One sucky side-effect of being a two-jobs-outside-the-house family is that Evelyn has to be in daycare, which means she is always sick. Always. She has had a cold of some sort all winter long, causing her to miss daycare on a couple of occasions, and causing general malaise and discomfort at least one or two days of every week.
Daycare has a lot of upside to be sure, but the non-stop merry-go-round of virus is not one of them.
All this is to say that I never know when "regular kid illness" turns into "go to the doctor" illness. Evelyn is at the doctor right now after having vomiting and diarreah since Saturday. It got better, then came back, then led to dizziness and loss of balance, which led to us going to urgent care with the thought that Ev had an ear infection, which led to a grumpy old doctor-jerk telling me she did not have an ear infection and that "a stroke is unlikely at this age," which led to me wanting to punch him in the face, which led to anger and confusion over my inability to know when my child is actually sick. We decided to go home and rest one more night, but then the vomiting and diarreah reared its ugly head again at 1:30 am. So now Jon is at the pediatrician with my sweet, sick child. All I hope is the ped will be much nicer than the urgent care jerkface and give us an idea how to help my child.
Whew.
Bleeding out the eyeballs is easy. Go to the ER.
But general fussiness and vomiting, with no real signs of serious dehydration? When does that become something no longer treatable at home?
I'm sure Evelyn just has a nasty stomach virus. I'm sure more rest will help. Maybe there is some sort of prescription-strength electrolyte solution they can give us, or something to calm her little tummy, to help the healing process go faster. I hope so.
Update: Evelyn is fine. Just a stomach virus. More rest and fluids. Hooray.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
DST and You: One family's journey through hell
I just read this article by Jamie Lee on Baby Center about the toll the daylight savings switch can have on a person. All I can say is, AMEN! Jeez. Jon and I have been like two ships passing in the night since last weekend. Both tired, both grumpy, both out of sorts. And Evelyn--well, I don't need to tell you that things have been tense this week. She's sleeping poorly, asking for bottles all night long, waking up and crying, refusing to go to sleep at all, throwing fits. I thought it was a mother-daughter thing. But now I'm going to blame daylight savings time and, in turn, the entire federal government.
So thanks, government, for ruining yet another fun thing: sleep. I'll just take my ball and go home now thankyouverymuch.
Do they have DST in the Netherlands? Maybe I'll move there. Then I can bike to work and wear wooden shoes and pick tulips all while saving no daylight whatsoever.
/rant.
In other news, in this week of sleep-crazy-madness, Jon has taken on a huge undertaking of organizing an art show to benefit Japan's disaster relief. The show is called "heARTs to japan" and will be featuring artists from Colorado and around the world. It will be held at INDYINK, 84 S. Broadway, Denver, CO, on April 29. The art will be auctioned off and prints and t-shirts will be sold for a flat price. All proceeds will go to the Buddhist Churches of America and the Red Cross to benefit Japan.
So, go Jon! And if you are so inclined, "Like" his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fortunecookietattoo) for more information, or tweet with the hashtag #hearts2japan to build support. And spread the word! It's going to be awesome.
So thanks, government, for ruining yet another fun thing: sleep. I'll just take my ball and go home now thankyouverymuch.
Do they have DST in the Netherlands? Maybe I'll move there. Then I can bike to work and wear wooden shoes and pick tulips all while saving no daylight whatsoever.
/rant.
In other news, in this week of sleep-crazy-madness, Jon has taken on a huge undertaking of organizing an art show to benefit Japan's disaster relief. The show is called "heARTs to japan" and will be featuring artists from Colorado and around the world. It will be held at INDYINK, 84 S. Broadway, Denver, CO, on April 29. The art will be auctioned off and prints and t-shirts will be sold for a flat price. All proceeds will go to the Buddhist Churches of America and the Red Cross to benefit Japan.
So, go Jon! And if you are so inclined, "Like" his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fortunecookietattoo) for more information, or tweet with the hashtag #hearts2japan to build support. And spread the word! It's going to be awesome.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Toddlers and teenagers
Someone told me recently that the way your child acts as a toddler is a mirror for how they will act as a teenager. If that is the case, then heaven help us all.
Last night was a doozy. Tantrums, stomping of feet, cries of "I don't want to!" and "I don't like you!" and "No!" She gets like that sometimes, usually when tired or hungry, and if it wasn't so annoying it would be downright cute. She asks for her dad. Said wants to be at grandma's house. Pretty much anywhere but with me, making her go to bed.
Evelyn and I butt heads already. She has a extra level of sass that she reserves for me alone. I think it is a test of wills, and I'm not giving in, and she's going to push until she gets me to, and we are locked in an epic battle. But it is an epic battle of "don't throw those magazines on the floor" or "stop whining about bedtime because it isn't for another hour" or whatever minor issue is escalating. I pick my battles, of course, but I think I pick ones that Evelyn also thinks she can win, and it goes from minor to major before too long.
This doesn't happen with her dad. Maybe he gives in more. Maybe she minds him more. Whatever the case, I think we have a mother-daughter thing brewing, and we've only just begun.
Hoo-ray.
Last night was a doozy. Tantrums, stomping of feet, cries of "I don't want to!" and "I don't like you!" and "No!" She gets like that sometimes, usually when tired or hungry, and if it wasn't so annoying it would be downright cute. She asks for her dad. Said wants to be at grandma's house. Pretty much anywhere but with me, making her go to bed.
Evelyn and I butt heads already. She has a extra level of sass that she reserves for me alone. I think it is a test of wills, and I'm not giving in, and she's going to push until she gets me to, and we are locked in an epic battle. But it is an epic battle of "don't throw those magazines on the floor" or "stop whining about bedtime because it isn't for another hour" or whatever minor issue is escalating. I pick my battles, of course, but I think I pick ones that Evelyn also thinks she can win, and it goes from minor to major before too long.
This doesn't happen with her dad. Maybe he gives in more. Maybe she minds him more. Whatever the case, I think we have a mother-daughter thing brewing, and we've only just begun.
Hoo-ray.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Crazy toddlers lead to crazy discussions
Oddly, the conversation about Evelyn's behavior issues and my own parenting foibles led to a discussion about having a second child. It doesn't take much to lead to that discussion, I'll admit, because it is such a big one. But knowing that Evelyn is strong-headed and bossy and (I'll admit it) spoiled kinda makes me want to temper all the attention she gets by adding another person to the mix. Of course, that is no reason to have a child. It is just another reason to discuss the possibility of perhaps someday in the future thinking about a second child. See how that goes?
Things that scare me about having a second child:
Everything
Things that make me want a second child:
Everything else
Pretty tough road to travel, I think. I know we are in the midst of toddler terribles and just coming out of the super-needy baby years, but the idea of a second child seems literally impossible. Where do you find the time? How do you have enough hands? Where does the money come from? How can I be that tired AGAIN?
And then there is the whole "I almost died last time" issue that rears its ugly head every time we talk about babies. It isn't to be ignored. Nor are all the other concerns. But I think the beauty of another child and the intense love would far outweigh the lack of big vacations or nice houses or sleep-filled nights. People first, then money, then things. Right, Suze?
I think it is inevitable. Since Jon and I talk about the issue at least monthly, if not more often, and I can see the good side instead of all the scary things, I think the biological imperative to procreate will win out in the end. Plus, do you remember what a baby's head smells like? Me either. I might need that again. (In a year or two.)
Things that scare me about having a second child:
Everything
Things that make me want a second child:
Everything else
Pretty tough road to travel, I think. I know we are in the midst of toddler terribles and just coming out of the super-needy baby years, but the idea of a second child seems literally impossible. Where do you find the time? How do you have enough hands? Where does the money come from? How can I be that tired AGAIN?
And then there is the whole "I almost died last time" issue that rears its ugly head every time we talk about babies. It isn't to be ignored. Nor are all the other concerns. But I think the beauty of another child and the intense love would far outweigh the lack of big vacations or nice houses or sleep-filled nights. People first, then money, then things. Right, Suze?
I think it is inevitable. Since Jon and I talk about the issue at least monthly, if not more often, and I can see the good side instead of all the scary things, I think the biological imperative to procreate will win out in the end. Plus, do you remember what a baby's head smells like? Me either. I might need that again. (In a year or two.)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Parent of Problem Toddlers Anonymous
Hi, my name is Rachel, and I'm the parent of a problem toddler.
She says, No!
She says, I Don't Want To!
She says, That Food Will Hurt My Tummy!
She says, I Don't Like It!
She says, PFFFFT! (As she's spitting on you because you told her no.)
She pushes and pouts and cries and tantrums when she doesn't get her way.
Yes, I have one of those children. The ones you don't want to sit next to at a restaurant. The ones you hope don't harass your child at the playground. The ones you assume have overly weak parents and no discipline.
Except, she doesn't act like this anywhere except home! She is delightful at the park or (usually) at daycare or at her grandmother's house. She is rambunctious and lively when in public, but she reserves her most obnoxious behavior for home.
Sounds like typical two-year-old behavior to me, but I know our parenting isn't helping anything. We give in more than we should. We utilize time-outs, but maybe not as consistently as we could. Hitting is not tolerated, but the spitting? Sometimes she gets one warning, sometimes she gets five. Jon and I have different things that drive us crazy, so we discipline slightly differently. I think she's testing us, and the results she's getting wouldn't give us an A+. Maybe a C. Maybe worse.
I guess we figured that it was just kids being kids type of behavior. But I'm pretty sure we could make things better. Evelyn was being quite obnoxious at daycare today, so much so that her daycare lady called to ask if she was maybe sick because she never acts that way. Oh, no, that is how she acts at home. Oh, well, you might want to nip that in the bud or in a year or so you'll have a little terror on your hands. (Well, actually, she said Evelyn will be just like a little boy, but I think the implication is that boy = terror. I disagree.)
A year or so? I think we have that terror now. But only at home. And only sometimes. She is still really quite sweet and amazing most of the time.
But still, I don't want to raise an indulgent, obnoxious child. I don't want to raise a spoiled, bratty child.
Jon and I have a hot date scheduled tonight to discuss discipline and other things we can improve to help our little "spirited" child develop into a delightful child.
This type of discussion also raises the question of having a second child. But that is a topic for another day.
Any of your super-moms have awesome tips for controlling the wild moods and crazy behaviors of your toddlers?
She says, No!
She says, I Don't Want To!
She says, That Food Will Hurt My Tummy!
She says, I Don't Like It!
She says, PFFFFT! (As she's spitting on you because you told her no.)
She pushes and pouts and cries and tantrums when she doesn't get her way.
Yes, I have one of those children. The ones you don't want to sit next to at a restaurant. The ones you hope don't harass your child at the playground. The ones you assume have overly weak parents and no discipline.
Except, she doesn't act like this anywhere except home! She is delightful at the park or (usually) at daycare or at her grandmother's house. She is rambunctious and lively when in public, but she reserves her most obnoxious behavior for home.
Sounds like typical two-year-old behavior to me, but I know our parenting isn't helping anything. We give in more than we should. We utilize time-outs, but maybe not as consistently as we could. Hitting is not tolerated, but the spitting? Sometimes she gets one warning, sometimes she gets five. Jon and I have different things that drive us crazy, so we discipline slightly differently. I think she's testing us, and the results she's getting wouldn't give us an A+. Maybe a C. Maybe worse.
I guess we figured that it was just kids being kids type of behavior. But I'm pretty sure we could make things better. Evelyn was being quite obnoxious at daycare today, so much so that her daycare lady called to ask if she was maybe sick because she never acts that way. Oh, no, that is how she acts at home. Oh, well, you might want to nip that in the bud or in a year or so you'll have a little terror on your hands. (Well, actually, she said Evelyn will be just like a little boy, but I think the implication is that boy = terror. I disagree.)
A year or so? I think we have that terror now. But only at home. And only sometimes. She is still really quite sweet and amazing most of the time.
But still, I don't want to raise an indulgent, obnoxious child. I don't want to raise a spoiled, bratty child.
Jon and I have a hot date scheduled tonight to discuss discipline and other things we can improve to help our little "spirited" child develop into a delightful child.
This type of discussion also raises the question of having a second child. But that is a topic for another day.
Any of your super-moms have awesome tips for controlling the wild moods and crazy behaviors of your toddlers?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Recent victories
Last night I went to my very awesome and very difficult kickboxing class, came home and took a shower, and decided to try out a little something new for dinner. French toast.
But not any french toast--Oopsie Roll french toast. An oopsie roll is a low-carb bun created by the Carbarella at Your Lighter Side blog. You combine four eggs, four ounces of cream cheese, and a bit of cream of tartar in a specific way and BOOM--you've got yourself some fluffy-ish rolls. They can be used for hamburger buns, paninis, or french toast. I like to spread my batter out in a jelly roll pan and then cut the "bread" into squares instead of creating buns. I also like to add garlic and cheddar cheese for savory flavors.
I dipped my (plain, no garlic or anything) oopsies into a custard batter with a little cinnamon and sugar-free french vanilla syrup added, threw them on the griddle with some coconut oil, and topped them with butter and sugar-free DaVinci pancake syrup. I had myself a suprisingly delicious dinner. The oopsie rolls tend to be a bit eggy and spongy, but that worked to their advantage in the french toast application. This will definitely go into the repetoire.
I am also loving Just The Cheese baked cheese snacks (one net carb per serving) and ChocoPerfection sugar-free chocolate (2 net carbs per bar, but I can only eat one square at a time they are so rich!).
It's not all winner winner over here, though. I tried making the Carbarella's "Cauli-tots" the other day (yep, that's cauliflower tater tots), and it wasn't super amazing. Also, mashed cauliflower is NOT the same as mashed potatoes. But I'm still trying!
But not any french toast--Oopsie Roll french toast. An oopsie roll is a low-carb bun created by the Carbarella at Your Lighter Side blog. You combine four eggs, four ounces of cream cheese, and a bit of cream of tartar in a specific way and BOOM--you've got yourself some fluffy-ish rolls. They can be used for hamburger buns, paninis, or french toast. I like to spread my batter out in a jelly roll pan and then cut the "bread" into squares instead of creating buns. I also like to add garlic and cheddar cheese for savory flavors.
I dipped my (plain, no garlic or anything) oopsies into a custard batter with a little cinnamon and sugar-free french vanilla syrup added, threw them on the griddle with some coconut oil, and topped them with butter and sugar-free DaVinci pancake syrup. I had myself a suprisingly delicious dinner. The oopsie rolls tend to be a bit eggy and spongy, but that worked to their advantage in the french toast application. This will definitely go into the repetoire.
I am also loving Just The Cheese baked cheese snacks (one net carb per serving) and ChocoPerfection sugar-free chocolate (2 net carbs per bar, but I can only eat one square at a time they are so rich!).
It's not all winner winner over here, though. I tried making the Carbarella's "Cauli-tots" the other day (yep, that's cauliflower tater tots), and it wasn't super amazing. Also, mashed cauliflower is NOT the same as mashed potatoes. But I'm still trying!
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