Catching Up

A funny LJ story...the day before I left for my trip, we went to buy a piece of luggage...we are probably the last people on earth who do not have luggage with wheels. RJ (aka, Dear Husband) was driving and every time he'd turn on the blinker, LJ would say, "no, daddy - turn your blinker off...I've got it." Without looking back, one of us would so, "oh, ok" or "we have to tell the other cars that we want to turn" or something of the sort. LJ would insist that he was telling the cars what we were going to do. Finally, I look back at him and he is holding up a part of a toy he got in a Whataburger Kid's Meal at Christmas-time. This toy is part of a train car that is carrying a "Whataburger store" on a flatbed car...the store is triangle-shaped like this:


And, LJ is holding it side-ways pointing the direction he knows we are going to turn and making a clicking noise with his mouth. I laughed so hard! So imaginative!

While I was gone, LJ lost his pacifier. He and PJ both only use them for sleeping and we just hadn't gotten around to getting LJ to give it up. PJ was born - big change. Potty training - big change. Just waiting for big changes to end! We keep telling him we'll look for it and we have, but we haven't found it AND, he really hasn't been too upset about it. He hasn't been putting up a fight at sleep times. He's cried about it a couple of times, but is satisfied and comforted that we are looking for it. I think this will be the end of the pacifier, even if we find it...unless he finds it...

Washington D.C.

M, Mawmaw and I attempted to leave for DC at 7:39 on Thursday, July 24th, but on Wednesday, July 23rd I got a call that one leg of our trip - the flight had been cancelled and were now booked on a 12:45 flight and this made all of the trip delayed. Then, that 12:45 flight didn't leave until 3:00, so we got booked on an even later flight the next leg. By the time we flew, picked up our rental car and got to the hotel, it was 10:00 pm. My arm was killing me, but the day was finally over.

This morning, we ate breakfast and went to see Mawmaw's brother - which is the reason we are here. We visited with him - talked to him while he listened as he's not well and doesn't talk much. Then we went by Mawmaw's old house and took pictures of the remodel and the new construction on either side. A young lady was walking her dog and we explained what we were doing...turns out she lives in Mawmaw's house now and invited us in to see it. It is just beautiful inside. Nice hardwood floors and new kitchen cabinets and granite counter tops. Just beautiful. She didn't offer for us to go upstairs, so we didn't.

We ate lunch - pizza at a local place, went to the bookstore so M and Mawmaw could buy a new book, and then went to meet with the lawyer who is handling my uncle's "stuff". Then, we drove to the Metro station and took the train to Union Station where we had planned to take a moonlight tour of the monuments, but it was sold out. So, we made plans to do this on Sunday and ate dinner, window shopped, and came back to the hotel.

Now we are reading and relaxing...and that's all I can do with my wrist!

This Cast Looks Crazy

Met with the orthopedist today. It took 3 hours. I gad to send someone (DH) to cancel my classes. I think the dr. was very thorough, so that is good. He was concerned that, while the 2 bone pieces are aligned fine, they seem compressed. He ordered an x-ray of my right arm to compare and then was satisfied that surgery could likely be avoided. He shot my wrist up with local anesthetic and put me in traction for about 30 minutes - to pull apart the break. Then, as he was putting on the cast, he manipulated the bone to be properly aligned and molded the cast in that position. It was uncomfortable and my cast is rather misshapen. Finally, he ordered an x-ray to determine if he was successful - and he was. I left with a new Vicodin prescription and an appointment for Aug. 8th - more x-rays to make sure it is healing correctly and is still aligned...so surgery is still possible. The local wore off and it is much more painful after all that manipulation than it was after I broke it. I've had to take 2 Vicodin every 4 hours to maintain comfort...I'm tired and a bit loopy. I'm so happy to be in the cast instead of the splint. I have a Gore-tex liner, so it can get wet - not soaking, but wet is ok...so I will swim once I'm not loopy.

Last Few Days

Friday, July 18th
Got my hair washed and dried yesterday. Gave a test in class, so that was an easy day. Today I have to catch up on grading. Gave RJ a grocery list and he and the kids went. When RJ is at work, LJ has been my little helper as I try to go about my normal routine.

PJ's schedule went WHACK the last 2 days. On his own, he slept until 8:15 yesterday - and the only took 1 nap at 1:30. He went to bed at his usual time, but last night was up crying for about an hour. He's still asleep at 8:40, so I don't think he's going to be taking a morning nap between 9:30 and 10:00 - which is the norm. I suppose he might be dropping his AM nap, but we had to work with LJ to drop his at 18 months - so this is odd to me?????

Saturday, July 19th
Yesterday was fairly good. My relationship with PJ has already changed. I used to pick him up all the time and carry him around the house with me...now, I only pick him up to put him in the high chair or to change his diaper. This has me pretty sad.

DH got a babysitter and took me out to a movie and then dinner - to try to get me out of my depression. We left when the kids woke up from their naps & got home in time to put them to bed. They napped well, so all that combined meant I had a relaxing day!

PJ's sleeping is better, but still not optimal.

Sunday, July 20th
I hate this splint. It keeps kind of shifting and slipping, so I find myself gripping with my hand and tensing my arm. I'm sure I won't like the cast either, but I'm ready to ditch this splint. I find my wrist more painful now than I did a few days ago. It is almost like I can feel the bone. I think the swelling has gone down and I'm just able to feel more. I'm trying not to be surly, but I'm not really happy with this new routine over which I have little control!

I Broke My Wrist - Details

I was running a bit late to class because some students in my previous class had stayed after to ask some questions…so I was kind of in a hurry. The steps in front of this building are not so great…I could say all the ways they are deficient, but I only have one hand. I hit one step too low and stumbled…and put my left hand down to catch my fall. I heard a snap and my arm felt weak. I walked into class, sat down, used my right hand to lift my left hand up on the desk and started taking my watch off. I figured there would be swelling, so I wanted to get my watch off. My students started asking me if I was ok and I told them I wasn’t sure, but I think I might have broken my wrist. I told them that we wouldn’t have class, but I needed to borrow a cell phone. RJ’s cell phone battery doesn’t work – it hasn’t for like 3 weeks, but he’s getting a Blackberry and service through work, so he’s just been using my battery instead of buying a new one…this leaves me without a phone, but that’s a different story. I called RJ and he loaded up the kids to come pick me up. Meanwhile, my students were so sweet. One guy ran down the street to a campus dining place to get me some ice. Another kept asking me questions to make sure I wasn’t in shock. Another had me use her hard-backed folder to support my wrist, etc. They stayed with me until RJ arrived and then planned how they would get word to my next class that class was cancelled. This all happened at 1:00 and I was in the emergency room by 1:20.

RJ dropped me off at the ER and then took the kids home to meet up with our boss and a co-worker. We had called co-worker, but gotten her voice mail, so we called boss…she came and then co-worker showed up too. Then RJ came back to me at the ER.

I hate the ER. But, I won’t go unto that because everyone hates the ER. I waited about an hour before being called back. After that, things moved pretty quickly. I don’t know what you have to do to get pain meds, but none were offered and my request for Tylenol was acknowledged and promised to be met, but never was. Anyway, I had like 6 x-rays taken, then I waited for the dr., then the dr. said it is broken…distal radial fracture…so I broke my radius down in my wrist. It is a clean-break…all the way through…and is not displaced at all, so he doesn’t think I’ll need surgery. Thank goodness…I do not want to have surgery. Hr wrapped me in a splint…that he wet and then molded to my arm…it has dried pretty darn hard. I have a sling, Vicodin, and an appointment with the orthopedist on Monday morning. The orthopedist will look at the x-rays, take more to see how healing is going, decide about surgery, and put a cast on. They wait for the cast until the swelling has gone down so that the cast won’t be a bad fit. 4-6 weeks in the cast.

The Vicodin works well and I’ve not been in too much pain, but it is painful. Having 1 hand is NOT convenient in the least. Try doing things with only one hand and I think you’ll get the picture rather quickly. RJ has to help me get dressed…can’t put a bra on with one hand. Changing diapers is difficult. Can’t wash my face, pick up my kids easily, etc. RJ has been super-terrific, but 4-6 weeks is a long time. I assume I’ll be able to grip things with my left hand sooner than that? I plan to go to work today, but I can’t pass out papers! The students will help – they are so compassionate!

Since this happened on the job – workman’s comp will pay for it. Another guy in our office broke his ankle on stairs in this same building and workman’s comp. went into effect for him. I don’t know how it works, but a report has already been made by my office…I think it is on my employer to comply, so they have all these rules to follow.

I haven’t even gotten to swim in our pool yet :-(

This took 30 minutes to type, so I won’t be typing too much for a while!

I Broke My Wrist

I fell going up the stairs on the way to class. That's all I can type for now.

Spelling

LJ is kind of into spelling - aka - reading the letters and saying what something spells. Sometimes he's right about what the letters spell, but mostly he's wrong.

Sunday, we were at Walmart and as we were leaving he said..."W-A-L-star-M-A-R-T, that spells Walmart" - I cracked up...and told him he is right and Sam Walton would be proud.

Ok, really - the NEXT post will be about PJ's routine...lest I forget one day.

Pool! Almost...

Pool set-up was S-L-O-W. First, Uncle B was going to arrive Friday evening...they were going to do some work that night and then get started again Saturday morning. Uncle B was not able to come until 11:00 Saturday morning. Then they had to go buy some top soil so they can get everything level. Then it was lunch time...RJ's family has the market cornered on "leisurely lunch", so around 2:00 they finally got out there and got started leveling the ground. At 4:20 - they left to get a pipe for a pump/drain thingy that RJ wanted to put in. If the wimpy pump that came with the pool isn't able to do the job, we are now set-up to use a good pump since they installed this pump/drain thingy. At this point, I believe the ground was level and once they got this pipe they got the pump/drain thingy in the ground...and the pool frame went up. The directions state that it is not complicated, but you will need 4 adults. Little do they know that RJ has gotten very good at figuring out how to not have help...and I think he thinks he is more than one person...as is Uncle B. Turns out, they do not have the hands of more than 2 people, but never fear, they rigged it up with tie downs and various objects to attach the tie downs to...instant hands.

This morning, the pool is about 1/3 full! "We" filled it enough to hold itself up - as I've alluded, the construction process is very interesting - and then shut it down after dark last night. This morning, PJ and I got up around 6:15 and I turned the water back on. I plan a trip to Walmart today to buy some pool necessities...like chlorine tablets, a skimmer, goggles, floats, etc.

LJ General Routine and Cute Things

LJ is 3 years and 7 months old and his day goes something like this:

6:30ish - wakes up and plays/read in bed...might get up to go to the bathroom, but goes back to his room after. He opens and closes doors kind of loudly and he always closes the door behind him, so getting up to go to the bathroom means he opens his bedroom door, closes it, closes the bathroom door, opens it, closes it, opens his bedroom door and closes it. No one can sleep through that.

7:00ish - I go in and say "good morning" and he gets up.

8:00ish - he eats breakfast. His favorites are peanut butter toast, cinnamon toast or peanut butter waffle. He still LOVES milk.

9:00ish - he and PJ play until PJ's nap time.

10:00ish - PJ's nap time - LJ gets to eat gummy fruit snacks and watch Little Einsteins while PJ is sleeping. He never forgets about these gummy snacks.

12:30ish - lunch time. One of his favorites is "trios" - turkey meatball, cheese, and goldfish. He likes bananas, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, grapes, etc. He tends to like most fruit.

1:00ish - nap time. He plays/reads in his bed for quite a while and probably only takes a 1-2 hour nap during his 1:00 - 4:00 nap time. But, he's usually quiet, so we are all happy.

4:00ish - Snack. Right now, LJ likes Teddy Grahams (chocolate) mini-marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Oh, and MILK.

6:00ish - Dinner. He's pretty good about eating what he's served. Sometimes we have to tell him how many bites he has to eat. Whatever vegetables we are having - he will usually say, "Oh, I love __________", but the love fades and we have to tell him how many bites he has to eat. He's not so good about chewing meat. He'll keep in his mouth for a long time. We have to tell him, "swallow your food." This starts to get frustrating, so it almost always turns into, "SWALLOW your FOOOOD." Sometimes, we make it all the way to bed time and when brushing his teeth, we discover he still hasn't swallowed all of his food. This causes steam to come out of my ears.

After dinner is usually spent playing in the kiddie pool.

7:30ish - get ready for bed and go to sleep. Ha. He usually plays/reads for a while. He was in the habit of getting up to tell us his tummy hurts. We are pretty sure it doesn't hurt as often as he claims - it is as if he knows it is unverifiable.

I think he wakes up in the middle of the night and plays in his bed. I also think he's kind of tired during the day some days (due to his playing at 2:00 am)...on these days he has more trouble staying out of trouble.

LJ seems to like his brother. He often says to us, "I love my brother PR" and we always say we are glad and how nice it is to have a brother.

LJ sometimes tells me, "be happy Momma - let's turn that frown upside down" - which always makes me laugh.

LJ is pretty good at counting and can count things and subtract things up to 10 with no problem. He's trying to learn the days of the week and we are still trying to get him to realize that it is not a new day when he wakes up from his nap. This is very bothersome sometimes...if we tell him so-in-so is coming today and they haven't shown up by nap time...there is a big fit about how we said so-in-so was coming today and they didn't come. Never mind that it is only 1:00 and they will be here when LJ wakes up...in LJ's mind that is not today - it is tomorrow.

Next post - PJ's routine.

YES!

I'm sorry my faithful blog readers - YESSSS!!!! All 3 boxes have arrived and are in our possession. YIPPEE! That means pool construction commences this weekend. Today, our shutters arrived. I've convinced RJ that he is never going to get around to constructing the perfect shutters, so let's go with some pre-made...he agreed and now they are here and will be put up after work this evening. These shutters are really going to spruce up the curb appeal. I've even washed the windows in preparation...of course, it rained yesterday afternoon, but we need the rain so badly I can't complain.

Out for Delivery

All 3 boxes - out for delivery today! Hopefully they will all 3 show up TODAY. Then it is a matter of prepping the ground, constructing the pool, and filling it up...with lots of water...which we will likely notice in our water bill. Oh and all of the maintenance. We'll have to buy flotation devices...and floatie-type things. LJ has requested goggles. Sunscreen - lots of sunscreen. But, I cannot wait - this is going to be such a great thing...I think.

Pool #2 - Tracking

Pool #2 has departed from Secaucus, NJ (decided to look up where this is and it is right up the rode form Weehawken, which is where we stayed when we went to NYC before LJ was born)...and is "on time" to arrive at our house July 9 - all three boxes (or so it seems)! We may be getting really close to getting this pool - finally. And, it has been HOT here...with next-to-no rain, so we are certainly looking forward to "a pool that mommy and daddy can fit in".

PS - I need to write about our ride on the steam train last weekend...

Pool Update

So, here it is July 1 and no box #3 of 3. I decided that this box is just not coming, so I called Walmart. This is not so easy as it seems. Try to find a phone number to call on the Walmart website. I went to my online credit card statement to verify that we had paid for the pool - and my credit card company had a clickable link for Walmart - and that link provided a phone number. THAT is how I got a phone number to call.

After choosing the menu option I thought best fit my predicament - and saying YES 3 times before it understood me...I had to back out of that route and pick something else so I could talk to a PERSON. I choose "billing problems" and finally got to Barb. Barb was very friendly and helpful. It probably helped that when she asked how I was doing I said, "Barb, I'm frustrated" - she was nice to me. After a lot of computer-looking-up Barb determined she needed to initiate a tracking for the package with UPS. Then she told me UPS has 10 business days to find the package before they can get the manufacture to send another. She suggested that, if I'm financially able, I could order another pool as it would probably get here before the last box of my original order would. Keep the original order until we've put our 2nd pool together - to make sure we have all the parts we need...otherwise, get those parts from our original pool. Then, we can return the original pool to the store for instant refund of our money OR they can send a truck to pick it up from our house. Oh - and she refunded our shipping on the original pool and did not charge us shipping on our 2nd pool. I ordered the 2nd pool and it (ALL 3 BOXES - I'm keeping my fingers crossed) will be here between July 10 and July 24. The original pool (2 of 3 boxes) got here within 7 days of ordering, so we are hoping for closer to the 10th.

:-(

Box # of 3 did *NOT* arrive today. And, the tracking information is no different today than it was all of the days before. Needless to say, we are BUMMED and I did send *another* e-mail to customer service today.

The Vaccination Saga Continues

Yesterday, after weeks of not hearing back from the dr.'s nurse regarding her ability to get the mumps vaccine, I called. Of course, I have to leave a message for her to call back. I give RJ's cell phone as the call back number - I thought I was giving mine at the time, but I call his all the time and never call mine, so I just mindlessly said a cell number. Anyway, she left a voice-mail saying, "we tried to order the mumps vaccine, but we couldn't - call if you have any questions". Whatever. Seriously. Sure, if she called Merck and asked if they could order 1 mumps vaccine - the answer was no and we told the dr. the answer would be no. We told him you have to order a batch of 10. We discussed how his practice would have to decide if they want to do that. So, for the nurse to say they tried to order it but couldn't is really non-information and indicates a real lack of willingness to work on this, in my opinion at the time.

So, now I decide to call around to different pharmacies in town to see if they stock it or will order a batch. If I find one, then I have to get the dr. to write a prescription. Maddening. I called around and finally called a locally-owned compounding pharmacy. The person who answered was relaying my questions to the pharmacist and the answer came back - we can only order the combination vaccine. So, I asked if I could talk to the pharmacist. She got on the phone and I said, "I'm trying to get the individual mumps vaccine and I'm having trouble - can you tell me what the problem is". So she says, "well it says that the single-dose is drop-ship only and that usually means only a dr.'s office can order it, but call back tomorrow and ask to talk to Melissa. Tell her that I told you to call her and that she should call Merck and ask if they can order a single-dose of Mumpsvax." - GREAT! At *least* someone explained the problem AND at *least* someone is willing to call Merck and ask some questions! I *think* drop-ship means a Merck rep will drop it off - and they may only do that for a dr.'s office. But, we'll see. I have hope.

Today, I decide to call Merck while I'm waiting for my pharmacy contact's pharmacy to open...Merck is on the East coast. I figure *maybe* they'll tell me what, if any, local health care people have ordered Mumpsvax recently - so I can call those people. No, they don't really know that. Merck pretty much sells to wholesalers and the drs. and pharmacies order from the wholesalers. Ok, fine. So, I call Melissa at the pharmacy. She was super-nice and told me she would make some calls and call me back. She called back within 10 minutes. She said that Mumpsvax is only available in units of 10 and that would cost about $300.00. Ok, so we would have to decide if we want to spend $300.00. BUT, she says that Mumpsvax is on back order from the manufacturer (Merck) until early 2009. So, she can't get it. She says there are other wholesalers, but she would imagine that Mumpsvax is something they don't keep in stock (due to lack of demand compared to the combo, that it requires refrigeration, and it expires) - the wholesalers likely order it from Merck when they get a request. Basically, she thinks the only way we'd be able to get it is from a dr. or pharmacy that has it in their inventory right now...they wouldn't have to order it. So, maybe the nurse wasn't so off after all...she checked and they couldn't get it. She could have said it is on back order!

I haven't checked for measles or rubella - since mumps is first on my list. At this point, I have to talk to RJ, who I'm sure will not want to give up the quest yet, but I'm seriously leaning to just forgetting about the mumps for a while. I'm fine with the MMR when PJ is older (like 4) and I'm really not concerned with him getting the mumps. I doubt he will, but if he does - I think he'll be ok.

Later, in doing some research I found a 2002 Medicaid newsletter from Alabama where they talk about the monovalent injections being in short supply as Merck is using those in their prioritized MMR combo vaccine. So, in short, it seems like the manufacturer is focused on the combo and is not using its resources to manufacture the singles. I'm sure, in general, it is more cost effective as the vast majority of people get the combo vaccine - and they now have a MMRV - that includes varicella, as well. I'll go with the cost effective part because it is *almost* like they are trying to FORCE the combo on us so we'll "get over" being concerned about the combo...but I really think it is an economic decision. Well, for me - it is just going to keep me from getting the vaccine at all. The one that seems most easy to get - not from my experience, but from my research, is Rubella...which is the one I'm really most concerned about. So, if I can get Rubella, I will, but if not - I won't.

So then, I decide I'm going to write a question about it to Dr. Bob Sears on his thevaccinebook.com website. I didn't have to ask a question...Here is what Dr. Bob says and Maybe I should read his website more often?!?!

Plain Mumps Vaccine Shortage - Should Babies Just Get the Full MMR?
Friday, June 20, 2008
Some parents are choosing to split the 1 year MMR vaccine into three separate shots. Although we don't know if this precaution is necessary, some worried parents prefer the choice of getting plain Mumps vaccine at 1 year, Rubella at 2 years, and Measles at 3 years.With a shortage of the plain Mumps vaccine expected to last the rest of 2008, parents may not be able to get the Mumps vaccine for their babies for a while. I would suggest getting a rubella vaccine at 1 year, and then Mumps at 2 years (by the time any current one-year-olds are two, the shortage will hopefully be over).Some parents are wondering if they should get the full MMR vaccine at age 1, not just to get coverage for mumps now, but also to get measles coverage in light of the recent increase in measles outbreaks. I think that this is a very valid choice to consider, especially for infants who are entering childcare or early preschool. For children who are not going to be in daycare or school until age 3 or 4, delaying the measles vaccine is less of a worry

So, RJ comes home and I relay all of the above to him. We decide to delay MMR until age 4. That's it. If school requires 2 at entry - we'll do the blood titer to show immunity and I'm pretty sure PJ will have the anti-bodies because he'll have just gotten the vaccine a year earlier. I'll probably blog next week about PJ's case of mumps, but we'll see!

Interesting note: When I called Merck's, I called the main number and talked to a lady who told me to call customer service...the original lady said "we get this question all the time and someone in customer service can help you" - which they couldn't, but...I would imagine they do get this all the time...and they will be getting it more and more.

Patience is Wearing Thin...

WHERE IS BOX #3 FOR OUR POOL??? I've been told (via e-mail) that is will be here on or before June 30th...remember? We are hoping for BEFORE, but so far our hopes have been dashed.

LJ got an expansion pack of train track and I have secretly been enjoying helping him make groovy layouts. I was almost more disappointed than he when his trains had to go in toy time-out for a day because a certain 3 year-old exhibited atrocious behaviour during church on Sunday. It wasn't sooo bad - the behaviour - but he was exhibiting willful disobedience...in church, no less.

We are going to ride a steam train on Sunday!

Goodbye Longest Day of the Year!

Whew - the longest (meaning the most daylight) day of the year is over. As any mother of small children knows - the kids going to bed while it is still so insanely light outside can be an issue. I can't count how many times LJ has said, "it isn't bedtime - it is still day outside"...or the like. Thankfully, from here on out, the day light will be getting shorter! Yippee!

PJ is certainly coming into his personality. He is saying more and more words, but also babbling with inflection...as he knows what he's saying, but we aren't getting it. He knows when he's doing something we might not like and he now runs away from us if he has something he wants to hold onto, but we are coming to get it from him.

Yesterday, LJ was walking around with RJ's work gloves, eye protection, and ear protection on...saying, "after dinner, we are going to TEAR DOWN THIS HOUSE!" It was hilarious, but we asked him why he wanted to tear down the house? He said, "because this house is too old and we need to build a new house." Then RJ would try to tell him that it would take a long time to tear down this house...how long did LJ think it would take? LJ thinks it would take 7 years. But, he also thinks that is the amount of time between dinner time and bed time. But, he is ready to TEAR DOWN THIS HOUSE! Another funny LJ-ism...he came in the house to get some water and he told me, "I'm going to get 3 bottles of water because I'm 3 thirsty." I thought this was very funny.

Augh - just AUGH!

I'm trying to remind myself that the first week of school is always an adjustment because I have not enjoyed this week! The students have been fine - although I've had to tell each section that text messaging during class is not going to fly. HELLO? Our class has 30 people in it...the farthest anyone is from the front of the room is 5 desks...I can see you AND it is just rude. I'm thinking about a little adjustment to my behavior...when a student asks a question in class or comes up after class to ask a question, I'm just going to get out my cell phone and start texting...(all in a joking manner, of course) - perhaps then, they'll get that, while they aren't intending to be rude, it *is* rude. I was good-natured in telling them something I don't think I should need to tell them. Otherwise, they've been fine...I like some classes more than others, but they are all fine. 10 minutes between classes is a quick turn-around time. I can make it, but I don't get there early and I can't hang back after class to talk too students - they have to walk with me if they want to talk to me. When I was in college, we only had 10 minutes between classes (now, it is 20, but this summer is odd for my class) and I thought it was plenty of time...but now I have to wonder if I was late a lot?

This summer schedule has me at work during afternoon naps, so when I'm home the kids are up...always. This means I really don't have any downtime...I *need* some downtime. When am I supposed to watch the shows that I record in the middle of the night...that RJ won't want to watch and kids shouldn't watch...like Tori and Dean in Hollywood?

My groovy new laptop (Dell Latitude D830) is not cool. The keyboard isn't working right. The E, O, I, P keys are not reliable...sometimes I have to push them multiple times to get the letter to show up. Then the R sometimes shows up more than once. Very annoying. I really noticed it last night when I typed a 2 page document. So, I e-mailed the IT guy (sad because I bet the computer will have to be returned) and he said it might be a loose connection, so don't be too sad yet. I'm not getting my hopes up.

AND - I *HATE* and I mean *HATE* Office 2007. What in the world made them do this? I open a document that I need to edit with dates for this semester...I want to save and print it really quickly so I can run to class. Ok, I edit it and want to "save as..." I look up (with just "save" I'd have done CTRL S) to go to the File menu...and Um...there is no File menu. In fact, none of the drop down menus have the same name or contain the same things as Word 2003. And, the "toolbars" have all kinds of junk that I either don't know what it is or I really don't need it like I might need...oh, say..SAVE AS. So, something I could have done in 1 second took me close to a minute to find. Unacceptable. I'm going to give it a chance...see if I can get those toolbars reconfigured and perhaps find some "old school" setting that will make it all look like something I can use. If I can't - I'm getting 2003 reinstalled.

And so it Begins...

School has started and we have yet to have a "normal routine" day. Yesterday, all was going as planned until I found out that my new computer for work was in - my new laptop computer! So, I stayed after class so the IT guy could get everything transferred over and get me all set up...I had to enter different passwords at different times and tell him some preferences, but it was sooo worth it because now I have my super-groovy new computer. In fact, I'm sitting on our couch, typing this blog entry on this groovy computer. I think they call this "incidental use".

When I got home, Mawmaw was here, so we all went out to eat! RJ tried to diagnose Mawmaw's car AC problems while the kids played in the pool. Speaking of pools...our final box is supposed to be here "on or before June 30" - JUNE 30?????!!!! AUGH!

Today, RJ had a meeting at 11:00, but I have class at 12, so we had a babysitter come over. Then, I had a hair appointment at 3:30, but RJ had a meeting, so we had another babysitter come over. I have to report that LJ loves having a babysitter. I'm sure they play with him for much longer than I play with him...because they don't have to think about things like grocery lists, laundry, the flithy bathroom, etc. They are so LUCKY! Ha!

After dinner, we went out for ice cream. On the way, LJ informed us that he was going to sing the until we got to the ice cream store...and he did. Over and Over and Over he sang, COUNT ON US TO LEND A HAND AND HELP IN HIGGLYTOWN...and I didn't tell him to stop one time...amazing.

Now RJ and I are looking forward to watching the episode of Design Star that we have on the DVR.

Father's Day, so far...

We let RJ sleep in while we went to the grocery store to buy some bacon...we had forgotten to buy it earlier in the week and we celebrate most special days by eating some bacon! We also picked up some flowers and some other of daddy's favorite things...a car magazine, some Ramen noodles, and a coffee mug with his name on it. When your kids are young, your gifts are interesting. We had already gotten some salt water taffy, some special sodas, and made him a photo book with pictures of each child at 1 month, 2 months, etc. so that he can see the similarities and differences. We arranged all of this loot on the table and started cooking the bacon, eggs, and sticky buns. I admit after watching the sticky bun episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network, *I* was really wanting some sticky buns. The recipe calls for making the bread - you know, with yeast and rising and all of that? I decided to buy cinnamon rolls in a can and just make the "goo" for the sticky buns. Needless to say, these did not turn out - they were messy, bubbling over, and half-raw by the time I thought the smoke detector might go off and surrendered. RJ put them in another pan and cooked them some more...which resulted in not-so-sticky sticky buns. But, the bacon was great! He read his magazine, I read the paper, the kids pretty much played together and then PJ went down for a nap. Now, I'm crashing from the sticky-bun sugar rush and RJ and LJ are outside taking the tractor off of the trailer. We are cooking brats and hot dogs for lunch and then, I imagine this afternoon will include naps for everyone - I really want to take a nap NOW!

WHAAAA

Only 2 of the 3 boxes for the pool were delivered today. I checked the tracking and the 3rd box weighs 118 pounds...so it contains significant parts for sure. This means - no putting up the pool this weekend.

:-(

YES!

WOO-HOO! We ordered an above-ground pool from Walmart...not the puffy kind, but the hard-side kind. We ordered it on Saturday and it was supposed to be delivered as early as the 18th and as late as July 2nd. I just found out it'll be here THIS Friday! Just as soon as RJ can get it all set up (it'll take days, I think) we'll have 15' of heavenly water to play in...YES!

Dr. Visit Regarding Vaccinations

Today we met with the Dr. regarding the alternative vaccination schedule. We think the dr. had been doing a bit of reading over the weekend...in preparation for our visit. We believe he was "relieved" when he saw that we are planning to get almost all of the vaccinations - just spaced...because we think he was afraid we were going to say "no" to all vaccinations. He seemed to have read that there is a form that we can sign to "excuse" him from liability that may come with an alternative schedule, but he'd also read that the form does not actual "excuse" him...so the fact that we are planning to get all (except Hep A and Varicella) relieved him. This is speculation on my part.

He said he'd have his nurse look into getting the separate Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccinations and let us know. From our research, we know the office will have to buy a lot of 10, so I'm sure he'll have to discuss with the other drs. if they want to do this. If they don't, I have a lead on a few pharmacies that have the individual doses. Worst case, we have to pay for all 10.

All-in-all, he is receptive and is going to work with us. He said that there is a practice in town that will deny to treat you if you don't follow the CDC schedule...I wonder how true that really is?

Cookie Chaos,Confrontation, and Crazy-fun!

This is long, so grab some coffee - or whatever, and settle in!

I was nervous on Saturday morning - I have no real idea why, but I suspect that it is because I know this cookie contest is really rather chaotic and unorganized. I am not cool with that - my mind just works in such a way (apparently, I'm a Fieldmarshal) and I have little tolerance for an obvious lack of structure. Couple this with the fact that this is a competition and you can begin to see my discomfort. As you may recall, last year the "rules" for the 2 and under age bracket were that they get credit for each bite of cookie they take. My question for LJ's judge was, "is it bites of the same cookie or bites of different cookies?" - this person had no idea, so LJ ended up taking bites out of 27 different cookies. I realize that this is for charity and for fun, so I don't want to get too crazy about the structure, but it is a contest - with kids who are at varying levels of understanding what I contest is, so I think *some* structure is warranted. Perhaps I'll suggest that a parent of a competitor sit in on some of the planning meetings as that perspective is probably really valuable and lacking. Ok, so on with the day...

Once again, as I suspected, the contest was rather disorganized and chaotic! It was better than last year, but this year there were WAY more competitors, so the relative chaos was the same, if not greater. PJ's competition went fine, overall. There were a few glitches such as: they didn't have high chairs ready to go (this is sponsored by a restaurant, so they have high chairs) and then they didn't have enough. This age bracket is 2 and under - they are going to need a high chair. The one lady who appeared to be the most in-charge said I could hold PJ in my lap. I kind of laughed and said we'd do that if needed, but I'd prefer a high chair. She asked why - as if she thought she had given me a better option than a high chair. I must conclude she does not have a child or it has been a long time since any of her children were 1...I told her PJ would want to climb all over the table and would probably try to grab other people's cookies...I don't think this is strange behaviour for a 1 year old, but correct me if I'm wrong! We did get a high chair, so it was all good. Once the competition was over, there was no declaration of the winners, there was no "fanfare"...the only thing we were told was to take our kids to get a picture...not even where to take them. So, I got PJ and we kind of walked over to where I think pictures were going to be and asked "who won?" One other parent said that they think PJ won...this is what I thought too. So, I told a lady with a clip board that I think PJ won, but she might want to check with someone "official"...she just wrote in on her clip board. I can't really remember how PJ got his medal - I think we saw a person with medals and said, "I think PJ won, but you might want to check with someone official" and they just handed me a medal. All rather anti-climactic, but PJ doesn't know the difference, so I guess it doesn't really matter.

Now it was time for LJ's bracket. I get LJ all settled in his assigned seat - number 16 out of 16, so he is at the end of a long banquet table. Then, a mom with her daughter, comes up to the lady who seems to be the most in-charge and says, "my daughter was put in the wrong age bracket, she's 6, so she should be in this group." - she wasn't too confrontational about it, but her choice of words wasn't "I think there might have been a mistake...can you help me out" - it was "she's going to be in this group". As an aside, this age bracket thing was also very confusing and it shouldn't be...the registration form says 3-6, but the list of competitors they made and passed out said 3-5 and had the 6 year-olds in the next bracket...see the problem?! So, "in-charge" lady puts this girl in a chair pulled up to the end of the table by LJ, so now LJ and this girl are sharing the same table space. This girl immediately stretches her arms across the table and lays on it...in LJ's space.

They passed out the plates of cookies - 4 cookies on each plate. When they put LJ's cookies in front of him...this girl takes them and pulls them in front of her (her mother is standing there and says nothing). LJ looks at me and starts to ask about the cookies and I say, "it is ok, they'll bring another plate and that one will be yours" - and they did. Then, the "in-charge" lady is having trouble getting enough judges - people who hold a flip chart showing how many cookies their assigned contestant has eaten. A person we know ended up being LJ's judge and the "in-charge" lady ended up being the little girl's judge. I don't know what was going on, but it took forever to start the clock - and these are 3 - 5 (or 6) year olds with cookies sitting in front of them!

Let the cookie eating begin! LJ did great right out of the gate...he ate great bites around the outside of his cookie - he ate his cookies in circles. He is funny that way - does this with sandwiches and toast...he eats the crust first. The little girl - well, I don't' know if someone had given her pointers or if she thought of it on her own, but she stacked 2 cookies on top of each other and started eating! This seemed a smart strategy, but she couldn't really master it and she had trouble with having too much in her mouth and crumbling the cookies in an attempt to hold onto them. Her mother almost immediately started telling her judge, "she's eaten one - flip over the 1...come on, THAT is 1 eaten...." Meanwhile, LJ finishes his first cookie and it is obvious - as it is when the other children have finished their cookies because they eat a whole cookie and there is no major mess of cookie parts all over their plate.

LJ and the boy next to him are pretty much pacing each other cookie for cookie, but I have no idea how the other kids are doing - this table is really long. But, LJ is doing great and seems to be enjoying himself. All is great - this is fun...except for hearing this mom bark at the little girl's judge to flip the next number. Then, it all goes crazy...

The "in-charge" lady says, "I have to go do something" and hands me the flip-chart, "you'll have to be the judge". OK, um...I don't want to be the judge. I'm watching my child. Plus, this lady has already demonstrated herself to be a bit...difficult. But, I'm stuck. So, I look at the girl's plate and it has 1 whole cookie on it and then enough cookies pieces to constitute a whole cookie if not almost 2. My flip-chart says 2 and the mother starts hounding me to flip it to 3. "She needs a 3 - she has eaten 3 cookies." I look down at her plate again and I'm seriously unable to come close to agreeing that she has eaten 3 cookies...she has eaten 2, if I'm being generous, and mangled 1. I say, "I don't know..." and the mom says, "yes, she has - you need to flip it." So, I say, "Maybe you need to get another judge" and I admit, I did not say this with sunshine in my voice! She says, "maybe so", but does nothing about it...but, keep on me about flipping it to 3. The little girl eats enough of the whole cookie that I go ahead and flip it to 3 - to get this lady off my back and so I can watch MY kid - which is what I *want* to be doing. Then, as you can guess, the lady starts hounding me some more. She says that her little girl started with 5 cookies (um, not true. They all started with 4, but someone did come around and put a 5th on their plates at sometime in the competition), so she has eaten 3 for sure. Ok, fine, she has 3 on her flip-chart, so let it go. Then, her little girl starts eating her pieces, but also starts spitting them out onto her plate (which totally distracted LJ) - so, she's not making any forward progress. LJ has finished his 3rd cookie - as has the boy next to him...and they are on their 4th. Time is announced as 30 seconds left, so I'm trying to encourage LJ to shove the last half of his cookie in his mouth! I'm kind of watching little girl, but she's still eating and spitting, so she's not getting anywhere. With a few seconds left, the boy next to LJ shoves the rest of his cookie in his mouth giving him 4 eaten...and LJ had 3 1/2. The boy next to LJ won! So, if LJ would have shoved that last part in, they would have tied! Instead, LJ came in 2nd - which made him happy!

Little girl had a mess of cookie pieces on her plate - some fresh, some rather moist - and the #3 showing on her flip-chart, I was done with her. A reporter came over and asked me if she could interview little girl. I told her that I was not with her - that her mother was (and I looked around)...over there. Her mother was huddled with some friends(?) a few feet away. Not congratulating her child - not even talking to her child...she'd left her child at the table.

I escorted LJ to get his picture taken and he gave a great big smile! His smiling for the camera is a hit-or-miss these days, so he clearly must have been happy! He is excited about his free pizza and is very happy that PJ is the new Cookie King!

The "in-charge" lady found me and asked me if everything is OK. I told her that I'm fine, but she might want to talk to little girl's mother because she might be discontent. The Cookie Queen ate 5 cookies!!! And the 2nd place girl ate 4 - this put little girl, with 3, somewhere out of 1st and 2nd I suppose.

I'm not gonna lie - I didn't want to see that lady anymore and I hoped that they were leaving, but they weren't. She just made me really uncomfortable. I didn't want to be a judge, I don't think I should have been a judge, but if I am a judge - respect my judgement! I think I handled it pretty well and that lady needs to get a grip. Later, I see little girl, and guess what she had around her neck? A medal. A medal! She *clearly* did not win 1st place (the only way you get a medal) - even if I'd have assessed her plate as though she had eaten 4 cookies...the most she could do is tie for 2nd. I have no idea what happened.

Now, we spent our time waiting around for the final competition - who can eat 4 cookies the fastest. RJ and Uncle B and four college students we know had entered. I did not enter this year - I just did not feel like eating that many cookies - I remember how yuck I felt and for how long I felt that way after last year's competition! Plus, last year there was only one winner - not a King and Queen. This year, no one we know came close to winning. The winner and 2nd place person were putting their cookies in a cup of water and then drinking it...may yield success, but is pretty disgusting! But...this year they crowned a King and a Queen - UGH! The 2 girls decided to stop at 3 cookies because neither of them wanted to eat all 4. WHAT????? If I had known there would be a Queen - I totally would have dominated that competition. So, once again - I'm kind of miffed about the "change from last year" that was not really communicated! Unorganized!

Overall, the kids had fun and that is all that really matters! Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle B came to share in the fun and MawMaw came over to hear the tale. Plus, we have a Cookie King in the house - which means we can enjoy getting a free cookie whenever we want...and sharing it as a family!

Cookie Contest Results

I have a major story to write about this year's experience because there was one doozy of a situation, but for now...

PJ won his age group (2 and under) as he ate 3 mini-cookies in 2 minutes...I helped him by shoving bites into his mouth (competition gets me going!) and breaking the cookies into bites. He is the Cookie King of this bracket and has a medal that gets him one free cookie a day for a year. LJ won this last year, so it is nice that PJ held the title in the family!

LJ came in 2nd in his age group (3-6) - this earned him a free pizza from this dining establishment. He was happy that PJ won and happy that he came in 2nd. He ate 3 1/2 cookies in 4 minutes and the winner ate 4, so it was close. Next year, I think LJ will be able to win - he came really close this time!

LJ's bracket is the one I have a major story about, but it'll take me some time to type it - it is along the lines of one major pushy mom of another contestant...(and her "confrontation(s)" with me)...

Mary Poppins and a Bloody Lip

Yesterday was rather uneventful - we walked in the AM again, but were a bit later as PJ slept until 7:30...so we ran into a little bit of going-to-work traffic. Breakfast was fruit smoothies and peanut butter toast (LJ eats peanut butter toast every morning...he requests it - boring, but he eats most of it) and then the kids played until PJ's nap time. LJ and I did a puzzle and played a little until I stopped to make a photo collage of our trip to the beach. RJ came home for lunch, I finished the laundry, the kids napped, I watched some of Top Chef, MawMaw stopped by to chat and then I made dinner...see, nothing too eventful - just regular, daily stuff.

Then, we went to the video store to rent a movie for LJ. I decided he might like Mary Poppins and it is really cute when he says "Ma-ry PoppINS"...he has yet to watch it, so the verdict is still out. When we pulled into the parking lot, I unbuckled LJ and waited for him to get out. The next thing I know, he's coming out head first instead of feet first. I caught him - mostly, so was surprised to see blood coming out of his mouth. Of course, he was crying. RJ and I wiggled each of his teeth and determined he bit his lower lip. He recovered quickly, but wanted to tell everyone we saw about how he got hurt. We rounded out the evening with a trip to the cookie-contest store for a cookie...the contest is this Saturday, so his reign as cookie king will be challenged and the free cookies may end...but, we hope he'll win again this year (but, we're doubtful...he's in the 3 - 6 year old bracket).

A Title that is not the Date

Day 1 of the normal grind...I was out of the house with both kids in the double jogger and we were home from our 2 mile walk before 8:00. Once summer school starts, I don't have to go to work until 11:30, so I think this "go for a walk first thing" routine will be fine. I got the kids breakfast and "worked" on the computer and ate my own breakfast. The kids played while I sorted laundry and put stuff away. PJ went down for his nap and I paid the bills and began sorting out our 403B stuff. It just so happens that the 2 vendors that RJ and I use are not complying with some information requirement that our employer requires, so beginning Dec, we cannot contribute through paycheck deduction and our employer will not match contributions to these vendors. Another vendor we'd like will not be an available vendor beginning Sept.1, but anyone currently with them can continue to contribute and our employer will continue to match...so I had to get the ball rolling to change our vendor to the new one. This required phone time and little LJ is a bit of a challenge these days.

I suppose it is typical 3 and 1/2 year old behavior?!?!, but he is a big boss and is in serious need of some manners, so we are going on a blitz with the manners. My tactic so far has been exasperation and snapping and yelling...and it isn't working (and I wonder where he gets this behavior), so I need to try that "I" language that a lady on my mommy board posted about..."I'll be happy to get you some goldfish after you ask me nicely" (the problem is, I'd like to say "I'll be happy to consider getting you some goldfish after you ask me nicely" - ok, who am I kidding, what I want to say is "I'll begrudgingly consider not being annoyed that you are asking me for goldfish after I just came from getting you some water...why can't you have asked for both of these things at the same time? - after you ask me nicely"). I seriously need to get a grip on how to handle this child's testing/learning about his place in this world (our family specifically) or else I'm going to be that mother who yells and gets crazy.

After PJ's nap, we went to the grocery store - I'm back to the serious South Beach...I feel so yucky and full of refined carbs it is disgusting. Even if I didn't need to lose another 20 pounds (30 would be super-terrific), I'd still want to eat "the South Beach" way more often than not...I just feel better when I do.

I think RJ and I have decided to get a pool...a smallish above ground pool...one that we adults can fit in...probably 3 feet deep and 12 feet in diameter...something like that. I envision our summer routine as: get up and walk, eat breakfast, play, put PJ down for a nap - I get ready for work, go to work, come home from work, kids get up from naps, we play in the pool, make dinner, play, bath, bed. The only thing missing is the pool, so we're looking into that.

Tuesday, June 3

PJ woke us up at 6:15 and we got up, got packed, ate breakfast and were on the road by 8:30. It was a rather uneventful day of driving, but we all cheered when we crossed the state line...there is nothing better than coming home to the best state in the USA! We had to get Jfer to the airport by 2:00 for her 4:00 flight to London. I just wanted to deliver her there in plenty of time so that, if she missed her flight, it was all on her. We got there by 1:30 and dropped her off. I immediately texted her that we already missed her...she's been such a big part of our lives the past 2 weeks.

The Js ate at Taco Bell and then took off on the last leg of our journey. We got home around 4:00 and the boys commenced getting out all of their toys - I suppose to check that they are all still here. R unloaded the car and I unpacked the suitcases. Tomorrow looks to be a day of laundry and grocery shopping. I ran to the store for the essential milk and bananas and picked up a pizza on the way home. The boys had their baths and were in bed by 7:30 - both of them clearly tired and LJ's behavior showing his exhaustion.

We had a WONDERFUL vacation, but were glad to be back and eager to have a most excellent summer. I suppose normal blogging will commence, but I'll try to update a little everyday since readership is up!

Monday, June 2

I'm not gonna lie - I wasn't looking forward to today. The getting home is the not-so-happy part of the vacation for me - and this is the middle day of the process. Plus, this day was 6 hours and 45 minutes of driving (Tallahassee to Baton Rouge), so once you factor in stopping for lunch, to go to the bathroom, etc. I'm thinking about an 8 hour day. I was excited to find out that there is a P.F. Chang's in Baton Rouge, so we had that to look forward to.

And, get this - PJ did not wake up until 7:40 this morning...and LJ not until 7:50! We got everything together, went down to eat breakfast, and were out the door and on the road by 9:30. PJ took a decent morning nap and LJ played pretty quietly in the AM. We ate at Cracker Barrel in Pensacola (the same CB we visited on our way to our beach house)...and we bought LJ a car kit with magnets and scenes you can create and he played with that during PJ's afternoon nap...until he eventually fell asleep himself.

One great surprise that happened (that I forgot would happen) was that we got back to central time! This netted us an hour gain...sweet! Even though the time in the car was the same, the fact that we picked up an hour really lifted my spirits.

Jfer woke up from her morning nap in kind of a grumpy mood - she alerted us to it and we are grateful and surprised that she mad it this far into our trip before getting grumpy!

We arrived at our Homewood Suites in Baton Rouge around 4:30 - which was great because we could take showers before our last super-meal of vacation. When we got to our room, we had our second great surprise today - we had a 2 bedroom suite! So, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths...this is a terrific surprise!

We did indeed shower and then went to eat dinner...it was Jfer's first time at P.F. Chang's and I think she liked it. The kids were pretty well-behaved considering their tired clocks were still on Eastern Time. Now we are performing our daily ritual of blogging, checking e-mail, and watching TV. Tomorrow we will drop Jfer off at the airport and then head for home...I think we'll all be glad to get there! I can only hope the boys continue to be great in the car!

Sunday, June 1

Interesting tidbits about our hotel (Portofino Bay at Universal Studios)...there is a TV speaker in the bathroom, they really do put mints by our bed when the come to turn down the covers for the night...they also fill our ice bucket, high speed internet is not free (at this fancy of a hotel, they would say "complimentary"), they print your name (and age if you are a child) on your room key - and you can use your room key as "fast pass" at Universal Studios.

I was a bit afraid that last night would be a nightmare with two kids who were extremely exhausted and sleep deprived, but they both slept just great. We started the sad day that begins our journey back home. In many ways, packing up the hotel rooms was a bit harder than the beach house...stuff was scattered everywhere. At the beach house, I actually unpacked, but in the hotel we lived out of suitcases. After we packed up, RJ called the bell hop to get our luggage and they held it for us while we got something to eat. We got on the road by 9:30 and PJ fell asleep by 9:37. He actually fell asleep while we were stopped at a gas station...to fall asleep with no movement means he is really tired. And, he slept all the way until we stopped for lunch (at Cracker Barrel) at 12:30. LJ even fell asleep before lunch...and, of course, Jfer napped as well.

Our destination for today was Tallahassee - which was only 4 hours from Orlando, so we arrived a little after 3:00 and were slightly deflated seeing this Homewood Suites...we've become spoiled by our super-nice accommodations, so nice accommodations seem paltry in comparison. RJ took a little snooze while Jfer and I played with the kids...we were all in a really silly mood, so there was lots of giggling. Around 5:30 we got ready to go out to eat - we went to Macaroni Grill and it was a bad enough experience that I completed an online complaint. After dinner, we drove down to see the capitol building and it was quite a disappointment so far as capitol buildings go...made us long for home. PJ fell asleep on the way back to our hotel and once we got in the door, we got the kids into bed.

Saturday, May 31

PJ woke up at 6:30 and we only laid in bed for about 15 minutes after that - then we got ready for our big day at the Magic Kingdom. We ended up bringing 2 back packs to carry a change of clothes for the kids, diapers, wipes, water bottles, cameras, sunscreen, hats, etc. We got in the car and headed toward Disney. We stopped at a Chick fil a for some chicken minis and LJ played at the play park they had...with some other kids who were also headed to Disney.

At 9:05 we pulled into a parking spot in "Pluto" on row 16 and were told several times to remember this...which we did. It was a short walk to the Tram that would take us to the Tickets & Transportation Hub. We bought our tickets after chit chatting with the ticket sales lady and then boarded the Monorail to Magic Kingdom. So far, everyone is excited and we've had a very easy time of it so far.

We arrived at Magic Kingdom and right as we entered, we rented a double stroller. They gave us a half-sheet cardstock with our name on it so we would know it was our stroller for the day. You can park your stroller anywhere off to the side throughout the park and come back to it when you are finished with your ride. We walked through Main Street USA - which is pretty much just dining and shopping and walked right through the center of the castle to get to Fantasyland.

The first ride we rode was Dumbo. We waited maybe 10 minutes and in that time we sun screened up and got acclimated. LJ and I rode Dumbo together - we got an orange one because orange is LJ's favorite color (although about 2 weeks ago he said, "I've changed my mind about orange, I think green is my favorite color today") and LJ liked that he could pull the lever up or down to make us go up or down. PJ, RJ, and Jfer seemed to enjoy the thrill of the ride too!

After Dumbo we rode Cinderella's Golden Carrousel. I strapped PJ onto a horse and stood next to him while RJ, LJ, and Jfer all got on their own horses. By this time, PJ was an hour past his normal naptime, so he was a bit cranky until the carrousel started - he liked going up and down.

Next, we stopped at the Mad Tea Party and rode the tea cups. We all got in one cup together and PJ and LJ both loves spinning round and round and round - I tried to keep my eyes on a spot so as not to trigger a dizzy spell. LJ wanted to ride again - and we could have - there was seriously no line...we walked right on, but PJ was tired and we wanted to see if he would go to sleep if he was in the moving stroller.

So, we headed to Mickey's Toontown Fair, but stopped at Tommorrowland's Indy Speedway so RJ and LJ could race around the track. Jfer got PJ to sleep by gliding his stroller in a shady spot and I poised myself to take a photo as RJ and LJ sped around my side of the track.

When they came off the race track, LJ said that he wanted to ride a roller coaster, so we headed into Toonstorwn and RJ, LJ and I rode The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm. Once again, we had virtually no wait - we practically walked right on the ride. I was anxious to see how LJ would react - RJ video taped him - LJ loved it...he was laughing and screaming with glee the whole time. We exited to the ride to find PJ still asleep and Jfer catching up on her texting! She was so great to stay with PJ so much.

Next, we caught the Walt Disney World Railroad Train and took a ride around the park - Jfer stayed with PJ who was still asleep...and no strollers allowed on the train. LJ liked the train and will likely tell you it was his favorite ride.

Right next to the train is Mickey's Country Home, so we took a tour and at the end - got to meet Mickey and Minnie. LJ loved them and talked and danced while we took picture. PJ warmed up to them and, according to RJ and Jfer - he said, "Mickey Minnie" after the meeting...I was walking ahead, so I didn't hear it, but the sound very convincing when they tell the story.

LJ wanted to go into the "house with the hearts" which is Minnie’s Country Home, so I went in the souvenir shop - I bought mouse ears with embroidered names for Jfer (in pink) and LJ and PJ (in white). We also bought a coffee mug (which we collect on trips) and a magnetic "story book" for LJ. They had this "Mr. Potato Head" outfitter and I wanted to by some mouse ears for Mr. Potato Head, but you couldn't buy them separately - you had to dress a potato head and then buy the whole thing...so forget it. On the way out of Toontown, we rode the Barnstormer roller coaster one more time.

Then we headed back to Fantasyland where we had our first encounter with a Fast Pass with Mickey's PhilharMagic - you can get a card that tells you when to come back and then, when you come back - you don't have to stand in line...the Fast Pass has its own line and it let's you get on rides quickly. While we waited for our time, we had lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus. LJ and PJ shared PB&J, grapes, applesauce, and milk. I had a cheese pizza and Jfer and RJ both got chicken nuggets or something like that.

After lunch, we headed over to Mickey's PhilharMagic, but the line was so short, we didn't need to use our Fast Pass. This is 3-D movie with many Disney characters and songs. You wear 3-D glasses and there are scents they release in the air - like cinnamon when there is a pie on the screen. They also spray water or puff air at you at appropriate times. LJ was a bit scared by the Lion King lions roaring out at him in 3-D. PJ was kind of scared and clung to me, but both boys did great.

Next was It's a Small World - we had to wait about 5 minutes before boarding the ride and it has not changed in the 30 years since I've been. LJ liked it and PJ sat pretty still.

Frontierland began with us collecting a Fast Pass to Splash Mountain and then heading over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster. You must be 40" to ride and LJ is over that, so RJ, LJ and I rode while Jfer thought she might be able to get PJ to take another nap. She was wrong, but they watched a parade go by while we rode our coaster. LJ kind of liked it, but this roller coaster spent a lot of time in the dark as it is supposed to be a runaway train in a mine. He didn't like being in the dark, but he likes the ride part of it.

When we got off the ride, we couldn't find Jfer and PJ (because they were watching the parade), so RJ looked for them while LJ and I got an ice cream bar shaped like Mickey's head. It was like an Eskimo Pie and once we found PJ, he loved eating it too - we got some pictures of the kids with ice cream all over their faces.

Once we finished our ice cream, it was time for RJ, LJ and I to use our Fast Pass for Splash Mountain. Once again, LJ liked the ride just fine - he just did not like being in the dark. We didn't get wet at all - and we were glad!

We stopped off to see the Country Bear Jamboree on our way to the Haunted Mansion. I remember the bears from my last visit - this time - they really just seem bizarre. Truly odd.

I didn't think we should go to the Haunted Mansion because LJ had not liked the dark...but RJ wanted to see how different it is now. We got right in (Jfer was acting a little scared herself) and LJ made RJ hold him and LJ buried his head in RJ's neck the whole time. The effects were pretty cool, but I hope these kids don't have nightmares!

Then we headed to Tomorrowland and picked up Fast Passes to Space Mountain. It is about 5:30 by now - we have some drinks and then head over to the ride. Jfer and RJ rode Space Mountain together first while I stayed with LJ and PJ. Then RJ and I rode while Jfer bought the boys some cotton candy and took them over to the train. Space Mountain is WAAAAAY cool - I could ride that a few more times.

We decided to end our day by taking the train around park ending at Main Street where we got off, to the Monorail to Tram and then the Tram to Pluto 16. LJ was still being very good...walking well and holding my hand with minimal complaining. PJ, who had been stellar despite his lack of sleep, was getting cranky. We weren't in the car 5 minutes when PJ was sound asleep...LJ was asleep within 10 minutes. When we got back to the hotel...around 8:00, we gave the kids quick baths and PB&J for dinner. PJ did not eat his - he just wanted to go to bed. LJ ate his, but he was so tired and when he went to bed he was asleep within 5 minutes. Jfer went to one of the restaurants on site and picked up a pizza for us. We also introduced her to canolli - I think she's a fan! RJ went to meet a work-friend and I'm finishing this entry. I'm exhausted, so I'm going to go to bed.

We are amazed at how well the day went - despite not napping, both boys behaved great and we only had to deal with crying as we were trying to get to our car. It wasn't crowded - we think the park closing at 7:00 discouraged a lot people from coming today - great for us! We could not have asked for a better "1 day at Disney" day!

Friday, May 30

PJ woke up at 6:00 - I guess he's adjusted to the time change and is now waking at his "normal" time. It was nice when he slept until 7:00 last week. We watched TV for a little while and then RJ and I got ready and Jfer got the kids ready for breakfast. I heard that she took the kids to a restaurant (on site) that has a buffet and the kids eat for free...she thought that sounded good - and the kids' section had a playground (LJ has been talking about going back there all night). I think she realized that it was going to be impossible for her to go through a buffet with two kids to watch, but I think there was some wait staff who helped her out. I'm pretty sure she's realizing that she surely does not want to have kids in the near future! They played at the pool and LJ made new friends. I think this trip has confirmed that LJ could stand to have a more healthy aversion to strangers...right now, he has no aversion at all.

Today was the last day of our conference and RJ and I spent the day talking to people and attending sessions. We ended the day by going to eat dinner with some friends from Clemson. PJ is in bed, LJ is watching Curious George and Jfer went to get dessert with the student leader we brought.

Last night, I looked to see what time Magic Kingdom opens and closes. Would you know that tomorrow it is closing early - at 7:00 pm - because they are having a "princess and pirate" treasure hunt special occasion from 7:00 pm - midnight...it is an extra cost $40.00 per person. Whatever. I'm telling you, Disney has figured out everything you *might* want to do and has built in a way to charge you for it. So, we are going to show up at 9:00 am and stay as long as PJ can take it (hey, maybe he'll nap in the stroller - right.) then come home for naps and go back until 7:00 - I hope it isn't insanely crowded, but I'm mentally preparing for it.

Thursday, May 29

This day did not start out nicely. PJ cried out at 5:15 - he couldn't find his paci in his swank crib. RJ went in and found it, gave it back and all was well...until LJ tried to turn on the light and Jfer said "no LJ, don't turn on the light" and then LJ started crying...so PJ started crying. I went in and got LJ and brought him into our room to try to keep his crying from bothering PJ. PJ kept crying, so RJ went to get him so he wouldn't bother Jfer. So...I had a crying LJ next to me...whimpering and flopping and sniffing...I don't think he ever went back to sleep. And, RJ had a woken up and flopping PJ who slept intermittently until 6:45 next to him. This is the long way to say...we pretty much woke up at 5:15...by far the worst night of sleep this whole vacation.

RJ and I got ready for the conference and Jfer got the kids dressed and went to find some breakfast. RJ and I spent the day networking and in concurrent sessions and we both got our concurrent sessions presented...successfully and with accolades. Jfer and the kids played at the pool, took naps and played. At 5:30 we met up with our friends from work and rode the water taxi to a Latin restaurant for dinner. We stopped and fed the ducks in our version of Lake Como - we are in an Italian-themed hotel. We met up with 2 of LJ's girlfriends from the pool...Helana and Caitlin - the are British and are both 5. Oh my - they are so cute and I loved asking them questions just so I could hear them talk...their accents and the way they phrase their sentences was precious (and I don't use that word much). The boys were tired and are now in bed. I think we're going to watch the Lost finale, but we are recording it at home.

We've decided to do one day at the Magic Kingdom, so we are going to go on Saturday...early in the morning - come home for afternoon naps and then go back until dark. We may have a horrible sleep/cranky issue Saturday night and Sunday, but we'll be on our way home and maybe the crankiness will make us excited to get home...because right now, we are still happy as can be on the work part of our vacation.

Wednesday, May 28

We wished it was raining when we woke up - so that we wouldn't feel so sad leaving our blissful house by the ocean. LJ woke us up by opening our door to check and see if it was ok to get up yet...we said no - and about 15 minutes later, PJ woke up and then LJ was back in our room. We goofed around a little and then got up to pack everything up. Our goal was to leave by PJ's nap time and we were out the door at 10:15. We waved goodbye to the beach and dropped of our keys...saying "see you next year" - and I really think we might...we loved it this much. On to Orlando...


The kids were pretty good in the car - really good actually. They napped and played. We ate lunch at Burger King in Perry - unfortunately it did not have a playground. LJ says some really funny stuff...like, "when we get to our house with my crib..." - I guess when you stay at another house for a week, he thinks his own home is "the house with his crib". He also calls hotels "show and tell" sometimes. What is really funny (and can be really annoying) is that LJ just says whatever his is thinking most of the time...we get a running stream of what he's thinking in his head.


We arrived at our hotel around 5:30 - really no traffic to speak of - got checked in...this hotel is super-nice, but kind of big and overwhelming. We would probably never stay here if our conference weren't here...I think it is pretty expensive otherwise. We ate pizza at a place "on-site" and then found the kid's playground and pool. We had the hotel bring a crib to the room - it is full-size, wooden, has a sheet, blanket and bumper pads and came with a complimentary CD of lullaby music. There is a DVD player in each room (we got 2 connected rooms), so LJ got to watch Curious George before bed. We put the kids in one room (and Jfer will sleep in there too), so that we could use the other room to hang out and watch TV after they are in bed. Tonight, Jfer is making phone calls since we now have cell reception again and RJ and I are looking over our presentations and making sure those are all good to go.

Tuesday, May 27

Ok, so today PJ woke up at 6:15...this time zone...which we've adjusted to, to I'll cease to act as though the time difference really matters. Except to say that PJ has totally adjusted...except in the morning waking...we've been really lucky in that he's slept until 7:00 while here - his usual waking time is somewhere in the 6:00 hour. Basically, PJ has been sleeping an hour later - great for vacation!

RJ let me sleep in a bit, but I was up by 7:00 because we were going to head to Money Bayou to catch crab. RJ hadn't fed the kids any breakfast, so we all had to subsist on some kind of cereal bars or - nothing at all. Fine for a little while, but we did not crab for just a little while. Everyone was happy and crabbing...and we actually caught one kind of quickly. Our goal was 6 - so that we could justify keeping them. Not much time passed before LJ says he has to go to the bathroom. It is hard to judge when he really needs to go vs. when he wants to stop doing something and knows going to the bathroom will shift the activity vs. when he wants to see a new bathroom. So, we told him to hold it - and he agreed to do so. Not too much longer passed when he informed us that he was going to have to go #2 in his pants if he didn't go to the bathroom. RJ took PJ and LJ and they left to find a bathroom. Jfer and I continued to crab and we were moderately successful - we netted another one. But, then we ran into a bit of a snag...we just couldn't coax the crabs we were getting into the net. It was like they knew just how far to come and then let go of the chicken. Plus, we had not yet perfected our net skills. So, we either could have had 8 crabs - or we could have caught the same crab 8 times...either way, we caught nothing. All the while, I'm started to get really hungry, the sun is starting to beat down on me, and I'm getting a headache from my lack of coffee this morning. RJ and the kids have been gone for over an hour, so I can't wait for them to get back so we can leave. When the finally get back, RJ wants to try to crab a bit longer...I'm not happy about it, but I can understand, so I go along...but, I didn't put PJ in his backpack because I didn't think we were staying too long. (also, it turns out they went to Burger King in the town 15 miles away - and ATE...grrr!) 45 minutes, 5 crabs and one spilled coke in the driver's seat of the car later - we left (to quote Jfer, "I'm not gonna lie" - I was in a bad mood.)

PJ fell asleep on the way home (it was past his naptime) and I stewed. When we got home, RJ transferred PJ to his crib and then he and Jfer went to the store to buy some more crab boil spices while I played "Don't Break the Ice" with LJ. LJ tries to break the ice, so this mean I have to put the ice back together a lot. Once they got home, we boiled the crabs and then ate the feast. Just between you and me...there isn't a lot of meat for all the work you have to do to get it...but, it was fun and it was an experience! I was exhausted, so I took a nap with LJ while RJ hung out with PJ until his naptime...and Jfer worked on her tan.

After naps, we headed to the beach for one last time this trip. RJ and LJ made yet another spectacular castle, PJ ate yet another pound of sand and Jfer and I added yet another layer of reddish tan to our skin. The ocean was super-clear and would you believe I saw a crab! The waves were not good for the boogie board - there really weren't any waves. PJ wanted to charge into the ocean, so he was a bit of a challenge.

We came home, got our showers and left for town by 6:40. We decided to eat out and then play at a park while RJ vacuumed out the car. We ate Chinese food and did just that. We didn't get home and get the kids to bed until 8:30 - this is an hour late, but they seemed ok. Now, we are doing the last loads of laundry so we can leave with clean clothes. We are planning to pack up in the morning and leave in time for PJ's morning nap...:-(

Here's to the next leg of our journey...!