Rhys is feeling much better. Owyn is pretty much back to normal. Yesterday we worked on the garden. Rhys was out there helping us the whole time. He was able to move his head and was actually eating and drinking.
Owyn seems to be his normal self, other than the fact that he is sleeping more than usual. Both boys slept until 0700'is Saturday and Sunday. Rhys is normally up at 0500 so that is a big difference. Very nice for Mama and Daddy too.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Days three and four
It turns out that days three and four are the two worst days for feeling icky after the surgeries. I sure hope that is true because today is day four and Rhys has been miserable. Owyn is doing pretty well.
Nana watched the boys Thursday and Friday. Thursday she had their cousin Malia with her. This would have been OK except that Malia had a fever. It turns out she had hoof and mouth disease. Mouth, hand and foot? Something like that.
We are really hoping the boys don't catch it. It will give them a fever followed by sores in their mouths on their hands and feet. They will not be able to walk or hold things. It will be hell.
Rhys is in a lot of pain, even with his meds. He is holding his head very straight. He is whiny and needy. He is drooling like a waterfall. He does not really want to eat or drink. I have been giving him water from a syringe to keep him hydrated. He is trying but it is too much for him.
We really hope day five is better and that there is not going to be any hoof and mouth disease. We should know in three to six days. It lasts a week. Yeah us.
Nana watched the boys Thursday and Friday. Thursday she had their cousin Malia with her. This would have been OK except that Malia had a fever. It turns out she had hoof and mouth disease. Mouth, hand and foot? Something like that.
We are really hoping the boys don't catch it. It will give them a fever followed by sores in their mouths on their hands and feet. They will not be able to walk or hold things. It will be hell.
Rhys is in a lot of pain, even with his meds. He is holding his head very straight. He is whiny and needy. He is drooling like a waterfall. He does not really want to eat or drink. I have been giving him water from a syringe to keep him hydrated. He is trying but it is too much for him.
We really hope day five is better and that there is not going to be any hoof and mouth disease. We should know in three to six days. It lasts a week. Yeah us.
Hotel Children's Hospital
That is a nice hospital. Rhys had his own room. A large flat screen TV, wall mounted and tilted so it was easy for him to see. There was a big pull out bed with the thinnest mattress in history. They had a nice coffee machine along with the usual snacks for kids in a little kitchen.
Rhys was out of it when we got to the room. It was about 1000. I turned on the TV and found some cartoons for him. Then I pulled the rocking chair up next to his bed. He woke up and wanted comforting. He calmed down and watched some TV. He started to look like he was with it again.
He looked at me, pointed out the door and said "Daddy, Out of my room!" I smiled. "Are you mad at Daddy?" "Yes, Daddy leave!". "Do you really want Daddy to leave?". He thought about it. "No, Daddy stay." It made me laugh then and it still does.
We spent most of the day just like that. Him in bed, me in the chair. He had an IV in his left hand and a sensor on his left index finger. He was throwing up from the anaesthesia. The first two times we had to change his bed and his gown. After that the nurse showed me where the bedding was and let me do it myself. I stopped putting his left arm in the gown so we would not have to disconnect the sensors and the IV every time he threw up. I also got good enough at spotting the barf signs that I only had to change the chuck pad under him twice more.
He started out eating ice chips. We moved up, over the course of the day, to a Popsicle, ice cream and finally some real food, fruit and juice. He was eating, drinking and peeing. He even had a poop. All good signs. There was no blood in the throw up, except the first couple, when he swallowed some during the surgery.
Owyn was in the room right next door. He and Tracy did not get up there until 1330. The plan had been to send Owyn home but his O2 levels were too low so they kept him. He had a crib, but otherwise his room was just like Owyns'.
I had grabbed some breakfast when they were working on Rhys, but Tracy didn't get any when Owyn went in. I had an omelet with all the fixings, buried in green chili with potatoes and orange juice and it was less than six dollars. Tasty too. When lunch rolled around the nurse told me that I could order room service.
They have a sweet deal there. You order an entree, two sides, a drink and desert and it is seven dollars, delivered to your room. The food was good and it meant that I did not have to leave Rhys. When Tracy called to tell me they were coming up I ordered her some lunch too.
Once both boys were settled it was just a matter of getting through the day. Every time their O2 would drop the sensor would go off. Both boys had oxygen hoses running onto their beds but they were not wearing masks. I taught Rhys to take some deep breaths when he heard the sensor, but no luck with Owyn.
Before I knew it the day was done, dinner was down and it was time for the boys to sleep. Both Tracy and I were woken repeatedly by the O2 sensors. Then there were the nurse checks and the med doses. Rhys was up at 0600. It was a LONG night.
Both boys were feeling better in the morning and wanted out of the bed, now! Rhys was doing laps around his bed, playing with the elevation, which he had figured out the day before, and hitting the nurse call button.
We finally go out of there at 1130. Owyn fell asleep on the way home. He went straight to bed once we got there. Rhys was up for a few minutes then followed. Owyn slept for five hours. Rhys slept for three. After their naps they were chasing each other around the kitchen screaming.
Rhys was out of it when we got to the room. It was about 1000. I turned on the TV and found some cartoons for him. Then I pulled the rocking chair up next to his bed. He woke up and wanted comforting. He calmed down and watched some TV. He started to look like he was with it again.
He looked at me, pointed out the door and said "Daddy, Out of my room!" I smiled. "Are you mad at Daddy?" "Yes, Daddy leave!". "Do you really want Daddy to leave?". He thought about it. "No, Daddy stay." It made me laugh then and it still does.
We spent most of the day just like that. Him in bed, me in the chair. He had an IV in his left hand and a sensor on his left index finger. He was throwing up from the anaesthesia. The first two times we had to change his bed and his gown. After that the nurse showed me where the bedding was and let me do it myself. I stopped putting his left arm in the gown so we would not have to disconnect the sensors and the IV every time he threw up. I also got good enough at spotting the barf signs that I only had to change the chuck pad under him twice more.
He started out eating ice chips. We moved up, over the course of the day, to a Popsicle, ice cream and finally some real food, fruit and juice. He was eating, drinking and peeing. He even had a poop. All good signs. There was no blood in the throw up, except the first couple, when he swallowed some during the surgery.
Owyn was in the room right next door. He and Tracy did not get up there until 1330. The plan had been to send Owyn home but his O2 levels were too low so they kept him. He had a crib, but otherwise his room was just like Owyns'.
I had grabbed some breakfast when they were working on Rhys, but Tracy didn't get any when Owyn went in. I had an omelet with all the fixings, buried in green chili with potatoes and orange juice and it was less than six dollars. Tasty too. When lunch rolled around the nurse told me that I could order room service.
They have a sweet deal there. You order an entree, two sides, a drink and desert and it is seven dollars, delivered to your room. The food was good and it meant that I did not have to leave Rhys. When Tracy called to tell me they were coming up I ordered her some lunch too.
Once both boys were settled it was just a matter of getting through the day. Every time their O2 would drop the sensor would go off. Both boys had oxygen hoses running onto their beds but they were not wearing masks. I taught Rhys to take some deep breaths when he heard the sensor, but no luck with Owyn.
Before I knew it the day was done, dinner was down and it was time for the boys to sleep. Both Tracy and I were woken repeatedly by the O2 sensors. Then there were the nurse checks and the med doses. Rhys was up at 0600. It was a LONG night.
Both boys were feeling better in the morning and wanted out of the bed, now! Rhys was doing laps around his bed, playing with the elevation, which he had figured out the day before, and hitting the nurse call button.
We finally go out of there at 1130. Owyn fell asleep on the way home. He went straight to bed once we got there. Rhys was up for a few minutes then followed. Owyn slept for five hours. Rhys slept for three. After their naps they were chasing each other around the kitchen screaming.
Surgery
We were exhausted on Monday from the long road trip. Tuesday we got up at 0500 and bundled the boys off to Children's Hospital for their surgery's. I'm pretty sure we are stupid.
Owyn was scheduled to go in at 0830, so of course we had to be there at 0630. We got checked into the hospital and headed up to the surgery center. The boy were, literally, doing laps around the room.
The waiting room for the surgery center, which is strictly for kids, was not well thought out. There were no kids movies playing. There were a few toys and a few books. The one TV had the news on. There was a fish tank though. There was also a model of the hospital made out of Lego's. I think I was more entertained than they were by it.
We finally got called back. Nurses ran vitals, asked questions. Owyn lost his mind. Rhys did laps around the stretcher. The anastesi-whatever-I'm-not-even-trying-to-spell-that-crap came in to ask questions and explain things. Owyn was so upset that they decided to give him something to calm him down and do Rhys first.
Rhys and I went down the hall, through the doors, turned, went down another hall, through more doors, another hall, more doors, then into the OR, which I'm pretty sure, at that point, was back in Missouri.
I sat on the operating bed, gowned up and with a hair net on. The gas passer offered Rhys several small sticks that looked like chap stick. Rhys chose the green one. The Dr rubbed it on the inside of the mask, then he let Rhys smell it. He put it over my face. Then he put it over Rhys' face. Once Rhys was comfortable with it, he turned and hooked up the gas hose to it. Then he put it back over Rhys' face. The little dude was completely cooperative, the fool. The first thing was laughing gas, followed by the knock-out gas. When he was under I laid him out on the bed. It was one of the saddest things I've ever done.
When I got back to the room Owyn was laying on the stretcher stoned out of his gourd. He had a rattle/kaleidoscope toy which he was kind of playing with while he watched Handy Manny. We waited for Rhys to be done.
They came and got me and took me to his recover room. He was calm, and cleaned up, just a little blood in his ears. He was very happy to see me. Tracy took Owyn in while I was with Rhys. They then brought her to see him. They checked him over for ten minutes, put him on some O2 as his levels were low, and we moved him up to his room. Tracy stayed behind to be with Owyn.
Apparently, when Owyn came out of the anaesthesia he was enraged. It took some effort to calm him down.
Both surgeries went well.
Owyn was scheduled to go in at 0830, so of course we had to be there at 0630. We got checked into the hospital and headed up to the surgery center. The boy were, literally, doing laps around the room.
The waiting room for the surgery center, which is strictly for kids, was not well thought out. There were no kids movies playing. There were a few toys and a few books. The one TV had the news on. There was a fish tank though. There was also a model of the hospital made out of Lego's. I think I was more entertained than they were by it.
We finally got called back. Nurses ran vitals, asked questions. Owyn lost his mind. Rhys did laps around the stretcher. The anastesi-whatever-I'm-not-even-trying-to-spell-that-crap came in to ask questions and explain things. Owyn was so upset that they decided to give him something to calm him down and do Rhys first.
Rhys and I went down the hall, through the doors, turned, went down another hall, through more doors, another hall, more doors, then into the OR, which I'm pretty sure, at that point, was back in Missouri.
I sat on the operating bed, gowned up and with a hair net on. The gas passer offered Rhys several small sticks that looked like chap stick. Rhys chose the green one. The Dr rubbed it on the inside of the mask, then he let Rhys smell it. He put it over my face. Then he put it over Rhys' face. Once Rhys was comfortable with it, he turned and hooked up the gas hose to it. Then he put it back over Rhys' face. The little dude was completely cooperative, the fool. The first thing was laughing gas, followed by the knock-out gas. When he was under I laid him out on the bed. It was one of the saddest things I've ever done.
When I got back to the room Owyn was laying on the stretcher stoned out of his gourd. He had a rattle/kaleidoscope toy which he was kind of playing with while he watched Handy Manny. We waited for Rhys to be done.
They came and got me and took me to his recover room. He was calm, and cleaned up, just a little blood in his ears. He was very happy to see me. Tracy took Owyn in while I was with Rhys. They then brought her to see him. They checked him over for ten minutes, put him on some O2 as his levels were low, and we moved him up to his room. Tracy stayed behind to be with Owyn.
Apparently, when Owyn came out of the anaesthesia he was enraged. It took some effort to calm him down.
Both surgeries went well.
Memorial days weekend
We had a long weekend for the holiday. Tracy and Rhys had gone out to Missouri the beginning of last week. Owyn and I followed on Friday. I dropped him off at day care and went to work. At 1030 I left work and picked him up and we drove twelve hours to southern MO. He was really good on the trip. I had his movies set up, his blankets, four Gee's and a sack of snacks. We stopped a couple of times to let him run, and to let me stretch. We got in very late and very tired.
Saturday was mostly relaxing. The little house that they had found for Grandma, which Tracy's Mom and step dad are moving into, is very nice. The boys got to run rough shod over Grandma and Grandpa. There was a big back yard. We had some awesome rain. Tracy and Grandma (her mom, not her grandma) went out and got their hair done and a pedi.
It's strange how the names we are called change over our lives by our relationship to children. Tracy has become Mama now. Her mom became Grandma, but she was Mom and before that she was Karen.
Sunday was the memorial for Granny and Grampy. It was at their church in Mountain Grove, which they had attended for 37 years. The preacher, Jack, was also a good friend of both of them. A fishing buddy of Grandpa. It was very difficult for him.
The church had put together a potluck lunch for the family. It was very nice. Good food, nice people, lots of friends and family.
We had a whole bunch of pictures to play in the background. The church software only worked with power point. I frantically dropped pictures from the memory stick into power point slides while Tracy and the boys ate. We got them pretty much set up, then they only ran the pictures while people were coming in.
I did get some food though, so not a total loss. There was a baby sitter during the service. Thank goodness.
The service was very nice. Lots of pretty flowers. A few stories about Granny and Grampy. It is still hard to believe they are gone, but the service made it more real.
Monday we drove home. Another long day, but we got up early so we got in at a reasonable time. Everyone very glad to be home.
I had plenty of time on the drive to think about all the people we have lost, military and civilian. It is good to think on this, even when it makes me sad.
Saturday was mostly relaxing. The little house that they had found for Grandma, which Tracy's Mom and step dad are moving into, is very nice. The boys got to run rough shod over Grandma and Grandpa. There was a big back yard. We had some awesome rain. Tracy and Grandma (her mom, not her grandma) went out and got their hair done and a pedi.
It's strange how the names we are called change over our lives by our relationship to children. Tracy has become Mama now. Her mom became Grandma, but she was Mom and before that she was Karen.
Sunday was the memorial for Granny and Grampy. It was at their church in Mountain Grove, which they had attended for 37 years. The preacher, Jack, was also a good friend of both of them. A fishing buddy of Grandpa. It was very difficult for him.
The church had put together a potluck lunch for the family. It was very nice. Good food, nice people, lots of friends and family.
We had a whole bunch of pictures to play in the background. The church software only worked with power point. I frantically dropped pictures from the memory stick into power point slides while Tracy and the boys ate. We got them pretty much set up, then they only ran the pictures while people were coming in.
I did get some food though, so not a total loss. There was a baby sitter during the service. Thank goodness.
The service was very nice. Lots of pretty flowers. A few stories about Granny and Grampy. It is still hard to believe they are gone, but the service made it more real.
Monday we drove home. Another long day, but we got up early so we got in at a reasonable time. Everyone very glad to be home.
I had plenty of time on the drive to think about all the people we have lost, military and civilian. It is good to think on this, even when it makes me sad.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Memorial Day
For those of you who remember what Memorial Day is really all about. John and I were Sergeants together, many years ago. He was a friend.
Fallen captain gets Bronze Star
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Shaded from the afternoon sun, the men of Charlie Company gathered Jan. 20 to pay their respects to their former commander in Iraq last year by presenting his posthumous combat medal to his family.
A roadside bomb killed Capt. John Maloney, 36, on June 16 as he maneuvered the infantry company in an assault against enemy fighters in Ramadi, Iraq. Maloney’s widow, Michelle, and their two children joined relatives, friends and fellow Marines in a short ceremony to accept Maloney’s Bronze Star medal.
“This is an award which John Maloney earned and it should be presented,” said Lt. Col. Eric Smith, who commands 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, during the ceremony at Memorial Park at Camp San Mateo, in the northern part of the sprawling amphibious training base. “He is not here to receive it.”
Smith presented the Bronze Star medal, with a small bronze “V” fastened to the ribbon, to Maloney’s son, Nathaniel, 6, as Michelle Maloney looked on.
The medal honors Maloney’s heroics while he led his company in Ramadi, a provincial capital and hotbed of insurgent activity in western Iraq. Maloney, a native of Chicopee, Mass., and the oldest of three sons who joined the Corps, led them through 109 consecutive days operating in the city. “Ramadi is a tough place, and it’s even tougher to be a company commander. When you do it really well, you are recognized,” Smith said. “We’ve been waiting to do this for a long time … to present John with the award he deserved.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity to remember the valorous acts of John Maloney,” he added.
Maloney, a prior enlisted Marine, had landed in Iraq last March with 1/5, which operated with the Army’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team and 2nd Marine Division.
When enemy forces attacked a battalion outpost on March 18, Maloney “decisively moved to counterattack the enemy when his vehicle was struck by a [roadside bomb],” the award citation reads. “Despite being thrown from the vehicle and badly injured, he called in his own medevac and forced the enemy to retreat by maneuvering his forces against them.”
Two months later, on June 16, Maloney led Charlie Company in a counterattack against a group of enemy fighters encountered as the company hunted insurgents in southwest Ramadi.
“Suspecting an ambush on his egress route, he instinctively placed his vehicle at the front of the company and began to lead them out of the danger zone. As he personally led his men out of harm’s way, a massive [roadside bomb] destroyed his vehicle and killed him,” the citation reads. “His selfless leadership continued to inspire his Marines as they fought for the next two hours against heavy machinegun, rocket propelled grenade and mortar fire.”
The attack also killed Lance Cpl. Erik Heldt, 26, of Hermann, Mo.
Maloney’s leadership inspired his men through those intense hours, said 1st Sgt. Michael Brookman, Charlie’s company first sergeant. “All our Marines are rejoicing in what Captain Maloney did for us,” he said, adding, “that Bronze Star is his gift for us.”
“I brought 150 Marines home,” said Brookman. “His legacy brought home the Marines of Charlie Company.”
— Gidget Fuentes, Marine Corps Times staff writer
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/926995.html for the full story.
Fallen captain gets Bronze Star
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Shaded from the afternoon sun, the men of Charlie Company gathered Jan. 20 to pay their respects to their former commander in Iraq last year by presenting his posthumous combat medal to his family.
A roadside bomb killed Capt. John Maloney, 36, on June 16 as he maneuvered the infantry company in an assault against enemy fighters in Ramadi, Iraq. Maloney’s widow, Michelle, and their two children joined relatives, friends and fellow Marines in a short ceremony to accept Maloney’s Bronze Star medal.
“This is an award which John Maloney earned and it should be presented,” said Lt. Col. Eric Smith, who commands 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, during the ceremony at Memorial Park at Camp San Mateo, in the northern part of the sprawling amphibious training base. “He is not here to receive it.”
Smith presented the Bronze Star medal, with a small bronze “V” fastened to the ribbon, to Maloney’s son, Nathaniel, 6, as Michelle Maloney looked on.
The medal honors Maloney’s heroics while he led his company in Ramadi, a provincial capital and hotbed of insurgent activity in western Iraq. Maloney, a native of Chicopee, Mass., and the oldest of three sons who joined the Corps, led them through 109 consecutive days operating in the city. “Ramadi is a tough place, and it’s even tougher to be a company commander. When you do it really well, you are recognized,” Smith said. “We’ve been waiting to do this for a long time … to present John with the award he deserved.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity to remember the valorous acts of John Maloney,” he added.
Maloney, a prior enlisted Marine, had landed in Iraq last March with 1/5, which operated with the Army’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team and 2nd Marine Division.
When enemy forces attacked a battalion outpost on March 18, Maloney “decisively moved to counterattack the enemy when his vehicle was struck by a [roadside bomb],” the award citation reads. “Despite being thrown from the vehicle and badly injured, he called in his own medevac and forced the enemy to retreat by maneuvering his forces against them.”
Two months later, on June 16, Maloney led Charlie Company in a counterattack against a group of enemy fighters encountered as the company hunted insurgents in southwest Ramadi.
“Suspecting an ambush on his egress route, he instinctively placed his vehicle at the front of the company and began to lead them out of the danger zone. As he personally led his men out of harm’s way, a massive [roadside bomb] destroyed his vehicle and killed him,” the citation reads. “His selfless leadership continued to inspire his Marines as they fought for the next two hours against heavy machinegun, rocket propelled grenade and mortar fire.”
The attack also killed Lance Cpl. Erik Heldt, 26, of Hermann, Mo.
Maloney’s leadership inspired his men through those intense hours, said 1st Sgt. Michael Brookman, Charlie’s company first sergeant. “All our Marines are rejoicing in what Captain Maloney did for us,” he said, adding, “that Bronze Star is his gift for us.”
“I brought 150 Marines home,” said Brookman. “His legacy brought home the Marines of Charlie Company.”
— Gidget Fuentes, Marine Corps Times staff writer
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/926995.html for the full story.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Bach-ing it
Owyn and I are home alone. Tracy and Rhys are off to Missouri. Owie and I will follow on Friday, after work. It will be a long day for the little dude.
This weekend is the memorial service for Tracy's grandparents. We will drive back on Monday. Tuesday will be the boy's surgery. I can't wait for June when all of the excitement should be over.
Owyn was very happy to see me when I picked him up, as always. I did not have a gee or water in my car. He was not so happy with Daddy after that. I got him some water, but he was tired and just wanted to go home. We had to stop and get dog food. He cried the whole time we were in there.
The manager offered to help me get the dog food out to the car. I thought that was very nice of him. I just gave Owyn my keys instead. That kept him happy until we got to the car. Then he cried again.
Once we got going I rolled down Owyn's window. Like a dog, this makes him happy. Once the window was down he stopped crying until we got home. When Owyn saw his Mama's car in the garage (she borrowed a truck from a friend), he smiled and said "Mama, Mama, MAMA!".
Again with the disappointment Daddy.
This weekend is the memorial service for Tracy's grandparents. We will drive back on Monday. Tuesday will be the boy's surgery. I can't wait for June when all of the excitement should be over.
Owyn was very happy to see me when I picked him up, as always. I did not have a gee or water in my car. He was not so happy with Daddy after that. I got him some water, but he was tired and just wanted to go home. We had to stop and get dog food. He cried the whole time we were in there.
The manager offered to help me get the dog food out to the car. I thought that was very nice of him. I just gave Owyn my keys instead. That kept him happy until we got to the car. Then he cried again.
Once we got going I rolled down Owyn's window. Like a dog, this makes him happy. Once the window was down he stopped crying until we got home. When Owyn saw his Mama's car in the garage (she borrowed a truck from a friend), he smiled and said "Mama, Mama, MAMA!".
Again with the disappointment Daddy.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Planting time
We got the first plants into the garden tonight. They are the ones we bought some time last week. We are slack-tastic this year on the whole gardening thing. The plants are looking a little rough but I have hopes that they will come back.
Mower the kid
I spent a good part of the day doing yard work. In the morning I mowed the lawn. I don't think Owyn remembers this from last year. He LOVED it. He stayed in the long part of the grass. Always moving to a section that had not been mowed. This was problematic to say the least.
Once I was done he rode the lawn mower like it was a horse.
Once I was done he rode the lawn mower like it was a horse.
Rough times
Rhys has been having a rough time lately. More accidents and worse behavior. I'm not sure what is going on with either one. He wore pull ups all day today. He doesn't like that. That is part of the point.
Yesterday he pooped himself. When he tried to clean it up, on his own, things just got worse. He got poop on the floor, the wall, his toilet seat, the toilet, his ear, his shirt, his back (in places he can't even reach), his left big toe and on me. It was pretty funny, all in all. It looked like a poop bomb had gone off in the bathroom. I was not as amused at the moment as I was later though.
This morning I caught him abusing his brother. A certain of amount of back and forth is to be expected between any siblings. Rhys had already been in time out three times for taking things from his brother, his Gee and his blanket.
As a general rule, the boys don't own very much individually. Almost everything they have is held in common. Owyn's Gee and his blanket are NOT some of those things though. Rhys has some prized possessions that are just his as well.
I was watching the boys, un-benownst to them, when I saw Rhys try to take away Owyn's blanket. Owyn was having none of that. When he wouldn't give it up, Rhys punched him.
This is never OK. We skip one and two and go straight to three and time out, in your room. Rhys was very unhappy. Oh, the injustice!
Perhaps he will be happier once he has his surgery and he feels better.
Yesterday he pooped himself. When he tried to clean it up, on his own, things just got worse. He got poop on the floor, the wall, his toilet seat, the toilet, his ear, his shirt, his back (in places he can't even reach), his left big toe and on me. It was pretty funny, all in all. It looked like a poop bomb had gone off in the bathroom. I was not as amused at the moment as I was later though.
This morning I caught him abusing his brother. A certain of amount of back and forth is to be expected between any siblings. Rhys had already been in time out three times for taking things from his brother, his Gee and his blanket.
As a general rule, the boys don't own very much individually. Almost everything they have is held in common. Owyn's Gee and his blanket are NOT some of those things though. Rhys has some prized possessions that are just his as well.
I was watching the boys, un-benownst to them, when I saw Rhys try to take away Owyn's blanket. Owyn was having none of that. When he wouldn't give it up, Rhys punched him.
This is never OK. We skip one and two and go straight to three and time out, in your room. Rhys was very unhappy. Oh, the injustice!
Perhaps he will be happier once he has his surgery and he feels better.
Site Change
I'm trying out a new look to the site. My general rule is that silence is agreement. If I don't hear that someone hates it, I will probably keep this.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Goodbye Grandpa
Tracy's Grandpa just died. He waited until his birthday. He waited until the exact time that Grandma died, two weeks ago. 8:37 PM. It's hard to reckon with this void, now that they are both gone. It will take some getting used to. I'm still trying to get used to my grandparent's being gone after two years.
Honey, I Took The Fishing Boat
I took the boat out fishing,
and didn’t tell you that I went
Then before I knew it
all my fishing time was spent
Some angels pulled me over
and said that I must dock
I wasn’t even startled
so I must have been in shock
They wouldn’t let me make a phone call
just said they’d let you know
Then they said, “ Lay down the fishing poles”
and to heaven we did go
They dressed me in a flowing robe
I guess I’m in the choir
I sing a decent alto
but I can’t go much higher
Well, looks like I’m here to stay,
so you must follow aft
Don’t worry that I took the boat
I did leave you the raft
Rosie McFadden
Honey, I Took The Fishing Boat
I took the boat out fishing,
and didn’t tell you that I went
Then before I knew it
all my fishing time was spent
Some angels pulled me over
and said that I must dock
I wasn’t even startled
so I must have been in shock
They wouldn’t let me make a phone call
just said they’d let you know
Then they said, “ Lay down the fishing poles”
and to heaven we did go
They dressed me in a flowing robe
I guess I’m in the choir
I sing a decent alto
but I can’t go much higher
Well, looks like I’m here to stay,
so you must follow aft
Don’t worry that I took the boat
I did leave you the raft
Rosie McFadden
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Lettuce and Spinach and Bears, oh my!
Well, lettuce and spinach at any rate. Last year we had the afore mentioned greens in our garden. This spring I turned over all the dirt in both garden boxes.
Today I was out there, with Rhys, weeding. I pulled one up and it looked odd. I looked more closely. It looked like spinach. I tasted it, yup, spinach. As I looked around the box I realized that half of the weeds in it were either spinach or lettuce.
I'm amazed that they are growing after being thrown all over the place and turned upside down. Now I have to try to re-plant them in the proper places.
Rhys likes to pull weeds.
Today I was out there, with Rhys, weeding. I pulled one up and it looked odd. I looked more closely. It looked like spinach. I tasted it, yup, spinach. As I looked around the box I realized that half of the weeds in it were either spinach or lettuce.
I'm amazed that they are growing after being thrown all over the place and turned upside down. Now I have to try to re-plant them in the proper places.
Rhys likes to pull weeds.
Owyn sucks it up
Owyn and Rhys were playing outside again this evening. In addition to their new/old house, they have two small slide/climbing things. They are about the right size for a two year old. Climb up one side, slide down the slide. Very simple and as safe as a slide can be without going into a pool of jello.
Owyn was on the slide and fell off. He dusted himself off and started to whimper. He is not as tough as Rhys, though he should be as he is bigger and stronger than Rhys at that age. He started across the grass, whimpering, with his lower lip quivering.
I looked at him and said "Owyn, you're fine." He looked at me, stopped, then turned around and went back to playing.
I guess some times you just need to be told that everything is all right.
Owyn was on the slide and fell off. He dusted himself off and started to whimper. He is not as tough as Rhys, though he should be as he is bigger and stronger than Rhys at that age. He started across the grass, whimpering, with his lower lip quivering.
I looked at him and said "Owyn, you're fine." He looked at me, stopped, then turned around and went back to playing.
I guess some times you just need to be told that everything is all right.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Play House
Our friends are moving away. He is in the Air Force. They just sold their house, thank goodness. They had a bunch of toys in the back yard, she was our day care lady. They did not want to take them all with them so we bought their little play house. The boys love it.
When Rhys and I got home from swimming he wanted to go outside, it is gorgeous here today. I threw him out in the back yard while I grabbed some iced tea. By the time I got out there he was in the house. He stayed there for a good thirty minutes.
I saw Tracy drive by, with Owyn in the back seat. I walked around to the garage, through the house. Tracy walked around the front and dropped Owyn in the back yard. We got it all sorted out and I went back out there. Owyn was playing in the house now too.
Tracy and I sat at the patio table and caught up while the boys played with the house. It was good for an hour of quiet, adult talking time.
Great stuff.
When Rhys and I got home from swimming he wanted to go outside, it is gorgeous here today. I threw him out in the back yard while I grabbed some iced tea. By the time I got out there he was in the house. He stayed there for a good thirty minutes.
I saw Tracy drive by, with Owyn in the back seat. I walked around to the garage, through the house. Tracy walked around the front and dropped Owyn in the back yard. We got it all sorted out and I went back out there. Owyn was playing in the house now too.
Tracy and I sat at the patio table and caught up while the boys played with the house. It was good for an hour of quiet, adult talking time.
Great stuff.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Garden news
We bought some plants for the garden today. Tomato's, including one with a tomato on it already. Tomatillos, jalapenos, cucumbers, cilantro, rosemary, some other herbs. We'll get it all in the ground this week.
We are waaaay behind on the garden this year. How is it already the middle of May? I'm pretty sure the last time I looked at the calendar it was February.
We are waaaay behind on the garden this year. How is it already the middle of May? I'm pretty sure the last time I looked at the calendar it was February.
Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to any who are reading.
Tracy got breakfast in bed, which the boys tried to help her eat. We did steaks and grilled corn and baked potato's for dinner. In between we just chilled. After the last two weeks Tracy just wanted to be home with the boys. Sucker.
Next weekend I'm going to take her out for brunch.
Tracy got breakfast in bed, which the boys tried to help her eat. We did steaks and grilled corn and baked potato's for dinner. In between we just chilled. After the last two weeks Tracy just wanted to be home with the boys. Sucker.
Next weekend I'm going to take her out for brunch.
Another Birthday Party
The boys went to the birthday party for one of the neighbor kids yesterday. It was a hit. The party was at the rec center for the next town over. We got there and the power was out. Fortunately the room the party was in had big windows so we had enough light.
They started out with the pizza, then cake, then presents. All done in the first forty five minutes. Owyn was losing his mind, as by this time it was 1200 and he was over due for his nap.
The best was yet to come though. We got the boys changed into their swim suits and wound down through the dark building to the play pool area. Owyn's mood changed the instant he walked into the room. He let out a squeal and headed for the water.
The pool area has a big play structure in the center of it. Water shoots our pours out all over the place. There is a small water slide. The water slopes down to about three feet deep. There is a cargo net rope ladder and lots of fountains. The boys loved it.
Owyn started out by heading into the deep end and trying to drown. Fortunately I caught him but he was losing his battle to keep his head up, though he was fighting like hell. I set him back in the shallow end and he went straight up the stairs and down the slide head first. I caught him, but he was not prepared for the face full of water. After that he went down feet first.
Rhys, being the swim champion that he is, was doing great. He can't actually swim yet, but he was very comfortable in the water. Both boys were having a fantastic time.
Owyn was so cold he was shaking and his lips were turning blue, but when I tried to take him out he had a fit. Instead I took him over to where the fountains were pouring warm water into the pool and let him warm up there.
I hope it was the fountains. There were a lot of little kids there.
When they called a fifteen minute break Owyn lost it, so we headed home. It was a great success and we may be doing Rhys' party there in December.
They started out with the pizza, then cake, then presents. All done in the first forty five minutes. Owyn was losing his mind, as by this time it was 1200 and he was over due for his nap.
The best was yet to come though. We got the boys changed into their swim suits and wound down through the dark building to the play pool area. Owyn's mood changed the instant he walked into the room. He let out a squeal and headed for the water.
The pool area has a big play structure in the center of it. Water shoots our pours out all over the place. There is a small water slide. The water slopes down to about three feet deep. There is a cargo net rope ladder and lots of fountains. The boys loved it.
Owyn started out by heading into the deep end and trying to drown. Fortunately I caught him but he was losing his battle to keep his head up, though he was fighting like hell. I set him back in the shallow end and he went straight up the stairs and down the slide head first. I caught him, but he was not prepared for the face full of water. After that he went down feet first.
Rhys, being the swim champion that he is, was doing great. He can't actually swim yet, but he was very comfortable in the water. Both boys were having a fantastic time.
Owyn was so cold he was shaking and his lips were turning blue, but when I tried to take him out he had a fit. Instead I took him over to where the fountains were pouring warm water into the pool and let him warm up there.
I hope it was the fountains. There were a lot of little kids there.
When they called a fifteen minute break Owyn lost it, so we headed home. It was a great success and we may be doing Rhys' party there in December.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Rhys' Ears Noses and Throats
Tracy took Rhys to the ENT after we were done with Owyn at Child Find (see below for details). He was reasonably cooperative, except for the hearing test. They did the same ear drum check as they did for Owyn and found that Rhys, too, has fluid behind his ear drums.
Rhys will be getting both tonsils and adenoids out, tubes in and they are even going to cauterize some of the blood vessels in his snout. Rhys will have to stay at the hospital overnight.
I sure hope this helps him. Of the top of my head this could help with his runny nose, gagging on food, ear aches, speech, snoring, possible sleep apnea and drooling.
We'll keep our fingers crossed. A week of two grumpy boys had better be worth it.
Rhys will be getting both tonsils and adenoids out, tubes in and they are even going to cauterize some of the blood vessels in his snout. Rhys will have to stay at the hospital overnight.
I sure hope this helps him. Of the top of my head this could help with his runny nose, gagging on food, ear aches, speech, snoring, possible sleep apnea and drooling.
We'll keep our fingers crossed. A week of two grumpy boys had better be worth it.
Child Find
Yesterday Owyn went to child find. He was referred because of a speech delay at this two year appointment. He should, apparently, have 200 words and be making two word sentences. He has more like 30 words and does not make two word sentences.
I picked him up at 0930, he was very excited. We headed off to Castle Rock, and I gave him some water and crackers. We met up with Tracy on the way, as she had the directions. She just pulled out in front of us, without us stopping, so Owyn did not know she was there.
When we got to the school, where the evaluation was to be done, I parked next to Tracy. Owyn looked over and realized his Mama was there and was beside himself. He was so happy that he wiggled and laughed, and when I set him down he RAN around the car to see her.
We went inside and the only person there, at first, was the lady from the group who would come to our house if Owyn rates care. While Tracy talked to her, and I kept an ear cocked to listen in, Owyn moved around the room playing with the toys. He would go to the kitchen, play a little. Go to the jungle gym, play a little, go to the work bench, play a little. Go to the little people buildings, play a little.
Eventually the Occupational Therapist came in. While Tracy talked to the other lady Owyn and I sat down at the table with OT Lady and went through her tests. She started with the simplest ones an worked her way up, until Owyn couldn't do them anymore. That was the plan. In fifteen minutes Owyn had done every test she had, successfully. All the way up to the four year old stuff. Yes, we are very proud.
About the time we were done with OT Lady, Speech Lady showed up. This part of the exam did not go nearly as well for Owyn. In the end, he qualified for care. After his operation to get his adnoids out and tubes in, they will start with speech therapy. They will come to the house once a week for six months. At the end of that time Speech Lady is sure that he will be all caught up and they will be done with him. She is pretty sure that his speech delay is due to his hearing loss.
After we were done, much sooner than we thought, all of us were hungry. We went to Taco Bell/KFC since it is right next door to day care. Service was REALLY slow. Owyn enjoyed his taco and ate the hell out of Tracy's taquitos. Tracy had to leave us so she could pick up Rhys and take him to his ENT appointment. Owyn and I finished up and I took him back over to day care.
He was very unhappy to be left there after being sprung earlier. It was grand getting to spend some time with him during the day and to have lunch, sort of, with Tracy.
I picked him up at 0930, he was very excited. We headed off to Castle Rock, and I gave him some water and crackers. We met up with Tracy on the way, as she had the directions. She just pulled out in front of us, without us stopping, so Owyn did not know she was there.
When we got to the school, where the evaluation was to be done, I parked next to Tracy. Owyn looked over and realized his Mama was there and was beside himself. He was so happy that he wiggled and laughed, and when I set him down he RAN around the car to see her.
We went inside and the only person there, at first, was the lady from the group who would come to our house if Owyn rates care. While Tracy talked to her, and I kept an ear cocked to listen in, Owyn moved around the room playing with the toys. He would go to the kitchen, play a little. Go to the jungle gym, play a little, go to the work bench, play a little. Go to the little people buildings, play a little.
Eventually the Occupational Therapist came in. While Tracy talked to the other lady Owyn and I sat down at the table with OT Lady and went through her tests. She started with the simplest ones an worked her way up, until Owyn couldn't do them anymore. That was the plan. In fifteen minutes Owyn had done every test she had, successfully. All the way up to the four year old stuff. Yes, we are very proud.
About the time we were done with OT Lady, Speech Lady showed up. This part of the exam did not go nearly as well for Owyn. In the end, he qualified for care. After his operation to get his adnoids out and tubes in, they will start with speech therapy. They will come to the house once a week for six months. At the end of that time Speech Lady is sure that he will be all caught up and they will be done with him. She is pretty sure that his speech delay is due to his hearing loss.
After we were done, much sooner than we thought, all of us were hungry. We went to Taco Bell/KFC since it is right next door to day care. Service was REALLY slow. Owyn enjoyed his taco and ate the hell out of Tracy's taquitos. Tracy had to leave us so she could pick up Rhys and take him to his ENT appointment. Owyn and I finished up and I took him back over to day care.
He was very unhappy to be left there after being sprung earlier. It was grand getting to spend some time with him during the day and to have lunch, sort of, with Tracy.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Ear, Nose and Throat
Owyn went to the ENT Dr today. He has had many, many ear infections as well as breathing issues. We finally got he magic three infections in six months so we got the referral.
I picked him up early from day care, we had to wake him from his nap. He was cheerful about the whole thing, happy to see Daddy. We headed over to the hospital and found the Dr's office on the first try. Yeah us!
We got checked in with no issues. A nurse took us in and got some history on the little boy. We waited for awhile and Owyn got bored so we washed his hands, nine times. Then I got him some water. He had fun drinking for about five minutes. Finally, a PA came in and asked us pretty much all of the same questions as the nurse.
I asked if we could get a hearing test done and they took us in. Owyn started out being fairly cooperative but lost it half way through so they were unable to complete the tests. She stuck a probe in his ear which measured the resistance of the ear drum. Both ears had fluid build up behind them so he definitely has hearing loss.
After the audiologist it was back to the office to wait for the Dr. He came in, looked in Owyn's orifices and got right to the point. Tubes and adenoids out. We are going to get it done by the end of the month.
Rhys was scheduled to see him next week but he let us reschedule him for tomorrow, so we will see how his head is.
I picked him up early from day care, we had to wake him from his nap. He was cheerful about the whole thing, happy to see Daddy. We headed over to the hospital and found the Dr's office on the first try. Yeah us!
We got checked in with no issues. A nurse took us in and got some history on the little boy. We waited for awhile and Owyn got bored so we washed his hands, nine times. Then I got him some water. He had fun drinking for about five minutes. Finally, a PA came in and asked us pretty much all of the same questions as the nurse.
I asked if we could get a hearing test done and they took us in. Owyn started out being fairly cooperative but lost it half way through so they were unable to complete the tests. She stuck a probe in his ear which measured the resistance of the ear drum. Both ears had fluid build up behind them so he definitely has hearing loss.
After the audiologist it was back to the office to wait for the Dr. He came in, looked in Owyn's orifices and got right to the point. Tubes and adenoids out. We are going to get it done by the end of the month.
Rhys was scheduled to see him next week but he let us reschedule him for tomorrow, so we will see how his head is.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Pick up
Picking up the boys is the best time of the day. No matter how bad a day I had. No matter how big of turds they are going to be later. When they see me walk into the room, their eyes light up, their grins split their faces and their arms go wide.
I always get Rhys first. I walked in and he was right next to the door. He turned, saw me, and lit up. He yelled "My Daddy" and ran over and gave me a huge hug and a slimy kiss. "My Daddy, My Daddy". It was grand. We gathered his jacket and papers and walked out of his classroom. "Get Owie". Not a question.
We went to the other end of the school, where Owyn's classroom is. He was playing as we got there. He looked up and saw me and YELLED "Hi!", and ran over. Rhys got his coat while Owyn gave me a huge hug. His teacher had his slip for the day, so she called him over, he ran over and got it and brought it back to me. "Up". "Up, up, up". Up he went.
When we were all out in the hall I set him down and the three of us marched out to the lobby, the boys grabbed their crackers and into the car.
I love picking up the boys.
I always get Rhys first. I walked in and he was right next to the door. He turned, saw me, and lit up. He yelled "My Daddy" and ran over and gave me a huge hug and a slimy kiss. "My Daddy, My Daddy". It was grand. We gathered his jacket and papers and walked out of his classroom. "Get Owie". Not a question.
We went to the other end of the school, where Owyn's classroom is. He was playing as we got there. He looked up and saw me and YELLED "Hi!", and ran over. Rhys got his coat while Owyn gave me a huge hug. His teacher had his slip for the day, so she called him over, he ran over and got it and brought it back to me. "Up". "Up, up, up". Up he went.
When we were all out in the hall I set him down and the three of us marched out to the lobby, the boys grabbed their crackers and into the car.
I love picking up the boys.
Monday, May 4, 2009
This crap has got to stop!
I mean that literally. Rhys' potty training seems to have taken a hit. He pooped himself today. He wet himself twice last week. He was doing so well for a few weeks there. This is his second back slide. I hope when his Mama comes home he gets better.
He was also hitting again at school today. He did the same thing last week, minus the pooping. He will be out of pre-school the next two days, so maybe that will give him time to get his act together.
I sure hope so. I keep getting lectured by his teacher when I pick him up. I hope I'm too old to be sent to the Principal's office.
He was also hitting again at school today. He did the same thing last week, minus the pooping. He will be out of pre-school the next two days, so maybe that will give him time to get his act together.
I sure hope so. I keep getting lectured by his teacher when I pick him up. I hope I'm too old to be sent to the Principal's office.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A long weekend
I'm glad it is Sunday night. It has been a long weekend. Owyn has been great all week, with his Mama gone. There has been an issue here and there but, overall, he has been a joy. Lots of cuddle time for Daddy for once.
Rhys on the other hand. What can I say about Rhys. He spend a good part of the weekend in his room. He tortured the dogs, the cat and his brother. He was sassy and mean. Through it all his sweetness still came out. Once in awhile.
I'm glad the weekend is over though. Back to school for the boys tomorrow. One day closer to Tracy being home.
Rhys on the other hand. What can I say about Rhys. He spend a good part of the weekend in his room. He tortured the dogs, the cat and his brother. He was sassy and mean. Through it all his sweetness still came out. Once in awhile.
I'm glad the weekend is over though. Back to school for the boys tomorrow. One day closer to Tracy being home.
Who's got the bell to stop this round?
The boys are missing their mama. They are also tired because they are both short on sleep this morning. It makes for trying times.
I let Rhys stay up late last night. He was playing perfectly and I hoped, maybe, just once, he would sleep in. It was all great at first. I told him his show was over, "you know what that means". He just looks at me with a big smile, "bed time?". "Yep, bed time." Up we went. After that it was all fighting and tears. In the end he went to bed without his stories. It was very traumatic for both of us. Of course, he was up at his normal time, 0500, this morning.
Owyn likes to sleep in. He goes to bed at 1830 and sleeps until 0730 0r eight. Only not now. Since Mama has been gone he has been getting up at 0530. He does not do well when he is tired. He goes from sunny to thunderstorms in a fraction of a second.
At 1030 this morning Owyn decided he was done and went and stood in front of the refrigerator and cried. He wanted his bottle. I went into the kitchen to start preparing it and the phone rang. As I was talking to my mother, Rhys came in and started messing with his brother (just like he's been doing all morning). I looked over just as Owyn punched Rhys in the face and Rhys grabbed Owyn's arm and bit him. Hell No!
Still on the phone I took Owyn up to his room, with no bottle, and put him in bed. He cried hysterically. Then I snatched up Rhys, put him in a pull up, and stuck him into bed. Then I took a little nap.
Rhys is up now. Owyn is still asleep. The sun is out so Rhys is about to go play in the yard. I hope he wears himself out.
I let Rhys stay up late last night. He was playing perfectly and I hoped, maybe, just once, he would sleep in. It was all great at first. I told him his show was over, "you know what that means". He just looks at me with a big smile, "bed time?". "Yep, bed time." Up we went. After that it was all fighting and tears. In the end he went to bed without his stories. It was very traumatic for both of us. Of course, he was up at his normal time, 0500, this morning.
Owyn likes to sleep in. He goes to bed at 1830 and sleeps until 0730 0r eight. Only not now. Since Mama has been gone he has been getting up at 0530. He does not do well when he is tired. He goes from sunny to thunderstorms in a fraction of a second.
At 1030 this morning Owyn decided he was done and went and stood in front of the refrigerator and cried. He wanted his bottle. I went into the kitchen to start preparing it and the phone rang. As I was talking to my mother, Rhys came in and started messing with his brother (just like he's been doing all morning). I looked over just as Owyn punched Rhys in the face and Rhys grabbed Owyn's arm and bit him. Hell No!
Still on the phone I took Owyn up to his room, with no bottle, and put him in bed. He cried hysterically. Then I snatched up Rhys, put him in a pull up, and stuck him into bed. Then I took a little nap.
Rhys is up now. Owyn is still asleep. The sun is out so Rhys is about to go play in the yard. I hope he wears himself out.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Cheese and crackers and Ching!
I was making Rhys a snack. He has decided that he likes cheese and crackers. He especially likes garlic flavored Triscuits. We have a small wire cutter cheese board. If you haven't seen one, it has an arm, mounted on a swivel, which has a wire stretched between the ends. You place the cheese on the board and swivel down the arm and it cuts your cheese.
Every time the arm would cut through the cheese the wire would hit the wood and make a "ching" sound. Rhys was standing behind me, watching. Each time the wire would go "ching" Rhys would say "cheen".
Every time the arm would cut through the cheese the wire would hit the wood and make a "ching" sound. Rhys was standing behind me, watching. Each time the wire would go "ching" Rhys would say "cheen".
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