Cheerio Confessions

Saturday 9: Fast Car

1. What’s the furthest trip you’ve taken by automobile? The trip out west to Texas and Oklahoma with my parents and Grandma when I was a kid.

2. What’s the worst pick up line you've ever received? Oh, I don't even remember.

3. What’s the best pick up line you’ve gotten? It's been so long since I heard one that I can't remember this either. Sorry. (And how sad does this make me sound. lol)

4. What was the last gift that you received? A St. Dymphna medal with a beautiful silver chain and a St. Dymphna coin/medal to carry in my pocket/purse/diaper bag. My (birth) Mom got them for me for my 29th birthday because St. Dymphna is the patron saint of anxiety, nervous and mental disorders and she was trying to show her support for everything I've been going through lately, which I thought was pretty sweet. Plus it was my first birthday gift from her. Except for the actual gift of life that is. :) lol

5. What was the last gift that you gave someone? The last one that I actually remember was Elliott Richard's mini-DVD player for his birthday in March. I know there have been other gifts given since then. I just can't seem to remember them to save my life right now.

6. Tell us about the last time you cried. Yesterday. I've been in the midst of a fibro flare that was so bad it hurt to even be touched. So of course, all Emmett John wanted to do was sit on my lap and snuggle.

7. Tell us about the last time you laughed uncontrollably. It was just the other day at my insurance agent's office. I was there to fix a paperwork snaffu with my life insurance and had to take a DNA-type-cheek-swab-test to prove I don't have HIV/AIDS, don't smoke etc. Well, there was something about the whole cheek-swab test thing that just got to us and we couldn't stop laughing. It was hilarious...to us. ;)

8. Do you suffer road rage? What are your thoughts on it? It depends on what's happening on any given day. But yes, there are times that I suffer road rage. It truly is one of more useless emotions in life. It doesn't help you drive more effectively or anything of that nature. It just makes you more of a danger to yourself and others on the road. Myself, included in that assessment.

9. What’s one of your favorite movie quotes?

“Harry, suffering like this proves you are still a Man! This pain is a part of being human--”“THEN—I –DON’T—WANT—TO—BE—HUMAN!” Harry roared, and he seized one of the delicate silver instruments from the spindle-legged table beside him and flung it across the room. It shattered into a hundred tiny pieces against the wall. Several of the pictures let out yells of anger and fright, and the portrait of Armando Dippet said, “Really!”“I DON’T CARE!” Harry bellowed at them, snatching up a lunascope and throwing it into the fireplace. “I’VE HAD ENOUGH, I’VE SEEN ENOUGH, I WANT OUT, I WANT IT TO END, I DON’T CARE ANYMORE!” …“You do care,” said Dumbledore. He had not flinched or made a single move to stop Harry demolishing his office. His expression was calm, almost detached. “You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it.” ~Harry Potter & Albus Dumbledore

This is my all-time favorite movie quote hands down because it fits me so perfectly.

And that, ladies and germs, is my first official Saturday 9. I know Memes aren't "real" blogs but sometimes they are all I'm able to churn out. And as you can see looking back, I have trouble churning them out most of the time. But I've always had a weak-spot for questions (I *heart* questions!) so when I stumbled upon this Meme, I simply had to join! :)

Please God let this flare end.

I'm sorry I'm a loud coffee-maker. ~ I'm sorry I'm a loud cough-maker.

Green Grandma ~ My birthmother Mary

(He gave her this name because her car is a green-ish color. Now everytime he sees a car that looks similar to hers he squeals "Grandma Mary?!")

Last night I was putting him to bed for the night. This is part of our conversation:

Me: I love you, Boo-boo.

Elliott Richard: I love you too, Mommy. And I loves my Daddy. And I loves my toys. And Ennett John. And I loves my penis. Good night.

Me: Uh...yeah...so, good night Boo-boo.

Or is it a train?!

Seriously, given my luck, I hope it's not a train.

I took Mr. Emmett John to see Dr. H this morning at 10:15am. (I also doubled booked myself without realizing it and missed my appointment with my therapist but I digress.) He checked out both of Emmett's ears and said they look good. They aren't perfect by any means but they look "like ears that are on the mend rather than getting worse again".

Yay!

At first he was under the impression that Mr. Emmett John has had a few more ear infections then just these last few. So he wanted me to push Dr. KR for the tubes next week. After he looked back through his medical records, he changed his mind. Now he wants me to be sure and mention it to Dr. KR and if he looks at Emmett's ears and they are infected again, even after finishing the Augmentin, then he wants me to push for the tubes. Other wise he said to just follow Dr. KR's lead on what to do.

So for now, there is hope! :)

For now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

I just hope it isn't a train...please keep praying!

Today, I survived.

I also informed my mother (Barb) that my birth mother (Mary) is becoming more involved in my life, which includes Rob and the boys. (That went over like a lead balloon. But more about that in another post.)

I took a nap.

I found a new layout that fits me.

(I suppose it's the little things, right?)

Yes, I know. I know. I just redecorated way back when but the fact of the matter is that while I loved that layout, it simply wasn't me. So I've spent today looking for a layout that I felt fit me. I've finally found it! However, now it's going to take 84,000 hours to get all of my widgets back in place and reordered. But that's okay, because I like doing this part. :)

Yeah, so anyway, if you would be so kind as to excuse my mess, again. I would appreciate it. I should only be for a little while longer now.

Thanks. :)

You know, kind of like "The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe" only not. In my story there isn't any fun or adventure. No one makes any new friends. Or triumphs over evil.

In my story, the dryer puts out heat but doesn't tumble. The washer washes. The dryer doesn't dry. And we are running out of clothes. We don't have the money for the laundromat. My sister has graciously offered the use of her dryer, as has Grandma G but that's only going to work for so long. I'm mechanically challenged, meaning I can't fixing things to save my own life so I can't fix it. Rob's thrown his back out and is going to try and fix it but I don't know how that's going to work.

Mr. Emmett John has an appointment with Dr. H tomorrow morning at 10:15am to get his ear infection rechecked. I've been giving him his Augmentin twice a day, on a full stomach just like Dr. M said. For the first few days he was getting better. His mood was improving. He was sleeping better. He was our happy, independent little guy again. Then some where around Saturday morning (happy birthday to me, right?) he started pulling, smacked and poking at his right ear again. His mood took another nose dive and he became really clingy again. Now I could be wrong here, and I honestly hope that I am, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the ear infection had started to clear up and is now back. :( I really hope that I'm wrong. But I honestly won't be at all surprised if I'm right.

Then there are "The Terrorists". I have 3 of them now. Yes, you read that correctly, Mr. Emmett John has joined the ranks of the Terrorists. It's a sad day in the Cheerio Household. I'm not out-numbered 3-to-1. And they are taking full advantage of it! True, they can't, and don't, work together (what terrorists do though?) but that doesn't make them any less terrifying. Or any less of a handful. Or any...less...exhausting.

In fact, it almost makes them worse because at any given moment I've got Elliott Richard over here jumping on the couch, which he knows he shouldn't be. Then I've got Gavin over there throwing toys, again something that he knows he shouldn't be doing. And finally I've got the trifecta with #3, Mr. Emmett John off in the corner trying desperately to pull his diaper off for God only knows what reason a 1 year has for wanting his diaper off. No is listening because they all claim I was talking to "that one over there". I'm pulling my hair out by the roots, or at least seriously considering it. The Terrorists are all grinning from ear-to-ear and couldn't possiblly be any happier. And so it goes. Afterall, who am I, a mere mortal of a mother, to deny them these silly, crazy life experiences?

It's my birthday, here comes drama.

I know it sounds dramatic but it's true. There seems to be some sort of "bad luck birthday fairy" that follows me around every year. Every year it finds new and exciting ways to make my birthday a drama filled mess. So far (and I've only been awake for like 45 minutes) things are going okay. So I have hope that maybe this year will be different, although a few things have already taken place that point to the fact that this year will be like every other year.

Sorry I've been MIA again. It's been a crazy month for a few different reasons. I'll go into some of it when I'm ready, but not now. For now I'd like to focus on Mr. Emmett John. He's turned 1! (I have pictures and video that I will be sure to post - as soon as I find them.) And he's been sick. You're surprised, I know. But this is crazy even by Emmett John standards.

About a month or so ago, I took him in to see Dr. M because Emmett John had been super fussy and grumpy. Totally inconsolible. Picking at his food. He didn't want to drink. Wouldn't sleep. Completely not himself. He didn't have a fever or anything. But there was clearly something off. So away to see the pediatrician we went...completely expecting to find nothing.

Wrong!

Turns out that Emmett John had a horrible, bright red ear infection in his left ear. He just happens to be one of those kids who doesn't have any signs of an infection (fever etc). So Dr. M gave us a prescription for the pink "bubblegum" medicine (that I can't remember the name right now). He took that for 10 days. About 4 days after he finished that he was still Super Grump. So I called them back. (This was last Wednesday.) Guess what happened then?

Yup. Away we went to see Dr. M again. He checks. Again expecting to find nothing but an over-protective mommy. Wrong again. Now he's got a nasty, bright red ear infection in his right ear. Again, he didn't have a fever. He was just a grump who wasn't sleeping, eating, drinking etc. So we left that appointment with a prescription for Omnicef. Believing that it would clear up the infection and when we returned today all would be right with the world.

Wrong again!

We saw Dr. M again this morning bright and early at 8:45am. I was hoping against hope that he would find no more infection. Even though I knew that his behavior was indicative of his ear infection still hanging around. I was right. Dr. M checked and his right ear is still bright red and inflamed. Now Mr. Emmett John is on Augmentin, which is the last and strongest medication they are willing to try. If this doesn't work, when we see Dr. KR on July 29th for his continued hoarseness we will also discuss having tubes placed in his ears. :(

We go see Dr. H next Wednesday to see if the Augmentin has worked. We would see Dr. M again except he will be on vacation, lucky guy. So while it's a small thing, in the great big scheme of things, if you could pray that his ear infection clears up in the next week. I would really appreciate it.

Some say that 1 year old children shouldn't have chocolate. And as a general rule, I don't give it to him because of his various food sensitivities. However, I gave it just once.

Emmett John trying desperately to shove his entire face into the pudding cup.

Perhaps if he tries from a different angle...

Elliott Richard has recently figured out how to dress himself all by himself, without any help from Mom and Dad. He's not so keen on following these pesky things called weather reports and seasons though. lol

Yes, those are his "new" snow boots he's wearing. And yes, that's a long sleeve shirt he's got on.

Yes, I tried to talk him out of both. Obviously, I failed on both accounts.

And so I gave up and followed him outside to nab some super cute pictures of him marching around, all proud of himself. :)

Honestly now, what would you have done when confronted with a face that cute all proud of what he had accomplished?

Who needs a crib, bed or a pillow when you've got an Aunt Trisha?!

He was perfectly content sleeping in that position. If we tried to move him (and we did) he would fight to get right back there again. Finally, we just gave up and allowed him to lay on her leg and sleep. lol

I had a migraine and Daddy had made dinner for everyone. He thought it was simple task...

Step 1 - Plunk Emmett John into the high chair.

Step 2 - Supply Emmett John with plenty of scrambled eggs, Gerber Mixed Berry Yogurt Melts (two of his favorite foods) and a sippy.

Step 3 - Emmett John eats his dinner. (or so we thought)

Easy peasy, right. Clearly, Emmett John had other plans. lol

Granted most of this blog thus far has been dedicated to the making, the baking, the raising of Mr. Emmett John along with his brothers. However, if you are new to the Cheerios' Universe and would like a quick run down...let's see what I can do for you.

Surprise! (Coming Soon!)

The Pregnancy (Coming Soon!)

Labor & Delivery (Coming Soon!)

Home (Coming Soon!)

Hospital Stay #1 ~ August 2008 9w

Hospital Stay #2 ~ May 2009 11m

Our Support Teams

*gasp* The horror!

Sadly, it's true. I've posted a few times about Emmett John's biting issues. Or maybe I've simply Twittered about them. Either way, I've mentioned it some where in cyberspace before. Last week I finally reached my point of no return. I was laying down with Mr. Emmett John for our morning nap when Gavin came stomping upstairs having another meltdown. He was so loud and angry during this particular meltdown that he scared the crap out of Emmett John. In fact, he scared him awake and caused him to chomp down on my nipple before opening his mouth to scream bloody murder. In that moment, aside from having the strong desire to scream bloody murder at Gavin I realized that if I didn't wean him soon I would be calling Dr. D in tears asking what I should do with my newly removed nipple.

Usually I wean cold turkey. This time I figured we would try the actual act of weaning. You know cut a feeding here. Cut a feeding there. Elliott Richard had an appointment with Dr. H to follow-up on his cough so I asked if he wanted me to start milk or formula. He said to start milk in the skipped feedings. Emmett John was handling everything really well. Granted, he was a little upsest with me. But he still basically had his bedtime and middle of the night feedings so he was okay overall. And then came this past Saturday.

Friday night we went to bed. Emmett John nursed. All was right with the world. Around 3:00 am he woke up hungry/thirsty so I nursed him back to sleep. He fell asleep and then rolled away from me. Now this is very important: he rolled away from me. He broke contact. Not me! So I snuggled in and started to fall back to sleep. Next thing I know, he's latched on again but only long enough to BITE ME! And not a bite on any scale of any of the bites up to that point. Oh no! He took a chunk out of my nipple!

That's right folks! My sweet, innocent baby boy...the darling child that I struggled for 8 months to carry "just one more day, just one more week"...the baby I walked the floor with through colic, reflux, sleep apnea and hospital stays...my Tiny...my Doodle Bug...bit me. I screamed. I was crushed. I was horrified. I was in pain!

Seriously, I've done labor 3 times. I've broken bones. I've been through the physical wringer. But holy cow! God never intended for our nipples to experience that...ever.

In that moment, I decided that we were done. Nursing, Emmett John and I were officially broken up. We would no longer be slow weaning. No sirree Bob. The time had come for good old fashioned cold turkey weaning. My nipples could take no more.

That was this past Saturday. Today is...what?!...Thursday? So it's been nearly a week now? Emmett John is adjusting. He goes through his moments. He's become a major Daddy's Boy, which makes 3 Daddy's Boys. So the math goes something like this:

1 Daddy + 3 Daddy's Boys = 1 sad Mommy with very lonely arms

When he sees me, sometimes he wants to sit and snuggle but since we went cold turkey I've still got some milk so I still smell like lunch, which is difficult for him. So I hold him, which hurts. He smells me, which upsets him. So he cries, which upsets me. Rob takes him and soothes him, which upsets me more. Rob is frustrated because while he's trying to understand he just can't and it really it's a rational thing to be understood anyway, ya know? It's just a vicious cycle.

So now Emmett John is weaned. My attachment parenting with him seems to have come a rather quick end as well. And I feel like I've been left in the middle of nowhere without a map or a compass to find my way home. I know nursing wasn't supposed to be about me and it wasn't. But it sucks to not be needed except for the shopping, cleaning and laundry, ya know?

This weeks Tuesday's Toot is a list of Toots. :) So, here we go...

Today I accomplished the following things:

1.) I went to the Farmer's Market for fresh fruit.

2.) I washed more than half the dishes.

3.) I cut up the watermelon for the babies - Emmett John loves watermelon.

4.) I finished laminating and cutting the labels for the Cheerio Family Prison and started to put them up around the house.

5.) I put together the "Mommy & Daddy Chore List". (I'll take a pic so y'all can see it later.)

6.) I washed and dried 4 loads of laundry and folded and sorted 3 others.

7.) I finally started my new meds because Mr. Emmett John is finally weaned. (That's another post that's in the works.)

Go me! :)

My art always imitates my life.

Yes, it is. He definitely isn't tired enough to fall asleep while eating/mutilating/protecting it. Nope, not Elliott Richard. lol

Not Elliott Richard!