New House

I blogged a few weeks ago about a new Little Tikes climbing slide apparatus we found on Craigslist for Blip.  Well...I'm still currently obsessed with finding Cody some cool stuff that will be age appropriate in the near future.  His baby toys are just about lame, so it's time to find a few things to add to the playroom when the baby toys are moved into boxes for the next baby.

Our wonderful sitter, Gisele, was in the hospital the first week of April.  We had a friend volunteer to help with Blip, so everything worked out.  Our friends, Dave and Laurie, have given us numerous boxes full of toys their little ones have grown out of.  When I went to pick up the baby the day they kept him, they started naming off items they wanted us to take off their hands. Their kiddos had outgrown them, so they were ready for new homes.

We ended up with some amazing new (to us) stuff!!  They gave Blip a Little Tikes playhouse...it's the perfect size for the playroom.  They also gave Blip a little Cozy Coupe with a super cool steering wheel that has tons of buttons that makes different sounds. So now we can keep the truck inside and the car outside. We also ended up with their Little Tikes picnic table!  I was so excited to get one of these...and now I'm so glad I hadn't gotten overly excited and ordered one.  All of their stuff is like new.

And Blip LOVES all of his new stuff.  He loves the playhouse.  Especially the doorbell.  He loves to stand inside or outside and ring it.  Over and over. He also LOVES the Cozy Coupe outside.  He loves to ride around in it...and even figured out how to keep his feet up so they don't drag.  He isn't quite big enough for the picnic table (or the big climbing, sliding apparatus), but I'm sure he will grow into them soon enough.

SO...while all this is going on...I am still obsessing over a few little things I want for the boy.  Richelle was able to score us a "Koala Climber" from a client of hers who was getting rid of it.  She brought it over a few months ago...and we have climbed and slid hundreds of times, but it was still a bit too big/too much for Blip.  We knew he'd grow into it, tho.  It was basically brand new...always kept in doors, so the colors weren't even faded.

I wanted to hang a baby swing from the patio since Blip loves to swing so much.  With the way the pool fence in currently installed there's no way to do that, so I started looking at other options.  I found a climber/slide/swing combo contraption that Little Tikes made...for about $130.  I'm cheap, so I refuse to pay that much. I found a few on Craigslist...and bought one for $60.  It needed new buckles for the swing, but they were only about $3 from Little Tikes.  I sold the Koala Climber for $50 in about 10 minutes, so really the new slide/swing thingy only cost us about $10.

I love all our new, fun stuff to do out back!!

Polyp

Mike was due for his every-other-year day of fun this Spring...his colonoscopy.  I called and scheduled his consultation with Dr. Amin, so Mike could get his colonoscopy over and done with...and so that Mike could talk to Dr. A about the horrid reflux he's been suffering with for months.

Dr. A and Mike discussed both things, and they decided to scope both ends at the same time to see what was goin' on.  Mike was not thrilled, but hey...better than dying, right?

Mike's appointment was for April 1st.  That happened to be a city holiday for us, so I was forced off and it was Mike's regular Monday "N" day. (That's what our days off our called.)  That worked out great since I wouldn't have to take any time off to take him.  I arranged with Regina to keep Blip again.  She kept him last year while I had mine...and it worked out perfect.  We live so far that she doesn't get to snuggle with my baby too often, and I want Blip to know her...so I will drop him off anytime for a play date with Aunt Regina.

Mike wasn't back much longer than he would have been for just the colonoscopy.  So about 30 minutes after I was asked to wait in the waiting room, a nurse came to get me.  I don't know why, but I was really nervous.  I'm never nervous for my own, and I have never been nervous for anyone else's routine colonoscopies...but I was anxious while Mike was back there.

I do know I was anxious about Mike having pre-cancerous polyps again.  And as soon as I was back with Mike...I asked the question.  I was right to be anxious. He had another one.  This time it was a "large" polyp...and according to Dr. A it was "definitely pre-cancerous".  

Talk about taking the wind out of your sails.  I know finding those little bastards and removing them is the whole point, but I don't want Mike to have them.  Any of them.  Ever.  I don't want to constantly wonder...and worry.  And be anxious...and hope it wasn't too fast growing or that it can't be removed during the colonoscopy. 

Dr. A removed one polyp.  It was 8mm...and it looked completely different from his last two polyps.  The polyps removed during Mike's last colonoscopy were small and looked a lot like a chicken pock.  Just a little red bump.  This year the polyp was much larger and looked like a bulb.

I am so thankful it's gone.  Out of there so it can't cause any torture down the road.  I just have to shake my head that Mike and I procreated...and plan to do it again.

Dr. A believes with the (very small) amount of knowledge we have about Mike's family history that his family may also have Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC).  Dr. A and I agreed (because Mike was still sleeping) that we would treat Mike as if he had tested positive for HNPCC.  He will continue to have colonoscopies ever other year unless he needs to have one every year at some point.

My family operates under the assumption we have HNPCC, too.  We have quite a bit more family history to go off of, so that's just how we operate.  It's the safest way to do it.  We have done so since my mom died.  

Here's the crappy part.  If you have HNPCC, you have a 60-80% higher chance of getting colon cancer.  The average person has a 3-4% chance.  So what percentage do our children get?  All Dr. A said was, "Much higher."  Dang it.  We laughed about Dr. A being around when Blip is old enough...it's funny, but really...it's not.  I don't want my kids to have to do this.  Hopefully there will be some new magical way of testing by that point.

photo: http://www2.mdanderson.org/app/pe/index.cfm?pageName=opendoc&docid=2133

Mike's upper GI revealed a Hiatal Hernia.  Dr. A said they were common and would most likely not require surgery.  He prescribed Mike some meds to help with the discomfort and to help Mike's ulcerated esophagitis.  Dr. A said that what Mike had going on should be causing him quite a bit of pain, so that was his first item on the list of things to take care of.  Dr. A wants to see Mike back in a few months to go over everything and to see how Mike has heeled with the meds.  He will more than likely be on meds to control this indefinitely.

We left the office and went to pick up our sweet baby boy.  He had fun playing with Regina...he got to help her clean the house.  I'm sure he was just happy for the change of scenery, and for her hugs and kisses.  I'm so thankful for my supportive and always helpful family.

This isn't something we worry every. single. day. about, but it is something we MUST think about.  We must deal with this.  We must remain proactive.  We must continue to reach out to others to make sure people are educated about this awful disease.  I wish this wasn't something we had to advocate for, but this is so close to our hearts.  It's something we are passionate about.  It's something we will never blow off.  Just look at the statistics...anyone not willing to do what's necessary when they KNOW they have family history will eventually pay the price.  And paying with my life is not something I'm willing to do.

Pure Bred

He is definitely our son.

Lil Tike

For some reason I decided to start looking for some outdoors-y stuff for Blip to do.  My intentions were to to find something small and used that we could keep on the patio.  It didn't work out exactly like that, but pretty close.  Except what we bought isn't "small" (but it isn't huge either), and it won't really be a patio fitting thing.

I started looking on craigslist Sunday night.  I found a few things I liked, so I started doing some research on those products.  I decided on the one I liked the best, so I sent an e-mail or two out.  One of them was posted for $125, and they lived close to us.  The other 3 or 4 were posted for $125 MORE than that. Yikes!  I was desperate to get the good/cheap one.  By the pictures it appeared to be in great shape...and the others were either the same condition or possibly worse, so definitely not worth paying double the price.

The lady who posted the add e-mailed me back quickly and said she had another buyer in line for the next night (Monday), but she said she would keep me 2nd in line if the sale fell through.  I thanked her and crossed my fingers.  I also e-mail the other ads and asked if they would come down on their prices to even close to this other posted ad.  They all said no.  One lady even upped her price from $225 to $275.  (It's still posted and not sold, by the way.)

When I got home from work I checked my email while Blip and I were playing.  The buyer had fallen through...and the lady wanted to know if I was still interested!  I was so excited! I e-mailed her back and asked if we could come look at it right then.  She agreed, so Mike borrowed our neighbor's trailer and off we went.

 It was in great shape!  It was a little faded because of the sun, but there were no cracks...and it looked perfect.  Mike loaded it up while I paid...and then we headed home with our new jungle gym.  It was raining and super windy that day, so we didn't really get to play outside much.  Blip and I spent some evenings during the week outside, but he's a little too little for it still.  He isn't quite climbing (thank goodness) yet, so after sliding a few times...he's done and ready to lick the rocks.

 Yep.  You read that right.  The boy immediately either crawls for the pool...or the rocks.  I prefer the rocks.  And apparently so does he.  He can sit right in that spot and taste the rocks...and then toss them in the grass for quite some time.  He isn't interested in anything else...so I just let him be happy.  Luckily, he doesn't lick ALL of them.  Just a few...then tossing them is the fun part.

 We are having the pool fence people come out this week or next to add more fencing around the pool.  Originally we thought enclosing the patio would be the safest thing.  It would close off the pool, the hot tub, and the turtle pond.  (Hence wanting a smaller jungle gym for the patio...for now.)  It's hard to keep Blip in the patio...especially while the weather is so beautiful.  Once we're in the grass...it's game on for the pool and the pond.  It's stressful...and I know he can save himself.  I can't imagine if he couldn't.  We'd probably have to move.

We have to completely hover over Blip in order to keep him safe, so we are just adding a fence to block off the pool from the grass.  Which also helps us if we are in the garage or out front with the gate open...and the baby gets in the backyard.  The pool will no longer be open access at all.  I'm pretty devastated to even type this, but the pond is on its way out, too.  I am heartbroken at the thought of getting rid of my turtles, but the pond is so much added stress.  If the pond is gone, the danger is gone...and we can put in a sandbox.  That was Mike's agreement if I decided to get rid of my turtles.  I have had them for almost 15 years, so I hope Blip knows how much I love him!! :)

I am thrilled with our great find.  It was a great price, and Blip will enjoy it for years to come.  It's the perfect apparatus  for the boy until he's ready for a real swing set.  I have one more item for Blip's entertainment that we are purchasing.  It will be perfect for inside or for the patio this summer.  Sometimes I really do love craigslist.

50 Years

We celebrated Pat and Ken's 50th wedding anniversary about a month ago.  March was a busy month...too busy.  The first weekend we spent at Disneyland.  The next weekend Mike went to Lake Havasu for a much needed (and long awaited) fishing trip with his dad and little brother.  The next weekend was the anniversary party, and David was in town, too....and that's when the puking started (definitely did not have anything to do with David).  The next weekend Mike went back to Lake Havasu with a friend, and the next weekend was Easter.

The anniversary party was weekend #3...the party was on their actual anniversary.  I'm struggling with what to write about the party, so I don't think I will write much of anything.  My blogging has slacked off after being told I offend people with what I write, so now I'm a little gun-shy.  It shouldn't matter what I write here...although it's open (at this point) for anyone to read, this is still MY blog.  The place I come to journal...it used to be such a healing place for me.  Now...I rarely come here.  I need to move past the hurt, but I still haven't figured out how to move past the pain of what was said about my writing. Oh well...I guess I will figure it out as I go.

It was so fun to celebrate Ken and Pat and their amazing accomplishment.  50 years is a long damn time.  And if you are married...you know marriage is hard, so add some additional years on to that 50 and I'm sure that's what it felt like. :) They've shared a lot over the years...five kids, 13 grandkids, jobs, cars, houses, etc.  Pretty cool, if you ask me.

Pat's two sisters and their husbands flew out to help celebrate. I had never met Margie and Jim or Marybeth and Bill, so I was very excited to spend a little time with the extended family.  Finally. :)

The party was mostly family and a few friends.  There was a short program, dinner, and dancing.  It seemed like everyone had a great time.  By the end of this party I felt like I did at Sydney's wedding.  DONE.  Too many hours in shoes I hadn't worn in too long...my feet were killing me, my flab was being held in by Spanx and needed to be freed and in pajama pants with a big t-shirt.  Instead, I wrestled with Blip all night so Mike could really enjoy the party with his family.  Each time I said I needed a break, Mike took him for a few minutes, but brought him back quickly. I didn't want Mike to worry with Blip, so I didn't mind taking him back.

The party started at his nap time, so he was DONE long before I was...and LONG before the party ended.  In hind sight, I should have sent him home to bed with my parents, or arranged with a friend to pick him up and take him home.  It was way past his bedtime...plus no nap...and he didn't eat enough all day to sustain a happy baby.  Unhappy Blip is very stressful to Mike...and I know that, so it's easier to keep both of them happy if I manage the baby and Mike enjoyed the party.  And he really seemed to have a good time.  That made me happy.

Easter Weekend

Easter this year was fun for us.  This time of year has been such an amazing time for us.  Everything is so different with Blip.  I feel like I don't have anything else to even talk about other than my son...my family.  But that's okay.  He's that cool.

And he really is.

I have no regrets in life.  I do wish my opportunity to have this little person in my life had come earlier....which means I wish Mike would have come sooner, too.  Maybe being in my thirties gave my enough selfish time to know that giving up my career is okay.  Hard, but okay.  Having a "job" to go to is okay.  Coming home to the most beautiful smile each afternoon is so much better than just okay.  

Regina told me once that "the days are long, but the years are short."  I believe that statement may be true if I didn't work outside the home.  But I do, so the days seem shorter and shorter as they fly past us...we can all be together swinging at the park...and all of a sudden a few more weeks are long gone.  He says a few more words, understands just that much more, wants to walk, eat chicken, have his cousins over to play...cries when they leave him for home.

I love his smiles.  I am in love with his newly learned kisses.  I crave his hugs...and I can't get enough of his giggles.  Holidays are just an added bonus for time with my family.

I was sick most of the week with the plague (as we refer to it at this house), but by Friday I was feeling a lot better...I was pretty sure I wasn't going to die, so I was happy by Friday.  Feeling better was more than lucky since we had Richelle's three boys for the weekend while she and Anthony celebrated their anniversary.  Having four kiddos and being sick...would have made for a very long weekend for Mike.  It was much more fun for us to both be healthy.

Mike stayed home from work on Friday, so he accompanied us to Regina's for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt.  We arrived and the cousins immediately started playing and running around.  I know Blip watches them...and longs to run and play.  He gets so excited to see the kids having fun together.  I can't wait until my boy can have some fun with the other kiddos. 

We had dinner and then the hunt began.  Blip and Caryn's son were the two littlest, so they were let loose first.  Connor is 2 1/2, so he "gets it" a lot more than Blip does, but we still had fun. Blip was the lucky finder of "the golden egg" this year.  He got three dollars...we added it to his little cash pot he's got going.

Saturday morning Mike and the boys woke up and headed out to the lake for some fishing.  Blip and I slept until about 9am, had some breakfast, played together, and then it was nap time.  We had to drop Carsen off at a birthday party for the afternoon, but after we picked him up we all headed to see the Easter Bunny.

We waited in line for almost an hour, but just like Santa Clause...Blip was pretty dang happy to see the Easter Bunny. He wanted to grab the Bunny's glasses...and feel his soft (dirty, in need of a good scrubbing, used to be) white fur, but he was laughing and happy the whole time.  Richelle's two little(r) boys were super cute, too.  Her oldest was too cool for EB pics this year.  I don't blame him...and I know for a fact I would have rather died at 13 than even be at the mall with my lame family, but being the adult gives such a different perspective on how quickly being a child is over...and real life starts way too soon.

After having Henry re-stuffed at Build-a-Bear, we all dropped Mike off at home to nap before he had to go to work.  The rest of us went to dinner at NYPD.  We sat on the patio and enjoyed the beautiful weather...except Jake.  Jake froze.  I love being a native. Nearly 80 degrees...and chilly.  Love it.

The Easter Bunny paid the four boys at our house a visit while we all slept.  Richelle's boys even had an egg hunt in the house that the Bunny set up for them.  They have a super nice Bunny.  Blip's Bunny isn't so creative, but that Bunny sure left Blip a fun-filed basket of goodies.

Sunday morning Blip woke me up at about 9:15am.  I love this kid.  I changed his pants, and then we woke up the other boys.  We all headed downstairs together to see what the Easter Bunny left for us.

Blip got a new bike helmet, a toy phone, a Mickey straw-sippy cup, new police jammies, a stuffed lamb, a stuffed beagle, a Mickey Mouse Club House movie, and a MMCH book with sounds, a new bath toy, a police motorcycle matchbox car (freaking awesome!), and some additional animals to put on the Ark with Noah.

At some point Blip came across some of the candy the boys got...specifically two Peeps.  I think they are the nastiest waste of calories ever, but Mike thought we should at least let him try them.  So we did...and he seemed to like the nastiness until is disintegrated in his hands.  He was covered in pink sugar by the time we pried the remnants of the two marshmallow bunnies from his hands.  Bath time was in order.  And so was brushing his sugar coated pink teeth.  All 9 1/2 of them.

Mike was preparing for his colonoscopy all day on Sunday, so he wasn't the happiest of campers, but he wasn't too bad.  The boys and I colored eggs while Blip napped.  We used food coloring, water and vinegar to dye them.  I love the colors they turned out.  The boys were bored before they even finished, so I finished...but it wasn't all that much fun by myself.  I can't wait until Blip wants to do this kinda stuff with me.

Anthony and Richelle picked up the boys shortly after we finished, so when the baby was awake and fed we walked to the park.  We enjoyed each other and the beautiful weather until it was time for Mike to really start the prep.  

I decided we should put the baby's new bike helmet to use, so I grabbed his new baby seat from the garage, my bike, some tools, and installed Blip's seat on my bike.  I am excited to have another way to have some fun together.  We didn't get to ride much that evening because it was getting dark, but we will have fun riding to the park or around the neighborhood often.

We bathed the baby and got him ready for bed.  He went down like a champ...like normal.  We had such a fun weekend together as a family and with Richelle's boys.  Blip loves when his boys are around to watch and play with.  He loves them so much...and so do I.

I know Easter is not about the Easter Bunny and the goodies, but this year it was about all we could do.