How I feel today......

By the way....

Nash is getting tubes on Monday, March 3.
Braxton is getting his tonsils and adenoids out on Thursday, March 6.

Pray for us that week!

Do you remember?

I overheard this conversation a few days ago. It was somewhat one-sided because Nash doesn't converse very well yet.

Braxton said, "Nash, do you remember when you were in Mommy's
tummy? What was it like in there? What did you see? Did you see
food floating around?"

It would be neat if they could tell us...

Today's Doctor Visit

We had an appointment with an ENT doctor this morning. Nash was being seen for frequent ear infections and Braxton was being seen for frequent sore throats, snoring, and the hugest tonsils ever. We walked away from the appointment with this.....

*Braxton wins the award for the largest tonsils seen today. The doctor recommended removing them soon. We are working on timing and getting him on the surgery calendar. Because of his snoring issues they want to keep him overnight. It would usually be an outpatient procedure, but of course not for us! It will also be a 2-3 week recovery time.

*The most surprising news is that Nash has some temporary hearing loss. WHAT?!? His speech is also delayed because he has been unable to hear what we are saying due to the fluid in his ears. When we speak to him it sounds like he is listening under water. The doctor recommended tubes and then we will do another hearing test to see if the tubes help. He assured us that he feels confident it is not permanent hearing loss.

Wow! What a load dropped on us today. I know both surgeries are common, but these are my babies here. Please pray for Nash's ears, his hearing, Braxton's throat, timing in scheduling the surgeries, the boys to stay well for the next few weeks before the surgeries, and for Steve and I to have peace about each procedure. We will keep you posted as we know more!

Recap

The past few weeks have been a blur in our home. Here's a recap:

*My mom came to visit. She did all my laundry. Yay!
*Braxton got the croup.
*Nash got the croup.
*Braxton then developed a double ear infection.
*Nash decided to get one too.
*We went to work and school and carried on for a few days being healthy.
*Steve went to Vegas. (On Valentine's Day, I must add.)
*Nash got the stomach bug while Steve was in Vegas.
*I received 2 cases of puke and 10 cases of the big D (and I don't mean Dallas) for Valentine's Day from Nash.
*I have cleaned and tried to get rid of all the germs around the house.
*Braxton has watched way too many cartoons in the meantime.

And to top if off, this morning I woke up to a husband who isn't feeling well. I think I'd take all of the above any day instead of a sick husband....that's a whole other story when your man gets sick!!!!!

Are you really sure???

Braxton: Mom, can I watch one more Backyardigan cartoon?
Me: Yes, just one.
Braxton: Are you sure?
Me: Yes.
Braxton: Are you REALLY sure??
Me: Yes, I'm really sure.
Braxton: Really? Because Daddy said that sometimes girls say they are sure, but they really aren't.

Important life lessons from Daddy?? You decide. :)

Central Market and Miss Frustrated

We love Central Market! The boys and I took a trip there after school today to pick up dinner and a few non-needed items....gingerbread pancake mix and smelly soap to name a few. We love going there because they have super cool foods to sample and large shopping carts. Braxton loves to ride underneath and made the comment today, "These are my favorite buggies because I fit down under." We tasted fish, truffles, 6 different kinds of bread, cheese, and chips. Did I mention we LOVE Central Market?

Well, our happy trip to our favorite grocery store was rudely interrupted by a very frustrated lady. Picture this: I am standing in front of the table of chip samples. There's a person with a buggy blocking me in front, a person with a buggy blocking me on the right, and a person with a buggy blocking me on my left. Needless to say I am blocked in! Now, here comes Miss Frustrated. She pulls up behind me and says, "I just want to get by!!!" I reply (with a smile) as I'm handing Braxton a chip down below, "I'm so sorry. I just can't go anywhere." I attempt to scoot over a little and she WORMS her way in between me and the cart on my left. She mutters under her breath, "All that for one chip!!"

Stomach turning now, I bite my tongue and let her go. I am not one for confrontation, but here's what I WOULD have said if I was brave enough....

"One chip? Hmmm. Do you have children? Have you ever been shopping with 2 kids? Do you realize that this "one chip" will allow me to have 3 minutes of silence? 3 minutes may seem like a small amount, but a mommy on a mission can do a lot in 3 minutes. My children will stay quiet for 3 extra minutes because of that "one chip" and YOU can enjoy your shopping without listening to yelling, crying, begging, or arguing coming from my cart. So yes, Miss Frustrated, all that for one chip!"

123 Magic

I realized recently that we needed to revamp our discipline tactics in our home. We don't have a "problem child" and we do not need the Super Nanny to pay us a visit, but I have found myself at my wits end way too many times. My oldest son is strong-willed, easily frustrated, and likes things "his way". He is quick to correct you if you are wrong, but can't take the heat. I don't need anyone to point these qualities out to me. I live with him and he is part me, part Steve.....therefore he was in trouble from the get go. We are both strong-willed and sadly here I am admitting this to all my 10 readers...I am easily frustrated and like things "my way". :)

Our friend, who is also a psychologist, recommended the book "123 Magic" several months ago. My initial thought..."I don't need a book to tell me how to be a parent.".....I bought it this weekend and I'm on chapter 11. :)

I really can't give the book justice in writing a summary. I am not finished reading it, but what I have read so far is great! It is packed full of info. that is so easy to implement into your household. It talks about different kinds of behavior, ideas on how to handle them, counting (not how we have done it in past...it's completely different), positive reinforcement, and leaving emotions out of discipline.

I am not finished with the book, but have started using some of the strategies it recommends. I must say, IT WORKS!!! Steve hasn't read it yet, but I have been filling him in on my new found knowledge. He was amazed that Braxton cleaned his playroom and his bedroom last night without throwing a fit, needing a spanking, or going to time-out. WOW!

Braxton's comment after we said our prayers last night,
"Mommy, can you just get rid of that book. I'm good already."

Looks like our boy is catching on!