Ava got taken back right away. They started an IV on her, and drew labs. Her blood work showed that she was severely dehydrated! We were there for 8 hrs. Even after IV fluids, she still would not drink (the girl had learned that if she drank, she puked). So, they had no choice but to admit her. Portage does not have a peds unit, so we got the lovely experience of being transferred by ambulance to Porter Memorial (in Valpo).
Ava was amazing. I saw so much strength and courage in my own child. As awful of a situation as it was, I could not have been more proud of her. I figured she would be real withdrawn and scared of all the things they were doing to her, and all the people messing with her and talking to her. But, she was so brave! She didn’t seem to mind or mess with her IV, which I thought was a miracle for a 2 (almost 3) year old! I figured it would be terrifying riding in an ambulance for her. I couldn’t even ride in the back with her, I had to sit up front in the passenger seat. But, she didn’t even cry. I kept yelling in the back…”are you okay Ava?”…and Id hear this sweet little voice say…”yeah mommy, Im okay”. I figured it might be a little intimidating being wheeled into a hospital, but she had perked up and was talking nonstop “is that guy sick mommy?, is that the alligator (elevator), is that my room?, what’s that on the wall?” etc etc. I figured she would be scared to sleep somewhere other than her bed. We brought as many of her things from her bed at home to help make her comfortable. Im not sure she even noticed! She crawled into bed and was asleep within seconds! She barely even woke up for the doctor! She slept great (at night) the whole time we were there. She made herself at home, in fact she cried when she finally (3 days later) had to leave! By morning, she was wheeling her own IV down the hall to the playroom. She was spoiled by everyone! She was the only little one on the floor, and there were maybe 3 patients total as it was. Everytime I turned around, she had another present. Id say, where did you get that? She’d say the same thing every time…”the doctor got me that”. Everyone was a doctor. It didn’t matter if it was the nurse, the aid, the actual doctor, the housekeeper…they were all doctors. Lol I knew she was a brave little girl (she is the one that climbs the tallest slide at the park, jumps off the highest step, etc). But, she really showed her strength through this experience. I am so proud of her!
Her diagnosis: Thankfully, in the end it really was just a nasty stomach bug (and thankfully no one else in the house got it!). Her labs came back positive for rotavirus, which is super common in kids. She definitely got a nasty version of it, though! I say thankfully it was a stomach bug, because the doctors were initially concerned it was more than that. Her symptoms weren’t typical of a stomach bug. She has never been sick like that, in fact this was the first time she has really thrown up. The pain episodes she was having made us all suspicious of an intestinal blockage. Eating or drinking the tiniest amount caused her so much pain. They were going to do x-rays and barium enema study to rule out intessuception (where the bowel collapses on itself). But, thankfully, we never had to do that. Her pain episodes ceased, and she stopped throwing up. It took her 3 days before she would start drinking again, and because she was so dehydrated they couldn’t release her until then. On day 3, I told the doctor that I felt like her not drinking was due more to her being a toddler, than that it was causing her pain. She was sick of water and sick of apple juice, and most importantly sick of me trying to force them on her!! She wanted her milk and that was that. There was no persuading her otherwise. So, the doctor let her try a little milk, and sure enough she chugged it, begging for more. We were finally able to bring her home late Monday night. Thank you to everyone for all your prayers for our little girl! Its now over a week later, and we are still adjusting to life outside the hospital. As I said, she cried when she left. Ava just asked me what I was doing…I said I am writing all about your hospital trip. She said, “oh yes, it was very good.” So good to know she isn’t damaged from all of this! :)
Turn up your speakers...I thought the dramatic music was perfect for my drama queen! :)
Ava started having belly aches, stopped eating food, and having some intermittent diarrhea on Sunday. It was nothing intense, but I knew she wasn’t feeling right. Thursday, she woke up as usual. Ventured over to our room, drank her FULL sippy of milk, then proceeded to throw it up all over my bed! Poor thing, was so sick after that. All day Thursday, she would just moan and cry in pain. Anything she ate or drank, came out one way or another. I called the peds and they told me there was a stomach bug going around, just try and keep her hydrated. So…I did. Friday, was pretty much the same, although she seemed maybe a touch better. After talking with the peds office again, I was convinced it was just a stomach bug and to just try and wait it out, I even went to work. What really bothered us about this though, was she would have these periods of extreme pain. It would jolt her off the couch, eyes bulging out of her head type of pain. Finally, Saturday…I had just gotten home from work and she seemed to be doing a little better. She was thirsty and drinking, which I thought was an excellent sign of improvement. I went to sleep, and not even two hours later Chris came to wake me up. He said he was taking Ava to the ER. She was SCREAMING in pain, and wouldn’t stop. She couldn’t be consoled, she didn’t want to be touched, nothing. Now I was worried that this was more than just a stomach bug. I ended up taking her to the ER myself.
After throwing up (her not me) in the doorway to the ER and no one even offering me a paper towel, Ava screaming in my lap, people talking about having been there for 3 hrs already…I had contemplated leaving. Im glad I didn’t. Thanks to a sympathetic mom/nurse, Ava got taken back right away. They started an IV on her, and drew labs. Her blood work showed that she was severely dehydrated! We were there for 8 hrs. Even after IV fluids, she still would not drink (the girl had learned that if she drank, she puked). So, they had no choice but to admit her. Portage does not have a peds unit, so we got the lovely experience of being transferred by ambulance to Porter Memorial (in Valpo).
Ava was amazing. I saw so much strength and courage in my own child. As awful of a situation as it was, I could not have been more proud of her. I figured she would be real withdrawn and scared of all the things they were doing to her, and all the people messing with her and talking to her. But, she was so brave! She didn’t seem to mind or mess with her IV, which I thought was a miracle for a 2 (almost 3) year old! I figured it would be terrifying riding in an ambulance for her. I couldn’t even ride in the back with her, I had to sit up front in the passenger seat. But, she didn’t even cry. I kept yelling in the back…”are you okay Ava?”…and Id hear this sweet little voice say…”yeah mommy, Im okay”. I figured it might be a little intimidating being wheeled into a hospital, but she had perked up and was talking nonstop “is that guy sick mommy?, is that the alligator (elevator), is that my room?, what’s that on the wall?” etc etc. I figured she would be scared to sleep somewhere other than her bed. We brought as many of her things from her bed at home to help make her comfortable. Im not sure she even noticed! She crawled into bed and was asleep within seconds! She barely even woke up for the doctor! She slept great (at night) the whole time we were there. She made herself at home, in fact she cried when she finally (3 days later) had to leave! By morning, she was wheeling her own IV down the hall to the playroom. She was spoiled by everyone! She was the only little one on the floor, and there were maybe 3 patients total as it was. Everytime I turned around, she had another present. Id say, where did you get that? She’d say the same thing every time…”the doctor got me that”. Everyone was a doctor. It didn’t matter if it was the nurse, the aid, the actual doctor, the housekeeper…they were all doctors. Lol I knew she was a brave little girl (she is the one that climbs the tallest slide at the park, jumps off the highest step, etc). But, she really showed her strength through this experience. I am so proud of her!
Her diagnosis: Thankfully, in the end it really was just a nasty stomach bug (and thankfully no one else in the house got it!). Her labs came back positive for rotavirus, which is super common in kids. She definitely got a nasty version of it, though! I say thankfully it was a stomach bug, because the doctors were initially concerned it was more than that. Her symptoms weren’t typical of a stomach bug. She has never been sick like that, in fact this was the first time she has really thrown up. The pain episodes she was having made us all suspicious of an intestinal blockage. Eating or drinking the tiniest amount caused her so much pain. They were going to do x-rays and barium enema study to rule out intessuception (where the bowel collapses on itself). But, thankfully, we never had to do that. Her pain episodes ceased, and she stopped throwing up. It took her 3 days before she would start drinking again, and because she was so dehydrated they couldn’t release her until then. On day 3, I told the doctor that I felt like her not drinking was due more to her being a toddler, than that it was causing her pain. She was sick of water and sick of apple juice, and most importantly sick of me trying to force them on her!! She wanted her milk and that was that. There was no persuading her otherwise. So, the doctor let her try a little milk, and sure enough she chugged it, begging for more. We were finally able to bring her home late Monday night. Thank you to everyone for all your prayers for our little girl! Its now over a week later, and we are still adjusting to life outside the hospital. As I said, she cried when she left. Ava just asked me what I was doing…I said I am writing all about your hospital trip. She said, “oh yes, it was very good.” So good to know she isn’t damaged from all of this! :)
Turn up your speakers...I thought the dramatic music was perfect for my drama queen! :)
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Thursday, January 15, 2009
Just when I thought he couldn't do it...
He proves me wrong! lol Chris and I were just talking about how these walkers are not practical for those learning because they would fall right on their face. Still, yesterday I got it out and showed him what to do (he was very shaky on it and needed me to help). Then this morning out of nowhere, he comes walking across the living room ON HIS OWN! I was shocked, but managed to grab the camera for proof! He still might be a little behind his sissy (she was about 8 1/2 months when she started walking...yes, you read that right). He is 8 1/2 months now, but getting steady on his feet...and most importantly eager to try. I think he will be full out walking sometime in his 9th month! I wonder if this means they are going to be good athletes??
btw...we had a fabulous Christmas, and would like to thank everyone for helping make this such a wonderful one for the kids! I have more blogging I need to do, and plan on posting more about our holidays! Feel free to check out the pictures on shutterfly!
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