Squeaky clean

Today was a pretty good day. John and I went shopping and had some lunch out. At Target we picked up some things for our trip later in the month to the river, including a life jacket and a new camp chair for John. His new chair sports the latest movie craze: Toy Story. Funny thing is that a month or so ago I tried to by this very same chair for John and it was a no-go. He was so not interested. Today was a different story. We had to break it out and use it as soon as we got home. Then he proceeded to carry it around the house, mostly because he could.

Before we left for Target today, John was talking about buying a present for June, which happened to be the task on the last trip we made to Target. When I told him we didn't need to buy her a present, he started talking about buying himself a present. Of course, I told him no. Then it occurred to me that he's got money in his piggy bank, which happened to be down off the shelf because he wanted to put some coins in it that I'd given him a couple of weeks ago. So I suggested that he could spend some of his money to buy himself something. He thought that sounded pretty good so we took $20 out of his bank. I asked him what he wanted and he told me he wanted a "really big Buzz Lightyear" because they have the large robotic one on display at Target these days. "Well," I said, "I'm not sure you have enough money for a really big one, but we might find a smaller one that you can buy." The good news is that he has no concept of how much money he has. So he felt no need to spend it all, although we nearly did. After perusing all the Toy Story toys, we settled on a poseable Buzz, but then he found a Rex flashlight. I told him we could afford both, but after hearing Rex say "Roar!" fifty times before we even got past the baby section, I decided that Rex should stay at Target. Cute, but too annoying! Thankfully, John was fine with that decision (no tantrums today! Yeah!). John understands the rule that we can't open something until we buy it and often talks about the rule endlessly until we check out. When the time came, I made him hand over the toy and the money to pay for it. Then I made him wait until we were in the car to open it. I had learned a lesson the other day when, in the checkout line, the helicopter lost a rotor almost immediately. Buzz is now safely resting on the twin bed in John's room. Well, I assume he is. He might actually be exploring his new home, looking for his spaceship that we left at Target...

In other news, Mr. Bear got decontaminated today. After much lovin' (and possibly some use as a Kleenex) in the last week, it was time for a cleanup. I was nervous but decided after proper Internet research that his bath should take place in the washing machine, safely inside a pillow case. So after a short gentle spin in the washer and three drying cycles, he's as good as new and smelling mighty fine. And as you can see from the photo above, just as loved as ever. My next trick is to buy a back-up bear. I don't believe Ganz is making them anymore. So I might have to get one on ebay or something.

-EBP-

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Not pretty good, but OK

The pat answer has changed in the last day or two. No longer is the answer "Pretty good." Now, it's "Well... OK." John's taken to mimicking our typical response when he asks us something. We've long asked him how he's slept or how his day was. Usually we do this in an effort to make small talk at the table and encourage (i.e., distract) him to stay longer at the table instead of wanting to run off to play. And now he's asking us those questions, too.

We are all slowly making a recovery. Daddy and I are still coughing lots at night, while John seems to have finally passed that stage. His nose isn't really running, although it still bothers him and we end up "blowing" it too many times a day with little results. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

-EBP-

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ALBED*

Today was grocery day. At the store, John scored himself a new Hot Wheels "car" which is really a helicopter. Only drawback, it took all of 15 seconds for one of the rotors to come off. Needless to say, tonight the rotors rest in a bin on a counter, not attached to the helicopter. I got tired of re-attaching them.

John's better today. No fever. Slept well last night and napped well. Ate decent amounts for meals. The nose isn't running so much. And he's not sneezing or coughing hardly at all. He almost seemed like his old healthy self. My only complaint: his need to pretend like he can't do for himself. You'd think we have a newborn in the house (Not anytime soon either!). The "I can't" song is about to drive me batty! Follow that up with a big case of crying for no apparent reason (and a refusal to say anything about why he crying) and I'm spent. It wasn't so bad earlier in the day, but 45 minutes after he woke from his nap, he was still in this mode. Thankfully Daddy came home just in time to run some interference and break the cycle. I fear this will take a few days to break. Or maybe it will disappear after the ear infection is totally gone. Either way I won't be sad to see it go. I love my son and all his quirks, but this one I just can't tolerate as permanent.

The Breathe Right strip did stay on all night, but John was not too excited about how it felt when I took it of this morning.

*In case you aren't familiar: A Little Better Every Day

-EBP-

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Feeling better

In hopes of helping John breathe a bit better tonight, we put a kid's Breathe Right strip on him. I told him it was a sticker for his nose and then we showed him what he looked like in the mirror. He kept touching it, but hadn't yet ripped it off when I laid him down. We'll see if it's still there when I check on him later.

John's health moved in a positive direction today although the day wasn't without it's bumps. His fever had broken by this morning, but he was still coughing quite a bit. His appetite was still on the non-existent side, especially when coupled with crying jags that couldn't really be explained and derailed the first two meals of the day.

At lunch, he managed to forget ("I can't") how to feed himself. Although I recognized it and the crying that followed as a ploy to attention, I was still left feeling guilty about whether or not I'd been too hard on him the last couple of days. You know, expecting less drama from a really sick little boy. Should I have been more comforting, etc? So I then proceeded to hold him for about 15 minutes until he popped up and decided he wanted to read books. This seeming recovery really made me question my guilt! But we had an enjoyable time and he complied when I told him it was time for a nap. He napped for about 2 1/2 hours, still being interrupted from time to time by coughing.

After his nap he was more of his normal self than I'd seen in the last week. He readily ate his snack along with leftover crackers from lunch and leftover cereal from breakfast. Then he ate a decent amount of the refried beans we had for dinner. And the biggest surprise of all tonight was the lack of refusal of his medicine in both instances. While he's not 100% yet, I know we have rounded a corner in that direction. And I'm so thankful!

-EBP-

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Another trip to the doctor

We all slept very lightly last night. We didn't have to change sheets again, but JHP would periodically cough and cry out, all the while sleeping through it. The coughing sounded horrible! And each time for the first half of the night, Daddy or I would jump out of bed to go see. Kinda reminded me of when we first brought John home. Every little thing woke us. We did manage some solid sleep. And we all slept in a little. JHP was actually the last one up.

He woke with a fever again. I'd mostly decided that we needed to see the doctor at least to get something for the coughing. So I called first thing and we were the first ones there. The doctor was most concerned about the fever that hadn't broken and she found the explanation for that when she examined his ears. The left ear, which was in worse condition on Wednesday, looked as if the first antibiotic hadn't made a dent in it. The right one was better. So we got an antibiotic shot in both legs (it was too much for one alone), a new oral antibiotic, and a prescription decongestant. This required yet another trip to Walgreen's, where I'd been everyday since Monday this week. The doctor said if his fever hasn't broken by Sunday night that we should plan to bring him in on Monday for another round of shots.

John responded well to the shots (not happy, but no reaction) and was in a pretty decent mood the rest of the day. He did nap well, although he woke up midway for a dose of Motrin. I've heard "put me back in my bed please" more times in the last three days that I've ever heard the other 28 months of his life.

He's not eating a whole lot, but I guess I should be thankful since we had to change the sheets again tonight. But that's down one from yesterday, right? His milk intake is up from earlier in the week and he'll drink lots of water. He's not coughing as much tonight, either. I'm hoping we are on the backside of this cold.

We laid low today for the most part. We did venture out for lunch. I decided it was time to sink my teeth into a big juicy hamburger, something I hadn't done since way before I had my wisdom teeth out. And I was missing it! It was yummy! And since JHP needed to eat something, I was content to let him eat all the fries he wanted. He just didn't want many.

-EBP-

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Such a long week!

VBS is officially over. I've got some wrap up on photos, but it's done. It was an awesome experience! The Go Fish Backstage with the Bible curriculum was spectacular and the Go Fish concert last night was even better.

I wish I could say the same for the health of the Pitcher household. JHP is still running a nice fever unless he's medicated (like every five hours) and we keep giving him his antibiotic for his ear infections. And the fever makes him less like his normal self and more like the whiniest child on earth. He won't say what he needs. Only whines! Lovely. Until the Motrin kicks in and he seems kinda normal again. And the amount of snot from him we've seen this week could probably fill a swimming pool. And today's latest and greatest, coughing so hard until you gag and puke. I had to change the sheets once during nap and we've already changed the sheets tonight and it's only 930p. He's had a cough suppressant, he was sleeping propped up on a wedge pillow (before the sheet change), and we are running the humidifier. Yet, he's still sounding like a little seal tonight. It wasn't like that this afternoon. What time the doctors office open? Not early enough! He's had a runny nose for seven days already. Are we done yet?

As for his parents, we have the same head cold John does minus the ear infections. We are both sucking on Halls like they are going out of style and loading up on expectorant and cough suppressants. I slept sitting up last night until my throat relaxed enough to resist the coughing urge. John, on the other hand, coughed through most of the early part of the night, making some really odd barking sounds in his sleep. We are quite a site! Needless to say, our plan is to lay low this weekend!

No photo today. I thing I'll take a break from photos until I see a need and get some energy. I shot around 900 photos for VBS this year. It's a little less than last year. I was trying to be more selective in my shots. But I need to feel motivated and I'm not right now.

-EBP-

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Three words

This is how John spent the third day of VBS. Oh, and going to see the doctor. Thankfully a DVD player occupied him for a portion of the morning so that I could take some photos before we left around 1000a.

Let me back up to yesterday. When we got home from VBS, he was warm. Granted, it was hot outside. But he was really warm. Thermometer read around 103. Umm, not good. I dosed up the Motrin and managed to get him to eat something for lunch. Daddy was home when we got there. After two very long days for him, he'd decided he needed a nap. So, my afternoon was quiet with both the boys sleeping. JHP woke from his nap and was OK until the fever spiked again. More Motrin. Bath time was absolutely no fun. Daddy had that honor.

Then I got the ball at 545a this morning when his fever spiked again and he was wide awake, asking for breakfast. I knew he needed more sleep. And a trip to the doctor was definitely in order. So I dosed him and managed to rock him enough that he went back to sleep for another hour. He woke happy and ready to eat. He actually ate more this morning for breakfast than he's had for several weeks. He was in a pretty good mood. Maybe not as energetic as usual. I had to go to church to drop off some stuff and since the doctor's office didn't open until 830a, I figured I'd go prepared. That's where the DVD player comes in. It comes in real handy when I need John occupied for a while. He actually sat through the opening session in a back pew on his belly, head propped up on his hands, oblivious to all the activity going on around him. I wish I'd thought to get THAT picture today.

So what did the doctor say? Three words: double ear infection. Yeah, that explains it all. For all his verbal skills, he didn't tell me that his ears hurt (and still says they don't). We got a nice antibiotic and picked it up before we even went home.

Once we were at home, I figured John would want to eat since he'd had no snack, but he wanted to watch TV. And lay down. On the couch. There he laid for 25 minutes. Didn't move. This has never happened. When he watches TV he might sit still for a few minutes at a time, but usually he'll get up and move from place to place. What I didn't realize is the his fever was spiking again, which leads to much crying and whining. When we got to lunch, he'd already started the drama. It took nearly 20 minutes to let the Motrin work and for John to start eating. And he seemed to have a good appetite, just like this morning. And we are keeping him good and hydrated.

He looks much better after lunch. Still content to lie on the couch and watch TV, but he looked so much better. And never fussed when I told him it was nap time. He napped OK, but then the fever spiked again. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Except that tonight bath was so pleasant because he'd had Motrin well before the bath. All the while, the nose has not stopped dumping snot. He's so full of snot that it's even coming out his tear ducts. No fun when you've got eye lashes the length his are. Poor guy! I think we need to buy some Kleenex stock!

So our plan moving forward is to the continue the course of antibiotics and dose him with Motrin every 6 hours round the clock, in hopes of keeping him (OK - really all of us) comfortable. We'll try to get to VBS tomorrow, even if we have to do the DVD thing again.

John's actually very pleasant when his fever is in control. And a total bear when it's not. Tonight was such a welcome change to the last couple of days. He's been so whiny that I almost forgot the sweet little boy that doesn't whine. He actually told me "Good Night" tonight when I left his room instead of whining about one thing or another. One thing that was nice with the sickness: some good quality rocking time with no silliness. I hope we can get this infection beat (and the cold that caused it) and get back to "normal," whatever that is.

-EBP-

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Long day

He borrowed my cart to go shopping, he said. I'd pulled this out to use it to transport various stuff to VBS today. He enjoyed pushing it while I pulled. Such a helper!

It's been a very long day for everyone in the household. Hopefully, tomorrow will be much shorter and less busy for everyone, too. The hardest part of my week is done. The rest should be much more relaxing and enjoyable.

-EBP-

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Happy Father's Day!

These are as close as we got to a father and son photo today. JHP refused to sit on Daddy's lap long enough for me to snap a photo. He got up there a couple of times, but by the time I had the camera focused, he was down again. As you can tell, John's nose is still running, but it doesn't seem to slow him down (unless we are after him with a Kleenex!) And he's coughing in his sleep, I imagine as a result of the junk draining down his throat as he sleeps.

Daddy spent the morning at work (Boo! Hiss!), but was able to join us for the big lunch I cooked for Father's Day. I'm not used to coming home from church and cooking a big lunch. Good thing that's not expected every week. It wore me out! But I couldn't rest, I needed to get the grocery shopping done since we'll be busy all week with VBS. Unfortunately for Daddy, he's got to be at work at 500a tomorrow to help the plant get back up in running. Doesn't make for relaxing sleep when you have to get up way before normal time.

Reports might be spotty this week with VBS keeping us busy. Never fear if I miss a day or two, I'll be back soon.

-EBP-

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Bathtime Antics

Tonight was supposed to be date night, but the munchkin's nose ran lots more today and he also had a low grade fever. And since he was supposed to be going to SNBNA's house while we went out to dinner (no need to share any more germs), a change in plans was necessary. So the three of us went out and tried a new-to-the-area Mexican restaurant. It was pretty good! And rather than someone else bathing John, we had to do it. :( But it gave me the opportunity to take some photos. These were my favorites.

John slept in some today, even after a good night's rest, which meant we all slept in. YEAH! He wasn't happy when he woke. His first words to me were "I have boogers!", dried all over his nose. Poor guy spent most of the morning breathing though his mouth and being followed around by me and a box of Kleenex. Slowly, most of the green stuff disappeared and it just turned into a clear stream running down his lip. He napped only about 2 hours, and when he woke, he was pretty warm. The fever's been off and on since Thursday, but usually happens later at night. He wasn't happy, but after some motrin and a snack, life improved for him. And strangely, the nose stopped running after nap. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

-EBP-

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PJ day

You can't tell from this photo, but JHP had only had these clothes on for about five minutes and Daddy had only been home about 20 minutes. And we had to convince him to change out of his pajamas to go to SNBNA's for dinner. We'd stayed on our pajamas today for a variety of reasons. We had nowhere we had to go today. John didn't want to change out of his PJ's (why fight it if you don't have to!)And we slept late (800a). I did finally crawl out of mine by mid-afternoon, tearing myself away from the latest Laurie R. King book that I'm reading to shower and dress.

We inadvertently brought home a present from the jumping place yesterday. Last night initially John refused to settle enough to go to sleep. Then he proceeded to wake up three times. He was real whiny and couldn't really tell me what was wrong. It just seemed to be a general unhappiness. So like any good Momma, I broke out the pain reliever. And it was quiet the rest of the night. Then he slept later than normal. And as today wore on, he needed to have his nose blown more often. This evening the snot was green. Gotta love it! I hope the cold is short-lived. We've got VBS next week!

-EBP-

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A jumping good time!

We went to Jumping Jungle today to escape the heat and expend some energy. I wasn't sure what to expect given that the last time we'd gone, he mostly hung out at the bottom of the slide and was not interested in anything remotely dark or enclosed and refused to go down the slides without me. And today was much the same - to begin with. He first broke out of his shell by playing with a ball inside one of the dark enclosed jumpers.

And then he discovered that the obstacle course was pretty fun. It's mostly covered with netting and isn't so dark, but it definitely requires some effort on his part to make it over or around some of the obstacles.

He eventually decided that he could climb the steps up the slide, just like he did last weekend at June's party. But he wasn't going down the slide without me. So I did go down the slide twice.

But after the second time, I told him in no uncertain terms that I was not going again. He must have thought that I wasn't serious because he marched right up and climbed the steps to the top. When he got to the top, he looked down and me and was not so happy. It was fleeting, however. He soon decided that it was time for him to find another way down. So he turned around and slide down feet first on his belly. And he loved it! So, over and over and over again, he went. And he wasn't going to be convinced to do it any other way! I am so proud of this milestone and a little sad about the end of me needing to bounce along with him.

-EBP-

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Well...

I took some photos at breakfast today. They are all kinda soft, but I like them anyway. John had momentary periods of thoughtfulness, which turned out good for me and my slow shutter speed sans flash.

This book is getting a workout. Really, it's not the whole book, just the pages about Huckle's trip to the doctor. I'm not sure what the fascination is, but he really likes those two pages. Tonight he must have asked Daddy to read it at least three times. Finally Daddy insisted JHP read it to him and they discussed the pictures, even acting out some of them. Can you say "Ahhhhh?"

The most remarkable thing from today was John's use of the word, "well" to begin a sentence. He's used it a couple of times this week, but today he used it often enough that Daddy picked up on it. Earlier today, when asked a question about something or other, he said, "Well, let me see...", pausing before continuing his train of thought. I guess I'm to blame. I must say that a lot, although I guess I don't notice it that much. It's certainly funny to hear him use it, though.

-EBP-

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New books

Today is Tuesday and among other things we did today, we went to the library. We made it to the baby storytime, albeit a bit late. Then he worked a few puzzles as I picked out some books. That's right, I pick out his books. Every so often, he'll pull some off the shelf, but most of the time he's more interested in the puzzles and activity tables in the children's area. Funny thing is, John usually can't get enough of the library books I bring home. In fact, today, as soon as we got home, he wanted to read books. By naptime, we'd read each of the six books at least once. I'm fairly sure that Daddy read him those same books again tonight. And this will go on for several days before it tapers off near the end of the first week. By that time, he will have chosen his favorites and almost have those memorized. So funny for books he didn't pick out.

I had two doctors appointments today. The podiatrist said my right foot is all healed and the left foot has a little more to go. He tried another different treatment today. I'm feeling a little discomfort, but it's manageable. The other appointment was with the oral surgeon for a follow-up. He suspects I have a slight infection and has prescribed some more antibiotic. Follow-up in one week. And he said the tingling in my chin is a very good thing. It shows that I'm healing and that the numbness most likely will not be permanent. With just a couple of doses of antibiotic, already I can tell that there is less heat in the lump on the left side.

-EBP-

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Another lazy Sunday

Papa Jim was the playmate of choice this morning. They read books, worked puzzles, played and took a walk. John loved it!

After a leisurely morning, the Buckley's joined us for some lunch. Jimmy took this great picture of the kids on Mom's point and shoot. Unfortunately, the P&S was a bit confused about what to focus on. I worked this pretty hard and rather quickly in photoshop. For a small photo, it will work. There is no doubt these two love each other. I am so happy that they will enjoy a relationship similar to what Jimmy and I had with our cousins Sean and Bryan growing up. Family is what it's all about.

We laid low the rest of the day, enjoying a quiet nap time and a peaceful evening at home by ourselves. Sometimes you just need a break from the go, go, go, you know!

-EBP-

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June's BD Party

From JHP 06/12/10

The day started innocently enough. We had lots to do this morning before family came and a big 5th birthday party, complete with water slide. A million tiny smiley faces decorated one leg. Why? He's two. Do you need more reason?

We arrived fashionably late, but just in time for the blowing out of the candles. My son was unimpressed with the June's new gifts that he tore into. After cake and a quick rush through presents, the main event awaited. A huge inflatable water slide. So cool! All the kids were impressed!

From JHP 06/12/10

Except my son who had to watch and contemplate whether or not he'd even get in. Dad convinced him to give the pool a try. And he loved it!

From JHP 06/12/10

And Aunt Jane did her best to convince him to go down the slide with her. He's just committed to trying it out. And Jane was so happy about it.

From JHP 06/12/10

Jane had to carry him up the stairs because he was too scared to do it himself. He did go down with her, but John looked a bit worried all the way down. A little attention and fanfare goes a log way to making one feel good about what you just did and John reacted accordingly. He was all smiles (relieved, maybe?) at the bottom.

We tried to pry John away to take him home for a nap, but he would have none of it. We knew it might be painful to go without a nap, but we figured it was a special occasion. So we stayed and played.

I decided I didn't want to miss out of the fun. So, I donned my bathing suit and had tons of fun on the slide myself. By the end of the afternoon, John was climbing the stairs by himself, repeating "I can do it!" - the mantra we gave him for encouragment - and going down the slide by himself, although THAT was not without a swift push from Momma. And Daddy picked up the camera to capture some fun moments between John and me.



After we all dried off, we went to meet Jimmy, Jane, June, Nana, and Papa Jim for some dinner. John was super hungry and ate almost all his rice and all his beans, including some of mine. He was on a no-sleep high and had to be separated from June at the table. Just like a pesky little brother, he kept trying to touch her in some manner. Of course, on the way home, he fell asleep. But not deeply enough that he didn't wake when we got home. And of course, bedtime was painful. He was so exhausted that tears and wailing were his only form of communication.

There's a ton of photos on the WebAlbums. I didn't include all of the ones I took of the party and guests. I'll upload those separately tomorrow.
-EBP-

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Hanging Out

This is what I found when I went in to quiet John during the beginning of what was supposed to be nap time. He was busy sticking his friends between his bed and the wall to "hang out". This explains why some of the small guys keep ending up behind the bed. The friends didn't stay there long, however. As soon as I'd covered him up, he wanted all his friends to join him under the big blanket Nana made for him. For the last month or so, John's requested to be covered with that blanket. And he always asks if Nana made it for him (I tell him yes) and if I'm going to sleep under the blanket Papa Jim made. I was kind of taken aback the first time he asked me that. Now I just chuckle and tell him that Papa Jim has not made any blankets as far as I know.

The Dads worked late tonight. So, Barbara and Andrew picked up some dinner and came over to keep us company. When Dad got home and he and I chatted, Barbara read some books to the boys, all squeezed into the chair together. It's so nice to have friends!

Health update: John's ear seems a bit better, although putting drops in is his least favorite thing to do. My mouth is somewhat better. The swelling is just about gone on the left side, finally. A slight yellowish bruise remains, although it's below the jawline. My teeth are still very sensitive and my jaw joint is tentative sometimes. This means that eating is still slow and laborious. My biggest complaint right now is that the left half of my lip and chin is still numb and tingling. You know that point when your leg begins to wake from being asleep and it's all prickly feeling and actually hurts. Imagine that 24 hours a day, instead of the fleeting feeling you get when it's your leg. I do hope that this doesn't linger too long. I knew it was a risk with the surgery, but I really didn't have a choice. My followup appointment is Tuesday.

-EBP-

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Ear Ache

I guess I forgot to mention that we went to the doctor yesterday morning. John woke up whiny and told me his ear hurt. Hmmm. Sure enough he didn't want me to touch it. Since he hadn't had a runny nose lately, I suspected swimmer's ear and I was right. So with each morning and night comes the fight to put the drops in and the crying that ensues. Last night he woke several times and whimpered quite a bit through the night. He wasn't any happier this morning. And he had a slight fever. So I whipped out the Motrin and held him until he was better.

The rest of the day was OK. We went to a friend's house where he got to play with a boy his age and I got to take some photos of a sweet little girl. I've decided that I have a LONG way to go before I even think about doing this professionally. I felt so confident taking the photos, but there were far too many blurry ones. I'm just not sure what happened. I know I'm kinda particular, but really, I could have done much better. I think I need to reset some settings on the camera...

OK, until he woke from his nap. The whine was back and nothing seemed to make him happy. I'm guessing the Motrin had worn off and he just needed a good cry. And so it went for the rest of the evening. I will be real happy when this ear ache gets all better! I want my sweet little boy from two days ago back.

-EBP-

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