Sick kids and lost inches

It's been a while, but I'm back.  We've had some minor drama in the family and I finally have time to sit down and blog.

The little guy has some kind of cold virus and ear infection and is being treated for that.  He has become a super picky eater during this time so I don't know if he still has ear and throat pain or if he's just being silly.  I've also been back and forth with our insurance, the speech rehab facility and the school district on Ty's speech therapy.  Right now we are approved by the insurance for eight rehab sessions.  I just found out that the school could possibly help him, but they need to do an assessment sometime in August.  Today I will be contacting insurance and rehab facility to see if we can wait on those eight sessions until after the school's assessment.  Why?  Well the school's speech therapy would be free.  Speech therapy at the rehab facility will be pretty much 100% out of pocket expense.  Not a financial hit we want to take.  We will do it if we have to, but we want to check out all our options first.  It will be a busy day of making phone calls today.

My big guy had a pretty bad bike accident.  Took a good chunk of skin off his elbow, and also banged up his mouth.  Stitches in his lip and two broken teeth.  Of course he broke his two front permanent teeth. We visited the dentist earlier this week, but his lips were so swollen and tender, the dentist couldn't do anything.  We are going back in a few days to get at least a temporary fix on the teeth so Larson can eat normally and feel more confident.  It's been a long week.

Weigh in time!  Down another 2 pounds which makes 15 pounds in 6 weeks.  I only have 3 more pounds to go to make my original goal.  Once I get there I have to re-assess because I might want to go a few more.  This week I lost 5.75 inches (total of 42.5 inches)!  Which is huge because in the past few weeks I had only lost between 3 and 4 inches.  I was surprised to find I lost 1/2 inch around each arm because I've never lost in my arms before.  Also surprising was 2 inches around my waist!  In trying to evaluate what I did differently this week, the only thing I can think of was Body Pump class and an extra effort to work on an ab challenge I found on Facebook (below).

Tonight both kids have sleep overs.  We are doing a "child swap" with another family.  Our households will have the same number of kids, but different personalities.  It will be fun for everyone!  I know the kids are super excited!

Onward to fight the good battle of raising kids and trying to be the best mommy I can be.

Even less of me!

Just finished another 48 hour cleanse.  I'm down another 2 pounds and 3.5 inches!

I tried Bosu class this morning.  Pretty much kicked my butt.  That instructor is fantastic!  I like switching up my routine and try not to do the same exercise more than twice a week.  I feel like I have to do weight lifting though.  It might be easier if I sign up for a personal trainer, but I don't really want to spend the money on it.  I'll have to think more about that.

Kids are doing good.  Ty still isn't potty trained, but the speech thing kind of messed us up.  I don't want to throw too much at him.  We saw Despicable Me II yesterday with our neighbors and we had a GREAT time!  It was a cute movie.  The big kids laughed and laughed, and it kept Ty pretty entertained until he fell asleep.  Unfortunately we had to go close to his nap time, but it all worked out in the end.

The noises from the basement lead me to believe that a neighbor girls are over and the big kids are having all sorts of noisy fun.  Ty is content watching his pre-nap Mickey Mouse show.  Looks like our day is on track!

Happy Thursday everyone!

Hit the Y one too many times

Joined the YMCA a while back to give my work out routine some variety.  AND to get a moment away from the monkeys without messing up the "family time" schedule. 

The kids LOVE the child care area, so that was a huge plus.  Ty has a little separation anxiety, and over time it seems to be getting better.  The staff is really good with helping him while I'm gone.  He puts on a good show for me as I turn around and walk out the door.  Usually the mom checking in behind us will find me and let me know he stopped crying as soon as I was up the stairs.  I love how the moms at the facility support each other!

I'm excited to have found a huge variety of equipment and classes that challenge me.  My favorite classes so far are group cycling and Bosu boot camp.  On my own, I like (what I call) speed hill walking and a few of the programs on the elliptical.  The elliptical that I like the most is Octane's run stride.  I can do sprinting and intervals without killing my back and knee.  I've been doing the 30:30, which is 30 second sprints, 30 second rest and every few minutes you get a 3 minute recovery.  That style of exercise is HUGE for weight loss.  Get your heart rate up and down throughout the work out. 

Anyway, I'd been working out 4 days straight!  This morning when I woke up and couldn't sit down on the toilet, I decided today is my rest day.  Ouch!  Tomorrow I'm going to try the 10K on the elliptical.  Maybe lift some weights too. 

I feel SO good these days!  I'm super excited I'm back at a gym and taking time for myself.  Even if I have to drag everyone out the door and leave one screaming at the child care area.  It's totally worth it to have a happy momma again!

TV Off Night = Game Night

Last night we tried "TV Off" night.  It was more successful that I thought it would be!

About 6:00, the TV went off and the games came out.  We made popcorn and the family played games for about 2 hours.  It was a little trying because Ty can't actually play the games and his attention span is way too short.  I kept him busy with other things while Jeff managed the big kids. 

It was all worth it when Ali asked if we could have game night every week.  Definitely something we want to keep up.  Making Memories!

Mommy's evening off!

I got a few hours "off"!  Thanks to my friend for asking me to a movie.  So rejuvenating in such a little amount of time.

Jeff does a fantastic job with the kids. I had to giggle a little when I get home and the van door is open and the diaper bag is still inside.  It is a challenge to get the kids in and out of the van with all the paraphernalia that comes along.  I was a little concerned about opening the door to the house, but they were doing great. Everyone was having a bedtime snack, smiling, and talking.  I should have stayed away for a few hours longer!

I took Jeff's car tonight and I have to admit....I really miss driving a "normal car."  They're so fast!  You can zoom in and out of traffic so easily.  I love our Grand Caravan because it's perfect for our family; and really, I shouldn't be zooming in and out of traffic anyway, right?

I don't think your life ever goes back to "normal" after you have kids, but sometimes I like to image what it will be like to have "me" back.  The "me" that's not 24/7 on-call mom.  I know the mom part never goes away, but I also know that eventually you get to hang out with your friends and eat meals without incident again.  Maybe I need to petition harder for year-round school.  HMMMMMM.

HOT HOT HOT

Oh my goodness.  It's really hot this week!  It's been in the high 90s (F) to 101 (F).  Icky, drippy, hot, bluck. 

I am very glad we have season passes to Valleyfair.  Our amusement park with a small water park.  The last two evenings we took the kids there.  The water park was absolutely perfect.  They added a wave pool which the kids LOVE.  Even Ty is giddy when he sees it.  He stands as far out as we let him and he laughs as the waves wash over him.  Jeff and I take a pounding as we try to sit next to him.  Notice "try" to sit next to him. It's hard to stay stable while holding him up even in the smaller waves.  The kids had fun and we cooled off.  It's a win-win.

You know how you move into a new area and you have to re-learn everything?  This morning, I brought the kids to the library and it's only open in the afternoons on Friday.  OK, so we plan to go back after Ty's nap.  I thought the sign said 1-8pm.  It was 1-5pm.  So try 2 today was a failure as well.  UGH!  I don't really know where to get haircuts, chiropractor, church, etc.  We're on "try it and see" mode.  It's a very teachable moment for the kids.  What to do when you don't know what you're doing.  Fake it until make it.  Shake it off when you fail and try again.  At least we can say, "we're new here, now we know."  Unfortunately that happened twice today...there was an incident at a gas pump too today.  Good times.  I'm fortunate to have a husband who can take the phone calls and talk me down from the frustration.

Hoping to get a run in tomorrow morning.  As I sit here typing, I'm watching the lightening light up the sky.  Hoping it cools off for tomorrow.  I'm aiming for a 4 mile run tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

There's only one of me!!!!!!

I'm pulled in so many directions today.  Kind of feeling like Elastagirl.  Or at least wishing I was.  ARGH! Everyone needs help, and usually at the same time.  In fact, it's amazing I'm blogging right now. 

One mommy and three kiddos is overwhelming.  I can't count how many times I've said "I'm one person taking care of three of you....you need to wait."  Wondering if Target sells those ticket dispensers.  "Take a number!"  It's summer break and there's no break for this mom.  Fighting for attention is never ending in this household and I need a break.  Sorry, not going to happen, but one can dream....can't she? 

Many of you know what I'm talking about.  Coffee??  Oh ya, I made some.  Didn't quite get around to drinking it.  Ever start the washing machine without putting clothes in it.  Come on, admit it. Projects 1/2 done sitting around because you start something, get distracted, start something else, get distracted, etc.  Eventually they must go to sleep, right?  Oh ya, and I got that coffee last night at 10:00 when I finally had time to sit down and enjoy it.  Thankfully I drink decaf.

Ty is 2!

Today my littlest monkey is 2!  Our little party will be tomorrow.  Big THANK YOU to Dora for making his cake.  Isn't it cute?!

It's been pretty non-eventful the last few days.  I'm been a good girl watching what I eat and getting out for a run every day. 

Unpacking is going well.  Everything is out of the garage and we need to rearrange a few things so we can get Jeff's car in the garage.  The only things we have left is building the cubie for the entryway and doing some touch-up painting after the movers mucked up the walls.

Yesterday was an unusually weird day.  In the morning we had Direct TV come out and install satellite TV.  Yep, we lost our mind and tried to bundle with Mediacom.  What a joke.  Not only was the service less than satisfactory, the tech was completely rude.  He didn't even want to turn the TVs on to make sure they worked.  He rolled his eyes when I made him wait until I logged on to the internet to make sure it worked.  Then he told Larson to back off when he was showing us how to use the remotes.  Excuse me!!!  Larson needs to know how to use the remotes just as much was Jeff and I do.  Geez!!  In any event, the TV is back to Direct.  Even better, the shows we previously recorded were still on the boxes so the kids have all their shows.  Just as the Direct tech was getting done, the Warnier Stellian tech came to look at our dryer.  The display isn't lighting up like it should.  Talk about another episode of "duh!"  I had to call 3 times to try to explain the problem and get someone out.  Apparently the display not working isn't enough for a repair run.  ARGH.  So anyway, he got here to diagnose the problem only to tell me he needed to order a part.  By the way, he knew what the problem was before coming out, but didn't order a part and wait for it to come in before coming out.  Now he needs to make another stop.  Well, whatever, we're not paying for it, and it wasn't too much of an inconvenience, but still!  (Side note, we LOVE Warner Stellian.  They've been awesome to work with so far.  Just a little amazed at how some systems work. Systems should not reflect the kindness of the people who are forced to use them.)

Just as we think the end of the day was upon us last night, Larson appeared to have pink eye.  We find the nearest Urgent Care and run him out.  Jeff and Larson waited 1 1/2 hours to get diagnosed.  A Walgreens nearby was open 24/7 so they were able to get the prescription filled.  They got home by 10:30, eye drops in, and off to bed. 

You know, every day we think we're going to get stuff done around the house and almost every evening something comes up.  I think God is telling me something.  Slow down and take it as it comes. 

On to the next big adventure....Saturday!  Ty is 2!  Ali has her first cheerleading camp, and it's our last day to organize/clean/paint before the big birthday party tomorrow.  This will be an interesting day.  Will we get it all done?  Stay tuned.....

Getting it done one box at a time.

We are slowly clearing the boxes out of the garage.  I think we may get Jeff's car in the garage by the weekend....and it's a 3 car garage!  Uffda!  We've never taken this long to unpack and organize.  We've never moved with 3 kids either!  Our goal was to unpack at least 4 boxes every day.  I must say, it was a good goal because I think it'll work.  Our huge hurry is Ty's 2nd birthday party is scheduled for Sunday.  If not for that we wouldn't be so stressed out about it.  However, I'm thankful we have a goal pushing us.

So my past post I fessed up to a weight gain.  Good news.  This morning I got up and ran about 2-3 miles (not exactly sure how far because I haven't mapped it yet), and this afternoon we took 2 walks.  Yay!  Feeling much better now.  Back on the bandwagon.

We had a bit of drama this afternoon.  Larson slammed his hand in the door.  As I was trying to get Ty off my lap so I could help Larson, Ali lets out a blood curling scream.  Larson had blood on his forehead.  At this point I have no idea what's going on other than Larson is bleeding and Ali is freaking out.  After some investigating, the blood on his forehead came from his finger and it appeared that his appendage was fine.  We got it washed up and bandaged and he's good to go.

Whew!  Starting this summer break off with a bang!

Crazy Morning....A little crazier than normal

Ty is down for a nap, and I really should be resting too, but I can't keep my crazy morning a secret.

Jeff left for the airport at 4 am, which in itself wasn't too bad (for me anyway, he might feel differently).

The real chaos started when Lucas's ride didn't come. We waited and waited. He sent a few texts, nothing. I don't mind running the kids into school, except Ty was still sleeping and the other two kids needed to get ready for school. Thankfully my dad was able to take Lucas in. Woo hoo! The morning is saved.

Or so I thought.

I was putting Ali's hair in pony tails and noticed the bus drive by on it's way to the first stop (our neighbor). AACK! He's a little early and we're a little late. At this point I'm hoping the bus waits a few minutes at the first stop since he's a little early. I call to Larson to get his shoes on while I finish Ali's hair. No such luck with the bus. The neighbor girl gets on and he's driving to our house. The kids are in a panic. Ali grabs her shoes and runs outside. Larson starts running around yelling, and I quickly get him under control so I can finish tying his shoes and get his hoodie on. As I'm finishing up with Larson I hear Ali yelling "wait! we're having a problem here!" OMG The bus driver is going to think we have a medical emergency and call an ambulance or something. I gather up Ali's hoodie and backpack and run outside to get her ready and notice the neighbor girl had gotten off the bus to see what all the commotion is about. She's calming Ali and trying to help her get her shoes on. Needless to say, I was glad when the kids were on the bus. I said a little prayer that the rest of the day goes a little better.

Where was Ty during all this? He found Larson's cereal bowl full of milk on the ottoman in the livingroom and helped himself. Considering he doesn't feed himself yet, he did a pretty good job with the spoon. After all the commotion, I was so thankful Ty was being quiet, I didn't mind wiping up a little bit of spilled milk. Honestly, I could laugh through the whole incident because I knew we'd be OK. It was just one of those mornings.

So far the rest of the day has gone relatively smoothly. Yay!

Now it's time for this momma to take a nap!