School and
Topic: Momma's Lover Dover
My sweet lover dover Cale started pre-k this year. I'm amazed at how fast time has gone. I'm also amazed at his willingness to go to school. The first day, he refused to eat breakfast or lunch. He kept insisting that it was time to go and that we'd be late. We live 2 minutes away, in heavy traffic, but try explaining that to him!!

The first day was more like a parent/child school day. Chris and I attended with him to learn the ins and outs of how things work. Did I mention that this school was the elementary school that I attended 2-6 grade? Yep!! Talk about weird being back. And everything is questionably smaller. . . .hmmmmmm. . . .Anyway, Chris snuck out the back with Pruitt towards the end and he missed the cutest thing of all: Cale made his first friend. This little boy also has a father a bit larger than most. . .his father is also a graduate of OU (BOOMER SOONER!) and they live on the street next to my mom and dad's street. Cale and "D" were talking so much that they didn't hear us tell them we were leaving. They were comparing shoes, backpacks, who was stronger (at which point I had to stop Cale from heaving classroom tables above his head), and they even shared stories. D's mom was happy that he'd found a friend and Cale's mom. . .well. . .she stood back and fought tears. I have to now let go of my control on my child. I've guarded him carefully since the moment he left my body and now, I'm letting out the strings a bit. Bitter sweet really. So here's a pic (or two) of Cale on his first day. You can see the true Cale in these pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secondly, it's also time to get ready for Halloween. I do this every year around this time. The costume search begins. Pruitt is smaller than Cale was on his second Halloween so I lack a costume for kisser, but I will share with you my conversation with Cale in regards to his costume choices:

Me ~ Well, Lover, what do you want to be for Halloween?

Cale ~ A switch.

Me ~ A "switch????"

Cale ~ Yep, you know, a switch that rides a broom?

I had nothing to say after that. I don't remember ever seeing a male witch. . .especially one that rides a broom and honestly. . .how hysterical is it to be called a "switch" instead?? Gotta love the kid.

Beauty

I'd often heard that a mother nursing her baby is a beautiful thing.  I never thought so.  I'm one of those more conservative types that doesn't enjoy looking at the human body.  I never found it. . .beautiful.

On the flipside, I also didn't understand what all the hoopla was on women breastfeeding in public.  Feed your babies!!  You don't have to leave it all hanging out, but feed your hungry baby!!

Tonight. . .I saw it.  I have never seen a picture capture the true beauty in a woman nursing her baby than I saw here. I would put it in my blog, but it is not mine to use so please click on the link.  I seriously stopped dead in my tracks with a resounding gasp from deep inside.  It is beautiful.  

Pru's Day
Topic: Pruitt
Today is Pruitt's day. We've celebrated, eaten cake and opened presents. We even went and had pictures taken. . .TWICE. Today is Pru Pru's birthday. I cannot even wrap my mind around the fact that it was one year ago today that he was brought into this world. He's been with us a lot longer than that though. His entrance into this world was a wicked ride. I never understood when people would say, "It was the worst and best day of my life." Pruitt's entrance was just that. It's a day I will never forget = for good and bad. It's a day that will haunt me from now on, but I still love him. It was in no way his fault, but it is hard to go through today loving a being so deeply, but wishing his entrance had been a bit calmer and a bit more natural.

Regardless, we made today about him. I love my kisser baby. He's such a happy baby and he loves his momma deeply. Makes me smile when I think of it. His big blue eyes, wide smile and gorgeous brown hair with blonde and red highlights, he woos the girls whenever we're out.

Pru Pru. . . .you are a blessing, a gift from God, my circle of life baby. I love you so deeply and my scar is a constant reminder of that. I pray that you'll have a wonderful and long life and that you'll always remember I love you.  Thank you for being you and for enriching my life.

 

Interesting to say the least
Topic: Weirdness

I'm going to start by saying that Tripod's new format sucks donkey butts.  Seriously.  I hate it.  It keeps eating my posts and the HTML won't work.  Ticks me off royally.

Anyway, I was on the phone with Bubba and clicked over to one of my "daily sites" and saw and advertisement for Bag Borrow or Steal. The idea behind this is genius, but somewhat odd at the same time.  You join for a monthly fee, then "check out" purses/bags like library books.  However, you have to pay a weekly or monthly fee for the purse of your choosing, plus round trip shipping and insurance if you'd like.  There's also waiting lists for purses.  Chris got a kick out of the Fendi bag that cost $235 per month.  He was baffled.  Unsurprisingly, I get why this site is in existance.  

I won't be renting a bag from them any time soon.  I'm pretty content with my two good standbys.  Besides, I'm a mother to a baby right now so that means no purse carrying for me.  My trust billfold is kept in the diaperbag.  I wouldn't even know what to put in a purse right now!  And seriously. . .I've got better things to spend my money on.  I LIKE FOOD!! :)

I put the topic as weirdness because this just seems odd to me. I was pointed in the direction of an article that says people are outraged at BabyTalk's latest cover.

I understand that most of our mothers were not encouraged to breastfeed. My mom wasn't and she gave birth to a preemie. Now studies show that breastfed preemies gain weight faster and get released faster. I also understand that many think breasts are only to be seen in a sexual way. My issue with that statement is that they are there to make milk to feed children. There was no formula back with Adam and Eve. I'm pretty sure her children were breastfed. And just because we have the technology to make up a breastmilk imitator doesn't mean it's best.

People also make comments like, "It's just so convenient." Really?? To measure out water, measure out powder, make sure you have a clean bottle and nipple, shake it up and then serve it to a baby that is screaming bloody murder? I personally find it more convenient to unclasp the nursing bra when my baby is hungry and BAM, instant gratification.

Don't get me wrong, I understand that there are people that just do not want to breastfeed. I also understand that there are people out there that couldn't get breastfeeding to work for them. My point is this: if you chose to bottle feed, that's your decision. If you choose to breastfeed, that's your decision. But please, don't bash breastfeeders for feeding their babies on the spot. I'm a very modest breastfeeder. I cover up and keep covered. There's nothing wrong with what I do so leave me alone and I'll leave you alone. If I decide to whip it out in the mall and walk around in a full Janet Jackson moment, yes, that's inappropriate. Just remember how much more we tolerate from commercials, advertisements, even the 21 year old girl down the street who wears crop tops all summer long. What's the difference?

Also note that I am not debating the nutritional differences between formula and breastmilk.  If you want information on the health benefits of breastmilk, please let me know.  I'll gladly give that information to you.  So feel free to call me crazy, call me crunchy, call me smart.  It's your opinion, and you're welcomed to it.  This is my blog and I'm going to publish my opinion:  Breastmilk is best.  I wouldn't have hooked myself to a pump for 11 months if I didn't believe that.  I'm a breastfeeder and proud of it.  So is my family.  Ask 'em.  They'll tell you. :)

Ode to my birthday
Topic: Me!

TRIPOD ATE MY ORIGINAL POST!

My birthday was June 28.  Yes, this is late, but better late than never right??  Please read the following as you would read JOYFUL JOYFUL WE ADORE THEE.

June the twenty-eighth was my day, but oh dear birthday, you did suck.

Nothing seemed to go the right way.  Guess I've just run out of luck.Early wakings, cranky babies, pain from teeth that were no more.

With it starting oh so badly, it seemed like it was just a chore.

Pitifully I cried myself back into a much needed nap.

Woke to find my hair appointment was in 10. OH NO! OH CRAP!

Rushing, running, driving wildly.  But I made it, all was well.

Hundred dollars later I was done and I was looking swell.

For my lunch, again I had soup.  Found out mom'd been robbed that day.

Oddly dad's identity'd been used in Florida far away.

Grandmas didn't call me and then Bubba jabbed me in my jaw.

Couldn't eat my birthday dinner 'cause my gums were swollen and raw.

Highlight was to be my favorite pie that mom had brought to me.

Opened it to find that it was messed up, unsurprisingly.

Choked it down then kicked them out, I just wanted to go to bed.

This year's birthday wasn't lovely, I've worked on pushing it from my head!

 

The Wisdom Teeth Drama
Topic: Me!

Yes, I made it through. . .by the skin of my teeth literally.  Wanna hear the story?  Like you don't have better things to do, but here it goes.

After the pill popping, I turned the computer off and headed to bed.  I sat there talking to Bubba and thinking to myself the entire time, "This valium sucks. It's not doing a thing!!"  What I had failed to realize is that I was talking nonsense on the outside, but making total sense on the inside.  For example: One of the last things said to Chris was, "Don't forget to brush your teeth."  WHAT??? HUH???  It made no sense to him considering we were talking about his truck.

I wake the next morning to a quiet house.  I was the first awake.  I took my 4 antibiotics like a good girl and started poking Bubba in the shoulder.  Then I said, "I sure hope mom doesn't decide to come over early and set the alarm off."  He asked me how I was feeling yada yada yada and then WOOWOOWOOWOOWOOWOOWOO the alarm goes off because mi madre CAME OVER EARLY!!  Cale flips out and Pru sleeps through it and mom feels like an idiot and dad calls right as she does it and she jumps down his throat *sigh*  That loud WOO'ing should have been my signal for what was to come, but did I listen? Nope.  We get dressed and get around and head to the office.

As we check in, the receptionist said, "Who are you here to see???"  I said, "Dr. D."  She looks at me and says, "You're actually scheduled for Dr. C.  There must have been a mix up."  That's when I absolutely break down.  I had explained all my fears/anxieties/situations to Dr. D and he "got" what was going on, but I knew, and I also told her and Bubba, that if I left that office I was NOT coming back.  So Chris herded me over to a chair to try and ease my fear.

They immediately called me and the doctor came in.  He said he'd heard about the mix-up and didn't want to continue the surgery if we weren't comfortable. I honestly couldn't speak.  I was beside myself.  I'm sure you've never seen a 27 year old blubbering woman shaking so bad that she can't sit still.  Yeah. . .it was that pitiful.  Chris talked to him and we decided to go ahead and proceed.  He kissed me and left.

The nurse had me sit back and explained that they were going to give me nitrous to calm me down.  I was rather excited because I needed calming.  They waited. . . .and waited. . . and waited some more.  I was still shaking and crying and shaking.  So we waited. . .another nurse came over to evaluate the quality of my veins while we waited.  Then Dr. C came over and said, "Did you take your valium Dr. D prescribed?"  My answer, "Yes, last night like he told me to."  He then replied, "You should have been given one to take before you came in this morning." YA THINK????  He then remarked to the nurse to wait some more.  I was still shaking and I remember taking a nice deep breath with the nurse as she said, "Ok, you're going to feel a light poke right NOW." Yep. . .I felt it. . .then the next thing ya know I'm waking up crying.

The nurse told Chris that I woke up the way I went out, "slightly emotional" was her term.  You could say that.  I remember asking immediately if they'd taken all four and ONLY four and they said yes.  Then the nurse started yelling at me, "PIPER.  I need you to STAND UP HON!  PIPER STAND UP!!"  You've just woken me up from the deepest sleep ever and you expect my brain to get my limbs to work.  Probably not.  After getting me to recovery and quizzing Chris, they decided that I'd had my limit of pain meds due to the fact that I'm still nursing Pruitt.  GREAT!  I was already in pain and couldn't have a thing for it.  They get me in a wheel chair and get me to the car.  I vaguely remember that, but I got home in one piece and got settled with my blanket, chair and a pen and paper.  I may have been in pain and/or drugged, but one thing that never left me was my sense of humor.  I was apparently making jokes the minute I stopped crying.  See. . .I'm cool on drugs ;)

Now, I was very very particular in following my post-op directions, however the next morning I felt a massive blood clot drop from the roof of my mouth.  That was rewarded with an emergency trip back up to the office where I was told how HARD it was to get my teeth out.  Not what I wanted to hear.  Since my surgery on 6/21, I've been back to that office four times already.  Each time I get to hear how hard it was to get two teeth out, that there was extra hard pulling and drilling, that I'd be swollen for awhile, that I'm a slow healer and that I'm a trooper for hanging in there.  I did have bruising. . .looked like I'd been smacked in the jaw with a bat.  And to this day, at almost 2 weeks later, I am still swollen and not eating regularly.  Do you know what I'd give for some Mexican food??????  I have lost some weight, but still, I do not like my right to eat being taken from me.  I also still have this unique, what we call, Holly Hunter'esque lisp when I speak.  I can't yell - a fact that thrilled Chris & Cale, but the eating still is my main desire.

See what I mean?  I seriously made it through by the skin of my teeth.  Will I ever feel normal?  I feel like it won't come soon enough, but I sure don't want to rush it.  If the laundry could do itself, the house could stay clean and the boys could take care of themselves, I'd be fine with being down this long.  But unfortunately, my title of "Mom" doesn't come with sick time off.  The world goes on and I must be the one to do the work.

Until next time friends. . .I transcribe "Ode To My Birthday."  Stay tuned for that piece of work.

Shaking in my boots. . .if I had boots
Topic: Me!
I am typing on borrowed time. . .I just took a valium to calm me down and help me sleep. Why would I need this you ask?? I'm having four wisdom teeth removed tomorrow and I am TERRIFIED!!!! I've heard it's not nearly as bad as it seems in my head, but it doesn't make it any better. I pray I sleep through the next week.

Just think happy thoughts and say a prayer for me if you could spare one. I'll be put totally out (THANK GOD!) and have tons and tons 'o drugs ;) I'd love to put it off, but I'd just be delaying the inevitable so I might as well get it over with so I can enjoy my birthday next week.

Yes, I'll make it through, but I surely won't enjoy the ride.

Happy Birthday Bubba!!
Today is Bubba's 29th birthday. It was planned to be a fun day but a series of events have occurred that have kept us from fulfilling that plan.

1. Cale woke up at 7am with a temp of 102.9? - he has strep.
2. Pruitt has been teething and in a ridiculously vicious mood - as vicious as an almost 10-month old can be :)
3. UPS has YET to deliver Chris' birthday present.
4. Because of Cale's illness, plans were canceled for dinner.
5. Because of 1-4, we've done nothing but go to the pediatrician's office and sit here at home in the dark (the light hurt Cale's eyes and he's slept all day).

It hasn't been the happiest of birthdays for Bubba, but we'll postpone party day for later in the week.

As for me. . .my day just started looking up. I've been wanting a specific pouch for months now. . .I really like it. I just didn't have the money. Well, Joanna, the owner of Heavenly Bundle posted a message to me saying that she had my size and would love to help get it to me. WELL. . .she just welcomed her new baby girl into the world almost a month ago so I asked if she was going to have a "Welcome Baby" sale. SHE SAID SHE WOULD SO I GOT MY POUCH AND IT WAS ON SALE AND I AM SO HAPPY I COULD JUST SCREAM BUT I WON'T BECAUSE PRUITT IS SLEEPING! YEE-FREAKING-HAW I'M EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok. . . calm. . .deep. . .breathing. . .sloooooooooowly. . .;)

Four years
Topic: Momma's Lover Dover
Four years and one week ago today, Cale was born. It was a long week then and it has been a long week this year too. We've made a cake, cupcakes, opened a zillion presents, assembled toys, added batteries, played games, taken pictures and the grand finale is tonight. Cale and I will attend The Wiggles concert.

I haven't handled this birthday any better than previous years. He just seems so freaking grown up and it pains my heart. Even at his 4 year check up on Monday (weighing in at 45lbs - 95% and measuring 3'10" - off the charts for height) he was bigger than normal. He received 3 shots and DID NOT SHED A SINGLE TEAR while receiving them. He held onto me and I to him and the nurse administered them in his skinny long legs. He did so well and the nurse told us that she's always kicked at this age and has NEVER had one be as calm as Cale. Seriously. . .he should have thrown a fit. Shoot, I throw a mega fit if I have to get a shot or get so close to passing out when getting blood taken that I'm watched like a hawk.

Every day for the past week, and every minute I've relived in my mind. . .from getting the news about my blood pressure, going in for the induction, getting my water broken, getting the epidural, being fully dialated, starting to push, his entrance into the world, the news on his jaundice, them admitting him to NICU, me being released, our trips to NICU for feedings and finally, his grand finale of coming home on May 15, 2002. See. . .that's how I live, wondering if there might be a parallel universe where I am living this in real time. . .wishing I could help myself if there was. There's even a new commercial that I saw for the first time on his birthday. It shows the hospital and I can see the room where he was born. . .second floor first window. . .the room where my life was changed forever. I'll never be the same and I thank him for that. I love him for it. He's an exquisite miracle that we'd waited so long for and he is SO worth it.