My Poor Baby

My poor baby boy. He has such a terrible rash. He looks so miserable.

I have no idea what's causing it. Here's what I do know:

• It appeared when he got Strep Throat
• Disappeared within a day of starting antibiotics, but returned a couple days after stopping them.
• The rash then disappeared a couple days after staying with my mother in law.
• Rash came back within a day of being home.

When we took him in and discovered he had strep throat they told us the rash was called Strep Rash which was a result of Scarlet Fever. This was over a month ago. Not sure of the exact date off hand. The above picture was taken on the 10th of December AFTER our doctor visit.

I took him back to the doctor last Saturday and he said it's possible he is allergic to something. Doctor first said to give him 1/2 tsp of Benadryl 3 times a day. Until I told him he was already taking it 2 times a day. So he gave us some Singulair and Allegra. One packet of Singulair and 1/2 tsp Allegra once a day. If the rash was still there, or had become worse, in a week then to bring him back.

Here's the rash today--

His face still looks bad. A little worse then the picture above. Which is why I'm not posting one. He rubs his eyes a lot and does lots of blinking. I don't know if that's related to the rash or not. I could just be noticing that when he's tired.

Everything is making me so paranoid now. I just want this rash gone. I want to know what's causing it.

Bad Mommy!

So I just realized, I'm totally slacking on my task of tossing things from my house. Bad Mommy. Bad Wifey....

Meh, it'll get done lol. I am still adding things to the box for freecycle. And in my defense, I did take some more toys to the dumpster this morning. Not that I wanted to walk up there. But Tori had school, and they weren't delaying the day. So I made use of the walk (aside from keeping her company) and toss out the 2 Wal*Mart sized bags of toys.

I've also tossed out some bottles of vitamins no one will use (you'd think that if it was like candy the young ones would love it, but nope the 4 year old hates gummy candy figures). Gave away a box of disposable nursing pads (I only used 3 and certainly don't need them anymore--it's been 8 months since I've stopped nursing and pumping) and a few Pampers wet wipe coupons.

So I have been getting things out. I just haven't remembered to keep track. To make sure I actually had at least 8 things.

But that's ok right? Stuff is still going out.

I can't be too slow about it though. Tori is having a birthday party next weekend. And of course I'm hosting it in our crummy trailer (no offense to anyone in a trailer, I know they can be great, I just hate the particular one we are in lol). And with all this clutter, it's bound to embarrass her.

This of course is assuming anyone even shows up. Last year we had 9 people confirm and 0 show. Poor girl cried for a couple hours. And I don't blame her. We did make up for it and took her to Denny's where they sang happy birthday and gave her all the hot chocolate she wanted free of charge (still had to pay for the dinner, bummer).

This year must turn out better.

Miles still has his rash. Means I'll probably be taking him back to the doctor for allergy testing. Ugh I'm not looking forward to that. I'm just sure they'll tell me it's something to do with our carpet. Not that I'm saying it's nasty. But seriously we can't afford to replace it! I mean, we'll do what we must so he doesn't have to suffer. But it will be one difficult task.

Speaking of Miles, him and his twin Emmit are starting to squeak in bed. Which means I must get moving. I'll probably come back in an hour or two. And I'll let you know if I got anywhere with cleaning and tossing (though I probably won't get far haha)

Week 1 Day 2

I am being so lazy today. So far, I've only gathered up 2 things. But I haven't really gone around doing any cleaning either. And I'm sure if I go pull a box out of the laundry room I can gather more things. Just not in the mood right now.

It'll get done today. Just not until later.

So far my items are 5 coupons for pampers wet wipes and some cricket food. Ok I don't use pampers so don't need their coupons. And for the cricket food....yeah. We haven't had a cricket eating creature in like 3 years. So, those can go out. Of course, I'll list them on Freecycle so it's not just tossed in the trash.

Oh and the stuff from yesterday will be going to a new home. Well, except the sheets. Someone is going to be by later to pick up the clothes, food, blankets and booster seat. So that's awesome!

On a different note, it's freezing outside. And although it's 72 in my house, I'm still cold. Doesn't help I'm sitting next to a window that isn't really covered. Maybe I'll take one of those "toss out" sheets and tack it to the wall around the window. Hey it might be tacky but it will sure help block out the cold air!

Ok ok. I'm don rambling for right now. I just got my new order of tulle in and I'm ready to check out the colors and get to making some tutus!

W1D1 Update

Well, it's now 4pm. And guess what? I hit my 7 thing mark. I have added 2 popcorn tins and tattered flip flops to the list.

*drifts into a moment of silence for her dearest flip flops. We have been together for 3 years and you have served me well. You will be missed dearly.*

So, finding all that to take care of felt good.

On another note of my cleaning spree, I can now walk in the kitchen AND laundry. Living room is a different story. I've cleaned it 3 times now. It's Tori's turn now.

Oh, I also got rid of some toys. I know I said I wasn't going to get ahead on my 7 items. I couldn't help it though. They have way too many toys. So I figured it was ok to just add toy declutter to a different category.

Ah another day of cleaning accomplished. Makes me feel a little better about myself.

Week 1 Day 1

So I have created a new tactic for getting this house organized.

For one month, get rid of things. I know, secretly you're all laughing at me. What I'm going to do is everyday for a month get rid of 7 things. So at the end of 7 days, I should have gotten rid of 49 things. Multiply that by 4 weeks and you got 196 things out of your house!

I know, sounds extreme right? Here's the thing. They don't have to be big things. It can be a pair of shoes you haven't worn in a while, and old magazine, them jeans you haven't been able to squeeze into, toys, and so on. Also a great way to clean out those closets of yours.

As it stands, I've made my list for today. They aren't out of the house, but they are listed on my local freecycle. Each day I'll post my 7 things (if they are freecycle worthy) and by the end of the week whatever isn't called for will be tossed in the dumpster. Yes, dumpster. Not the trash can. We live in a trailer park and close to the entrance is a dumpster. And from there I'm sure it will become "one man's trash another man's treasure" since there is always someone digging in the dumpster up there.

I don't have 7 things yet today, but I'm close and the day isn't over yet! Here's the list so far--

1. Baby Food--the twins aren't touching that stuff, so I don't need to hold onto it. There's about 20 jars and 5 boxes of baby cereal. Out it goes.
2. Baby Walker--yeah I just had to have it. Rarely use the darn thing. Out it goes.
3. Child booster seat--It's pink. I'm not making the boys use that when they are at that age.
4. Baby blankets--I have a box of about 8 baby blankets. They only use one. And they are very attached to that one. So I really don't need those extras.
5. Sheets. I have like 6 sheets for a full size bed. Yeah, we don't even own a bad that size anymore lol. And haven't for about 2 years now.

So see, it's only going on 1pm and already I'm up to 5 things. But really, it's more then that. Heck, just the baby food alone makes up 3 days worth of stuff. But with the baby food, blankets and sheets, I decided to just group them. Easier that way. Plus, it pushes me to find other things. Trust me, I'm sure I'll still be doing this next month. We just have that much junk. And I'm not letting my husband know about it all.

I'm sure some of this stuff I could sell on Craigslist. But I'm too lazy for that. And the fastest way to get rid of your junk is for free or just trash it.

So, still have at least 9 hours of the day left. Plenty of time to come up with 2 more things. I won't try to go past 7 things. In fact, I won't period. That will be excessive and then I'll get too far ahead. Instead, if I find something beyond that day's 7, I'll just set it to the side for the next day.

I think Freecycle will hate me by the end of the week.

I'll keep you all (and by that I mean, myself since I have no followers) update as I go on.

Battle of the Picky Eater

Picky eaters. Something we all have to deal with at one point or another. And for most, it's just a phase that quickly passes.

I am not so lucky. My picky eater will be 5 years old in March and is stuck in this phase.

Yes, I'll admit this is my fault. She was my first born, even though I have 3 children older then her. We are a blended family, his kids plus ours. And of course, as with most, I still baby my first born.

But this girl is super picky. If she could have her way it would always be Cinnamon Toast Crunch for breakfast, Fish Sticks/Chicken Nuggets for lunch, and Ramen Noodles for dinner. Granted, sometimes she'll reverse her lunch and dinner.

I've tried the whole "just one bite", sitting together with all the food in front of her...all sorts of things. It just doesn't work. And screw the whole "if they're hungry they'll eat" bull crap. This past week I decided to make changes. She is now required to eat what I make for dinner, or nothing at all. I'm tired of cooking 2 meals for dinner. That's not working though. No, I'm not cooking a separate meal for her. She's just not eating. As a result, she's going nearly 20 hours without eating any food.

So, I've got a new tactic. It's not a perfect one though, and it still caters to her wants. For now on, her dinner options are either what is cooked or a bowl of cereal. Nearly every child's dream dinner. Only thing is, the cereal has to be plain. Good thing she likes Chex. And to keep it fair to the older kids, they have a second dinner option. If they don't want what's on the menu they can have up to 2 PB sandwiches instead. Of course, they can add jelly if they wish. But they are NOT allowed to have both. So say I make fried fish and mac n cheese. They can't have 2 sandwiches and mac n cheese.

I'll also need to start offering a bedtime snack to Josie (the 4 year old). But her only snack options will be fruit. Again, this works because she happens to love apples. Downfall? She'll only eat it if I peel and chop the apple. I'm willing to make this sacrifice if it means she's eating something.

We'll see how it goes. Something has to give here.

What are your solutions to battling a picky eater?

All Alone

Today the 3 school aged kids are all at school. I spent the first semester of school having the 16 year old at home due to her seizures. She was finally deemed able to return to the school setting today.

It's been rather nice. No arguing or fighting.

Downfall is less help. Can't have it both ways, I know. And honestly, I'm adjusting to not having her help just fine. I've managed to get 2 loads of dishes done. Something that normally doesn't happen for some reason when she's home. Oh wait, I know why. Because I'm too busy making sure she is actually doing her school work. Or the fact that I've managed to wash/dry/put away 4 loads of laundry. Clean the living room twice (hey, I have 1 year old twins and a 4 year old at home). I should probably put away this pile of clothes I have on the floor while the twins are sleeping. If not, then they'll roll around in it when they get up from their naps.

I never did get the Implanon out yesterday. The doctor started surgery late and wasn't going to be back to the office until today. I'll just have to save it for next month. I swapped out and made an appointment for my ankle instead. Something I was supposed to do back around Thanksgiving. But, well it was a holiday and I wasn't going in. Plus my grandmother had just passed away. Needless to say, too much going on to get myself back in during that last week.

And shortly after that, 3 of my kids got sick. One after another. That costs $25 per child per visit. And they each required a follow up, plus medicine. That was $150 in just visits alone! Was another $30 in meds. Can anyone see why I haven't been back yet??

So, I now have an appointment set for the 18th. I think my appointment with the GYN being canceled was a sign I needed to go in for my ankle anyways. The day before I pulled a muscle in my back and it still hasn't relaxed. It hurts to move. Sucks when I sneeze. I call this a sign because the ortho thinks my ankle problem is actually related to a back problem. Doesn't make sense to me. However if that's the case, then a pulled muscle in a back where the pain has lasted 3 days so far is probably a good indicator it's important I go in.

Oops the twins are awake! I better do something with that pile of laundry while they are still just chatting with each other!

Today's the Day

I got today to have my Implanon removed. I'm hoping it happens today at least. Been waiting for this appointment for a week now. I've only had it in a year, but I can't handle how heavy and irregular my cycles have been. The doctor's office called and said I would need to reschedule because his surgery would run a little late. I was ready to cry.

Making a doctor's appointment is not easy. I don't drive. Don't have a license and we only have one vehicle. So anytime there's an appointment, my husband has to take off work. And even if I could take myself, I would still need him to take off work so someone could watch the kids and drive me home. To have the Implanon removed requires some localized numbing. Not much, but enough they suggest you don't drive yourself. Plus, I wouldn't be able to load up the kids afterwards. Or watch them all while they are cutting into my arm.

I explained that I would call back later in the week to set up another appointment because of all this. Well, not even 30 seconds later she called me back. Said she told the doctor's assistant my situation and the assist agreed to let me come wait in office for him to return. I'd rather wait in office for an hour then to wait another couple weeks to be able to get another appointment.

I'm still not sure what my new birth control will be. But I'll need something. I'm not ready for another baby yet. I do want another one, but not for another couple years. I refuse to try the Mirena. I've tried Yaz, Yasmin, Femcon, Depo Provera and Nuva Ring. I won't do those again. The 3 pills made my endometriosis and PCOS flare up even more. The depo shot made my period last for 9 months once. And the ring just felt weird. Kinda like wearing a tampon for 24/7. Not very comfortable. Plus I could feel it moving around during sex. Another weird thing.

So fingers crossed all goes well today! I really want this thing out. I'm tired of wanting to scratch my arm off because the Implanon site itches, the monthly yeast infections (which I NEVER had until after starting this birth control. First one hit a month after starting Implanon), the irregular super heavy periods. Sorry but bleeding for 2-3 weeks like I was is not fun. And then only having 1, maybe 1 and 1/2 week break before it would start again was a major PITA.

Ugh I need something that works!

2010 Highlights

Honestly, I'm not sure what my highlights of 2010 were. So many things happened.

The boys turned a year old in October. Yes, that was a major event. They were born 5 weeks early, which always leaves me paranoid over every sniffle.

Josie began speaking a little more clearly. Still not the greatest. She'll be in kindergarten this fall and I'm praying that helps her. If not she'll need speech therapy. I blame all the ear infections she had as a baby.

We made slight progress on Nicole's seizures. She still has them, but not near as many. She's been diagnosed with Petit Mal since she was 8 years old. She's 16 now. So, to make progress, even if small, is a major highlight. In fact, we are considering sending her back to school in a couple days. Let her become involved again. We'll see how that goes.

I found more hobbies to keep me busy. Not that the kids can't do that to me. But now I don't have to worry about bored moments.

I lost some weight. Wasn't a goal, but it happened. And it was only 9 pounds. But hey, my tummy doesn't look so poochy anymore. Having twins really stretches things lol.

I know a lot happened in 2010, I just can't remember it all. Either way, I'm looking forward to 2011. I have some new goals. One is to create better routines. I'm going to try out Fly Lady again. Going to get better at bedtime routines for the kids.

I'm also going to do one of those Photo a Day projects. Should be interesting.

Oh, and I'm not going to cut my hair at all this year. Nope. Not even a tiny trim.

Bring on the new year! I'm ready for it!