Monday, March 30, 2009

Attack of the "Pokey Doctor" Part II and Dishwasher Nightmare

Today was Part II of the Attack of the Pokey Doctor. Caleb and Scott went back for more (yes more) labs. They spent about four hours waiting for labs and x-rays and residents (OH MY!). Good news: all is still well. Bad news: Part III is coming up in two weeks.

And last night we discovered that there is a good amount of bowing in the floor in front of the dishwasher and a large, brown stain along Nikki's ceiling right underneath the dishwasher. It is true that it was going to be replaced in four months, but that was four months from now!! I'm SO not excited about washing dishes by hand while working full time. My family is bad enough about getting dishes into the dishwasher. I envision piles of dirty dishes constantly in my sink. I am not happy. NOT happy!! AND, even better, there is most certainly damage and probably some mold to deal with as well.

Oh, and Girl Scout Cookie money is due and we're short by about $100.

Fortunately, we have some dark chocolate fudge we brought back from the Del and, of course, our nice, comfy bed. That's where I'll be until August. Just in case you need me.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Other 1%

Background before reading this post: You know that saying, "So this is how the other half lives?" Well, I might have called this post something along those lines. But since I am married to a social scientist, we did a little online research and found that 40% of the wealth in the US is controlled by 1% of the people. So really, that saying is way off.

This weekend, we got to see how the other 1% lives. We decided to take advantage of the bad economy (read reduced rates) and spend the weekend at the Hotel Del Coronado for Scott's 40th birthday. My wonderful mom picked up the kids on Friday, and we came down for a little alone time. We've had a wonderful weekend, including a play at Lamb's Players Theatre, sushi on Friday and dinner at Ruth's Chris last night, and some long walks on the beach. It was a BEAUTIFUL weekend on the coast (until this morning, when the gray stayed) and we even got to see the whale that's been hanging out in San Diego Bay while we watched the sun set yesterday.

That said, we're a little surprised at what rich people are willing to pay for not-so-great service. The Del is beautiful, for sure, and just the historic place to take a social scientist to celebrate his big day. However, the bed was like sleeping on a piece of plywood (my back is still trying to recover from last night-it takes about an hour), I was hung up on twice and misdirected twice while trying to check on boat rentals, and there was a huge party that went on for about 30 minutes before Scott called the front desk and they came to break it up at 1:30 this morning. The bathroom could be cleaner, too, but maybe I'm just a snob about that.

We've decided that it would be more budget-wise to just come hang out with the other 1%, and then go home and sleep in our own, very comfortable bed.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

For all of you growing your own food...

Mr. Tall is the father of three Crawford alumni. VERY cool!

Attack of the "Pokey Doctor"

Scott and Caleb were back at Children's early this morning for labwork to ensure that the infection is gone. GOOD NEWS!! All his counts are NORMAL! So now we are DONE with antibiotics and are just waiting for his spots to disappear.

Scott called me at 8:30 this morning to tell me that Caleb just may have superhuman strength, and that perhaps he should consider wrestling in high school.

When we got home from our site sale, the boys were in the front yard playing "golp." When Caleb came inside, he told me about his trip to the lab.

Caleb: Yeah, so I go to the hospital. It scary. I go the (mumble) doctor.
Me: The what doctor??
Caleb: The POKEY doctor!

I didn't tell him that the "pokey doctor" will be making a re-appearance on Monday when they go back for his follow-up visit (they have to make sure his labs are still normal). We'll jump off that bridge when we get to it!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Spots and Nostalgia

The spots are back. Caleb's teacher called me from school today to tell me his arm was itchy and spotty. I did notice that his back was quite mottled this morning, but I thought it was just the lighting (it's still dark when we leave now). SO the pediatrician's plan (and let me just say that trying to make all these phone calls while teaching is QUITE annoying!) is to take Caleb in tomorrow morning for labwork. IF his counts are all normal, we can stop pounding his body with allergens and be DONE! Since he's been on antibiotics for a total of 35 days, I'm thinking I LIKE this plan VERY MUCH!

Also tonight we had this conversation at dinner:
Me to Scott: How would you like to get gas in my car while you're out?
Scott: I'm tired. How about a nap instead?
Me: Sure-Nikki go bathe Caleb.
Nikki: Okay!
Scott: And go get gas when you're done. Just take a pillow so you look taller.
Nikki: You know, in two years, I WILL be able to drive.
Me: blink, blink
Scott: [under his breath] Oh sh*%!

As it turns out, I ran the errands (picked up GS cookies & a book from the library, went to Henry's, got gas) and while I was driving they played this song on the radio. I got quite teary thinking of how little time we have left with Nik, especially since the time we've already had has flown by. While I know that this is supposed to be how it works, that they're only on loan for 18 years, I can't help but feel a little sad about the fact that my baby girl is growing up so fast.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Family and Friends

Now that everyone is healthy and rash-free, we are getting to be more social! We had a great weekend. Friday night the kids and I went up and had dinner with my mom and dad. Yesterday, we had a long, productive day cleaning the house and then went to Caleb's godsister's birthday party. Today, Nikki participated in our church's cookie bake-off and then we drove up to visit my cousin (the one we flaked on TWICE because we were sick!). It was SO WONDERFUL to see the people we love again!!

And next weekend, Scott and I will be at the Hotel Del Coronado celebrating his 40th birthday!!!

Things are definitely looking up. THANK YOU, LORD!!

Drum roll, please!

We paid the deposit on the remodel today. The contractor (also a friend and neighbor) came over while I was cleaning the house in my pajamas. I guess I'll have to get used to that if we're going to have strangers tromping through our house.

Certainly the knowledge that they are going to rip off the back half of my house gets me off the hook as far as spring cleaning is concerned. No need to dust those out-of-the-way corners now!

Here we go!!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Supershopper

Because things have been a LITTLE crazy around here, we are out of EVERYTHING! So today, I went to Costco for the first time in about a month. I bought a printer (THAT would make a good blog story on a slow day!), ink, toilet paper, laundry and dishwasher detergent, eco-friendly dish soap and cleaner, two light fixtures for bathrooms, light bulbs, cat litter, food, and a bunch of clothes (none for me). Like I said, we were out of EVERYTHING! My original total was way over $600.

HOWEVER, it is coupon time at Costco, and I had a rebate check. So guess what? I got out of there for $450! How awesome is that?? And yes, it was an expensive trip, but since I haven't been for a month it's okay, no??

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Getting better every day!

Caleb's spots have almost completely faded away!

I woke up today and felt better for the SECOND DAY IN A ROW (I've been sick since we got home from the hospital. I've tried not to whine TOO much, but I felt LOUSY!)!

EVERYBODY went to school ON TIME today!

Mom was cleared today to go back to work!!

Could it be that things are finally getting back to normal???

Monday, March 16, 2009

13 years ago today...

Thirteen years ago, right now, I was in the middle of miserable, unproductive labor. But at 10:37, our baby girl finally made her way into the world. And now she is a teenager. I couldn't have imagined then the amazing young woman she would become. It's such a miracle to watch a child grow up. What a blessing.

Happy birthday, Noodle! I love you!!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Improvement and Celebration

Caleb's rash is fading in the areas where it first appeared. I think we're finally onto something. We also figured out that, if we empty the capsule into a little smoothie and then squirt it into Caleb's mouth, he does MUCH better! Tomorrow he goes for his follow-up appointment with the orthopedist. We'll see what HE has to say.

But tomorrow, we have a big reason to celebrate. Nikki is turning thirteen!!! Yes, I will be the parent of a teenager. Tomorrow. Wow.

Scott, who will be turning 40 in two weeks, said that his big birthday doesn't make him feel old, but being the parent of a teenager does. Either way, there's no avoiding the fact that we're both getting up there.

Where DOES the time go??

Saturday, March 14, 2009

FRUSTRATION!

So Caleb's rash is WAY worse! It's all over his body, and I mean ALL OVER-everywhere but his scalp!! Yesterday, he went into the bathroom and said, "Uh oh, Mommy! I have spots in my underwear." Yeah, well, you have spots on the parts of you that go in your underwear...

Scott took him back to the doctor today and they decided he is having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. GREAT! So now he has to take another, far less tasty antibiotic. This one has to be mixed into applesauce or yogurt (or pudding!) because it comes in capsule form. He's already onto us, and he's only had one dose.

When I put him in the bath tonight, I was shocked to see how awful he looked. His cheeks are two big red spots, and he has bright red welts all over his body. His left calf is so bad that it is just a big red patch. I called nurse triage and they want him back in the office in the morning.

He's back on the prayer list at church, and I would sure appreciate it if he could be back on yours, as well. He's had just about enough.

Friday, March 13, 2009

STAR Student

Nikki received an award for Student of the Month today! Her entire school career, we've listened to all the neighbors talking about how their kids are students of the month EVERY YEAR, but Nikki's school didn't do that. Now that she's in a neighborhood school, she finally got to partake in this honor. I'll post pictures tomorrow, but in the meantime, GO NIKKI! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

The Fun Never Ends

Scott went to get Caleb dressed this morning while I brushed my teeth. They came and found me, with Caleb still shirtless, to show me that his entire upper body is covered in red spots. Híjole.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Good Teaching Day

I think I've mentioned that I recently turned my seniors, who I've worked with for four years, over to Scott and got a new batch of students-juniors. We are doing American Literature, and we have already progressed to the Romantic period. Yesterday, we read A Psalm of Life by Longfellow in the honors class. Nobody is really enjoying archaic English, so we spend a lot of time translating things into "regular English." The kids seemed engaged and also to understand it, so I guessed it had gone well.

Today V, who is new to our small school after transferring from another on our campus, stayed after class to tell me that this poem spoke to her. She has battled depression in the past, feels estranged from her faith, and has had some rough days recently. But she loved the message of living life each day, not worrying about the end but striving to make yourself a little better each day. She said the poem helped her put her life in perspective. WOW!

Definitely one of those moments of affirmation. I really thought the juniors were going to hate me for making them read dead white guys all year (okay, well mostly white and mostly guys, but definitely all dead). Who says inner-city kids can't appreciate classic literature?? NOT ME!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Cookie Nightmare

I'm sick. Not so sick that I can't function, mind you. Just sick enough to make me feel crummy and not want to do anything. Yesterday, I indulged that preference. Today, however, was Cookie Day in Girl Scout Land.

Our pick-up time was 9:30 because I fully intended to be in Newport Beach by noon for my dear cousin's baby shower. I had to load cookies by myself because Scott was on a men's retreat. If you've never loaded 120 cases of cookies into a van while jumping on and off a loading dock, let me tell you-it's NOT the way you want to spend your morning when you already feel crummy. But I coughed and hacked and jumped and lifted and got back home before chaos ensued (Nikki was watching Caleb for me).

JUST as I drove in the driveway, Nikki came out and told me to call the cookie manager, who informed me that I had loaded the WRONG COOKIE ORDER. Apparently, in my virus-induced stupor, I failed to notice that I was loading the order NEXT TO MINE. So I had to drive all the way back to the warehouse (20-minute drive) and was told I would have to UNLOAD the boxes I had and RELOAD with my order. I was NOT happy. When I got there, however, Cookie Manager had done some math and figured out that I just needed to give back one case of cookies, and load twelve more. GOOD DEAL!

By the time I got back home, it was 11:30. Newport is about a two-hour drive from here and I was feeling miserable, so I called Cousin to tell her that I didn't think we were going to make it (probably just as well since she wouldn't have appreciated me hacking all over everything, but still sad!). We got cookies sorted, distributed, and mostly delivered. Then I took a nap.

And this, my friends, is why Girl Scout cookies only come once a year!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Moving On

Enough about infections and hospitals, and we're not even going to talk about my cold. Let's talk about Lent!

I got to go to Lenten services last night and, even though I can't actually sing, it was GREAT! And today I found this little tidbit about eco-friendly things I can give up during Lent. I've actually already done a lot of them. We have water delivered in re-usable jugs and each have our own bottles to take to school with us, we use cloth grocery bags (and I even found cool produce bags on Etsy!), we signed up at GreenDimes (now Tonic Mailstopper) a year ago and now rarely get a catalog, we use re-usable towels for cleaning and cloth napkins for eating, we don't dry clean at all (if it's not washable I don't buy it!), and if I could find recycled TP or paper towels, I would certainly buy them (we buy recycled notebook paper, if that counts, and no paper gets recycled without print on both sides).

But I find that I am almost to the bottom of an industrial-sized powdered Tide and I am once again considering trying a green laundry detergent. I know a few of you who actually read this blog are also doing your parts to save the Earth. Any recommendations? I need one that REALLY CLEANS!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Recuperating

Caleb and I enjoyed a quiet day at home today! I kept thinking we were going to do things like, oh, grocery shopping (everything in the fridge was bad), making a trip to Costco. Caleb wasn't having it. He wanted to stay in his house, in his pajamas, and play with HIS toys! I was happy to oblige.

So instead, I called all of Caleb's teachers (three of them), did three loads of laundry, cleaned out the fridge, washed the fridge, washed all the containers that had decaying food that were in the fridge (can you tell my household has suffered from neglect since my mom's surgery?), and read. Oh, and I drank three doses of Airborne and sucked on zinc/echinacea lozenges all day because I am definitely NOT getting sick, in spite of what my body is hinting.

Tomorrow, we return to reality. It will probably be ugly since I've been out for a week. I don't care. Our boy is home, and walking, and getting better every day. It doesn't get much better than that!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sunday Update

We are still in the hospital! I spent last night, which was much better with just us in the room. I imagine things will start getting crowded again tomorrow, but we hope to be out of there soon.

We are getting quite the education when it comes to labwork. Caleb's CRP was 2.5 when he was admitted and has decreased to 1.3 (normal is 0). Also, his ESR has declined from 18 to 15. These are both indicators that the antibiotics (Ancef, in case you're interested) are working. The biopsy is still out waiting to grow something, so we don't know which specific infection we're dealing with, but since the Ancef is working, it doesn't really matter. The attending orthopedist will be back tomorrow and will deliver the final verdict.

Scott is on night watch tonight so I can go to work tomorrow. We've had visits from our youth pastor and Caleb's godparents (both sets, actually). I'm home on shower break and will be heading back with Nikki to take dinner. Caleb is doing suprisingly well considering it's been nearly a week since he's played outside. He watches movies, punctuated by different activities (I am getting REALLY tired of Go Fish, but he's getting lots of practice with his sound-"Go fffffffpish!"). Children's has a great playroom, but it's closed most of the weekend. He and Scott are there right now playing air hockey, which has been a huge blessing since it allows him to be physical with his arms while he is off his feet.

Thank you for continued prayers for a speedy recovery so Caleb can come home!