The Big 3

Yesterday was Alexander's birthday. Although we did not have a big party for him, he was still very loved and had an awesome day. I think the hightlight of his day was the "Batman cake". I didn't think it was all that, but he really liked it. Enough to eat the icing before we ever lit candles. Silly boy.....just like his mommy when it comes to sweets.



He is now potty trained. He may have an occasional accident, but he does very well over all. It's so nice to know I no longer have to buy diapers!!!!! Now I just have to find him some batman underwear. I'm sure that would totally make his entire weekend.



Ryan was around for the celebration, but none so happy about it. He is still having a hard time realizing that it's not all about him. When I explained to him that it was Alex's birthday and what he wanted during the day, he would get, Ryan got very upset. HE wanted toys. HE wanted to watch what HE wanted to TV. I'm sure in 6 weeks when his birthday rolls around, he will understand what it's all about.

We've had a great weekend and life is good. I'm looking forward to my personal trip to Memphis in a few weeks to visit family and see "Wicked". I'm really going to miss my husband and kids, but sometimes moms just need a small break. I'm really looking forward to a little rest and relaxation and ME time :)

Love to you all,

Better times ahead

So....after visiting the pediatrician last week, we made some changes to the medications Ryan is taking. The first was to change to the Daytrana patch. It's a lot like the Vyvanse he was taking (when he didn't know it), but just on a patch for the bootie. I was warned that it might be a little rough on his skin and boy was he right. I placed it the next morning and he had taken it off mid-day because it was itching. I'm glad he did, seeing as how it left a big red rectangle on his right backside.

But in addition to that we added another pill called Intuniv. This one is a WINNER!!! Although Ryan was very defiant in the beginning, the doctor took it out of the package and showed it to him and explained the importance of taking it. When we got home that afternoon, we worked hard at trying to find a way to take it. As it so happened, he wrapped part of a grilled cheese around the pill and swallowed it!!! Yeah for Ryan!!!! We overcame a huge hurdle. After a few days it became apparent that this was the medicine he's needed. He doesn't even use the patch anymore ($40 down the drain, but for priceless results with another med). Yesterday he came home with a cool cat award from school for having a positive attitude, being respectful to others, and striving for his personal best. Yes!!!! See, my child IS a wonderful child. I've known it all along. It just took a small chemical to make him calm enough for people to see that. Today he got called out and got to sit at the cool cat table for lunch. I am such a proud mommy. Not that I wasn't before, but it was so much more difficult last year. This year is starting off on the right foot.

Alexander is stubborn. I swear it gets worse with every passing day. Yesterday morning he woke up dry. Yeah!! But then he refused to go the potty. I tried to get his pull up off and he just pitched an absolute fit. Later he agreed to put on underwear but fought me every step of the way to put on the plastic protector so he could ride in his car seat. Not five minutes later he informed us that he had pooped in his pants. Really he had just wet himself... AAARRRRGGGGGHHHH!! I keep reminding myself, "one day it will just click"

I had a rough week eating. I don't expect to lose any weight this week. With two of our girls leaving and having food at work and then going out for breakfast, I REALLY over did it. I haven't eaten like that since May and although it tasted good going down, I felt really crappy about it later. Lesson learned for future reference.

Enough blabbering for now.

Love to you all,

Update

Well, it's been three weeks and some things have gone well.

Straterra is not our friend. Although I tried for a week to make him take it, it just didn't happen. The taste evidently is very bad, and nothing covers it. And taking a pill is just out of the question. I don't know why he makes it so difficult, but he does. After talking with the pediatrician, I decided to take him off it. He has continued taking the vyvanse as long as he is not aware. One day it was in his milk, one day in his waffles. I don't know how long this is going to last. Unfortunately doing it like this creates an unknown amount of medication every day. Some days are more/less than others. I think when we go this week for a follow-up I'm going to request the Daytrana patch. At least I would know how much he is getting every day, and could regulate it a little better. The days where he does get some of the med are like magic. He's so much easier to deal with and with much less hysteria. It's amazing what a little chemical help can do.

Alexander, on the other hand, is becoming more stubborn and hard headed (like his mother). He refuses to sit on the potty, but instead comes to me to tell me he has a "stinky bootie" Nice son. It would be great if you could tell me that BEFORE you need to go so I didn't have to clean the "stinky bootie" Oh well, it will click one day.

Mike is training for yet another event. Although he said he wasn't going to do any more, he has decided to join one of our neighbors for a marathon in Indianapolis. I hope he enjoys himself (I personally think he's crazy for doing it) He's been running every morning I'm home and has actually increased his speed and his legs are skinnier. We've both dropped some pounds throughout all this.

Speaking of, I am down a total of 23.2 as of this week. Weight watchers is definitely the way to go for me. It's the whole portion size and weighing in front of someone that I need. Only about 35 lbs. to go!! I've already dropped a pants size and feel amazingly better about my body. Who knows? Maybe I'll be joining Mike for a marathon for my 40th birthday in a few years (only if I'm committed to a psych ward somewhere)

Love to you all,

Change to come

So after much thought and prayer (and just plain out something has to be done) I took Ryan to the pediatrician to see about something for him. I didn't know if we needed to medicate or go through therapy or what. I just knew I needed something and someone to give me ideas. Luckily Dr. Revelette and myself are pretty much on the same page.

He evaluated Ryan first by talking about his summer and the events leading up to his expulsion from YMCA camp. Of course, Ryan was all over the place and kept looking at me for answers. I sat there quietly as not to interrupt, hoping Ryan would tell him. And he did. Then after an exam, he put Ryan in another room with one of the office girls while we talked privately. I explained the events in detail. We both feel he would benefit greatly from medication AND counseling. He gave me some names of people for which I am glad. Hopefully one will take our insurance. If not, I guess we're EAP bound, which isn't all that bad. Anyway, we're going to start meds in the morning: Vyvance (sp?) and Straterra. Hopefully we'll just need one at the end of the month-but at this point I don't care if he needs both. Whatever it takes to decrease his impulsivity and hyperactiveness before starting first grade in just a few weeks.

Please pray for us during this time in the hopes that this will be a change for the good. I am scared, apprehensive, & worried-but I guess all of that comes with just being a parent. Wondering if you're doing the right thing.....day in, day out.....hoping to say the right words and such. I pray daily for strength, knowing in my heart of hearts he is an awesome kid. So loving and caring, but way too impulsive.

Both boys are growing like crazy. I think the summer has definitely treated them both to a growth spurt. They are very busy and in to everything, which is good and bad. Some days it's just hard to keep up with both of them. Taking them to the pool is fun and exhausting at the same time. Ryan learned to swim pretty well at his short stay at YMCA camp. He goes down the slide and usually stays in the shallower end of the pool. Alexander on the other hand, has NO FEAR. Even before I am in the water he is ready to jump in. I always let him go under and then lift him up. He has the biggest grin and asks to do it again. Over and over we go. 1.....2.....3....jump, under, up, and out, repeat......I have become thankful for the hourly pool breaks that keep my arms from getting too exhausted.

Well, time for another round of baths. My throat and ears are still very sore from this sinus infection, but hopefully being on antibiotics will help.

Love to you all,

A Day

So summer is in full swing. It's hot outside and I sweat just to breathe in the air. Now this has no comparison to the heat and humidity in which I was raised, but it's still HOT!!

That doesn't stop my family from being outside. Although I look like I have just emerged from a sauna when I come back inside, all red faced and drenched through to my skin, we stay outside a lot. The boys are all about riding their bikes. Once Ryan got his bike shorts it's been an ongoing thing. He rides ALL THE TIME. Unfortunately though, he's beginning to outgrow his bike. Now we have to find another that is not too big, but one on which to grow. That's going to be difficult. Alexander on the other hand, has a bike of his own as well. The one from the kid around the corner fits him pretty good. He loves to sit on it, and although he can't pedal on his own, he does try to pedal as Mike or myself push him. He loves it as much as his older brother does.

We've been to the pool quite a few times this summer so far. Ryan has gotten better after being at YMCA camp and Alexander has NO fear whatsoever. It's amazing that when we arrive, he's a little skiddish. But give him 5 minutes, and the boy will jump in over and over, go under, and come up with a smile saying, "Again mommy, again". It's so cute, but scary at the same time. Knowing him, he would jump in the deep end without a second thought. I'm guessing we'll have to put him in swim lessons next year.

YMCA camp has been a little interesting this summer. Although I believe in the Christian principles that YMCA is based upon, I think they are just a little too strict on children that have never had a experience like this. Granted, my child is not perfect, but neither am I. I feel like you have to let them make mistakes, then punish them. Not expect them to be perfect. He's just had a rough go of it. The first week, he wet his pants because he didn't want to go in the bathroom because of the spiders. Bless his heart. I felt badly for him, but then again, he's got to realize he's bigger than they are. He was suspended twice in 2 weeks, mainly for acting like a boy. I think he pushed a kid, and hit a kid, then went off the trail. After talking with him, it appeared he was not the only one at fault, that he had been provoked more than once. Yet again, I don't agree with retaliation, and he should have gone to a counselor, it frustrated me significantly that my son was being called on the carpet.

So after a week of not getting phone calls, and having good days, I felt as though he was beginning to settle in a little. He was earning stars and silly bandz and things were going well........


Until today.......


I received a phone call letting me know there had been an incident involving Ryan. He had "exposed" himself to one of the other campers. As it turns out, after I had to go pick him up and we talked, that it was an older kid that approached him. Evidently Ryan was changing out of his trunks as the other, older child was putting his on. Ryan "says" the boy threatened him with bodily harm unless he showed him his parts. Now that, I'm not so sure of, but nonetheless....Ryan should've said no and gone to a counselor. But instead, he turned around and showed it off. Now that being said, I would like to know how many males have not done the same in a locker room or bathroom. I mean seriously!!! All men are worried about their "package" at some time in their lives. I even said that to the little counselor, at the ripe age of 22!! I'm sure he has done the same and boys will be boys. Oh well, we had a good afternoon regardless and I'm sure tomorrow will be better.

Alexander has gone a spitting rampage. Evidently at daycare, they allow them to spit, "in the potty". Like a 2 year old would rather spit in the potty vs. outside. Why allow them to spit at all? This past weekend I put soap in his mouth, but evidently it didn't leave a lasting impression. When I picked him up Monday, he was sitting in time out for spitting on a little girl. I don't know what's next. Tobasco? I don't think I'd go that far, but I have to find something.

Potty training is a joke these days. He did that one time, and hasn't since. On the occasion he sits on the potty, but doesn't want to for long. That's okay I guess. He still has a few months until he turns 3.

Wow, I feel like I've rambled a lot this afternoon. It's nice just to share (vent) a little. Sometimes I just need to get things off my chest.

Hope everyone is having a great summer!!

Love to you all

It is official

Yes, it is official.

My boys are growing up. I'm happy and sad at the same time.

A little over a week ago, Ryan lost a training wheel from his bike. At the time he was devastated. "Mommy, I can never ride again." I tried to explain that it just meant he didn't need them anymore. He cried for a good five minutes I know. At that point we left and headed to the north YMCA for the summer camp orientation.(More about that in a minute). By the time we got back, he had completely forgotten about the fact he had lost a training wheel. Well, I was worn out from the previous days and opted to take a nap with the little man. By the time we got up, Ryan was riding on two wheels!!!!! Yes, he was still a little wobbly, and needed a little help, but he was doing great!! As it so happens, another dad from around the corner taught him how to ride. Later on that day, Mike used his techniques to teach the girl across the street how to ride. Now Ryan takes off with Makenzie and Ethan (another older boy down the street) like it was nothing. WOW!!! Every day we are riding and his legs get stronger and stronger.

Alexander has also gotten a bike. Go figure. The man that taught Ryan how to ride was wanting a different bike to ride with his daughter (he has a triathlon bike like Mike's and was just too fast). As it so happened, Mike had a bike that has been in the attic for the last 4 years we have lived here. He traded that bike for his son's first bike. It's way cute, and Alexander totally loves it. Although he really can't pedal just yet, he loves to sit on it and be pushed. "I ride my bike!!!" It's just the little things.

Of course, silly bandz have also made an entrance to our house. You would think, being a boy and all, he really wouldn't want them. But oh no--every day he begs. Mike found some at work and the Chevron station. I've ordered a few packs online. He asks every day if they've come. Bless his heart, he has no concept of time. The crazy thing is, Alexander is just as in to them. He wants to wear his wherever he goes. Peat, and repeat. He wants to be just like his older brother. How precious.

And being like his older brother, he is trying to potty train. Although he is a little short, and can't really stand to potty, he sure tries. He had had no luck until this past Saturday (5/30). We had been out in the sprinkler playing with some of the neighborhood kids. When we came in to change, he wanted to go potty. I let him try for a few minutes then he climbed on it backwards. All of the sudden....PEE!! Yipee. The beginning of potty training has begun. By the end of the year, no more diapers!!!!

As far as summer camp goes, Mike and I decided to take Ryan out of daycare this summer. We just felt he wouldn't get enough activity being there. They only take limited field trips and play outside a little. SO.....he's going to BAR-Y camp by YMCA. It's outside, all day, every day!! They hike, do archery and crafts, and swim every day. This will expend any type of energy he may have to release. He is really excited and talks about "next Monday" all the time. I love that he is so excited about trying something new. After meeting the counselors and learning a little more about it, I think this is where he'll be for the next few years during summer break.

On Memorial Day, we rode in the family Bike Lexington ride. It started downtown, and went out and back for a total of 10 miles. Ryan did about 8.5 miles of it. He got a little frustrated at times, but all in all did awesome. The only thing left to do now it purchase him a pair of padded bike shorts. His little boy parts are a little sore. Mike warned me that would happen with the miles he's been putting in. Just the day before he had ridden almost 6 miles with Mike to the Chevron station and back a couple of times. It won't be long and he'll need a bigger bike.

We also went to the pool at Tates Creek since the big ones opened on Saturday. It was so much fun watching Ryan trying to swim again (BAR-Y also has free swimming lessons) and Alex learning again that water wasn't going to hurt him. We only stayed about an hour, because I needed to nap and so did Alexander. All in all it was a great day!!

I'm posting some pics of the boys riding their bikes as well as the morning of Memorial Day. Unfortunately, it's a little blurry since I wasn't the one taking the picture. Oh well....

Happy June everyone!! Have a great summer. I know we will.

:)

It's been almost two months since I have blogged--geez how time flies. Right now I am currently watching the little one take his lego car set to the living room. I don't know what he would do if we didn't have wood floors where everything just slides around. I'm sure the amount of toys that make it to the living room would decrease significantly!! Oh well, more for me to clean at a later time.

This evening I received a text from my sister about the sizes of her two young boys ages 18 mos and 2 mos. Yes, they are 16 months apart, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Anyway, I went to the journals I keep of my boys to text back their sizes at two months. Both boys were playing in my room after their baths at the time and Ryan asked me what they were. I explained to him they were journals, one for each boy. He opened to the first page and began to read, "Dear Ryan...." That's about all he could read since he can't read cursive just yet. He asked me to read it to him. I could barely get through the first page without crying. Recounting the day I found out I was pregnant to the the moment of his birth was overwhelming. It is such a miracle to carry a healthy pregnancy and deliver such a beautiful child. There are days lately when he just exhausts me, but I am so very blessed by the good Lord above to have been given this child to raise on earth.

Alex has really hit the terrible twos. He likes to scream A LOT, especially when he doesn't get his way. He has been know lately to throw himself on the floor to kick and yell for about 30 seconds. By that point he realizes I am not going to give in to him and he gives it up. It's quite amusing to watch him lift his head to see if I'm looking at him, I guess to check if he needs to continue.

I'm reading a new book, on my iPhone of course, called "I Will Carry You" by Angie Smith. Her husband is one of the singers of the Christian group Selah. Anyway, a few years ago she lost a baby that had genetic problems that made it incompatible with life. Her strength as a woman and a Christian are so amazing.

I could only hope to be half as strong as she was when this happened or at any point in my life for that matter. With the passing of Dr. Guiler things were truly put in to perspective even more. He was such a gentle spirit and a strong Christian man. But none of that matters unless you are right with the wonderful God in heaven. His life, and even more so in death has given so many of us, including myself, inspiration to live such a more Christ filled life. If I can leave just part of the legacy to my children as he did his, I will have done well.

I hope this post finds you all happy and healthy. Only two more weeks of school left for Ryan and it's summer vacation. He can hardly wait. Me too!!!

Love to you all